Patent Description:
In recent years, urine and other tests are becoming centralized, and there is a growing need to efficiently process a large number of samples by a small number of operators. Therefore, attempts have been made to automate some of work that is maintenance and the like and was conventionally performed by operators.

For example, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses an automatic analyzer that uses a robot arm to transport a reagent bottle from a predetermined position into reagent storage to replace the reagent bottle (storage member) (paragraphs <NUM> to <NUM> and the like of Patent Literature <NUM>).

A transportation system for an analyte measurement device employing a robot, which is related to the automatic analyzer and the work support device of the present invention, is disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

However, even when the storage member is automatically transported as described in Patent Literature <NUM>, it is necessary to perform manual work by an operator for a part of loading and/or unloading, such as an operation on the reagent storage side.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer, a work support device, and an automatic analysis system that are able to reduce manual work by an operator.

To solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the automatic analyzer and the work support device defined in independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>. The present invention further provides the automatic analysis system including an automatic analyzer and a work support device as it is defined in claim <NUM>. Further advantageous features of the present invention are set out in the dependent claims.

It is possible to provide an automatic analyzer, a work support device, and an automatic analysis system that are able to reduce manual work by an operator.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment includes an analyzer <NUM>, an analyzer <NUM>, a control device <NUM>, a specimen transport device <NUM>, and a work support device <NUM>.

The analyzer <NUM> mainly analyzes an immunity item and includes a reagent cooler <NUM>, a specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, a reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, a reaction acceleration unit <NUM>, and a measurement unit <NUM>. The reagent cooler <NUM> controls a temperature of a reagent vessel <NUM> storing a reagent to be used for analysis to be within a predetermined temperature range. The specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> dispenses a specimen within a specimen vessel <NUM> into the reagent vessel. The reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> dispenses the reagent within the reagent vessel <NUM> into the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel storing a reaction solution in which the specimen and the reagent are mixed is set on the reaction acceleration unit <NUM>, and the reaction acceleration unit <NUM> accelerates the reaction by maintaining the reaction solution in a predetermined temperature range. An example of the reaction acceleration unit <NUM> is an incubator that controls a temperature by heating its surroundings by a heater or the like in a state in which a plurality of reaction vessels are arranged on the circumference. The measurement unit <NUM> optically measures a quantity of a substance in the reaction solution in which the reaction is accelerated by the reaction acceleration unit <NUM>. For example, the measurement unit <NUM> measures a quantity of light emitted when the reagent is added to the reaction solution and a voltage is applied.

Depending on analytical performance required for the analyzer <NUM>, carryover between specimens may be taken into consideration, and when the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> dispenses a specimen, and each time the specimen is changed, a replaceable dispensing tip may be used at a part that comes into contact with the specimen, and an unused reaction vessel may be used for each time. In this case, the dispensing tip used once and the reaction vessel used once are discarded. Therefore, a new dispensing tip and a new reaction vessel that are required to perform analysis for a predetermined time period are stored in a consumable storage unit <NUM> and supplied by a consumable transport unit <NUM> to a location where the new dispensing tip and the new reaction vessel are used.

In addition, the analyzer <NUM> includes a detergent bottle <NUM> storing a detergent that is a system reagent. The analyzer <NUM> uses a pump or the like to suck up the detergent within the detergent bottle <NUM> and causes the detergent to flow to the measurement unit <NUM> so as to clean the inside of the measurement unit <NUM> for each time of measurement. A flow path <NUM> from the detergent bottle <NUM> to the measurement unit <NUM> is formed of a resin tube or the like and has a metal nozzle <NUM> at a distal end on the detergent bottle <NUM> side. The metal nozzle <NUM> is connected to a belt that is driven by a motor, and can be moved upward and downward by this drive mechanism. To aspirate the detergent within the detergent bottle <NUM>, the nozzle <NUM> is moved downward such that the distal end of the nozzle is immersed in the liquid surface of the detergent. On the other hand, to replace the detergent bottle <NUM>, the nozzle <NUM> is moved upward such that the distal end of the nozzle <NUM> is at a position higher than an upper end of the detergent bottle <NUM>. In this case, conventionally, an operator performs work of removing the detergent bottle <NUM> used and setting a new detergent bottle <NUM>. However, as described below, in Example <NUM>, a work support device <NUM> supports such work. In an automatic analyzer according to Example <NUM>, a nozzle detector <NUM> that detects the height of a nozzle <NUM> is also used to replace a detergent bottle <NUM>.

