Automated analyzer

An automated analyzer capable of continuously performing supply of consumables is realized while continuing measurement is performed, by a simple and small amount of mechanism. An automated analyzer includes a unit that executes processing necessary for sample analysis; a consumable supply unit that supplies consumables necessary for the sample analysis to the unit; and a control device that controls operations of the unit and the consumable supply unit, in which the consumable supply unit includes a consumable container holding portion that holds a consumable storage container in which consumables is aligned and accommodated, a preliminary storage portion that temporarily holds the consumables taken out from the consumable storage container, and a transport mechanism that transports the consumables to the unit, and in which the control device transports and stores at least a portion of the consumables taken out from the consumable storage container in the preliminary storage portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an automated analyzer for analysis of organism-derived samples such as blood by use of consumables and to a supply method of the consumables.

BACKGROUND ART

Traditional automated analyzers include those which use dispensing tips and reaction vessels as disposable consumables. These consumables are supplied to the apparatus by a user. Subsequently, the consumables are delivered to predetermined regions by a transport mechanism of the apparatus. These consumables need be present in the apparatus in numbers equal to or larger than the number of requested measurements. A measurement work is suspended if the consumables run short. In order to prevent the suspension of the measurement work due to the consumable shortage, the apparatus must be adapted to allow the user to supply the consumables to the apparatus even during a measurement operation. However, in a case where the user and the transport mechanism access the same area to supply the consumables, the transport mechanism must be disabled for safety purposes while the user is performing the supply operation. Namely, the measurement work must be temporarily suspended. The recent years have seen an increasing demand for quick output of test results. This dictates the need to reduce risk of delay in the report of test results due to the consumable shortage.

Patent Literature 1 discloses an automated analyzer that operates as follows. Parts racks holding unused parts are moved up by a feeding elevator from the downmost position to a rack separation station A, where only the uppermost one of the parts racks stacked on top of each other is separated so as to be left on the rack separation station. The separated parts rack is transferred to a parts takeout station B where parts on the parts rack are taken out one after another by a movable grasper portion. After the use of a part, the used part is allowed to fall by opening a floor of the parts takeout station B and is collected on an elevator carriage of a collecting elevator.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

According to a technique of the patent literature 1, the apparatus requires many complicated mechanisms such as the feeding elevator, the transport mechanism from the separation station to the takeout station and the collecting elevator, for replacement of a consumable storage container carrying reaction containers and dispensing tips. Further, these mechanisms vertically and horizontally occupy a large space in the automated analyzer. This results in a decreased freedom in design of internal mechanism layout in the automated analyzer limited in size.

It is an object of the invention to provide an automated analyzer which uses a few simple mechanisms to permit the user to supply the consumables even during the measurement work so as to reduce the risk of delay in the report of test results due to the consumable shortage.

Solution to Problem

According to an aspect of the invention for achieving the above object, an automated analyzer features the following configuration. The automated analyzer includes: a processing unit that performs processing necessary for sample analysis; a consumable supply unit that supplies the unit with consumables necessary for sample analysis; and a control device that controls the operations of the unit and the consumable supply unit, and has a configuration wherein the consumable supply unit includes: a consumable container holding portion for holding a consumable storage container where consumables are arranged and accommodated; a preliminary storage portion for temporarily storing the consumables taken out from the consumable storage container; and a transport mechanism for transporting the consumables to the processing unit, and wherein the control device makes at least some of the consumables taken out from the consumable storage container to be transported to and stored in the preliminary storage portion.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the invention, the automated analyzer adapted to reduce the risk of delay in the report of test results due to the consumable shortage is provided.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the invention will hereinbelow be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this embodiment, an automated analyzer is described by way of example. The automated analyzer is exemplified by automated biochemical analyzer, automated immunology analyzer and the like. However, these are merely an exemplary representation of the invention. The invention is not limited to the embodiments to be described hereinlater but includes a wide variety of apparatuses which react samples with reagents and analyze the samples based on the reaction results. The invention includes, for example, mass spectroscope used for clinical examination, blood coagulation analyzer for measurement of blood coagulation time, and the like. The invention is also applicable to complex systems integrating the above apparatuses, the automated biochemical analyzer and the automated immunology analyzer as well as automated analytic system based on these techniques.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a schematic configuration diagram of an automated analyzer201to which a consumables supply method according to a first embodiment hereof is applied.

Referring toFIG. 1, the automated analyzer201includes: a rack transport line203for transportation of a sample rack202; a reagent cooling unit204; an incubator disc (reaction disc)205; a sample dispensing mechanism206; a reagent dispensing mechanism207; a consumable transport unit208; and a detection portion unit209. The above components may also be referred to as unit.

