Container storage device

Abstract

Provided is a container storage device whereby high reliability is achieved by simplifying the management of containers of an automatic analysis device and supplying the containers to the automatic analysis device. To achieve the foregoing, the present invention is configured as follows. A container storage device that can be connected to an analysis device which performs analysis of a specimen, and that performs loading and unloading of containers to and from the analysis device. The container storage device includes: a container storage unit capable of storing pluralities of first containers that accommodate a first liquid to be used in the analysis of a specimen, and second containers that accommodate a second liquid to be used in maintenance of the analysis device; and a cooling unit that cools the storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container storage device.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of automatic analyzers that perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples such as blood and urine (hereinafter referred to as specimens), a technique for transferring reagents, specimens, etc. between a storage unit and an analysis processing unit has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 only shows that there are provided bottles for storing various solutions such as cleaning liquids, and storage cabinets for storing various reagents, and no consideration is given to the method of storing containers.

[0005] That is, in the storage management of containers in current automatic analyzers, there is a problem that the user has to go to an external refrigerator to fetch detergents and accuracy control specimens every time they are used. In addition, there is a problem that the cleaning process and accuracy control are performed separately.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to simplify the management of containers and provide a highly reliable container storage device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A container storage device according to one aspect of the present invention is connectable to an analytical device that performs analysis of specimens, and is used for loading and unloading containers to and from the analytical device. The device comprises a container storage section for storing a plurality of first containers for containing a first liquid used for analyzing specimens, and a second container for containing a second liquid used for maintenance of the analytical device, and a cooling section for keeping the container storage section cool. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify container management and provide a highly reliable container storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of an automated analysis system in which an automated analyzer is connected to a container storage device. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the main screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a container information registration screen. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the rack range registration screen. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of a screen for registering a group. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of a screen for setting the container removal time. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the container storage process. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the container removal process. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the additional unloading process after the container has been unloaded. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described sequentially with reference to the drawings below. This embodiment is a container storage device that can be connected to an analytical device for analyzing samples and for loading and unloading containers to and from the analytical device, and comprises a container storage section capable of storing multiple first containers for storing a first liquid used for analyzing samples and multiple second containers for storing a second liquid used for maintaining the analytical device, and a cooling section for cooling the container storage section. The phrase "used for analyzing samples" with respect to the first liquid also includes the meaning of "used for calibration of reagents or quality control of analysis" or "to perform analysis correctly." That is, the first liquid is assumed to be a quality control sample or a standard solution. The second liquid used for maintaining the analytical device is assumed to be a cleaning solution (including detergents and cleaning water used for cleaning the analytical device; hereinafter mainly referred to as "detergent"). The container storage section capable of storing multiple first and second containers corresponds to the disk 4f including the compartment 4b described later, and the cooling section corresponds to the cooling section 4g described later.

[0011] Figure 1 shows an example of an automated analysis system in which a container storage device is connected to an automated analyzer (hereinafter referred to as the analyzer).

[0012] (1-1) Rack loading section 1 The rack loading unit 1 of the automated analyzer system is a loading unit for loading racks 18, which can hold multiple containers 17, into the analyzer 5 and / or 6. It is configured so that an operator can load multiple racks 18 simultaneously and load them sequentially automatically. The rack loading unit 1 is equipped with a rack ID acquisition unit 11 that reads identification information (ID) attached to the rack in the form of a barcode or IC tag, and a container ID acquisition unit 3 that reads identification information (ID) attached to each container 17 in the form of a barcode or IC tag. Identification information is read for each rack 18 and container 17 loaded by the operator and output to the control unit 12. After the identification information has been read, the racks 18 and containers 17 are sequentially sent to the feed transport line 9. The containers 17 can be any container that conforms to a predetermined standard, and in addition to sample containers for the analyzer, test tubes, blood collection containers, etc., can be used. One or more (five in this embodiment) containers 17 are held in each rack 18 and are transported to the feed transport line 9 in rack units.

[0013] Figure 1 shows that the control unit 12 of the container storage device 4 is shared with the control unit of the entire automated analysis system. However, it is also possible for the control unit to be independent for each of the container storage device 4, the analyzers 5 and 6, and the transport lines (feed transport line 9, return transport line 10).

[0014] (1-2) Forward transport line 9, return transport line 10 The feed transport line 9 is the route that sends the rack 18 from the rack input section 1 to the rack storage section 2, container storage device 4, analysis devices 5 and 6, etc., to the rack retrieval section 16. The return transport line 10 is the route that returns the rack 18 to the rack retrieval section 16. These transport lines transport the rack 18 to various locations in the analysis devices 5 and 6 based on instructions from the control unit 12.

