Automatic analysis device

Abstract

To reduce the footprint of the automated analyzer while ensuring sufficient reagent storage capacity in the reagent storage section. [Solution] The automated analyzer according to the embodiment includes a plurality of reagent storage units. The plurality of reagent storage units hold reagent containers and are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction. Each of the plurality of reagent storage units has an overlapping region that overlaps with the other reagent storage units in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings relate to an automatic analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] In automatic analyzers for clinical testing, a biological sample such as blood or urine (hereinafter referred to as a sample) and a reagent are mixed in a fixed amount to react, and transmitted light or scattered light is applied to this mixture to measure the light quantity, so as to obtain the concentration, activity value of the target substance to be measured, or the time required for the change. The automatic analyzer includes a reagent storage section (reagent compartment) for storing reagent bottles each containing a reagent therein.

[0003] Conventionally, in order to secure the number of reagent containers to be stored in the reagent storage section, for example, an outer peripheral reagent container row in which reagent containers are arranged in an annular shape and an inner peripheral reagent container row in which a plurality of reagent containers are arranged in an annular shape inside the outer peripheral row are formed in one reagent storage section. Alternatively, two reagent compartments each having a plurality of reagent containers arranged in an annular shape are arranged at different positions on the same plane. In such a configuration, the diameter and footprint of the reagent storage section increase, which may impose a burden on the limited space in the examination room. For this reason, it is required to reduce the size of the reagent storage section while securing the amount of reagents that can be stored in the reagent storage section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is to reduce the footprint of the automated analyzer while ensuring that the reagent storage area can hold a sufficient amount of reagent. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The automated analyzer according to the embodiment includes a plurality of reagent storage units. The plurality of reagent storage units hold reagent containers and are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction. Each of the plurality of reagent storage units has an overlapping region that overlaps with the other reagent storage units in the vertical direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the analytical mechanism according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the reagent cabinet according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the dispensing process according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the configuration of the automatic reading mechanism according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the reading process performed by the automatic reading mechanism shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the automatic reading mechanism. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the reading process performed by the automatic reading mechanism shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the reading process performed by the automatic reading mechanism shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a modified example of the automatic reading mechanism. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the automatic reading mechanism. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the automatic reading mechanism. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the automatic reading mechanism. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the reagent storage. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a diagram showing a modified example of the dispensing means. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be made only when necessary.

[0009] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an automated analyzer 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the automated analyzer 1 comprises an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9. Note that the control circuit may be replaced with a processing circuit.

[0010] The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a sample, such as a standard sample or a test sample, with reagents used for various test items set for that sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures the mixture of sample and reagent and generates, for example, standard data and test data associated with absorbance. The analysis mechanism 2 also measures the mixture of sample and reagent and generates, for example, standard data and test data associated with electrode potential.

[0011] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data and analytical data by analyzing the generated standard data and test data. The analysis circuit 3 reads an operation program from the memory circuit 8 and generates calibration data and analytical data according to the read operation program. For example, based on the standard data, the analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data that shows the relationship between the standard data and the standard values ​​set in advance for the standard sample. The analysis circuit 3 also generates analytical data based on the test data and the calibration data for the test item corresponding to the test data. The analytical data includes data that associates concentration values ​​with enzyme activity values ​​and data that records the concentration of a desired ion in the sample in a time series. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data and analytical data to the control circuit 9.

[0012] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 according to the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is implemented by, for example, gears, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, and a lead screw. For example, the drive mechanism 4 rotates the reaction disk 201, which will be described later, by a predetermined rotation angle. The predetermined rotation angle is, for example, the angle of rotation in one cycle.

[0013] The input interface 5 accepts settings such as analysis parameters for each test item related to a sample requested for measurement via the hospital network NW, for example, through the operator's actions. The input interface 5 can be implemented using, for example, a mouse, keyboard, or touchpad, which inputs instructions by touching the operating surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, which converts the operation instructions input by the operator into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9.

[0014] In this specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse and keyboard. For example, the input interface 5 may be a processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analysis device 1, and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 9.

[0015] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs signals supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is implemented by, for example, a display circuit, a printing circuit, and an audio device.

[0016] The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, and a plasma display. The display circuit may also be a processing circuit that converts data representing the display target into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printing circuit includes, for example, a printer. The printing circuit may also be an output circuit that outputs data representing the print target to the outside. The audio device includes, for example, a speaker. The audio device may also be an output circuit that outputs an audio signal to the outside.

[0017] Communication interface 7 connects, for example, to the hospital network NW. Communication interface 7 communicates data with the HIS (Hospital Information System) via the hospital network NW. Alternatively, communication interface 7 may communicate data with the HIS via the laboratory system connected to the hospital network NW.

[0018] The memory circuit 8 stores programs executed by the control circuit 9, various data used in the processing of the control circuit 9, and so on. As a program, for example, a program that is pre-installed on the computer from a network or a non-transient computer-readable storage medium and enables the computer to implement each function of the control circuit 9 is used. The various data dealt with in this specification are typically digital data. The memory circuit 8 is an example of a storage means.

[0019] Furthermore, the memory circuit 8 stores inspection orders entered by the operator, or inspection orders received via the hospital network NW through the communication interface 7. The order information includes the sample ID, the required inspection items for the sample to be measured, and the measurement sequence for the inspection. The memory circuit 8 also stores various setting values ​​to execute a series of operations of each part of the automated analyzer 1 in one cycle.

[0020] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the central hub of the automated analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 executes the system control function 91 by running a program read from the memory circuit 8. Through the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 comprehensively controls each part of the automated analyzer 1 based on the input information input from the input interface 5. For example, in the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 drives the drive mechanism 4 to perform measurements according to the test items and controls the analysis circuit 3 to analyze the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The control circuit 9 that realizes the system control function 91 is an example of a control unit.

