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

container storage device

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

[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 analytical processing unit has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 4147596

[0004] Patent Document 1 only describes the provision of bottles for storing various solutions such as cleaning solutions, and storage cabinets for storing various reagents, but does not give any consideration to the method of storing the containers.

[0005] That is, the current storage management of containers for automated analyzers requires users to retrieve detergent and quality control samples from an external refrigerator after each use, and there are also issues with the cleaning process and quality control being performed separately.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a highly reliable container storage device that simplifies container management.

[0007] A container storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is connectable to an analysis device that analyzes samples and transports containers to and from the analysis device. The container storage device comprises a container storage unit that stores a plurality of first containers that hold a first liquid used in analyzing the samples and second containers that hold a second liquid used in maintaining the analysis device, and a cooling unit that keeps the container storage unit cool.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly reliable container storage device that simplifies container management.

[0009] A diagram showing an example of an automatic analysis system in which a container storage device is connected to an automatic analyzer. A diagram showing an example of a main screen displayed on a display unit. A diagram showing an example of a container information registration screen. A diagram showing an example of a rack range registration screen. A diagram showing an example of a screen for registering a group. A diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a container carry-out time. A flowchart showing a container storage process. A flowchart showing a container carry-out process. A flowchart showing an additional carry-out process after a container is carried out.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described sequentially with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a container storage device connectable to an analyzer that performs sample analysis and transports containers to and from the analyzer. The container storage device includes a container storage unit capable of storing multiple first containers containing a first liquid used in sample analysis and multiple second containers containing a second liquid used in analyzer maintenance, and a cold storage unit that keeps the container storage unit cool. Note that the phrase "used in sample analysis" in reference to the first liquid also encompasses the meanings of "used for reagent calibration or analytical quality control" or "correctly performing the analysis." In other words, the first liquid is intended to refer to a quality control sample or standard solution. The second liquid used in analyzer maintenance is intended to refer to a cleaning liquid (including detergent and cleaning water used to clean the analyzer; hereinafter, referred to primarily as "detergent"). The container storage unit capable of storing multiple first and second containers corresponds to disk 4f, which includes compartment 4b, described below, and the cold storage unit corresponds to cold storage unit 4g, described below.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic analysis system in which a container storage device is connected to an automatic analysis device (hereinafter referred to as an analysis device).

[0012] (1-1) Rack Insertion Unit 1 The rack insertion unit 1 of the automated analyzer system inserts racks 18, each capable of holding multiple containers 17, into the analyzer 5 and / or 6. The rack insertion unit 1 is configured so that an operator can simultaneously insert multiple racks 18, allowing them to be automatically inserted sequentially. The rack insertion unit 1 includes 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. The identification information is read for each rack 18 and container 17 inserted 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 conveying line 9. The containers 17 may be any containers 17 that meet predetermined specifications. Examples of containers 17 include specimen containers specifically designed for the analyzer, test tubes, blood collection containers, and the like. Each rack 18 holds one or more containers 17 (five in this embodiment), and the racks are transported to the feed conveying line 9 in rack units.

[0013] 1 shows that the control unit 12 of the container storage device 4 is shared with the control unit of the entire automatic analysis system. However, a configuration in which an independent control unit is provided for each of the container storage device 4, the analyzers 5 and 6, and the transfer lines (the forward transfer line 9 and the return transfer line 10) may also be adopted.

[0014] (1-2) Forward Transport Line 9, Return Transport Line 10 The forward transport line 9 is a path for transporting racks 18 from the rack input unit 1 via the rack storage unit 2, the container storage device 4, the analyzers 5 and 6, etc. to the rack recovery unit 16. The return transport line 10 is a path for returning the racks 18 to the rack recovery unit 16. These transport lines transport the racks 18 to various locations in the analyzers 5 and 6 based on instructions from the control unit 12.

