Automatic analysis device

Abstract

To enable use of detergent without stopping measurement and without having to increase the device size.SOLUTION: A detergent bottle according to an embodiment is for use in an automatic analyzer for measuring a mixture of a sample and a reagent, and is designed to store detergent for cleaning probes and to be conveyable by a conveyor arm for conveying a sample rack holding sample containers storing samples.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings , own Regarding dynamic analysis equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Automated analyzers are provided with a detergent storage unit that contains detergent for cleaning sample probes and reagent dispensing probes during measurements. Detergent is used for various purposes, such as cleaning sample probes and reagent dispensing probes, and therefore large amounts of detergent are used. Therefore, if the detergent runs low during a measurement, the measurement must be stopped and the detergent must be replenished or replaced. However, stopping the measurement results in a loss of time, etc. Furthermore, increasing the capacity of the detergent storage unit or adding a mechanism for replenishing the detergent in the detergent storage unit when the detergent runs low would require an increase in the size of the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-133784 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to eliminate the need for an increased size of the device and to enable the use of detergent without stopping measurement. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The detergent bottle of this embodiment is a detergent bottle used in an automatic analyzer that measures a mixture of a sample and a reagent, and contains detergent for cleaning a probe.It can be transported by a transport arm that transports a sample rack that holds a sample container containing the sample. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer to which a detergent bottle according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analyzer in an automatic analyzer to which the detergent bottle according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a sample rack. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a detergent bottle according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of an automatic analyzer to which the detergent bottle according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sampling probe cleaning process as the cleaning process of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the reagent dispensing probe washing process as the washing process of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process for cleaning the stirrer and the like as the cleaning process of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer to which a detergent bottle is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment is not limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, the content described in one embodiment is, in principle, also applicable to other embodiments.

[0008] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 to which a detergent bottle according to this embodiment is applied. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an analyzer 70, a drive device 80, and a processor 90.

[0009] The analytical device 70 measures a mixture of a standard sample for each test item or a test sample (biological sample such as blood or urine) collected from a subject and a reagent used in analyzing each test item, and generates standard data and test data. The analytical device 70 includes multiple units that dispense samples, dispense reagents, etc., and a drive device 80 drives each unit of the analytical device 70. A processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analytical device 70.

[0010] The processing device 90 includes an input device 50 , an output device 40 , a processing circuit 30 , and a memory circuit 60 .

[0011] The input device 50 is equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, buttons, and touch panel, and is used to input data to set analysis parameters for each test item, test identification information for the test sample, and test items.

[0012] The output device 40 includes a printer and a display. The printer prints the data generated by the processing circuit 30. The display is a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the data generated by the processing circuit 30.

[0013] The storage circuit 60 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0014] The processing circuit 30 controls the entire system. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing circuit 30 executes a data processing function 31 and a control function 32. The control function 32 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70. The data processing function 31 processes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis device 70 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each test item. The control function 32 is an example of a control unit.

[0015] For example, the standard data generated by the analytical device 70 represents data (calibration curve or standard curve) for determining the amount or concentration of a substance, and the test data generated by the analytical device 70 represents data resulting from measuring a test sample. Furthermore, the calibration data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing measurement results such as the amount or concentration of a substance derived from the test data and standard data, and the analytical data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing a positive or negative determination result. In other words, the calibration data is data for deriving analytical data representing a positive or negative determination result.

[0016] Here, for example, each processing function executed by the components of the processing circuitry 30 is recorded in the form of a computer-executable program in the storage circuitry 60. The processing circuitry 30 is a processor that realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing each program from the storage circuitry 60. In other words, the processing circuitry 30 in a state where each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuitry 30 of FIG.

[0017] In FIG. 1, it is assumed that each of the processing functions described below is realized by a single processing circuit 30, but it is also possible to configure a processing circuit by combining multiple independent processors, and have each processor execute a program to realize the function.

[0018] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). If the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit 60. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, for example, the program is directly embedded in the processor circuit instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 60. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analyzer 70 in an automatic analyzer 1 to which the detergent bottle according to this embodiment is applied.

[0020] The analytical device 70 includes a reaction disk 4, which is a reaction vessel. The reaction disk 4 rotatably holds a plurality of reaction vessels arranged on the circumference.

