Reagent storage and automatic analyzer

Abstract

A reagent storage 1 comprises: a reagent disk 13 in which a plurality of reagent containers 14 each holding a reagent therein and having an identification code 15 recording information on the reagent are placed; a body 3 that houses the reagent disk 13 therein; a lid 2 for the reagent disk 13 that covers the top side of the body 3; a rotating mechanism that rotates the reagent disk 13; a reading device 16 that reads the identification code 15; and a curved guide 19 that allows the reading device 16 to move between a side surface and a bottom surface of the reagent containers 14 placed in the reagent disk 13. Thus, reagent containers having information recording media on the side surface or the bottom thereof can be used without distinction, and also testing can be performed using more appropriate reagents than before.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for analyzing samples such as blood and urine, and a reagent storage unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an automatic analyzer that is configured to use reagent containers that have an ID, such as a barcode, attached to the top or bottom surface, or both, of the reagent container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-157970 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For reagents used in automatic analyzers that analyze samples, information such as the type of reagent is recorded on an information recording medium such as a barcode, and this information is read and used for quality control of the test.

[0005] When an operator needs to input the type of reagent into a computer, there is a possibility that an incorrect analysis result will be reported if the operator inputs the wrong type or places the reagent container in the wrong position when installing it. To solve these problems, there is a technology that allows the device to automatically identify the type of reagent by reading a recording medium (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0006] In recent years, the location where the information recording medium is attached is not limited to the top or side of the reagent container, but may also be attached to the bottom. However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, it is considered preferable to attach the information recording medium to the top of the reagent container, and it is difficult to read information recording media attached to the side or bottom of the reagent container.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can use reagent containers with information recording media on the side or bottom for identifying reagents without distinguishing between them, and that can perform tests using more correct reagents than conventional methods, and a reagent storage cabinet that realizes this. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention includes a number of means for solving the above-mentioned problems, and one example is a reagent storage cabinet comprising a reagent disk on which are mounted a number of reagent containers which hold reagents therein and have identification codes on which information about the reagents is recorded, a main body which houses the reagent disk, a lid for the reagent disk which covers the top side of the main body, a rotating mechanism which rotates the reagent disk, and a reading device which reads the identification codes, the cabinet being characterized in that it further comprises a guide which moves the reading device between the side and bottom surfaces of the reagent containers mounted on the reagent disk. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, reagent containers with information recording media on the side or bottom can be used without distinction, and tests can be performed using more correct reagents than in the past. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become clear from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an identification code on the side of a reagent container. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an identification code on the bottom of a reagent container. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent storage of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a configuration of a reagent storage of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of a curved guide, a block, and a reader in a reagent storage of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 shows a reagent information reading workflow of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent storage unit of an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent storage unit of an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent storage unit of an automatic analyzer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a reagent storage of an automatic analyzer according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 shows a reagent information reading workflow of the automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The following describes an embodiment of the reagent storage and the automatic analyzer of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding components, and the repeated description of these components may be omitted.

[0012] <Example 1> A reagent storage and an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] First, the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment.

[0014] In FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 is an apparatus for measuring the physical properties of a mixed liquid prepared by dispensing a sample and a reagent into a reaction section 105 and causing them to react with each other, and is equipped with a sample loading section 103, a dispensing system 28, a reagent storage cabinet 1, the reaction section 105, a detection section 106, a control section 107, an operation section 108, etc.

[0015] The specimen mounting section 103 has a structure for mounting specimen containers (not shown for convenience of illustration) in a ring shape. When dispensing a specimen, the specimen mounting section 103 rotates and transports the specimen container to an access position of the dispensing system 28.

[0016] The reagent storage 1 is a mechanism for storing reagent containers 14 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) containing reagents, and includes a reagent disk 13 and the like.

[0017] A plurality of reagent installation positions are provided on the reagent disk 13, and the reagent disk 13 is configured to be able to install a plurality of reagent containers 14. The reagent disk 13 has a rotation drive mechanism, and the rotational motion moves each of the reagent containers 14 to a predetermined position on the circumference.