Since the capacity of the detergent bottle <NUM> is already determined, the control device <NUM> (work time calculator described later) can calculate an available capacity of the detergent bottle <NUM> based on information of a time when a detergent bottle <NUM> was previously replaced, the number of times that the detergent bottle <NUM> was used, and the like. Alternatively, to accurately detect a remaining amount of the detergent, a liquid surface detector <NUM> may be provided in the middle of the flow path <NUM>. When it is estimated that the remaining amount of the detergent is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the control device <NUM> issues an alarm to alert the operator that it is almost time to replace the detergent bottle <NUM>. In addition, for example, even when two or more detergent bottles <NUM> are set, one of the detergent bottles <NUM> is empty, and an alarm is issued, the nozzle <NUM> may be automatically switched to the other detergent bottle <NUM> and cleaning and measurement operations may not be stopped. The remaining amount of the detergent may be detected by a weight sensor <NUM> provided under the detergent bottle <NUM> or a liquid surface height detection sensor provided in the detergent bottle <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the analyzer <NUM> analyzes a biochemical item and includes a reagent cooler <NUM>, a specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, a reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, and a measurement unit <NUM> in a similar manner to the analyzer <NUM>. The analyzer <NUM> also includes a reagent disk <NUM>. A plurality of reagent vessels <NUM> storing a reaction solution in which a specimen and a reagent dispensed are mixed are arranged on the circumference of the reaction disk <NUM>. The reaction disk <NUM> is rotatable by a drive mechanism. The reaction vessels <NUM> are fixed onto the reaction disk <NUM> by fixing screws <NUM>. In addition, the measurement unit <NUM> of the analyzer <NUM> measures light absorbance of the reaction solution within the reaction vessels <NUM> supported on the reaction disk <NUM>.

A reagent disk (not illustrated) is provided in the reagent cooler <NUM>. A plurality of reagent vessels <NUM> are arranged on the circumference of the reagent disk. In addition, a lid <NUM> is attached to an upper opening portion of the reagent cooler <NUM> to prevent cold air from leaking and prevent a reagent from vaporizing. The lid <NUM> can be locked and unlocked by a drive mechanism (not illustrated).

Next, the control device <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> that controls operations, temperatures, and the like of the drive mechanisms included in the analyzers <NUM> and <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM> that transmits and receives a signal to and from the work support device <NUM>, a display unit <NUM> that displays an analysis result and an alarm, and an operation unit (not illustrated) to be used by an operator to perform inputting. In <FIG>, the control device <NUM> is commonly provided for the analyzers <NUM> and <NUM>. However, each of the analyzers <NUM> and <NUM> may include a control device <NUM>. In addition, the specimen transport device <NUM> transports a specimen vessel <NUM> such as a blood collection tube storing a sample (specimen) to be analyzed to specimen aspiration positions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The work support device <NUM> according to the present embodiment supports work of unloading and loading storage members used in the analyzers <NUM> and <NUM>, such as the reaction vessel, the detergent bottle <NUM>, and the reagent vessel <NUM>. As the work support device <NUM>, a self-propelled robot that is autonomously drive is assumed. The work support device <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit <NUM> that transmits and receives a signal to and from the communication unit <NUM> on the automatic analyzer side, a traveling unit <NUM> such as a wheel for traveling to a different position according to a type of a storage member, a hand <NUM> that grips and releases the storage member, and an arm <NUM> that moves the hand <NUM> to a predetermined position. The hand <NUM> is rotatable and can tighten and untighten a screw by rotating while griping the screw or the like.

