Automated analysis device

Abstract

This automated analysis device comprises a reagent storage compartment that holds therein a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents used for analysis of samples, a reagent dispensing mechanism that dispenses the reagents in the reagent containers held in the reagent storage compartment into a reaction container, and a measuring unit that measures a mixed liquid of a sample and the reagent in the reaction container, the automated analysis device additionally comprising: an introduction pipe for introducing air from outside the reagent storage compartment to the inside thereof; and a first blower unit disposed in the vicinity of an opening of the introduction pipe inside the reagent storage compartment to cause the air flowing out from the opening to circulate inside the reagent storage compartment. Suppressing humidity within a reagent refrigerator and limiting the amount of condensation generated within the reagent refrigerator makes it possible to limit the adverse effects of condensation on the reagent stored in the reagent containers.

Description

automatic analyzer

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer.

[0002] A known technology for suppressing the adverse effects of condensation in a reagent storage cabinet of an automatic analyzer is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic analyzer that includes: a housing that has an internal space on which a reagent container disk, on which a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents used in analysis are mounted and arranged in a circumferential direction, is arranged, and that suppresses contact between the reagent containers and air from an external space; a cooling mechanism that is arranged in the lower part of the internal space of the housing and cools the air using a cooling surface provided above; an external air introduction mechanism that introduces air from the external space of the housing into the internal space and blows it onto the cooling surface of the cooling mechanism; and a discharge mechanism that is provided below the cooling mechanism and continuous with the cooling surface, and that discharges condensation water formed on the cooling surface to the outside of the housing while maintaining the condensation state.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-002001

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, outside air taken in through an air inlet is brought into contact with a funnel-shaped cooling surface, promoting condensation and then being discharged outside the reagent refrigerator. In other words, by promoting condensation on the cooling surface, the accumulation of condensed water inside the housing is suppressed, and the atmosphere around the reagent containers is prevented from becoming highly humid or from becoming prone to mold, thereby suppressing the adverse effects of condensation.

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not reduce the amount of condensation that occurs inside the reagent refrigerator, so it does not provide a fundamental solution, and there is room for improvement in suppressing humidity and condensation inside the reagent refrigerator.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an automatic analyzer that can suppress the adverse effects of condensation on reagents contained in reagent containers by suppressing the humidity inside a reagent refrigerator and suppressing the amount of condensation that occurs inside the reagent refrigerator.

[0007] The present application includes multiple means for solving the above-mentioned problems. One example is an automatic analyzer having a reagent storage cabinet that holds multiple reagent containers containing reagents used in analyzing samples, a reagent dispensing mechanism that dispenses the reagent from the reagent containers held in the reagent storage cabinet into the reaction container, and a measurement unit that measures a mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container, the automatic analyzer comprising: an inlet pipe that introduces air from outside the reagent storage cabinet to inside the reagent storage cabinet; and a first air blowing unit that is positioned near an opening of the inlet pipe inside the reagent storage cabinet and circulates the air that flows out from the opening inside the reagent storage cabinet.

[0008] According to the present invention, the humidity inside the reagent refrigerator can be reduced, and the amount of condensation that occurs inside the reagent refrigerator can be reduced, thereby suppressing the adverse effects of condensation on reagents contained in reagent containers.

[0009] 6 is a plan view showing a schematic overall configuration of an automatic analyzer. A horizontal cross-sectional view showing a schematic representation of the reagent refrigerator extracted. A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. A vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic representation of the structure of the blown air cooling unit. A flowchart showing the procedure for cooling blown air and refrigerant. A horizontal cross-sectional view showing a schematic representation of the reagent refrigerator extracted according to a second embodiment. A cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 6. A vertical cross-sectional view of the reagent refrigerator according to a third embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the overall configuration of an automatic analyzer.

[0013] In FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 is an apparatus for analyzing biological samples (hereinafter referred to as specimens) such as blood or urine collected from patients in clinical tests, and is configured by connecting an analysis unit 2 and a control unit 3 via a communication line 4.

[0014] The control unit 3 is a computer such as a PC, and controls the overall operation of the automatic analyzer 100, including the analysis unit 2. The operator of the automatic analyzer 100 inputs the desired settings and analysis details using an input unit (not shown) such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel provided in the control unit 3, and checks information such as the analysis results on an output unit (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display or touch panel.

[0015] The analysis unit 2 is an apparatus for analyzing a sample by measuring the luminescence or discoloration that occurs when the sample reacts with an analytical reagent, and is roughly composed of a sample transport path 10, a reagent refrigerator 20, an incubator (reaction disk) 30, a measurement unit 40, etc.

[0016] The sample transport path 10 is a mechanism for transporting a sample container 11 containing a sample to be analyzed, such as blood or urine, to a dispensing position by a sample dispensing mechanism 12 .