[0021] In the above description, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and Programmable Logic Devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)). For example, if the processor is a CPU, it performs its functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 8. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 8, the function is directly incorporated as a logic circuit within the processor's circuit. In this embodiment, each processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; multiple independent circuits may be combined to form a single processor and perform its functions. Furthermore, multiple components shown in Figure 1 may be integrated into a single processor to perform its functions. The above description of "processor" is the same in the following embodiments and modifications.

[0022] In this embodiment, each function is described as being implemented by a single processor, but this is not the case. For example, a control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each function may be implemented by each processor executing a program. The system control function 91 may also be called a system control circuit, or it may be implemented as a separate hardware circuit. The above description of each function performed by the control circuit 9 is the same in the following embodiments and modifications. The control circuit 9 may also include a storage area that stores at least a portion of the data stored in the storage circuit 8. The control circuit 9 may also be called a control unit or a processing circuit.

[0023] Next, we will explain the configuration of analysis mechanism 2 in detail. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the analysis mechanism 2 comprises a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature unit 202, a rack sampler 203, an upper reagent storage unit 204, and a lower reagent storage unit 205. The analysis mechanism 2 also comprises a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a washing tank 207a, a detergent storage container 207b, a reagent dispensing arm 210, a reagent dispensing probe 211, a washing tank 211a, an electrode unit 212, a photometric unit 213, and a washing unit 214.

[0024] The reaction disk 201 holds multiple reaction tubes 2011 arranged in a ring. The reaction disk 201 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 to alternately rotate and stop at predetermined time intervals (hereinafter referred to as one cycle), for example, 4.5 seconds. The reaction tubes 2011 are made of, for example, glass, polypropylene (PP), or acrylic. The reaction tubes 2011 may also be called reaction vessels or cells. The operation of the reaction disk 201 during inspection may also be referred to as cyclic operation.

[0025] The constant temperature unit 202 is a container that stores water (constant temperature water) maintained at a predetermined temperature (usually 37°C). The constant temperature water contains additives, for example, for antibacterial purposes. The constant temperature unit 202 heats the liquid (e.g., a mixture) contained in the reaction tube 2011 by immersing the reaction tube 2011 in the stored constant temperature water, thereby maintaining it at a constant temperature.

[0026] The rack sampler 203 provides movable support for a sample rack 2031 capable of holding multiple sample containers 100 containing samples requested for measurement. In the example shown in Figure 2, a sample rack 2031 capable of holding five sample containers 100 in parallel is shown.

[0027] The rack sampler 203 has a reader 300. The reader 300 is positioned to read an optical mark attached to, for example, a sample container 100. The optical mark is a mark that encodes identification information of the sample contained in the sample container 100, such as a barcode, a one-dimensional pixel code, or a two-dimensional pixel code. The reader 300 starts reading the optical mark when it receives an instruction from the control circuit 9 to start reading the ID. When the sample container 100 arrives at a position where the optical mark can be read, the reader 300 reads the identification information of the sample from the optical mark. The reader 300 supplies the read identification information to the control circuit 9. Note that the reader 300 may be replaced with other sensors that utilize RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), etc.

[0028] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a transport area for transporting the sample racks 2031 from the input position where the sample racks 2031 are placed to the collection position where the sample racks 2031 have been collected after measurement is complete. In the transport area, multiple sample racks 2031, which are aligned in the short direction, are moved in direction D1 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0029] Furthermore, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a retraction area for retracting the sample rack 2031 from the transport area in order to move the sample container 100 held by the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample aspiration position. The sample aspiration position is set at a position where, for example, the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 (described later) and the movement trajectory of the opening of the sample container supported by the rack sampler 203 and held by the sample rack 2031 intersect. In the retraction area, the transported sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D2 by the drive mechanism 4. Also, at a position in the retraction area where the optical mark can be read, the optical mark on the sample container held by the sample rack 2031, which has been moved in direction D2, is read by the reader 300.

[0030] Furthermore, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a return area for returning the sample rack 2031, which holds the sample containers in which the samples have been aspirated, to the transport area. In the return area, the sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D3 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0031] The sample dispensing arm 206 holds the sample dispensing probe 207 for dispensing the sample and transports the sample dispensing probe 207 to the dispensing position. The sample dispensing arm 206 is located near the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided by a drive mechanism 4 so that it can move vertically up and down and horizontally. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds the sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

[0032] The sample dispensing probe 207 dispenses the sample. The sample dispensing probe 207 moves within the range of motion of the sample dispensing arm 206 as the sample dispensing arm 206 is driven horizontally. Within this range of motion, the opening of the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203 is located.

[0033] A first reagent aspiration position is set at a predetermined location on the upper reagent compartment 204. Similarly, a second reagent aspiration position is set at a predetermined location on the lower reagent compartment 205. The first and second reagent aspiration positions are located, for example, within the movement range of the reagent dispensing probe 211, which will be described later.

[0034] The reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided between the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 and the reaction disk 201. The reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided by a drive mechanism 4 so that it can move vertically up and down and horizontally. The reagent dispensing arm 210 holds a reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end.

[0035] The reagent dispensing probe 211 moves in conjunction with the driving of the reagent dispensing arm 210. The movement range of the reagent dispensing probe 211 includes a first reagent aspiration position and a second reagent aspiration position. Additionally, the movement range of the reagent dispensing probe 211 includes a reagent dispensing position for dispensing the reagent aspirationd by the reagent dispensing probe 211 into the reaction tube 2011.

[0036] Furthermore, within the range of movement of the sample dispensing probe 207, there is a sample dispensing position for dispensing the sample aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 207 into the reaction tube 2011. The sample dispensing position is located on the movement trajectory of the reaction tube 2011, which is held by the reaction disk 201.

[0037] Furthermore, within the range of motion of the sample dispensing probe 207, a washing position for washing the sample dispensing probe 207 is provided at a position different from the sample aspiration position and the sample discharge position. A washing tank 207a for washing the sample dispensing probe 207 is provided at the washing position.