In addition, the work support device <NUM> includes a reader <NUM> that reads identification information given to the storage member, such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, an aspiration unit <NUM> that aspirates condensed water on the back of the lid <NUM> of the reagent cooler <NUM>, and a storage member holder <NUM> that holds a storage member to be newly loaded onto the analyzers <NUM> and <NUM> and a storage member to be unloaded for discarding. The work support device <NUM> includes a camera <NUM> that recognizes a positional relationship of an object targeted for work support via image recognition, an obstacle sensor <NUM> that detects an obstacle and prevent contact, a hand opening/closing detector <NUM> that detects opening and closing of the hand <NUM>, and the like.

A controller <NUM> installed in a body <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> controls each of the units described above. In addition, the work support device <NUM> according to the present embodiment can receive GPS position information via the communication unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a functional block diagram of the automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment. In this case, the analyzer <NUM>, the analyzer <NUM>, the control device <NUM>, and the specimen transport device <NUM> are defined as an automatic analyzer, and functions of the automatic analyzer are divided into a controller <NUM>, a drive mechanism <NUM>, a work time calculator <NUM>, and a communication unit <NUM>.

The drive mechanism <NUM> of the automatic analyzer includes the specimen dispensing mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM>, the reagent dispensing mechanisms <NUM> and <NUM>, a mechanism (Example <NUM> described below) that rotates the reaction disk, a mechanism (Example <NUM> described below) that moves the nozzle <NUM> in a vertical direction, a mechanism that locks and unlocks the lid <NUM> of the reagent cooler <NUM>, and the like. In addition, the work time calculator <NUM> of the automatic analyzer calculates a work time to perform work of loading and/or unloading a storage member. The controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer transmits an instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> based on the work time calculated by the work time calculator <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer and the communication <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> may directly transmit and receive a signal to and from each other using near-field wireless communication or may transmit and receive a signal to and from each other via a router and a network.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for work regarding unloading or loading of a storage member in the automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment. First, the automatic analyzer issues an alarm to notify that it is almost time to load and/or unload the storage member based on information a remaining amount of a reagent or the like in the storage member, the time of the previous loading and/or unloading, and the like (step S1). Next, the work time calculator <NUM> of the automatic analyzer calculates a work time to perform work of loading and/or unloading the storage member based on the above-described remaining amount, the time of the previous loading and/or unloading, information of requested measurement (step S2). After that, when the requested measurement is terminated (step S3), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer determines whether it is the loading and/or unloading work time calculated by the work time calculator <NUM> (step S4). When the controller <NUM> determines that it is not the loading and/or unloading work time, the procedure proceeds to the next measurement again. On the other hand, when the controller <NUM> determines that it is the loading and/or unloading work time, the procedure proceeds to work of loading and/or unloading the storage member, and the controller <NUM> transmits a first instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM> (step S5). Since the storage member is loaded and/or unloaded when the requested measurement operation is terminated, it is possible to suppress stopping the measurement operation in the middle of the measurement operation.

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the first instruction signal from the automatic analyzer (step S6), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> controls the traveling unit <NUM> to cause the traveling unit <NUM> to travel and move to a predetermined loading/unloading support position (step S7). When the movement to the loading/unloading support position is completed, the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> transmits a movement completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S8).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the movement completion signal from the work support device <NUM> (step S9), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer controls the drive mechanism such that the storage member can be loaded and/or unloaded as a preparation operation for loading and/or unloading (step S10). When the preparation operation is completed, the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer transmits a second instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> (step S11).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device receives the second instruction signal from the automatic analyzer (step S12), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> causes the arm <NUM> and the hand <NUM> to support the loading or unloading of the storage member (step S13). When the support for the loading or unloading of the storage member is completed (step S14), the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> transmits a support completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S15).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the support completion signal from the work support device <NUM> (step S16), the automatic analyzer goes into a standby state to wait for a next measurement operation (step S17).

Specific procedures for the loading and/or unloading of a storage member are described below using Examples <NUM> to <NUM>.

