Automatic analysis device

Abstract

In the present invention, a consumables supply unit has a first consumables holding unit capable of holding a first consumables storage container storing a plurality of consumables, a second consumables holding unit capable of holding a second consumables storage container storing a plurality of consumables, and a transport mechanism for transporting the consumables of the first consumables holding unit and the second consumables holding unit to an analysis unit. During analysis operation by the analysis unit, a control unit performs control to allow access by an operator to the first consumables holding unit and to not allow access by the operator to the second consumables holding unit, and when the analysis operation is not being performed in the analysis unit, the control unit performs control to allow access by the operator to the first consumables holding unit and the second consumables holding unit. This allows consumables to be replaced without interrupting the analysis operation, while reducing the size and suppressing increase of the cost of the equipment.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] An automated analyzer automatically performs the process from measuring the component to be measured to outputting the results by reacting blood, urine, or other biological sample (specimen) with an analytical reagent that reacts specifically with the component to be measured in the sample, and quantitatively detecting the complex formed by this reaction using a spectroscopic technique such as electrochemiluminescence. Here, as a technology related to the automated analyzer, an automated analyzer equipped with a reagent waste tray on which multiple reagents removed from a reagent storage means can be placed is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-021862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an automatic analyzer, if the analytical operation is interrupted when replacing, collecting, or disposing of consumables or reagents, there is a concern that throughput and testing accuracy may decrease. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a dedicated mechanism for replacing consumables without interrupting analytical operation is provided, separate from a mechanism for normal replacement of consumables. However, providing a dedicated mechanism raises concerns that the size and cost of the analyzer may increase.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an automatic analyzer that can replace consumables without interrupting analytical operations, while suppressing increases in size and cost of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present application includes multiple means for solving the above-mentioned problems, and one example is an automatic analyzer comprising an analysis unit that performs processing necessary for analyzing samples, a consumables supply unit that supplies consumables necessary for the analysis to the analysis unit, and a control unit that controls the operation of the analysis unit and the consumables supply unit, wherein the consumables supply unit comprises a first consumables holding unit capable of holding a first consumables storage container that stores a plurality of consumables, a second consumables holding unit that can hold a second consumables storage container that stores a plurality of consumables, and a transport mechanism that transports consumables from the first consumables holding unit and the second consumables holding unit to the analysis unit, and the control unit controls the first consumables holding unit to allow an operator to access the first consumables holding unit during an analysis operation in the analysis unit and controls the second consumables holding unit to prevent the operator from accessing the first consumables holding unit, and controls the first consumables holding unit to allow an operator to access the second consumables holding unit when an analysis operation in the analysis unit is not being performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by not providing a dedicated mechanism, the size and cost of the device can be suppressed, and consumables can be replaced without interrupting the analysis operation, thereby improving throughput. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an automatic analyzer. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a reaction vessel tray and a cover. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a main tray and buffer tray operation process during an analysis operation. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of reaction vessel tray replacement processing. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of a main tray replacement process during analysis standby. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of a buffer tray replacement process during analysis standby. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the order of use of reaction vessels arranged on the main tray. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the order of use of reaction vessels arranged on a buffer tray. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the state of a reaction vessel tray. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a control unit when the reaction vessel tray status determination process is performed at the end of the first reaction vessel transport unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a status management table used in the status determination process for the main tray and the buffer tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, although the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example a combined automatic analyzer that performs immunoassays and biochemical tests, the present invention can also be applied to other automatic analyzers that include multiple reading devices.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic overall configuration of an automatic analyzer.

[0011] In Figure 1, the automatic analyzer 101 is an apparatus for analyzing samples (hereinafter referred to as specimens) using reagents according to specified analysis items, and is roughly composed of a specimen mounting disk 102, a specimen dispensing mechanism 104, a reagent storage cabinet 105, a reagent dispensing mechanism 108, a first reaction vessel transport unit (transport mechanism) 113, a reaction vessel disposal hole 110, an incubator block 111, a reaction vessel tray 112, a second reaction vessel transport unit 115, an immune detection unit 116, and a control unit 118.