[0021] The analyzer 70 further includes reagent repositories 2 and 3. The reagent repositories 2 and 3 keep a plurality of reagent containers (hereinafter referred to as reagent bottles) arranged circumferentially in a cooled state. The reagent bottles in the reagent repositories 2 and 3 contain reagents containing components that react with components for each test item contained in a specimen (hereinafter referred to as a sample). For example, the reagent bottles in the reagent repositories 2 are arranged in concentric circles 2a and 2b (indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 2) in the reagent repositories 2. The reagent bottles in the reagent repositories 3 are arranged in concentric circles 3a and 3b (indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 2) in the reagent repositories 3. The reagent repositories 2 and 3 each have a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent bottles for each test item.

[0022] The analysis device 70 further includes sampling arms 21 and 22, a sampling probe (not shown), a sampling pump (not shown), detergent reservoirs 23 and 24, and a sampling lane 301.

[0023] A sample rack is arranged in the sampling lane 301. For example, the sampling lane 301 is provided with a mechanism for moving each of the multiple sample containers held in the sample rack to a sampling position L1. The movement of the sample rack in the sampling lane 301 is achieved by, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0024] A sampling probe is provided at the tip of each of the sampling arms 21 and 22, and a sampling pump is connected to the sampling probe via a tube or the like. For example, the sampling arms 21 and 22 support the sampling probe so that it can rotate and move up and down. The sampling probes provided at the tips of the sampling arms 21 and 22 move along a trajectory 21a (dotted line portion in FIG. 2 ) as the sampling arms 21 and 22 rotate, for example, between a sampling position L1 and a sample dispensing position. The sampling probes provided at the tips of the sampling arms 21 and 22 dispense the sample from the sample container moved to the sampling position L1. Specifically, the sampling probes provided at the tips of the sampling arms 21 and 22 aspirate the sample from the sample container moved to the sampling position L1 for each test item and dispense the sample in an amount set as an analysis parameter for that test item into a reaction container positioned at the sample dispensing position on the reaction disk 4. The sampling pump causes the sampling probes to aspirate and dispense the sample.

[0025] The analyzer 70 is provided with detergent reservoirs 23 and 24 that contain detergent for cleaning the sampling probes during measurement. The sampling probes provided at the tips of the sampling arms 21 and 22 are cleaned with detergent in the detergent reservoirs 23 and 24 after each sample is dispensed. The detergent reservoirs 23 and 24 are located on the trajectory 21a of the sampling probes provided at the tips of the sampling arms 21 and 22, respectively.

[0026] The analyzer 70 further includes reagent dispensing arms 10 to 13, a reagent dispensing probe (not shown), and a reagent dispensing pump (not shown).

[0027] A reagent dispensing probe is provided at the tip of each of the reagent dispensing arms 10-13, and a reagent dispensing pump is connected to the reagent dispensing probe via a tube or the like. For example, the reagent dispensing arms 10-13 support the reagent dispensing probe so that it can rotate and move up and down. The reagent dispensing probe provided at the tip of each of the reagent dispensing arms 10-13 moves on trajectories 10a-13a (dotted lines in FIG. 2) as the reagent dispensing arms 10-13 rotate, and rotates, for example, between a reagent aspirating position and a reagent dispensing position. The reagent dispensing probe provided at the tip of each of the reagent dispensing arms 10-13 dispenses reagent from a reagent bottle that has been moved to the reagent aspirating position. Specifically, the reagent dispensing probes provided at the tips of the reagent dispensing arms 10 and 11 respectively aspirate the reagent from the reagent bottles located at the reagent suction positions in the circles 2a and 2b in the reagent storage 2, and dispense the reagent in an amount set as an analysis parameter for the corresponding test item into a reaction vessel located at a reagent dispensing position on the reaction disk 4. Furthermore, the reagent dispensing probes provided at the tips of the reagent dispensing arms 12 and 13 respectively aspirate the reagent from the reagent bottles located at the reagent suction positions in the circles 3a and 3b in the reagent storage 3, and dispense the reagent in an amount set as an analysis parameter for the corresponding test item into a reaction vessel located at a reagent dispensing position on the reaction disk 4. The reagent dispensing pump causes the reagent dispensing probes to aspirate and dispense the reagent.

[0028] Reagent receptacles 2 and 3 are provided with detergent reservoirs 6 that contain detergent for cleaning the reagent dispensing probes during measurement. For example, an empty reagent bottle can be used as detergent reservoir 6 by storing detergent in the empty reagent bottle. The reagent dispensing probes provided at the tips of reagent dispensing arms 10 and 11 are cleaned with detergent in detergent reservoir 6 in reagent receptacle 2 each time reagent dispensing is completed. Detergent reservoir 6 in reagent receptacle 2 is located on trajectories 10a and 11a of the reagent dispensing probes provided at the tips of reagent dispensing arms 10 and 11, respectively. The reagent dispensing probes provided at the tips of reagent dispensing arms 12 and 13 are cleaned with detergent in detergent reservoir 6 in reagent receptacle 3 each time reagent dispensing is completed. Detergent reservoir 6 in reagent receptacle 3 is located on trajectories 12a and 13a of the reagent dispensing probes provided at the tips of reagent dispensing arms 10 and 11, respectively.