[0038] Furthermore, within the range of motion of the sample dispensing probe 207, a detergent suction position may be provided at a position different from the sample aspiration position, sample discharge position, and washing position, for the sample dispensing probe 207 to aspirate detergent. A detergent storage container 207b for storing detergent used to clean the electrode unit, which will be described later, may be provided at the detergent suction position.

[0039] The sample dispensing probe 207 moves vertically when the sample dispensing arm 206 is driven by the drive mechanism 4, directly above the opening of the sample container held in the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203, at the sample discharge position, the washing position, or the detergent suction position.

[0040] Furthermore, the sample dispensing probe 207, in accordance with the control circuit 9, aspirates the sample from the opening of the sample container. The sample dispensing probe 207 also, in accordance with the control circuit 9, discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction tube 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe 207 performs this series of dispensing operations, for example, once per cycle.

[0041] Furthermore, the sample dispensing probe 207, in accordance with the control circuit 9, draws a cleaning solution from the cleaning tank 207a located directly below the cleaning position on the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207. The cleaning solution is, for example, pure water, an alkaline detergent for cleaning the probe, or an acidic detergent for cleaning the probe. The sample dispensing probe 207, in accordance with the control circuit 9, discharges the drawn cleaning solution into the reaction tube 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position. This cleans both the sample dispensing probe 207 and the reaction tube 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe 207 performs this series of cleaning operations, for example, once per cycle.

[0042] Furthermore, if the automated analyzer 1 is equipped with a detergent storage container 207b, the sample dispensing probe 207, in accordance with the control circuit 9, aspirates detergent from the detergent storage container 207b located directly below the detergent aspiration position on the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207. The sample dispensing probe 207 also, in accordance with the control circuit 9, discharges the aspirated detergent into the reaction tube 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe 207 performs this series of dispensing operations, for example, once per cycle.

[0043] The upper reagent compartment 204 keeps multiple reagent containers 101, which contain first reagents that react with predetermined components in a standard sample or a test sample, cool. The upper reagent compartment 204 is an example of a first reagent storage section. A reagent rack is rotatably installed inside the upper reagent compartment 204. The reagent rack holds multiple reagent containers 101 arranged in a ring shape. The reagent rack is rotated by a drive mechanism 4. The upper reagent compartment 204 is located above the lower reagent compartment 205. Note that the reagent containers 101 may also be called reagent bottles.

[0044] The lower reagent storage unit 205 cools multiple reagent containers 101, for example, to store the second reagent that is paired with the first reagent in a two-reagent system. The lower reagent storage unit 205 is an example of a second reagent storage unit. A reagent rack is rotatably provided inside the lower reagent storage unit 205. The reagent rack holds multiple reagent containers 101 arranged in a ring shape. The second reagent kept cool in the lower reagent storage unit 205 may be the same component and concentration as the first reagent kept cool in the upper reagent storage unit 204. The lower reagent storage unit 205 is located below the upper reagent storage unit 204.

[0045] Furthermore, within the range of movement of the reagent dispensing probe 211, there is a detergent discharge position for discharging the detergent aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe 211 into the reaction tube. Additionally, within the range of movement of the reagent dispensing probe 211, there is a washing position for washing the reagent dispensing probe 211. A washing tank 211a for washing the reagent dispensing probe 211 is provided at the washing position.

[0046] The reagent dispensing probe 211 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves vertically in the first reagent aspiration position, second reagent aspiration position, reagent dispensing position, detergent dispensing position, or washing position.

[0047] The reagent dispensing probe 211, in accordance with the control circuit 9, aspirates the first reagent from the reagent container located directly below the first reagent aspiration position. The reagent dispensing probe 211, in accordance with the control circuit 9, discharges the aspirated first reagent into the reaction tube 2011 located directly below the reagent discharge position. The reagent dispensing probe 211 performs this series of dispensing operations once, for example, during one cycle.

[0048] Furthermore, the reagent dispensing probe 211, in accordance with the control circuit 9, aspirates the second reagent from the reagent container located directly below the second reagent aspiration position. The reagent dispensing probe 211, in accordance with the control circuit 9, discharges the aspirated second reagent into the reaction tube 2011 located directly below the reagent discharge position. The reagent dispensing probe 211 performs this series of dispensing operations, for example, once per cycle.

[0049] The reagent dispensing probe 211, in accordance with the control circuit 9, draws washing solution from the washing tank 211a located directly below the washing position on the rotational trajectory of the reagent dispensing probe 211. The reagent dispensing probe 211, in accordance with the control circuit 9, discharges the drawn washing solution into the reaction tube 2011 located directly below the reagent dispensing position. This washes both the reagent dispensing probe 211 and the reaction tube 2011 located directly below the reagent dispensing position. The reagent dispensing probe 211 performs this series of washing operations, for example, once per cycle.

[0050] The electrode unit 212 measures the electrolyte concentration of the sample-reagent mixture discharged into the reaction tube 2011. The electrode unit 212 has an ion-selective electrode (ISE) and a reference electrode. Following the control of the control circuit 9, the electrode unit 212 detects the electrolytes of the ions being tested (e.g., sodium ions, potassium ions, and chlorine ions) by measuring the potential between the ISE and the reference electrode for the mixture to be measured. The electrode unit 212 outputs the measured potential data as standard data or test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0051] The photometric unit 213 detects the light emitted from the reaction tube 2011 using a photodetector.

[0052] Specifically, for example, the photodetector detects light passing through the mixture of standard sample and reagent in the reaction tube 2011 and generates standard data, expressed as absorbance, based on the intensity of the detected light. The photodetector also detects light passing through the mixture of test sample and reagent in the reaction tube 2011 and generates test data, expressed as absorbance, based on the intensity of the detected light. The photometric unit 213 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0053] The cleaning unit 214 cleans the inside of the reaction tube 2011 after the measurement of the mixed liquid has been completed in the electrode unit 212 or the photometric unit 213. The cleaning unit 214 is equipped with a cleaning liquid supply pump (not shown) that supplies cleaning liquid for cleaning the reaction tube 2011. The cleaning unit 214 is also equipped with a cleaning nozzle (not shown) that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply pump into the reaction tube 2011 and sucks up the mixed liquid and the cleaning liquid inside the reaction tube 2011.