[0012] Here, components such as the incubator block 111 and the immune detection unit 116, which use consumables such as reaction vessels supplied by the first reaction vessel transport unit 113, constitute an analysis section that performs the processing necessary for analyzing samples, and components such as the reaction vessel tray 112 and the first reaction vessel transport unit 113 constitute a consumable supply section that supplies the consumables necessary for analysis to the analysis section.

[0013] The specimen mounting disk 102 is configured to mount a plurality of specimen containers 103 containing specimens arranged in a ring shape. When dispensing specimens from the specimen containers 103 into reaction containers, the specimen mounting disk 102 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise to transport the specimen containers 103 to be dispensed to a specimen suction position (access position of the specimen dispensing mechanism 104).

[0014] The reagent storage 105 is a mechanism for storing reagent containers containing reagents while keeping them cool, and includes a reagent disk 106 and a reagent container holder 107 .

[0015] The reagent disk 106 has a plurality of reagent container holders 107 arranged in a double ring, each of which holds a reagent container, so that it can hold a plurality of reagent containers. The reagent disk 106 also has a rotation drive mechanism, and by rotation, moves each of the plurality of reagent containers to a predetermined position on the circumference.

[0016] A plurality of unused reaction vessels for mixing and reacting samples with reagents are arranged on the reaction vessel tray 112. Also provided as mechanisms for transporting the reaction vessels on the reaction vessel tray 112 are a first reaction vessel transport unit 113 having a reaction vessel gripping mechanism for gripping the reaction vessel and a drive mechanism for driving the reaction vessel gripping mechanism in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and a second reaction vessel transport unit 115 having a reaction vessel gripping mechanism for gripping the reaction vessel, a rotation drive mechanism for driving the reaction vessel gripping mechanism in rotation, and a vertical drive mechanism for driving the reaction vessel gripping mechanism up and down.

[0017] The first reaction vessel transport unit 113 grasps a reaction vessel from the reaction vessel tray 112 and moves it between a sample ejection position 114 where the sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel, an incubator block 111 where a mixture (reaction liquid) of the sample and reagent contained in the reaction vessel reacts, and a reaction vessel disposal hole 110 where the reaction vessel is discarded after measurement has been completed.

[0018] The second reaction vessel transport unit 115 grasps the reaction vessel and moves it between a sample discharge position 114 where a sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel, a reagent discharge position 109 where a reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel, and a reaction liquid suction position 117 where the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel is aspirated and taken into an immune detection unit 116 where the reaction signal of the reaction liquid is measured.

[0019] The incubator block 111 is a mechanism for causing a reaction between the specimen and the reagent, and is temperature-controlled to promote the reaction between the specimen and the reagent.

[0020] The specimen dispensing mechanism 104 is composed of a rotation drive mechanism, a vertical drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe, and the rotation drive mechanism and the vertical drive mechanism move the dispensing probe between a specimen suction position (access position of the specimen dispensing mechanism 104) on the specimen mounting disk 102 and a specimen discharge position 114. That is, the specimen dispensing mechanism 104 aspirates a predetermined amount of specimen from a specimen container 103 transported to the specimen suction position on the specimen mounting disk 102, and discharges it into a reaction container transported to the specimen discharge position 114.

[0021] The reagent dispensing mechanism 108 is a reagent dispensing mechanism for immunological analysis. The reagent dispensing mechanism 108 is composed of a rotation drive mechanism, a vertical drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe. The reagent dispensing mechanism 108 rotates and descends to the position of a predetermined type of reagent container on the reagent disk 106, aspirates a predetermined amount of reagent, and then ascends. Next, the reagent dispensing mechanism 108 rotates and descends to dispense the reagent into a reaction container transported to the reagent dispensing position 109.

[0022] Here, the processing flow of the immunoassay will be described.

[0023] In the immunoassay, first, the first reaction vessel transport unit 113 moves the reaction vessel from the reaction vessel tray 112 to the sample discharge position 114 .

[0024] Next, the sample dispensing mechanism 104 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample into the reaction vessel placed at the sample discharge position.