Example <NUM> is an example in which target storage members are a plurality of reaction vessels <NUM> on the circumference of the reaction disk <NUM>. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating operations of the automatic analyzer and the work support device <NUM> until all reaction vessels <NUM> to be discarded after being used are unloaded. <FIG> is a flowchart of operations of the automatic analyzer and the work support device <NUM> until all new reaction vessels <NUM> for replacement are loaded. When a plurality of reaction vessels <NUM> are arranged in a diameter direction of the reaction disk <NUM>, a set of the plurality of reaction vessels <NUM> arranged in the diameter direction is a minimum unit to be loaded and/or unloaded.

In the present Example, while the automatic analyzer rotates the reaction disk <NUM>, the work support device <NUM> sequentially unloads the plurality of reaction vessels <NUM> on the circumference of the reaction disk <NUM>. After the unloading of all the reaction vessels is completed, while the automatic analyzer rotates the reaction disk <NUM> similarly, the work support device <NUM> sequentially loads new reaction vessels <NUM>. A program for maintenance is installed in the automatic analyzer and the work support device <NUM> in advance, and the controllers of the devices are controlled based on the program.

As illustrated in <FIG>, first, the work time calculator <NUM> of the automatic analyzer calculates a replacement work day in advance based on information of a time for previous replacement of reaction vessels <NUM>. When it is the replacement work day, the display unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer issues an alarm (step S101). A method of issuing the alarm is not limited to displaying on the display unit <NUM> and may be another method of outputting audio or the like. Next, the work time calculator <NUM> calculates a time to terminate requested measurement or the like as a timing at which the measurement operation is not interrupted as much as possible (step S102). After that, when the requested measurement is terminated (step S103), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer transmits a first unloading instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM> (step S104).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the first unloading instruction signal from the automatic analyzer (step S105), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> controls the traveling unit <NUM> to cause the traveling unit <NUM> to travel and start to move toward a loading/unloading support position near the front of the reaction disk <NUM> of the automatic analyzer (step S106). In this case, the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> analyzes an image captured by the camera <NUM> and calculates positions (distances and directions) of the reaction disk <NUM>, the reaction vessel <NUM>, the fixing screws <NUM>, and the like to identify a location suitable for the unloading support work as the loading/unloading support position. When the movement to the loading/unloading support position is completed, the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> transmits a movement completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S107).

In addition, after extending the arm <NUM> toward a fixing screw <NUM>, the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> opens the hand <NUM> to cause the hand <NUM> to grip the fixing screw <NUM>, rotates the hand <NUM> in a state in which the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> detects the gripping of the fixing screw <NUM>, and removes the fixing screw <NUM> (step S109). Subsequently, after the controller <NUM> uses the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> to confirm the gripping of the fixing screw <NUM> and lifts up the arm <NUM>, the controller <NUM> further moves the arm <NUM> to place the removed fixing screw <NUM> at a predetermined temporary placement location (step S110). The temporary placement location is confirmed using the camera <NUM> or the like. In addition, the temporary placement location may be the storage member holder <NUM> of the work support device <NUM>.

Next, the controller <NUM> cancels the gripping by the hand <NUM> and uses the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> to confirm that the hand <NUM> is closed. After that, the controller <NUM> lifts up the arm <NUM> and moves the arm <NUM> toward the reaction vessel <NUM> targeted for unloading support. In addition, the controller <NUM> opens the hand <NUM> to cause the hand <NUM> to grip a gripping portion of the reaction vessel <NUM> (step S111), and lifts up the arm <NUM> in a state in which the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> detects the gripping of the reaction vessel <NUM>. After that, the controller <NUM> controls the arm <NUM> to move the reaction vessel <NUM> to a predetermined discarding location such as the consumable storage unit <NUM> and opens the hand <NUM> to discard the reaction vessel <NUM> (step S112). Subsequently, after the controller <NUM> closes the hand <NUM> and uses the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> to confirm a closed state of the hand <NUM>, the communication unit <NUM> transmits an unloading completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S113). The discarding location is confirmed using the camera <NUM> or the like and may be the storage member holder <NUM>.