[0015] (1-3) Rack Storage Unit 2 The rack storage unit 2 temporarily stores the racks 18, and has a rack moving mechanism 2a that carries out the racks 18 loaded from the rack loading unit 1 onto the feed conveying line 9, takes in the racks 18 from the return conveying line 10, and moves them to a plurality of storage positions 2b provided in the rack storage unit 2. Information on the storage position 2b of each rack 18 and sample information are managed in association with each other, and are stored in the memory 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 detergent, containers containing quality control samples, containers containing standard solutions, and / or empty containers, and can be connected to analyzers 5 and 6 that analyze samples. It is composed of a transfer line 4e that has the function of taking in racks 18 from the feed conveying line 9 and sending them to the feed conveying line 9, an identification information reader 4a adjacent to the transfer line 4e for reading the identification information of the racks 18, a container ID acquisition unit 4c for reading the identification information of the containers 17, a robot arm (hereinafter referred to as arm) 4d that grasps the containers 17, a horizontally rotatable disk 4f that has compartments 4b that can store the containers 17 arranged concentrically or in parallel, a cold storage unit 4g that cools the containers 17 stored in the compartments 4b within the disk 4f, a lid (not shown) with an opening located above the cold storage unit 4g, and a shutter 4h that has the function of opening and closing the lid to put the containers 17 in and take them out of the cold storage unit 4g. The shutter 4h covers the lid opening during standby to maintain a constant temperature of the cold storage section 4g, and is opened before storing the container 17 in the compartment 4b or before removing the container 17, allowing access to the cold storage section 4g from the outside.

[0017] In addition, in Figure 1, the container storage device 4 is shown as including a feed conveying line 9 and a return conveying line 10, but it may be configured not to include a conveying line, or may be configured in a way that allows it to be connected to a conveying line when connecting to other devices.

[0018] (1-5) Analytical Devices 5, 6 The analytical devices 5, 6 are, for example, ISE (Ion Selective Electrode) analytical units, and are detachably attached to the feed conveying line 9. Each of the analytical devices 5, 6 includes sampling lines 5a, 6a that have the functions of taking in racks 18 from the feed conveying line 9, moving them to the sampling position, and sending the racks 18 to the feed conveying line 9 or the return line 10; identification information readers 5b, 6b that are attached to each sampling line 5a, 6a and that read identification information on the racks 18 or containers 17; pipetters 5c, 6c that aspirate the specimen to be analyzed or detergent; dilution tanks 5d, 6d that mix the specimen to be analyzed with a reagent; tubes 5g, 6g that send a test solution obtained by mixing the specimen to be analyzed with the reagent in the dilution tanks 5d, 6d; ion selective electrodes 5f, 6f that measure the electrolyte concentration in the mixed test solution; and a computer for controlling the analytical device.

[0019] The analyzers 5 and 6 may be an analysis section that mixes and reacts a specimen and a reagent 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 specimen, or may be an immunoanalysis section that mixes and reacts a specimen and a reagent in a reaction vessel mounted on a reaction disk (incubator) to perform high-sensitivity analysis of trace components in the blood, such as hormones in the specimen.

[0020] (1-6) Control Unit 12 The control unit 12 controls the necessary parts of each analyzer 5, 6, controls the mechanisms related to the feed conveying line 9 and the return conveying line 10, and performs calculations and controls necessary for various information processing. The control unit 12 is provided with a memory unit 13, and is connected to an operation unit 14 for inputting various data and instructions and a display unit 15 for displaying information on a screen. The memory unit 13 may, for example, be an internal hard disk. Programs used by the control unit 12 include a program for executing a cleaning process and a control program for executing an analysis process for the sample to be analyzed, as well as a program for executing a process for removing detergents, quality control samples, etc. based on preset times and container removal rules, and a check process for managing the availability of detergents and quality control samples.