[0025] Thereafter, the reaction container into which the sample has been discharged is moved to the reagent discharge position 109 by the second reaction container transport unit 115.

[0026] The reagent dispensing mechanism 108 dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent into a reaction vessel placed at a reagent discharge position 109 .

[0027] After dispensing the reagent, the reaction vessel is moved to the incubator block 111 by the first reaction vessel transport unit 113 .

[0028] When the reaction process between the sample and the reagent in the incubator block 111 is completed, the reaction vessel is moved to the sample discharge position 114 by the first reaction vessel transport unit 113 .

[0029] Thereafter, the reaction vessel is moved by the second reaction vessel transport unit 115 to the reaction liquid suction position 117 of the immunodetection unit 116 .

[0030] Thereafter, the reaction liquid is sucked into the detection section in the immunodetection unit 116, and the reaction signal is measured.

[0031] After the signal measurement, the reaction vessel is moved to the sample discharge position 114 by the second reaction vessel transport unit 115, and then moved to the reaction vessel disposal hole 110 by the first reaction vessel transport unit 113 and disposed of.

[0032] The control unit 118 controls the overall operation of the automated analyzer 101, including the various devices within the automated analyzer 101, and includes an operation device 119 made up of input devices such as a mouse and keyboard, a storage device 120 in which, for example, control parameters corresponding to each unit are stored, a control device 121 made up of, for example, a hardware board and a computer, and a display device 122 such as a display. The operation device 119 and display device 122 may be realized by a touch display that combines operation and display functions.

[0033] The control device 121 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 installing a high-speed general-purpose CPU in 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. Furthermore, these devices, circuits, and computers are connected by a wired or wireless network, and data is transmitted and received as appropriate.

[0034] The following describes the operation of the reaction vessel tray 112 (consumables storage container) and the reaction vessels (consumables) stored in the reaction vessel tray 112 in this embodiment. Note that in this embodiment, the reaction vessel tray and reaction vessels are shown as examples of a consumables storage container and consumables, and for example, reaction vessels and dispensing tips may be stored as consumables in the consumables storage container.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the reaction vessel tray and the cover.

[0036] In FIG. 2, the reaction container tray 112 is arranged as a first consumables storage container (hereinafter referred to as a main tray 132) and a second consumables storage container (hereinafter referred to as a buffer tray 133).

[0037] The main tray 132 is covered by a main tray cover 134 equipped with an open / close lock mechanism, and the buffer tray 133, together with the analysis unit, is covered by a top cover 135 equipped with an open / close lock mechanism. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which a plurality of main trays 132 and a plurality of buffer trays 133 are arranged side by side on a plane, with the plurality of main trays 132 covered by the main tray cover 134 and the plurality of buffer trays 133 covered by the top cover 135.

[0038] The open / close lock mechanism of main tray cover 134 and the open / close lock mechanism of top cover 135 are different, and opening and closing are managed separately by control unit 118. When main tray cover 134 is locked by the open / close lock mechanism (locked state), it cannot be opened by the operator, but when it is unlocked by the open / close lock mechanism (unlocked state), it can be opened and closed by the operator. Similarly, when top cover 135 is locked, it cannot be opened by the operator, but when it is unlocked, it can be opened and closed by the operator.

[0039] In addition, the opening / closing locking mechanism of the main tray cover 134 can be controlled to an unlocked state only when the first reaction container transport unit 113 is retracted to a range that cannot be accessed by an operator simply by opening the main tray cover 134, i.e., a range (retracted range) where the first reaction container transport unit 113 cannot be touched, for example, a range covered by the top cover 135 (however, reaction container transport operations are possible within the retracted range).

[0040] Similarly, the opening / closing locking mechanism of the top cover 135 can be controlled to an unlocked state only when the first reaction container transport unit 113 is retracted and stopped in a predetermined range outside the range above the buffer tray 133 (for example, a retracted range covered at the top).

[0041] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the main tray and buffer tray operation process during the analysis operation.

