SAMPLE MEASURING APPARATUS AND SAMPLE MEASURING METHOD

A sample measuring apparatus according to one or more embodiments is disclosed, which is provided with a reagent container storage, in which a reagent container with a reagent is accommodated, and a measuring unit that measures a sample using a reagent. The reagent container storage has a housing, in which the reagent container is accommodated, and a cooling section that cools the housing. A ventilation passage is provided below a reagent container rack in the housing, and at least a part of the cooling section is provided at a higher part of the housing than the ventilation passage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2022-091494, filed on Jun. 6, 2022, and No. 2022-091517, filed on Jun. 6, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a sample measuring apparatus and a method of measuring a sample.

BACKGROUND ART

A sample measuring apparatus that measures a sample using a reagent is provided with a reagent container storage that stores a reagent container filled with a reagent.

Since a reagent is required to be maintained below a predetermined temperature to maintain an accuracy of a sample measurement, the reagent container storage of the sample measuring apparatus has a function to cool a reagent in the reagent container.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-8611 (Patent Document 1) discloses a sample analyzer that cools a reagent by cooling a bottom of a housing in a reagent storage by a cooling section and circulating air inside the housing by a fan installed inside the housing.

However, the above sample analyzer requires a fan to circulate air inside the housing in the reagent storage, which makes an apparatus large and unsuitable for a small apparatus.

A sample measuring apparatus and a sample measuring method according to one or more embodiments may respond to downsizing of an apparatus.

SUMMARY

As is illustrated inFIG.2andFIGS.6to9, a sample measuring apparatus (1) according to the present invention comprises a reagent container storage (52), in which a reagent container (580) containing a reagent is stored, and a measuring unit (53) to measure a sample using a reagent, the reagent container storage (52) has a housing (500), in which the reagent container (580) is stored, and a cooling section (501) that cools the housing (500), a ventilation passage (602) is provided below a reagent in the housing (500), and at least a part of the cooling section (501) is provided in the housing (500) at a higher part than the ventilation passage (602).

According to the sample measuring apparatus (1) according to the present invention, by cooling a part of the reagent container storage (52) higher than the ventilation passage (602) in the housing (500) with the cooling section (501), natural convection that flows through the ventilation passage (602) is generated in the housing (500), and a reagent in the housing (500) can be cooled. In this way, a fan for circulating air in the housing (500) does not need to be provided, which can accommodate downsizing of an apparatus.

As is illustrated inFIG.13,FIG.2,FIG.6andFIG.9, a method of measuring a sample according to the present invention is a method of measuring a sample using the sample measuring apparatus (1) provided with the ventilation passage (602) below the reagent container (580) in the housing (500), in which the reagent container (580) is stored, includes a cooling process (T1) that cools a reagent in the reagent container (580) by cooling at least a part of the housing (500) higher than the ventilation passage (602), a dispensing process (S4) that aspirates the cooled reagent in the reagent container (580) and dispenses the cooled reagent into a reaction container (70), and a measuring process (S5) that measures a sample in the reaction container (70), into which the cooled reagent is dispensed.

According to the method of measuring a sample of the present invention, by cooling a part of the housing (500) higher than the ventilation passage (602), natural convection that flows through the ventilation passage (602) is generated in the housing (500), and a reagent in the housing (500) can be cooled. In this way, a fan for circulating air in the housing (500) does not need to be provided, which can accommodate downsizing of an apparatus.

According to sample measuring apparatus and a sample measuring method according to one or more embodiments, it may possible to provide a sample measuring apparatus and a sample measuring method that can respond to the downsizing of an apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of a sample measuring apparatus and a method of measuring a sample according to one or more embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Sample Measuring Apparatus

FIG.1is a perspective diagram illustrating an appearance of a sample measuring apparatus1according to one or more embodiments. The sample measuring apparatus1is used, for example, for a blood coagulation measurement to analyze the activity of a coagulation factor in a sample (blood sample).

The sample measuring apparatus1has an apparatus housing10with a substantially rectangular shape. The apparatus housing10has a front surface20, a rear surface21, a right side surface22, a left side surface23, a top surface24, and a bottom surface25. In this specification, “left” and “right” of the sample measuring apparatus1are based on a direction in case that the front surface20is viewed from the front.

The front surface20is provided with a cover30that can be opened and closed freely, and by opening the cover30, a user can access an interior of the apparatus housing10. The front surface20is provided with a door31to access to the interior of a reagent container storage52, which is described below, and a door32to access to the interior of a sample rack storage50.

The top surface24is a square flat surface, on which a monitor40can be installed. The monitor40is a touch panel display and can be used to input for an operation necessary for a sample measurement, display various information, and display result information of the sample measurement.

FIG.2is a plan view illustrating an example of an internal structure of the sample measuring apparatus1. The sample measuring apparatus1is provided with a sample rack storage50, a reaction container storage51, a reagent container storage52, a measuring unit53, a cleaner54, a disposal section55, a power supply56, a controller57, and a dispenser58in the apparatus housing10.

