Drying method for reagent refrigerators

Abstract

To efficiently dry a reagent refrigerator.SOLUTION: A reagent refrigerator 1 includes a heat exchanger 121 that can switch between cooling and heating, a pipe 132 in which outside air flows inside a gap space S1 formed between a bottom surface of an inner wall 103 and a reagent disc 101 is installed, the pipe 132 is installed so as to pass over the heat exchanger 121, an end portion 132a of the pipe 132 from which the outside air is blown out is provided inside the gap space S1 formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall 103 and the reagent disc 101, and in a state where an opening / closing port 151 is closed, heating by the heat exchanger 121 allows warm air A41 to A45 having a temperature higher than a temperature inside the reagent refrigerator 1 to flow so as to go around the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for drying a reagent refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] An automatic analyzer is a device that automatically analyzes blood and other biological samples and outputs the results, and is an essential device in hospitals and medical examination facilities. In such an automatic analyzer, the reagents used in the reaction are dispensed into containers for each reagent, and these containers are arranged in the reagent installation section in the reagent refrigerator. Further, in order to stably store the reagents inside the reagent refrigerator, it is cooled to, for example, about 5 to 12°C.

[0003] In an automatic analyzer, generally, in order to suck the reagent from the reagent container installed in the reagent refrigerator, the reagent refrigerator is provided with a through hole for sucking the reagent. A technique for suppressing the occurrence of dew condensation caused by this is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the reagent refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, when the automated analyzer is stopped after shipment inspection or during long-term storage for field maintenance, the air introduced into the reagent refrigerator from the cold air intake path while the system is in operation may contain moisture. In such cases, condensation may occur inside the reagent refrigerator, and the resulting condensed water may accumulate on the bottom of the inner wall of the reagent refrigerator and remain there for a long time, so it is desirable to remove it. Therefore, generally, one method to remove the condensation is to open the inside of the reagent refrigerator to expose it to the outside air and allow it to air dry naturally, or to disassemble the automated analyzer and remove the condensation by manually wiping it. However, the former requires a long drying time, and it is difficult to visually confirm the complete removal of condensation from the bottom of the inner wall inside the reagent refrigerator. Furthermore, the latter carries the risk of missing or damaging parts when disassembling the automated analyzer.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to efficiently dry reagent refrigerators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for drying a reagent refrigerator having an insulating structure and storing a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents while keeping them cool, wherein the reagent refrigerator comprises a reagent disc forming a reagent container holding section which is a space for holding the reagent containers, an inner wall installed on the outside of the reagent disc at a predetermined distance from the reagent disc, a first lid that closes the upper part of the reagent disc and the inner wall, and a heat exchanger that can switch between cooling and heating, wherein the reagent disc has a hole in the bottom surface of the reagent container holding section and forms a space between it and the first lid, the first lid has a reagent suction hole which is a hole into which a reagent suction nozzle for aspirating the reagent is inserted, and the reagent refrigerator has The reagent cooler has an opening / closing lid for opening and closing an opening for inserting and removing the reagent container, and a plurality of heat exchangers are provided on the side opposite to the reagent disc with respect to the bottom surface of the inner wall, and a pipe is installed inside the space formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall and the reagent disc through which outside air flows, the pipe is installed so as to pass above the heat exchanger, and the end from which the outside air is released from the pipe is provided inside the space formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall and the reagent disc, and when the opening is closed, heating is performed by the heat exchanger so as to circulate hot air at a temperature higher than the temperature inside the reagent cooler. Other solutions will be described as appropriate in the embodiments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] It allows for efficient drying of reagent storage cabinets. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A plan view showing the overall configuration of the automated analyzer. [Figure 2] A vertical cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the reagent refrigerator in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A vertical cross-sectional view of a reagent cooler showing the flow of warm air in the first embodiment. [Figure 4]A horizontal cross-sectional view of a reagent cooler showing the flow of warm air in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the specific internal configuration of the reagent refrigerator as seen from the opening of the lid. [Figure 6] A vertical cross-sectional view of a reagent cooler showing the flow of warm air in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] A vertical cross-sectional view of a reagent cooler showing the flow of warm air in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] A plan view of a reagent cooler showing the flow of warm air in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] A horizontal cross-sectional view of the reagent cooler showing the flow of warm air in the third embodiment in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control device used in the first to fourth embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Next, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In this embodiment, a method for drying a reagent refrigerator will be described. The following describes the optimal embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <First Embodiment> [Automatic analyzer 200] First, with reference to Figure 1, the overall configuration of the automated analyzer 200 used in this embodiment will be briefly described. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the automated analyzer 200 used in this embodiment. The automated analyzer 200 is a device that reacts a sample with a reagent and measures the resulting reaction solution. The automatic analyzer 200 includes a reagent cold storage 1, a specimen dispensing unit 201, a reaction table 210, a reaction vessel transport unit 221, and a specimen dispensing chip / reaction vessel holding unit 222. Further, the automatic analyzer 200 includes a reagent dispensing unit 202, a reagent stirring unit 203, a processing unit 230, a detection unit 241, a rack transport line 250, a control device 301, and a temperature control device 302. Also, the automatic analyzer 200 is provided with a specimen dispensing chip disposal port 261.

[0012] In the process of analyzing a specimen (analysis process), the user places a reagent container T1 required for the analysis in the reagent cold storage 1. Note that, in order to remove droplets due to dew condensation generated in the reagent cold storage 1, in the process of drying the reagent cold storage 1 (drying process) performed in the present embodiment, the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer 200 is stopped, and the reagent container T1 has been removed from the reagent cold storage 1 by the user.

[0013] The rack transport line 250 is a line for transporting a rack 251 to a specimen dispensing position or the like. A plurality of specimen containers T2 in which specimens are dispensed can be placed on the rack 251. When the rack 251 arrives at the specimen dispensing position, the specimen dispensing unit 201 sucks the specimen dispensed in the specimen container T2 and discharges the specimen to a reaction vessel T3 installed on the reaction table 210.