[0015] (1-3) Rack storage section 2 The rack storage unit 2 temporarily stores the racks 18, and has a rack moving mechanism 2a that performs operations such as carrying the rack 18 input from the rack input unit 1 out to the feed conveyance line 9, taking in the rack 18 from the return conveyance line 10, and moving it to a plurality of storage positions 2b provided in the rack storage unit 2. The information on the storage position 2b of each rack 18 and the sample information are managed in association with each other and stored in the storage unit 13.

[0016] (1-4) Container storage device 4 The container storage device 4 is a device capable of storing containers 17 such as containers containing detergents, containers containing accuracy management samples, containers containing standard solutions, and / or empty containers, and can be connected to the analysis devices 5 and 6 that analyze samples. It includes a transfer line 4e having a function of taking in the rack 18 from the feed conveyance line 9 and sending it out to the feed conveyance line 9, an identification information reading device 4a adjacent to the transfer line 4e for reading the identification information of the rack 18, a container ID acquisition unit 4c for reading the identification information of the container 17, a robot arm (hereinafter referred to as the arm) 4d for gripping the container 17, a disk 4f having compartments 4b capable of accommodating the container 17 in a concentric or parallel manner and rotatable in the horizontal direction, a cold storage unit 4g for cooling the container 17 stored in the compartment 4b in the disk 4f, a lid (not shown) having an opening located above the cold storage unit 4g, and a shutter 4h having a function of opening and closing the lid for taking the container 17 in and out of the cold storage unit 4g. This shutter 4h covers the lid opening during standby and keeps the temperature of the cold storage unit 4g constant. And it opens before storing the container 17 in the compartment 4b or before taking out the container 17, enabling access to the cold storage unit 4g from the outside.

[0017] In addition, in FIG. 1, the container storage device 4 shows a configuration including the feed conveyance line 9 and the return conveyance line 10, but a configuration not including the conveyance line may also be used, and it may be in a form that can be connected to the conveyance line when connected to other devices.

[0018] (1-5) Analysis devices 5, 6 The analyzers 5 and 6 are, for example, ISE (Ion Selective Electrode) analysis units, and are detachably mounted to the feed transport line 9. Each of these units includes sampling lines 5a and 6a that have the functions of taking in racks 18 from the feed transport line 9, moving them to the sampling position, and sending the racks 18 to the feed transport line 9 or the return line 10; identification information reading devices 5b and 6b provided on each sampling line 5a and 6a for reading identification information of racks 18 and containers 17; pipettes 5c and 6c for aspirating the analyte sample or detergent; dilution tanks 5d and 6d for mixing the analyte sample and reagent; tubes 5g and 6g for delivering the reagent mixed in the dilution tanks 5d and 6d; ion selective electrodes 5f and 6f for measuring the electrolyte concentration in the reagent; and a computer for controlling the analyzer.

[0019] The analyzers 5 and 6 may be an analysis unit that mixes and reacts a sample and reagents in a reaction vessel (not shown) mounted on a reaction disk (incubator), and measures the absorbance of the reaction solution with a photometer to analyze the biochemical components in the sample, or they may be an immunoassay unit that mixes and reacts a sample and reagents in a reaction vessel mounted on a reaction disk (incubator) to perform highly sensitive analysis of trace components in blood, such as hormones, in the sample.

[0020] (1-6) Control Unit 12 The control unit 12 controls the necessary parts of each analyzer 5, 6, the mechanisms related to the feed transport line 9 and the return transport line 10, and performs calculations and controls necessary for various information processing. The control unit 12 is equipped with a storage unit 13, to which an operation unit 14 for inputting various data and instructions and a display unit 15 for displaying information on the screen are connected. For the storage unit 13, for example, an internal hard disk can be used. Programs used in the control unit 12 include programs for executing cleaning processes and control programs for executing analysis processes of samples to be analyzed, as well as programs for executing the discharge process of detergents and quality control samples based on preset times and container discharge rules, and check processes for managing the usability of detergents and quality control samples.

[0021] (2) Container storage and container removal Container storage is the process of storing containers 17 in the container storage device 4 in advance. When storing new containers, the containers 17 whose sample codes have been registered in the storage unit by the user are placed on a rack 18 that has a rack ID included in the rack range (range of rack IDs) registered in advance by the user, and the rack 18 is placed on the rack input unit 1. The rack 18 placed on the rack input unit 1 moves to the transport line 9, where the rack ID acquisition unit 11 identifies it as a rack for the container storage device, and it is transported to the transfer line 4e of the container storage device 4. The containers 17 placed on the rack 18 transported to the transfer line 4e are grasped by the arm 4d and moved to the container ID acquisition unit 4c. The identifier attached to the container 17 is read by the container ID acquisition unit 4c, and the container 17 is transferred from the rack 18 to the compartment 4b of the disk 4f using the arm 4d. The transferred containers 17 are stored in a cooled state in the cooling unit 4g until there is an instruction to remove them from the compartment 4b.