The sample rack storage50is provided on a front surface20side of the apparatus housing10rather than a center of a front/rear direction Y, and near the center of a left/right direction X of the apparatus housing10. The sample rack storage50stores a sample rack that holds a plurality of sample containers. The sample rack storage50has a top surface60, and a plurality of holes61are formed in the top surface60. A pipette200, which is described below, in the dispenser58can enter a sample container in the sample rack storage50through the hole61and aspirate a sample in the sample container. A sample rack in the sample rack storage50is inserted and removed from the door32of the apparatus housing10illustrated inFIG.1.

The reaction container storage51illustrated inFIG.2is provided on the front surface20side of the apparatus housing10rather than the center of the front/rear direction Y and on a right side of the center of the left/right direction X of the apparatus housing10. The reaction container storage51stores a container rack71that holds a plurality of reaction containers70.

The reagent container storage52is provided on the front surface20side of the apparatus housing10rather than the center of the front/rear direction Y and on a left side of the center of the left/right direction X of the apparatus housing10. The reagent container storage52is provided to the left of the sample rack storage50. The reagent container storage52stores a plurality of reagent containers, in which reagents are stored. The details of the reagent container storage52are described below.

The measuring unit53has a heater80and a detector81. The heater80and the detector81are provided on a rear surface21side of the apparatus housing10rather than the center of the front/rear direction Y and on the right side of the center of the left/right direction X of the apparatus housing10.

The heater80has a plurality of holding holes90that hold the reaction container70. The plurality of holding holes90are arranged in a row in the left/right direction X. The heater80can heat the reaction container70held in the holding hole90by a heat source.

The detector81has a plurality of holding holes100that hold the reaction container70. The plurality of holding holes100are arranged in a row in the left/right direction X. The plurality of holding holes100are provided on the rear surface21side of the holding hole90of the heater80. The detector81can detect measurement data concerning a sample by irradiating light to a sample in the reaction container70held in the holding hole100and receiving the light transmitted through the sample.

The cleaner54is provided near the center of the apparatus housing10in the front/rear direction Y and between the measuring unit53and the reaction container storage51. The cleaner54has a cleaning tank110that cleans a pipette200in the dispenser58.

The disposal section55is provided between the measuring unit53and the reaction container storage51. The disposal section55has a disposal port120that discards the reaction container70.

The power supply56is provided near the rear surface21side in the front/rear direction Y of the apparatus housing10and on the left side of the center in the left/right direction X. The power supply56supplies power supplied from an external power source to various apparatuses, such as the reagent container storage52, the measuring unit53, the controller57, the dispenser58, etc.

The controller57is provided near the rear surface21side in the front/rear direction Y of the apparatus housing10and on the right side of the center in the left/right direction X. The controller57, as is illustrated inFIG.3, can communicate with various apparatuses, such as the reagent container storage52, the measuring unit53, the dispenser58, etc., and controls operations of the various apparatuses. The controller57has a memory and a CPU, and by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory, the controller57can control the various apparatuses and execute a sample measurement. The controller57can communicate with a monitor40and can execute a sample measurement based on information input from the monitor40and display a result of a sample measurement on the monitor40.

As is illustrated inFIG.2, the apparatus housing10has a vertical wall140provided on the rear surface21side rather than the center of the front/rear direction Y inside it. The vertical wall140has a plate shape with a plate surface directed in the front/rear direction Y. The vertical wall140isolates an interior of the apparatus housing10into a main region R1and a rear region R2. The power supply56and the controller57are provided in the rear region R2. The power supply56and the controller57are mounted on a surface of a rear region R2side of the vertical wall140. The sample rack storage50, the reaction container storage51, the reagent container storage52, the measuring unit53, the cleaner54, the disposal section55, and the dispenser58are provided in the main region R1.

The dispenser58has a function of dispensing a sample container, the reaction container70, and a reagent container. The dispenser58has a dispensing apparatus150and a moving apparatus151that moves the dispensing apparatus150.

Configuration of the Dispenser58

FIG.4is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a dispensing apparatus150. The dispensing apparatus150is provided with a pipette200, a container holder201, a movement mechanism202, etc.

The pipette200is an elongated tube extending in a vertical direction Z and can hold a predetermined amount of liquid in a tube. The pipette200is configured to be able to aspirate liquid from a tip210and to discharge the aspirated liquid.

The container holder201, as is illustrated inFIG.5, has two (a pair of) holding arms220that hold the reaction container70. The holding arms220are provided below the pipette200and can hold the reaction container70coaxially in the vertical direction Z of the pipette200. The pipette200is thinner than a distance between the two holding arms220of the container holder201and can be inserted between the two holding arms220in the vertical direction Z.

As is illustrated inFIG.4, the movement mechanism202moves the pipette200and the container holder201relative to each other in the vertical direction Z while maintaining the holding arms220and the pipette200coaxially.

The movement mechanism202has a mechanical mechanism configured so that in case that one of the pipette200and the container holder201is raised, the other is lowered in conjunction with it. Also, the movement mechanism202has a mechanical mechanism configured so that in case that the pipette200is lowered, the container holder201is raised in conjunction with it, and the container holder201is raised to a predetermined position, a linkage is released, and the pipette200is lowered while the rising of the container holder201is stopped. An example of such a mechanical mechanism is described below.

The movement mechanism202has a first movement section250that moves the pipette200in the vertical direction Z, a second movement section251that moves the container holder201in the vertical direction Z, an interlocking part252that interlocks the first movement section250and the second movement section251, and a drive source253that drives the interlocking part252.