[0029] The analytical device 70 further includes stirrers 7 and 8. The stirrers 7 and 8 have a stirring arm and a stirring bar (not shown). The stirring bar is attached to the tip of the stirring arm. The stirring arm supports the stirring bar so that it can rotate and move up and down. The stirring arm of the stirrer 7 lowers the stirring bar from a standby position to insert it into a reaction vessel located at a first stirring position on the reaction disk 4. The stirring arm of the stirrer 8 lowers the stirring bar from a standby position to insert it into a reaction vessel located at a second stirring position on the reaction disk 4.

[0030] The stirring arms of the stirrers 7 and 8 are lowered until the tips of the stirrers are near the inner bottom surface of the reaction vessel. Then, after the stirrers have stopped, the stirrers of the stirrers 7 and 8 vibrate. As the stirrers vibrate, the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel is stirred. After stirring, the stirring arms raise the stirrers to the standby position.

[0031] The analyzing device 70 further includes a photometer 9. The photometer 9 measures the mixed liquid by irradiating light onto a reaction vessel containing the stirred mixed liquid. Specifically, the photometer 9 irradiates light onto the reaction vessel at the measurement position as it rotates, and detects the light that has passed through the mixed liquid of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel. The photometer 9 then processes the detected signal to generate standard data and test data represented by digital signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. The photometer 9 is an example of a measurement unit.

[0032] The analyzer 70 further includes a reaction vessel washing unit 15. The reaction vessel washing unit 15 includes a washing member, a drying member, and a support arm (not shown). The support arm supports the washing member and the drying member so that they can each move up and down. The washing member includes a nozzle that aspirates the mixed liquid in a reaction vessel positioned at the washing position on the reaction disk 4, a nozzle that dispenses washing liquid into the reaction vessel and performs washing by aspirating the dispensed washing liquid, and a nozzle that dispenses washing water into the reaction vessel and performs washing by aspirating the dispensed washing water. The drying member is a nozzle that dries the inside of the reaction vessel, and dries the reaction vessel that has been washed with washing water, for example, by discharging dry air.

[0033] The analytical device 70 further includes a sample rack transport mechanism, which includes a transport rail 5, a rack insertion section 16, a transport arm 27, a reading section 19, a rack recovery section 17, a rack waiting buffer 20, a rack temporary storage lane 302, and a STAT insertion section 18.

[0034] The rack input unit 16 has an input lane into which sample racks 100 holding a plurality of sample containers before sampling are input. In FIG. 2, two input lanes are shown as the rack input unit 16, but the number of input lanes may be one or three or more. The rack input unit 16 moves the sample rack 100 input into the input lane to a position where it can be transported by the transport arm 27. The movement of the sample rack in the rack input unit 16 is achieved by, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0035] The sample rack 100 is provided with an optical label containing identification information (e.g., rack ID, etc.) for identifying the rack as containing sample containers. Each of the multiple sample containers held in the sample rack 100 is also provided with an optical label containing identification information (e.g., patient information, sample ID, test item, whether or not retesting is required, etc.) for identifying the sample contained in the sample container. The optical label is, for example, a barcode.

[0036] The transport arm 27 is a robot arm that moves the sample rack 100 along the transport rail 5. The transport arm 27 has a pair of protrusions that can be inserted into and removed from holes in the sample rack 100 that is placed on it. The pair of protrusions on the transport arm 27 can be raised and lowered. The pair of protrusions on the transport arm 27 can lift the sample rack 100 that is placed on a mounting surface from the mounting surface. The pair of protrusions on the transport arm 27 can hold the lifted sample rack 100 at a predetermined height. The pair of protrusions on the transport arm 27 can lower the held sample rack 100 onto a predetermined mounting surface. With the pair of protrusions inserted into the holes in the sample rack 100, the transport arm 27 transports the sample rack 100 in the same manner as a forklift carries a load. The holes in the sample rack 100 will be described later.

[0037] The transport arm 27 transports the sample rack 100 inserted into the rack insertion unit 16 to a reading position of the reading unit 19. The reading unit 19 reads identification information from the optical label of the sample rack 100 transported to the reading position. If the optical label is a barcode, the reading unit 19 is, for example, a barcode reader. The reading unit 19 outputs the read identification information, such as patient information, sample ID, test item, and sample identification information of the sample rack 100, such as a rack ID, to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. After the reading by the reading unit 19 is completed, the transport arm 27 transports the sample rack 100 from the reading position to the sampling lane 301. The transport arm 27 transports the sample rack 100 after sampling from the sampling lane 301 to the rack recovery unit 17.