[0018] Dispensing system 28 is composed of a rotation drive mechanism, a vertical drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe, and is moved by the rotation drive mechanism and the vertical drive mechanism between a specimen suction position of specimen mounting section 103 and a specimen discharge position of reaction section 105, and between a reagent suction position (position of dispensing hole 4) of reagent storage 1 and a reagent discharge position of reaction section 105, to dispense specimens from specimen containers or reagents from reagent containers 14. Dispensing system 28 may be in a form in which a system dedicated to specimens and a system dedicated to reagents are provided separately, or in a form in which both systems are shared, and is not particularly limited.

[0019] The control unit 107 is composed of, for example, a hardware board and a computer, and has a built-in storage device such as a hard disk. In this embodiment, the control unit 107 controls the operation of the reading device 16 so that the reading device 16 reads the identification code 15 when the dispensing system 28 dispenses a reagent. The details will be described later.

[0020] The control unit 107 may be configured as hardware using a dedicated circuit board, or may be configured as software executed by a computer. When configured as hardware, it can be realized by integrating multiple arithmetic units that execute processing on a wiring board, or in a semiconductor chip or package. When configured as software, it can be realized by mounting a high-speed general-purpose CPU on a computer and executing a program that executes the desired arithmetic processing. It is also possible to upgrade existing devices using a recording medium on which this program is recorded. In addition, these devices, circuits, and computers are connected by a wired or wireless network, and data is transmitted and received as appropriate.

[0021] The operation unit 108 is composed of a display device, which is a display, and input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the reagent container 14 preferably used in the automated analyzer 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the identification code on the side of the reagent container, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing the identification code on the bottom of the reagent container.

[0023] The reagent containers 14 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are each a container having a tubular side surface, hold a reagent therein, and have an identification code 15 in which information about the reagent is recorded.

[0024] 2 has an identification code 15, such as a two-dimensional barcode or a one-dimensional barcode, attached to its side. The identification code 15 stores a container ID for identifying the reagent container 14, the type of reagent, the amount of reagent, the expiration date of the reagent, and other necessary information.

[0025] The reagent container 14 shown in FIG. 3 has an identification code 15, which is a two-dimensional barcode, a one-dimensional barcode, or the like, attached to its bottom surface.

[0026] In this embodiment, the reagent container 14 is described as having a tube shape as shown in Figures 2 and 3, but the shape is not particularly limited and may be a rectangular parallelepiped shape, etc. Also, the container may have two or more separated compartments so that one container can hold two or more types of reagents.

[0027] Next, the details of the structure of the reagent storage 1 of the automatic analyzer 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the reagent storage of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment, Figure 5 is a diagram showing the schematic cross-sectional configuration of the reagent storage, and Figure 6 is a diagram showing the details of the curved guide, block, and reader in the reagent storage.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the reagent storage cabinet 1 is composed of a reagent disk 13, a main body 3, a lid 2, a fixing device 5, a pot 6, an insulating material 7, windows 9 and 10, a rotation mechanism, a reading device 16, a curved guide 19, a block 17, a timing belt 20, a timing pulley 21, an idler pulley 22, etc.

[0029] The main body 3 is a container that houses the reagent disk 13 inside, and has a heat insulating material 7 that houses the kettle 6 interposed between the main body 3 and the reagent disk 13, and one or more windows 9 made of a transparent material on the side and one or more windows 10 on the bottom for reading the identification code 15.

[0030] Window 10 is provided in the bottom surface of substantially disk-shaped main body 3 in an area directly below in the vertical direction where dispensing hole 4 is provided in lid 2, by removing a portion of main body 3 and heat insulating material 7. Window 9 is provided in the side surface of substantially disk-shaped main body 3 in an area on the outer circumferential side of reagent disk 13 where dispensing hole 4 is provided in lid 2, by removing a portion of main body 3 and heat insulating material 7.

[0031] These windows 9, 10 are provided at one location each on the side surface or bottom surface of the main body 3, but two or more locations each on the side surface or bottom surface may be provided.

[0032] The reader 16 is a device for reading the identification code 15, and is installed on the curved guide 19 so as to read the identification code 15 placed on the reagent disk 13 through the windows 9 and 10. The reader 16 is equipped with an imaging element such as a CMOS camera, but is not particularly limited and may be one that oscillates a laser and reads the code using the light emitted from the laser.