[0054] Furthermore, the analysis mechanism 2 includes a stirring unit (not shown). The stirring unit is located near the outer circumference of the reaction disk 201. The stirring unit has a stirring bar, which is used to stir the sample and the first reagent stored in the reaction tube 2011 located at the stirring position on the reaction disk 201, or the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent stored in the reaction tube 2011.

[0055] Next, the configuration of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 of this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a view of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 from above. In Figure 3, one reagent container 101 is shown inside the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205, while other reagent containers 101 are omitted.

[0056] The upper reagent compartment 204 is equipped with a reagent cover 2041 that covers the reagent container 101 from above. The reagent cover 2041 is detachably attached to the housing of the upper reagent compartment 204. The reagent cover 2041 is provided with an opening 2042 through which the reagent dispensing probe 211 passes. The opening 2042 is located at the first reagent aspiration position.

[0057] The lower reagent compartment 205 is equipped with a reagent cover 2051 that covers the reagent container 101 from above. The reagent cover 2051 is detachably attached to the housing of the lower reagent compartment 205. The reagent cover 2051 is provided with an opening 2052 through which the reagent dispensing probe 211 passes. The opening 2052 is located at the second reagent aspiration position.

[0058] The reagent storage unit of this embodiment consists of an upper reagent storage unit 204 and a lower reagent storage unit 205, arranged in a two-tiered configuration in the vertical direction. By arranging the reagent storage unit in a two-tiered configuration in the vertical direction, it is possible to ensure a sufficient amount of reagent that can be held in the entire reagent storage unit, while also reducing the overall diameter and footprint of the reagent storage unit.

[0059] As described above, when dispensing reagents into the reagent containers 101 in the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 using the reagent dispensing probe 211, the reagent dispensing probe 211 is inserted into the openings 2042 and 2052 from above. Therefore, if the reagent compartment is configured in two stages, with an upper reagent compartment 204 and a lower reagent compartment 205, it is necessary to provide a path for the reagent dispensing probe 211 to access the reagent containers 101 held in the lower reagent compartment 205.

[0060] In this embodiment, the diameter of the upper reagent compartment 204 is smaller than the diameter of the lower reagent compartment 205, and the upper reagent compartment 204 is positioned inside the area where the lower reagent compartment 205 is located in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the lower reagent compartment 205 is provided with an overlapping area 2055 that overlaps with the upper reagent compartment 204 in the vertical direction, and a non-overlapping area 2056 that does not overlap with the upper reagent compartment 204 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the entire area of ​​the upper reagent compartment 204 becomes an overlapping area 2045 that overlaps with the lower reagent compartment 205 in the vertical direction. The upper reagent compartment 204 is positioned directly above the overlapping area 2055 of the lower reagent compartment 205. The non-overlapping area 2056 of the lower reagent compartment 205 is the part other than the overlapping area 2055, and the upper reagent compartment 204 is not positioned directly above it. Furthermore, by providing an opening 2052 in the non-overlapping area 2056 of the lower reagent compartment 205, the upper reagent compartment 204 is positioned so that it does not overlap directly above the opening 2052. In addition, the center A1 of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the center A2 of the lower reagent compartment 205 are located at different positions.

[0061] Figure 4 shows the dispensing process using the reagent dispensing probe 211. In Figure 4, one reagent container 101 is shown inside the upper reagent compartment 204 and one reagent container 205, while other reagent containers 101 are omitted. With the above configuration, the reagent dispensing probe 211 moves downward from a position directly above the opening 2052 by the drive of the reagent dispensing arm 210, thereby reaching the reagent container 101 in the lower reagent compartment 205 through the opening 2052 and aspirating the reagent from the reagent container 101. In other words, the reagent dispensing probe 211 can access the reagent container 101 in the lower reagent compartment 205 without being affected by the operation of the upper reagent compartment 204, so the reagent dispensing probe 211 can dispense to both the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205.

[0062] Furthermore, by positioning the center A1 of the upper reagent compartment 204 at a different location from the center A2 of the lower reagent compartment 205, the upper reagent compartment 204 does not overlap directly above the opening 2052, and the diameter of the upper reagent compartment 204 is made as large as possible.

[0063] The reagent cover 2041 is provided with an opening (not shown). When storing the reagent container 101 in the upper reagent compartment 204, the reagent container 101 is brought in from the top of the upper reagent compartment 204 through the opening in the reagent cover 2041. When removing the reagent container 101 stored in the upper reagent compartment 204, the reagent container 101 is brought out upward from the upper reagent compartment 204 through the opening in the reagent cover 2041. Similarly, the reagent cover 2051 of the lower reagent compartment 205 is also provided with an opening (not shown), and the reagent container 101 is transported through the opening in the reagent cover 2051. In the case of a two-tiered configuration with an upper reagent compartment 204 and a lower reagent compartment 205, the upper reagent compartment 204 is positioned above the lower reagent compartment 205, so it is necessary to secure a path for transporting the reagent container 101 held in the lower reagent compartment 205. The loading and unloading of reagent containers 101 into the upper reagent storage 204 and the lower reagent storage 205 may be done automatically or manually.

[0064] In this embodiment, the upper reagent compartment 204 is provided with a passage area 2043 through which reagent containers 101, which are housed in the lower reagent compartment 205, are transported. The passage area 2043 is set to a size that allows, for example, one reagent container 101 to pass through. The passage area 2043 is provided in a certain angular range in the circumferential direction of the upper reagent compartment 204 and is a region that extends outward from the center of the upper reagent compartment 204.