[0042] 3, when the automatic analyzer 101 is in a standby state where it can accept an analysis request (step S100), a measurement request is made from the operation device 119 (step S110). The measurement request may be sent or received from an external host computer, or may be manually input by the operator.

[0043] When a measurement request is made, the control unit 118 starts preparatory operations before the measurement operation, such as resetting each mechanism and replacing the system water in the syringes and flow paths connected to the sample dispensing mechanism 104 and reagent dispensing mechanism 108 (step S120).

[0044] Next, a reaction container tray status determination process (step S200; described in detail later in FIG. 9) is performed to determine the status of the main tray 132 and the buffer tray 133 (whether or not a tray is present or the number of reaction containers remaining on the tray).

[0045] Subsequently, the measurement operation is started, and the use of reaction vessels on the main tray 132 or the buffer tray 133 is started (step S140).

[0046] Here, it is determined whether or not the operator has requested replacement of the main tray 132 (step S150), and if the determination result is YES, a reaction tray replacement request process is performed to determine whether replacement of the main tray 132 is possible (step S300; described in detail later in Figure 4).

[0047] Furthermore, if the determination result in step S150 is NO, that is, if there is no request to replace the main tray 132, the remaining number of usable reaction vessels in the reaction vessel tray 112 is determined based on the information stored in the storage device 120 (step S160).

[0048] If the determination result in step S160 is YES, i.e., if there is remaining amount in the reaction vessel, the process returns to step S140 and the measurement operation using the reaction vessel continues. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S160 is NO, i.e., if there is no remaining amount in the reaction vessel, the new measurement is stopped and the operator is notified (step S170).

[0049] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the reaction vessel tray replacement process in FIG.

[0050] 4, in the reaction vessel tray exchange request process (FIG. 3: step S300), when an operator requests exchange of main tray 132 using operation device 119 (step S310), control unit 118 determines whether or not there are reaction vessels required for exchange of main tray 132 based on the usage status of buffer tray 133 stored in storage device 120 (step S320), and if the determination result is NO, that is, if there are no reaction vessels required for exchange, the operator is notified that exchange is not possible (step S321). The request to exchange main tray 132 in step S310 may be sent or received from an external host computer.

[0051] If the determination result in step S320 is YES, that is, if there is a reaction vessel that needs replacement, the replacement is accepted, and the reaction vessel in the reaction vessel use position at the time of replacement on the main tray 132 is used for the analysis operation (step S330).

[0052] When the exchange is accepted in step S330, the operator opens main tray cover 134 (step S340). At this time, main tray cover 134 is controlled to be in an unlocked state (unlocked state).

[0053] Next, the operator manually replaces main tray 132 (step S350) and closes main tray cover 134 (step S360).

[0054] Next, the operator inputs a replacement completion report for main tray 132 on the screen of operation device 119, completing the replacement of main tray 132 (step S370). The replacement completion report may also be sent or received from an external host computer.

[0055] However, if there are no reaction vessels in the reaction vessel use positions at the time of replacement of main tray 132 during the processing of steps S340 to S370, new measurements are stopped (step S341).

[0056] After the replacement of main tray 132 in step S370 is completed, the operation of determining the usage status of main tray 132 and buffer tray 133 is performed (step S380; described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9).

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the main tray cover 134 of the main tray 132 and the top cover 135 of the buffer tray 133 are individually configured for opening and closing and for locking. This restricts the operator's access to the buffer tray 133, which requires the analysis operation to be stopped in order for the operator to access it, while allowing the operator access to the main tray 132, thereby making it possible to replenish consumables without stopping the analysis operation.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of replacing the main tray while waiting for analysis.

[0059] 5, during analysis standby in which the first reaction vessel transport unit 113 is stopped, the operator requests reaction vessel storage vessel replacement by operating the operation device 119 (step S410). The replacement request may be sent or received from an external host computer.

[0060] Subsequently, when replacing main tray 132, the operator opens main tray cover 134 (step S410), manually replaces main tray 132 (step S420), and closes main tray cover 134 (step S430).

[0061] Next, the operator inputs a main tray replacement completion report on the screen of operation device 119 (step S440), and the replacement work is completed (step S450).