[0038] 2, a rack temporary placement lane 302 and the above-mentioned sampling lane 301 are provided along the transport rail 5. For example, the rack temporary placement lane 302 is provided near the reading unit 19. For example, if the sample rack 100 read at the reading position by the reading unit 19 cannot be transported to the sampling lane 301 or the like, the transport arm 27 temporarily places the sample rack 100 after reading in the rack temporary placement lane 302.

[0039] 2, a rack standby buffer 20 is provided along the transport rail 5. For example, the rack standby buffer 20 is a lane for temporarily storing a retest sample rack, which is a sample rack 100 that holds sample containers to be retested. The retest sample rack is temporarily stored in the rack standby buffer 20 until sampling is performed for retesting. In this case, the transport arm 27 transports the retest sample rack from the sampling lane 301 to the rack standby buffer 20.

[0040] 2, a STAT insertion section 18 is provided along the transport rail 5. For example, the STAT insertion section 18 is a section into which a STAT rack (priority sample rack), which is a sample rack 100 that holds sample containers containing samples related to emergency specimen testing or priority measurements, is inserted. The transport arm 27 transports the STAT rack inserted into the STAT insertion section 18 to the reading position of the reading section 19, preferentially over the sample rack 100 inserted into the rack insertion section 16, and then transports it to the sampling lane 301.

[0041] Specifically, when a STAT rack is loaded into the STAT loading unit 18, the transport arm 27 immediately transports the STAT rack loaded into the STAT loading unit 18 from the STAT loading unit 18 to the reading position of the reading unit 19. When the reading unit 19 reads the identification information from the optical label provided on the sample container in the STAT rack, the transport arm 27 transports the STAT rack from the reading position of the reading unit 19 to the sampling lane 301. The transport arm 27 transports the STAT rack after sampling from the sampling lane 301 to the rack recovery unit 17. Note that if the sample contained in at least one sample container in the STAT rack is to be retested, the transport arm 27 transports the STAT rack from the sampling lane 301 to the rack standby buffer 20.

[0042] The rack recovery unit 17 has recovery lanes in which the sample racks 100 are recovered. In FIG. 2, two recovery lanes are shown as the rack recovery unit 17, but the number of recovery lanes may be one, or three or more. The rack recovery unit 17 moves the sample racks 100 arranged in the recovery lanes toward the removal position of the sample racks 100. The movement of the sample racks in the rack recovery unit 17 is achieved by, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0043] The analyzer 70 further includes a detergent bottle empty space 25. In Fig. 2, the detergent bottle empty space 25 is provided between the rack temporary placement lane 302 and the sampling lane 301. Detergent bottles are transported to the detergent bottle empty space 25. The detergent bottles and the detergent bottle empty space 25 will be described later.

[0044] Detergent is used in large quantities for cleaning various components, such as sampling probes and reagent dispensing probes. Therefore, if the detergent runs out during measurement, the measurement must be stopped and the detergent refilled or replaced. However, stopping the measurement results in a loss of time. Furthermore, increasing the capacity of the detergent storage unit or adding a mechanism to refill the detergent storage unit when the detergent runs out would require an increase in the size of the device.

[0045] Therefore, the automated analyzer 1 to which the detergent bottle according to this embodiment is applied is configured as follows to eliminate the need for an increased size of the analyzer and enable detergent to be used without stopping measurement. The detergent bottle according to this embodiment is a detergent bottle used in the automated analyzer 1 that measures a mixture of a sample and a reagent. It contains detergent for cleaning a probe and is transportable by a transport arm 27 that transports a sample rack 100 that holds a sample container containing the sample. For example, the detergent bottle according to this embodiment has the same structure as a sample rack that is provided to be transportable by a transport arm. Specifically, the detergent bottle according to this embodiment includes a storage section, an opening, and a hole. The storage section contains detergent for cleaning the probe. The opening is provided in the storage section, and a probe that aspirates the detergent stored in the storage section is inserted into the opening. The hole is provided so that the detergent can be transported by the transport arm 27, which can be inserted into and removed from a hole provided in the sample rack 100 that holds a sample container containing a sample. The hole is formed in the storage section at the same position as the hole in the sample rack 100.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the sample rack 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the sample rack 100 includes a main body 120 and a support 110 that supports the main body 120. The support 110 is provided with a notch 111 and slits 112 to 116 that allow a user to check the orientation of the sample rack 100 when placing the sample rack 100 in the rack loading section 16, for example. The slits 112 and 113 and the slits 114 to 116 are arranged with the notch 111 in between. The main body 120 is formed with a plurality of openings 121 and a plurality of holes 131 to 134, each capable of holding a plurality of sample containers 150 in a line. Of the plurality of holes 131, the holes 131 and 134 at both ends can be inserted and removed by a pair of protrusions of the transport arm 27. The transport arm 27 transports the sample rack 100 with the pair of protrusions inserted into the holes 131 and 134 of the sample rack 100.