[0017] The specimen dispensing mechanism 12 dispenses specimens by aspirating specimens from specimen containers 11 transported along the specimen transport path 10 to a specimen dispensing position and dispensing the specimens into reaction containers 13 installed in the incubator 30. The specimen dispensing mechanism 12 is equipped with dispensing tips 16 that are transported from a mounting rack 15 to a dispensing tip attachment / detachment section by a transport section 14. To prevent contamination during specimen dispensing, the dispensing tips 16 are replaced each time a specimen is dispensed.

[0018] The reagent refrigerator 20 is a so-called reagent storage cabinet that holds reagent containers 21 containing reagents used in sample analysis and stores them at low temperatures.

[0019] The reagent dispensing mechanism 26 dispenses the reagent by aspirating the reagent from the reagent container 21 transported to the reagent dispensing position in the reagent refrigerator 20 and discharging it into a reaction container placed in the incubator 30.

[0020] The incubator 30 is a mechanism that maintains a constant temperature to promote a reaction between a mixture (reaction solution) of the specimen dispensed by the specimen dispensing mechanism 12 and the reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing mechanism 26. Prior to dispensing the specimen and reagent, the reaction vessel 13 is transported from the loading rack 15 to the incubator 30 by the transport unit 14.

[0021] The reaction liquid dispensing mechanism 41 dispenses the reaction liquid by aspirating the reaction liquid from the reaction vessel 13 that has been transported to the reaction liquid dispensing position in the incubator 30 and discharging it to a predetermined position in the measurement unit 40. The reaction vessel 13 into which the reaction liquid has been dispensed is removed by being transported from the incubator 30 to the loading rack 15 by the transport unit 14.

[0022] The measurement unit 40 analyzes the components of the specimen by measuring the color change, luminescence, etc. of the reaction liquid dispensed from the reaction vessel 13 in the incubator 30. The analysis results from the measurement unit 40 are sent to the control unit 3 and displayed on an output unit such as a liquid crystal display or touch panel.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of the reagent refrigerator.

[0024] 2, the reagent refrigerator 20 is a so-called reagent storage cabinet that holds reagent containers 21 containing reagents used in sample analysis and stores them at low temperatures. The reagent refrigerator 20 is generally composed of a reagent disk 22, a reagent jacket 23, a reagent loader 24, a first air blower 205 (fan), etc.

[0025] The reagent disk 22 is a so-called reagent holder that is configured in a circular ring shape and that arranges and holds a plurality of reagent containers 21 in a circumferential direction. The reagent disk 22 is rotatable in the circumferential direction about a vertical rotation axis, and transports the reagent containers 21 mounted on it to predetermined positions on the circumference. The reagent disk 22 is provided on its circumference with reagent dispensing positions where the reagent dispensing mechanism 26 dispenses reagent, and load / unload positions where the reagent containers 21 are loaded into and unloaded from the reagent refrigerator 20.

[0026] The reagent jacket 23 is a covering that externally covers and encloses each component of the reagent refrigerator 20, including the reagent disk 22, and blocks air flow inside and outside the reagent refrigerator 20 and blocks heat conduction between the air inside and outside (insulation). The reagent jacket 23 is arranged so as not to come into contact with the reagent disk 22 and remains stationary even when the reagent disk 22 rotates. An opening (not shown) is provided at the reagent dispensing position of the reagent jacket 23 in the reagent refrigerator 20, allowing the reagent dispensing mechanism 26 to access the reagent containers 21 inside the reagent refrigerator 20 from outside the reagent refrigerator 20.

[0027] The reagent loader 24 is a mechanism for loading and unloading reagent containers 21 from the outside to the inside of the reagent refrigerator 20 and is disposed along the inner periphery of the reagent disk 22. The reagent loader 24 is movable vertically, allowing it to move vertically with the reagent container 21 loaded thereon, i.e., transport the reagent container 21 in and out of the reagent refrigerator 20. The reagent loader 24 is pulled upward from the reagent refrigerator 20 (specifically, the reagent jacket 23), loaded with the reagent container 21, and then inserted (downward) into the reagent refrigerator 20. The reagent container 21 is then moved from the reagent loader 24 to an empty position on the reagent disk 22, which has been moved to the reagent loading / unloading position, and loaded thereon (reagent container loading). The reagent disk 22, which has been moved to the reagent loading / unloading position, moves the reagent container 21 to the reagent loader 24, and then the reagent loader 24 is pulled upward (reagent container unloading). The reagent jacket 23 is provided with a reagent container insertion hole 204 through which the reagent loader 24 passes as it moves vertically. The reagent container insertion hole 204 is designed to be closed when the reagent loader 24 is inserted into the reagent refrigerator 20 .

