JP2008224382A - Reagent container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely read reagent information about a reagent stored in a reagent container by simple constitution. <P>SOLUTION: This reagent container 50 is attached, onto an upper face thereof, with a noncontact type IC tag 503 written with the reagent information about a reagent stored in the reagent container 50. The reagent container 50 is stored in a turnable reagent storage shed 32. A reader 39 is arranged in a position located on a moving route of the reagent container 50 and opposed adjacently to the IC tag 503 attached to the reagent container 50 upper face, on an inner face of a lid body 325 of the reagent storage shed 32. The reagent stored in the reagent container 50 is recognized and selected, based on the reagent information read out by the reader 39, from the IC tag 503 on the upper face of the reagent container 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a reagent container applied to an automatic analyzer that automatically analyzes a specimen such as blood or body fluid.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample by dispensing a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and optically detecting a reaction occurring in the reaction vessel. Such an automatic analyzer is provided with a reagent storage for storing reagent containers and storing them in cold storage.

  Generally, in the above-described reagent storage, a barcode system is applied to recognize and sort the reagent stored in the reagent container. Specifically, a barcode that records reagent information such as the reagent name is attached to each reagent container, and a reading window for reading the barcode is provided on the side surface of the reagent storage. Then, the barcode is read from the reading window by the barcode reader installed outside the reagent storage, and the reagent information is acquired. In this type of reagent storage, there is a problem that condensation occurs in the reading window due to a temperature difference from the outside air, and a reading error occurs when reading a barcode. As a technique for solving the problem of dew condensation, for example, there is known a technique in which an opening is provided in a cool box, the opening is covered from the outside by a box-shaped transparent member, and a space for accommodating air is formed inside. (See Patent Document 1). In addition, there is one that prevents the occurrence of condensation by heating the reading window or ultrasonic vibration (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2005-291731 A JP 08-211066 A

  When reading a barcode by applying a barcode system to the reagent storage, it is necessary to add a mechanism to prevent condensation that occurs in the reading window, which complicates the structure around the reading window. there were. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a reagent container that can reliably read reagent information relating to a reagent stored in a reagent container with a simple configuration in a reagent storage that stores the reagent container.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the reagent container according to the present invention is a reagent container that contains a reagent and is stored in a reagent storage and kept cold, and reagent information relating to the reagent stored inside the container. Is a non-contact type information medium capable of reading at least the reagent information, and includes an information medium mounted at a position close to a reading device disposed at a predetermined position of the reagent storage. The reagent information written on the information medium is read out in a non-contact state by the reading device.

  In the reagent container according to the present invention, in the above invention, the information medium is mounted on a side surface of the container, and the reagent information is read out by a reading device disposed at a predetermined position on the side of the reagent storage. It is characterized by.

  In the reagent container according to the present invention, in the above invention, the information medium is mounted on the upper surface of the container, and the reagent information is read by a reading device disposed at a predetermined position above the reagent storage. Features.

  In the reagent container according to the present invention, in the above invention, the information medium is mounted on a bottom surface of the container, and the reagent information is read by a reading device disposed at a predetermined position on the bottom of the reagent storage. Features.

  According to the present invention, a non-contact type information medium in which reagent information related to a reagent stored in the reagent container is attached to a reagent container stored in the reagent storage, and the reagent container is disposed in the reagent storage. The reagent information can be read out in a non-contact state by a reading device. According to this, the reading window for optically reading the barcode from the outside is provided in the reagent container as in the case of recognizing and selecting the reagent contained in the reagent container by the conventional method to which the barcode system is applied. Therefore, it is not necessary to take measures against the condensation generated in the reading window. Therefore, the reagent information related to the reagent stored in the reagent container can be reliably read out with a simple configuration.

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

(Embodiment 1)
First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample supply unit 2 and a measurement unit 3. The measurement unit 3 includes a reaction tank 31, two reagent storages 32 (32-1, 32-2) configured in the same manner, a first stirrer 35 and a second stirrer 36, and measurement optics. A 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. Here, each of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 33 and 34 is configured such that probes 331 and 341 for dispensing a reagent are provided on arms 333 and 343 that rotate in the direction of an arrow in a horizontal plane, respectively.