[0065] No parts or structures are placed in the passage area 2043. In the passage area 2043, the reagent cover 2041 has an opening that opens upwards. Also in the passage area 2043, the bottom surface of the housing has an opening that opens downwards. Furthermore, the reagent rack that holds the reagent container 101 has an opening of the same shape as the passage area 2043. When the opening of the reagent rack is moved into the passage area 2043, there are no obstacles, and a path is formed that allows the reagent container 101 to pass through the upper reagent storage 204 in the vertical direction.

[0066] With this configuration, the passage area 2043 formed in the upper reagent compartment 204 can be used to transport reagent containers 101 out of the lower reagent compartment 205 or to transport reagent containers 101 into the lower reagent compartment 205. The passage area 2043 may be set to a size that allows two or more reagent containers 101 to pass through.

[0067] The lower reagent compartment 205 may be configured to allow the reagent containers 101 to be loaded or unloaded from the side. For example, an opening may be provided on the side of the lower reagent compartment 205 through which the reagent containers 101 can pass. In this case, the reagent containers 101 can be loaded or unloaded from the side of the lower reagent compartment 205, so the passage area 2043 described above does not need to be provided.

[0068] The analysis mechanism 2 is equipped with an automatic reading mechanism that automatically reads the barcode attached to the reagent container 101. Figures 5 and 6 show the configuration of the automatic reading mechanism. Figure 5 is a view from above of the upper reagent compartment 204, the lower reagent compartment 205, and the reader. Figure 6 is a view from the side of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205.

[0069] Each reagent container 101 stored in the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 is fitted with a barcode to identify the reagent stored inside. The barcode 102 is an optical mark that encodes identification information of the reagent stored in the reagent container 101, patient ID, etc. As shown in Figure 6, an upper reader 231 that reads the barcode 102 of the reagent container 101 held in the upper reagent compartment 204 and a lower reader 232 that reads the barcode 102 of the reagent container 101 held in the lower reagent compartment 205 are provided near the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reader 232. The upper reader 231 and the lower reader 232 are barcode readers capable of reading the barcode 102. The upper reader 231 and the lower reader 232 output the barcode information (barcode information) they have read to the control circuit 9.

[0070] It should be noted that the reagent container 101 is not limited to being affixed with a barcode. For example, instead of a barcode 102, an optical mark such as a mark encoding reagent identification information, a one-dimensional pixel code, or a two-dimensional pixel code, or an IC tag used for RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) may be affixed. Also, instead of a barcode reader, a sensor used for RFID may be used. The barcode 102 on the reagent container 101 held in the upper reagent compartment 204 is an example of first identification information, and the barcode 102 on the reagent container 101 held in the lower reagent compartment 205 is an example of second identification information. Furthermore, the upper reader 231 is an example of a first reader, and the lower reader 232 is an example of a second reader.

[0071] The upper reader 231 and the lower reader 232 begin reading the barcode 102 upon receiving an instruction from the control circuit 9 to start reading the ID. When the reagent container 101 arrives at a position where the barcode 102 can be read, the upper reader 231 and the lower reader 232 read the identification information of the reagent from the barcode 102. The upper reader 231 and the lower reader 232 supply the read identification information to the control circuit 9.

[0072] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the case where multiple barcode readers (231, 232) are provided, corresponding to the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205, respectively. However, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, a common reader corresponding to both the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 may be used. Figure 7 is a view of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 in this modified example from above. Figures 8 and 9 are views of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 in this modified example from the side.

[0073] In this modified configuration, a shared reader 233 corresponding to both the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 is provided at the reading position. The shared reader 233 is a barcode reader that reads the barcodes 102 of both the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205. The shared reader 233 is installed above the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205. In addition, an upper mirror 223 is installed at the same height as the upper reagent compartment 204, and a lower mirror 224 is installed at the same height as the lower reagent compartment 205.

[0074] The upper mirror 223 is a half-mirror for switching between a state where the barcode 102 of the upper reagent compartment 204 can be read by the shared reader 233 and a state where the barcode 102 of the lower reagent compartment 205 can be read by the shared reader 233. The upper mirror 223 reflects a portion of the incident light and transmits a portion of the incident light. The upper mirror 223 is positioned below the shared reader 233, with its mirror surface facing the upper reagent compartment 204 and upwards. The upper mirror 223 is positioned so that the barcode 102 of the upper reagent compartment 204 can be read by the shared reader 233.

[0075] The lower mirror 224 reflects all incident light. The lower mirror 224 is positioned so that its mirror surface faces the lower reagent compartment 205 and upwards. The lower mirror 224 is positioned below the upper mirror 223 and the shared reader 233. The lower mirror 224 is positioned so that the barcode 102 on the lower reagent compartment 205 can be read by the shared reader 233.

[0076] A light-shielding plate 221 is provided between the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205. The light-shielding plate 221 is a disc-shaped plate with light-shielding properties. The light-shielding plate 221 rotates around a rotation axis by a drive mechanism 4. The light-shielding plate 221 also has a notch (slit) 2211. The notch 2211 is provided on the outer circumference of the light-shielding plate 221 and its position changes as the light-shielding plate 221 rotates. Figures 7 and 9 show the state in which the notch 2211 is located at the reading position. Figure 8 shows the state in which the notch 2211 is located at a position other than the reading position.

[0077] Furthermore, a light-shielding shutter 222 is attached to the notch 2211. As shown in Figure 9, the light-shielding shutter 222 is installed so as to be inserted between the upper mirror 223 and the upper reagent storage 204 when the notch 2211 is in the reading position.

[0078] When reading the barcode 102 on the upper reagent compartment 204, the drive mechanism 4 rotates the light-shielding plate 221 to move the notch 2211 to a position different from the reading position. In this state, as shown in Figure 8, the light-shielding plate 221 is positioned between the upper mirror 223 and the lower mirror 224, so the shared reader 233 cannot read the barcode 102 on the lower reagent compartment 205, but can read the barcode 102 on the upper reagent compartment 204 reflected by the upper mirror 223.