[0028] The reagent refrigerator 20 is provided at its bottom with a plurality of (e.g., two) air inlet sections 25 (openings within the reagent refrigerator 20 of the inlet pipe formed by the sixth to eighth flow paths 212, 213, and 214 described below) that introduce cooled air cooled and dried by the air blower cooling section 200 into the reagent refrigerator 20. When distinguishing between the two air inlet sections 25, one is referred to as the first air inlet section 25a (first opening) and the other is referred to as the second air inlet section 25b (second opening). The first air inlet section 25a and the second air inlet section 25b are arranged along the inner periphery of the reagent disk 22. In particular, when a plurality of (e.g., three or more) air inlet sections 25 are arranged, they can be said to be arranged in a circular ring shape along the inner periphery of the reagent disk 22. The internal temperature of the reagent refrigerator 20 is maintained at, for example, 5 to 10 degrees Celsius by the circulation of refrigerant within the reagent jacket 23 and the introduction of cooled air from the air inlet sections 25. The air intake section 25 not only introduces cooling air into the reagent refrigerator 20 but also serves as a drain for condensation water that occurs inside the reagent refrigerator 20 .

[0029] The first air blower 205 is a mechanism that promotes air circulation inside the reagent refrigerator 20, and is arranged along the inner periphery of the reagent disk 22. The first air blower 205 is a so-called air blower that blows air by rotating a rotating blade (propeller), and has a first air blower inlet 205a that draws in nearby air, and a first air blower outlet 205b that discharges the air drawn in from the first air blower inlet.

[0030] The reagent loader 24 and the first air blower 205 are arranged so as to be sandwiched between two air introduction sections 25 (the first air introduction section 25a and the second air introduction section 25b) in the circumferential direction. That is, the first air introduction section 25a, the first air blower 205, the reagent loader 24, and the second air introduction section 25b are arranged in this order along the inner circumference of the reagent disk 22. In this case, the first air blower suction port 205a is arranged near the first air introduction section 25a, and air introduced through the first air introduction section 25a is guided to the first air blower suction port 205a by the suction force of the first air blower 205. In addition, the first air blower outlet 205b is directed toward the bottom surface of the reagent refrigerator 20 vertically below the reagent container insertion hole 204.

[0031] When the reagent loader 24 is in operation, outside air containing a higher humidity is brought into the reagent refrigerator 20 through the reagent container insertion hole 204, and condensation is likely to occur on the bottom surface of the reagent refrigerator 20 vertically below the reagent container insertion hole 204. Therefore, in this embodiment, drier cooling air introduced into the reagent refrigerator 20 from the air inlet 25 is sucked in by the first air blower 205, and discharged / blowed onto the bottom surface of the reagent refrigerator 20 vertically below the reagent container insertion hole 204 while circulating inside the reagent refrigerator 20, thereby suppressing the amount of condensation that occurs inside the reagent refrigerator 20 and suppressing the adverse effects of condensation on the reagents contained in the reagent containers.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1. Also, Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the blown air cooling section.

[0033] 3, the analysis unit 2 includes components related to cooling and drying the reagent refrigerator 20, such as a blower air cooling unit 200, a refrigerant cooling unit 201, and a second blower unit 206, as well as multiple flow paths (first to tenth flow paths 207, ..., 216) connecting these components. The first to fourth flow paths 207, 208, 209, and 210 are flow paths for the refrigerant. The sixth to eighth flow paths 212, 213, and 214 are flow paths for the air, and form inlet pipes that introduce air from the outside to the inside of the reagent refrigerator 20. The fifth, ninth, and tenth flow paths 211, 215, and 216 are flow paths for draining water (so-called drain pipes).

[0034] The refrigerant cooling unit 201 is a mechanism for cooling and delivering a refrigerant (e.g., cooling water). The refrigerant cooled and delivered by the refrigerant cooling unit 201 is circulated so as to return to the refrigerant cooling unit 201 after passing through the first flow path 207, the third flow path 209, the fourth flow path 210, the blown air cooling unit 200, and the second flow path 208 in this order.

[0035] A third flow path 209 is disposed in the internal space of the reagent jacket 23 so as to contact the inner side surface of the reagent jacket 23. The refrigerant delivered from the refrigerant cooling unit 201 is sent to the third flow path 209 via the first flow path 207, and absorbs heat from the air inside the reagent refrigerator 20 as it circulates through the third flow path 209. In other words, as the refrigerant circulates through the third flow path 209, the space inside the reagent refrigerator 20 and the reagent containers 21 are cooled.

[0036] The second blower 206 is a mechanism that sends air from the outside of the automated analyzer 100 into the reagent refrigerator 20, and is a so-called blower that blows air by rotating a rotating blade (propeller). The air taken in and discharged by the second blower 206 (hereinafter also referred to as blown air) passes through the sixth flow path 212, the blown air cooling unit 200 (including the seventh flow path 213), and the eighth flow path 214, in that order, and is introduced into the reagent refrigerator 20 from the air introduction unit 25. Note that the second blower 206 is preferably positioned so that its air intake face does not face downward (toward the ground) to prevent the inhalation of dust and foreign matter.