The movement mechanism202has a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member260. The plate-shaped member260is erected so that a plate surface faces in the left/right direction X. The first movement section250, the second movement section251, and the interlocking part252are provided on a first plate surface260aon the right side (front side inFIG.4) in the left/right direction X of the plate-shaped member260. The drive source253is provided on a second plate surface260bon the left side (back side ofFIG.4) in the left/right direction X of the plate-shaped member260.

The first movement section250has a pipette holding member270that holds the pipette200and a first elevating member271, to which the pipette holding member270is fixed and is elevated by the interlocking part252.

A piping280is connected to a top of the pipette holding member270to conduct air supply and aspiration to an inside of the pipette200. The piping280is connected to a pump apparatus.

The first elevating member271has a plate shape. The pipette holding member270is fixed to the plate surface on the right side of the first elevating member271in the left/right direction X.

The first elevating member271is movably attached to a first guide rail272provided toward the vertical direction Z of the plate-shaped member260. The first elevating member271is attached to a belt322described below.

The second movement section251has a second elevating member300, to which the container holder201is fixed and which can be raised and lowered freely, a biasing member301that biases the second elevating member300upward, a stopper302that stops the second elevating member300from rising, and a pressure member303that is raised and lowered by the interlocking part252and can press the second elevating member300downward.

The second elevating member300is provided with a body310and an arm311that connects the body310to the container holder201.

The second elevating member300is movably attached to a second guide rail304provided toward the vertical direction Z of the plate-shaped member260.

The biasing member301is a spring and is directed in the vertical direction Z. An upper end of the biasing member301is fixed to a position above the second elevating member300of the plate-shaped member260, and the lower end is fixed to an upper part of the second elevating member300. The biasing member301biases the second elevating member300upward.

The stopper302is provided at a position above the second elevating member300of the plate-shaped member260. The stopper302is provided so that in case that the second elevating member300rises to a predetermined upper limit position, i.e., a predetermined position (the position illustrated inFIG.4andFIG.5) where the pipette200is inserted into the reaction container70held by the holding arm220of the container holder201, the stopper302contacts an upper part of the second elevating member300to stop the second elevating member300from rising.

The pressure member303is provided above the second elevating member300. The pressure member303is attached to a belt322described below and can be raised and lowered freely by the belt322. The pressure member303can push the second elevating member300downward in case that the pressure member303is lowered and can also be raised above the upper limit position of the second elevating member300.

The second movement section251is configured so that in case that the second movement section251lowers the container holder201, the pressure member303is lowered by the interlocking part252and the second elevating member300is pushed downward against a force of the biasing member301, in case that the second movement section251raises the container holder201, the pressure member303is raised by the interlocking part252and the second elevating member300is raised by the force of the biasing member301, and in case that the container holder201is raised to a predetermined position, the second elevating member300is stopped from rising by the stopper302.

The interlocking part252has a pair of pulleys320and321arranged in the vertical direction Z and a ring-shaped belt322hung on the pair of pulleys320and321.

The pair of pulleys320and321are provided vertically in the plate-shaped member260. The pair of pulleys320and321are provided between the first guide rail272of the first movement section250and the second guide rail304of the second movement section251in the front/rear direction Y. The pulley320is provided near an upper part of the plate-shaped member260, and the pulley321is provided near a lower part of the plate-shaped member260.

The belt322is hung on the pair of pulleys320and321, and opposing belt portions330and331in the front/rear direction Y rise and lower in opposite directions via the pulleys320and321.

The first movement section250is driven by the belt portion330. In other words, the first elevating member271is attached to the belt portion330, and the first elevating member271, the pipette holding member270and the pipette200rise and lower as the belt portion330rises and lowers.

The second movement section251is driven by the belt portion331. In other words, the pressure member303is attached to the belt portion331, and the pressure member303rises and lowers as the belt portion331rises and lowers. The second elevating member300and the container holder201can rise and lower with the rising and lowering of the pressure member303.

The drive source253is a single motor and is connected to the pulley320. The drive source253is fixed to the second plate surface260bon the left side of the plate-shaped member260in the left/right direction X. The drive source253can switch between forward rotation and reverse rotation and can rotate the belt322clockwise and counterclockwise through the pulley320.

The movement mechanism202has a vibration member350that vibrates the reaction container70held in the container holder201. The vibration member350is a vibrating element that vibrates by a power supply and is provided in the arm311of the second elevating member300.

The movement mechanism202has a heating member360that heats a sample or reagent in the pipette200. The heating member360is a heating element that generates heat by supplying electricity and is provided in the pipette holding member270.

The moving apparatus151illustrated inFIG.2is configured to transfer the entire dispensing apparatus150to any position in the apparatus housing10in the left/right direction X and the front/rear direction Y.

Configuration of the Reagent Container Storage52

A configuration of the reagent container storage52is described below.FIG.6is a perspective view illustrating the reagent container storage52, andFIG.7is an exploded view illustrating the reagent container storage52.FIG.8is an A-A cross-sectional view illustrating the reagent container storage52. As is illustrated inFIG.6toFIG.8, the reagent container storage52has a housing500, a cooling section501, and a heat exhaust section502.