[0079] On the other hand, when reading the barcode 102 on the lower reagent compartment 205, as shown in Figure 7, the drive mechanism 4 rotates the light-shielding plate 221 to move the notch 2211 to the reading position. In this state, as shown in Figure 9, the light-shielding plate 221 moves from between the upper mirror 223 and the lower mirror 224, and the light-shielding shutter 222 moves between the upper mirror 223 and the upper reagent compartment 204. As a result, the shared reader 233 cannot read the barcode 102 on the upper reagent compartment 204, but can read the barcode 102 on the lower reagent compartment 205, which has been reflected by the lower mirror 224 and passed through the upper mirror 223.

[0080] In addition, while Figures 7 to 9 describe the case where the shared reader 233 is placed above the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205, as shown in Figure 10, the shared reader 233 may also be placed below the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205. In this case, a mirror that reflects all incident light is placed as the upper mirror 223, and a half-mirror is placed as the lower mirror 224. Furthermore, the upper mirror 223 and the lower mirror 224 are positioned so that their mirror surfaces face towards the reagent compartment side and downwards, respectively.

[0081] When reading the barcode 102 on the lower reagent compartment 205, a light-shielding plate 221 is placed between the upper mirror 223 and the lower mirror 224, as in Figure 8. The shared reader 233 cannot read the barcode 102 on the upper reagent compartment 204, but can read the barcode 102 on the lower reagent compartment 205 that has been reflected by the lower mirror 224.

[0082] On the other hand, when reading the barcode 102 on the upper reagent cabinet 204, the light-shielding shutter 225 is moved between the lower mirror 224 and the lower reagent cabinet 205, as shown in Figure 10. The shared reader 233 cannot read the barcode 102 on the lower reagent cabinet 205, but can read the barcode 102 on the upper reagent cabinet 204, which is reflected by the upper mirror 223 and passed through the lower mirror 224.

[0083] Alternatively, instead of the light-shielding plates 221 shown in Figures 7 to 9, only the light-shielding shutter 226 shown in Figure 11 may be used. Figure 11 is a side view of the upper reagent compartment 204 and lower reagent compartment 205 in this modified example. The light-shielding shutter 226 is installed by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be insertable between the lower mirror 224 and the lower reagent compartment 205 at the reading position. Figure 11 shows the state when reading the barcode 102 on the upper reagent compartment 204.

[0084] When reading the barcode 102 on the upper reagent cabinet 204, the light-shielding shutter 226 is inserted between the lower mirror 224 and the lower reagent cabinet 205, as shown in Figure 11. In this state, the shared reader 233 cannot read the barcode 102 on the lower reagent cabinet 205, but can read the barcode 102 on the upper reagent cabinet 204 reflected by the upper mirror 223.

[0085] On the other hand, when reading the barcode 102 on the lower reagent compartment 205, the light-shielding shutter 226 moves from between the lower mirror 224 and the lower reagent compartment 205, and as in Figure 9, the light-shielding shutter 225 is inserted between the upper mirror 223 and the upper reagent compartment 204. As a result, the shared reader 233 cannot read the barcode 102 on the upper reagent compartment 204, but can read the barcode 102 on the lower reagent compartment 205, which has been reflected by the lower mirror 224 and passed through the upper mirror 223.

[0086] Alternatively, instead of the light-shielding plate 221 in Figures 5 and 6, a light-shielding plate 227 may be placed inside the lower reagent compartment 205, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figures 12 and 13 are views of the inside of the lower reagent compartment 205 in this modified example, viewed from above. The light-shielding plate 227 is a plate with light-shielding properties. The light-shielding plate 227 is installed by the drive mechanism 4 so as to be insertable between the reagent container 101 at the reading position and the side wall of the lower reagent compartment 205. Figure 12 shows the state when reading the barcode 102 of the upper reagent compartment 204. Figure 13 shows the state when reading the barcode 102 of the lower reagent compartment 205.

[0087] When reading the barcode 102 on the upper reagent compartment 204, as shown in Figure 12, the light-shielding plate 227 is inserted between the reagent container 101 at the reading position and the inner wall of the lower reagent compartment 205. In this state, the lower reader 232 cannot read the barcode 102 on the reagent container 101 inside the lower reagent compartment 205, but can read the barcode 102 on the upper reagent compartment 204 reflected by the upper mirror 223.

[0088] On the other hand, when reading the barcode 102 of the lower reagent compartment 205, as shown in Figure 13, the light-shielding plate 227 moves from between the reagent container 101 and the inner wall of the lower reagent compartment 205 at the reading position, and, as in Figure 9, the light-shielding plate is inserted between the upper mirror 223 and the upper reagent compartment 204. As a result, the lower reader 232 cannot read the barcode 102 of the upper reagent compartment 204, but can read the barcode 102 of the lower reagent compartment 205, which has been reflected by the lower mirror 224 and passed through the upper mirror 223.

[0089] The effects of the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0090] The automated analyzer 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of reagent storage units arranged at different positions in the vertical direction. Specifically, the automated analyzer 1 includes an upper reagent storage unit 204 and a lower reagent storage unit 205, with the lower reagent storage unit 205 located below the upper reagent storage unit 204. The upper reagent storage unit 204 is an example of a first reagent storage unit, and the lower reagent storage unit 205 is an example of a second reagent storage unit. The diameter of the upper reagent storage unit 204 is smaller than the diameter of the lower reagent storage unit 205. Furthermore, the upper reagent storage unit 204 is located within the area where the lower reagent storage unit 205 is located in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the entire area of ​​the upper reagent storage unit 204 overlaps with the lower reagent storage unit 205 in the vertical direction. Also, a portion of the lower reagent storage unit 205 overlaps with the upper reagent storage unit 204 in the vertical direction. In other words, the upper reagent compartment 204 has an overlapping region 2045 that overlaps with the lower reagent compartment 205, and the lower reagent compartment 205 has an overlapping region 2055 that overlaps with the upper reagent compartment 204.