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the unloading completion signal (step S114), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer rotates the reaction disk <NUM> by only one reaction vessel <NUM> as a preparation operation for unloading of the next reaction vessel <NUM> (step S115). When a position detector disposed on the reaction disk <NUM> detects that the reaction disk <NUM> rotated to a predetermined position, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a second unloading instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> (step S116).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the second unloading instruction signal (step S117), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> supports unloading of the second reaction vessel <NUM> in the same manner as for the first reaction vessel <NUM> (step S118). After that, the same operation is repeated. In this case, the number of reaction vessels <NUM> on the reaction disk <NUM> is registered in advance in a storage unit (not illustrated) of the work support device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> references the registered number to identify the number of times that the unloading support needs to be performed. Then, when the unloading of the last reaction vessel <NUM> on the reaction disk <NUM> is completed (step S119), the controller <NUM> uses the camera <NUM> or the like to confirm that a reaction vessel <NUM> is not present on the reaction disk <NUM>. After that, the communication unit <NUM> transmits an unloading completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S120).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the unloading completion signal (step S121), the automatic analyzer goes into the standby state (step S122). By temporarily going into the standby state before the next loading work, operator work such as cleaning a reaction tank can be performed at this timing.

Next, work of loading a new reaction vessel <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG>. First, the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer transmits a first loading instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM> (step S152).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the first loading instruction signal from the automatic analyzer (step S153), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> uses the camera <NUM> or the like to confirm that a reaction vessel <NUM> is not present on the reaction disk <NUM> that is a loading destination (step S154). After that, the controller <NUM> moves the arm <NUM> toward the new reaction vessel <NUM> prepared at a predetermined preparation location in advance and targeted for loading support, and opens the hand <NUM> to cause the hand <NUM> to grip a gripping portion of the reaction vessel <NUM> (step S155). When the preparation location where the new reaction vessel <NUM> is prepared is far from the loading/unloading support position, the work support device <NUM> travels by the traveling unit <NUM> as necessary. In addition, the preparation location may be the storage member holder <NUM> of the work support device <NUM>.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> lifts up the arm <NUM> to move the reaction vessel <NUM> to the loading destination on the reaction disk <NUM> in a state in which the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> detects the gripping of the reaction vessel <NUM>, and opens the hand <NUM> to load the reaction vessel <NUM> (step S156). In addition, after the controller <NUM> closes the hand <NUM> and uses the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> to confirm the closed state of the hand <NUM>, the controller <NUM> lifts up the arm <NUM> to move the arm <NUM> to the temporary placement location where the fixing screw <NUM> is placed at the time of the unloading support. After that, the controller <NUM> opens the hand <NUM> to cause the hand <NUM> to grip the fixing screw <NUM>, and lifts up the arm <NUM> in a state in which the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> detects the gripping by the hand <NUM>. The controller <NUM> uses the camera <NUM> or the like to confirm the loading destination of the reaction vessel <NUM> and a fixed position of the fixing screw <NUM>. After that, the controller <NUM> uses the arm <NUM> to insert the fixing screw <NUM> in a fixed position on the reaction disk <NUM>, and rotates the hand <NUM> to tighten the fixing screw <NUM> (step S157). Next, the controller <NUM> cancels the gripping by the hand <NUM>, uses the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> to confirm that the fixing screw <NUM> is not gripped. After that, the controller <NUM> lifts up the arm <NUM> and confirms that the reaction vessel <NUM> is present at the loading destination (step S158). After that, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a loading completion signal regarding the first reaction vessel <NUM> to the automatic analyzer (step S159).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the loading completion signal (step S160), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer rotates the reaction disk <NUM> by one reaction vessel <NUM> as a preparation operation for loading of the next reaction vessel <NUM> (step S161). When the position detector disposed on the reaction disk <NUM> detects that the reaction disk <NUM> rotated to a predetermined position, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a second loading instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> (step S162).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the second loading instruction signal (step S163), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> supports loading of the second reaction vessel <NUM> in the same manner as for the first reaction vessel <NUM> (step S164). After that, the same operation is repeated. Then, when the loading of the last reaction vessel <NUM> on the reaction disk <NUM> is completed (step S165), the communication unit <NUM> transmits a loading completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S166).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the loading completion signal (step S167), the automatic analyzer goes into the standby state (step S168).