The sample rack202accommodates a plurality of sample containers210containing biological samples such as blood and urine. The rack with the sample containers210accommodated therein is transported on the rack transport line203.

A plurality of reagent containers211containing therein a variety of reagents for use in sample analysis are stored and cooled in the reagent cooling unit204as a reagent container storage portion. At least a part of a top side of the reagent cooling unit204is covered with a reagent disc cover212.

The incubator disc205includes: a reaction container disposition portion214where a plurality of reaction containers213for reaction of the sample and the reagent are disposed; and a temperature control mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the reaction container213to a desired level.

The sample dispensing mechanism206includes a rotary drive mechanism and a vertical drive mechanism. By means of these drive mechanisms, the sample dispensing mechanism is capable of dispensing the sample from the sample container210into the reaction container213accommodated in the incubator disc205. Similarly, the reagent dispensing mechanism207also includes the rotary drive mechanism and the vertical drive mechanism. By means of these drive mechanisms, the reagent dispensing mechanism dispenses the reagent from the reagent container211into the reaction container213accommodated in the incubator disc205. The detection portion unit209includes a photomultiplier tube and a light source lamp, a spectroscope and a photodiode and is equipped with a function to control the temperature of these devices. The detection portion unit analyzes reaction solution.

Next, the details of the consumable transport unit208of the automated analyzer201are described with reference toFIG. 2.

The consumable transport unit208includes: a storage container holding portion217for holding a consumable storage container216storing a plurality of consumables for use in sample analysis such as reaction containers and dispensing tips; a preliminary storage portion218for temporarily storing these consumables; and a transport mechanism219for grasping and transporting the consumable item. The consumable transport unit has a function to transport the reaction container213or a dispensing tip215on the consumable storage container216or the preliminary storage portion218to a predetermined place by means of the transport mechanism219.

The consumable container216is also referred to as a magazine and is formed with a plurality of recesses or holes in an upper side thereof. The consumable container with the consumables received in the recesses or holes in one-on-one basis is supplied to an operator. Since these consumables are disposable, the operator needs to supply the consumable container216to the automated analyzer at regular intervals and to discharge the consumable container216, which is emptied of all the consumables, from the apparatus.

The transport mechanism219is movable on rails laid in x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions (not shown), transporting the reaction container213stored in the consumable storage container216or the preliminary storage portion218to the incubator disc205or transporting the dispensing tip215to a tip mounting position220. Further, the transport mechanism discards a used reaction container218on the incubator disc205in a discarding hole221. The transport mechanism219also transports an unused reaction container213or dispensing tip215on the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion210or transports the reaction container213or the dispensing tip215on the preliminary storage portion210to the incubator disc207or the tip mounting position220. Therefore, the transport mechanism219has an arm structure for grasping the reaction container or the dispensing tip.

The preliminary storage portion218holds the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215in the same manner as the consumable storage container216. The transport mechanism219is capable of setting the reaction container213or the dispensing tip215on the preliminary storage portion218and of transferring the reaction container213or the dispensing tip215retained on the preliminary storage portion218to the incubator disc205or the dispensing tip supply position220.

Independently from the other mechanism portions, the storage container holding portion217can be drawn out to a front side, a rear side or a lateral side of the apparatus. As not accessed by the other mechanisms, the storage container holding portion permits the user to replace the consumable storage container216. It is noted that the storage container holding portion217may be provided with a door or cover such that the operator can access the consumable storage container by opening the door or cover. Alternatively, the storage container holding portion217may be provided with a lock mechanism which inhibits the storage container holding portion from being drawn out when the consumable storage container216is accessed by a mechanism such as the transport mechanism219. Further, the storage container holding portion217may be provided with a sensor for detecting whether or not the consumable storage container216is set in position so that whether or not the consumable storage container216is replaced when the storage container holding portion217is drawn out can be detected.

In the automated analyzer201, the above-described rack transport line202, reagent container disc204, incubator disc205, sample dispensing mechanism206, reagent dispensing mechanism207, consumable transport unit208, detection portion unit209and the like are referred to as an analytic operation portion.