Configuration of the Housing500

The housing500stores a plurality of reagent containers. As is illustrated inFIG.6, the housing500has a long substantially cuboid shape in the front/rear direction Y and forms a substantially cuboid shape space inside.

The housing500is a hexahedron structure and has a first side part500a, a second side part500b, a third side part500c, a fourth side part500d, a top part500e, and a bottom part500f.

As is illustrated inFIG.7, the housing500has a heat transfer housing part530, an insulation housing part531, the bottom part500f, a rack support533, and an insulation member534. The heat transfer housing part530is made of a heat conductive material, such as aluminum, etc. The heat transfer housing part530constitutes a part of an inner wall of the housing500. The heat transfer housing part530has a first side wall540located on the left side of the left/right direction X, a second side wall541located on the right side of the left/right direction X, a third side wall542located on the rear side of the front/rear direction Y, and a top surface connection part543located on the upper part. A surface of a front side of the heat transfer housing part530in the front/rear direction Y is open.

The first side wall540and the second side wall541have a rectangular plate shape that is long in the front/rear direction Y. The first side wall540and the second side wall541are vertically arranged so that plate surfaces face in the left/right direction X. The first side wall540and the second side wall541are arranged to be opposite and parallel to each other.

The third side wall542has a square plate shape. The third side wall542is arranged vertically so that a plate surface faces in the front/rear direction Y. The third side wall542connects a rear side end of the first side wall540to a rear side end of the second side wall541. The third side wall542is formed so that its height is lower than the first side wall540and the second side wall541.

The top surface connection part543has a square plate shape. The top surface connection part543is horizontally arranged so that the plate surface faces in the vertical direction Z. The top surface connection part543connects an upper end of the front side of the first side wall540to the upper end of the front side of the second side wall541. The top surface connection part543is not provided to cover the entire top part500eof the housing500, but covers only a part of the front side of the top part500eof the housing500. The top surface connection part543is provided at a position where the reagent container580stored in the housing500does not overlap in a plan view.

A temperature sensor544is provided in the first side wall540. The temperature sensor544detects temperature of the heat transfer housing part530. The controller57can control the cooling section501based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor544and adjust the temperature in the housing500. The controller57controls the cooling section501so that the temperature of the first side wall540as measured by the temperature sensor544is between 0° C. and 10° C., e.g., 5° C.

The insulation housing part531is made of an insulation material, such as a Styrofoam, a cellulose fiber, etc. The insulation housing part531constitutes a part of an outer wall of the housing500. The insulation housing part531has a first outer wall550located on the left side of the left/right direction X, a second outer wall551located on the right side of the left/right direction X, a third outer wall552located on the rear side of the front/rear direction Y, and a top outer wall553located on the upper part. The front side of the insulation housing part531in the front/rear direction Y is open.

The first outer wall550is located outside of the first side wall540and has a square opening550ain the center. The second outer wall551has a rectangular plate shape that is long in the front/rear direction Y. The second outer wall551is arranged vertically so that the plate surface faces in the left/right direction X. The second outer wall551is arranged outside the second side wall541to cover the second side wall541.

The third outer wall552has a square plate shape. The third outer wall552is arranged vertically so that the plate surface faces in the front/rear direction Y. The third outer wall552connects an end of the rear side of the first outer wall550and the end of the rear side of the second outer wall551. The third outer wall552is arranged outside the third side wall542to cover the third side wall542.

The top outer wall553has a rectangular plate shape that is long in the front/rear direction Y. The top outer wall553is arranged horizontally so that the plate surface faces in the vertical direction Z. The top outer wall553connects the upper end of the first outer wall550and the upper end of the second outer wall551. The top outer wall553is provided to cover the entire top part500eof the housing500. The top outer wall553has a part553athat covers the top surface connection part543and a part553bthat does not cover the top surface connection part543.

The part553bof the top outer wall553is provided with a through hole555for the pipette200of the dispenser58to enter and exit. A plurality of through holes555(five in this embodiment) are provided side by side along the front/rear direction Y. Also, the through holes555are provided in a plurality of rows (two rows in this embodiment) in the left/right direction X.

An opening560for the rack support533to enter and exit is formed in a surface of the front side of the heat transfer housing part530and the insulation housing part531in the front/rear direction Y.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the first side wall540of the heat transfer housing part530and the first outer wall550of the insulation housing part531constitute the first side part500aof the housing500, and the second side wall541of the heat transfer housing part530and the second outer wall551of the insulation housing part531constitute the second side part500bof the housing500. The third side wall542of the heat transfer housing part530and the third outer wall552of the insulation housing part531constitute the third side part500cof the housing500, and the top surface connection part543of the heat transfer housing part530and the top outer wall553of the insulation housing part531constitute the top part500eof the housing500.

The bottom part500fhas a rectangular plate shape that is long in the front/rear direction Y. The bottom part500fis made of a material, such as resin, that has lower thermal conductivity than the heat transfer housing part530. In the bottom part500f, a rail570, on which the rack support533slides, is formed. As is illustrated inFIG.8, a groove571is formed at the left end of the bottom part500fin the left/right direction X, where liquid is collected in case that internal condensation of the housing500occurs.