[0014] The specimen dispensing chip / reaction vessel holding unit 222 stores a disposable specimen dispensing chip T4 used for specimen dispensing and a reaction vessel T3. In the example of FIG. 1, reaction vessels T3 are stored on the left side of the specimen dispensing chip / reaction vessel holding unit 222, and specimen dispensing chips T4 are stored on the right side. The reaction vessel transfer unit 221 transfers the reaction vessel T3 to the reaction vessel primary stock 222a, and further transfers the reaction vessel T3 from the reaction vessel primary stock 222a to the reaction table 210. Also, the sample dispensing chip T4 is transferred to the chip primary stock 222b by the reaction vessel transfer unit 221, and further transferred to the chip mounting unit 223. After the sample dispensing unit 201 mounts the sample dispensing chip T4 at the chip mounting unit 223, it aspirates and discharges the sample from the sample container T2 placed on the rack 251 to the reaction vessel T3 installed on the reaction table 210.

[0015] The reagent cold storage 1 stores the reagent container T1 in which the reagent is dispensed. As shown in FIG. 1, three reagent containers T1 are used as a set. During the analysis process, in order to store the reagent stably, the reagent is contained in the reagent container T1 and kept cold by the reagent cold storage 1. The reagent cold storage 1 has a reagent disk 101 which is a disk for storing the reagent container T1. Also, the reagent cold storage 1 has a heat insulation function in order to keep the inside of the storage at a constant temperature. The reagent container T1 can be accessed by the user when the opening / closing lid 152 provided on the lid 150 of the reagent cold storage 1 is opened by the user. Also, a reagent suction hole 153 which is a hole for reagent suction is provided in a part of the lid 150. Each component of the reagent cold storage 1 will be described separately later.

[0016] The reagent dispensing unit 202 aspirates the reagent contained in the reagent container T1 through the reagent suction hole 153 and discharges it to the reaction vessel T3. Each of the reagent containers T1 stored in the reagent disk 101 contains various assay reagents used for the analysis of the sample as the reagent.

[0017] The reaction table 210 is a disk for performing the reaction between the sample and the reagent at a constant temperature. Since the temperature of the reaction table 210 is maintained at a predetermined temperature by a heater (not shown), the reaction between the sample and the reagent is promoted. A plurality of reaction vessels T3 are held on the reaction table 210, which serves as a place for mixing and reacting the sample and the reagent.

[0018] The processing unit 230 performs pre-analysis processing of the sample by the detection unit 241. The reaction vessel T3, which has completed the reaction and is set on the reaction table 210, is transported to the processing unit 230 by the transport unit 231. Then, the reaction solution is removed from the reaction vessel T3 by the pre-treatment washing mechanism 232, with magnetic particles captured by magnets, and buffer solution is dispensed. Finally, the reaction vessel T3 is transported to the detection unit 241 by the transport unit 231.

[0019] The detection unit 241 detects components in the liquid after the reaction has been completed in the reaction vessel T3. The control device 301 controls various operations of each part of the automatic analyzer 200 and performs calculations to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the sample based on the detection results from the detection unit 241. In addition, a temperature control device 302 that controls the temperature of the reagent refrigerator 1 is connected to the control device 301.

[0020] Used sample dispensing tips T4 are disposed of in the sample dispensing tip disposal port 261.

[0021] <First Embodiment> Next, the reagent refrigerator 1 in the first embodiment will be described using Figures 2 to 5. Note that Figure 1 will be referred to as appropriate in the description of Figures 2 to 5. [Reagent Refrigerator 1] Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the reagent refrigerator 1 in the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reagent refrigerator 1 showing the flow of hot air in the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the reagent refrigerator 1 showing the flow of hot air in the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the specific internal configuration of the reagent refrigerator 1 as seen from the opening 151 of the opening / closing lid 152 in Figure 3. Figures 2 and 3 show the AA cross-sectional view in Figure 1, and Figure 4 shows the BB cross-sectional view in Figure 2. First, please refer to Figure 2 to explain the structure of the reagent refrigerator 1. As shown in Figure 2, the reagent refrigerator 1 has a reagent disk 101, an inner wall 103, and an insulating material 141. The reagent refrigerator 1 also has a motor 111 and a drive unit 112 as a rotational drive system. Furthermore, the reagent refrigerator 1 has a heat exchanger 121, a temperature sensor 122, a heat sink 123, a fan 124, and a duct 125 as a cooling system. Furthermore, the reagent refrigerator 1 has a drain 131, a pipe 132, and a blower 133 as a cooling system.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the reagent refrigerator 1 has an overall cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 2, a reagent disc 101 is installed inside the reagent refrigerator 1. The reagent disc 101 is formed to be circular in plan view. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the reagent disc 101 is formed to have a roughly U-shaped cross-section. That is, the cross-section of the reagent disc 101 is formed by a U-shaped member. The U-shaped part is formed so that the space faces upward (Z direction). A reagent container holding part 102 is formed in the space formed by the U-shaped part, in which the reagent container T1 (see Figure 1) is held. The shape of the reagent refrigerator 1 is arbitrary, but as shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment it is desirable to form it cylindrical so that the distance from the inner wall 103 of the reagent refrigerator 1 on the same circle is equal. Multiple reagent containers T1 are held radially along the circumferential direction inside the reagent refrigerator 1 by the reagent container holding part 102 (see Figure 1). Furthermore, an inner wall 103 is installed around the reagent container holder 102 so as to cover the bottom, inside, and outside of the reagent container holder 102. A predetermined distance is provided between the inner wall 103 and the reagent container holder 102. In addition, an opening 104 is provided on the bottom surface of the reagent disc 101. The opening 104 will be described later.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a gap space S1 is formed between the bottom surface of the reagent disc 101 and the bottom surface of the inner wall 103. In addition, gap spaces S2 and S4 are formed between the side surface of the reagent disc 101 and the side surface of the inner wall 103.

[0024] (Rotating drive system) Furthermore, the reagent disk 101 is connected to the central axis 171 (not shown). The central axis 171 has a cylindrical or conical shape and is installed in the center of the reagent refrigerator 1. During the analysis process, a motor 111 located outside the reagent refrigerator 1 rotates around the rotation axis C2, and the rotation of the motor 111 is transmitted to the reagent disk 101 via the drive unit 112. This causes the reagent disk 101 to rotate around the rotation axis C1.

