JP2008261753A - Reagent container, reagent storage, and automatic analysis apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve reading of a bar code attached to a reagent container with a simple constitution, and to store the reagent container efficiently. <P>SOLUTION: This reagent container 50 has a triangular plane shape and has a bar code surface corresponding to the reading plane whose normal direction is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal center line on the upper surface of the upper reagent container 50. The reagent container 50 is stored in the reagent storage 32 so that the bar code surface is arranged on the incident side of the detection light that is emitted from a label reader 39 and passes through a reading window 323 and the longitudinal direction of the reagent container 50 is along the optical axis direction of the detection light. Thus, the bar code surface can be inclined by the predetermined angle with respect to the diameter direction of the reagent storage 32 which is the optical axis direction of the detection light. The bar code surface receives the detection light having passed through the reading window 323 and reflects part of the received detection light in the optical axis direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a reagent container that is applied to an automatic analyzer that automatically analyzes a sample such as blood or body fluid, a reagent storage that stores the reagent container, and an automatic analyzer that includes the reagent storage.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample by dispensing a reagent and a sample into a reaction container and optically detecting a reaction that has occurred in the reaction container. In such an automatic analyzer, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of reagent containers according to the measurement item and the number of reaction containers, and a reagent storage having a plurality of storage chambers for storing the reagent containers is provided. The shape of the reagent storage is various, such as a circular table or a box. However, with the diversification of analysis items, a reagent storage capable of storing more reagent containers is desired. For example, a reagent storage is known in which reagent containers are configured to be stored in a plurality of rows and the number of reagent containers that can be stored is increased.

  On the other hand, as the aforementioned reagent storage, there is one to which a barcode system is applied. Specifically, a barcode that records reagent information such as a reagent name is attached to each reagent container, and a barcode reader that optically reads the barcode is installed outside the reagent storage. According to this, by reading the barcode of the reagent container, it is possible to recognize and sort the stored reagent. For example, as described above, the barcode system is applied to a reagent storage that arranges and stores reagent containers in a plurality of rows, and the barcode attached to the reagent container of the inner reagent row is attached to the outer reagent row. There is known a reading space provided for reading so that a barcode attached to a reagent container arranged in an inner reagent row can be read (see Patent Document 1). Alternatively, the barcode attached to each reagent container is arranged so as to be shifted from each other for each reagent row so that the barcode attached to the reagent container in the inner reagent row can be read (see Patent Document 2).

JP 09-72915 A JP-A-11-281650

  Bar code readers generally read bar codes by detecting diffuse reflection, and it is difficult to read in a regular reflection state where the incident angle and the reflection angle of the detection light with respect to the normal direction of the bar code surface are equal. is there. For this reason, the barcode reader is tilted so that the detection light is incident on the barcode surface at a predetermined angle, the incident angle of the detection light with respect to the barcode surface, and the reflection angle of the detection light with respect to the barcode reader Was adjusting. However, in order to fix the barcode reader in an inclined state, there has been a problem that it is necessary to perform special processing on the installation base.

  On the other hand, when the barcode system is applied to a reagent storage that stores reagent containers arranged in a plurality of rows, the space corresponding to the reading space disclosed in Patent Document 1 is located on the inner side in the outer reagent row. Necessary for reading the barcode attached to the reagent container arranged in the reagent row. Specifically, it is necessary to provide a space in the outer reagent row that allows detection light to enter the inner barcode surface at a predetermined angle and that can detect diffuse reflection on the barcode surface. Further, even if the barcodes are shifted and arranged on the inner side and the outer side as in Patent Document 2, a similar space is required between the reagent containers arranged in the outer reagent row. For this reason, there was a problem that the space efficiency in the reagent storage was poor.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and realizes reading of a bar code attached to a reagent container with a simple configuration and can efficiently store the reagent container. An object is to provide a reagent storage and an automatic analyzer.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a reagent container according to the present invention is a reagent container that contains a reagent and is stored in a reagent storage, and is a longitudinal center line on the upper surface of the reagent container. A reading surface whose normal direction is inclined by a predetermined angle, and the reading surface receives detection light incident from the outside when stored in the reagent storage, and a part of the received detection light. The light is reflected in the direction of the optical axis.

  In the reagent container according to the present invention, in the above invention, the reading surface is a plurality of inclined surfaces or curved surfaces whose normal direction is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a longitudinal center line of the upper surface of the reagent container. It is characterized by being configured.

  A reagent container according to the present invention is a substantially cylindrical reagent container that contains a reagent and is stored in a reagent storage. The reagent container includes a reading surface formed on a part of an outer periphery as a flat surface. When the surface is stored in the reagent storage, the surface receives detection light incident from the outside and is positioned so that a part of the received detection light can be reflected in the optical axis direction.

  The reagent storage according to the present invention is a reagent storage for storing a plurality of reagent containers having the above-described configuration, and a reading surface formed on the reagent container detects detection light from the outside for reading the reading surface. The reagent container is housed so that the longitudinal direction of the reagent container is along the optical axis direction of the detection light.

  Further, the reagent storage according to the present invention is a reagent storage for storing a plurality of reagent containers for storing reagents in a circumferential arrangement, and the reading surface formed on the reagent container is the same as the reading surface. Detection reagent incident from the outside for reading, arranged on the incident side of detection light incident along the radial direction of the reagent storage, and the reagent storage which is in the optical axis direction of the detection light The reagent container is housed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction.