[0021] (2) Container Storage and Container Removal Container storage is a process of storing a container 17 in advance in the container storage device 4. When storing a new container, the container 17, whose sample code has been registered in advance in the memory unit by the user, is placed on a rack 18 having 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 loading unit 1. The rack 18 placed on the rack loading unit 1 is moved to the feed conveying line 9, identified by the rack ID acquisition unit 11 as a rack for the container storage device, and transported to the transfer line 4e of the container storage device 4. The container 17 placed on the rack 18 transported to the transfer line 4e is grasped by the arm 4d and moved to the container ID acquisition unit 4c. The identifier affixed 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 container 17 is stored in a cooled state in the refrigerated section 4g until an instruction to remove it from the compartment 4b is given.

[0022] When restoring containers 17 transported from the container storage device 4 to the analyzers 5 and 6, the racks 18 transported to the sampling lines 5a and 6a of the analyzers 5 and 6 are transported to the return transport line 10 and then transported to the rack storage unit 2 after the pipettors 5c and 6c access the containers 17. The racks 18 are moved from the rack storage unit 2 to the transfer line 4e of the container storage device 4, and the arm 4d is used to store the containers 17 in the compartment 4b in the same manner as described above. Container removal is a process of removing containers 17 stored in the container storage device 4, and is carried out in the reverse order of the container storage procedure.

[0023] (2-1) Container Storage and Container Removal Settings Container storage and container removal settings are made by displaying registration information screens 200, 300 (see later Figures 3 and 4, etc.) on the display unit 15 under the control of the control unit 12 and operating the operation unit 14. In other words, registration and updating of detergent and quality control sample information means setting a removal protocol for the detergent and quality control sample from the container storage device 4, and the container information registration screen 200, rack range setting screen 300, group registration setting screen 500, etc. constitute container removal protocol setting screens.

[0024] In this embodiment, the settings and operation of container transport will be described using the example of removing a quality control sample used for quality control after removing a detergent used for device maintenance from the container storage unit. Note that a transport protocol can also be set in a similar manner when it is necessary to remove a detergent after removing a quality control sample or standard solution.

[0025] (2-1.1) Main Screen 100 Fig. 2 is a diagram showing 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 that displays various information, various instruction buttons 127 to 131 that instruct the operation of the analyzers 5 and 6, and a help button 132 that displays information to assist the operator in their operations.

[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 these tabs, desired information can be displayed in the information display area 106. Figure 2 shows a case where the container storage tab 105 is selected and a container storage setting area 111 that 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, and by selecting these tabs, desired information can be displayed in the container storage setting area 111. Figure 2 shows a case where the settings tab 108 is selected and information regarding settings for detergent, quality control samples, and empty containers is displayed in the container storage setting area 111.

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

[0029] In the screen (not shown) for confirming the measurement conditions, which is displayed in response to the instruction to register analysis item button 134, items such as which measurement item the sample corresponds to, and under what conditions a measurement request will be automatically created (interval (hours) for performing the container removal process, interval (number of samples) for performing the container removal process, whether to measure another sample to confirm if the measurement result shows an abnormality, whether to remove the container when registering a new reagent, and whether to remove the container when changing the calibration curve) can be set.

[0030] Regarding the information on registered quality control samples, in addition to the information shown in the above display fields 113 to 121 (however, there is some overlap), the control unit 12 stores, in the memory unit 13, etc., the following sample status information: usability indicating whether the sample can be used for measurement, the storage period (OBS) since storage in the container storage device 4, the remaining amount of detergent, the remaining amount of quality control sample, the number of measurements indicating the number of times the sample has been used for measurement, the expiration date, and a container-specific number for identifying different containers in the same lot. Furthermore, the control unit 12 can display and allow the user to select from a list of alarms to be notified, such as unregistered container, insufficient remaining sample, insufficient empty racks, expired sample expiration date, and out of sample OBS.

[0031] (2-1.1.3) Instruction Buttons 127 to 131 The main screen 100 is provided with instruction buttons 127 to 131 that allow the operator to instruct the operation of the automatic analyzer. The instruction buttons include a stop button 127 for stopping the automatic analyzer, a sample stop button 128 for stopping sampling, an alarm button 129 for notifying of an abnormality in the device, a print button 130 for instructing printing, and a start button 131 for starting up the automatic analyzer.