[0022] When the containers 17 that have been transported from the container storage device 4 to the analyzers 5 and 6 are to be stored again, the racks 18 that have been transported to the sampling lines 5a and 6a of the analyzers 5 and 6 are transported to the return transport line 10 after the pipettes 5c and 6c have accessed the containers 17, and are then transported to the rack storage section 2. From the rack storage section 2, the racks are moved to the transfer line 4e of the container storage device 4, and the containers 17 are stored in the compartment 4b using the arm 4d as described above. Container removal is the process of removing the containers 17 stored in the container storage device 4, and is carried out in the reverse order of container storage.

[0023] (2-1) Container storage and container removal settings The settings for container storage and container retrieval are performed by controlling the control unit 12 to display registration information screens 200, 300 (see Figures 3, 4, etc. later) on the display unit 15 and operating them on the operation unit 14. In other words, the registration and updating of detergent and quality control sample information is done by setting the retrieval protocol for detergent and quality control samples from the container storage device 4, and the container information registration screen 200, rack range setting screen 300, and group registration setting screen 500, etc. constitute the container retrieval protocol setting screen.

[0024] In this embodiment, the settings and operation of container removal will be explained, taking the removal of quality control samples used for quality control after removing detergent used for device maintenance from the container storage section as an example. Furthermore, a similar transport protocol can be established if detergent needs to be removed after the quality control sample or standard solution has been removed.

[0025] (2-1.1) Main screen 100 Figure 2 shows an example of the main screen 100 displayed on the display unit 15. The main screen 100 is provided with an information display area 106 for displaying various information, various instruction buttons 127 to 131 for instructing the operation of the analyzers 5 and 6, and a help button 132 for displaying information to assist the operator.

[0026] (2-1.1.1) Information display area 106 The information display area 106 is provided with a routine operation tab 101, a reagent tab 102, a calibration tab 103, a quality control tab 104, and a container storage tab 105. By selecting one of these tabs, the desired information can be displayed in the information display area 106. Figure 2 shows the case where the container storage tab 105 is selected, and the container storage setting area 111, which displays information related to container storage, is displayed in the information display area 106.

[0027] (2-1.1.2) Container storage information display area 106 The container storage information display area 106 is provided with a status tab 107, a settings tab 108, and a removal time tab 109. By selecting one of these tabs, the desired information can be displayed in the container storage settings area 111. Figure 2 shows the case where the settings tab 108 is selected and information regarding the settings for detergent, quality control samples, and empty containers is displayed in the container storage settings area 111.

[0028] When the settings tab 108 is selected, the container storage settings area 111 displays a list of information (container information) for each of the registered detergents and quality control samples, including a disk position column 112, sample name column 113, type column 114, sample code column 115, lot number column 116, rack supply method column 117, remaining amount column 118, automatic unloading column 119, linked unloading column 120, and usability column 121, as well as a scroll button 123 to roll over the display area of ​​this information, a container information registration button 124 that displays the container information registration screen 200 when registering a new detergent or quality control sample or when confirming container information selected by the cursor 122, a container information deletion button 125 that deletes container information selected by the cursor 122, a rack registration button 126 that displays the rack range setting screen 300, a group registration button 133 that displays the group registration setting screen 500, and an analysis item registration button 134 that displays a screen (not shown) to confirm the measurement conditions for the sample selected by the cursor 122.

[0029] On the screen (not shown in the illustration) that appears when you press the analysis item registration button 134, you can set items such as which measurement item the sample corresponds to, and under what conditions the measurement request will be automatically created (container removal processing interval (hours), container removal processing interval (number of samples), whether to measure and check another sample if the measurement result shows an abnormality, whether to remove the container when a new reagent is registered, and whether to remove the container when the calibration curve is changed).

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 12 stores, in addition to the information shown in the display fields 113 to 121 above (with some overlap), information on registered quality control samples in the memory unit 13, etc., as sample status information, including whether the sample is usable for measurement, the storage period (OBS) since being stored in the container storage device 4, the remaining amount of detergent, the remaining amount of quality control sample, the number of measurements used, the expiration date, and a unique container number for identifying different containers within the same lot. The control unit 12 can also display alarms such as container not registered, insufficient sample amount, insufficient empty racks, expired sample, and expired sample OBS in a list format for selection.