  The reagent storage according to the present invention is a reagent storage for storing a plurality of reagent containers that store reagents in a straight line, and a reading surface formed on the reagent container reads the reading surface. Therefore, detection light incident from the outside is arranged on the incident side of the detection light whose optical axis direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers, and predetermined with respect to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers The reagent container is stored so as to be inclined at an angle.

  A reagent storage according to the present invention is a reagent storage for storing a plurality of reagent containers having the above-described configuration in a circumferential shape, and a reading surface formed on the reagent container reads the reading surface. Detection light incident from the outside, arranged on the incident side of the detection light incident along the radial direction of the reagent storage, and of the reagent storage that is in the optical axis direction of the detection light A positioning unit is provided for positioning the reagent container so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction.

  A reagent storage according to the present invention is a reagent storage for storing a plurality of reagent containers having the above-described configuration in a straight line, and the reading surface formed on the reagent container reads the reading surface. Is incident on the detection light incident side in which the optical axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers, and a predetermined angle with respect to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers A positioning part for positioning the reagent container so as to be inclined is provided.

  The reagent storage according to the present invention is a reagent storage for storing a plurality of cylindrical reagent containers that store reagents in a circumferential arrangement, and each of the reagent containers is individually centered on a rotation axis. Rotating means that rotates and detection light incident from the outside for reading the reading surface formed on the reagent container, and upon detection light incident along the radial direction of the reagent storage, Rotation control means for controlling the rotation drive of the reagent container by the rotation means.

  The reagent storage according to the present invention is a reagent storage for storing a plurality of cylindrical reagent containers arranged in a straight line to store reagents, and the reagent containers are individually rotated about a rotation axis. Rotating means for driving and detection light incident from the outside for reading the reading surface formed on the reagent container, and the detection light incident on the optical axis direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers In this case, it comprises rotation control means for controlling rotation of the reagent container by the rotation means.

  In the reagent storage according to the present invention, in the above invention, the reagent containers are arranged and stored in a plurality of rows in the optical axis direction of the detection light, and the reagent rows are arranged in the reagent row on the detection light incident side. A gap for guiding the detection light to the reading surface of the reagent container arranged in the farther reagent row is provided in at least one place.

  Further, in the above-described invention, the reagent storage according to the present invention is the reagent container arranged in the reagent row on the back side of the reagent row between the reagent containers arranged in the reagent row on the detection light incident side. The gaps for guiding the detection light to the reading surface are provided respectively.

  In addition, an automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes the reagent storage having the above-described configuration.

  According to the present invention, the light emitting surface of the reading device that is installed outside the reagent storage and emits the detection light is arranged so that the optical axis direction of the detection light coincides with the radial direction of the reagent storage, or the reagent container. It can arrange | position so that it may correspond with the direction orthogonal to the arrangement | positioning direction. Therefore, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to place the reading device at an angle and adjust the incident angle of the detection light with respect to the reading surface of the reagent container and the reflection angle of the detection light with respect to the reading device. According to this, it is not necessary to perform special processing on the installation base of the reading device that emits the detection light, and the cost can be reduced. Further, when the reagent containers are arranged and stored in a plurality of rows in the optical axis direction of the detection light, a space provided in the reagent row on the incident side for guiding the detection light to the reading surface of the reagent row on the back side from the incident side. Therefore, the reagent container can be efficiently arranged in the reagent row on the incident side.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample supply unit 2 and a measurement unit 3. The measuring unit 3 includes a reaction tank 31 and two reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “reagent storage 32” as appropriate). A first stirrer 35 and a second stirrer 36, a measurement optical system 37, and a cleaning / drying unit 38 are included. A sample dispensing mechanism 30 is provided between the sample supply unit 2 and the reaction tank 31, and reagent dispensing mechanisms 33 and 34 are disposed between the reaction tank 31 and the reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2. Is provided.

  A plurality of sample racks 21 are arranged in the sample supply unit 2, and a plurality of sample containers 23 each holding a sample are mounted on each sample rack 21. The sample containers 23 are sequentially conveyed by the sample supply unit 2 along the path indicated by the arrow, and the samples held in the sample containers 23 by the probes 301 of the sample dispensing mechanism 30 are cuvettes (reaction containers) C in the reaction tank 31. To be dispensed. The probe 301 of the specimen dispensing mechanism 30 is run and washed in a washing tank (not shown) to which washing water is supplied after dispensing is completed.

  The reaction tank 31 has a heat retaining member 311 and a cuvette wheel 313. The heat retaining member 311 is disposed on the inside and outside in the radial direction of the cuvette wheel 313, and a photometric opening 315 is formed at a position corresponding to the measuring optical system 37. This reaction tank 31 is covered with a disk-shaped lid, and constitutes a heat insulation tank that keeps the internal temperature at a temperature about the body temperature together with the heat insulation member 311 described above. The cuvette wheel 313 rotates while holding a plurality of cuvettes C at a temperature similar to the body temperature, rotates counterclockwise (1 turn-1 cuvette) / 4 minutes in one cycle, and rotates one cuvette clockwise in four cycles. Rotate.