[0037] The blown air cooling section 200 is disposed midway through the inlet pipe formed by the sixth to eighth flow paths 212, 213, and 214, and is a cooling section that cools the air blown through the inlet pipe.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the blown air cooling section 200 is made up of a first blown air cooling section 202 and a second blown air cooling section 203 .

[0039] The first blowing air cooling section 202 has a refrigerant storage section 202a that stores and circulates the refrigerant sent from the reagent refrigerator 20 side via the fourth flow path 210, and an air pipe 202b that is arranged to circulate within the refrigerant storage section 202a and sends the blowing air discharged from the second blowing section 206 via the sixth flow path 212 to the seventh flow path 213.

[0040] The refrigerant reservoir 202 a is filled with the refrigerant sent via the fourth flow path 210 , and any refrigerant exceeding the capacity is sent to the refrigerant cooling unit 201 via the second flow path 208 .

[0041] Since the air pipe 202b is arranged to pass through the refrigerant that fills the refrigerant reservoir 202a, the blown air that passes through the air pipe 202b is cooled by the refrigerant and is sent to the second blown air cooling unit 203 via the seventh flow path 213. At this time, the blown air sent out from the first blown air cooling unit 202 can be said to have the same temperature as the inside of the reagent refrigerator 20.

[0042] The inside of air pipe 202b is isolated from refrigerant reservoir 202a, so that the blown air in air pipe 202b does not mix with the refrigerant in refrigerant reservoir 202a. A ninth flow path 215 is connected to the lower part (low position) of air pipe 202b, and condensation formed when the blown air is cooled by the inner wall of air pipe 202b is discharged via ninth flow path 215.

[0043] The second blown air cooling section 203 has a core structure 203a, an air pipe 203b arranged to circulate within the core structure 203a and which sends the blown air sent out from the first blown air cooling section 202 via the seventh flow path 213 to the eighth flow path 214, and an air cooler 203c.

[0044] The core structure 203a is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity. The air cooler 203c cools the core structure 203a. The air cooler 203c is made of, for example, a Peltier element, and cools the core structure 203a by absorbing heat. The air cooler 203c is configured so that the temperature of the core structure 203a is lower than the temperature of the refrigerant sent from the refrigerant cooling unit 201.

[0045] Since the air duct 203b is arranged to pass through the core structure 203a, the blown air that has passed through the air duct 203b is cooled by the core structure 203a and is sent into the reagent refrigerator 20 via the eighth flow path 214 and the air inlet 25. At this time, the blown air sent out from the second blown air cooling unit 203 can be said to have a lower temperature than the air inside the reagent refrigerator 20.

[0046] In addition, a ninth flow path 215 is connected to the lower part (low position) of the air duct 203b, and condensation that occurs when the blown air is cooled on the inner wall of the air duct 203b is discharged through the ninth flow path 215.

[0047] A fifth flow path 211 that discharges condensation water generated inside the reagent refrigerator 20 is connected to an air inlet 25 (i.e., an opening inside the reagent refrigerator 20 of an inlet pipe composed of the sixth to eighth flow paths 212, 213, 214) provided inside the reagent refrigerator 20. In addition to the role of introducing cooling air into the reagent refrigerator 20, the air inlet 25 also has the role of discharging condensation water, and condensation generated inside the reagent refrigerator 20 flows into the fifth flow path 211 via the air inlet 25 and is discharged via the fifth flow path 211.

[0048] The fifth flow path 211, which is a drainage channel for the reagent refrigerator 20, and the ninth flow path 215, which is an abandoned water channel for the ventilated air cooling section 200, join downstream to form a tenth flow path 216, which is connected to the outside of the analytical section 2. Condensation water generated in the reagent refrigerator 20 and the ventilated air cooling section 200 (first ventilated air cooling section 202, second ventilated air cooling section 203) is all discharged to the outside through the tenth flow path 216.

[0049] The tenth flow path 216 has a U-shaped structure that temporarily retains condensed water. Hereinafter, this first flow path structure will be referred to as the water reservoir. Condensed water discharged from the reagent refrigerator 20, the first blown air cooling unit 202, and the second blown air cooling unit 203 is temporarily retained in the water reservoir before being discharged to the outside of the analytical unit 2. At this time, the tenth flow path 216 is blocked by the condensed water retained in the water reservoir. This blocks the flow path 216 from the second blower 206. This blocks the flow of ventilated air (cooled air) that reaches the air inlet 25 from the second blower 206 via the inlet pipes (sixth to eighth flow paths 212, 213, 214) to the fifth flow path 211. Instead, all of the cooled air is introduced into the reagent refrigerator 20 via the air inlet 25. This prevents a decrease in the amount of air sent to the reagent refrigerator 20 and maintains a positive pressure inside the reagent refrigerator 20. In the tenth flow path, when the amount of water remaining in the water storage portion reaches an upper limit, the water exceeding the upper limit overflows from the water storage portion and is discharged to the outside.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for cooling the blown air and the refrigerant.