[0031] (2-1.1.3) Instruction buttons 127~131 The main screen 100 is equipped with instruction buttons 127 to 131 for the operator to control the operation of the automated analyzer. These instruction buttons include a stop button 127 to stop the automated analyzer, a sample stop button 128 to stop sampling, an alarm button 129 to indicate a malfunction in the device, a print button 130 to instruct printing, and a start button 131 to start the automated analyzer.

[0032] (2-1.2) Container information registration screen 200 Figure 3 shows an example of the container information registration screen, and Figure 4 shows an example of the rack range setting screen. Figure 3 shows the case of setting a new container, and Figure 4 shows the case of setting the rack allocation for temporary storage in the rack storage unit 2 for automatic container unloading.

[0033] In Figure 3, the container information registration screen 200 includes a basic information area 201 for inputting basic information about a container, a container shipment information area 202 for inputting information related to container shipment, a register / update button 226 for registering a container or updating container information with the contents entered in information areas 201 and 202 and returning to the main screen 100, and a cancel button 227 for discarding the contents entered in information areas 202 to 211 and returning to the main screen 100.

[0034] The basic information area 201 is provided with input fields 202 to 209 for inputting the rack supply method 202, sample name 203, type 204, sample code 205, lot number 206, expiration date 207, volume (μL) 208, and storage period in the warehouse 209, respectively. Input into each input field can be done directly using the input means of the operation unit 14 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, etc.), or selectively using a pull-down menu, as is the case with the type input field 204.

[0035] The container unloading information 202 includes an input field where the user can select whether automatic unloading 210 and coordinated unloading 211 are available. Containers selected as "available" here can then be selected in the group registration process, as explained in Figure 5.

[0036] The rack range setting screen 300 in Figure 4 is provided with an area 301 for allocating racks to be manually supplied when transporting from the rack input unit 1 to the analyzers 5 and 6, an area 302 for allocating racks for automatic supply by having empty racks wait in the rack storage unit 2 beforehand, a registration / update button 326 for registering a sample or updating sample information with the contents entered in the information areas 301 and 302 and returning to the main screen 100, and a cancel button 327 for discarding the contents entered in the information areas 311 to 320 and returning to the main screen 100.

[0037] The manual supply area 301 is provided with an area 311 for entering the start number of the rack ID for general samples, an area 312 for entering the end number of the rack ID for general samples, an area 313 for entering the start number of the rack ID for standard solutions, an area 314 for entering the end number of the rack ID for standard solutions, an area 315 for entering the start number of the rack ID for quality control samples, an area 316 for entering the end number of the rack ID for quality control samples, an area 317 for entering the start number of the rack ID for detergents, and an area 318 for entering the end number of the rack ID for detergents.

[0038] The automatic supply area 302 is provided with an area 319 for entering the start number of the rack ID for the container storage device and an area 320 for entering the end number of the rack ID for the container storage device.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen for registering a group. The group registration settings screen 500 is a screen for setting combinations of containers to be shipped, and includes an area 501 for selecting a group name, an area 502 for entering normal shipping conditions, an area 511 for entering additional shipping condition 1, an area 512 for entering additional shipping condition 2, and an area 503 for entering linked shipping conditions. The group name can be selected (521), and each area is provided with an input section to specify the conditions for transferring containers to the rack according to the number of shipments (522, 528, 534). In addition, there are input fields 523-527, 529-533, and 535-539 for specifying which position on the rack (in this case, 5 positions) the containers should be placed in (selected from the containers registered in Figure 2).

[0040] The coordinated unloading process includes an input field 551 for specifying additional groups to unload containers after the container transfer from the container storage device to the rack 18 has been completed in the currently configured group 521. An input field 550 is also provided to specify how many minutes should elapse after all groups have unloaded containers for this linked group to be executed.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen for setting the container removal time, specifically the screen for setting the container removal time set in the container information registration screen 200 in Figure 3 and the group registration setting screen 500 in Figure 5. When the removal time tab 109 is selected and the target module for removal is selected in the target module selection section 152, the container storage setting area 111 displays the registered sample names and group names in a list format, with a combination ID field 140, a combination name field 141, day of the week fields 142-148, and a planned removal time input field 149 at the intersection of the sample name and day of the week fields. A scroll button 123 is provided to scroll the display area of ​​this information, and there is a removal time registration button 150 to confirm the information when a new container removal time is registered or updated, and a cancel button 151 to discard the entered information.

[0042] In addition to the time, container removal reservations can specify the number of times the sample probe has been used by analyzers 5 and 6, the time analyzers 5 and 6 are in standby mode, the time analyzers 5 and 6 are in operation mode, and when maintenance is being performed on analyzers 5 and 6.