In addition to the above-described analytic operation portion, the automated analyzer201further includes a controller (control portion)222for controlling the operations of the whole automated analyzer201and an operation portion223. The control portion222is essentially composed of a hardware board, for example, and connected to a control device224such as computer and a storage device225such as hard disc. The operation portion223is essentially composed of a display portion such as display and an input device such as mouse and keyboard. The storage device225stores temperature ranges in correspondence to the respective units, for example. The control portion222and the control device224may each be configured by a dedicated circuit board as a hardware or otherwise, configured by a software implemented by a computer connected to the automated analyzer201. In the case where the control portion or device is configured by the hardware, the control portion or device can be implemented by integrating a plurality of computing elements performing processes on a wiring board, on a semiconductor chip or in a package. In the case where the control portion or device is configured by the software, the control portion or device can be implemented by installing a high-speed general-purpose CPU in a computer which runs a program to execute a desired arithmetic processing. It is also possible to upgrade the existing apparatus by use of a recording medium storing this program. These devices, circuits, and the computer are interconnected via a wired network or wireless network through which data is transmitted or received as needed.

FIG. 3shows a normal operation flow chart of the transport mechanism219during the measurement operation.

After the measurement work is started, the transport mechanism219is horizontally moved from a home position to place above the consumable storage container216(S301). Next, the transport mechanism is lowered to an arbitrary position on the consumable storage container216and grasps a reaction container set in place by means of an arm thereof (S302). Then, the transport mechanism is moved up. Subsequently, the transport mechanism is horizontally moved to a reaction container setting position on the incubator disc205(S303) and sets the transported reaction container at the relevant position (S304).

Next, the transport mechanism219is horizontally moved again to place above the consumable storage container216(S305) where the transport mechanism is lowered to an arbitrary position so as to grasp a set dispensing tip (S306) and then is moved up. The extracted dispensing tip is transported by the transport mechanism219to the tip mounting position220(S307) so as to be mounted to the relevant position (S308).

Subsequently, the transport mechanism219is moved to a used reaction container disposal position on the incubator disc so as to grasp a used reaction container (S310). The transport mechanism transfers the used reaction container from the incubator disc205to the discarding hole221(S311) so as to discard the used reaction container in the discarding hole221(S312). Finishing these operation steps, the transport mechanism219returns from the discarding hole221to the home position (S313).

Next, an operation flow chart of the consumable transport unit208in a case where the user replaces the consumable storage container216during the measurement operations is shown inFIG. 4-1toFIG. 4-3.

FIG. 4-1is an operation flow chart showing steps from a standby state to a request for replacement of the consumable storage container216made by the operator.

When the automated analyzer in a standby mode (S401) receives a measurement request (S402), the apparatus starts a measurement preparation operation (S403). During the premeasurement preparation operation, the apparatus performs reset operations of the individual mechanism portions and operations of changing system water in the syringes and the flow paths connected to the sample dispensing mechanism206and the and reagent dispensing mechanism207. In this process, the consumable transport unit208checks for a loaded state of the preliminary storage portion218(S404). To check the loaded state, the transport mechanism219is used for determining if the consumables such as the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215are loaded on the preliminary storage portion218. Specifically, the transport mechanism219performs a grasping operation at each of the positions where the reaction container213or the dispensing tip215is retained on the preliminary storage portion218and determines that the reaction container or the dispensing tip is loaded (loaded state) if the mechanism can actually grasp the relevant consumable item or determines that the relevant position is vacant if the mechanism cannot grasp the consumable item. This operation may be performed at all the positions on the preliminary storage portion218or otherwise, performed only at plural predetermined positions. Instead of the grasping operation by the transport mechanism219, a camera may be installed at place above the preliminary storage portion218so as to determine the presence or absence of the consumable item based on image analysis. Alternatively, a distance measuring device such as a laser displacement meter may be mounted to the transport mechanism219so as to determine the presence or absence of the consumable item based on the measurement of distance between the transport mechanism219and the preliminary storage portion218.

The control portion222determines whether or not a loaded state of the preliminary storage portion218differs from the previous loaded state stored in the storage device (S405). The storage device225stores a loaded state of the preliminary storage portion218at the completion of the previous measurement work. The control portion compares the loaded state stored in the storage device225and the loaded state determined by the transport mechanism219. If the loaded states match each other, the control portion terminates the premeasurement preparation operation of the consumable transport unit208.

On the other hand, if the loaded states do not match, the control portion determines that some manipulation has been done on the dispensing tip or the reaction container in the preliminary storage portion218and discards all the consumables retained on the preliminary storage portion218(S406). This is because the manipulation of the consumable item by the user involves possibility that the reaction container213may be damaged so that the transport mechanism219may fail to grasp the reaction container, or that a distal end of the dispensing tip215may be closed, resulting in failure to dispense sample correctly.

When the premeasurement preparation operations of the consumable transport unit208and the other units are completed, the automated analyzer201starts the measurement operation (S407). During the measurement operation, the consumable transport unit208repeatedly performs the normal operation flow chart shown inFIG. 3(S408to S411). In each apparatus operation cycle, the control portion222responds to the user pressing a fixed button on the operation portion223or the apparatus by checking whether a request for replacing the consumable storage container216is made or not (S410).

