Cold storage

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is to provide a cold storage with improved dew condensation discharge performance. For this purpose, in this cold storage, which comprises a metal container that accommodates an object to be cooled, a cooling mechanism that cools the metal container, and a drain pipe that extends downward from the bottom surface of the metal container and discharges dew condensation generated in the metal container, there is provided a guide member that extends from a position facing the inner surface of the metal container to a position facing the inner surface of the drain pipe and that guides the dew condensation to the lower side of the drain pipe by means of capillary action.

Description

Refrigerated storage

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] A storage cabinet for storing objects, such as reagents used in automated analyzers, is provided with a drainage mechanism for discharging condensation water generated inside the cabinet to the outside. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drain (drainage pipe) extending downward from the bottom surface of the inner wall of the refrigerator cabinet, as well as a pipe extending along the inner bottom surface of the inner wall through the inner diameter side of the drain and into the refrigerator cabinet. Patent Document 1 also discloses that condensation water is drawn to the outer surface of the pipe by capillary force generated by a gap between the pipe and the bottom surface of the inner wall, and is guided along the outer circumference of the pipe to an upper opening of the drain.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 182068

[0004] However, in the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the pipes are in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the inner wall, they are not in contact with or close to the inner surface of the drain, making it difficult for condensed water to be discharged below the drain.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator with improved condensation water drainage performance.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a refrigerator comprising a metal container for storing an object to be kept cold, a cooling mechanism for cooling the metal container, and a drain pipe extending downward from the bottom of the metal container to drain condensation water generated within the metal container, and having a guide member extending from a position facing the inner surface of the metal container to a position facing the inner surface of the drain pipe, and guiding the condensation water downward in the drain pipe by capillary action.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator with improved condensation water drainage performance.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a reagent refrigerator according to Example 1. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a drain pipe. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a guide member. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a reagent refrigerator according to Example 2. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a reagent refrigerator according to Example 3. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an extraction refrigerator according to Example 4. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an extraction refrigerator according to Example 5.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes a sample loading section 2, a reagent refrigerator 9, a dispensing mechanism 4, an extraction section 10, a reaction section 5, a detection section 6, a consumables storage section 7, a waste box 3, an operation section 8, etc.

[0010] The specimen mounting unit 2 is, for example, a specimen disk, on which multiple specimen containers containing specimens (samples) are mounted in a circumferential arrangement. The reagent refrigerator 9 keeps the reagents contained in the reagent containers cool, as described in detail below. The dispensing mechanism 4 dispenses specimens and reagents into reaction vessels, etc. For example, when aspirating a reagent from a reagent container in the reagent refrigerator 9, a probe is inserted through a reagent dispensing hole 20 formed in the reagent refrigerator 9. The extraction unit 10 purifies and temporarily stores specimens dispensed from the specimen mounting unit 2, and includes an extraction refrigerator 13. The reaction unit 5 dispenses the purified specimen and reagent into a reaction vessel, where the specimen and reagent are mixed and the reaction is promoted by providing optical or thermodynamic energy. The detection unit 6 detects changes resulting from the mixture, such as fluorescence. The consumable storage unit 7 stores unused consumables, such as reaction vessels and dispensing tips, used in the extraction unit 10 and the reaction unit 5. The waste box 3 is a box for discarding used consumables. The operation unit 8 is used by the user when making settings, and is composed of, for example, a display device, a mouse, a keyboard, and other input devices. The operation unit 8 also functions as a control device that controls the operations of each component of the automated analyzer 1.

[0011] As described above, the automated analyzer according to this embodiment has two refrigerators: the reagent refrigerator 9 and the extraction refrigerator 13. Below, the configuration of the reagent refrigerator 9 will be specifically described using Examples 1-3, and the configuration of the extraction refrigerator 13 will be specifically described using Examples 4-5.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reagent refrigerator 9 according to Example 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the reagent refrigerator 9 includes a reagent disk 16, a metal container 18, a heat insulating material 17, a lid 19, a rotation mechanism, a cooling mechanism, etc.

[0013] The reagent disk 16 (reagent container holder) is a disk capable of holding multiple reagent containers 22, which are objects to be kept cool, and is fixed to a shaft 23 that constitutes a rotation mechanism. The metal container 18 is a kettle-shaped container that houses the reagent containers 22 and the reagent disk 16. It has an outer wall that protrudes upward on the outer diameter side and an inner wall that protrudes upward on the inner diameter side along the shaft 23. The metal container 18 is made of a metal such as aluminum to enhance cooling performance. The heat insulator 17 is provided on the outside of the metal container 18 and forms the outer shell of the reagent refrigerator 9, while also keeping the metal container 18 warm. The lid 19 covers an opening formed above the metal container 18 and the heat insulator 17, and has a reagent dispensing hole 20 into which the dispensing mechanism 4 is inserted to aspirate the reagent.