[0062] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the buffer tray replacement process during analysis standby.

[0063] 6, while the first reaction vessel transport unit 113 is in a stopped state and waiting for analysis, the operator requests replacement of the reaction vessel storage vessel by operating the operation device 119 (step S500). The replacement request may be sent or received from an external host computer.

[0064] Subsequently, when replacing the buffer tray 133, the operator opens the top cover 135 (step S510), manually replaces the buffer tray 133 (step S520), and closes the top cover 135 (step S530).

[0065] Next, the operator inputs a buffer tray replacement completion report on the screen of the operation device 119 (step S540), and the replacement work is completed (step S550).

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the main tray 132 and the buffer tray 133 can be manually replaced while waiting for analysis, without providing a dedicated transport mechanism for replacing the consumables storage containers.

[0067] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the order in which reaction vessels arranged on the main tray are used. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the order in which reaction vessels arranged on the buffer tray are used. In Figs. 7 and 8, the main tray 132 and buffer tray 133 are represented by coordinates, with the x-axis running horizontally when viewed from the front side of the automated analyzer 101 (the bottom side in Fig. 1), the y-axis running longitudinally, and the origin set at the back left corner.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the reaction vessels 132a arranged on the main tray 132 are used in the analysis operation in the order of coordinates (x, y)=(1,1), (1,2),..., (6,5) from the edge.

[0069] 8, on the buffer tray 133, reaction vessels 133a and 133b used during the analysis operation and reaction vessel 133b used when the reaction vessel tray (main tray 132) is replaced are arranged in separate areas. However, the area for reaction vessel 133b is set farther from the main tray 132. Reaction vessel 133a and reaction vessel 133b are of the same type, and the reaction vessels 133a and 133b (areas) used during the analysis operation or when the reaction vessel tray is replaced can be set appropriately. Here, both reaction vessels 133a and 133b are used during the analysis operation, and only reaction vessel 133b is used when the reaction vessel tray (main tray 132) is replaced. In other words, reaction vessel 133a is used only during the analysis operation.

[0070] The reaction vessels 133a arranged on the buffer tray 133 are used, for example, when the analysis operation continues when there are no reaction vessels left on the main tray 132, and are used in order, for example, from the end closest to the main tray 132, such as in the order of coordinates (x, y) = (1, 1), (1, 2), ..., (6, 5).

[0071] Furthermore, the reaction vessels 133b arranged on the buffer tray 133 are used when the analysis operation continues while the main tray 132 is being replaced, and are used in the order of coordinates (x, y) = (6, 5, 1), (1, 2), ..., (4, 1), for example, starting from the end farthest from the main tray 132. By setting the area of ​​the reaction vessels 133b farther from the main tray 132 in this way, it is possible to prevent the first reaction vessel-transporting unit 113 from approaching the operator's hand when replacing the main tray 132, and to prevent contact between the operator's hand and the first reaction vessel-transporting unit 113. Note that the reaction vessels 133b used during replacement of the main tray 132 may be controlled to be used in a different order from the order of use of the reaction vessels 133a used during the analysis operation.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process of determining the state of the reaction vessel tray.

[0073] 9, in the reaction container tray usage information determination process (FIG. 3: step S200), first, the first reaction container transport unit 113 checks the filling status of reaction containers at the head storage position (Pos. Start) on the main tray 132 and buffer tray 133 (step S210). At this time, the filling status of reaction containers at all storage positions on the main tray 132 and buffer tray 133 may also be checked. Note that the head position of reaction containers on the main tray 132 is (x, y) = (1, 1) as shown in FIG. 7, and the head position of reaction containers on the buffer tray 133 is (x, y) = (1, 1) as shown in FIG. 8.

[0074] The filling status can be confirmed by, for example, using the action of the transport mechanism to grip the consumables, or by installing a camera above the storage container and analyzing the image to confirm the presence or absence of the consumables.Furthermore, the presence or absence of the consumables can be confirmed by attaching a distance measuring device such as a laser displacement meter to the first reaction container transport unit 113 and measuring the distance between the transport mechanism and the storage container.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the control unit when the reaction vessel tray status determination process is performed at the end of the first reaction vessel transport unit.