[0047] As described above, the sample rack 100 is provided with an optical label (e.g., a barcode) including identification information (e.g., a rack ID) for identifying the sample rack 100. As shown in Fig. 3, an optical label 140 that can be read by the reading unit 19 is attached to the sample rack 100.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a detergent bottle 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the detergent bottle 200 has an outer shape similar to that of the sample rack 100 and includes a storage section 220 and a support section 210 that supports the storage section 220. The support section 210 is provided with, for example, a notch 211 and slits 212 to 216 that allow a user to check the orientation of the detergent bottle 200 when placing the detergent bottle 200 in the rack loading section 16. The slits 212 and 213 and the slits 214 to 216 are arranged with the notch 211 in between. The storage section 220 stores detergent 250 for cleaning probes such as sampling probes and reagent dispensing probes. An opening 221 is provided above the storage section 220, and a probe that aspirates the detergent 250 stored in the storage section 220 is inserted into the opening 221. A pair of holes 231 and 232 are formed in the storage section 220. In the detergent bottle 200, holes 231 and 232 are provided at the same positions as holes 131 and 134 in the sample rack 100, and can be inserted and removed freely by a pair of protrusions of the transport arm 27. In this way, the detergent bottle 200 has the same structure as that provided in the sample rack 100 so as to be transportable by the transport arm 27. The transport arm 27 transports the detergent bottle 200 with the pair of protrusions inserted into the holes 231 and 232 of the detergent bottle 200.

[0049] The detergent bottle 200 is provided with an optical label (e.g., a barcode) including identification information that allows identification that the detergent is contained therein. As shown in FIG. 4, an optical label 240 that can be read by the reading unit 19 is attached to the detergent bottle 200. For example, the identification information of the detergent bottle 200 includes information different from the identification information of the sample rack 100 so that the reading unit 19 can distinguish it from the identification information of the sample rack 100. Specifically, the identification information of the detergent bottle 200 includes information such as a detergent bottle ID and an expiration date of the detergent, which is different from the identification information of the sample rack 100 (rack ID, etc.). As a result, in this embodiment, the detergent bottle 200 can be managed using the ID and expiration date using identification information (barcode) in the same way as reagent bottles.

[0050] For example, since probes such as sampling probes and reagent dispensing probes are cleaned after each measurement, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 can grasp the amount of detergent used in the detergent storage units 23 and 24 and the amount of detergent used in the detergent storage units 6 in the reagent receptacles 2 and 3 according to the test item. In this case, the control function 32 determines that the detergent in each detergent storage unit is about to run low based on the test item and the number of tests, and controls the drive device 80.

[0051] Specifically, the control function 32 calculates the amount of detergent used in the detergent storage units 23, 24 and the amount of detergent used in the detergent storage units 6 in the reagent repositories 2, 3 from the test items and the number of tests, and predicts the amount of detergent to be stored in the detergent storage units 23, 24 and the amount of detergent to be stored in the detergent storage units 6 in the reagent repositories 2, 3 based on the calculation results. For example, if the amount of detergent stored in the detergent storage units 23, 24 is below a threshold, the control function 32 determines that the detergent in the detergent storage units 23, 24 is about to run short, and controls the drive device 80. For example, if the amount of detergent stored in the detergent storage units 6 in the reagent repositories 2, 3 is below a threshold, the control function 32 determines that the detergent in the detergent storage units 6 in the reagent repositories 2, 3 is about to run short, and controls the drive device 80.

[0052] The driving device 80 drives the transport arm 27 of the analyzer 70 under the control of the control function 32 to transport the detergent bottle 200 to a position described below.

[0053] For example, the detergent bottle 200 is placed in the rack input unit 16 as the detergent bottle 201 in Fig. 2. Specifically, the detergent bottle 201 is placed in the rack input unit 16 at a location away from the plurality of sample racks 100 on the rack input unit 16 so that the detergent in the detergent bottle 201 is replenished in each detergent storage unit after the inspection of the plurality of sample racks 100 placed in the rack input unit 16 is completed.