[0014] The rotation mechanism is a mechanism for rotating the reagent disk 16, and includes a shaft 23, a pulley 27, a belt 28, and a motor 29. One end of the shaft 23 is connected to the reagent disk 16, and the other end is connected to the pulley 27. The belt 28 is wound around the pulley 27, and the power of the motor 29 is transmitted to the pulley 27 via the belt 28. Therefore, when the pulley 27 is rotated by the motor 29, the reagent disk 16 also rotates integrally with the shaft 23. The rotation mechanism, including the motor 29, is supported by a base 30.

[0015] The cooling mechanism cools the bottom surface of the metal container 18, thereby cooling the air inside the metal container 18 and ultimately the reagent inside the reagent container 22, and includes a Peltier cooler 15 and a Peltier fan 14. The Peltier cooler 15 is configured by combining a Peltier element and a heat sink. By controlling the applied current, the Peltier element absorbs heat from the bottom surface of the metal container 18 on one side and generates heat on the other side. The heat sink is provided below the Peltier element and dissipates heat generated by the Peltier element as the metal container 18 is cooled. The Peltier fan 14 (blower fan) expels heat dissipated from the heat sink of the Peltier cooler 15 into the air by blowing air.

[0016] When the metal container 18 is cooled by the cooling mechanism, some of the moisture contained in the air inside the metal container 18 condenses, forming condensed water on the bottom and sides of the metal container 18. Furthermore, when the metal container 18 is cooled, the air pressure inside the container decreases, causing moist outside air to flow into the container through the reagent dispensing hole 20 formed in the lid 19, generating further condensed water. The drainage mechanism for draining the condensed water will be described in detail below.

[0017] The drainage mechanism has a drain pipe 25, a condensation tray 26, and a guide member 24. The drain pipe 25 (drain) extends downward from the bottom surface of the metal container 18 and is a pipe for discharging condensation water generated inside the metal container 18. The drain pipe 25 is made of aluminum, for example, like the metal container 18, and is fixed to the metal container 18 by welding.

[0018] Condensation tray 26 is a tray provided below drain pipe 25 for receiving condensation water. Condensation tray 26 is provided downstream of the air blown by Peltier fan 14 described above, so that condensation water accumulated in condensation tray 26 can be efficiently evaporated by the exhaust heat from the cooling mechanism. In other words, there is no need for a flow path or the like for discharging condensation water as waste liquid outside reagent refrigerator 9. Note that, although condensation tray 26 is provided on the upper surface of base 30 in FIG. 2, condensation tray 26 may be supported via another structure.

[0019] The guide member 24 extends from a position facing the inside of the bottom surface of the metal container 18 to a position facing the inner surface of the drain pipe 25, and is a member for guiding condensed water downward in the drain pipe 25 by capillary action. One end of the guide member 24 is fixed to a fixing portion on the bottom surface of the metal container 18 with, for example, aluminum tape, and the other end of the guide member 24 extends downward on the inner surface of the drain pipe 25, closer to the fixing portion. The guide member 24 may be made of metal or resin, but if it is made of metal, it is preferable to use a metal that is resistant to rust, such as stainless steel.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the drain pipe 25. As shown in Fig. 3, the drain pipe 25 is cylindrical, while the guide member 24 is rod-shaped. The guide member 24 is close to or in contact with the inner surface of the drain pipe 25 to such an extent that capillary action occurs.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the guide member 24. As shown in Fig. 4, the guide member 24 may be disposed so as to extend from a position facing the inside of the outer wall of the metal container 18 to a position facing the inner surface of the drain pipe 25. Furthermore, the guide member 24 is not limited to a shape that bends at the portion extending from the inside of the metal container 18 to the inside of the drain pipe 25, and may have a shape that has a curved surface at that portion.

[0022] As described above, when the metal container 18 is cooled, the air pressure inside the container is reduced. This makes it easier for moist outside air to flow into the container through the reagent dispensing holes 20 as well as through gaps between the metal container 18 and the reagent disk 16 or the shaft 23. Therefore, the reagent refrigerator according to Example 2 has improved sealing of the space surrounded by the metal container 18 and the lid 19 compared to the reagent refrigerator according to Example 1. Below, a description of the same configuration as in Example 1 will be omitted, and only the configuration different from Example 1 will be described.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reagent refrigerator 9 according to Example 2. As shown in FIG. 5, a first seal 32a is provided between the lower surface of the reagent disk 16 and the upper surface of the inner wall of the metal container 18, and a second seal 32b is provided between the shaft 23 and the inner surface of the inner wall of the metal container 18. Both seals are ring-shaped and function to prevent air from passing through by elastically deforming when pressed. Strictly speaking, the first seal 32a is attached to the disk support portion 31, but since the disk support portion 31 is integrally molded with the reagent disk 16, it can be considered to be attached to the reagent disk 16.

[0024] 5, both the first sealant 32a and the second sealant 32b are provided, which greatly improves the airtightness of the space surrounded by the metal container 18 and the lid 19, but a certain degree of airtightness can be expected with just the first sealant 32a, as it is possible to press the first sealant 32a against the metal container 18 by utilizing the gravity applied by the reagent disk 16.