[0091] With the above configuration, the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment has a two-tiered structure in which the reagent storage is stacked vertically, thereby ensuring a sufficient amount of reagent that can be held in the entire reagent storage, while also reducing the overall diameter and footprint of the reagent storage. This reduces the footprint (area) of the analysis mechanism 2 and the automatic analyzer 1. Furthermore, since the centers of the upper reagent storage 204 and the lower reagent storage 205 do not need to be in the same position, the upper reagent storage 204 and the lower reagent storage 205 can be freely positioned.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by making the diameter of the upper reagent compartment 204 smaller than the diameter of the lower reagent compartment 205, a non-overlapping region 2056 that does not overlap with the upper reagent compartment 204 is provided in the lower reagent compartment 205. The non-overlapping region 2056 is a region in which the upper reagent compartment 204 is not located above. By providing an opening 2052 for dispensing in the non-overlapping region 2056, a path for the reagent dispensing probe 211 to access the opening 2052 can be formed without providing a notch or the like in the upper reagent compartment 204. As a result, dispensing can be performed by the reagent dispensing probe 211 to the reagent container 101 in the lower reagent compartment 205 without being affected by the operation of the upper reagent compartment 204.

[0093] Furthermore, the upper reagent storage unit 204 is provided with a passage area 2043 through which reagent containers 101 stored in the lower reagent storage unit 205 are transported. No internal structures such as reagent containers 101 are placed in the passage area 2043, forming a path through which reagent containers 101 can be transported. By utilizing this path, reagent containers 101 held in the lower reagent storage unit 205 can be loaded or unloaded from the upper side of the lower reagent storage unit 205.

[0094] Furthermore, the reagent containers 101 held in the lower reagent compartment 205 may be loaded or unloaded from the side. For example, an opening is provided on the side of the lower reagent compartment 205 through which the reagent containers 101 can pass. In this case, the passage area 2043 of the upper reagent compartment 204 becomes unnecessary.

[0095] (modified version) In this embodiment, we have described a case where the reagent storage is configured in two stages, an upper reagent storage 204 and a lower reagent storage 205. However, the reagent storage may also be configured in three or more stages. Even in this case, the dispensing route can be secured by providing a non-overlapping area in the reagent storage located below the other reagent storages, which does not overlap with the reagent storage above.

[0096] Furthermore, the position of the reagent storage relative to the reaction disk 201 is not limited. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the upper reagent storage 204 may be placed at the same height as the reaction disk 201, and the lower reagent storage 205 may be placed below the reaction disk 201. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 15, the lower reagent storage 205 may be placed at the same height as the reaction disk 201, and the upper reagent storage 204 may be placed above the reaction disk 201. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 16, both the upper and lower reagent storage 204 and the lower reagent storage 205 may be placed directly below the reaction disk 201. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, the upper and lower reagent storage 204 and the lower reagent storage 205 may be positioned such that the reaction disk 201 is located between them.

[0097] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 18, the upper reagent compartment 204 may be placed inside the reaction disk 201, and the lower reagent compartment 205 may be placed below the upper reagent compartment 204 and the reaction disk 201. Or, as shown in Figure 19, the lower reagent compartment 205 may be placed inside the reaction disk 201, and the upper reagent compartment 204 may be placed above the lower reagent compartment 205 and the reaction disk 201.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a non-overlapping region 2056 is formed in the lower reagent compartment 205 by making the diameter of the upper reagent compartment 204 smaller than the diameter of the lower reagent compartment 205. However, the non-overlapping region 2056 may also be formed in the lower reagent compartment 205 by shifting the center positions of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205. In this case, the diameter of the upper reagent compartment 204 may be the same as the diameter of the lower reagent compartment 205, smaller than the diameter of the lower reagent compartment 205, or larger than the diameter of the lower reagent compartment 205.

[0099] For example, as shown in Figure 20, the center positions of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 may be different, and the lower reagent compartment 205 may be positioned so as to overlap both the upper reagent compartment 204 and the reaction disk 201. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 21, the center positions of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 may be different, and the upper reagent compartment 204 may be positioned so as to overlap both the lower reagent compartment 205 and the reaction disk 201. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, the center positions of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 may be different, the lower reagent compartment 205 may be located inside the reaction disk 201, and the upper reagent compartment 204 may be positioned so as to overlap both the lower reagent compartment 205 and the reaction disk 201. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23, the center positions of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 may be different, the upper reagent compartment 204 may be located inside the reaction disk 201, and the lower reagent compartment 205 may be arranged to overlap both the upper reagent compartment 204 and the reaction disk 201.

[0100] Furthermore, multiple rows of reagent containers may be provided in the upper reagent compartment 204 or the lower reagent compartment 205. For example, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 may each be provided with an outer-circumferential row of reagent containers in which the reagent containers 101 are arranged in a ring shape along the outer circumference, and an inner-circumferential row of reagent containers in which the reagent containers 101 are arranged in a ring shape inside the outer-circumferential row. Figure 24 is a view of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 of this modified example from above. Figure 25 is a view of the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 of this modified example from the side.

[0101] The reagent cover 2041 is provided with an opening 2042A through which the reagent dispensing probe 211 passes when dispensing into the outermost reagent container row, and an opening 2042B through which the reagent dispensing probe 211 passes when dispensing into the innermost reagent container row. The reagent cover 2051 is provided with an opening 2052A through which the reagent dispensing probe 211 passes when dispensing into the outermost reagent container row, and an opening 2052B through which the reagent dispensing probe 211 passes when dispensing into the innermost reagent container row. The openings 2052A and 2052B of the lower reagent compartment 205 are located in a non-overlapping area where the upper reagent compartment 204 does not directly overlap them.