[0032] (2-1.2) Container Information Registration Screen 200 Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the container information registration screen, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the rack range setting screen. Fig. 3 shows a case where a new container is set, and Fig. 4 shows a case where a rack allocation for temporarily storing a container in the rack storage unit 2 for automatic container removal is set.

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

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

[0035] The container carry-out information 202 has an input field for selecting whether to enable automatic carry-out 210 and linked carry-out 211. A container selected as "yes" here can be selected in group registration, which will be described with reference to FIG.

[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 to be automatically supplied by storing empty racks in advance in the rack storage unit 2, a register / update button 326 for registering a sample or updating the sample information using the information entered in the information areas 301 and 302 and returning to the main screen 100, and a cancel button 327 for discarding the information 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 inputting the start ID number of a general sample rack, an area 312 for inputting the end ID number of a general sample rack, an area 313 for inputting the start ID number of a standard solution rack, an area 314 for inputting the end ID number of a standard solution rack, an area 315 for inputting the start ID number of a quality control sample rack, an area 316 for inputting the end ID number of a quality control sample rack, an area 317 for inputting the start ID number of a detergent rack, and an area 318 for inputting the end ID number of a detergent rack.

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

[0039] 5 shows an example of a screen for registering a group. The group registration setting screen 500 is a screen for setting a combination of containers to be shipped, and includes an area 501 for selecting a group name, an area 502 for inputting normal ship-out conditions, an area 511 for inputting additional ship-out conditions 1, an area 512 for inputting additional ship-out conditions 2, and an area 503 for inputting linked ship-out conditions. The group name can be selected (521), and each area has an input section (522, 528, 534) for specifying the container transfer conditions to the rack according to the number of shipments. Input fields 523-527, 529-533, and 535-539 are also provided for specifying which position on the rack (here, five positions) the container will be placed in (selection from the containers registered in FIG. 2).

[0040] For the linked carry-out, an input field 551 is provided for specifying an additional group that will carry out containers after the currently set group 521 has transferred containers from the container storage device to the rack 18. An input field 550 is provided for specifying how many minutes after all groups have been carried out that linked group will be executed.

[0041] 6 shows an example of a screen for setting a container removal time; that is, a screen for setting the container removal time set on the container information registration screen 200 of FIG. 3 and the group registration setting screen 500 of FIG. 5. When the removal time tab 109 is selected and a removal target module is selected in the removal target module selection section 152, the container storage setting area 111 displays a list of registered sample names and group names in a combination ID field 140, a combination name field 141, and day of the week fields 142-148, and a scheduled removal time input field 149 at each intersection of the sample name and day of the week fields. Also provided are a scroll button 123 for scrolling the display area for this information, a removal time registration button 150 for confirming the information when a container removal time is newly registered or updated, and a cancel button 151 for discarding the input information.

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

[0043] 7 is a flowchart showing the container storage process. When a rack 18 carrying containers 17 containing liquids such as detergent or quality control samples is loaded into the rack loading 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 loading time (step S30).

[0044] Next, it is determined whether the read identification information contains information about a liquid corresponding to the information (step S40). If the determination result is No, an alarm is displayed on the display unit 15 (step S41), the rack 18 is transported to the rack recovery unit 16 (step S42), and the process ends. If the determination result in step S40 is Yes, it is determined whether there is space available to store containers in the container storage device 4 (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 removes 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, where the container ID is read. Thereafter, the disk 4f rotates, and an empty compartment 4b is moved to the position of the shutter 4h.