[0025] (cooling system) As mentioned above, the reagent refrigerator 1 comprises a heat exchanger 121, a temperature sensor 122, a heat sink 123, a fan 124, a duct 125, a drain 131, a pipe 132, and a blower 133, which constitute the cooling system. The cooling system cools the reagents (reagent container T1 (see Figure 1)) during the analysis process. The cooling system is temperature-controlled by a temperature control device 302. Specifically, the temperature control device 302 controls the operation of the heat exchanger 121 and the fan 124 to manage the temperature of the reagent refrigerator 1. Incidentally, as shown in Figure 4, multiple heat exchangers 121 (four in the example of Figure 4) are provided in the circumferential direction of the inner wall 103. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the pipe 132 is provided to pass over all of the installed heat exchangers 121. Details of the cooling system will be described later. Also, in Figures 2 and 3, the outlet position of the pipe 132 has been shifted compared to Figure 4 for easier viewing. Furthermore, in Figure 3, the diameter of the drain 131 is shown larger for easier viewing.

[0026] (Insulated structure) As shown in Figure 2, an insulating material 141 is provided around the inner wall 103. The reagent refrigerator 1 is insulated by the insulating material 141, and the structure is such that heat inside the reagent refrigerator 1 does not easily escape to the outside. It is desirable that the insulating material 141 be made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as expanded polystyrene or expanded polyurethane.

[0027] (lid 150) Furthermore, the top of the reagent disc 101 is provided with a lid 150. The lid 150 is also provided with an opening 151, which can be opened and closed by an opening lid 152. The user opens the opening lid 152 and replaces the reagent container T1 (see Figure 1) through the opening 151. The lid 150 and the opening lid 152 are made of the same insulating material as the insulating material 141, and are configured to prevent heat from escaping from inside the reagent cooler 1 to the outside.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, a reagent suction port 153 is formed in the lid 150, and the outside air and the inside of the reagent cooler 1 are in communication through the reagent suction port 153. That is, the lid 150 has a reagent suction port 153 through which the reagent dispensing nozzle 202a provided in the reagent dispensing unit 202 can pass. The inside and outside of the reagent cooler 1 are in communication through the reagent suction port 153. When the reagent dispensing nozzle 202a is inserted into the reagent suction port 153, the reagent dispensing unit 202 draws reagent from the reagent container T1 installed in the reagent container holding unit 102. In the examples shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, there are three reagent suction ports 153, but the number of reagent suction ports 153 is not limited to three. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a gap space S3 is formed between the lid 150 and the reagent disc 101.

[0029] (Structure of reagent disk 101) The reagent disc 101 has a first surface 101A aligned vertically (Z direction) and a second surface 101B perpendicular to the first surface 101A (aligned horizontally (X direction)). Here, as shown in Figure 2, the second surface 101B constitutes a part of the reagent container holding portion 102. As shown in Figure 5, each reagent container holder 102 is separated by a partition 106 provided on the reagent disk 101. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the reagent disc 101 has a recess 105 formed in the upper part of the partition 106 that separates the reagent container holding part 102. As shown in Figure 5, the recess 105 is configured to be connected in an annular shape on the upper surface of the reagent disc 101. In the example shown in Figure 5, the recess 105 has a U-shaped stepped shape, but it is not limited to this, and the recess 105 may have a shape that is approximately semicircular or approximately semielliptical. Note that the upper part of the reagent disc 101 is the part that faces the lid 150.

[0030] (Drying process) Next, the drying process will be explained, mainly with reference to Figures 3 and 4, and as appropriate to Figures 2 and 5. As mentioned above, Figure 3 is Figure 2 with the addition of airflow. Therefore, in Figure 3, each component of the reagent cooler 1 is the same as in Figure 2, and components identical to those in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals (however, the gap spaces S1 to S4 are omitted in Figure 3). In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a method for drying the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 is proposed, which involves allowing warm air to flow into the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 from the opening 151 (arrow A1) to dry the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1.

[0031] During the drying process, the analysis operation of the automated analyzer 200 is stopped, and the reagent container T1 (see Figure 1) is removed. Then, the user opens the lid 152, and warm air is introduced into the reagent cooler 1 from the outside through the opening 151 (arrow A1). The warm air is, for example, around 40°C, but is not limited to this temperature. Then, as shown in Figure 3, the hot air is blown so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction of the reagent disk 101.

[0032] The warm air introduced into the reagent refrigerator 1 is air that is warmer than the outside air and is generated from outside the reagent refrigerator 1 by a heating device (not shown), such as a heater, and is preferably dry air with low humidity. For example, the warm air can be introduced into the reagent refrigerator 1 by inserting the other end of a hose (not shown), one end of which is connected to a heating device (not shown), into the opening 151.

[0033] To elaborate, the warm air (arrow A1) is preferably at a temperature higher than the internal temperature of the reagent cooler 1. Furthermore, the warm air (arrow A1) is preferably at a dew point temperature such that it does not condense when cooled by being introduced into the reagent cooler 1; however, any warm air capable of drying the inside of the reagent cooler 1 is acceptable.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the warm air strikes point P1 where the first surface 101A and the second surface 101B intersect. As a result, airflow is formed that branches in two directions relative to the reagent cooler 1: horizontal (x direction) and vertical (z direction). Of the two branching airflows, the airflow flowing along the first surface 101A (warm air) is indicated by arrow A2. The airflow flowing along the second surface 101B (warm air) is indicated by arrow A3.

[0035] The warm air (arrow A2) flowing along the wall surface of the first surface 101A, which is oriented vertically, flows toward the bottom surface of the reagent container holder 102. Most of it then passes through the opening 104 and reaches the bottom surface of the inner wall 103. The warm air that reaches the bottom surface of the inner wall 103 then branches into two streams along the bottom surface of the inner wall 103: one flowing clockwise (arrow A21) and the other flowing counterclockwise (arrow A21), as shown in Figure 4, through the gap space S1 (see Figure 2). The warm air flows toward the direction of lower fluid resistance, but in this case, there is not much difference in fluid parallelism between the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, so it branches so that approximately equal amounts flow in both directions. That is, the warm air (arrow A21) flows in a circular motion along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 103. In addition, some of the warm air rises through the gap space S2 as shown by arrow A22, and some rise through the gap space S4 as shown by arrow A24. Furthermore, the hot air indicated by arrow A24 passes around the central axis 171 and then merges with the hot air indicated by arrow A3 through the gap between the members.