[0051] 5, when the power supply to the analytical unit 2 of the automated analyzer 100 is turned on, the refrigerant cooling unit 201 starts cooling the refrigerant (step S110). At this time, the refrigerant cooling unit 201 cools the refrigerant and simultaneously releases heat absorbed from the refrigerant to the outside of the analytical unit 2.

[0052] Subsequently, the refrigerant cooled by the refrigerant cooling unit 201 and sent out flows into the third flow path 209 and circulates inside the reagent jacket 23, cooling the internal space of the reagent refrigerator 20 and the reagent containers 21 (step S130).

[0053] The refrigerant that has circulated through the reagent jacket 23 then flows out of the reagent refrigerator 20 and into the first blown air cooling section 202 of the blown air cooling section 200 (step S140).

[0054] Simultaneously with the start of cooling the refrigerant by the refrigerant cooling unit 201 in step S110, blown air (outside air) is taken in from outside the analysis unit 2 by the second blower 206 (step S120), and is introduced into the first blown air cooling unit 202 of the blown air cooling unit 200 (step S150). Note that the flow rate of the outside air introduced by the second blower 206 is preferably equal to or greater than the amount of air that leaks out of the reagent refrigerator 20 after filling the reagent refrigerator 20, i.e., the amount of air that creates a positive pressure inside the reagent refrigerator 20.

[0055] The refrigerant that has flowed into the first blown air cooling unit 202 in step S140 cools the blown air that has flowed into the first blown air cooling unit 202 in step S150 (step S200). The refrigerant used in the first blown air cooling unit 202 is the refrigerant that was used to cool the reagent refrigerator 20, so the blown air that is cooled by the first blown air cooling unit 202 and sent out has the same temperature as the internal space of the reagent refrigerator 20.

[0056] When the cooling of the blown air by the refrigerant in step S200 is completed, the refrigerant used to cool the blown air flows out of the first blown air cooling section 202 and is returned to the refrigerant cooling section 201 (step S210).

[0057] Furthermore, when the cooling of the blown air by the refrigerant in the first blown air cooling section 202 is completed in step S200, the blown air flows from the first blown air cooling section 202 to the second blown air cooling section 203 (step S220), and the blown air is further cooled in the second blown air cooling section 203 (step S230).

[0058] In the second blown air cooling unit 203, the blown air is cooled to a lower temperature than in the first blown air cooling unit 202. Therefore, in the second blown air cooling unit 203, the blown air is cooled to a temperature lower than the air inside the reagent refrigerator 20. Here, for example, when cooling the blown air introduced from the second blower unit 206 to a temperature lower than the air inside the reagent refrigerator 20 using a single-stage cooling function unit, a cooler with a large cooling capacity is required, and the cooling function unit becomes large. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cooling function unit is divided into two stages: the first blown air cooling unit 202 and the second blown air cooling unit 203. The first-stage cooling function unit (first blown air cooling unit 202) uses the refrigerant that cools the inside of the reagent refrigerator 20, so it is possible to cool the blown air to a temperature equivalent to the air inside the reagent refrigerator 20 without adding a new cooler. Furthermore, the second-stage cooling function unit (second blown air cooling unit 203) further cools the blown air that has already been cooled to a temperature equivalent to that of the air inside the reagent refrigerator 20, so the amount of heat absorption required is reduced, and the required amount of heat absorption can be ensured even when a small cooling function unit is used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second-stage cooling function unit (second blown air cooling unit 203) is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, so a sufficient cooling function can be achieved using a smaller cooling function unit (for example, a Peltier element).

[0059] The blown air cooled by the second blown air cooling unit 203 in step S230 is introduced into the reagent refrigerator 20 via the air inlet 25 (step S240), thereby maintaining a positive pressure inside the reagent refrigerator 20 (step S250). In this way, the internal space of the reagent refrigerator 20 is positively pressurized by the blown air, and the pressure therein is higher than that of the air outside the reagent refrigerator 20. This makes it possible to prevent external air from flowing into the refrigerator through the reagent container insertion hole 204, which is one cause of condensation.