  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 supply unit 2 sequentially transports the sample rack 21 along the path indicated by the arrow, and the sample held in each sample container 23 by the probe 301 of the sample dispensing mechanism 30 is a cuvette (reaction container) C in the reaction tank 31. To be dispensed. The sample dispensing mechanism 30 probe 301 is flushed and washed in a washing tank (not shown) to which washing water is supplied after dispensing.

  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 (not shown), and together with the heat retaining member 311, constitutes a heat retaining tank that keeps the internal temperature at about the body temperature. The cuvette wheel 313 holds a plurality of cuvettes C and rotates integrally with the heat retaining member 311 by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4 described later. Specifically, it rotates counterclockwise (1 turn-1 cuvette) / 4 minutes in one cycle and rotates one cuvette clockwise in four cycles.

  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. 50 are housed arranged concentrically along the circumferential direction. Each reagent container 50 stores a predetermined reagent corresponding to each analysis item, and a predetermined reagent is dispensed into the cuvette C by the probe 331 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 and the probe 341 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 34. It should be noted that 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 dispensing.

  FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the reagent storage 32, and FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view of the reagent storage 32. The reagent storage 32 includes a storage body 321 that is a box-shaped body having a circular opening 322 and a lid 325 that covers the inside of the storage body 321.

  The storage body 321 includes a reagent table 329 that is a mounting table that can rotate around the center as a rotation axis, and the reagent container 50 is placed on the reagent table 329. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the reagent container 50 stored in the reagent storage 32. As shown in FIG. 3, the reagent container 50 has a fan-shaped planar shape, and a dispensing port 501 into which the probes 331 and 341 of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 33 and 34 are inserted at the time of dispensing is provided on the upper surface. It has been. Further, on the upper surface of the reagent container 50, for example, an IC tag 503 incorporating a non-contact type IC chip such as an RFID tag is attached and attached. The IC tag 503 includes a memory, an antenna, a control circuit, and the like, and is configured to be able to write, read, and rewrite information stored in the memory by a reader / writer device. Reagent information related to the reagent accommodated in the reagent container 50 to which 503 is attached is written in advance. The reagent information includes, for example, information such as reagent name, lot number, and expiration date as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the IC tag 503 transmits the reagent information written in the memory to the reading device 39 in response to a radio wave transmitted from the reading device 39 described later. Further, a label 505 on which reagent information relating to the reagent stored in the reagent container 50 is printed is attached to the side surface 507 facing the inner peripheral surface of the reagent storage 32 when stored in the reagent storage 32. Yes. This label 505 is for visually recognizing reagent information.

  In addition, a cooling device (not shown) is installed inside the storage body 321, and together with the lid 325 constitutes a cold storage that keeps the reagent stored in the reagent container 50 at a predetermined temperature. Thereby, evaporation and denaturation of the reagent can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, the lid 325 is provided with a reagent sorting hole 327, which is moved to a sorting position below the reagent sorting hole 327 by the probe 331 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 and the probe 341 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 34. The reagent is dispensed from the reagent container 50 thus prepared.

  Further, on the inner surface of the lid 325, on the movement path of the reagent container 50 accompanying the rotation of the reagent table 329, the position close to the IC tag 503 mounted on the upper surface of the reagent container 50 can be opposed. A reading device 39 is provided. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2-2, the lid body 325 has a positioning projection 326, and the positioning projection 326 includes a notch 323 formed in the opening 322 of the storage body 321. The lid body 325 is positioned with respect to the storage body 321 by fitting. Thereby, the rotation in the surface direction of the lid 325 relative to the storage body 321 (opening 322) is fixed, and the position of the reading device 39 is fixed. Although not shown, the positioning convex portion 326 is provided with a connector, and the notch portion 323 is provided with a connector receiving hole. The fitting between the positioning convex portion 326 and the notch portion 323 is provided on the inner surface of the lid 325. The provided reading device 39 is electrically connected to a control unit 4 that is provided at an appropriate position in the automatic analyzer 1 and controls the operation of the device.