As is illustrated inFIG.7, the rack support533supports a reagent container rack581that holds a plurality of reagent containers580in a row. The reagent container rack581has a long shape in a direction, in which the plurality of reagent containers580are lined up (front/rear direction Y inFIG.7). Two of the rack supports533are provided side by side in the left/right direction X.FIG.9is a side view illustrating the rack support533from the left/right direction X. As is illustrated inFIG.7andFIG.9, the rack support533has a bottom section590that is long in the front/rear direction Y, a front section591that extends upward at a front end of the bottom section590, and a handle592that is formed on the front side of the front section591.

The bottom section590has a slider600that moves the rail570in the front/rear direction Y and a placing section601, on which the reagent container rack581is placed. The slider600fits into the rail570. The placing section601has a protruding section601athat protrudes upward from the slider600. The protruding section601ais provided at the front and the rear of the bottom section590. The reagent container rack581is placed on the top surface of the protruding section601a. With the reagent container rack581placed on the protruding section601a, a ventilation passage602that passes through and vents in the left/right direction X is formed between the slider600, the placing section601and the reagent container rack581.

As is illustrated inFIG.7, the front section591has a square plate shape viewed from the front. The front parts591of the two rack supports533are configured to be able to close the opening560of the heat transfer housing part530and the insulation housing part531. In other words, the two front sections591serve as the fourth side part500dof the housing500. The housing500has no parts that vent internally and externally except for the through hole555, which can form a sealed space inside.

The handle592is configured to extend from the upper end of the front section591to the front and then extend downward.

The rack support533is movable in the front/rear direction Y with respect to the housing500by the slider600moving on the rail570of the bottom part500f. As a result, the rack support533, as is illustrated inFIG.10, can be freely pulled out from the apparatus housing10and the housing500. By moving the rack support533in and out of the door31of the apparatus housing10, the reagent container rack581and the reagent container580can be moved in and out of the apparatus housing10. A position of the reagent container580stored in the housing500by the rack support533is aligned with the through hole555in the housing500in a plan view.

As is illustrated inFIG.7, the insulation member (sealing member)534has a frame shape that can be fit into the front side of the heat transfer housing part530. The insulation member534has a first side wall610that is located on the left side of the left/right direction X, a second side wall611that is located on the right side of the left/right direction X, and a top part612that is located on the upper part.

The first side wall610and the second side wall611have plate shapes that are long upward. The first side wall610and the second side wall611contact the inner surface of the first side wall540and the inner surface of the second side wall541of the heat transfer housing part530, respectively. The top part612has a rectangular plate shape that is long in the left/right direction X. The top part612connects the upper end of the first side wall610and the upper end of the second side wall611. The top part612contacts the inner surface of the top surface connection part543of the heat transfer housing part530.

Each of the first side wall610, the second side wall611, and the top part612has a contacting section630that is in contact with the front section591of the rack support533. The insulation member534prevents contact between the rack support533and the heat transfer housing part530and contact between the reagent container rack581and the heat transfer housing part530. Also, the insulation member534prevents air within the housing500from flowing out from between the rack support533and the heat transfer housing part530.

Configuration of the Cooling Section501

As is illustrated inFIG.11, the cooling section501is made of a Peltier element. The cooling section501has a square plate shape. The cooling section501is bonded face to face to an outer surface of the first side wall540of the heat transfer housing part530.

Configuration of the Heat Exhaust Section502

As is illustrated inFIG.12, the heat exhaust section502has an inlet800, a duct801, an exhaust port802, a heat sink803, and a fan804.

The heat sink803is mounted on the left side of the cooling section501in the left/right direction X, and the fan804is mounted on the left side of the heat sink803in the left/right direction X.

The inlet800and the exhaust port802are provided on a left side surface23of the apparatus housing10in the left/right direction X. The inlet800and the exhaust port802are located vertically, and the exhaust port802is provided on a position higher than the inlet800. The duct801is formed so that the duct801reaches the fan804from the inlet800and reaches the exhaust port802from the heat sink803.

Sample Measuring Method

Next, an example of a sample measurement using the sample measuring apparatus1configured as described above is described.FIG.13illustrates an example of a processing flow of the overall sample measurement.

In the sample measurement of the sample measuring apparatus1, a starting process S1of a cooling process T1of a reagent, a transferring process S2of a reaction container, a dispensing process S3of a sample, a dispensing process S4of a reagent, a measuring process S5, and a collection and disposal process S6of a reaction container are mainly performed in this order. The cooling process T1of a reagent is performed continuously while the other processes S2to S6are performed. Each of these processes is executed by the controller57.

Before the sample measurement begins, as is illustrated inFIG.2, a plurality of empty reaction containers70are stored in the reaction container storage51. Also, a plurality of sample containers, in which samples are stored, are held in a sample rack, and the sample rack is stored in the sample rack storage50through a door32illustrated inFIG.1.

A reagent used in the sample measurement, as is illustrated inFIG.10, is stored in a plurality of the reagent containers580, the plurality of the reagent containers580are held in the reagent container rack581, and the reagent container rack581is supported by the rack support533. Then, the rack support533is placed into the housing500of the reagent container storage52from the door31of the apparatus housing10along the rail570, and the reagent container580is stored in the housing500. At this time, a sealed space is formed inside the housing500with a plurality of reagent containers580stored inside.