[0060] The blown air introduced into the reagent refrigerator 20 via the air inlet 25 is circulated inside the reagent refrigerator 20 by the first blower 205 (step S260). The blown air introduced into the reagent refrigerator 20 via the air inlet 25 is sucked in through the first blower inlet 205a by the suction force of the first blower 205 and discharged from the first blower outlet 205b at a wind speed sufficient to circulate inside the reagent refrigerator 20. The blown air discharged by the first blower 205 circulates circumferentially along the reagent jacket 23, allowing the blown air to quickly diffuse inside the reagent refrigerator 20. When the blown air is cooled by the first blown air cooling unit 202 (refrigerant) and the second blown air cooling unit 203 (air cooler 203c), the moisture content of the blown air decreases due to condensation caused by a decrease in the amount of saturated water vapor. Therefore, the blown air introduced through the air inlet 25 is relatively drier than the air present in the reagent refrigerator 20. The dry blown air circulated by the first blower 205 has the effect of reducing the amount of condensation that occurs in the reagent refrigerator 20 and promoting the evaporation of any condensation that does occur. Furthermore, the first blower outlet 205b is disposed facing the bottom surface of the reagent refrigerator 20 vertically below the reagent container insertion hole 204, where condensation is likely to occur, thereby making it possible to promote the evaporation of condensation even more efficiently.

[0061] The cooled blown air is introduced into the reagent refrigerator 20 and circulated (steps S220 to S260), and after the refrigerant has returned from the first blown air cooling section 202 to the refrigerant cooling section 201 (step S210), the subsequent procedure differs depending on whether the power to the analysis section 2 of the automatic analysis device 100 is turned off or not (step S300).

[0062] If the power is not turned off (NO in step S300), the refrigerant is cooled again by the refrigerant cooling unit 201 and circulates through each mechanism (steps S110, S130, S140, S200, S210), and the ventilated air cooled by the refrigerant continues to be supplied to the reagent refrigerator 20 (steps S120, S150, S200, S220 to S260). If the power is turned off (YES in step S300), the circulation of the refrigerant and the cooling and supply of the ventilated air are stopped.

[0063] The effects of this embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0064] A known prior art technique for a reagent refrigerator in an automated analyzer involves bringing outside air taken in through an air inlet into contact with a funnel-shaped cooling surface to promote condensation and then discharging it outside the reagent refrigerator. This prior art technique aims to mitigate the adverse effects of condensation by promoting condensation on the cooling surface, thereby preventing the condensed water from accumulating inside the housing and preventing the atmosphere in the reagent containers from becoming humid or the development of mold and mildew. However, this technique does not reduce the amount of condensation that occurs inside the reagent refrigerator, and therefore does not provide a fundamental solution. There is still room for improvement in reducing humidity and condensation inside the reagent refrigerator.

[0065] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 100 has a specimen dispensing mechanism that dispenses specimens to be analyzed into reaction vessels, a reagent refrigerator 20 (reagent storage) that holds a plurality of reagent containers therein that contain reagents used in specimen analysis, a reagent dispensing mechanism 26 that dispenses reagents from the reagent containers held in the reagent refrigerator 20 into reaction vessels, and a measurement unit that measures the mixture of specimens and reagents in the reaction vessels, and is configured to include an inlet pipe that introduces air from the outside of the reagent refrigerator 20 to the inside, and a first air blowing unit that is positioned near the opening of the inlet pipe inside the reagent refrigerator 20 and circulates the air that flows out from the opening inside the reagent refrigerator 20.This reduces the humidity inside the reagent refrigerator 20 and reduces the amount of condensation that occurs inside the reagent refrigerator 20, thereby suppressing the adverse effects of condensation on the reagents contained in the reagent containers 21.

[0066] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[0067] In this embodiment, the air introduction section, first air blowing section, reagent loader, etc. are arranged differently from those in the first embodiment. Note that in this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] Fig. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the reagent refrigerator, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 6.

[0069] 6, the reagent refrigerator 20A is a so-called reagent storage cabinet that holds reagent containers 21 containing reagents used in sample analysis and stores them at low temperatures. The reagent refrigerator 20A is generally composed of a reagent disk 22, a reagent jacket 23A, a reagent loader 24, a first air blower 205 (fan), etc.

[0070] The reagent refrigerator 20A is provided at its bottom with a plurality of (e.g., two) air introduction sections 25 (openings within the reagent refrigerator 20A of the introduction pipe formed by the sixth to eighth flow paths 212, 213, and 214) that introduce the cooled air cooled and dried by the air blower cooling section 200 into the interior of the reagent refrigerator 20A. When distinguishing between the two air introduction sections 25, one will be referred to as the first air introduction section 25a (first opening) and the other as the second air introduction section 25b (second opening). The first air introduction section 25a and the second air introduction section 25b are arranged along the inner periphery of the reagent disk 22. In particular, when a plurality of (e.g., three or more) air introduction sections 25 are arranged, they can be said to be arranged in a circular ring shape along the inner periphery of the reagent disk 22.