  The reading device 39 performs short-range wireless communication with the IC tag 503 mounted on the reagent container 50 stored in the reagent storage 32 in which the reading device 39 is disposed. The reading device 39 sets the reagent container 50 moved below the reading device 39 as the reagent table 329 is rotated as a reading target, and performs near field wireless communication with the IC tag 503 facing the reagent container 50 to obtain reagent information. For example, a device having a narrow directional antenna is used so as to read data in a non-contact manner and prevent erroneous communication with the IC tag 503 mounted on another adjacent reagent container 50. The communication distance between the IC tag 503 and the reading device 39, the communication method, and the like can be selected as appropriate. Based on the reagent information read by the reading device 39, the reagent in the reagent container 50 is recognized and selected.

  Returning to FIG. The first stirrer 35 and the second stirrer 36 are configured to be rotatable around the center thereof, and stir the sample and the reagent dispensed in the cuvette C by the stirrers 351 and 361 for reaction. 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 luminous flux 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 cuvette C that has been washed and dried here is again dispensed by the probe 301 of the sample dispensing mechanism 30 and used for analysis.

  In the automatic analyzer 1 having the above-described configuration, the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 50 to the plurality of cuvettes C that are sequentially conveyed, and the sample dispensing mechanism 30 is the sample in the sample container 23. To dispense. 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. Alternatively, the reagent dispensing mechanism 34 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 50. 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, the control system of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the automatic analyzer 1. As shown in FIG. 4, 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 comprehensively controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The control unit 4 is composed of a microcomputer or the like that incorporates a memory 40 that holds 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. 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 and the like of the sample based on the measurement result, 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.

  Further, the control unit 4 is connected to a reading device 39 (39-1) provided in the reagent storage 32-1 and a reading device 39 (39-2) provided in the reagent storage 32-2. Each readout device 39 includes an antenna 391 and a readout control unit 393, and performs short-range wireless communication with an IC tag 503 attached to the reagent container 50. That is, the read control unit 393 reads and reads the reagent information written in the IC tag 503 to be read through the antenna 391 by controlling and changing the amount of current and the voltage value flowing through the antenna 391. Is output to the control unit 4.

  As a process for realizing the first embodiment, the control unit 4 performs a process of managing the reagents stored in the reagent containers 50 stored in the reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2. Specifically, the following processing is executed for each reagent storage 32-1, 32-2 before the operation of the apparatus. That is, the control unit 4 rotates the reagent table 329 to sequentially move the reagent containers 50 on the reagent table 329 to the reading position below the reading device 39, and controls the operation of the reading device 39 to set the reading position. Reagent information is read from the IC tag 503 attached to the reagent container 50. Then, if the reagent information is read from all the reagent containers 50 on the reagent table 329, the read reagent information is set in the reading order (that is, the arrangement order of the reagent containers 50 on the reagent storage 32). Generate a list table. Then, the generated list tables of the reagent storages 32-1 and 32-2 are stored in the memory 40 as the reagent storage information 401.

  Further, when the apparatus is in operation, the following processing is executed for each of the reagent containers 32-1 and 32-2. That is, the control unit 4 rotates the reagent table 329 and moves the reagent container 50 to be dispensed to the dispensing position below the reagent dispensing hole 327, and dispenses the reagent. The reagent container 50 moved to the reading position is set as a reading target, and the reading device 39 is controlled to read reagent information from the IC tag 503 attached to the reading target reagent container 50. At this time, if the read reagent information is different from the reagent information at the read position currently set in the reagent storage information 401, the reagent information at the read position is replaced with the read reagent information, and the reagent storage information is obtained. 401 is updated.

  According to the first embodiment described above, the reading device in which the IC tag 503 storing the reagent information related to the stored reagent is mounted on the upper surface of the reagent container 50 and disposed on the inner surface of the lid 325 of the reagent storage 32. 39, the reagent information can be read out from the IC tag 503 of the reagent container 50 to be read out in a non-contact state. Therefore, there is no need to provide a reading window for optically reading the barcode from the outside in the reagent storage as in the case of recognizing and sorting the reagent contained in the reagent container by the conventional method using the barcode system. Therefore, it is not necessary to take measures against condensation that occurs in the reading window. Therefore, the reagent information regarding the reagent accommodated in the reagent container 50 can be reliably read out with a simple configuration.