If the request is not made, the control portion222checks the number of remaining consumables on the consumable storage container (S411). If consumables for the next operation cycle is available, the control portion returns to the step S407to repeat the operations from the step S408. If it is determined in the step S411that no consumable item remains on the consumable storage container, the control portion stops the supply of the reaction container and the dispensing tip and suspends a new measurement cycle (S412).

When the control portion receives the replacement request from the user in the step S410, the control portion proceeds to a flow chart ofFIG. 4-2.

According toFIG. 4-2, the transport mechanism219transports the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218(S415, S416) while performing the normal operation flow (S413, S414). Specifically, the transport mechanism219transports the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215from the consumable storage container216to the incubator disc205and to the dispensing tip mounting position220at predetermined timing A in the same apparatus operation cycle (S413, S414). Further, the transport mechanism219transports the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218at timing B when the operations of steps S413and S414are not performed (S415, S416). Incidentally, in a case where the transport mechanism is not scheduled to transport the consumables from the consumable storage container216to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220at the timing A, the transport mechanism performs the operations S45and S416even at the timing A.

The operations of the steps S413to S416are performed in the same apparatus operation cycle. In each apparatus operation cycle, the control portion222checks for the loaded state of the preliminary storage portion218(S417) and repeats the operations of the steps S413to S417till the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215are loaded on the preliminary storage portion218.

When a predetermined amount of the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215is transported to the preliminary storage portion218, the transport mechanism219changes a supply source of the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218. When the supply source is changed, the control portion222unlocks the storage container holding portion217so as to enable the replacement of the consumable storage container by the operator (S418). Further, the control portion informs the operator that the replacement of the consumable storage container216is enabled (S419). The information may be outputted as a message on the screen as shown inFIG. 5. Alternatively, the information may also be given by way of an alarm sound, LED light or rotating red light.

When the information is outputted to the operator, the transport mechanism219starts to supply the consumables from the preliminary storage portion218(S420, S421).

The control portion222monitors the storage container holding portion217and determines in each apparatus operation cycle whether or not the replacement of the consumable storage container is performed by the operator. The replacement operation can be done using any of a variety of known methods. In a case where the storage container holding portion217has an infundibulum structure, for example, the control portion determines by monitoring with a sensor whether the infundibulum is drawn out or not. In a case where the storage container holding portion217is closed with a door, the control portion may also determine by monitoring whether the door is closed or not. Further, the control portion may also determine based on a replacement end signal sent from the user manipulating the operation portion223or the fixed button. Detecting by any of the methods that the operator has replaced the consumable storage container, the control portion proceeds to an operation flow chart ofFIG. 4-3to perform an operation of checking a consumable storage container216replaced anew.

On the other hand, if it is not detected in a step S422that a consumable storage container is not stored in the storage container holding portion217, the control portion determines the numbers of remaining reaction containers213and dispensing tips215on the preliminary storage portion218(S423). If some consumables remain, the control portion repeats the operations of the steps S420to S422. If there remains no consumable item, a new measurement cycle is suspended (S424).

InFIG. 4-3, the transport mechanism219checks whether a consumable storage container216supplied anew is unused or not (S426). In the step S426, the transport mechanism219determines whether the consumable storage container216is unused or not by performing the grasping operation on the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215at the plural predetermined positions. Alternatively, a camera may be disposed at place above the consumable storage container216so as to determine the presence or absence of the consumable item based on the image analysis. Alternatively, the distance measuring device such as a laser displacement meter may be mounted to the transport mechanism219so as to determine the presence or absence of the consumable item based on the measurement of distance between the transport mechanism219and the consumable storage container216.

It is noted that the step S426is performed at a vacant time in the apparatus operation cycle. The step S426is performed in parallel to the consumable supply from the preliminary storage portion218to the incubator disc205or the dispensing tip mounting position220in steps S427and S428or in steps S432and S433. Therefore, the measurement operation is not interrupted by the operation of the step S426.

If the consumable storage container216replaced in the step S426is determined as unused, the reaction container and the dispensing tip on the preliminary storage portion218are supplied (S427, S428). The transport mechanism checks whether all the reaction containers and the dispensing tips on the preliminary storage portion218are consumed (S429). If it is determined that the preliminary storage portion218is emptied, the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215are supplied to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220from a newly supplied consumable storage container216(S430, S431).