[0025] When the air inside the metal container 18 is cooled and decompressed, moist outside air may flow into the container not only from the reagent dispensing hole 20 and the area around the shaft 23, but also from the drain pipe 25. Therefore, the reagent refrigerator according to Example 3 has improved airtightness compared to the reagent refrigerator according to Example 2. Below, a description of the same configuration as in Example 2 will be omitted, and only the configuration different from Example 2 will be described.

[0026] Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reagent refrigerator 9 according to Example 3. As shown in Figure 6, a check valve 33 is provided in the drain pipe 25. Because the check valve 33 is normally closed, the inflow of outside air through the drain pipe 25 is suppressed. In addition, because the lower end of the guide member 24 reaches close to the check valve 33, a flow of condensed water that reaches the check valve 33 is easily generated, and the condensed water can be efficiently accumulated upstream of the check valve 33. When a certain amount of condensed water accumulates upstream of the check valve 33, the check valve 33 opens, and the condensed water is discharged toward the condensation tray 26.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an extraction refrigerator 13 according to Example 4. As shown in Fig. 7, the extraction refrigerator 13 includes a metal container 34, a cooling mechanism, a drainage mechanism, etc. The cooling mechanism and the drainage mechanism are the same as those in Example 1. Below, configurations different from Example 1 will be described.

[0028] Unlike the reagent refrigerator 9 according to Examples 1-3, the extraction refrigerator 13 according to Example 4 does not include a lid or a rotation mechanism. The metal container 34 according to Example 4 is a dish-shaped container that houses a container or cassette, which is an object to be kept cold, and has an outer wall that protrudes upward on the outer diameter side. The container or cassette houses a sample or the like. The metal container 34 is supported by a container support portion 38 that extends horizontally, and the container support portion 38 is supported by a plurality of columns 37 that extend vertically. The columns 37 also support a base 35 on which a condensation tray 26 is placed. However, the condensation tray 26 may be supported by a structure other than the base 35 (for example, the columns 37 or the container support portion 38). In addition, since the space surrounded by the container support portion 38, the column portion 37, and the base 35 is a closed space, by forming an exhaust port 36 in the base 35, etc., it is possible to discharge air containing moisture and heat outside the extraction refrigerator 13.

[0029] Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an extractor / refrigerator 13 according to Example 5. As shown in Fig. 8, the extractor / refrigerator 13 according to Example 5, unlike Example 4, is provided with a check valve 33 in the drain pipe 25. This prevents air containing moisture and heat from reaching the containers and cassettes in the metal container 34 via the drain pipe 25. Furthermore, as in Example 3 described above, the lower end of the guide member 24 reaches the vicinity of the check valve 33, which makes it easy for condensed water to flow and reach the check valve 33, and allows the condensed water to efficiently accumulate upstream of the check valve 33.

[0030] 1...automatic analyzer, 2...sample placement section, 3...waste box, 4...dispensing mechanism, 5...reaction section, 6...detection section, 7...consumables storage section, 8...operation section, 9...reagent refrigerator, 10...extraction section, 13...extraction refrigerator, 14...peltier fan, 15...peltier cooler, 16...reagent disk, 17...insulating material, 18...metal container, 19...lid, 20...reagent dispensing hole, 22...reagent container, 23...shaft, 24...guiding member, 25...drain pipe, 26...condensation tray, 27...pulley, 28...belt, 29...motor, 30...base, 31...disk support section, 32a...first sealant, 32b...second sealant, 33...check valve, 34...metal container, 35...base, 36...exhaust port, 37...column section, 38...container support section.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising a metal container for storing an object to be kept refrigerated, a cooling mechanism for cooling the metal container, and a drain pipe extending downward from the bottom of the metal container to drain condensation water generated within the metal container, characterized in that the refrigerator has a guide member extending from a position facing the inner surface of the metal container to a position facing the inner surface of the drain pipe, and guiding the condensation water downwards in the drain pipe by capillary action.

2. A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the drain pipe is provided with a check valve, which opens to allow the condensed water to be discharged when a certain amount of condensed water accumulates upstream of the check valve.

3. A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that a condensation tray for receiving the condensed water is provided at the bottom of the drain pipe, and the condensed water in the condensation tray evaporates due to the exhaust heat of the cooling mechanism.

4. A refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the cooling mechanism is provided with a blower fan that exhausts heat generated as the metal container is cooled, and the condensation water in the condensation tray evaporates due to the air blown by the blower fan.

5. A refrigerator according to claim 1, comprising: a reagent container holder provided within the metal container for holding reagent containers; and a shaft fixed to the reagent container holder and rotated by the power of a motor, wherein the metal container has an outer wall protruding upward on the outer diameter side and an inner wall protruding upward on the inner diameter side along the shaft, and a first sealant is provided between the underside of the reagent container holder and the upper surface of the inner wall of the metal container.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, further comprising a second sealant provided between the shaft and the inner surface of the inner wall of the metal container.

7. A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein one end of the guide member is fixed to a fixed portion on the bottom surface of the metal container, and the other end of the guide member extends downward on the inner surface of the drain pipe near the fixed portion.

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