[0045] The shutter 4h is opened by a motor, partially exposing the lid. After the lid opens, the arm 4d moves from the barcode reading position to the opening while still holding the container. Once above the opening, the arm 4d descends while still holding the container 17, storing the container 17 in the compartment 4b (step S70). After storing the container 17, the arm 4d rises and moves to the barcode reading position, where it goes into standby mode. The shutter 4h then closes, completing the container storage process. The usability information for the liquid information, such as the quality control sample, is then recorded as "usable" (step S80), and the process ends.

[0046] 8 is a flowchart showing the container removal process, illustrating a method for removing containers 17 stored in the container storage device 4 in FIG. 7 from the compartment 4b and transporting them to the analyzers 5 and 6. When the time for container removal arrives, it is determined whether grouped containers are to be removed (step S100). If the answer is Yes, a reservation for removal of the grouped containers is made (step S105). If the answer is No, it is determined whether an empty transport rack is in the rack storage unit 2 or the transfer line 4e (step S110). If the answer is Yes, it is determined whether a usable detergent container is available (whether a container containing the detergent to be removed is stored (whether a reservation for removal was made but the user forgot to put the container in), whether a container is available but the detergent in it has not expired, etc.) (step S120). If the answer is Yes, it is determined whether there is a sufficient amount of detergent remaining (step S130).

[0047] Next, it is determined whether the additional carry-out condition is met (step S140), and if not, the transfer of containers from compartment 4b is started (step S170), and it is determined whether the linked carry-out condition is met (step S180), and if not, the rack 18 carrying the containers 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 containers have been transported is recorded in the memory unit (step S230), and the containers are transferred from the rack to compartment 4b of the container storage device 4 (step S240), and the process ends.

[0048] If there are no empty racks for container transport, an alarm is displayed and the process ends. Also, if a group transport request is made, a transfer reservation is made for the grouped containers. It is determined whether there is any detergent available, and if not, an alarm is issued and the process is terminated. It is determined whether there is enough detergent remaining, and if not, an alarm is issued and the process is stopped.

[0049] It is also determined whether the additional carry-out conditions are met, and if yes, it is determined whether the added detergent can be used (step S150). If yes, it is determined whether the remaining amount of the added detergent is sufficient (step S160), and if yes, the transfer of the container begins. It is determined whether the added container can be used (step S150), and if no, an alarm is issued and the process is terminated. It is determined whether the remaining amount of the added detergent is sufficient (step S160), and if no, an alarm is issued and the process is stopped. It is determined whether the coordinated carry-out conditions are met (step S180), and if yes, the coordinated carry-out step is executed (step S190).

[0050] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the coordinated transport process after container transport. First, it is determined whether a group of containers is being transported as part of a coordinated transport (step S300). If the answer is yes, a transport reservation is made for the grouped containers (step S305). If the answer is no, it is determined whether an empty rack for transporting the containers is available (step S310). If the answer is yes in step S310, it is determined whether there are any available quality control sample containers (e.g., whether a container containing the quality control sample to be removed is stored (e.g., whether a user forgot to put the container in even though a reservation for removal was made), whether a container is available but the quality control sample inside it has not expired, etc.) (step S320). If the answer is yes in step S330, it is determined whether the remaining amount is sufficient (step S330). If the answer is yes in step S330, it is determined whether the additional transport conditions are met (step S340). If the answer is no in step S340, a predetermined time is waited for the quality control sample container to be transferred, i.e., sample transport is waited for (step S350). Then, 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 times the containers are transported is recorded in the memory unit 13 (step S400), and the containers are transferred to the disk 4f (step S410), completing the process.

[0051] If the request for coordinated export is for group export, the export 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 ends (step S311).

[0052] Furthermore, it is determined whether the additional carry-out conditions are met (step S340), and if yes, it is determined whether there is a standard solution container registered under the additional carry-out conditions (whether a container containing the standard solution to be removed is stored (whether removal was reserved but the user forgot to put the container in), whether a container is available but the standard solution in it has not expired, etc.) (step S341). If yes, it is determined whether there is a sufficient amount of standard solution remaining in the additional container (step S342). Then, if yes, it executes waiting for the standard solution to be removed (step S350). It is determined whether there is a container registered under the additional carry-out conditions (step S341), and if no, an alarm is issued and processing is terminated (step S311). It is determined whether there is a sufficient amount of sample in the additional container (step S342), and if no, an alarm is issued and processing is terminated (step S311).