As described above, according the present Example, the automatic analyzer and the work support device <NUM> coordinate with each other so as to be able to automatically perform work of replacing a reaction vessel <NUM> and reduce manual work by the operator. Particularly, a reaction vessel <NUM> present on the back side (rear side) of the reaction disk <NUM> may be far from the operator and it may be difficult to replace the reaction vessel <NUM> present on the back side (backward side) of the reaction disk <NUM>. However, in the present Example, the automatic analyzer rotates the reaction disk <NUM> and thus the work support device <NUM> can support loading and/or unloading of a reaction vessel at the same position on the front side (forward side) of the reaction disk <NUM>. Therefore, the work support device <NUM> may not need to travel by the traveling unit <NUM> and to further extend the arm <NUM> and thus it is possible to reduce a time period required for replacement of a reaction vessel <NUM>. In addition, in the present Example, a new reaction vessel <NUM> is not loaded immediately after a single reaction vessel <NUM> is unloaded, and new reaction vessels <NUM> are collectively loaded after all reaction vessels <NUM> are unloaded. Therefore, loading and/or unloading work is more efficient as a whole.

Example <NUM> is an example in which a target storage member is a detergent bottle <NUM>. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating operations of the automatic analyzer and the work support device <NUM> according to the present Example.

As illustrated in <FIG>, first, when the weight sensor <NUM> or the like detects that a remaining amount in the detergent bottle <NUM> is smaller than a defined value set in advance, the automatic analyzer issues an alarm for replacement of the detergent bottle <NUM> (step S201). Next, the work time calculator <NUM> of the automatic analyzer calculates a work time to perform work of replacing the detergent bottle <NUM> based on the above-described remaining amount and information of requested measurement (step S202). After that, when it is the time to perform the replacement work at a time when the requested measurement is terminated, the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer shifts to the work of replacing the detergent bottle <NUM> (step S203) and transmits a first loading instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM> (step S204).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the first loading instruction signal from the automatic analyzer (step S205), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> controls the traveling unit <NUM> to causes the traveling unit <NUM> to travel and start to move toward a loading/unloading support position near the front of the detergent bottle <NUM> of the automatic analyzer (step S206). When the movement to the loading/unloading support position is completed, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a movement completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S207).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the movement completion signal from the work support device <NUM> (step S208), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer controls the drive mechanism to retract the nozzle <NUM> upward as a preparation operation for unloading (step S209). After that, the controller <NUM> uses the nozzle detector <NUM> to confirm the height of the nozzle <NUM> and the communication unit <NUM> transmits a second unloading instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> (step S210).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the second unloading instruction signal from the automatic analyzer (step S211), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> uses the camera <NUM> to confirm the position of the detergent bottle <NUM>. After that, the controller <NUM> extends the arm <NUM> toward the detergent bottle <NUM>, opens the hand <NUM> to cause the hand <NUM> to grip a gripping portion of the detergent bottle (step S212). Subsequently, the controller <NUM> moves the arm <NUM> toward the front side in a state in which the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> detects the gripping of the detergent bottle <NUM>, and removes the detergent bottle <NUM>. In addition, the controller <NUM> controls the traveling unit <NUM> and the arm <NUM> to unload the detergent bottle <NUM> to a predetermined discarding location (step S213) and opens the hand <NUM> to discard the detergent bottle <NUM>. After that, after the controller <NUM> closes the hand <NUM> and uses the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> to confirm the closed state of the hand <NUM>, the communication unit <NUM> transmits an unloading completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S214).