On the other hand, if the consumable storage container replaced in the step S426is not determined as unused (namely, at least a part of the consumable storage container is determined as used), the consumables on the preliminary storage portion218continue to be used (S432, S433). The transport mechanism219checks again the replaced consumable storage container216(S434). At this time, the transport mechanism219performs the grasping operation at positions different from the positions on the consumable storage container216where the check operation in the step S426was performed. The transport mechanism checks whether the replaced consumable storage container is a consumable storage container216used before the replacement operation was performed on the storage container holding portion217, or a consumable storage container216already used, having vacant positions (S435). At this time, the check result obtained in the step S426may be used.

If the set consumable storage container216is determined as the consumable storage container216used before the replacement operation was performed on the storage container holding portion217, the measurement work is continued till the consumables on the preliminary storage portion218are consumed (S436, S438). If all the consumables are consumed, the supply source is changed from the preliminary storage portion218to the consumable storage container216so as to continue supplying the consumables to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220(S441, S442).

On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S435that the used consumable storage container is loaded, the number of remaining consumables on the preliminary storage portion218is determined (S443) and if some consumables remain, the consumables are supplied from the preliminary storage portion218(S444, S445). On the other hand, if it is determined that no consumable item remains, a new measurement work is suspended.

Next, the management of the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215on the preliminary storage portion218is described with reference to a flow chart ofFIG. 6.

In a case where the user consistently replaces the consumable storage container216during the suspension of measurement operation with the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215loaded on the preliminary storage portion218, there is fear that the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215on the preliminary storage portion218may be left unused for a long period of time. The consumables left unused for long periods may entail the following problem. In a case where the user, passing over the preliminary storage portion218, seeks access to a unit on a rear side from the preliminary storage portion218for maintenance purpose, the user may inadvertently come in contact with the preliminary storage portion218, causing some inhibitor of immune reaction or other reaction necessary for measurement to adhere to the consumables. Therefore, the apparatus is desirably configured to serve the purpose of preventing the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215on the preliminary storage portion218from being left unused for long periods because of the consumable storage container216not replaced during the measurement operation. That is, when a predetermined length of time has passed from the loading of the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215on the preliminary storage portion218, the transport mechanism219is programmed to supply a reaction container213and a dispensing tip215on the preliminary storage portion218to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220even though the consumable storage container216is not replaced during the measurement operation.

When the measurement operation is started (S601), the control portion222determines in each apparatus operation cycle how much time has passed from the loading of the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215on the preliminary storage portion218(S602).

When a predetermined length of time X has passed, the transport mechanism219stops the consumable supply from the consumable storage container216to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220, and changes the consumable supply source so as to supply the consumables from the preliminary storage portion218to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220(S605, S606). In each apparatus operation cycle, the control portion222checks the number of remaining consumables on the preliminary storage portion218(S607).

If it is determined that some consumables remain, the control portion returns to the step S605to continue the consumable supply till the preliminary storage portion216is emptied. If all the consumables on the preliminary storage portion216are consumed, the transport mechanism219transports the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215from the consumable storage container216to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220at the predetermined timing A in the same apparatus operation cycle (S608, S609). Further, the transport mechanism219transports the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218at the timing B when the operations of the steps S608and S609are not performed (S610, S611).

Further, in a case where the transport mechanism is not scheduled to transport the consumables to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220at the timing A, the transport mechanism219performs the operations of the steps S610and S611even at the timing A. These operations of the steps S608to S611are performed in the same apparatus operation cycle.

In each apparatus operation cycle, the control portion222checks for the loaded state of the preliminary storage portion218(S612), and repeats the operations of the steps S608to S612till a predetermined amount of reaction containers213and dispensing tips215are loaded on the preliminary storage portion218.

WhileFIG. 6shows the operation flow where the operation is switched based on one set time X, the operation flow may have a plurality of set times. For example, a set time X1may be used as a parameter to start the use of consumables from the preliminary storage portion218, while a set time X2may be used as a parameter to discard the consumables from the preliminary storage portion218but not to use them. This permits the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215loaded on the preliminary storage portion216to be automatically renewed on a periodic basis. This results in a reduced risk that reexamination is required due to unexpected contamination.

According to the first embodiment, as described above, the consumables are supplied to the preliminary storage portion218when the user makes the request for replacing the consumable storage container216. Since the first embodiment permits the user to replace the consumable storage container216before the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215on the consumable storage container216are consumed, the user need not defer the consumable replacement till the consumable storage container216is emptied. The consumables can be supplied at an opportune time for the user. Further, the embodiment negates the need for providing a special mechanism for the replacement of the consumable storage container216. The embodiment uses a simple structure to enable the replacement of the consumable storage container216even during the measurement operation and without stopping the measurement operation. The embodiment can achieve the reduction of risk of delay in reporting the test result due to the consumable shortage.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment as a modification of the first embodiment is described. According to the second embodiment, the apparatus automatically supplies the consumables to the preliminary storage portion218at predetermined times e.g., during the preparation operation before the start of measurement operation and during the measurement operation. When the user makes request for replacing the consumable storage container216during the measurement operation, the apparatus immediately changes the supply source from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218so as to enable the user to replace the consumable storage container216. The timing to supply the consumables to the preliminary storage portion218is during the preparation operation before the start of measurement operation, immediately after the start of measurement operation or immediately after completion of replacement of the consumable storage container216by the user.