[0036] Furthermore, the rising airflow indicated by arrow A22 in Figure 3 rises towards the opening 151, and although some of it leaks out of the reagent cooler 1 through the opening 151, the majority of it merges with the warm air indicated by arrow A3, which will be described later. The flow of warm air indicated by arrows A22, A23, and A24 allows the sides of the reagent cooler 1 to be heated uniformly.

[0037] The warm air (arrow A21) flowing circumferentially along the inner wall 103 in the gap space S1 diffuses and heats the entire bottom surface of the reagent disc 101 and the bottom surface of the inner wall 103 (see Figure 4). As a result, the lower space of the reagent cooler 1 is heated uniformly.

[0038] Furthermore, the heated air becomes less dense and lighter, creating an upward airflow (upward airflow) relative to the vertical direction of the inner wall 103. Consequently, an upward airflow is also generated in the warm air flowing through the gap space S1 (arrow A21), and this upward airflow rises through the opening 104 inside the reagent container holding section 102, as well as through the gap spaces S2 and S4 (arrows A22-A24). This upward airflow uniformly heats the sides of the reagent disc 101 and the inner wall 103. Incidentally, of the warm air indicated by arrow A23, the warm air rising through the gap space S4 passes around the central axis 171 and then merges with the warm air indicated by arrow A3 through the gap between the members.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the warm air (arrow A3) flowing along the second surface 101B, which is horizontal to the reagent cooler 1, forms a circumferential airflow in the gap space S3 (see Figure 2). The warm air (arrow A3) flowing through the gap space S3 diffuses circumferentially, heating the entire top surface of the reagent disc 101 and the bottom surface of the lid 150. As a result, the upper space of the reagent cooler 1 can be heated uniformly.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when the second surface 101B forms a recess 105, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap space S3 can be increased by the recess 105. Of the warm air flowing through the gap space S3 (arrow A3), the warm air flowing through the recess 105 (arrow A31 in Figure 5) flows through the annular space formed by the recess 105. Therefore, the warm air indicated by arrow A31 can circulate around the annular space formed by the recess 105 without obstructing the circumferential airflow. As a result, the heating effect can be enhanced. Note that the warm air indicated by arrow A3 is divided into clockwise and counterclockwise airflows, but only the clockwise airflow is shown in Figure 5. It is desirable that the recess 105 be provided with a cross-sectional area that allows as much of the airflow indicated by arrow A31 as possible to flow through.

[0041] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 3. As mentioned above, heated air has a lower density and is lighter, so an upward airflow is formed in the warm air indicated by arrow A3. Therefore, when the warm air indicated by arrow A3 reaches the reagent suction port 153, it is released to the outside from this reagent suction port 153 (arrow A32).

[0042] Furthermore, as described above, the warm air flowing along the bottom of the inner wall 103 (arrow A21) also flows circumferentially along the bottom surface of the inner wall 103, and rises through the gap space S2 (see Figure 2), gap space S4, and the inside of the reagent container holding section 102 due to the rising airflow (arrow A23). Of the warm air indicated by arrow A23, the warm air rising through the gap space S2 and the reagent container holding section 102 merges as indicated by arrow A3, and is ultimately discharged to the outside through the reagent suction hole 153 (arrow A32).

[0043] Thus, according to the first embodiment, the inside (top, bottom, and sides) of the reagent refrigerator 1 can be easily and uniformly heated without disassembling the reagent refrigerator 1. This reduces the relative humidity inside the reagent refrigerator 1, allowing the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 to become dry in a short time. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently and evenly remove droplets caused by condensation during cooling from the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the drying method for the reagent refrigerator 1 is performed after the shipping inspection, that is, while the automatic analyzer 200 is being used by the user, and when the automatic analyzer 200 is stopped, that is, when the power supply to the automatic analyzer 200 is stopped. In other words, according to this embodiment, the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 can be dried even without power supply to the automatic analyzer 200. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the drying of the reagent refrigerator 1 can be performed efficiently without changing the configuration of the existing reagent refrigerator 1.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 is heated with hot air, the temperature of the inner wall 103 can be made uniform in both the vertical and horizontal directions by the circulating hot air. This makes it easier to equalize the temperature distribution inside the reagent refrigerator 1. For this reason, it is desirable to use a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, for the material of the inner wall 103.

[0046] When the inventor allowed the reagent refrigerator 1 to air dry with the opening 151 open, approximately 80% of the droplets caused by the experimentally simulated condensation were removed in 21 hours. In contrast, when the drying method shown in the first embodiment was performed, almost all of the droplets caused by the experimentally simulated condensation were removed 45 minutes after introducing warm air into the reagent refrigerator 1. Thus, the inventor was able to confirm a significant improvement in the efficiency of removing droplets caused by condensation using this embodiment.

[0047] <Second Embodiment> Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reagent cooler 1 showing the flow of hot air in the second embodiment. Figure 6, like Figures 2 and 3, shows the AA cross-sectional view of Figure 1. In Figure 6, components similar to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. In the second embodiment, first, the opening 151 is open. Then, a hot air blowing lid 160, which is provided separately from the reagent cooler 1, is installed on the opening 151. The hot air blowing lid 160 is provided with a through hole 161 that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction of the reagent disc 101. For example, one end of a hose (not shown) connected to a heating device (not shown) such as a heater is set at the top of a through-hole 161 provided in the hot air blowing lid 160. This allows hot air to be introduced into the reagent cooler 1 through the through-hole 161 (arrow A1). The airflow of the hot air after introduction is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted here. It is desirable that the hot air blowing lid 160 is constructed to have an insulating structure using the same material as the insulating material 141.