[0054] For example, the transport arm 27 is driven by the drive device 80 to transport the detergent bottle 201 placed in the rack loading section 16, and the detergent bottle 201 is placed in the sampling lane 301 as the detergent bottle 208 in FIG. 2. Here, the opening 221 of the detergent bottle 208 is positioned on the trajectory 21a of the sampling probe. That is, the transport arm 27 is driven by the drive device 80 to place the detergent bottle 208 on the trajectory 21a of the sampling probe.

[0055] For example, the transport arm 27 is driven by the drive device 80 to transport the detergent bottle 201 placed in the rack loading section 16, and the detergent bottle 201 is placed in the sampling lane 301 as the detergent bottle 209 in FIG. 2. Here, the opening 221 of the detergent bottle 209 is positioned on the trajectory 12a of the reagent dispensing probe. That is, the transport arm 27 is driven by the drive device 80 to place the detergent bottle 209 on the trajectory 12a of the reagent dispensing probe.

[0056] For example, the transport arm 27 is driven by the drive device 80 to transport the detergent bottle 201 placed in the rack loading section 16, and the detergent bottle 201 is placed in the empty detergent bottle space 25 as the detergent bottle 205 in FIG. 2. Here, the opening 221 of the detergent bottle 205 is positioned on the trajectory 10a of the reagent dispensing probe. That is, the transport arm 27 is driven by the drive device 80 to place the detergent bottle 205 on the trajectory 10a of the reagent dispensing probe. Note that the detergent bottles 203 and 204 in FIG. 2 are placed in the empty detergent bottle space 25 as spare detergent bottles 200. Here, when the detergent in the detergent bottle 205 runs out, the transport arm 27 is driven by the drive device 80 to place the detergent bottle 204 on the trajectory 10a of the reagent dispensing probe. Similarly, when the detergent bottle 204 runs out of detergent, the transport arm 27 is driven by the drive device 80 to place the detergent bottle 203 on the trajectory 10a of the reagent dispensing probe.

[0057] 2, the detergent bottle 200 may be placed in the STAT input unit 18, and the transport arm 27 may transport the detergent bottle 202 placed in the STAT input unit 18 and place it in the empty detergent bottle space 25 or the sampling lane 301. Alternatively, the detergent bottle 200 may be placed in the rack temporary storage lane 302, and the transport arm 27 may transport the detergent bottle 206 placed in the rack temporary storage lane 302 and place it in the empty detergent bottle space 25 or the sampling lane 301. Alternatively, the detergent bottle 200 may be placed in the rack standby buffer 20, and the transport arm 27 may transport the detergent bottle 207 placed in the rack standby buffer 20 and place it in the empty detergent bottle space 25 or the sampling lane 301. Alternatively, the detergent bottle 200 may be placed in the rack standby buffer 20, and the transport arm 27 may transport the detergent bottle 207 placed in the rack standby buffer 20 and place it in the empty detergent bottle space 25 or the sampling lane 301. Alternatively, the detergent bottle 200 may be placed in the rack recovery unit 17, and the detergent bottle 210 may be placed in the rack recovery unit 17, as long as the opening 221 of the detergent bottle 200 is located on the trajectory 21a of the sampling probe.

[0058] Next, the processing procedure of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the processing of the automatic analyzer 1 to which the detergent bottle 200 according to this embodiment is applied.

[0060] 5, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 determines that the detergent in each detergent storage unit is about to run low based on the test items and the number of tests. As described above, since probes such as the sampling probe and reagent dispensing probe are cleaned after each measurement, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 can determine the amount of detergent used in the detergent storage units 23 and 24 and the amount of detergent used in the detergent storage unit 6 in the reagent storage units 2 and 3 according to the test items.

[0061] 5, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 notifies the user with a screen that calls attention during measurement. For example, the control function 32 notifies the user by causing the output device 40 to output a screen that displays an attention such as "Please insert the detergent bottle into the sampler." In this case, the control function 32 does not stop the measurement but puts the device into a standby state, and the user places the detergent bottle 200 in the rack insertion unit 16 or the STAT insertion unit 18. For example, the placement of the detergent bottle 200 is determined by the user.

[0062] Next, a cleaning process is performed in step S103 of Fig. 5. The cleaning process includes the following steps: a sampling probe cleaning process (step S110), a reagent dispensing probe cleaning process (step S120), a stirrer cleaning process (step S130), and the like.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sampling probe cleaning process (step S110) as part of the cleaning process of FIG.

[0064] In step S111 of FIG. 6, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 determines whether or not the detergent in the detergent reservoirs 23, 24 is insufficient based on the test items and the number of tests.