FIG. 7shows an operation flow of a case where the consumables are supplied to the preliminary storage portion218during the preparation operation before the start of measurement operation.

When receiving a measurement request (S701), the automated analyzer201starts the premeasurement preparation operation (S702). The apparatus checks for the loaded state of the preliminary storage portion218according to the method described in the first embodiment and determines whether or not there is any difference from the loaded state already stored in the storage device (S703, S704). If there is some difference, the apparatus discards all the reaction containers and dispensing tips on the preliminary storage portion (S705).

Next, the apparatus checks whether there is any vacant position in the preliminary storage portion (S706). If there is some vacant position, the transport mechanism219transports the consumable item from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218and repeats the operation till all the positions are loaded (S707, S708). When all the positions are loaded, the consumable transport unit208terminates the premeasurement preparation operation (S709). When the premeasurement preparation operations of the other units are completed, the apparatus proceeds to an operation flow ofFIG. 8showing the measurement operation. The transport mechanism219performs the measurement operation according to the normal operation flow shown inFIG. 3.

Next, description is made on an operation flow ofFIG. 8of a case where the consumables are supplied to the preliminary storage portion218after the start of measurement operation.

When receiving a measurement request (S801), the automated analyzer starts the premeasurement preparation operation (S802). The consumable transport unit208checks for the loaded state of the preliminary storage portion218according to the method described in the first embodiment (S804). If there is some difference in the loaded state, the apparatus discards all the consumables at all the positions on the preliminary storage portion218(S805). The apparatus completes the measurement preparation operation (S806) and proceeds to the measurement operation (S807). If the loaded state matches the state stored in the storage device225, the apparatus terminates the premeasurement preparation operation (S806). After the premeasurement preparation operations of the other units are completed, the apparatus proceeds to the measurement operation (S807).

When the measurement operation is started, the transport mechanism219supplies the consumables from the consumable storage container216to the incubator disc205and the tip mounting position220(S808, S809).

If the loaded state is checked in the step S803to determine that there are some vacant positions, or if the loaded state is checked against the stored state in the step S804to determine that the actual loaded state differs from the loaded state stored in memory and hence, the reaction containers and the dispensing tips at all the positions are discarded, the consumables are supplied to the vacant positions of the preliminary storage portion218in the same operation cycle of the consumable supply to the incubator disc205and the tip mounting position220(S811, S812). The transport mechanism219transports the consumables to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220at the predetermined timing A in the same apparatus operation cycle (S808, S809), and transports the consumables to the preliminary storage portion218at the timing B when the above operations are not performed (S811, S812). In a case where the mechanism is not scheduled to transport the consumables at the timing A, the transport mechanism transports the consumables to the preliminary storage portion even at the timing A. Till all the positions of the preliminary storage portion218are loaded, the supply to the incubator disc205and the tip mounting position220is performed in parallel to the supply to the preliminary storage portion218. When the supply to the preliminary storage portion218is completed, the transport mechanism219continues the measurement operation according to the normal operation flow shown inFIG. 3(S813).

Next,FIG. 9shows an operation flow of supplying the consumables to the preliminary storage portion218in a case where the consumable storage container216is replaced by the user during the measurement operation.

The flow of operations from the premeasurement preparation operation to the replacement of the consumable storage container216by the user conforms to the first embodiment and the flow charts ofFIG. 4-1toFIG. 4-2and hence, a detailed description thereof is dispensed with.

When the user completes the operation of replacing the consumable storage container216, the transport mechanism219supplies the consumables to the incubator disc205and the tip mounting position220(S901, S902), and also supplies the consumables to the vacant positions of the preliminary storage portion218during the same operation cycle (S903, S904). It is noted that the transport mechanism219performs the operations of the steps S901and S902at the predetermined timing A in the same apparatus operation cycle, while performing the operations of the steps S903and S904at the timing B when the above steps are not performed. Further, in the case where the transport mechanism is not scheduled to supply the consumables at the timing A, the transport mechanism performs the steps S903and S904even at the timing A. The supply to the incubator disc205and the tip mounting position220is performed in parallel to the supply to the preliminary storage portion218till all the positions of the preliminary storage portion218are loaded.