[0076] The control unit 118 includes a reaction vessel tray status management memory 120a provided in the storage device 120, and a consumables transport mechanism control unit 121a and a reaction vessel presence / absence determination unit 121b provided in the control device 121.

[0077] When the reaction container tray usage status determination process is started, the consumables transport mechanism control unit 121a outputs a command to the first reaction container transport unit 113 to grasp a predetermined consumable position based on the information stored in the reaction container tray status management memory 120a. The reaction container presence / absence determination unit 121b determines the presence or absence of consumables based on the result of grasping the consumables by the first reaction container transport unit 113, and saves the determination result as the reaction container tray status in the reaction container tray status management memory 120a.

[0078] Returning to Figure 9, if the determination result in step S210 for buffer tray 133 is YES, i.e., if a reaction vessel is present (filled) at the first storage position (Pos.Start) on buffer tray 133, it is determined whether storage device 120 has stored the position of the consumables used on buffer tray 133 that was used during replacement of main tray 132 (step S220). If the determination result in step S220 is NO, i.e., if the position E(x, y) of the consumables used during replacement of main tray 132 is not stored in storage device 120, it is determined that reaction vessels are stored at all filling positions, so it is determined that buffer tray 133 is usable (step S221), and the process proceeds to the state determination process for buffer tray 133 (step S250). Also, if the determination result in step S220 is YES, that is, if there is a record of a reaction vessel in the buffer tray 133 having been used, the value obtained by subtracting the number of reaction vessels used up to the final position (Pos.End) from the number of reaction vessels that can be stored is stored in the memory device 120 as the remaining number of reaction vessels in the buffer tray 133, the buffer tray 133 is determined to be usable (step S222), and the process proceeds to the status determination process for the buffer tray 133 (step S250).

[0079] Since the main tray 132 is not subject to the judgment in step S220, if the judgment result in step S210 is YES, it is determined that reaction vessels are stored in all filling positions, and it is determined that the main tray 132 is usable (step S221), and the process proceeds to the status judgment process for the main tray 132 (step S250).

[0080] If the determination result in step S210 is NO, i.e., if it is determined that the consumables are not loaded in the first storage position, the storage container is recognized as not being new, and therefore it is determined whether a reaction container is loaded in the storage position S(x, y) next to the last accessed reaction container storage position among the reaction container storage positions used for the analysis operation from the first position stored in the memory device 120 (step S230). If the determination result in step S230 is NO, i.e., if a reaction container is not loaded in the storage position S(x, y) on the reaction container tray (main tray 132 / buffer tray 133), it is determined that the remaining amount of reaction containers is 0, and it is determined that the reaction container tray (main tray 132 / buffer tray 133) is unusable (step S231), and the process proceeds to the main tray / buffer tray status determination process (step S250).

[0081] If the determination result in step S230 is YES for the buffer tray 133, i.e., if the storage position S(x, y) on the buffer tray 133 is filled with a reaction vessel, it is determined whether the memory device 120 stores the consumable position used during reaction vessel tray replacement (step S240). If the determination result in step S240 is NO, i.e., if the consumable position E(x, y) used during reaction vessel tray replacement is not stored in the memory device 120, the value obtained by subtracting the number of reaction vessels used up to the first storage position (Pos.Start) from the number of reaction vessels that can be stored is stored in the memory device 120 as the remaining number, it is determined that the reaction vessel tray is usable (step S242), and the process proceeds to the status determination process for the buffer tray 133 (step S250). Also, if the judgment result in step S240 is YES, that is, if there is a record of a reaction vessel in the buffer tray 133 being used, the value obtained by subtracting the number of reaction vessels used up to the first position (Pos.Start) and the number of reaction vessels used up to the final position (Pos.End) from the number of reaction vessels that can be stored is stored in the memory device 120 as the remaining number of reaction vessels in the buffer tray 133, it is judged that the buffer tray 133 is usable (step S241), and the process proceeds to the status judgment process for the buffer tray 133 (step S250).