  The reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2 are configured to be capable of intermittent rotation about the rotation axis with a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4. A plurality of reagent containers 50 filled with predetermined reagents corresponding to the analysis items are stored in the reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2, and the probe 331 and the reagent dispensing mechanism 34 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 are stored. A predetermined reagent is dispensed into the cuvette C by the probe 341. For example, the reagent container 50 that stores the first reagent is stored in one reagent storage 32-1, and the reagent container 50 that stores the second reagent is stored in the other reagent storage 32-2. . In a normal measurement, only the first reagent is dispensed into the cuvette C, and the second reagent is dispensed into the cuvette C as necessary. Each reagent storage 32-1, 32-2 is covered with a disk-shaped lid. In addition, a thermostat (not shown) is provided below each reagent storage 32-1, 32-2, and together with a lid that covers the inside, a cold insulation that keeps the reagent stored in each reagent container 50 in a constant temperature state. It constitutes a warehouse. Thereby, evaporation and denaturation of the reagent can be suppressed. In addition, the probe 331 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 and the probe 341 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 34 are flushed and washed in a washing tank (not shown) to which washing water is supplied after the dispensing is completed.

  Label reading devices 39-1 and 39-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “label reading device 39” appropriately) are installed on the outer peripheral side of the reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2. . As will be described in detail later, the label reading devices 39-1 and 39-2 are barcode readers that read the barcodes attached to the reagent containers 50 respectively stored in the reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2. Based on the reagent information read by the label readers 39-1, 39-2, the reagent in the reagent container 50 is recognized and selected.

  The first stirrer 35 and the second stirrer 36 are configured to be rotatable about the center thereof, and stir the reagent and the sample dispensed in the cuvette C by the stirring rods 351 and 361 to react. Let The stirring rods 351 and 361 are flushed and washed in a washing tank (not shown) to which washing water is supplied after the stirring is completed.

  The measurement optical system 37 includes a light source 371 and a photometric sensor 373. The light source 371 emits analysis light (340 to 800 nm) for analyzing the reaction solution in the cuvette C in which the reagent and the sample have reacted. The photometric sensor 373 measures the light beam emitted from the light source 371 and transmitted through the reaction liquid in the cuvette C through the opening 315. Based on the measurement result by the photometric sensor 373, the component analysis of the specimen is performed.

  The cleaning / drying unit 38 sucks and discards the reaction solution in the cuvette C, which has been measured by the measuring optical system 37, cleans the interior with the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water tank, and then blows in pressurized air. Dry with. The washed and dried cuvette C is again dispensed with the sample by the probe 301 of the sample dispensing mechanism 30 and used for analysis.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a control unit 4 that controls each part of the sample supply unit 2 and the measurement unit 3 and controls the overall operation of the apparatus. The control unit 4 is composed of a microcomputer or the like with a built-in memory for holding various data necessary for the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 in addition to the analysis result, and is stored in a suitable place in the apparatus. It is shown outside the device for convenience. The control unit 4 is connected to the analysis unit 41 so that the measurement result by the measurement optical system 37 is output as appropriate. The analysis unit 41 analyzes the component concentration of the specimen based on the measurement result by the measurement optical system 37 and outputs the analysis result to the control unit 4. In addition, the control unit 4 displays an input unit 43 including an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting information necessary for analysis such as the number of samples and analysis items, and outputs an analysis result and displays a warning. Connected to an output unit 45 composed of an output device such as a display or a printer.

  In the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above, the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 dispenses the reagent (first reagent) in the reagent container 50 to the plurality of cuvettes C that are sequentially transported, and the sample dispensing mechanism 30 The sample in the container 23 is dispensed. Subsequently, after the first stirrer 35 stirs and reacts the reagent in the cuvette C and the specimen, the spectral intensity of the sample in the state in which the measurement optical system 37 has reacted is measured. Further, the reagent dispensing mechanism 34 dispenses the reagent (second reagent) in the reagent container 50 as necessary. Subsequently, after the second stirrer 36 stirs and reacts the reagent in the cuvette C and the specimen, the spectral intensity of the sample in the state in which the measurement optical system 37 has reacted is measured. Then, the analysis unit 41 analyzes the measurement result and automatically performs component analysis of the sample. In addition, the cleaning / drying unit 38 cleans / drys the cuvette C that has been measured by the measurement optical system 37, and a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.

  Next, a part related to reading of the barcode attached to the reagent container 50 stored in the reagent storage 32 will be described. FIG. 3 is a view showing a peripheral portion of the reagent storage 32 including the label reading device 39. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the reagent container 50 stored in the reagent storage 32. FIG. 4A is a plan view of the reagent container 50, and FIG. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the reagent storage 32 includes a plurality of storage chambers 321 arranged circumferentially at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and the reagent container 50 is detachably attached to each storage chamber 321. It is stored in. Further, a reading window 323 for guiding the light beam from the outside to the inside of the reagent storage 32 is disposed on the side surface of the reagent storage 32. The light emitting surface of the label reading device 39 is installed in parallel with the reading window 323 so that the optical axis direction of the detection light coincides with the radial direction of the reagent storage 32 and is emitted from the label reading device 39. As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3, the detected light is incident on the reading window 323 along the radial direction of the reagent storage 32.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4A, the reagent container 50 has a triangular planar shape, and a dispensing port into which the probes 331 and 341 of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 33 and 34 are inserted in the upper surface on the upper surface. 511 is provided. The reagent container 50 also includes a barcode surface 513 corresponding to a reading surface whose normal direction is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal center line of the upper surface of the reagent container 50. The inclination angle is set to an angle at which the label reader 39 does not receive regular reflection light from the barcode surface 513. In this reagent container 50, the barcode surface 513 is arranged on the incident side of the detection light emitted from the label reader 39 and passed through the reading window 323, and the longitudinal direction of the reagent container 50 is the optical axis direction of the detection light Is stored in the reagent storage 32. Thereby, the barcode surface 513 can be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the reading window 323. In other words, the normal direction of the barcode surface 513 can be inclined by a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the radial direction of the reagent storage 32 that is the optical axis direction of the detection light. The barcode surface 513 receives the detection light that has passed through the reading window 323 and reflects part of the received detection light in the optical axis direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, a barcode label 515 on which a barcode in which reagent information related to the reagent contained in the reagent container 50 is coded in accordance with a predetermined standard is attached to the barcode surface 513. Has been. The reagent information includes, for example, information such as reagent name, lot number, and expiration date as appropriate. The barcode is not limited to the one-dimensional barcode format, and may be a two-dimensional code such as a QR code.