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

[0054] The operator first registers container information for samples to be analyzed, such as detergent, standard solution, or quality control sample, using the operation 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 container information registration screen 200 displayed on the display unit 15. Next, a rack 18 carrying a container 17 containing detergent is loaded into the rack loading unit 1. When the rack 18 carrying the container 17 containing the detergent to be used for cleaning the analyzer as the sample to be analyzed is loaded into the rack loading unit 1, the rack ID acquisition unit 11 verifies the rack ID (confirms that it is ID number 319, 320 for the container storage device in the rack range setting 300) (step S20 in FIG. 7). The container ID acquisition unit 3 reads the sample identification information (ID) and records the loading time, and compares it with the sample information (sample code) stored in the memory unit 13 (step S30 in FIG. 7).

[0055] Container information is acquired by the container ID acquisition unit 3, and if the container set on the container information registration screen 200 is in the rack 18 (step S40 in FIG. 7 ) and there is an empty compartment 4b in the corresponding disk 4f for storing the container 17 (step S50 in FIG. 7 ), the container is transported to the transfer line 4e of the container storage device 4 (step S60 in FIG. 7 ). If there is no specimen information corresponding to the acquired identification information, an alarm is displayed on the display unit 15 (step S41 in FIG. 7 ), and the rack 18 is transported to the rack recovery unit 16 (step S42 in FIG. 7 ), 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, transports the container 17 from the transfer line to the container ID acquisition unit 4c, reads the sample ID, and compares it with the information 200 in Figure 3. During this time, the shutter 4h operates, allowing access from outside the compartment 4b.

[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 retreats to the barcode reading position, and the shutter 4h closes (step S70 in FIG. 7).Then, the usability information of the specimen information is recorded as "usable" (step S80 in FIG. 7), and the container storage process is completed.

[0058] For quality control samples stored in containers 17 mounted on racks 18 held in the container storage device 4 in this manner, a check process to manage whether or not they can be used is performed continuously or at predetermined intervals.

[0059] In the check process, the expiration date set in the container management specimen information is checked to see if it has passed, if the remaining amount is below a set value, and the stabilization time after storage, and if all of the determination results are NO, no action is taken. Also, if at least one of the conditions is met, the usability information is set to "unusable," an alarm is displayed on the display unit 15 (step S311 in FIG. 9), and the process ends.

[0060] In this way, when a container 17 is held in compartment 4b and an instruction to execute the container removal process is input via the operation unit 14 or due to compliance with the implementation conditions, it is first determined whether the container removal is a grouped container specified in the group registration setting 500 of Figure 5 (step S100 of Figure 8).

[0061] When grouped containers are being removed, judgments are made in steps S110 to S130 for each of the relevant containers (in the case of 500 in Figure 5, ISE cleaning solution and conditioner).If the containers are not grouped, the system simply checks whether the rack is in the rack storage section 2 or the transfer line 4e (S110 in Figure 9), whether there are any usable detergent containers (S120), and whether there is a sufficient amount remaining (except when an empty container is stored) (S130).If any of the conditions are not met, an alarm is displayed on the display section 15, and the container removal process is terminated.

[0062] If there is a usable sample rack and a container containing detergent, the additional delivery conditions are then confirmed (step S140). If the additional delivery conditions (511, 512 in FIG. 5) are set and the number of deliveries (528, 534 in FIG. 5) is met, it is confirmed that an additional container (529 in FIG. 5) has been registered (step S150) and that there is a remaining amount of additional container (step S160). The container to be transferred to the rack and the transfer position on the rack (Pos. 1, etc.) are determined, and the transfer of the container to the rack begins (step S170).