[0071] The reagent loader 24 and air introduction section 25 are arranged on the side of the first air blower outlet 205b of the first air blower 205. In particular, the first air introduction section 25a is arranged near the first air blower outlet 205b of the first air blower 205. The reagent loader 24 is arranged so as to be sandwiched circumferentially between the two air introduction sections 25 (the first air introduction section 25a and the second air introduction section 25b). That is, the first air blower 205, the first air introduction section 25a, the reagent loader 24, and the second air introduction section 25b are arranged in this order along the inner circumference of the reagent disk 22. In this case, the first air blower outlet 205b is directed toward the bottom surface of the reagent refrigerator 20A vertically below the reagent container insertion hole 204. That is, the air introduced into the reagent refrigerator 20A is guided by the ejection force of the first air blower 205 to the bottom surface of the reagent refrigerator 20A vertically below the reagent container insertion hole 204.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom surface of the reagent jacket 23A constituting the reagent refrigerator 20A is configured with a tapered slope that decreases from the outer inner wall 23a and the inner inner wall 23b toward the air inlet section 25 (the opening of the inlet tube).

[0073] The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0074] The present embodiment configured as above can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0075] Condensation water generated on the outer and inner walls 23a and 23b of the reagent jacket 23A flows vertically downward along the outer and inner walls 23a and 23b of the reagent jacket 23A and then flows along the tapered bottom surface to be collected at the lowest point of the reagent jacket 23A. That is, the condensation water generated inside the reagent refrigerator 20A is collected at the lowest point of the reagent jacket 23A and is discharged to the outside of the reagent refrigerator 20A via the air inlet 25 located at the lowest point, thereby facilitating the discharge of the condensation water.

[0076] Furthermore, since the lowest point of the reagent jacket 23A is located on the same circumference as the first air blowing section 205, the condensed water flows down to a position where it is likely to be hit by the blown air.

[0077] In addition, since the condensed water spreads thinly as it is collected at the lowest point, evaporation of the condensed water by the blown air circulated by the first blower 205 is promoted.

[0078] Furthermore, although the blown air flowing in through the air inlet 25 near the first blower 205 is circulated within the reagent refrigerator 20A by the first blower 205, it is not sucked in through the first blower suction port 205a, and therefore some of the blown air diffuses near the air inlet 25. Therefore, evaporation of condensation water generated within the reagent refrigerator 20A and collected at the lowest point of the reagent jacket 23A is promoted by the blown air diffusing near the air inlet 25. Therefore, condensation around the air inlet 25 near the first blower 205 can be suppressed.

[0079] In this embodiment, an example has been given in which the air introduction section, first air blowing section, reagent loader, etc. are arranged differently from those in the first embodiment, but this is not limiting. For example, the air introduction section, first air blowing section, reagent loader, etc. may be arranged in the same order as in the first embodiment, and the bottom surface of the reagent jacket may be configured with a tapered slope.

[0080] Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0081] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the air inlet in the second embodiment is the same as in the second embodiment, but the functions of the inlet for blown air and the drain are realized by different configurations (pipes). Note that in this embodiment, the same components as in the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0082] Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the reagent refrigerator according to this embodiment, which corresponds to the cross-sectional view of the reagent refrigerator shown in the second embodiment taken along line BB in Fig. 6.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom surface of the reagent jacket 23A constituting the reagent refrigerator 20B is configured with a tapered slope that decreases from the outer inner wall (not shown) and the inner inner wall 23b toward the air inlet section 25A (the opening of the inlet tube).

[0084] A fifth flow path 211A, which discharges condensation water generated inside the reagent refrigerator 20B, is connected to the air inlet 25A via a connecting flow path 211a that constitutes a portion of the fifth flow path 211A on the reagent refrigerator 20B side. An eighth flow path 214A is configured within the connecting flow path 211a that constitutes the fifth flow path 211A and extends along the connecting flow path 211a. The opening of the eighth flow path 214A on the reagent refrigerator 20B side extends into the air inlet 25A and protrudes into the reagent refrigerator 20B above at least the bottom surface of the reagent jacket 23A (in other words, the edge of the air inlet 25A). In other words, the opening of the eighth flow path 214A, together with the fifth flow path 211A (connecting flow path 211a), constitutes the air inlet 25A.

[0085] From the air introduction section 25A, i.e., the opening inside the reagent refrigerator 20B of the introduction pipe formed by the sixth to eighth flow paths 212, 213, and 214A, the vent air taken in by the second blower 206 and passed through the vent air cooling section 200 is introduced into the interior of the reagent refrigerator 20B.

[0086] The air inlet section 25A also serves to discharge condensation water, and condensation generated inside the reagent refrigerator 20 flows through the air inlet section 25A into the connecting flow path 211a of the fifth flow path 211A and is discharged via the fifth flow path 211A.