[0048] The effects of the automatic analyzer 200 in the second embodiment will now be described. As described above, the hot air introduced from the outside is blown into the reagent refrigerator 1 through the through hole 161 provided in the hot air blowing lid 160 (arrow A1). At this time, by installing the hot air blowing lid 160 over the open opening 151, the opening area of ​​the opening 151 can be reduced. This prevents outside air other than hot air from entering the reagent refrigerator 1. Furthermore, because the opening area of ​​the opening 151 can be reduced by the hot air blowing lid 160, it is possible to prevent the hot air introduced into the reagent refrigerator 1 from leaking from the inside to the outside. In other words, the airtightness of the reagent refrigerator 1 can be improved, and drying can be performed more efficiently in a shorter time than in the first embodiment.

[0049] Furthermore, by pre-setting the inclination angle of the through-hole 161 to an appropriate angle, it becomes possible to direct the hot air to the area P1 where the first surface 101A and the second surface 101B of the reagent disc 101 intersect without any fine adjustments. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, after the shipping inspection, that is, while the automatic analyzer 200 is being used by the user, the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 can be dried even when the automatic analyzer 200 is stopped and there is no power supply to the automatic analyzer 200.

[0050] In the first and second embodiments, the introduced hot air (arrow A1 in Figures 3 and 6) is introduced toward the central axis 171, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may be introduced toward the circumferential direction of the reagent cooler 1 at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0051] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2, 7, and 8. In the third embodiment, a method for drying the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 is provided by repurposing the structure used for cooling the reagent refrigerator 1 as a structure for heating. Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reagent cooler 1 showing the flow of hot air in the third embodiment. Figure 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the reagent cooler 1 showing the flow of hot air in the third embodiment. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 1, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view BB of Figure 7. In Figures 7 and 8, components similar to those in Figures 3 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0052] In the third embodiment, the drying process of the reagent refrigerator 1 is carried out with the opening / closing lid 152 of the reagent refrigerator 1 closed. Also, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, a plurality of heat exchangers 121a to 121d (121) are installed circumferentially on the underside of the bottom surface of the inner wall 103. Note that in Figure 7, the heat exchanger 121 is only present on the right side of the page, but for convenience, the heat exchanger 121 is omitted from the illustration on the left side of the page in order to explain the structure of the drain 131 and pipe 132. One end of the pipe 132 is connected to the blower 133. The drain 131 is provided so that the gap space S1 (see Figure 2) and the outside of the reagent refrigerator 1 are in communication. The pipe 132 is installed inside the drain 131 and is drawn from the outside to the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1. The drain 131 opens at the bottom of the inner wall 103 (upper opening 131a). As will be described later, water droplets due to cooling are discharged from the pipe outlet 132a, which is the end of the pipe 132. The drain 131 has the function of discharging the water droplets discharged from the pipe outlet 132a to the outside of the reagent refrigerator 1. Also, in Figure 7, the position of the pipe outlet 132a has been shifted compared to Figure 8 for easier viewing.

[0053] Furthermore, as described above, as shown in Figure 7, pipe 132 is installed inside drain 131, allowing it to penetrate the bottom surface of inner wall 103 from the area where heat exchanger 121 is not installed and enter the reagent refrigerator 1. In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the path of pipe 132 is installed on the bottom surface of inner wall 103 so as to encircle the central axis 171 of reagent disk 101. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, pipe 132 passes over all heat exchangers 121a to 121d.

[0054] In particular, when the pipe 132 is drawn into the reagent refrigerator 1, it passes through the inner diameter side of the drain 131, which has the advantage of eliminating the need to create another hole in the inner wall 103. In other words, by making the outlet for water droplets discharged from the pipe outlet 132a and the inlet for outside air the same hole, the number of holes connecting the inside and outside of the reagent refrigerator 1 can be reduced. This improves the airtightness of the reagent refrigerator 1. Furthermore, the drainage of water droplets discharged from the pipe outlet 132a and the introduction of outside air can be done through the same hole. The installation of the pipe 132 will be explained later.

[0055] (Regarding the cooling and heating of the inner wall 103) As shown in Figure 7, the temperature of each of the multiple heat exchangers 121 is measured by a temperature sensor 122 installed near each heat exchanger 121. The temperature control device 302 shown in Figure 7 adjusts the temperature of each heat exchanger 121 to a preset temperature based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 122. During the analysis process, the temperature of the heat exchangers 121 is set low, that is, the heat exchangers 121 are used as coolers, and the inside of the reagent cooler 1 is cooled. At this time, the inner wall 103 is directly cooled by the heat exchangers 121 installed on the outside of the inner wall 103. As will be described later, cooling is also performed using pipes 132 during the cooling process.

[0056] On the other hand, during the drying process, the inner wall 103 is heated. At this time, the temperature of the heat exchanger 121 is set high, so that the heated inner wall 103 heats the inner wall 103 of the reagent refrigerator 1. In other words, the cooling and heating of the inner wall 103 can be switched by changing the set temperature of the heat exchanger 121 in advance according to the application. In other words, the heat exchanger 121, which is used as a cooler during the analysis process, is repurposed as a heater when drying the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1. The heat exchanger 121 is a type that absorbs heat from one side and releases heat from the other side when an electric current is applied, such as a Peltier element. Also, as will be described later, during the drying process, the pipe 132 is heated by the heat exchanger 121, so warm air is released from the pipe 132.

[0057] In other words, during the sample analysis process, the heat exchanger 121 absorbs heat from inside the reagent refrigerator 1 and releases it to the outside, thereby functioning as a cooler to cool the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1. Then, during the drying process, the heat exchanger 121 absorbs heat from outside the reagent refrigerator 1 and releases it to the inside, thereby functioning as a warmer to heat the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1. In each heat exchanger 121, as shown in Figure 7, a heat sink 123 is attached to the side opposite to the inner wall 103, forming an expanded heat transfer surface. A fan 124 is also formed near the heat sink 123. During cooling, the heat from the heat sink 123 is exhausted into the duct 125 by forced convection caused by the fan 124. The duct 125 is a flow path leading to the outside of the automatic analyzer 200.