[0063] If the coordinated carry-out is not required (step S180), after all containers have been transferred, the rack carrying the containers is transported to the analyzer via the transport unit (steps S200 to S240 in FIG. 8). Then, the rack 18 carrying the containers 17 moves to the sampling line 5a, 6a of the analyzer 5, 6 (step S200), and the pipettor 5c, 6c moves from the standby position to above the container 17 and descends to come into contact with the detergent in the container 17. After contact, the pipettor sucks up the detergent, rises while retaining the detergent in its nozzle, moves above the dilution tank 5d, 6d, and dispenses the detergent into the dilution tank 5d, 6d (step S210).

[0064] The detergent discharged into the dilution tanks 5d, 6d reaches the electrodes 5f, 6f via the tubes 5g, 6g and is then discarded outside the analyzer via a waste liquid tube (not shown). After the detergent is consumed in the analyzers 5, 6, the rack 18 carrying the containers 17 is transported back to the transfer line 4e via the return transport line 10, where the containers 17 are stored again in the compartment 4b of the disk 4f. The number of times each container has been transported and the number of times the containers have been transported together as a group are recorded in the memory unit 13, and the analyzer waits for the next instruction (steps S210 to S240 in FIG. 8).

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

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

[0067] If there is a usable rack 18 and a container containing a quality control sample, the additional carry-out conditions are then confirmed (step S340). If the additional carry-out conditions are set and the number of carries-outs is met, it is confirmed that the additional containers have been registered and that there are remaining quantities of additional containers (except when empty containers are stored), and the containers to be transferred to the rack and the transfer position on the rack (Pos. 1, etc.) are determined.

[0068] After the transfer position on the rack is determined, the system waits for a preset time (30 minutes in the example of 550 in Figure 5). Then, container transfer begins, and steps S360 to S410, which are the same as steps S170 and S200 to S240 in Figure 8, are executed. Note that when an empty container is transported to the analyzer, sample suction from the container 17 is not performed, and after the sample nozzle is lowered into the empty container 17, water is discharged from the sample nozzle, filling the container 17 with water and immersing the sample nozzle.

[0069] (6) Effects The effects of the present embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0070] Generally, detergents used for maintaining automated analyzers are procured from the manufacturer and stored according to the manufacturer's instructions (e.g., at room temperature, in a refrigerator, or in a dark room). These detergents are necessary to remove contamination from instrument components (e.g., pipettes for dispensing, dilution tanks, and sample flow paths) and to maintain the instrument in good condition. Furthermore, after cleaning the instrument, it is necessary to use quality control samples to confirm whether the same analytical results are obtained as before cleaning. If the same analytical results are not obtained, the electrodes and reagents must be recalibrated using standard solutions and managed to ensure the same analytical results are obtained.

[0071] However, when detergent is filled into a container and placed in an analyzer at room temperature, evaporation causes the detergent components to concentrate, volatilize, or decompose, making it impossible to achieve a stable effect over a long period of time. Therefore, when using such detergents, the detergent must be stored in an external refrigerator, and the user must remove the detergent from the external refrigerator each time they are used, dispense the amount they plan to use into a container compatible with the analyzer, place the container containing the detergent in the analyzer, and then issue instructions for the cleaning process using the device's operating unit.

[0072] Furthermore, since the cleaning process takes time (for example, one hour), if the detergent and quality control sample are prepared at the same time and placed in the device before the cleaning process begins, the quality control sample will not be consumed until the cleaning process is complete. This creates problems such as the quality control sample becoming concentrated or the enzyme activity in the quality control sample becoming inactive while waiting for the cleaning process to complete, 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 and connected to an analyzer. The detergent container is removed at a time specified by the user, transported to the analyzer, and the cleaning process is carried out. Also, different cleaning processes can be performed depending on the number of times the cleaning process is performed. Furthermore, by programming the system in advance to remove and transport quality control samples to the analyzer after the cleaning process, quality control can be carried out without causing a decrease in the quality of the quality control samples. This reduces the user's burden for maintenance and quality control, and allows the analyzer to be properly maintained and managed.