The apparatus determines whether or not the consumables are supplied to all the vacant positions of the preliminary storage portion218(S905). If it is determined that there is no vacant position on preliminary storage portion218, the apparatus proceeds to the normal operation flow shown inFIG. 3to continue the measurement operation. On the other hand, if it is determined that some vacant positions still remain, the apparatus returns to the step S901to continue the consumable supply to the preliminary storage portion.

In this embodiment, the example where the timing to start loading the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218is changed has been described as the modification of the first embodiment. The details other than the timing to start loading the reaction container213and the dispensing tip215from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218conform to the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the preliminary storage portion218is previously loaded with the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215. In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, therefore, this embodiment has an advantage in negating the need for the user to wait for the preparation operation for the replacement of the consumables and saving time taken for the replacement of consumables.

Third Embodiment

As for a third embodiment, description is made on an operation flow of a case where all the consumables retained on the consumable storage container216are consistently supplied to the incubator disc205and the tip mounting position220via the preliminary storage portion218. It is noted that the preliminary storage portion218of this embodiment is desirably configured to be loaded with more reaction containers213and dispensing tips215than the preliminary storage portions218of the first and second embodiments.

A normal operation flow of the transport mechanism219of the third embodiment is shown inFIG. 10. It is noted that the description of the steps common to those of the operation flow ofFIG. 3is dispensed with.

When the measurement operation is started, the transport mechanism219grasps an unused reaction container213or dispensing tip215on the consumable storage container216so as to supply it to the preliminary storage portion216(S1001to S1009). In steps S1010to S1016, the transport mechanism219repeats an operation to supply the consumables to the preliminary storage portion216.

Subsequently, the transport mechanism219grasps the consumable item on the preliminary storage portion216, supplying the consumable item to the incubator disc205or to the tip mounting position220and performs an analytic operation (S1017to S10024). The used reaction container218on the incubator disc205as finished with the analytic operation is transported to the discarding hole221and discarded by the transport mechanism219(S1025to S1029). If the next measurement is scheduled, the transport mechanism returns to the step S1001to repeat again the operation flow from the consumable transport from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion216.

The operations of the steps S1001to S1029are all performed in the same operation cycle. While the embodiment is described by way of a case where the consumable supply from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218is repeated twice in one operation cycle, the consumable supply may also be performed three times or more in the same operation cycle. Since the consumable supply from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218is performed multiple times in the same operation cycle, the number of the reaction containers213and dispensing tips215supplied from the consumable storage container216becomes larger than the number of the reaction containers213and dispensing tips215supplied from the preliminary storage portion218. Therefore, the number of the reaction containers213and dispensing tips215on the preliminary storage portion218keeps increasing.

According to the embodiment, the number of loadable consumables on the preliminary storage portion218is larger than that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Therefore, if the consumables on the consumable storage container216are consumed, the reaction containers213and the dispensing tips215on the preliminary storage portion218can be used to continue the measurement operation for long hours. This permits the user to defer the consumable replacement till the consumable storage container216is emptied so that occasions to discard unused reaction containers213and dispensing tips215can be reduced.

Next, an operation flow of a case where a request for replacing the consumable storage container216is made by the user is shown inFIG. 11.

When receiving a measurement request from the user (S1101), the automated analyzer201starts premeasurement preparation operations of the individual units (S1102). During the premeasurement preparation operations, the apparatus performs reset operations of the individual mechanism portions and operations of changing the system water in the syringes and the flow paths connected to the sample dispensing mechanism206and the and reagent dispensing mechanism207. At this time, the consumable transport unit208uses the transport mechanism219to check the preliminary storage portion218for the state loaded with the consumables (S1103). The transport mechanism219determines the loaded state by performing the grasping operation at each of the positions on the preliminary storage portion218. In this operation, the transport mechanism may check the loaded state at all the positions on the preliminary storage portion218or otherwise, may check at the plural predetermined positions. Alternatively, a camera may be disposed at place above the preliminary storage portion218so as to determine the presence or absence of the consumable item based on the image analysis. Further, the distance measuring device such as a laser displacement meter may be mounted to the transport mechanism219so as to determine the presence or absence of the consumable item based on the measurement of distance between the transport mechanism219and the preliminary storage portion218.

The storage device225stores the loaded state of the preliminary storage portion218at the completion of the previous measurement work. The storage device225compares the loaded state stored therein and the actual loaded state determined by the transport mechanism219so as to determine whether or not there is any difference therebetween (S1104). If there is no change in the loaded state, the apparatus terminates the premeasurement preparation operation of the consumable transport unit208. On the other hand, if the loaded state is changed, the apparatus determines that the loaded state is manipulated by the user and discards all the consumables on the preliminary storage portion218(S1105).