  When reading the barcode attached to the reagent container 50 in the reagent storage 32 having the above-described configuration, the reagent storage 32 is first rotated by the control of the control unit 4, and the reagent container 50 to be read is stored in the reagent storage 50. A barcode surface 513 is disposed on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window 323. Then, the label reading device 39 emits infrared or visible detection light to the barcode surface 513 and processes the reflected light to acquire reagent information. The read reagent information is output to the control unit 4.

  According to the first embodiment described above, the barcode surface 513 of the reagent container 50 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the reagent storage 32 that is the optical axis direction of the detection light, and is perpendicular to the reading window 323. Part of the incident detection light can be reflected in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the light emission surface of the label reader 39 can be installed in parallel with the reading window 323 of the reagent storage 32, and the barcode attached to the reagent container 50 can be read. According to this, since it is not necessary to adjust the incident angle of the detection light with respect to the barcode surface 513 and the reflection angle of the detection light with respect to the label reading device according to the inclination of the label reading device as in the prior art, There is no need to apply special processing to the table, and costs can be reduced. Further, the cool air in the reagent storage 32 can easily flow inside the reagent storage 32 along the inclination of the barcode surface 513, and there is an effect of improving the cooling efficiency.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment, the reagent storage 32b shown in FIG. 5A or 5B is arranged instead of the reagent storage 32 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. . In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part similar to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5-1 is a diagram illustrating a peripheral portion of the reagent storage 32b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the peripheral portion of the reading window 323b of the reagent storage 32b.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the reagent storage 32b according to the second embodiment, a plurality of storage chambers 321b arranged circumferentially at equal intervals along the circumferential direction are doubled concentrically. The reagent containers 50 are detachably stored in the storage chambers 321b. Specifically, the reagent storage 32b includes a first table 325b in which reagent chamber storage chambers 321b on the outside (detection light incident side) are arranged, and an inner (rear side from the detection light incident side) reagent row. The first table 325b and the second table 327b are intermittently centered on a rotating shaft by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4. Can be individually rotated. As in the first embodiment, on the outer peripheral side of the reagent storage 32b, the light emission surface of the label reading device 39 reads so that the optical axis direction of the detection light coincides with the radial direction of the reagent storage 32b. It is installed in parallel with the window 323b.

  On the other hand, the reagent container 50 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and has a barcode surface 513 whose normal direction is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal center line of the upper surface of the reagent container 50. The reagent container 50 has a barcode surface 513 arranged on the incident side of the detection light passing through the reading window 323b, and the reagent container 50 so that the longitudinal direction of the reagent container 50 is along the optical axis direction of the detection light. 32b. Thereby, the barcode surface 513 can be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the reagent storage 32 which is the optical axis direction of the detection light. The reagent container arranged in the outer reagent row and the reagent container arranged in the inner reagent row can be used as the reagent container 50 having the same configuration.

  Here, the part concerning the reading of the barcode attached to the reagent container 50 will be described in comparison with the conventional case. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a peripheral portion of a conventional reagent storage 80. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the peripheral portion of the reading window 803 provided in the reagent storage box 80.

  In order to read the barcode attached to the reagent container by applying the barcode system to the reagent storage that stores the conventional reagent containers arranged in a plurality of rows, the inner barcode surface of the outer reagent row is read. On the other hand, it is necessary to provide a space in which the detection light can be incident at a predetermined angle and the diffuse reflection on the barcode surface can be detected.

  This will be specifically described. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the conventional reagent container 90 has a planar shape of an isosceles triangle, and a barcode is placed on the barcode surface 903 on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window 803. Attached. On the other hand, the label reading device 85 installed on the outer peripheral side of the reagent storage 80 is disposed inclined with respect to the reading window 803 so that the detection light is incident on the barcode surface 903 at a predetermined angle. This is because when the light emission surface of the label reading device 85 is arranged in parallel with the reading window 803 and the detection light is incident along the radial direction of the reagent storage 32 perpendicular to the reading window 803, the regular reflection state is obtained. This is because the barcode cannot be read. Furthermore, similarly for the inner reagent row, it is necessary to make the detection light incident on the barcode surface 903 at a predetermined angle and to detect the diffuse reflection of the incident detection light. Thus, in the outer reagent row, a reading space S10 for about two reagent containers 90 is provided. In this case, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6B, the detection light from the label reading device 85 is incident on the reading window 803 at a predetermined incident angle and crosses the reading space S10. The barcode surface 903 is reached.