[0087] The other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0088] The present embodiment configured as above can also achieve the same effects as those of the second embodiment.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the condensed water does not come into contact with the blown air at the air inlet 25A, so that the condensed water can be prevented from flowing back into the reagent refrigerator 20B due to the blown air.

[0090] Furthermore, the condensed water discharged from the air inlet section 25A passes through the eighth flow path 214A and flows to the fifth flow path 211 without coming into contact with the blown air, which prevents the blown air that has been cooled and dehumidified by the first blown air cooling section 202 and the second blown air cooling section 203 from being re-humidified by the condensed water. In other words, the blown air that flows out from the second blown air cooling section 203 can flow into the reagent refrigerator 20 with the same humidity.

[0091] <Notes> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications and combinations within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to those including all of the configurations described in the above-described embodiments and includes those in which some of the configurations are omitted. Furthermore, some or all of the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be realized by designing them as integrated circuits, for example. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be realized by software, in which a processor interprets and executes a program that realizes each function.

[0092] 2...Analysis unit, 3...Control unit, 4...Communication line, 10...Sample transport path, 11...Sample container, 12...Sample dispensing mechanism, 13...Reaction container, 14...Transport unit, 15...Loading rack, 16...Dispensing tip, 20, 20A, 20B...Reagent refrigerator, 21...Reagent container, 22...Reagent disk, 23, 23A...Reagent jacket, 23a...Outer peripheral inner wall, 23b...Inner peripheral inner wall, 24...Reagent loader, 25, 25A...Air introduction unit, 25a...First air introduction unit, 25b...Second air introduction unit, 26...Reagent dispensing mechanism, 30...Incubator, 40...Measurement unit, 41...Reaction liquid dispensing mechanism, 100...Automatic analyzer, 200...Blowing air cooling unit, 201 ...refrigerant cooling section, 202...first blown air cooling section, 202a...refrigerant reservoir section, 202b...air pipe, 203...second blown air cooling section, 203a...core structure section, 203b...air pipe, 203c...air cooler, 204...reagent container insertion hole, 205...first blower section, 205a...first blower section inlet, 205b...first blower section outlet, 206...second blower section, 207...first flow path, 208...second flow path, 209...third flow path, 210...fourth flow path, 211, 211A...fifth flow path, 211a...connecting flow path, 212...sixth flow path, 213...seventh flow path, 214, 214A...eighth flow path, 215...ninth flow path, 216...tenth flow path

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer having a reagent storage cabinet that holds a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents used in analyzing samples, a reagent dispensing mechanism that dispenses reagents from the reagent containers held in the reagent storage cabinet into the reaction containers, and a measurement unit that measures a mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container, characterized in that the automatic analyzer also comprises: an introduction pipe that introduces air from the outside of the reagent storage cabinet to the inside, and a first air blowing unit that is positioned near an opening of the introduction pipe inside the reagent storage cabinet and circulates the air that flows out from the opening inside the reagent storage cabinet.

2. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the introduction pipe is located on the bottom surface of the reagent storage cabinet.

3. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a second air blowing section that blows air from the outside to the inside of the reagent storage cabinet through the inlet pipe; and a cooling section that is positioned midway in the inlet pipe and cools the air blown through the inlet pipe, wherein the inlet pipe introduces the air cooled by the cooling section into the reagent storage cabinet.

4. An automatic analyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that the cooling section comprises: a first cooling section that cools the air blown into the inlet pipe to a first temperature; and a second cooling section that is arranged downstream of the first cooling section and cools the air cooled to the first temperature to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature.

5. An automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the reagent storage cabinet is provided with a reagent loader for transporting reagents from the outside to the inside of the reagent storage cabinet and from the inside to the outside, and the reagent loader is positioned in a position where it is exposed to the air blown out from the first air blowing section.

6. An automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the reagent storage cabinet is configured in a circular ring shape and includes a reagent holding section in which the plurality of reagent containers are arranged in a circumferential direction, and the opening of the introduction tube in the reagent holding section comprises a first opening arranged near the first air blowing section and a second opening arranged in a position opposite the first opening across the center of the reagent holding section, and the first opening, the first air blowing section, the reagent loader, and the second opening are arranged in this order along the inner circumference of the reagent holding section.

7. An automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the reagent storage cabinet is configured in a circular ring shape and includes a reagent holding section in which the plurality of reagent containers are arranged in a circumferential direction, and the openings comprise a first opening arranged near the first air blowing section and a second opening arranged at a position sandwiching the first opening and the reagent loader, and the first air blowing section, the first opening, the reagent loader, and the second opening are arranged in this order along the inner circumference of the reagent holding section.

8. An automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the bottom surface of the reagent storage cabinet is provided with a tapered slope that decreases from the inner wall of the reagent storage cabinet toward the opening of the introduction tube.

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