[0058] (Pipe 132) As described above, the pipe 132 penetrates the insulation material 141 and the inner wall 103 of the reagent refrigerator 1 and is introduced into the reagent refrigerator 1 from the outside (see Figure 7). Then, as described above, it is piped in a substantially circular shape along the bottom surface of the inner wall 103 of the reagent refrigerator 1 (see Figure 8). As shown in Figure 8, the pipe outlet 132a located at the end of the pipe 132 is formed toward the upper opening 131a, which is one end of the drain 131. Alternatively, the vertical projection of the pipe outlet 132a may be located within the range of the upper opening 131a of the drain 131. In other words, the pipe outlet 132a may be located above the upper opening 131a of the drain 131.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, outside air is supplied to pipe 132 by blower 133. The outside air introduced into the reagent refrigerator 1 circulates inside pipe 132 and is blown out from pipe outlet 132a. During cooling in the analysis process, heat exchangers 121 are used as coolers, so the outside air circulating inside pipe 132 is cooled by each heat exchanger 121 (121a to 121d). Specifically, the outside air circulating in pipe 132 is cooled via the inner wall 103 which is cooled by each heat exchanger 121. As a result, cold air is blown out from pipe outlet 132a. At the same time, water droplets due to condensation generated inside pipe 132 during the cooling process described later are also drained from pipe outlet 132a. As mentioned above, the drained water droplets are discharged to the outside of reagent refrigerator 1 via drain 131 (see Figure 7). The inside of the reagent cooler 1 is cooled by the cold air blown out from the pipe 132 and the inner wall 103 which is cooled by the heat exchanger 121.

[0060] Furthermore, the drying of the reagent cooler 1 using pipe 132 during the drying process will be described later. In this way, the pipe 132 is directly attached to the bottom surface of the inner wall 103, so that it is cooled during the analysis process and heated during the drying process.

[0061] For example, a diaphragm pump, centrifugal fan, or piezo fan can be used as the blower 133. Furthermore, it is desirable to install a filter (not shown) before introducing outside air to prevent dust and bacteria from entering the reagent refrigerator 1. The filter is generally installed on the blower 133.

[0062] (Drying by pipe 132) The drying process in the third embodiment will be described. In the drying process, outside air introduced into pipe 132 by blower 133 circulates inside pipe 132 laid on the bottom surface of inner wall 103 (dotted line A40 in Figure 8). As the outside air passes through pipe 132, it is sufficiently heated by each heat exchanger 121 (21a to 121d) (see Figure 8). Specifically, the outside air circulating through pipe 132 is heated via the inner wall 103 heated by each heat exchanger 121. As a result, the outside air discharged from pipe outlet 132a becomes warm air. That is, dry air with reduced relative humidity is released from pipe outlet 132a into gap space S1 (see Figure 2). The warm air released into gap space S1 (see Figure 2) forms a circumferential airflow within gap space S1 (see Figure 2) (arrow A41 in Figures 7 and 8). The inside of the reagent cooler 1 is heated by the warm air blown out from the pipe 132 and the inner wall 103 which is heated by the heat exchanger 121.

[0063] The warm air flowing through the gap space S1 (see Figure 2) (arrow A41 in Figures 7 and 8) diffuses circumferentially, heating the entire bottom surface of the reagent disc 101 and the bottom surface of the inner wall 103. This allows the lower part of the reagent cooler 1 to be heated uniformly. As the heated air becomes less dense and lighter, an upward airflow (upward airflow) is formed relative to the vertical direction of the inner wall 103 (arrows A42 and A45 in Figure 7). This upward airflow allows the sides of the reagent cooler 1 to be heated uniformly. As shown in Figure 7, a portion of the upward airflow indicated by arrow A42 passes through the opening 104 in the bottom surface of the reagent container holder 102 and reaches the top of the reagent cooler 1 via the reagent container holder 102. Alternatively, the remainder of the upward airflow indicated by arrow A42 passes through the gap space S2 (see Figure 2) and reaches the top of the reagent cooler 1. The warm air that reaches the top of the reagent cooler 1 flows along the second surface 101B of the reagent disc 101, which is aligned horizontally (arrow A43 in Figure 7). The warm air flowing along the second surface 101B (arrow A43 in Figure 7) then diffuses in the gap space S3 (see Figure 2) and circulates around the circumference of the reagent cooler 1. As a result, the entire top surface of the reagent disc 101 and the bottom surface of the lid 150 are heated uniformly. This allows the top of the reagent cooler 1 to be heated uniformly. The warm air indicated by arrow A45 passes around the central axis 171 and then merges with the warm air indicated by arrow A43 through the gap between the components.

[0064] Subsequently, the warm air flowing along the second surface 101B (arrow A43 in Figure 7) is released to the outside through the reagent suction port 153 (arrow A44 in Figure 7). In addition, any warm air indicated by arrow A42 that does not merge with the warm air indicated by arrow A43 is also released to the outside through the reagent suction port 153 (arrow A44 in Figure 7).

[0065] In addition to heating by the hot air discharged from the pipe 132, the droplets are also dried by the direct heating of the bottom of the inner wall 103 by the heat exchanger 121, as described above.

[0066] Furthermore, as the length of the pipe 132 increases, the pressure loss increases. Therefore, it is desirable that the blower 133 that introduces outside air into the pipe 132 is capable of blowing air even in environments where the pressure loss of the pipe 132 is high. In addition, it is desirable that the flow rate of outside air introduced into the reagent refrigerator 1 be greater than or equal to the amount of outside air that enters the reagent refrigerator 1 through the reagent suction port 153 during the analysis process, or greater than the amount of outside air that leaks to the outside of the reagent refrigerator 1 through the reagent suction port 153. In other words, the blower 133 has an airflow rate sufficient to allow the introduced outside air to pass through the pipe 132 and then escape to the outside through the reagent suction port 153.

[0067] However, in order to reduce the amount of heat lost due to the introduction of outside air and to improve the heat exchange efficiency, it is desirable not to increase the amount of outside air introduced more than necessary. In other words, if the flow rate of outside air circulating inside the pipe 132 is large, the efficiency of heat exchange (cooling, heating) by the heat exchanger 121 will decrease. Therefore, the flow rate of the blower 133 is adjusted so that the flow rate is sufficient for proper heat exchange by the heat exchanger 121.

[0068] The cross-sectional shape of pipe 132 is deformable; for example, it can be rectangular, circular, or trapezoidal. Furthermore, there is no need for only one pipe 132; for example, multiple pipes 132 may be installed, or there may be multiple pipe outlets 132a for a single pipe 132. Having multiple pipe outlets 132a for a single pipe 132 means that a single pipe 132 branches out midway, resulting in multiple pipe outlets 132a. It is desirable that the material of pipe 132 be a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. This improves the efficiency of cooling or heating pipe 132 by the heat exchanger 121 via the inner wall 103.