Then, the cooling process T1of a reagent is started (process S1inFIG.13). First, the cooling section501illustrated inFIG.8is activated, and the housing500is cooled. At this time, the cooling section501absorbs heat from the first side wall540of the heat transfer housing part530of the housing500. In this way, the first side wall540of the heat transfer housing part530is cooled, causing natural convection of cold air generated above the housing500to flow downward and through the ventilation passage602, thereby lowering the temperature of an interior space of the housing500below a target temperature.

Also, the temperature of the first side wall540, where the cooling section501is located, is the lowest, next, the temperature of the top surface connection part543and the third side wall542is the second lowest, then the temperature of the second side wall541is the third lowest, and the temperature of the bottom part500fis the highest. In this way, a temperature distribution in the interior space of the housing500is created, and natural convection occurs. In the natural convection, first, the air with a lower temperature near the first side wall540flows downward through a gap between the first side wall540and the reagent container580toward the bottom part500f, where the temperature is the highest, then flows to the right in the left/right direction X through the ventilation passage602below the reagent container rack581on the bottom part500f, and then flows upward through a gap between the second side wall541and the reagent container580, then flows to the left in the left/right direction X through a gap between the top surface connection part543and the top outer wall553and the reagent container580, then flows back near the first side wall540, and this circulation is continued.

Meanwhile, outside the housing500, as is illustrated inFIG.12, the fan804outside the cooling section501is activated, and the air from outside the apparatus housing10flows into the duct801from the inlet800and is supplied to the heat sink803. The heat generated by the cooling section501is transferred to the air at the heat sink803. The air passing through the heat sink803reaches the exhaust port802through the duct801along with the heat and is exhausted from the exhaust port802to the outside of the apparatus housing10. Thus, the heat of the cooling section501is exhausted to the outside of the apparatus housing10.

As is illustrated inFIG.13, after the cooling process T1of a reagent starts, the transferring process S2of a reaction container is performed. In the transferring process S2of a reaction container, first, the container holder201of the dispensing apparatus150illustrated inFIG.2moves from an initial position above the container rack71of the reaction container storage51, and then lowers to hold the empty reaction container70in the container rack71.

Next, the container holder201of the dispensing apparatus150moves above the heater80and then lowers, and the reaction container70is held in the holding hole90of the heater80. Then, the container holder201rises.

Then, the dispensing process S3of a sample (illustrated inFIG.13) is performed. First, the pipette200of the dispensing apparatus150illustrated inFIG.2moves above the sample rack storage50and lowers. The pipette200is inserted into a sample container of a sample rack in the sample rack storage50through the hole61in the top surface60and aspirates a sample.

Then, the pipette200rises above the sample rack storage50and moves above the heater80. The pipette200lowers toward the reaction container70in the heater80and injects a sample into the reaction container70.

Next, the pipette200rises above the heater80and moves above the cleaner54. The pipette200lowers toward the cleaning tank110of the cleaner54, is inserted into the cleaning tank110, and is cleaned. Finally, the pipette200rises above the cleaner54.

Next, the dispensing process S4of a reagent is performed (illustrated inFIG.13). First, the pipette200of the dispensing apparatus150illustrated inFIG.2moves above the housing500of the reagent container storage52. Then, the pipette200lowers and enters the housing500through the through hole555in the top outer wall553. The pipette200is further inserted into the reagent container580of the reagent container rack581and aspirates a reagent of the reagent container580.

Then, the pipette200rises above the reagent container storage52. Next, the reagent of the pipette200is heated by the heating member360. While the reagent of the pipette200is heated, the pipette200moves above the heater80.

Next, the container holder201of the dispensing apparatus150lowers toward the reaction container70of the heater80and holds the reaction container70of the heater80.

Next, as is illustrated inFIG.5, as the container holder201rises above the heater80, the pipette200lowers and is inserted into the reaction container70. Then, the pipette200injects a reagent into the reaction container70of the container holder201. Next, the reaction container70of the container holder201is vibrated by the vibration member350, and a sample containing the reagent is agitated.

Next, the container holder201illustrated inFIG.2moves above the detector81and lowers. The container holder201lowers toward the holding hole100of the detector81and makes the holding hole100hold the reaction container70. Finally, the container holder201rises above the detector81.

Next, the measuring process S5(illustrated inFIG.13) is performed. In the detector81, a blood coagulation measurement is performed to analyze an activity of a coagulation factor of a sample in the reaction container70.

Finally, the collection and disposal process S6of the reaction container (illustrated inFIG.13) is performed. First, the container holder201of the dispensing apparatus150illustrated inFIG.2moves above the detector81and lowers. Next, the container holder201holds the reaction container70of the detector81.

Next, the container holder201rises above the detector81and moves above the disposal section55. The container holder201lowers toward the disposal port120of the disposal section55and disposes the reaction container70in the disposal port120. Finally, the container holder201rises above the disposal section55and then is returned to the initial position.