When the premeasurement preparation operations of the consumable transport unit208and the other units are completed, the automated analyzer201starts the measurement operation (S1106). The consumable transport unit208performs the normal operation shown inFIG. 10till the user expresses an intention to replace the consumable storage container216by means of the operation portion223, the fixed button or the like (S1107to S1110).

In each operation cycle, the control portion222checks whether the request for replacement of the consumable storage container is made by the user (S1111). If the replacement request is made, the apparatus proceeds to an operation flowchart shown inFIG. 11-2. If the request is not made, the apparatus repeats the operations of the steps S1107to S1111.

Recognizing that the replacement request is made by the operator, the transport mechanism219stops the consumable supply from the consumable storage container216to the preliminary storage portion218and switches to the consumable supply from the preliminary storage portion218(S1112, S1113). The control portion222unlocks the storage container holding portion217(S1114) and notifies the operation portion223that the replacement of the consumable storage container216is enabled (S1115). Any methods are usable to make the notification.

Subsequently, the transport mechanism219continues to supply the consumables from the preliminary storage portion218till the access to the storage container holding portion217by the operator is detected (S1116, S1117). When the access by the operator is detected, the transport mechanism proceeds to an operation flow shown inFIG. 11-3. The replacement end signal sent from the user manipulating the operation portion223or the fixed button may be used as a trigger to proceed to the operation shown inFIG. 11-3.

On the other hand, if the access to the storage container holding portion is not detected, the number of remaining reaction containers213and the number of remaining dispensing tips215on the preliminary storage portion218are determined (S1119). If some consumables remain, the operations of the steps S1116to S1119are repeated. If it is determined in the step S1119that no consumable item remains, a new measurement operation is suspended. It is noted that the operations of the steps S1116to S1119are performed in the same apparatus operation cycle.

According to the operation flow ofFIG. 11-3, the transport mechanism219checks whether the consumable storage container216retained on the storage container holding portion217is unused or not (S1121) because the consumable storage container216may possibly be replaced with a new one by the access to the storage container holding portion217. Incidentally, the step S1121is performed at the vacant time in the apparatus operation cycle and in parallel to the consumable supply from the preliminary storage portion218. Therefore, the measurement operation is not interrupted by the operation of the step S1121.

The transport mechanism219determines whether the consumable storage container216is unused or not by performing the grasping operation at the plural predetermined positions on the consumable storage container216. Alternatively, a camera may be disposed at place above the consumable storage container216so as to determine the presence or absence of the consumable item based on the image analysis. Further, the distance measuring device such as the laser displacement meter may be mounted to the transport mechanism219so as to determine the presence or absence of the consumable item based on the measurement of distance between the transport mechanism219and the consumable storage container216.

Whether the replaced consumable storage container216is unused or not is determined based on the check result of the step S1121(S1122). If the relevant consumable storage container is determined as unused, the transport mechanism219performs the normal supply operation from the step S1123to the step S1126illustrated inFIG. 10.

On the other hand, if the consumable storage container replaced in the step S1122is not determined as unused, the transport mechanism chooses the consumables on the preliminary storage portion218so as to continue the supply to the incubator disc205and the dispensing tip mounting position220(S1127, S1128). The transport mechanism219checks the replaced consumable storage container216in each apparatus operation cycle (S1129). The transport mechanism checks for the loaded state of the consumable storage container216at positions thereon other than the positions checked in the step S1121so as to check whether or not the relevant consumable storage container216is used before the replacement operation (S1130). At this time, the check result of the step S1122is also usable.

If it is determined that the set consumable storage container216is the same consumable storage container216that was used before the replacement operation, the transport mechanism performs the normal supply operation described with reference toFIG. 10(S1131to S1134).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the set consumable storage container216is a used consumable storage container that is different from the consumable storage container216used before the replacement operation, the number of remaining consumables on the preliminary storage portion218is determined in the step S1130(S1135). If some consumables remain, the consumables are supplied from the preliminary storage portion218(S1136, S1137). On the other hand, if it is determined in the step S1135that no consumable item remains, a new measurement operation is suspended.

According to the embodiment, the consumables are consistently retained on the preliminary storage portion218so that the operator can replace the consumable storage container216whenever the operator wants to replace the consumable storage container.

CLAIMS

203rack transport line

204reagent cooling unit

208consumable transport unit

209detection portion unit

212reagent disc cover

214reaction container disposition portion

216consumable storage container

217storage container holding portion

218preliminary storage portion

220tip mounting position