  In the first embodiment, the IC tag 503 storing the reagent information is attached to the upper surface of the reagent container 50, and the reagent information is read by the reading device 39 provided on the inner surface of the lid 325 of the reagent storage 32. However, the position where the IC tag is attached is not limited to this. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modification of the configuration of the reagent container 50a. In this modification, the IC tag 503a is attached to a side surface 507a that faces the inner peripheral surface of the reagent storage when stored in the reagent storage, and is attached by a label 505a on which reagent information is printed. According to this, the IC tag 503a can be prevented from falling off by the label 505a for visually recognizing the reagent information related to the reagent stored in the reagent container 50a. In this case, the reading device that reads the reagent information from the IC tag 503a is a predetermined position on the inner peripheral surface of the reagent storage, and a position that can be opposed to the IC tag 503a attached to the side surface 507a of the reagent container 50a. It is arranged.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the automatic analyzer of the second embodiment, the reagent storage 62 shown in FIG. 6 is arranged in place of the reagent storage 32 (32-1, 32-2) in the automatic analyzer 1 of the first embodiment. Is. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the part similar to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the reagent storage 62 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6-2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the reagent storage 62. As in the first embodiment, the reagent storage 62 is 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 50b are arranged and stored in two rows concentrically along the circumferential direction.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the reagent storage 62 includes a storage body 621 that is a box-shaped body having a circular cross-sectional shape, and a lid 623 that covers the inside of the storage body 621. Is done. As in the first embodiment, a cooling device (not shown) is installed inside the storage body 621, and the lid 623 and the reagent stored in the reagent container 50b are kept at a predetermined temperature. It constitutes a warehouse. Although not shown, the lid 623 has a first reagent sorting hole for sorting the reagents from the reagent containers 50b arranged in the outer reagent row, and a reagent container 50b arranged in the inner reagent row. The second reagent sorting hole for dispensing the reagent from the first reagent sorting hole or the second reagent dispensing hole is provided by the probe 331 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 33 and the probe 341 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 34. The reagent is dispensed from the reagent container 50b that has been moved to the dispensing position below the collection hole.

  In addition, the storage body 621 includes a reagent table 625 that is a mounting table that can be rotated around the center as a rotation axis, and the reagent container 50 b is mounted on the reagent table 625. The reagent container 50b is configured by mounting an IC tag 503b on the bottom surface.

  On the other hand, at the bottom of the storage body 621, a first reading device 69a for reading the IC tag 503b attached to the reagent container 50b arranged in the outer reagent row on the reagent table 625, and an inner side on the reagent table 625 are provided. A second reading device 69b for reading the IC tag 503b attached to the reagent container 50b arranged in the reagent row is provided, and is connected to the control unit 4 respectively. More specifically, the first reading device 69a is on the movement path of the reagent container 50b arranged in the outer reagent row that moves as the reagent table 625 rotates, and the reagent moves on the movement path. The IC tag 503b mounted on the bottom surface of the container 50b is disposed in a position that can be opposed to the IC tag 503b. Similarly, the second readout device 69b is on the movement path of the reagent container 50b arranged in the inner reagent row that moves with the rotation of the reagent table 625, and the reagent container moves on the movement path. The IC tag 503b mounted on the bottom surface of the 50b is disposed in a position where it can be opposed to the IC tag 503b.

  Then, as a process for realizing the second embodiment, the control unit 4 executes the following process for each reagent storage 62 before the operation of the apparatus. That is, the control unit 4 rotates the reagent table 625 to sequentially move the reagent containers 50b arranged in the outer reagent row on the reagent table 625 to the first reading position below the first reading device 69a. The operation of the first reading device 69a is controlled to read reagent information from the IC tag 503b attached to the reagent container 50b at the reading position. Similarly, the reagent table 625 is rotated, and the reagent containers 50b arranged in the inner reagent row on the reagent table 625 are sequentially moved to the second reading position below the second reading device 69b, and the second reading device. The operation of 69b is controlled to read reagent information from the IC tag 503b attached to the reagent container 50b at the reading position. If the reagent information is read from all the reagent containers 50b on the reagent table 625, the read reagent information is displayed for each column in the order of reading (that is, the order of arrangement of the reagent containers 50b on the reagent storage 62). Generate the list table set in. The generated list table of each reagent storage 62 is stored as reagent storage information in a memory built in the control unit 4.