According to this embodiment, the reagent container storage52of the sample measuring apparatus1has the housing500, the cooling section501that cools the housing500, and the reagent container rack581that holds the reagent container580in the housing500, the cooling section501is provided on the first side wall540, which is a part of the first side part500aof the housing500, and the ventilation passage602is provided between the reagent container rack581and the bottom part500fin the housing500. In such a case, since the first side wall540of the housing500is cooled by the cooling section501, a downward air flow near the first side wall540in the housing500occurs, and natural convection that flows through the ventilation passage602in the housing500occurs. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a fan for circulating air inside the housing500and can accommodate downsizing of the apparatus. In addition, cooling by natural convection allows cool air to spread inside the housing500and cool the plurality of reagent containers580from the surroundings, thereby enabling uniform temperature control of the reagents in the plurality of reagent containers580.

In the top part500eof the housing500, a through hole555is provided for the pipette200to enter and exit. In such a case, the pipette200is outside the housing500, and the pipette200can enter the housing500to aspirate a reagent as needed. Therefore, a volume of the housing500can be reduced, and as a result, strong natural convection can be reliably generated in the housing500. Thus, the reagent in the reagent container580inside the housing500can be cooled stably and sufficiently.

The housing500has the heat transfer housing part530, the heat transfer housing part530has the first side wall540, a second side wall541, and the top surface connection part543, and the cooling section501is provided in the first side wall540. In this way, the entire heat transfer housing part530can be suitably cooled, and the reagent can be cooled from above and the left and right of the reagent container580. As a result, the reagent in the reagent container580can be cooled suitably and stably. In addition, since the heat transfer housing part530itself is cooled by the cooling section501first, and then the air inside the housing500is cooled, which in turn the reagent container580is cooled, condensation on the reagent container580can be suppressed.

The bottom part500fof the housing500includes a material with lower thermal conductivity than the heat transfer housing part530. This results in a larger temperature difference between the first side wall540and the bottom part500f, where the cooling section501is provided. As a result, the downward airflow from the vicinity of the first side wall540toward the bottom part500fbecomes stronger and natural convection becomes stronger so that the reagent in the reagent container580can be sufficiently cooled.

The top surface connection part543of the heat transfer housing part530is provided in a plan view where the top surface connection part543does not overlap the reagent container580stored in the housing500. In this way, in case that the top surface connection part543is cooled and condensation occurs, a water droplet is prevented from falling into the reagent container580.

The housing500is configured to be capable of storing a plurality of reagent containers580side by side along the front/rear direction Y along the first side wall540and the second side wall541. Also, the housing500is configured to store the reagent container rack581with a longitudinal direction of the reagent container rack581facing in the front/rear direction Y orthogonal to the left/right direction X from the first side wall540to the second side wall541. In this way, a path along the inner wall of the housing500in a direction, in which natural convection occurs, is shortened, which facilitates strong natural convection. As a result, the reagent in the reagent container580can be sufficiently cooled.

Since the housing500has the insulation housing part531that covers the heat transfer housing part530, the heat transfer housing part530can be cooled efficiently.

The reagent container storage52has, in the housing500, the rack support533that supports the reagent container rack581, and the rack support533is configured to be freely pulled out from the housing500. In this way, easy removal and replacement of the reagent container580can be made.

The ventilation passage602is formed between the reagent container rack581and the rack support533. In this way, the ventilation passage602for natural convection to pass through can be suitably formed.

The sample measuring apparatus1is provided with the heat exhaust section502that exhausts the heat generated by the cooling section501. In this way, the heat from the cooling section501does not stay in the housing500so that cooling of the reagent in the reagent container580in the housing500can be properly performed.

The sample measuring apparatus1is provided with an apparatus housing10that has the measuring unit53and the reagent container storage52inside. As a result, the housing500of the reagent container storage52is located inside the apparatus housing10. Therefore, the volume of the housing500can be reduced, and the reagent in the reagent container580inside the housing500can be efficiently cooled.

The housing500is configured so that natural convection generated inside the housing500by cooling of the cooling section501circulates between the first side part500aof the housing500and the reagent container580, the ventilation passage602, between the second side part500bof the housing500and the reagent container580, and between the top part500eof the housing500and the reagent container580in this order. Therefore, cooling of the reagent in the reagent container580in the housing500can be properly performed.

The above description of one or more embodiments are given with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various examples of changes or modifications within the scope of the ideas described in the claims, which are naturally understood to be within the technical scope.

The sample measuring apparatus1described in the above embodiments may have other configurations. The housing500of the reagent container storage52, the heat transfer housing part530, the insulation housing part531, the bottom part500f, the rack support533, etc. may have other configurations. The cooling section501and the heat exhaust section502may also have other configurations. The cooling section501is not limited to the Peltier element, but may have other cooling functions. The cooling section501need not consist of a single element, such as the Peltier element, etc., but may consist of multiple elements.

The ventilation passage602may be formed in the rack support533as is illustrated inFIG.14. In this case, the ventilation passage602may be formed to penetrate the bottom section590of the rack support533. Also, the ventilation passage602may be formed in the bottom part500fas is illustrated inFIG.15. In this case, the ventilation passage602may be formed to penetrate the bottom of the rail570. Further, the ventilation passage602may be formed in the reagent container rack581as is illustrated inFIG.16.