In addition, after traveling by the traveling unit <NUM> as necessary, the controller <NUM> moves the arm toward a new detergent bottle <NUM> prepared at a predetermined preparation location and targeted for loading support and opens the hand <NUM> to cause the hand <NUM> to grip the gripping portion of the detergent bottle <NUM> (step S216). After that, the controller <NUM> controls the traveling unit <NUM> to causes the traveling unit <NUM> to start to move toward the loading/unloading support position (step S217). When the movement to the loading/unloading support position is completed, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a movement completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S218).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the movement completion signal from the work support device <NUM> (step S219), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer uses the nozzle detector <NUM> to confirm that the distal end of the nozzle <NUM> is located higher than the upper end of the detergent bottle <NUM> (step S220). After that, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a loading instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> (step S221).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the loading instruction signal from the automatic analyzer (step S222), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> uses the camera <NUM> to confirm the position of a loading destination of the detergent bottle <NUM>. The controller <NUM> controls the arm <NUM> to move the arm <NUM> toward the loading destination in a state in which the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> detects the gripping of the detergent bottle <NUM>. In addition, the controller <NUM> opens the hand <NUM> to load the detergent bottle <NUM> (step S223). Next, the controller <NUM> uses the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> to confirm that the detergent bottle <NUM> is not gripped. The controller <NUM> uses the camera <NUM> and the weight sensor <NUM> to confirm that the detergent bottle <NUM> is present at the loading destination. After that, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a loading completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S224).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer <NUM> receives the loading completion signal (step S225), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer lowers the nozzle <NUM> to insert the nozzle <NUM> into the detergent bottle <NUM> (step S226). After the controller <NUM> uses the nozzle detector <NUM> to confirm that the distal end of the nozzle <NUM> is located at a height position where the distal end is immersed in the liquid surface of a detergent, the automatic analyzer goes into the standby state (step S227).

As described above, in the present Example, after retracting the nozzle <NUM> upward as a preparation operation for work of replacing the detergent bottle <NUM>, the automatic analyzer outputs an instruction signal for work support to the work support device. As a result, it is possible to automatically perform work of replacing the detergent bottle <NUM> that is a consumable without interference with the nozzle <NUM> and it is possible to reduce manual work by the operator. In the present Example, the discarding location where a detergent bottle <NUM> used is discarded and a preparation location where a new detergent bottle <NUM> is prepared can be the storage member holder <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> and it is possible to save a time period required to move the traveling unit <NUM> and the arm <NUM>.

In addition, the work support device <NUM> according to the present Example can use the reader <NUM> to read information of the type, manufacturing date, expiration date, and the like of a detergent in a new detergent bottle <NUM> from a barcode or the like attached to the surface of the new detergent bottle <NUM>. Therefore, according to the present Example, the work support device <NUM> can select a detergent bottle <NUM> with the most recent expiration date from among a plurality of detergent bottles <NUM> present at the preparation location and perform support for loading.

Example <NUM> is an example in which a target storage member is a reagent vessel <NUM>. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating operations of the automatic analyzer and the work support device <NUM> in the present Example.

As illustrated in <FIG>, first, when a remaining amount in the reagent vessel <NUM> is smaller than a defined value set in advance, the automatic analyzer issues an alarm for replacement of the reagent vessel <NUM> (step S301). Next, the work time calculator <NUM> of the automatic analyzer calculates a work time to perform work of replacing the reagent vessel <NUM> based on the above-described remaining amount and information of requested measurement (step S302). After that, when it is the time to perform the replacement work at a time when the requested measurement is terminated, the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer shifts to the work of replacing the reagent vessel <NUM> (step S303) and transmits a first instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM> (step S304).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the first instruction signal from the automatic analyzer (step S305), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> controls the traveling unit <NUM> to cause the traveling unit <NUM> to travel and start to move toward a loading/unloading support position near the front of the reagent cooler <NUM> of the automatic analyzer (step S306). When the movement to the loading/unloading support position is completed, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a movement completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S307).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the movement completion signal from the work support device <NUM> (step S308), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer controls the drive mechanism to unlock the lid <NUM> of the reagent cooler <NUM> as a preparation operation for unloading (step S309). After that, the controller <NUM> uses the nozzle detector <NUM> to confirm the height of the nozzle <NUM>. Then, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a second instruction signal to the work support device <NUM> (step S310).