[0043] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the container storage process. When a rack 18 loaded with containers 17 containing liquids such as detergent or quality control samples is inserted into the rack input unit 1 (step S10), the control unit 12 reads the identification information attached to the rack 18 or each container 17 (step S20) and records the time of insertion (step S30).

[0044] Next, it is determined whether there is information about a liquid corresponding to the read identification information (step S40). If the determination result is No, an alarm is displayed on the display unit 15 (step S41), and the rack 18 is transported to the rack retrieval unit 16 (step S42), ending the process. If the determination result in step S40 is Yes, it is determined whether there is space in the container storage device 4 to store containers (step S50). If the determination result is Yes, the container 17 is transported to the transfer line 4e of the container storage device 4 (step S60). The arm 4d takes the container 17 from the rack 18 on the transfer line, and the arm 4d moves the container 17 to the container ID acquisition unit 4c to read the container ID. After that, the disk 4f rotates and moves the empty compartment 4b to the position of the shutter 4h.

[0045] The shutter 4h opens via a motor, and a portion of the lid opens. After the lid opens, the arm 4d moves from the barcode reading position to the opening while still gripping the container. Once above the opening, the arm 4d descends while still gripping the container 17 and stores the container 17 in the compartment 4b (step S70). After the container 17 is stored, the arm 4d rises and moves to the barcode reading position to enter standby mode. Then the shutter 4h closes, completing the container storage process. After that, the usability information of the liquid information such as quality control samples is recorded as "usable" (step S80), and the process ends.

[0046] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the container removal process, illustrating how to remove the container 17 stored in the container storage device 4 in Figure 7 from compartment 4b and transport it to the analyzers 5 and 6. When it is time to remove the container, it is determined whether the containers are grouped together (step S100). If yes, a reservation is made for the grouped containers to be removed (step S105). If no, it is determined whether there is an empty transport rack in the rack storage unit 2 or the transfer line 4e (step S110). If yes, it is determined whether there is a usable detergent container (whether a container containing the detergent to be removed is stored (whether the user has forgotten to put the container in even though a reservation for removal has been made), whether the detergent inside the container has expired, etc.) (step S120). If yes, it is determined whether there is enough detergent remaining (step S130).

[0047] Next, it is determined whether the additional unloading conditions are met (step S140). If the result is No, the transfer of the container from compartment 4b is started (step S170). Then, it is determined whether the linked unloading conditions are met (step S180). If the result is No, the rack 18 on which the container is placed is transported to the analyzer (step S200). The detergent is consumed in the analyzer (step S210). The rack 18 is transported from the analyzer to the container storage device 4 (step S220). The number of times the container has been unloaded is recorded in the memory unit (step S230). The container is then transferred from the rack to compartment 4b of the container storage device 4 (step S240), and the process is completed.

[0048] If there are no empty racks for transporting containers, an alarm will be displayed and the process will terminate. Also, if the request is for group transport, a transfer reservation will be made for the grouped containers. The system will determine if there is usable detergent, and if not, an alarm will be issued and the process will be terminated. The system will determine if there is sufficient remaining amount, and if not, an alarm will be issued and the process will be stopped.

[0049] Next, it is determined whether the additional discharge conditions are met, and if yes, it is determined whether the added detergent is usable (step S150). If yes, it is determined whether there is enough of the added detergent remaining (step S160), and if yes, the transfer of the container begins. It is determined whether the added container is usable (step S150), and if no, an alarm is issued and the process ends. It is determined whether there is enough of the added detergent remaining (step S160), and if no, an alarm is issued and the process is stopped. It is determined whether the coordinated discharge conditions are met (step S180), and if yes, the coordinated discharge step is executed (step S190).

[0050] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the coordinated removal process after container removal. First, it is determined whether the containers are grouped for coordinated removal (step S300). If yes, a removal reservation is made for the grouped containers (step S305). If no, it is determined whether there are empty racks for container transport (step S310). If yes in step S310, it is determined whether there are usable quality control sample containers (whether the container containing the quality control sample to be removed is stored (whether the user has forgotten to put the container in even though a removal reservation has been made), whether the quality control sample inside the container has expired, etc.) (step S320). If yes, it is determined whether there is sufficient remaining quantity (step S330). If yes in step S330, it is determined whether the additional removal conditions are met (step S340). If no in step S340, a predetermined time is waited for the transfer of the quality control sample container, i.e., waiting for sample removal is performed (step S350). Subsequently, the quality control sample containers are transferred to a rack (step S360), the rack with the containers is transported to the analyzer (step S370), the quality control samples are consumed in the analyzer (step S380), the rack 18 is transported from the analyzer to the container storage device 4 (step S390), the number of transfers is recorded in the storage unit 13 (step S400), and the containers are transferred to disk 4f (step S410) to complete the process.