  On the other hand, also in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the outer reagent row, a gap for allowing detection light to reach the barcode surface 513 of the reagent container 50 arranged in the inner reagent row. Although S1 is provided, the gap S1 may be a narrow space compared to the reading space S10 provided in the conventional reagent storage 32b. Then, when reading the barcode of the inner reagent row, the detection light emitted from the label reader 39 is perpendicular to the reading window 323b as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. Incident along the radial direction of the storage 32, passes through the gap S <b> 1 and reaches the barcode surface 513.

  When reading the barcode attached to the reagent container 50 in the reagent storage 32b having the above-described configuration, first, the barcode surface 513 of the reagent container 50 to be read is read from the reading window by the control of the control unit 4. It arrange | positions at the incident side of the detection light which passed through 323b. At this time, when the reagent container 50 to be read is stored in the outer reagent row, the first table 325b is rotated, and the barcode surface 513 of the reagent container 50 to be read passes through the reading window 323b. It is arranged on the incident side of the detection light. On the other hand, when the reagent container 50 to be read is stored in the inner reagent row, the first table 325b rotates, the gap S1 on the first table 325b is opposed to the reading window 323b, and The second table 327b rotates, and the barcode surface 513 of the reagent container 50 to be read is arranged on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window 323b. Then, the label reading device 39 emits detection light to the barcode surface 513 of the reagent container 50 to be read and processes the reflected light to obtain reagent information. The read reagent information is output to the control unit 4.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the barcode of the inner reagent row is read when the reagent containers 50 are stored in a plurality of rows. Therefore, the space provided in the outer reagent row can be minimized, and the reagent container 50 can be efficiently arranged in the outer reagent row.

  In the second embodiment described above, the gap S1 for reading the barcode of the inner reagent row is provided at one location of the outer reagent row. However, each reagent container 50 constituting the outer reagent row is provided. A similar gap may be provided between them. According to this, when reading the barcode of the inner reagent row, the first table 325b may be rotated so that the nearest reading space faces the reading window 323b.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. The automatic analyzer of the third embodiment has a configuration in which the reagent storage 32c of FIG. 7 is arranged in place of the reagent storage 32 in the automatic analyzer 1 of the first embodiment, and as a reagent container, FIG. Alternatively, the conventional reagent container 90 described with reference to FIG. 6-2 is used. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part similar to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a peripheral portion of the reagent storage 32c in the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the reagent storage 32c, storage chambers 321c are formed so as to be stored in the reagent storage 32c in a state where the reagent container 90 is inclined, and each storage chamber 321c includes The reagent container 90 is detachably stored. Specifically, the reagent container 90 has a barcode surface 903 arranged on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window 323c, and is predetermined with respect to the radial direction of the reagent storage 32c that is the optical axis direction of the detection light. The reagent is stored in the reagent storage 32c so as to be inclined at an angle. As in the first embodiment, on the outer peripheral side of the reagent storage 32b, the light emission surface of the label reading device 39 reads so that the optical axis direction of the detection light coincides with the radial direction of the reagent storage 32c. It is installed in parallel with the window 323b. The detection light emitted from the label reader 39 is incident along the radial direction of the reagent storage 32c perpendicular to the reading window 323b, as indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Yes.

  When reading the barcode attached to the reagent container 90 in the reagent storage 32c having the above-described configuration, first, the reagent storage 32c is rotated under the control of the control unit 4, and the reagent container 90 to be read is read. The barcode surface 903 is arranged on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window 323c. Then, the label reading device 39 emits infrared or visible detection light to the barcode surface 903 and processes the reflected light to obtain reagent information. The read reagent information is output to the control unit 4.

  According to the third embodiment described above, the barcode container 903 is tilted and stored in the reagent storage 32c, whereby the barcode surface 903 is set in the radial direction of the reagent storage 32c, which is the optical axis direction of the detection light. In contrast, a part of the detection light incident on the barcode surface 903 can be reflected in the optical axis direction. According to this, the shape similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained by using the conventional reagent container 90 without making the shape of the reagent container 90 novel.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment, a reagent storage 60 shown in FIG. 8 is arranged in place of the reagent storage 32 of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a peripheral portion of the reagent storage 60 in the fourth embodiment. The reagent storage 60 has a function of stirring the reagent before dispensing of the reagent, and a cylindrical reagent container 70 having a reagent dispensing port 701 provided on the upper surface is used. In addition, a barcode surface is formed on the reagent container 70 by sticking a barcode label at a predetermined position on the side surface.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the reagent storage 60, a plurality of storage chambers 601 arranged in a circumferential shape are doubled concentrically, and a reagent container 70 is attached to and detached from each storage chamber 601. Can be stored freely. Specifically, the reagent storage 60 includes a first table 605 in which the storage chambers 601 for the outer reagent rows are arranged, and a second table 607 in which the storage chambers 601 for the inner reagent rows are arranged. The table 605 and the second table 607 are configured such that intermittent rotation about the center of the reagent storage 60 as a rotation axis can be individually performed by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4. . Further, each of the storage chambers 601 and 601 can be rotated about its axis by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4. Thereby, each reagent container 70 rotates while revolving around the center of the reagent storage 60, and the reagent stored in the reagent container 70 is stirred by the frictional force with the container wall surface. The rotation direction of the first table 605 and the second table 607 and the rotation direction of each storage chamber 601 may be opposite to each other or the same direction. For example, the first table 605 and the second table 607 may be rotated clockwise toward FIG. 8, and each storage chamber 601 may be rotated counterclockwise toward FIG. The two tables 607 may be rotated counterclockwise toward FIG. 8, and each storage chamber 601 may be rotated clockwise toward FIG. Alternatively, the first table 605, the second table 607, and the storage chambers 601 may be rotated clockwise toward FIG. 8 or may be rotated counterclockwise.