[0033] 4 to 6 is provided on the outside of the main body 3 of the reagent storage cabinet 1, and is provided for moving the reader 16 between the window 10 capable of capturing an image of the bottom surface of the reagent container 14 placed on the reagent disk 13 and the window 9 capable of capturing an image of the side surface of the reagent container 14. The movement of the reader 16 between the window 9 and the window 10 is controlled by the control unit 107.

[0034] This curved guide 19 is installed so as to follow a trajectory that aligns with the position at which the identification code 15 attached to the reagent container 14 installed inside can be seen from window 9 or window 10 of the reagent storage cabinet 1, and it is desirable that the reagent container 14 be installed so that the identification code 15 can be seen from window 9 if it is on the side, or from window 10 if it is on the bottom.

[0035] It is desirable that the curved guide 19 be positioned so as to connect windows 9 and 10 in a straight line when the automatic analyzer 100 is viewed from above in the vertical direction, and it is also desirable that the curved guide 19 be an arc-shaped motion guide that is curved when the reagent storage cabinet 1 is viewed from the vertical direction.

[0036] In the curved guide 19, a block 17 to which a reading device 16 is attached moves on the curved guide 19 which draws a curve. The block 17 can be moved by a timing belt 20. The timing belt 20 is moved by a timing pulley 21 and an idler pulley 22. In addition to the curved guide 19, the block 17 may be provided on a belt conveyor, and the reading device 16 may be attached to the block 17 to make the reading device 16 movable.

[0037] The reading device 16 and the curved guide 19 are not limited to being disposed outside the main body 3, but may be disposed inside the main body 3.

[0038] Further, a plurality of reading devices 16 may be installed within the automatic analyzer 100, but it is preferable that only one reading device 16 is installed in the area close to the reagent storage 1.

[0039] The lid 2 covers the upper surface side of the main body 3, and is provided with a dispensing hole 4 that enables the dispensing system 28 to access the reagent containers 14 placed on the reagent disk 13 inside the main body 3. The lid 2 is provided with a fixing device 5 that prevents the lid 2 from being freely opened after the reagent has been placed therein, and the fixing device can be opened and closed by a command from a device such as an electromagnetic lock.

[0040] The rotation mechanism rotates the reagent disk 13, and is composed of a motor 23, a pulley 24, a belt 25, a shaft 26, a base 27, etc. The shaft 26 is connected to the center of the reagent disk 13. The shaft 26 is rotated by the drive of the motor 23 via the pulley 24 and the belt 25, making it possible to rotate the reagent disk 13. These members are held by the base 27. Note that the method of rotating the reagent disk 13 is not limited to this, and it may be rotated by other methods.

[0041] Next, the flow of reading the identification code 15 in reading the reagent information in the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows the reagent information reading workflow of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, when the introduction of the reagent container 14 into the device is started, for example, by manual introduction by an operator or automatic introduction by a reagent container transport device, reading of the identification code 15 is started (step 301).

[0043] First, the control unit 107 controls the rotation mechanism to rotate the reagent disk 13 so that the location where the reagent container 14 to be read is placed is directly below the dispensing hole 4, which is the first reading position, i.e., the position of the windows 9 and 10, and then stops the rotation (step 302). At the same time, the control unit 107 moves the reader 16 to a position where it can image the reagent container 14 through the window 9 on the side of the main body 3 (step 302).

[0044] Thereafter, the reader 16 reads the identification code 15 provided on the side of the reagent container 14 mounted on the reagent disk 13 through the window 9, and determines whether the identification code 15 is located on the side and whether the reading was successful (step 303). If the reading was successful, the process proceeds to step 306A.

[0045] On the other hand, if the reading has failed, the process proceeds to step 304, where the reader 16 is moved to a position where it can capture an image of the reagent container 14 through the window 10 on the bottom of the main body 3 (step 304).

[0046] Thereafter, the reading device 16 reads the identification code 15 provided on the bottom surface of the reagent container 14 mounted on the reagent disk 13 through the window 10, and determines whether the identification code 15 is located at the bottom surface and whether the reading was successful (step 305).

[0047] If the reading is successful, the process proceeds to step 306A, and if the reading is unsuccessful, the process proceeds to step 306B.

[0048] If reading of the identification code 15 is successful in step 303 or step 305, the address of the reagent disk 13 from which the identification code 15 was read is associated with the reagent information of the placed reagent container 14 (step 306A).