  Further, when the apparatus is in operation, the following processing is executed for each reagent storage 62. That is, the control unit 4 rotates the reagent table 625, and when the reagent container 50b of the outer reagent row is to be dispensed, the control unit 4 places the inner reagent row at the dispensing position below the first reagent sorting hole. When the reagent container 50b is to be dispensed, the reagent container 50b is moved to the dispensing position below the second reagent dispensing hole and the reagent is dispensed. The reagent container 50b that has been moved to is read out, and the reagent information is read out from the IC tag 503b attached to the reagent container 50b to be read out by controlling the first reading device or the second reading device 69b. At this time, if the read reagent information is different from the reagent information at the read position currently set in the reagent storage information, the reagent information at the read position is replaced with the read reagent information, and the reagent storage information is changed. Update.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the first reading device 69a or the IC tag 503b storing the reagent information relating to the stored reagent is attached to the bottom surface of the reagent container 50b and disposed at the bottom of the reagent storage 62. The second reading device 69b can read reagent information from the IC tag 503b of the reagent container 50b to be read in a non-contact state. Therefore, there is no need to provide a reading window for optically reading the barcode from the outside in the reagent storage as in the case of recognizing and sorting the reagent contained in the reagent container by the conventional method using the barcode system. Therefore, it is not necessary to take measures against condensation that occurs in the reading window. Therefore, the reagent information related to the reagent stored in the reagent container 50b can be reliably read out with a simple configuration.

  Furthermore, when a barcode system is applied to a reagent storage that stores reagent containers arranged in a plurality of rows, and the barcode attached to the reagent containers is read, the inner reagent rows are arranged in the outer reagent rows. It is not necessary to provide a space for reading the barcode attached to the arranged reagent containers 50b. Therefore, the reagent container 50b can be efficiently stored in the reagent storage 62, and space saving can be realized. Further, since the reagent containers 50b can be stored in a dense state, the reagent storage 62 itself can be downsized. Thereby, space saving of the automatic analyzer can be realized and the cooling efficiency can be improved.

  In the second embodiment, the case where reagent containers are arranged in two rows on one reagent table 625 has been described. However, a reagent storage having a configuration in which the outer reagent row and the inner reagent row can be individually rotated. It can be applied in the same way. In addition, the reagent rows of the reagent containers stored in the reagent storage are not limited to two rows, and the reagent containers arranged in each reagent row are also moved in a reagent storage in which three or more reagent rows are arranged. The present invention can be similarly applied by disposing a reading device on each path.