[0069] As described above, by uniformly heating the top, sides, and bottom of the reagent refrigerator 1, the relative humidity inside the reagent refrigerator 1 can be reduced. This allows the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 to be dried in a short time. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently remove droplets caused by condensation. In particular, in the third embodiment, the configuration used as a cooling system in the analysis process is used as a heating system in the drying process. This allows the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 to be dried without the need to provide a separate drying device. It is desirable that the outside air introduced by the blower 133 be dry air with as little humidity as possible. Furthermore, drying can be further promoted by setting the temperature of the heat exchanger 121 to a high temperature. Moreover, in the third embodiment, the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 can be dried without disassembling the automatic analyzer 200, especially during long-term storage in field maintenance, and without introducing hot air from a heating device provided outside the reagent refrigerator 1, as in the first and second embodiments.

[0070] Furthermore, the warm air from the heat exchanger 121 is preferably at a temperature higher than the internal temperature of the reagent refrigerator 1. Ideally, the warm air should have a dew point temperature such that it does not condense when cooled by being introduced into the reagent refrigerator 1, but any warm air capable of drying the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 is acceptable.

[0071] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the reagent cooler 1 in the fourth embodiment, showing the flow of hot air in the third embodiment. Note that Figure 9 corresponds to the BB cross-section in Figure 7. In Figure 9, components similar to those in Figure 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the parts that differ from the reagent cooler 1 of the third embodiment are explained, while the explanation of overlapping parts is omitted. In the fourth embodiment, in the reagent refrigerator 1, the downstream pipe outlet 132a of the pipe 132 is located near the heat exchanger 121a. In the example shown in Figure 9, the pipe outlet 132a is located near the heat exchanger 121a, but the pipe outlet 132a may be located near any of the heat exchangers 121b to 121d.

[0072] Furthermore, during the analysis process, the temperature of heat exchanger 121a is set lower than that of the other heat exchangers 121b to 121d. Also, during the analysis process, the outside air (cold air) discharged from pipe outlet 132a first passes over the top of heat exchanger 121a. As a result, the outside air (cold air) discharged from pipe outlet 132a is cooled more than the surface of the inner wall 103 above the other heat exchangers 121b to 121d before diffusing into the inside of the reagent cooler 1. In other words, the surface temperature of the inner wall 103 located above heat exchanger 121a and the air are lower than the surface temperature of the inner wall 103 located above heat exchangers 121b to 121d. Consequently, the area where condensation occurs can be limited and narrowed to the area around the top of heat exchanger 121a.

[0073] On the other hand, in the drying process, similar to the third embodiment, the outside air introduced into the pipe 132 by the blower 133 (see Figure 7) passes over the heat exchangers 121b to 121d and is discharged as warm air from the pipe outlet 132a. In this case, each of the heat exchangers 121a to 121d is heated to the same degree. As mentioned above, condensation is concentrated on the inner wall 103 around the location where the heat exchanger 121a is installed. Therefore, the warm air (arrow A51) discharged from the pipe outlet 132a and the heat from the heat exchanger 121a on the inner wall 103 can actively dry the condensation that has formed around the heat exchanger 121a. The warm air (arrow A51) discharged from the pipe outlet 132a becomes an airflow similar to that of the third embodiment and circulates inside the reagent refrigerator 1. In addition, the heat exchanger 121a heats the inner wall 103, which helps to dry out any condensation droplets that have formed on the inner wall 103.

[0074] Furthermore, in the drying process, by setting the temperature of heat exchanger 121a higher than that of the other heat exchangers 121b to 121d, droplet removal by drying can be performed more efficiently in a shorter time. In addition, according to the fourth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the inside of the reagent refrigerator 1 can be dried without disassembling the automatic analyzer 200 during long-term storage in field maintenance, and without introducing hot air from an external heating device.

[0075] In the fourth embodiment, a similar effect can be obtained by making the distance in the thickness direction between the periphery of the mounting surface of the heat exchanger 121a and the bottom surface of the inner wall 103 shorter compared to the installation parts of the other heat exchangers 121b to 121d. In other words, the heat exchanger 121a may be installed closer to the bottom surface of the inner wall 103 compared to the other heat exchangers 121b to 121d. By doing so, in the analysis process, the same effect as the structure shown in Figure 9 can be achieved without setting the heat exchanger 121a to a lower temperature compared to the other heat exchangers 121b to 121d.

[0076] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, a cover may be attached to the inner wall 103 from the pipe outlet 132a to the upper part of the heat exchanger 121a. This configuration makes it possible to further limit the area where condensation occurs and to remove droplets efficiently during the drying process.

[0077] Furthermore, in the third and fourth embodiments, the inner wall 103 may be provided with a slope toward the upper opening 131a. By doing so, droplets generated by condensation during cooling can be directed toward the drain 131, thereby efficiently removing the droplets.

[0078] <Hardware configuration diagram of control device 301> Figure 10 shows the hardware configuration of the control device 301 used in the first to fourth embodiments. Refer to Figure 1 as appropriate. The control device 301 is composed of a PC (Personal Computer) or the like and has a memory 311, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 312, and a storage device 313 composed of an HD (Hard Disk) or SSD (Solid State Drive). Furthermore, the control device 301 has an input device 314 such as a keyboard or mouse, an output device 315 such as a display, and a communication device 316. The communication device 316 receives temperature information from the temperature control device 302 (see Figure 1) to the reagent refrigerator 1 (see Figure 1) and transmits control signals to control various parts of the automatic analyzer 200.