[0049] Thereafter, when dispensing a reagent for sample analysis, the dispensing system 28 dispenses from the address on the reagent disk 13 where the reagent container 14 containing the reagent having the requested reagent information is located (step 307). Specifically, the dispensing system 28 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 14 from the dispensing hole 4 in the lid 2 of the reagent storage cabinet 1.

[0050] Here, in the present invention, even during step 307, it is desirable for the control unit 107 to move the reading device 16 to the position of either window 9 or window 10, whichever is the side where reading was successful, and to read the reagent information even when dispensing the reagent, in order to confirm whether the correct reagent has been dispensed.

[0051] On the other hand, if reading fails in step 305 as well, the control unit 107 is notified that the identification code 15 cannot be read (step 306B).

[0052] Thereafter, the workflow is terminated (step 308). If there are any unread reagent containers 14 on the reagent disk 13, the processes of steps 301 to 306B are repeatedly executed.

[0053] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0054] The reagent storage 1 in the automated analyzer 100 of the above-described embodiment 1 of the present invention holds reagents therein and comprises a reagent disk 13 on which are mounted a plurality of reagent containers 14 having identification codes 15 on which information about the reagent is recorded, a main body 3 for housing the reagent disk 13 therein, a lid 2 for covering the top side of the main body 3, a rotating mechanism for rotating the reagent disk 13, and a reading device 16 for reading the identification codes 15, as well as a curved guide 19 for moving the reading device 16 between the side and bottom surfaces of the reagent containers 14 mounted on the reagent disk 13.

[0055] This allows the identification code 15 attached to the reagent container 14 to be read and recorded in the device while the lid 2 of the reagent storage cabinet 1 is closed, eliminating the need to refill the reagent, and thus making it possible to more effectively prevent measurement errors caused by misplacement than before and to control the quality of the reagent. Also, even without the need to install multiple readers 16, reagent containers 14 with identification codes 15 for identifying the reagent on the side or bottom can be used without distinction.

[0056] Furthermore, since the reader 16 reads the identification code 15 when the dispensing system 28 dispenses a reagent, it is possible to reliably dispense the correct reagent.

[0057] Furthermore, the main body 3 has one or more windows 9, 10 on each of the side and bottom surfaces for reading the identification code 15, and the reading device 16 and the curved guide 19 are arranged on the outside of the main body 3. The reading device 16 reads the identification code 15 through the windows 9, 10, thereby preventing the volume of the main body 3 of the reagent storage cabinet 1 from becoming larger.

[0058] Furthermore, since the curved guide 19 is curved when the reagent storage cabinet 1 is viewed vertically, the distance traveled by the reading device 16 moving between the window 9 on the side of the main body 3 and the window 10 on the bottom can be shortened, thereby shortening the time required for processes such as reagent registration.

[0059] <Example 2> A reagent storage and an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent storage of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment.

[0060] A reagent storage 1A shown in FIG. 8 differs from the reagent storage 1 of the first embodiment in that it further includes a cooling device 8 and that a curved guide 19A is provided instead of the curved guide 19.

[0061] The cooling device 8 is configured with a Peltier element or the like in the reagent storage cabinet 1, and is thermally connected to the kettle 6 to cool the inside of the kettle 6.

[0062] Curved guide 19A extends to the top of lid 2 compared to curved guide 19, and the highest vertical position of curved guide 19A is at a height position above lid 2, which is the standby position of reading device 16.

[0063] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the reagent storage and automatic analyzer of the first embodiment described above, and the details are omitted here.

[0064] The reagent storage and automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention also provide substantially the same effects as those of the reagent storage and automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment described above.

[0065] Furthermore, since the highest position of the vertical height of curved guide 19A is at a height position equal to or higher than lid 2 and serves as the standby position of reader 16, reader 16 can wait at a position above pot 6 where it is less susceptible to the effects of exhaust heat from cooling device 8 except when reading identification code 15, and therefore reader 16 can be prevented from being exposed to high temperatures due to exhaust heat. Therefore, reading failures due to thermal runaway of reader 16 can be prevented.

[0066] <Example 3> A reagent storage cabinet and an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent storage cabinet of the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment.