The cooling section501is provided on the first side wall540, which is a part of the first side part500aof the housing500, but may be provided on any of the other side parts500b,500c, or500d. Also, the cooling section501may be provided on the top part500eof the housing500. In such a case, by the top part500eof the housing500being cooled, the air near a top portion in the housing500descends, and natural convection to flow through the ventilation passage602is formed; therefore, the reagent in the reagent container580can be cooled. Also, the cooling section501may be provided in other parts of the housing500, as long as a part of the cooling section501is provided higher than the ventilation passage620in the housing500. The cooling section501may be provided throughout the side parts500a,500b,500c, and500dof the housing500, or the entire top part500e. The cooling section501may be provided throughout both the side parts500a,500b,500c, and500dand the top part500eof the housing500. In addition, the cooling section501may be provided on a part of the side parts500a,500b,500c, and500dand the top part500e. The cooling section501need not be in direct contact with the housing500, but may be in indirect contact via a heat transfer component, such as a heat sink, etc.

The sample measuring apparatus and a method of measuring a sample according to one or more embodiments may be applied to a sample measurement other than a blood coagulation measurement, a blood immunoassay, a blood cell count measurement, a biochemical analysis, a urine analysis, etc.

The sample measuring apparatus and a method of measuring a sample may be useful in providing a sample measuring apparatus and a sample measuring method that can accommodate downsizing of an apparatus.

As a supplementary note, a sample measuring apparatus according to one or more embodiments are summarized.

A sample measuring apparatus comprising:a reagent container storage that stores reagent container with a reagent, the reagent container storage comprises:a housing that accommodates the reagent container; anda cooling section that cools the housing; anda measuring unit that measures a sample using the reagent, whereina ventilation passage is arranged below the reagent container in the housing, andat least a part of the cooling section is provided in the housing at a higher part of the housing than the ventilation passage.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the housing comprises a top part, a bottom part, and a side part, andthe cooling section is provided on the side part or the top part of the housing.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the side part comprises:a first side part; anda second side part that is arranged facing the first side part, andthe cooling section is provided on one of the first side part and the second side part in the housing.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the sample measuring apparatus further comprises:a pipette that aspirates a reagent stored in the reagent container in the reagent container storage and dispenses the reagent into a reaction container, in which the sample is stored; anda through hole for the pipette to enter and exit that is arranged on a top part of the housing.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the housing comprises a heat transfer housing part that has thermal conductivity, whereinthe heat transfer housing part comprises:a first side wall;a second side wall that is arranged facing the first side wall across the reagent container; anda top surface connection part that connects the first side wall and the second side wall, andthe cooling section is provided on the first side wall, the second side wall, or the top surface connection part.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the cooling section is provided on the first side wall or the second side wall.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the bottom part of the housing comprises a material that has a lower thermal conductivity than the heat transfer housing part.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the top surface connection part of the heat transfer housing part is provided in a location where the top surface connection part does not overlap a reagent container accommodated in the housing in a plan view.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the housing accommodates a plurality of reagent containers side by side along a direction perpendicular to a direction from the first side wall to the second side wall.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the reagent container is accommodated in the housing while being stored in a reagent container rack, whereinthe reagent container rack has a shape that extends in a longitudinal direction, in which a plurality of reagent containers are accommodated side by side, andthe housing accommodates the reagent container rack with the longitudinal direction of the reagent container rack oriented in a direction perpendicular to a direction from the first side wall to the second side wall.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the housing comprises an insulation housing part that covers the heat transfer housing part.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the reagent container is accommodated in the housing while being stored in a reagent container rack, andthe reagent container storage comprises a rack support that supports the reagent container rack in the housing, whereinthe rack support is freely pulled out from the housing.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the ventilation passage is provided between the reagent container rack and the rack support.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the ventilation passage is provided in the rack support.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the bottom part of the housing comprises a rail that slides the rack support, andthe ventilation passage is provided in the rail.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the ventilation passage is provided in the reagent container rack.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the sample measuring apparatus further comprises: a heat exhaust section that exhausts heat generated by the cooling section.

In the sample measuring apparatus, the sample measuring apparatus further comprises: an apparatus housing that accommodates the measuring unit and the reagent container storage inside.

In the sample measuring apparatus, natural convection generated inside the housing by cooling of the cooling section circulates between the first side part of the housing and the reagent container, the ventilation passage, between the second side part facing the first side part of the housing and the reagent container, and between the top part of the housing and the reagent container in the order.

A method of measuring a sample using a sample measuring apparatus, in which a ventilation passage is provided below a reagent container in a housing that the reagent container is accommodated comprising:cooling a reagent in the reagent container by cooling at least a part of the housing that is higher than the ventilation passage;aspirating the cooled reagent in the reagent container and dispenses the cooled reagent into a reaction container; andmeasuring a sample in the reaction container, into which the cooled reagent is dispensed.

In the method of measuring a sample, the housing comprises a heat transfer housing part that is thermally conductive, whereinthe heat transfer housing part comprises:a first side wall;a second side wall that is arranged facing the first side wall across the reagent container; anda top surface connection part that connects the first side wall and the second side wall, andthe cooling a reagent in the reagent container comprising cooling an entire heat transfer housing part.

In the method of measuring a sample, in the cooling a reagent in the reagent container, natural convection generated inside the housing circulates between a first side part of the housing and the reagent container, the ventilation passage, between a second side part facing the first side part of the housing and the reagent container, and between a top part of the housing and the reagent container in the order.