[0051] If the request for coordinated transport is for group transport, the transport reservation for the containers registered in the group is confirmed (step S305). If the answer is No in steps S310, S320, and S330, an alarm is issued and the process is terminated (step S311).

[0052] Furthermore, it is determined whether the additional removal conditions are met (step S340), and if yes, it is determined whether there is a standard solution container registered under the additional removal conditions (whether the container containing the standard solution to be removed is stored (whether the user forgot to put the container in even though a removal reservation was made), whether the container exists but the standard solution inside has not expired, etc.) (step S341). If the answer is Yes, determine if there is enough standard solution remaining in the additional container (step S342). If the answer is Yes, then perform a Waiting for standard solution discharge (step S350). Determine if there is a container registered under the additional discharge conditions (step S341), and if No, issue an alarm and terminate the process (step S311). Determine if there is enough sample in the additional container (step S342), and if No, issue an alarm and terminate the process (step S311).

[0053] (5) Operation The operation of this embodiment, configured as described above, will now be explained.

[0054] First, the operator registers container information for the samples to be analyzed, such as detergents, standard solutions, and quality control samples, using the control unit 14 or the like, based on the respective setting screens displayed on the display unit 15. For example, in the case of a container containing detergent, the container information is registered based on the screen of the container information registration screen 200 displayed on the display unit 15. Next, the rack 18 on which the container 17 containing the detergent is placed is inserted into the rack input unit 1. When the rack 18 carrying the container 17 containing the detergent used to clean the analyzer as the sample to be analyzed is inserted into the rack input unit 1, the rack ID acquisition unit 11 verifies the rack ID (confirming that the ID numbers for the container storage device are 319 and 320 in the rack range setting 300) (Step S20 in Figure 7). The container ID acquisition unit 3 reads the sample identification information (ID) and records the time of insertion, and this is checked against the sample information (sample code) stored in the storage unit 13 (Step S30 in Figure 7).

[0055] The container ID acquisition unit 3 acquires container information, and if the container set on the container information registration screen 200 is in the rack 18 (Figure 7, step S40), and there is an empty compartment 4b in the corresponding disk 4f to store the container 17 (Figure 7, step S50), the container is transported to the transfer line 4e of the container storage device 4 (Figure 7, step S60). If there is no sample information corresponding to the acquired identification information, an alarm is displayed on the display unit 15 (Figure 7, step S41), and the rack 18 is transported to the rack retrieval unit 16 (Figure 7, step S42), and the process ends.

[0056] After the rack 18 is transported to the transfer line 4e of the container storage device 4, the arm 4d grasps the container 17 placed on the rack 18 on the transfer line 4e, and transports the container 17 from the transfer line to the container ID acquisition unit 4c, where the sample ID is read and compared with the information 200 in Figure 3. During this time, the shutter 4h operates, making the compartment 4b accessible from the outside.

[0057] The arm 4d moves from the container ID acquisition unit 4c to the shutter 4h, stores the container 17 in the compartment 4b, the arm 4d retracts to the barcode reading position, and the shutter 4h closes (step 70 in Figure 7). Then, the usability information of the sample is recorded as "usable" (step S80 in Figure 7), and the container storage process is completed.

[0058] In this manner, quality control samples contained in containers 17 mounted on racks 18 held in container storage device 4 are subject to a check process to determine their suitability for use, either continuously or at predetermined intervals.

[0059] The check process verifies whether the expiration date set in the container management sample information has been exceeded, whether the remaining quantity has fallen below the set value, and the stabilization time after storage. If all of these results are NO, no action is taken. If at least one condition is met, the usability information is set to "unusable," an alarm is displayed on the display unit 15 (step S311 in Figure 9), and the process is terminated.

[0060] In this way, with the container 17 held in the compartment 4b, when an instruction to perform the container removal process is given by the operation unit 14, or when the conditions for performing the process are met, it is first determined whether the container removal is a grouped container as specified in the group registration setting 500 in Figure 5 (step S100 in Figure 8).

[0061] If the containers are grouped together, the determinations from S110 to S130 are made for each of the relevant containers (in the case of 500 in Figure 5, this would be the ISE cleaning solution and conditioner). If the containers are not grouped together, the system checks whether the rack is in the rack storage unit 2 or the transfer line 4e (Figure 9, S110), whether there are usable detergent containers (S120), and whether there is sufficient remaining amount (except when empty containers are stored) (S130). If even one of the conditions is not met, an alarm is displayed on the display unit 15, and the container removal process is terminated.