[0067] A reagent storage 1B of this embodiment shown in FIG. 9 differs from the reagent storage 1 of the first embodiment in that it further includes a tilt block 18 for allowing the reader 16 to read the identification code 15 from an oblique angle.

[0068] If the side surface of the reagent container 14 is curved, when reading the identification code 15 affixed to the curved surface, halation occurs due to the curved shape, which may make it difficult for the reader 16 to read the identification code 15. However, by tilting the reader 16, it is possible to prevent the reflected light from the identification code 15 from entering the reader 16.

[0069] For example, if the distance from the reader 16 to the identification code 15 is 40 mm, then if the reader 16 is tilted at an angle of 15±2° with respect to the identification code 15, the reflected light from the reagent container 14 will not interfere with the reading by the reader 16, thereby further improving the reading efficiency.

[0070] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the reagent storage and automatic analyzer of the first embodiment described above, and the details are omitted here.

[0071] The reagent storage and automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment of the present invention also provide substantially the same effects as those of the reagent storage and automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment described above.

[0072] Furthermore, since the reader 16 further includes a tilt block 18 for reading the identification code 15 from an oblique angle, read failures can be further reduced. As read failures are reduced, the angle at which the identification code 15 can be read increases, and the angle at which the reagent containers 14 can be placed on the reagent disk 13 can be increased, resulting in an advantageous effect of further improving convenience.

[0073] The tilt block 18 of this embodiment can also be applied to the reagent storage cabinet 1A described in the second embodiment.

[0074] <Example 4> A reagent storage and an automatic analyzer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent storage in an automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment, Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional schematic configuration of the reagent storage, and Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a reagent information reading workflow.

[0075] The reagent storage cabinet 1C of this embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11 differs from the reagent storage cabinet 1 of Example 1 in that a curved guide 19C is configured to move the reading device 16 between the outer and inner sides via the bottom surface of the reagent disk 13.

[0076] In this embodiment, a main body 3C of a reagent storage cabinet 1C is provided with a window 9A on its inner circumferential surface in addition to a window 9 on its outer circumferential surface and a window 10 on its bottom surface.

[0077] Next, the flow of reading the identification code 15 when reading reagent information in the automatic analyzer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] Of the steps shown in FIG. 12, steps 1101 to 1105 are the same as steps 301 to 305 shown in FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore their details will be omitted.

[0079] In FIG. 12, after failing to read the identification code 15 at the bottom position in step 1105, the reader 16 is then moved to a position where it can capture an image of the reagent container 14 through the window 9A on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 3 (step 1106).

[0080] Thereafter, the reader 16 reads the identification code 15 provided on the side of the reagent container 14 mounted on the reagent disk 13 through the window 9A, and determines whether the identification code 15 is located on the inner peripheral surface side and whether the reading was successful (step 1107). If the reading was successful, the process proceeds to step 1108A. On the other hand, if the reading was unsuccessful, the process proceeds to step 1108B.

[0081] The subsequent steps 1108A to 1110 are the same as steps 306A to 308 shown in FIG. 3, respectively, and thus the details are similarly omitted.

[0082] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the reagent storage and automatic analyzer of the first embodiment described above, and the details are omitted here.

[0083] The reagent storage and automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention also provide substantially the same effects as those of the reagent storage and automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment described above.

[0084] Furthermore, the curved guide 19C allows the reading device 16 to move between the outer and inner sides via the bottom surface of the reagent disk 13, thereby making it possible to read the identification code 15 affixed to the reagent container 14 even on the inner side of the main body 3. As a result, the angle at which the identification code 15 is read is increased, thereby relaxing the constraints on the installation direction when installing the reagent container 14 in the reagent storage cabinet 1, thereby further increasing convenience.

[0085] The configuration of the curved guide 19C that moves the reading device 16 between the outer and inner sides via the bottom surface of the reagent disk 13 as in this embodiment can be applied to the reagent storage cabinet 1A of embodiment 2, the reagent storage cabinet 1B of embodiment 3, or a reagent storage cabinet of embodiment 2 having the structure of embodiment 3.

[0086] <Other> The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but includes various modified examples. The above-mentioned embodiment has been described in detail to explain the present invention in an easily understandable manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiment having all of the described configurations.