  In addition, a gap S3 is provided between the storage chambers 601 arranged in the outer reagent row to allow detection light to reach the side surfaces of the reagent containers 70 arranged in the inner reagent row. Similarly to the first embodiment, on the outer peripheral side of the reagent storage 60, the light emitting surface of the label reading device 39 reads so that the optical axis direction of the detection light coincides with the radial direction of the reagent storage 60. It is installed in parallel with the window 603. The detection light emitted from the label reading device 39 is incident along the radial direction of the reagent storage 60 perpendicular to the reading window 603.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining reading of the barcode attached to the reagent container 70 in the outer reagent row. As shown in FIG. 9A, when reading the barcode attached to the reagent container 70 in the outer reagent row, the detection light emitted from the label reader 39 and passing through the reading window 603 is shown in FIG. As shown by the alternate long and short dash line, the side surface of the reagent container 70 reaches a position where the normal direction of the tangent line is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the reagent storage 60 which is the optical axis direction of the detection light. . Then, the barcode surface 705 is appropriately read while the reagent container 70 rotates at least once by the rotation motion.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining reading of the barcode attached to the reagent container 70 in the inner reagent row. As shown in FIG. 9-2, when reading the barcode attached to the reagent container 70 in the inner reagent row, the detection light emitted from the label reader 39 is indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 9-2. As described above, the position passes through the gap S3 and is a side surface of the inner reagent container 70, and the normal direction of the tangent is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the reagent storage 60 which is the optical axis direction of the detection light To reach. Then, the barcode surface 705 is appropriately read while the reagent container 70 rotates at least once by the rotation motion.

  When reading the barcode attached to the reagent container 70 in the reagent storage 60 having the above-described configuration, the barcode surface of the reagent container 70 to be read is first displayed on the label reader 39 under the control of the control unit 4. Facing the reading window 603. That is, when the reagent container 70 to be read is stored in the outer reagent row, first, the first table 605 is rotated, and the reagent container 70 to be read is incident on the detection light incident side through the reading window 603. Placed in. Subsequently, the storage chamber 601 in which the reagent container 70 is stored rotates. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9A, the label reader 39 has a reagent storage 60 in which the normal direction of the tangent to the barcode surface 705 of the reagent container 70 to be read is the optical axis direction of the detection light. Reagent information is acquired by processing the reflected light detected at a position inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction. On the other hand, when the reagent container 70 to be read is stored in the inner reagent row, first, the first table 605 rotates, and the nearest gap S3 on the first table 605 faces the reading window 603. Is done. Subsequently, the second table 607 is rotated, and the reagent container 70 to be read is arranged on the detection light incident side through the reading window 603. Then, the storage chamber 601 in which the reagent container 70 is stored rotates. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B, the label reading device 39 has a reagent storage 60 in which the normal direction of the tangent to the barcode surface 705 of the reagent container 70 to be read is the optical axis direction of the detection light. Reagent information is acquired by processing the reflected light detected at a position inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction. The read reagent information is output to the control unit 4.

  According to the fourth embodiment described above, by utilizing the rotational movement of the reagent container 70, the normal direction of the tangent to the barcode surface 705 of the reagent container 70 is the optical axis direction of the detection light. By tilting at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction, a part of the detection light incident perpendicularly to the reading window 603 can be reflected in the optical axis direction. Therefore, in the reagent storage chamber 32c that stores the cylindrical reagent container 70, the light emitting surface of the label reader 39 can be installed in parallel with the reading window 603, and the barcode attached to the reagent container 60 can be read. According to this, similarly to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to perform special processing on the installation table of the label reading device, and the cost can be reduced. Further, as in the second embodiment, the space provided in the outer reagent row for reading the barcode of the inner reagent row can be minimized, and the reagent container 50 is efficiently arranged in the outer reagent row. It becomes possible. Furthermore, the rotational movement of each reagent container 70 makes it easy for the cool air in the reagent storage 60 to circulate inside the reagent storage 60, and also has the effect of increasing the cooling efficiency.

  In the above-described fourth embodiment, the barcode is read using the rotational movement of the reagent container 70. However, the following may be used. FIG. 10 is a view showing a modified example of the configuration of the reagent container 70b. A reagent container 70b shown in FIG. 10 is a substantially cylindrical container, and a dispensing port 701b is provided on the upper surface thereof. The reagent container 70b includes a barcode surface 703b formed as a flat surface on a part of the outer periphery of the cylinder, and a barcode label 705b is attached thereto. On the other hand, in the storage chamber 601b provided in the reagent storage, the barcode surface 703b of the reagent container 70b is arranged on the detection light incident side through the reading window, and the normal direction of the barcode surface 703b is the light of the detection light. It is formed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the reagent storage 60 which is the axial direction, and the barcode surface 703bb is positioned by the storage chamber 601b. According to this, the barcode surface 703b of the reagent container 70b can be stored in the reagent storage with the barcode surface 703b positioned.