[0065] Here, for example, if there is enough detergent in the detergent storage units 23, 24 (step S111; No), the control function 32 executes step S112 in Fig. 6. Specifically, in step S112, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80, and the drive device 80 drives the sampling arms 21, 22, the sampling probe, and the sampling pump under the control of the control function 32, thereby cleaning the sampling probe using detergent in the detergent storage units 23, 24 located on the trajectory 21a of the sampling probe.

[0066] On the other hand, if the detergent storage units 23, 24 are short of detergent (step S111; Yes), the control function 32 executes steps S113 to S115 in Fig. 6. Specifically, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 as follows.

[0067] 6, the drive device 80 drives the transport arm 27 under the control of the control function 32, thereby moving the detergent bottle 200 placed in the rack loading unit 16 or the STAT loading unit 18 to the sampling lane 301 as the detergent bottle 208 in FIG. 2. At this time, the drive device 80 drives the transport arm 27 to place the detergent bottle 208 on the trajectory 21a of the sampling probe.

[0068] In step S114 of FIG. 6, the driving device 80 drives the sampling arms 21, 22, the sampling probe, and the sampling pump under the control of the control function 32, thereby cleaning the sampling probe with the detergent in the detergent bottle 208.

[0069] 6, when the sampling probe is not in use, the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, drives the sampling arms 21, 22, the sampling probe, and the sampling pump, causing the sampling probe to suck up the maximum amount of detergent from the detergent bottle 208 and replenish the sucked detergent into the detergent storage units 23, 24. Here, under the control of the control function 32, the drive device 80 drives the transport arm 27, thereby moving the empty detergent bottle 208 that has run out of detergent to the rack recovery unit 17. The used detergent bottle 208 is recovered from the rack recovery unit 17.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the reagent dispensing probe washing process (step S120) as part of the washing process of FIG.

[0071] In step S121 of FIG. 7, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 determines whether or not the detergent in the detergent reservoir 6 in the reagent repository 2, 3 is insufficient based on the test items and the number of tests.

[0072] Here, for example, if there is enough detergent in the detergent storage units 6 in the reagent repositories 2 and 3 (Step S121; No), the control function 32 executes Step S122 in Fig. 7. Specifically, in Step S122, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80, and the drive device 80 drives the reagent dispensing arms 10-13, the reagent dispensing probe, and the reagent dispensing pump under the control of the control function 32, thereby cleaning the reagent dispensing probe using detergent in the detergent storage units 6 in the reagent repositories 2 and 3 located on the trajectories 10a-13a of the reagent dispensing probe.

[0073] On the other hand, for example, if the detergent storage section 6 in the reagent repository 2, 3 is short of detergent (step S121; Yes), the control function 32 executes steps S123 to S125 in Fig. 7. Specifically, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 as follows.

[0074] 7, the drive device 80 drives the transport arm 27 under the control of the control function 32, thereby moving the detergent bottles 200 placed in the rack loading unit 16 and the STAT loading unit 18 to the empty detergent bottle space 25 and the sampling lane 301 as the detergent bottles 205 and 209 in FIG. 2, respectively. At this time, the drive device 80 drives the transport arm 27 to place the detergent bottles 205 and 209 on the trajectories 10a and 12a of the reagent dispensing probe, respectively.

[0075] In step S124 of FIG. 7, the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, drives the reagent dispensing arms 10, 12, the reagent dispensing probe, and the reagent dispensing pump, thereby cleaning the reagent dispensing probe using the detergent in the detergent bottle 205 or the detergent bottle 209.

[0076] 7, when the reagent dispensing probe is not in use, the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, drives the reagent dispensing arms 10, 12, the reagent dispensing probe, and the reagent dispensing pump, causing the reagent dispensing probe to aspirate the maximum amount of detergent from the detergent bottles 205, 209 and replenish the aspirated detergent in the detergent storage unit 6 in the reagent repository 2, 3. Here, under the control of the control function 32, the drive device 80 drives the transport arm 27 to move the empty detergent bottles 205, 209 to the rack recovery unit 17. The used detergent bottles 205, 209 are recovered from the rack recovery unit 17.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the stirring bar cleaning process (step S130) as part of the cleaning process of FIG.

[0078] In step S131 of FIG. 8, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 determines whether or not the detergent in the detergent reservoir 6 in the reagent repository 2, 3 is insufficient based on the test items and the number of tests.