[0102] In all of the above figures from 15 to 23, a dispensing route can be secured by providing a non-overlapping area in the reagent cabinet located below the other reagent cabinets, which does not overlap with the reagent cabinet above it.

[0103] Furthermore, the upper reagent compartment 204 may have a structure such as a hole or hollow through which the reagent dispensing probe 211 can pass to dispense reagents from the lower reagent compartment 205. This allows for the formation of a non-overlapping region in the lower reagent compartment that does not overlap with the upper reagent compartment 204. In this case, the diameter of the upper reagent compartment 204 may be the same as the diameter of the lower reagent compartment 205, smaller than the diameter of the lower reagent compartment 205, or larger than the diameter of the lower reagent compartment 205.

[0104] Furthermore, the reader for reading the optical mark attached to the reagent container 101 may be a dedicated reader (231, 232) provided for the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, or a shared reader (233) that reads the optical marks of both the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205 may be used, as shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0105] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, if dedicated readers (231, 232) are provided for both the upper reagent compartment 204 and the lower reagent compartment 205, reading operations for both can be performed in parallel, thereby reducing reading time. Furthermore, if a shared reader (233) is provided as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the number of readers and the number of components connected to the readers can be reduced.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a case in which dispensing is performed to both the upper reagent storage 204 and the lower reagent storage 205 using a shared reagent dispensing probe 211 has been described. However, dedicated reagent dispensing probes may be provided for each of the upper reagent storage 204 and the lower reagent storage 205. For example, as shown in Figure 26 as a modified example of the dispensing means, an upper dispensing probe 2111 for dispensing reagents to the upper reagent storage 204, an upper dispensing arm 2101 for holding the upper dispensing probe 2111, a lower dispensing probe 2112 for dispensing reagents to the lower reagent storage 205, and a lower dispensing arm 2102 for holding the lower dispensing probe 2112 may be provided. The upper dispensing probe 2111 is an example of a first reagent dispensing probe, and the lower dispensing probe 2112 is an example of a second reagent dispensing probe.

[0107] As shown in Figure 4, if a shared reagent dispensing probe (211) is provided, the number of reagent dispensing probes required and the number of reagent dispensing arms that hold the reagent dispensing probes can be reduced. Also, as shown in Figure 26, if dedicated reagent dispensing probes (2111, 2112) are provided for both the upper reagent storage 204 and the lower reagent storage 205, dispensing operations for both can be performed in parallel, thus reducing the time required for dispensing operations.

[0108] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to reduce the footprint of the automated analyzer while ensuring that the reagent storage can hold a sufficient amount of reagent.

[0109] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 1…Automatic analyzer 2…Analysis mechanism 3…Analysis circuit 4…Drive mechanism 5…Input Interface 6…Output Interface 7…Communication Interface 8…Memory circuit 9...Control circuit 91... System control function 100... Sample container 101…Reagent container 102... barcode 201...Reaction disk 2011…Reaction tube 202… Constant temperature section 203... Rack Sampler 2031… Sample rack 204... Upper Reagent Cabinet 205... Lower Reagent Cabinet 206... Sample dispensing arm 207... Sample dispensing probe 207a... Washing tank 207b... Detergent storage container 210… Reagent dispensing arm 211…Reagent dispensing probe 211a... Washing tank 212... Electrode Unit 213... Photometer unit 214... Washing Unit 300... Leader 2041… Reagent cover 2042…Opening 2043…passing area 2045…overlapping area 2051… Reagent cover 2052…Opening 2055…overlapping area 2056…Non-overlapping area 231... Upper row leader 232...Lower row leader 233… Shared Leader 221... Light-blocking plate 2211... Notch 222, 225, 226... Light-blocking shutters 223... Upper mirror 224...Lower mirror 227... Light-blocking plate 2101... Upper dispensing arm 2102...Lower dispensing arm 2111... Upper dispensing probe 2112...Lower dispensing probe

Claims

1. It has a reagent container and multiple reagent storage compartments arranged at different positions in the vertical direction, Each of the aforementioned plurality of reagent storage sections has an overlapping region that overlaps with other reagent storage sections in the vertical direction. Automatic analyzer.

2. The plurality of reagent storage sections comprises a first reagent storage section located above and a second reagent storage section located below the first reagent storage section. The first reagent storage section and the second reagent storage section are configured to allow access to the reagent container stored in the second reagent storage section. The automated analyzer according to claim 1.

3. The second reagent storage section includes a non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the first reagent storage section in the vertical direction. The automated analyzer according to claim 2.

4. The first reagent storage section and the second reagent storage section are arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction. The automated analyzer according to claim 2.

5. The center position of the first reagent storage section and the center position of the second reagent storage section are located at different positions in the horizontal direction. The automated analyzer according to claim 4.

6. The diameter of the first reagent storage section is smaller than the diameter of the second reagent storage section. The automated analyzer according to claim 2.

7. A first reader that reads first identification information attached to the first reagent storage unit, A second reader that reads the second identification information attached to the second reagent storage unit, The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, further comprising:

8. A reader that reads both the first identification information attached to the first reagent storage unit and the second identification information attached to the second reagent storage unit, A half-mirror for switching between a state in which the reader can read the first identification information and a state in which the reader can read the second identification information, The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, further comprising:

9. The second reagent storage section has an opening on its upper surface through which the reagent container passes. The automated analyzer according to claim 2.

10. The first reagent storage section includes a passage region through which the reagent container stored in the second reagent storage section can pass. The automated analyzer according to claim 9.

11. The second reagent storage section has an opening on its side through which the reagent container passes. The automated analyzer according to claim 2.

12. A first reagent dispensing probe for dispensing reagents from the first reagent storage section, A second reagent dispensing probe for dispensing reagents from the second reagent storage section, The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, further comprising:

13. The device further comprises a reagent dispensing probe for dispensing reagents from both the first reagent storage section and the second reagent storage section. The automated analyzer according to claim 2.

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