  Alternatively, a label mark indicating the position where the barcode label is applied in advance and a positioning mark indicating the storage direction with respect to the storage chamber are attached to the reagent container, and the barcode label is applied to the reagent container according to the label mark and positioned. The reagent container may be stored in the storage chamber according to the mark.

  Although the four embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, for example, the following modifications are also possible.

  For example, the configuration of the reagent container applicable to the first embodiment or the third embodiment is not limited to the reagent container 50 shown and described in FIG. 4A or FIG. Good. 11 to 13 are diagrams showing modified examples of the configuration of the reagent container. For example, like the reagent container 50b shown in FIG. 11, the surface arranged on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window in the reagent storage is formed in a V-shaped cross section so as to protrude to the outside of the reagent container 50b. However, two barcode surfaces may be formed. Alternatively, as in the reagent container 50c shown in FIG. 12, the surface arranged on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window in the reagent storage is formed into a V-shaped cross section that is recessed inside the reagent container 50c. Two barcode surfaces may be formed. Further, as in the reagent container 50d shown in FIG. 13, the surface disposed on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window in the reagent storage is formed in a curved cross-sectional shape, and a plurality of barcode surfaces can be formed. It may be configured.

  According to this, two or more barcodes can be read by attaching a barcode label to each barcode surface. According to this, even when one barcode is peeled off or rubbed and a reading error occurs, the reagent information can be acquired by reading the other barcode. Further, since the cross-sectional shape is symmetrical, there is also an effect of canceling and suppressing liquid shaking caused by rotation of the reagent storage. Further, since a plurality of barcode surfaces are formed, the cool air in the reagent storage can be more easily distributed inside the reagent storage along the inclination of the barcode surface, which has the effect of increasing the cooling efficiency.

  In the second and fourth embodiments described above, the outer reagent row and the inner reagent row can be individually rotated. However, the reagent containers are arranged in a double manner on one table. It is good to do. In this case, a gap for reading the barcode of the inner reagent row is provided between the reagent containers arranged in the outer reagent row, and the reagent container arranged in the outer reagent row and the inner The reagent containers arranged in the reagent row are arranged so as to be shifted, and the barcode of the inner reagent row is read from the gap provided in the outer reagent row.

  In the second and fourth embodiments described above, the reagent storage provided with double reagent rows has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a reagent storage in which three or more reagent rows are arranged. In this case, a gap is provided in each reagent row other than the innermost reagent row for reading the barcode of the reagent row inside the reagent row.

  Moreover, although each above-described embodiment demonstrated the case where two reagent storages were equipped in the automatic analyzer 1, the number of reagent storages may be one.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the circular table-shaped reagent storage has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where reagent containers are linearly arranged on a belt conveyor and the reagent containers are conveyed linearly by the belt conveyor. In this case, the normal direction of the barcode surface of the reagent container arranged on the detection light incident side is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers. In addition, the light emitting surface of the label reader is arranged in parallel with the transport line so that the optical axis direction coincides with the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers, and the detection light emitted from the label reader is used as a reading window. On the other hand, the light is incident along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers.

  For example, when using the reagent container 50 described in the first embodiment, the barcode surface 513 is arranged on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window, and the longitudinal direction thereof is along the optical axis direction of the detection light. As above, arrange on the belt conveyor. When the reagent container 90 described in the third embodiment is used, the barcode surface 903 is disposed on the incident side of the detection light that has passed through the reading window, and the normal direction of the barcode surface 903 indicates the detection light. It arrange | positions on a belt conveyor so that it may incline by a predetermined angle with respect to the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the reagent container which is the optical axis direction.

  On the other hand, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the reagent container 70 described in the fourth embodiment is used and each of the reagent containers 70 is linearly conveyed while rotating. In this case, by processing the reflected light detected at a position where the tangential direction of the barcode surface 705 of the reagent container 70 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers 70, the barcode is processed. read. Further, when the reagent container 70b according to the modified example shown in FIG. 10 is used, the detection chamber in which the barcode surface 703b of the reagent container 70b passes through the reading window is placed in the storage chamber for storing the reagent container 70b. The barcode surface is arranged on the incident side, and the normal line direction of the barcode surface 703b is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers 70b, which is the optical axis direction of the detection light. Position 703bb.

  Further, a plurality of reagent containers may be arranged in the direction of the optical axis of the detection light on the belt conveyor. In this case, a gap is provided between the reagent containers arranged in the reagent row on the incident side of the detection light for reading the barcode of the reagent container arranged in the reagent row farther from the incident side.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the reagent storage having a reading window through which detection light is incident has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a reagent storage having no reading window. That is, when it is not necessary to keep the reagent cold, it is not necessary to seal the reagent storage, so that the reading window is not necessary. Even in this case, the light emitting surface of the label reading device is arranged so that the optical axis direction coincides with the radial direction of the reagent storage, and the detection light from the label reading device is directly incident on the barcode surface of the reagent container. Thus, the barcode can be read. Similarly, when the reagent containers are arranged in a straight line, the light emitting surface of the label reader is arranged in parallel with the transport line so that the optical axis direction coincides with the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers. The barcode can be read by making the detection light from the label reader directly enter the barcode surface of the reagent container.