[0079] Here, for example, if there is enough detergent in the detergent storage units 6 in the reagent receptacles 2 and 3 (Step S131; No), the control function 32 executes Step S132 in FIG. 8. Specifically, in Step S132, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 as follows. Under the control of the control function 32, the drive device 80 drives the reagent dispensing arms 10-13, the reagent dispensing probe, and the reagent dispensing pump, thereby dispensing detergent from the detergent storage units 6 in the reagent receptacles 2 and 3 located on the trajectories 10a-13a of the reagent dispensing probe into the reaction vessels on the reaction disk 4 from the reagent dispensing probe. Then, under the control of the control function 32, the drive device 80 drives the reaction disk 4 and the agitators 7 and 8, thereby cleaning the stirrers of the agitators 7 and 8 with the detergent in the reaction vessels on the reaction disk 4.

[0080] On the other hand, for example, if the detergent storage section 6 in the reagent repository 2, 3 is short of detergent (step S131; Yes), the control function 32 executes steps S133 and S134 in Fig. 8. Specifically, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 as follows.

[0081] 8, the drive device 80 drives the transport arm 27 under the control of the control function 32, thereby moving the detergent bottles 200 placed in the rack loading unit 16 and the STAT loading unit 18 to the empty detergent bottle space 25 and the sampling lane 301 as the detergent bottles 205 and 209 shown in FIG. 2, respectively. At this time, the drive device 80 drives the transport arm 27 to place the detergent bottles 205 and 209 on the trajectories 10a and 12a of the reagent dispensing probe, respectively.

[0082] 8, when the reagent dispensing probe is not in use, the drive device 80 drives the reagent dispensing arms 10, 12, the reagent dispensing probe, and the reagent dispensing pump under the control of the control function 32, thereby dispensing detergent from the detergent bottles 205, 209 located on the trajectories 10a, 12a of the reagent dispensing probe from the reagent dispensing probe into the reaction vessels on the reaction disk 4. Then, the drive device 80 drives the reaction disk 4 and the agitators 7, 8 under the control of the control function 32, thereby cleaning the stirrers of the agitators 7, 8 with the detergent in the reaction vessels on the reaction disk 4.

[0083] In the process of FIG. 8, detergent is put into the reaction vessels of the reaction disk 4, so the reaction vessels can be washed to avoid carryover.

[0084] Furthermore, in the processes of FIGS. 5 to 8, it is determined whether or not the detergent in each detergent storage unit is about to run short during measurement, but this can also be applied at the start or end of measurement.

[0085] As explained above, in this embodiment, the detergent bottle 200 used in the automatic analyzer 1 that measures a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent can be transported by the transport arm 27. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the detergent runs out during measurement, the detergent can be replenished without stopping the measurement. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the measurement is not stopped, no loss of time occurs. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the detergent bottle 200 is transported by the transport arm 27, the user does not need to replenish or replace the detergent. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is no need to increase the capacity of the detergent storage unit, and there is no need to add a mechanism for refilling the detergent storage unit with detergent when the detergent runs out, so there is no need to increase the size of the device.

[0086] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to eliminate the need for an increased size of the device and to enable the detergent to be used without stopping the measurement.

[0087] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Automatic analyzer 27 Transfer arm 100 Sample Rack 131~134 holes 200 detergent bottles 220 Storage unit 221 Opening Holes 231 and 232 250 detergent

Claims

1. A transport arm that transports a sample rack that holds sample containers containing samples; a measuring unit that measures the mixture of the sample and the reagent dispensed by the probe; a detergent bottle containing a detergent for cleaning the probe and transported by the transport arm; a detergent reservoir disposed on the path of the probe and configured to contain a detergent; a control unit that, when there is enough detergent in the detergent storage unit, cleans the probe with the detergent in the detergent storage unit, and, when there is not enough detergent in the detergent storage unit, cleans the probe with the detergent in the detergent bottle that is placed on the trajectory of the probe by the transport arm; An automatic analyzer comprising:

2. The detergent bottle has the same structure as the structure provided in the sample rack so as to be transportable by the transport arm. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. The detergent bottle a storage section for storing the detergent; an opening provided in the housing portion and into which the probe is inserted; a hole formed in the storage unit at the same position as the hole of the sample rack; and a sample container that is transportable by the transport arm and can be inserted into and removed from a hole formed in a sample rack that holds a sample container containing the sample. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 , comprising:

4. The detergent bottle is provided with a label containing identification information that can be read by a reading unit that reads the identification information of the sample rack and that identifies the detergent contained therein. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The detergent bottle has an outer shape similar to the outer shape of the sample rack. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit causes the probe to suck the detergent from the detergent bottle when the probe is not in use, and causes the sucked detergent to be replenished in the detergent storage unit. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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