[0062] Furthermore, if there are available sample racks and containers containing detergent, the additional unloading conditions are then checked (step S140). If the additional unloading conditions (511, 512 in Figure 5) are set and the number of unloads (528, 534 in Figure 5) is met, it is confirmed that an additional container (529 in Figure 5) is registered (step S150) and that there is sufficient remaining capacity in the additional container (step S160). The containers to be transferred to the rack and their transfer positions on the rack (Pos.1, etc.) are determined, and the transfer of containers to the rack is started (step S170).

[0063] If the process does not involve coordinated transport (step S180), after all containers have been transferred, the racks carrying the containers are transported to the analyzer via the transport unit (steps S200-S240 in Figure 8). Then, the racks 18 carrying the containers 17 move to the sampling lines 5a and 6a of the analyzers 5 and 6 (step S200), and the pipettes 5c and 6c move from their standby positions onto the containers 17 and descend to come into contact with the detergent in the containers 17. After contact, the pipettes draw in the detergent, hold it in the nozzle, and rise to move onto the dilution tanks 5d and 6d, where they discharge the detergent into the dilution tanks 5d and 6d (step S210).

[0064] The detergent discharged into dilution tanks 5d and 6d travels through tubes 5g and 6g to electrodes 5f and 6f, and is discarded outside the analyzer via a waste liquid tube (not shown). After the detergent is consumed in analyzers 5 and 6, the rack 18 carrying the containers 17 is transported again to the transfer line 4e via the return transport line 10, where the containers 17 are stored again in the compartment 4b of disk 4f. The number of times each container has been removed and the number of times they have been removed in a group are recorded in the storage unit 13, and the unit waits until further instructions are given (steps S210-240 in Figure 8).

[0065] If the request is for coordinated transport (step S180), it is determined whether the containers are grouped together (step S300), and it is checked whether rack 18 is in rack storage unit 2 or transfer line 4e (step S310). If there are no available racks, an alarm is displayed and the coordinated transport is canceled (step S311). If there are available racks, it is determined whether the coordinated transport request is for a single container or multiple containers that are grouped together. If it is a single container, the subsequent processing is performed for that single container; if it is a group of multiple containers, the subsequent processing (steps S320 to S340) is performed for all containers.

[0066] Next, the system checks whether there are any usable quality control samples (step S320) and whether there is sufficient remaining quantity (except when empty containers are stored) (step S330). If even one of these conditions is not met, an alarm is displayed on the display unit 15 (step S311), and the container removal process is terminated.

[0067] Furthermore, if there are available racks 18 and containers containing quality control samples, the additional unloading conditions are then checked (step S340). If the additional unloading conditions are set and the number of unloadings matches, it is confirmed that additional containers are registered and that there is sufficient remaining capacity for the additional containers (except when empty containers are stored), and the containers to be transferred to the rack and their transfer positions on the rack (e.g., Pos.1) are determined.

[0068] After determining the transfer position on the rack, wait for a predetermined time (30 minutes in the example of 550 in Figure 5) to elapse. Then, start transferring the container and execute steps S360 to S410, which are the same as steps S170, S200 to S240 in Figure 8. Note that if an empty container is transported to the analyzer, sample aspiration from container 17 is not performed. After the sample nozzle descends into the empty container 17, water is discharged from the sample nozzle to fill container 17 with water, and the sample nozzle is immersed.

[0069] (6) Effects The effects of this embodiment, configured as described above, will now be explained.

[0070] Generally, detergents used for maintaining automated analyzers are procured from the instrument manufacturer and stored according to the manufacturer's specified methods (e.g., room temperature, refrigeration, or darkroom). These detergents are necessary to remove contamination from instrument components (e.g., dispensing pipettes, dilution tanks, and sample passages) and maintain the instrument in good condition. Furthermore, after cleaning the instrument, it is necessary to verify whether the same analytical results can be obtained using quality control samples. If the same analytical results cannot be obtained, it is necessary to recalibrate the electrodes and reagents using standard solutions and manage them to ensure that the same analytical results can be obtained.

[0071] However, when detergent is filled into a container and placed in the device at room temperature for operation, evaporation can lead to concentration of the detergent components, or volatilization or decomposition of the detergent components, making it impossible to obtain a stable effect over a long period of time. Therefore, when using such detergents, it was necessary to store the detergent in an external refrigerator, have the user take it out of the external refrigerator each time they needed to use it, dispense the planned amount into a container compatible with the analytical instrument, place the container containing the detergent into the device, and then instruct the cleaning process from the device's control panel.