  In the second embodiment, the first reading device 69a and the second reading device 69b are provided at the bottom of the reagent storage 62. However, as in the first embodiment, an IC tag is attached to the upper surface of the reagent container. The first reading device and the second reading device may be arranged on the inner surface of the lid that covers the inside of the reagent storage. FIG. 7 shows a schematic plan view of the reagent storage in this case. In the present reagent storage 72, a lid 725 covering the inside of the storage body 721 has a first reagent sorting hole 727a for sorting reagents from reagent containers arranged in the outer reagent row, and an inner side. A second reagent sorting hole 727b is provided for sorting the reagents from the reagent containers arranged in the reagent row. Further, on the inner surface of the lid 725, a first reading device 79a that reads out the reagent information by performing short-range wireless communication with an IC tag mounted on the upper surface of the reagent container arranged in the outer reagent row, and an inner reagent A second reading device 79b that reads out the reagent information by performing short-range wireless communication with the IC tag mounted on the upper surface of the reagent container arranged in a row is arranged. The lid 725 has a positioning projection 726, and the positioning projection 726 is fitted with a notch 723 formed in the opening 722 of the storage body 721, so that the lid 725 is stored in the storage body 721. Is positioned with respect to. Although not shown, the positioning convex portion 726 is provided with a connector, and the notch portion 723 is provided with a connector receiving hole. The fitting between the positioning convex portion 726 and the notch portion 723 is arranged on the inner surface of the lid 725. The provided first reading device 79 a and second reading device 79 b are electrically connected to the control unit 4.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a sample supply unit 800 and a measurement unit 900, and the measurement unit 900 includes a reaction tank 920, a reagent storage 930, and a stirring device 450. A sample dispensing mechanism 910 is provided between the sample supply unit 800 and the reaction tank 920, and a reagent dispensing mechanism 940 is provided between the reaction tank 920 and the reagent storage 930. In the third embodiment, the reagent storage 930 stores a plurality of reagent containers 50c arranged in two lines in a straight line. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the reagent storage 930 is covered with a lid 933 as shown in FIG. The lid 933 is provided with a reagent dispensing hole 935 at a position above the dispensing opening provided on the upper surface of each reagent container 50c accommodated therein. With the probe 945, the reagent is dispensed from each reagent container 50c. In addition, each part other than the reagent storage 930 and the reagent dispensing mechanism 940 has the same function as that described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of the reagent storage according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the reagent storage 930 includes a storage body 931 that is a box-shaped body having a circular cross section, and a lid 933 that covers the inside of the storage body 931. As in the first embodiment, a cooling device (not shown) is installed inside the storage body 931 and, together with the lid 933, keeps the reagent stored in the reagent container 50c at a predetermined temperature. It constitutes a warehouse.

  The aforementioned reagent container 50c is placed on the storage body 931. The reagent container 50c has a rectangular planar shape, and an IC tag 503c is attached to the upper surface of the reagent container 50c. The IC tag 503c has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and incorporates a memory that stores reagent information related to the reagent contained in the reagent container 50c to which the IC tag 503c is attached.

  On the other hand, the reagent dispensing mechanism 940 is configured such that a probe 945 for dispensing a reagent is provided on an arm portion 943 that rotates in the horizontal direction around a support shaft 941. The arm portion 943 has one end connected to the support shaft 941 at one end, a second arm 943b connected at one end to the other end of the first arm 943a, and one end connected to the other end of the second arm 943b. The probe 945 and the reading device 947 are disposed on the other end side of the third arm 943c. In this arm portion 943, the first arm 943 a and the second arm 943 b are angularly displaced, so that the probe 945 of the third arm 943 c is placed above each reagent sorting hole 935 provided in the lid 933 of the reagent storage 930. While being moved, the reading device 947 arranged on the third arm 943c can be made to face the IC tag 503c provided on the upper surface of each reagent container 50c stored in the reagent storage 930.

  And the control part 4 performs the following process before the operation of an apparatus as a process for implement | achieving Embodiment 3. FIG. That is, the control unit 4 controls the operation of the arm unit 943 so that the reading device 947 arranged in the third arm 943c is provided with the IC tag 503c provided on the upper surface of the reagent container 50c stored in the reagent storage 930. And sequentially read the reagent information. If the reagent information is read from all the reagent containers 50c in the reagent storage 930, the read reagent information is arranged in the order of reading (that is, the arrangement order of the reagent containers 50c on the reagent storage 930). A list table set for each is generated. The generated list table is stored as reagent storage information in a memory built in the control unit 4.

  Further, when the apparatus is in operation, the control unit 4 executes the following process. That is, the control unit 4 controls the operation of the arm unit 943, and moves the probe 945 above the reagent sorting hole 935 provided above the reagent container 50c to be dispensed, thereby sorting the reagent. Before performing the sorting, the reagent container 50c is set as a reading target, and the reading device 947 is controlled to read the reagent information from the IC tag 503c attached to the reagent container 50c. At this time, if the read reagent information is different from the reagent information at the read position currently set in the reagent storage information, the reagent information at the read position is replaced with the read reagent information, and the reagent storage information is changed. Update. When the reagent information is read from the IC tag 503c, the probe 945 descends and dispenses the reagent from the reagent container 50c.