[0087] It is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C...Reagent storage room 2…Lid 3,3C…Main body 4...Dispensing hole 5…Fixing tool 6…Kettle 7…Insulation material 8…Cooling device 9, 9A, 10…Window 13...Reagent disk 14…Reagent container 15...Identification code 16...Reading device 17…Block 18...Tilt block 19, 19A, 19C...Curved guide 20...Timing belt 21...Timing pulley 22...Idler pulley 23...Motor (rotation mechanism) 24...Pulley (rotating mechanism) 25...Belt (rotating mechanism) 26...Shaft (rotating mechanism) 27…Pedestal 28...Dispensing system (reagent dispensing mechanism) 100…Automatic analyzer 103…Sample installation section 105...Reaction section 106…Detection unit 107...Control unit 108...Operation unit

Claims

1. a reagent disk on which a plurality of reagent containers are placed, the reagent containers having identification codes in which information about the reagents is recorded; a main body that houses the reagent disk therein; a lid for the reagent disk, which covers an upper surface side of the main body; a rotation mechanism for rotating the reagent disk; A reagent storage including a reader for reading the identification code, A guide is provided for moving the reader between the side and bottom surfaces of the reagent containers placed on the reagent disk. A reagent storage facility characterized by the above.

2. The reagent storage according to claim 1 , a kettle interposed between the main body and the reagent disk; and a cooling device for cooling the inside of the kettle. The body has a thermal insulator that encases the kettle. A reagent storage facility characterized by the above.

3. The reagent storage according to claim 2, The vertical height of the guide is at the highest position above the lid, and serves as the standby position of the reader. A reagent storage facility characterized by the above.

4. The reagent storage according to claim 1 , The reader further includes a tilt member for reading the identification code from an oblique angle. A reagent storage facility characterized by the above.

5. The reagent storage according to claim 1 , The guide moves the reader between the outer circumferential side and the inner circumferential side via the bottom surface of the reagent disk. A reagent storage facility characterized by the above.

6. The reagent storage according to claim 1 , The guide is curved when the reagent storage is viewed vertically. A reagent storage facility characterized by the above.

7. The reagent storage according to claim 1 , the main body has at least one window on each of a side surface and a bottom surface for reading the identification code; the reading device and the guide are disposed outside the body; The reader reads the identification code through the window. A reagent storage facility characterized by the above.

8. a reagent dispensing mechanism that holds a reagent therein and dispenses the reagent from a reagent container having an identification code in which information about the reagent is recorded; a reagent storage unit for storing the reagent container; An automatic analyzer for measuring a mixed solution prepared by dispensing a sample and the reagent into a reaction section and reacting the sample with the reagent, The reagent storage facility includes: a reagent disk on which a plurality of the reagent containers are disposed; a main body that houses the reagent disk therein; A lid for covering the upper surface side of the main body; a rotation mechanism for rotating the reagent disk; A reader for reading the identification code; a guide for moving the reader between a side surface and a bottom surface of the reagent container disposed on the reagent disk; An automatic analyzer characterized by:

9. 9. The automated analyzer according to claim 8, The reagent storage facility includes: a kettle interposed between the main body and the reagent disk; and a cooling device for cooling the inside of the kettle. The body has a thermal insulator that encases the kettle. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

10. The automated analyzer according to claim 9, The highest position of the guide in the vertical direction of the reagent storage cabinet is at a height position equal to or higher than the lid, and serves as a standby position for the reader. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

11. 9. The automated analyzer according to claim 8, The reagent storage has a tilt member for allowing the reader to read the identification code from an oblique angle. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

12. 9. The automated analyzer according to claim 8, The guide of the reagent storage unit moves the reader between the outer circumferential side and the inner circumferential side via the bottom surface of the reagent disk. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

13. 9. The automated analyzer according to claim 8, The guide of the reagent container is curved when the reagent container is viewed vertically. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

14. 9. The automated analyzer according to claim 8, the main body of the reagent storage has one or more windows on each of a side surface and a bottom surface for reading the identification code; the reading device and the guide are disposed outside the body; The reader reads the identification code through the window. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

15. 9. The automated analyzer according to claim 8, The reader reads the identification code when the reagent dispensing mechanism dispenses the reagent. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

Images