It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of an automatic analyzer. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structure of an automatic analyzer. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a peripheral portion of a reagent storage in Embodiment 1. 3 is a plan view of a reagent container stored in a reagent storage in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of a reagent container stored in a reagent storage in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a peripheral portion of a reagent storage in Embodiment 2. 6 is an enlarged view of a peripheral portion of a reading window of a reagent storage in Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the peripheral part of the conventional reagent storage. It is an enlarged view of the peripheral part of the reading window provided in the conventional reagent storage. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a peripheral portion of a reagent storage in a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the peripheral part of the reagent storage in Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a figure explaining reading of the barcode attached to the reagent container of the outside reagent row. It is a figure explaining the reading of the barcode attached | subjected to the reagent container of the inner side reagent row | line | column. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a modification of the configuration of the reagent container in the fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of a structure of a reagent container. It is a figure which shows the other modification of a structure of a reagent container. It is a figure which shows the other modification of a structure of a reagent container.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Specimen supply part 21 Specimen rack 23 Specimen container 3 Measuring part 30 Specimen dispensing mechanism 31 Reaction tank 32 (32-1, 32-2) Reagent storage 321 Storage chamber 323 Reading window 33 Reagent dispensing mechanism 34 Reagent dispensing mechanism 35 First stirrer 36 Second stirrer 37 Measurement optical system 38 Washing / drying unit 39 (39-1, 39-2) Label reader 4 Control unit 41 Analysis unit 43 Input unit 45 Output unit C Cuvette 50 Reagent container 511 Dispensing port 513 Barcode surface 515 Barcode label

Claims (13)

A reagent container that contains a reagent and is stored in a reagent storage,
A reading surface whose normal direction is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal center line of the upper surface of the reagent container,
When the reading surface is stored in the reagent storage, it receives detection light incident from the outside, and reflects part of the received detection light in the optical axis direction.   2. The reagent according to claim 1, wherein the reading surface includes a plurality of inclined surfaces or curved surfaces whose normal directions are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a longitudinal center line of the upper surface of the reagent container. container. A substantially cylindrical reagent container that contains a reagent and is stored in a reagent storage,
Provided with a reading surface formed on a part of the outer periphery as a flat surface,
The reading surface receives detection light incident from the outside when stored in the reagent storage, and is positioned so that a part of the received detection light can be reflected in the optical axis direction. Reagent container to be used. A reagent storage for storing a plurality of reagent containers according to claim 1 or 2,
The reading surface formed on the reagent container is disposed on the incident light incident side for reading the reading surface, and the longitudinal direction of the reagent container is along the optical axis direction of the detection light. A reagent storage container for storing the reagent container. A reagent storage for storing a plurality of reagent containers for storing reagents arranged circumferentially,
The reading surface formed on the reagent container is detection light incident from the outside in order to read the reading surface, and is disposed on the incident side of detection light incident along the radial direction of the reagent storage, The reagent container is stored so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a radial direction of the reagent storage which is an optical axis direction of the detection light. A reagent storage for storing a plurality of reagent containers for storing reagents in a straight line,
The reading surface formed on the reagent container is detection light incident from the outside in order to read the reading surface, and the detection light incident side whose optical axis direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers The reagent container is housed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers. A reagent storage for storing a plurality of reagent containers according to claim 3 arranged in a circumferential shape,
The reading surface formed on the reagent container is detection light incident from the outside in order to read the reading surface, and is disposed on the incident side of detection light incident along the radial direction of the reagent storage, The reagent container further includes a positioning unit that positions the reagent container so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a radial direction of the reagent container that is an optical axis direction of the detection light. A reagent container for storing a plurality of reagent containers according to claim 3 arranged in a straight line,
The reading surface formed on the reagent container is detection light incident from the outside in order to read the reading surface, and the detection light incident side whose optical axis direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers And a positioning part for positioning the reagent container so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the arrangement direction of the reagent containers. A reagent storage for storing a plurality of cylindrical reagent containers for storing reagents arranged in a circle,
Rotating means for individually driving the reagent container to rotate about the center as a rotation axis;
Detection light incident from the outside in order to read the reading surface formed on the reagent container, and detected light incident along the radial direction of the reagent storage, the rotation of the reagent container by the rotating means Rotation control means for controlling the rotation drive;
A reagent storage, comprising: A reagent storage for storing a plurality of cylindrical reagent containers for storing reagents arranged in a straight line,
Rotating means for individually driving the reagent container to rotate about the center as a rotation axis;
When the detection light incident from the outside in order to read the reading surface formed on the reagent container and the optical axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the reagent container, the rotation means Rotation control means for controlling rotation of the reagent container;
A reagent storage, comprising: The reagent containers are arranged and stored in a plurality of rows in the optical axis direction of the detection light,
The reagent row on the detection light incident side is provided with at least one gap for guiding the detection light to the reading surface of the reagent container arranged in the reagent row on the back side of the reagent row. The reagent storage in any one of claim | item 4-10.   Between the reagent containers arranged in the reagent row on the detection light incident side, the gaps for guiding the detection light to the reading surfaces of the reagent containers arranged in the reagent row on the back side of the reagent row are respectively provided. The reagent storage according to claim 11.   An automatic analyzer comprising the reagent storage according to any one of claims 4 to 12.

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