  According to the third embodiment described above, the reading device 947 is mounted on the arm portion 943 of the reagent dispensing mechanism 940 by mounting the IC tag 503c storing the reagent information on the stored reagent on the upper surface of the reagent container 50c. Thus, the reagent information can be read out in a non-contact state from the IC tag 503c of the reagent container 50c to be read out. Therefore, as in the first and second embodiments, the reagent information associated with the reagent stored in the reagent container 50c can be reliably read out with a simple configuration, and the reagent container 50c is stored in the reagent storage 930. Can be stored efficiently, and space saving can be realized. In addition, according to this Embodiment 3, although the example to the 3rd arm was demonstrated, the thing to the 2nd arm may be sufficient as needed.

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

  For example, in the first embodiment, the reading device 39 is provided on the inner surface of the lid 325 that covers the inside of the reagent storage 32. However, the reading device is provided on the arms 333 and 334 of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 33 and 34. The reagent information can also be read from the IC tag 503 on the upper surface of the reagent container 50. Specifically, when the probes 331 and 341 are moved above the reagent sorting hole 327, the reading device is placed at a position that can face the IC tag 503 provided on the upper surface of the reagent container 50 below the reagent sorting hole 327. Is disposed. The reading device reads the reagent information from the IC tag 503 of the reagent container 50 to be dispensed in a non-contact state before sorting.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the first reading device 79 a for the outer reagent row and the second reading device for the inner reagent row are formed on the inner surface of the lid 725 covering the inside of the reagent storage 72. However, it is also possible to read out the reagent information from the IC tag on the upper surface of the reagent container by providing a reading device in the arms 333 and 334 of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 33 and 34. Specifically, when the probes 331 and 341 are moved above the first reagent sorting hole 727a, they can face the IC tag provided on the upper surface of the reagent container below the first reagent sorting hole 727a. In addition, when the probes 331 and 341 are moved above the second reagent sorting hole 727b, the reading device is located at a position that can face the IC tag provided on the upper surface of the reagent container below the second reagent sorting hole 727b. Is disposed. Then, the reading device reads the reagent information from the IC tag on the upper surface of the reagent container to be dispensed in a non-contact state before sorting.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the reading device is arranged on the inner peripheral surface side of the reagent storage. However, the reagent storage is configured using a material having a high dielectric constant, for example. When the communication performance with the IC tag can be ensured by the material, such as when the reagent is present, it can be provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the reagent storage.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a case has been described in which the automatic analyzer is provided with two reagent containers, but there may be one reagent container.

  Further, the shape of the reagent container is not limited to the shape of the reagent container in each of the above-described embodiments. For example, a cylindrical container can be similarly applied.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of an automatic analyzer. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a reagent storage according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a reagent storage according to Embodiment 1. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reagent container accommodated in a reagent storage. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of an automatic analyzer. It is a figure which shows the modification of a reagent container. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the reagent storage which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a reagent storage according to Embodiment 2. It is a schematic plan view which shows the modification of a reagent storage. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an automatic analyzer according to a third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a reagent storage according to Embodiment 3.

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 body 325 Lid 39 (39-1) , 39-2) Reading device 391 Antenna 393 Reading control unit 329 Reagent table 33 Reagent dispensing mechanism 34 Reagent dispensing mechanism 35 First stirring device 36 Second stirring device 37 Measurement optical system 38 Washing / drying unit 4 Control unit 40 Memory 401 Reagent storage information C Cuvette 50 Reagent container 503 IC tag

Claims (4)

In a reagent container that contains a reagent and is stored in a reagent storage and kept cool,
A non-contact information medium in which reagent information related to the reagent contained in the container is written and at least the reagent information can be read out, and can be close to a reading device arranged at a predetermined position of the reagent storage Equipped with an information medium mounted in various positions,
The reagent container, wherein the reagent information written in the information medium is read out in a non-contact state by the reading device.   The reagent container according to claim 1, wherein the information medium is mounted on a side surface of the container, and the reagent information is read by a reading device disposed at a predetermined position on the side of the reagent storage.   The reagent container according to claim 1, wherein the information medium is mounted on an upper surface of the container, and the reagent information is read by a reading device disposed at a predetermined position above the reagent storage.   The reagent container according to claim 1, wherein the information medium is mounted on a bottom surface of the container, and the reagent information is read by a reading device disposed at a predetermined position on the bottom of the reagent storage.

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