[0074] 1 Rack loading section 2 Rack storage section 3 Container ID acquisition section (of rack loading section 1) 4 Container storage device 4a Identification information reading device 4b Compartment 4c Container ID acquisition section (of container management device 4) 4d Arm 4e Transfer line 4f Disk 4g Cooling section 4h Shutter 5,6 Analytical device 5c Pipetter 5d Dilution tank 5f Electrode 5g Tube 9 Forward transport line 10 Return transport line 11 Rack ID acquisition section 12 Control section 13 Memory section 14 Operation section 15 Display section 16 Rack recovery section 17 Container 18 Rack.

Claims

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2. (delete)

3. (delete)

4. A container storage device that can be connected to an analysis device that analyzes samples and that transports containers between the analysis device, a container storage unit capable of storing a plurality of first containers each containing a first liquid including at least a quality control sample or a standard solution and used for analyzing a sample, and a second container each containing a second liquid including at least a cleaning solution and used for maintenance of the analyzer; a cold storage unit that keeps the container storage unit cool; a transport unit that transports the first container and the second container between the container storage unit and the analysis device; a receiving unit that receives a carry-out instruction to carry out the first container and the second container from the container storage unit; a control unit that controls the transport unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the first container and / or the second container to the analyzer when a preset condition is satisfied; A container storage device that controls the transport unit to transport a first container and / or a second container other than the transported first container and / or second container to the analytical device after the first container and / or the second container are transported to the analytical device by satisfying the predetermined conditions and if a predetermined additional transport condition is satisfied.

5. The container storage device of claim 4, wherein the additional transport conditions are registered in the control unit as a group including at least two of additional transport conditions 1 and additional transport conditions 2, and wherein separate transport conditions can be set for additional transport conditions 1 and additional transport conditions 2.

6. A container storage device as described in claim 5, which is equipped with a coordinated transport function that executes an additional transport group registered separately from the group when all additional transport conditions registered in the control unit for the group are met and transport of all the first containers and / or second containers to the analytical device is completed, and when a predetermined coordinated transport condition is met.

7. The container storage device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the containers transported between the container storage unit and the analyzer include empty containers in addition to the first containers and the second containers.

8. The container storage device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the transport unit transports the containers by placing them on a rack.

9. A container storage device that can be connected to an analysis device that analyzes samples and that transports containers between the analysis device, a container storage unit capable of storing a plurality of first containers each containing a first liquid including at least a quality control sample or a standard solution and used for analyzing a sample, and a second container each containing a second liquid including at least a cleaning solution and used for maintenance of the analyzer; a cold storage unit that keeps the container storage unit cool; a transport unit that transports the first container and the second container between the container storage unit and the analyzer while the first container and the second container are placed on a rack; 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 comprising:

10. a rack storage unit capable of storing racks; The container storage device according to claim 9 , further comprising: a transport unit that transports the rack between the analysis device and the rack storage unit.

11. The container storage device according to claim 10, wherein the control unit controls to specify a combination of containers to be placed on the rack and to specify positions of the containers on the rack.

12. The container storage device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the control unit designates a target module from which the container is to be transported.

13. The expiration date of the first liquid and / or the second liquid can be set, The container storage device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the control unit controls the device to notify an operator when the first liquid and / or the second liquid exceeds a set expiration date.

14. The container storage device of claim 4, wherein the predetermined conditions are one of the following: the time the container is removed, the number of times the sample probe is used in the analysis device, the time the analysis device is in standby mode, the time the analysis device is in operation mode, and when maintenance is performed on the analysis device.

15. the container transfer unit has a robot arm that grips the container, a lid for covering an opening of the container storage section; a shutter having a function of opening and closing the opening; The container storage device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising: a transfer line arranged parallel to a conveying line connecting the analysis device and the container storage device.