[0079] The memory device 313 stores a program. This program is loaded into memory 311, and the loaded program is executed by the CPU 312, thereby realizing functions for controlling various parts of the automatic analyzer 200 and calculating the detection results from the automatic analyzer 200.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0081] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, parts, storage device 313, etc., may be implemented in hardware, either partially or entirely, by designing them as integrated circuits, for example. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, etc., may be implemented in software by having a processor such as a CPU 312 interpret and execute programs that realize each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function can be stored in the HD, as well as in the memory 311, a recording device such as an SSD, or a recording medium such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, an SD (Secure Digital) card, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). Furthermore, in each embodiment, only those control lines and information lines deemed necessary for explanation are shown, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the actual product. In practice, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1. Reagent refrigerator 101 Reagent Disks 101A First surface (the first side) 102B Second Face 102 Reagent container holding section 103 Inner wall 104 Opening hole (hole) 105 recess 106 Partition 121 Heat exchanger 121a Heat exchanger (first heat exchanger) 121b~121d Heat exchanger (second heat exchanger) 132 pipes 132a Pipe outlet (end) 141. Insulation material (insulating structure) 150 Lid (insulating structure, first lid) 151 Opening / Closing (Opening) 152 Opening / closing lid (insulated structure) 153 Reagent aspiration port 160 Cover for hot air blowing (second cover) 161 Through hole 200 Automatic analyzer 202 Reagent dispensing section 202a Reagent dispensing nozzle (reagent aspiration nozzle) 301 Control device 302 Temperature control device A1 Arrow (Warm air introduced into the reagent refrigerator at a predetermined angle) A2, A3, A21~A24, A31, A32, A41~A45, A51 Arrows (Warm air circulating inside the reagent cooler) S1 Gap space (a space formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall and the reagent disk at a predetermined distance) S2 Gap space (predetermined distance) S3 Gap space (space formed between the second surface and the first lid) S4 Gap space (predetermined distance)

Claims

1. A method for drying a reagent refrigerator having an insulating structure and storing multiple reagent containers containing reagents while keeping them cool, The aforementioned reagent refrigerator is, A reagent disk forming a reagent container holding portion which is a space for holding the reagent container, An inner wall is installed on the outside of the reagent disk, maintaining a predetermined distance from the reagent disk, The reagent disk and the first lid that closes the upper part of the inner wall, A heat exchanger capable of switching between cooling and heating, It has, The aforementioned reagent disk is The bottom surface of the reagent container holder is provided with a hole, and a space is formed between it and the first lid. The first lid is, A reagent suction port is a hole into which a reagent suction nozzle for aspirating the aforementioned reagent is inserted, The aforementioned reagent refrigerator includes an opening / closing lid for opening and closing the opening for inserting and removing the reagent containers, It has, Multiple heat exchangers are provided on the side opposite to the reagent disk with respect to the bottom surface of the inner wall, A pipe is installed in the space formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall and the reagent disk, through which outside air circulates. The aforementioned pipe is installed to pass above the heat exchanger, The end from which the outside air is released from the pipe is provided inside the space formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall and the reagent disk. With the opening closed, heating is performed by the heat exchanger, causing warm air at a temperature higher than the temperature inside the reagent refrigerator to circulate within the refrigerator. A method for drying a reagent refrigerator, characterized by the features described above.

2. A method for drying a reagent refrigerator having an insulating structure and storing multiple reagent containers containing reagents while keeping them cool, The aforementioned reagent refrigerator is, A reagent disk forming a reagent container holding portion which is a space for holding the reagent container, An inner wall is installed on the outside of the reagent disk, maintaining a predetermined distance from the reagent disk, The reagent disk and the first lid that closes the upper part of the inner wall, A heat exchanger capable of switching between cooling and heating, It has, The aforementioned reagent disk is The bottom surface of the reagent container holder is provided with a hole, and a space is formed between it and the first lid. The first lid is, A reagent suction port is a hole into which a reagent suction nozzle for aspirating the aforementioned reagent is inserted, The aforementioned reagent refrigerator includes an opening / closing lid for opening and closing the opening for inserting and removing the reagent containers, It has, Multiple heat exchangers are provided on the side opposite to the reagent disk with respect to the bottom surface of the inner wall, A pipe is installed in the space formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall and the reagent disk, through which outside air circulates. The pipe is installed to pass over all of the heat exchangers, The end from which the outside air is released from the pipe is provided inside the space formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall and the reagent disk. With the opening closed, heating is performed by the heat exchanger, causing warm air at a temperature higher than the temperature inside the reagent refrigerator to circulate within the refrigerator. A method for drying a reagent refrigerator, characterized by the features described above.

3. A method for drying a reagent refrigerator having an insulating structure and storing multiple reagent containers containing reagents while keeping them cool, The aforementioned reagent refrigerator is, A reagent disk forming a reagent container holding portion which is a space for holding the reagent container, An inner wall is installed on the outside of the reagent disk, maintaining a predetermined distance from the reagent disk, The reagent disk and the first lid that closes the upper part of the inner wall, A heat exchanger capable of switching between cooling and heating, It has, The aforementioned reagent disk is The bottom surface of the reagent container holder is provided with a hole, and a space is formed between it and the first lid. The first lid is, A reagent suction port is a hole into which a reagent suction nozzle for aspirating the aforementioned reagent is inserted, The aforementioned reagent refrigerator includes an opening / closing lid for opening and closing the opening for inserting and removing the reagent containers, It has, Multiple heat exchangers are provided on the side opposite to the reagent disk with respect to the bottom surface of the inner wall, A pipe is installed in the space formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall and the reagent disk, through which outside air circulates. The plurality of heat exchangers include a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger which is a heat exchanger other than the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is set to a lower temperature than the second heat exchanger. The pipe is installed so as to pass over the entire second heat exchanger, and the end from which the outside air is discharged is installed so as not to pass over the first heat exchanger. The end from which the outside air is released from the pipe is provided inside the space formed between the bottom surface of the inner wall and the reagent disk. With the opening closed, heating is performed by the heat exchanger, and the end of the pipe from which the outside air is released is installed near the second heat exchanger, so that warm air at a temperature higher than the temperature inside the reagent refrigerator is circulated inside the reagent refrigerator. A method for drying a reagent refrigerator, characterized by the features described above.

4. The reagent container holding sections are separated from each other by partitions. A recess is provided in the upper part of the partition. A method for drying a reagent refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The outside air is supplied to the pipe by a blower. A method for drying a reagent refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The heat exchanger is, Used as a cooler in the analytical process, When drying the inside of the aforementioned reagent refrigerator, it can be repurposed as a heater. A method for drying a reagent refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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