[0082] Since the main tray 132 is not subject to the judgment in step S240, if the judgment result in step S230 is YES, the value obtained by subtracting the number of reaction vessels used up to the first storage position (Pos.Start) from the number of reaction vessels that can be stored is stored in the memory device 120 as the remaining number, the reaction vessel tray is judged to be usable (step S242), and the process proceeds to the status judgment process for the main tray 132 (step S250).

[0083] In step S250, the status of main tray 132 and buffer tray 133 is determined based on the remaining number of reaction containers determined in steps S210 to S242. When the processing in step S250 is completed, the reaction container tray usage status determination processing ends (step S260).

[0084] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a status management table used in the status determination process for the main tray and the buffer tray.

[0085] In Figure 11, a tray in the "In Use" state indicates that it is currently in use or will be used for the next measurement. A tray in the "Waiting" state indicates that it is available for use and will be used as soon as the other tray becomes unavailable. A tray in the "Unavailable" state indicates that it will not be used for measurement.

[0086] In each tray, the tray with the fewest remaining reaction vessels is used first, and if the number of vessels is the same, the main tray is used first.

[0087] Here, it is desirable that for trays that are determined to be "unusable," an alarm be displayed to notify the operator and prompt them to replace them with new ones.

[0088] The above-described method for managing and determining the usage status of the reaction vessel tray is merely an example, and as another example, a classification of usage status such as "history unknown" may be provided when the state stored in the storage device 120 differs from the actual reaction vessel filling status. Furthermore, a function for determining the usage status may be provided as one of the device maintenance functions, and the user can check the usage status at that time by executing the relevant item even at times other than those described above.

[0089] It is also desirable to store the timing (date and time) of the usage status determination together with the determination result in the storage device 120. From the viewpoint of analytical performance reliability, this is to prevent old reaction vessels from remaining and being used in a deteriorated state. If all reaction vessels on a tray have not been consumed within a certain period of time since replacement with new ones, an alarm may be displayed to notify the user and prompt the user to replace the storage vessel, or the automated analyzer may automatically discard all consumables on the tray or stop using the storage vessel. From the viewpoint of usability, it is desirable that the certain period for prompting the replacement of consumables be freely set to an expiration date within the quality assurance period. In addition, it is desirable that the user be able to select the method for disposing of consumables after the certain period has passed.

[0090] The effects of the present embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0091] In an automated analyzer, if analytical operations are interrupted to replace, collect, or discard consumables or reagents, there is a concern that throughput and testing accuracy may decrease. Conventional technologies have provided a dedicated mechanism for replacing consumables without interrupting analytical operations, separate from a mechanism for normal replacement of consumables. However, providing a dedicated mechanism raises concerns that the size and cost of the analyzer may increase.

[0092] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, an automatic analyzer 101 is provided with an analysis unit (e.g., an incubator block 111, an immunodetection unit 116, etc.) that performs processing required for analyzing a sample, a consumables supply unit (e.g., a reaction container tray 112, a first reaction container transport unit 113, etc.) that supplies consumables required for the analysis to the analysis unit, and a control unit 118 that controls the operation of the analysis unit and the consumables supply unit, and the consumables supply unit includes a first consumables holder (e.g., a main tray 132) that can hold a first consumables storage container that stores a plurality of consumables, and a second consumables holder (e.g., a second consumables storage container that stores a plurality of consumables). The system is equipped with a buffer tray 133, for example, and a transport mechanism (for example, a first reaction container transport unit 113) that transports consumables from the first consumable holding unit and the second consumable holding unit to the analysis unit, and the control unit is configured to control access by the operator to the first consumable holding unit while analysis operations are being performed in the analysis unit, and to control access by the operator to the second consumable holding unit while analysis operations are not being performed in the analysis unit, and to control access by the operator to the first consumable holding unit and the second consumable holding unit, thereby enabling the replacement of consumables without interrupting analysis operations while preventing the device from becoming larger and more expensive.