[0072] Furthermore, because the cleaning process takes time (for example, 1 hour), if the detergent and quality control sample are prepared and set in the device at the same time and the cleaning process is started, the quality control sample is consumed only after the cleaning process is completed. This can lead to problems such as the concentration of the quality control sample or the deactivation of enzyme activity in the quality control sample during the waiting period, resulting in inaccurate measurement results.

[0073] In contrast, in this embodiment, a container containing detergent is stored in a container storage device with a cooling function, connected to an analytical instrument, and the detergent container is retrieved at a time specified by the user, transported to the analytical instrument, and the cleaning process is performed. Furthermore, different cleaning processes can be executed depending on the number of times the cleaning process has been performed. Moreover, by programming in advance, quality control samples can be retrieved after the cleaning process and transported to the analytical instrument, thereby enabling quality control without causing a deterioration in the quality of the quality control samples. This reduces the burden on the user in terms of maintenance and quality control, and allows for the proper maintenance and management of the analytical instrument. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1. Rack loading section 2. Rack storage section 3. Container ID acquisition unit (of rack input unit 1) 4 Container storage device 4a Identification Information Reader 4b Compartment 4c Container ID acquisition unit (of container management device 4) 4D Arm 4e Transfer Line 4f disk 4g cooling section 4h shutter 5,6 Analyzer 5c Pipette 5d Dilution tank 5f electrode 5g tube 9. Feed and convey line 10 Return transport line 11. Rack ID acquisition unit 12 Control Unit 13 Storage section 14 Control section 15 Display 16. Rack retrieval section 17 Container 18 racks.

Claims

1. A container storage device that can be connected to an analytical device for analyzing specimens and for loading and unloading containers between itself and the analytical device, A container storage section capable of storing multiple first containers containing a first liquid, which includes at least a quality control sample or standard solution, used for the analysis of a sample, and a second container, which contains at least a second liquid, which includes at least a cleaning solution, used for the maintenance of the analytical instrument. A cooling section for keeping the container storage section cool, A transport unit for transporting the first container and the second container between the container storage unit and the analytical device, A receiving unit that receives instructions for removing the first container and the second container from the container storage unit, A control unit that controls the transport unit, Equipped with, When the control unit satisfies a preset condition, it controls the transport unit to transport the first container and / or the second container to the analyzer. A container storage device that, after the first container and / or the second container have been transported to the analytical device in accordance with the pre-set conditions, controls the transport unit to transport a different first container and / or second container to the analytical device if the pre-set additional transport conditions are met.

2. The container storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the additional discharge conditions are registered in the control unit as a group including at least two additional discharge conditions 1 and 2, and each of the additional discharge conditions 1 and 2 can be set to a different discharge condition.

3. The container storage device according to claim 2, further comprising a coordinated transport function that executes an additional transport group registered separately from the group if all of the additional transport conditions registered in the control unit as the group are met, and after the transport of all the first containers and / or second containers to the analyzer is completed, a preset coordinated transport condition is met.

4. The container storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the containers transported between the container storage unit and the analytical device include empty containers in addition to the first container and the second container.

5. The container storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transport unit transports the containers by placing them on a rack.

6. A container storage device that can be connected to an analytical device for analyzing specimens and for loading and unloading containers between itself and the analytical device, A container storage section capable of storing multiple first containers containing a first liquid, which includes at least a quality control sample or standard solution, used for the analysis of a sample, and a second container, which contains at least a second liquid, which includes at least a cleaning solution, used for the maintenance of the analytical instrument. A cooling section for keeping the container storage section cool, A transport unit that transports the first container and the second container, which are placed on a rack, between the container storage unit and the analytical device, A control unit that controls the transport unit, Equipped with, A container transfer unit that grasps the container placed on the rack and transfers it to the container storage unit, A container storage device equipped with the following features.

7. A rack storage section capable of storing racks, The container storage device according to claim 6, further comprising a transport unit for transporting the rack between the analytical device and the rack storage unit.

8. The container storage device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the combination of containers to be placed on the rack and the position of the containers on the rack.

9. The container storage apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control unit specifies the target module from which to unload the container.

10. The expiration dates for the first liquid and / or the second liquid can be set. The container storage device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control unit controls the device to notify the operator if the first liquid and / or the second liquid have exceeded a set expiration date.

11. The container storage device according to claim 1, wherein the pre-set conditions are any of the following: the time of container removal, the number of times the sample probe is used in the analyzer, the time the analyzer is in standby mode, the time the analyzer is in operation mode, or the time maintenance is performed on the analyzer.

12. The container transfer unit has a robotic arm for gripping the container, A lid that covers the opening of the container storage section, A shutter having the function of opening and closing the aforementioned opening, A container storage device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a transfer line arranged parallel to a transport line connecting the analytical device and the container storage device.

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