[0093] <Additional Notes> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications and combinations within the scope of the gist thereof. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to those including all of the configurations described in the above-described embodiments, and includes those in which some of the configurations are omitted. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in part or in whole by designing them as, for example, integrated circuits. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 101...automatic analyzer, 102...sample installation disk, 103...sample container, 104...sample dispensing mechanism, 105...reagent storage, 106...reagent disk, 107...reagent container holder, 108...reagent dispensing mechanism, 109...reagent discharge position, 110...reaction container disposal hole, 111...incubator block, 112...reaction container tray, 113...first reaction container transport unit, 114...sample discharge position, 115...second reaction container transport unit, 11 6...immunodetection unit, 117...reaction liquid suction position, 118...controller, 119...operator, 120...storage device, 120a...reaction container tray status management memory, 121...controller, 121a...consumables transport mechanism controller, 121b...reaction container presence / absence determination unit, 122...display device, 132...main tray, 132a...reaction container, 133...buffer tray, 133a, 133b...reaction container, 134...main tray cover, 135...top cover

Claims

1. an analysis unit that performs processing necessary for analyzing the sample; a consumables supply unit that supplies consumables necessary for analysis to the analysis unit; a control unit that controls the operations of the analysis unit and the consumable supply unit, The consumable supply unit includes: a first consumables holder capable of holding a first consumables storage container that stores a plurality of consumables; a second consumables holder capable of holding a second consumables storage container that stores a plurality of consumables; a transport mechanism that transports the consumables in the first consumable storage unit and the second consumable storage unit to the analysis unit, The control unit During an analysis operation in the analysis unit, control is performed to allow an operator to access the first consumables holding unit, and control is performed to prohibit an operator from accessing the second consumables holding unit; When an analysis operation is not being performed in the analysis unit, controlling access to the first consumables holding unit and the second consumables holding unit by an operator is enabled; An automatic analyzer characterized in that, when a request is made to replace the first consumable storage container while the consumables stored in the first consumable storage container are in use, the transport mechanism is controlled to use the consumables stored in the second consumable storage container.

2. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, An automatic analyzer characterized in that the first consumables storage container and the second consumables storage container have the same shape and each stores a plurality of consumables in an aligned state.

3. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, a first cover that covers the first consumables holding unit; An automatic analyzer further comprising a second cover that integrally covers the second consumables holding section and the analysis section.

4. 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, the first cover is provided with a first opening / closing lock mechanism, the second cover is provided with a second opening / closing lock mechanism; The control unit controls the first opening / closing lock mechanism and the second opening / closing lock mechanism to control whether the operator can open or close the first cover and the second cover, thereby controlling whether the operator can access the first consumable holding unit and the second consumable holding unit.

5. (delete)

6. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, An automatic analyzer characterized in that, when an operator performs replacement work on the first consumable storage container, the transport mechanism is controlled so that consumables stored in a specific range of the second consumable storage container are used.

7. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, the control unit further includes an operation device that allows an input from an operator, The automatic analyzer is characterized in that the replacement request is made by inputting it into the operation device.

8. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The automatic analyzer is characterized in that the control unit manages the remaining numbers of the consumables stored in the first consumables storage container and the second consumables storage container.

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, The control unit includes a consumable presence / absence determination unit, the consumable supply presence / absence determining unit determines whether consumable supplies are present at one or more consumable supply storage positions of the first consumable supply storage container and at one or more consumable supply storage positions of the second consumable supply storage container; The automatic analyzer is characterized in that the control unit obtains the remaining number of the consumables based on the determination result of the consumables presence determination unit.

10. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, The control unit determines the order of use of the first consumable storage container and the second consumable storage container based on the remaining number of consumables in the first consumable storage container and the remaining number of consumables in the second consumable storage container.

11. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The control unit further includes a display unit, The control unit manages the elapsed time since the first consumable storage container and the second consumable storage container were installed, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, prompts the operator to replace the first consumable storage container and the second consumable storage container by displaying an indication on the display unit.

12. 5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, The automatic analyzer is characterized in that the control unit is capable of releasing the first opening / closing lock mechanism and the second opening / closing lock mechanism only when the transport mechanism has retracted to a predetermined retraction range.

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