When the communication unit <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> receives the second instruction signal from the automatic analyzer (step S311), the controller <NUM> of the work support device <NUM> uses the camera <NUM> to confirm the position of the lid <NUM> of the reagent cooler <NUM>. After that, the controller <NUM> controls the arm <NUM> and the hand <NUM> to cause the arm <NUM> and the hand <NUM> to grip and lift up a gripping portion of the lid <NUM> and move the lid <NUM> to a location separate from the reagent cooler <NUM> (step S312). Subsequently, the controller <NUM> controls the aspiration unit <NUM> to aspirate condensed water adhering to the back surface of the lid <NUM> (step S313). Next, the controller <NUM> uses the camera <NUM> to confirm the position of the reagent vessel <NUM> present on the reagent disk and targeted for unloading support. After that, the controller <NUM> controls the arm <NUM> and the hand <NUM> to cause the hand <NUM> to grip the gripping portion of the reagent vessel <NUM> (step S314). In addition, the controller <NUM> causes the traveling unit <NUM> to move to a predetermined discarding position and causes the arm <NUM> and the hand <NUM> to discard the reagent vessel <NUM> used (step S315).

After that, the controller <NUM> causes the traveling unit <NUM> to travel and causes the hand <NUM> to grip a gripping portion of a new reagent vessel <NUM> prepared at a predetermined preparation location and targeted for loading support as necessary (step S316). In addition, the controller <NUM> controls the traveling unit <NUM> to cause the traveling unit <NUM> to move to the loading/unloading support position and controls the arm <NUM> and the handle <NUM> to load the new reagent vessel <NUM> onto the reagent disk (step S317). Subsequently, the controller <NUM> causes the arm <NUM> and the hand <NUM> to attach the lid <NUM> to the upper opening portion of the reagent cooler <NUM> (step S318). Then, the communication unit <NUM> transmits an loading/unloading completion signal to the automatic analyzer (step S319). When a plurality of reagent vessels <NUM> to be replaced are present, the lid <NUM> is attached and a loading/unloading completion signal is transmitted by the same operation after completion of replacement of all the reagent vessels <NUM>.

When the communication unit <NUM> of the automatic analyzer receives the loading/unloading completion signal from the work support device <NUM> (step S320), the controller <NUM> of the automatic analyzer locks the lid <NUM> of the reagent cooler <NUM> (step S321) and the automatic analyzer goes into the standby state (step S322).

As described above, in the present Example, the automatic analyzer unlocks the lid <NUM> of the reagent cooler <NUM> as a preparation operation for work of replacing a reagent vessel <NUM> and then outputs an instruction for work support to the work support device. As a result, it is possible to automatically perform work of replacing the reagent vessel <NUM> that is a consumable and to reduce manual work by the operator.

In addition, in a case where the work support device <NUM> supports loading and/or unloading, the automatic analyzer can efficiently perform work of loading and/or unloading when the reagent disk is rotated such that a reagent vessel <NUM> to be replaced is located on the front side (forward side) of the reagent cooler <NUM>. In addition, the automatic analyzer may include a mechanism that can unlock the lid <NUM> and open and close the lid <NUM>.

Even in the present Example, a location where a reagent vessel <NUM> used is discarded and a location where a new reagent vessel <NUM> is prepared may be the storage member holder <NUM> of the work support device <NUM>, and the hand opening/closing detector <NUM> may confirm whether a reagent vessel <NUM> and the lid <NUM> are gripped. In addition, instead of aspirating condensed water on the back surface of the lid <NUM> of the reagent cooler <NUM>, the lid <NUM> may be continuously kept horizontal while being confirmed with the camera <NUM> to prevent condensed water from gathering and falling.

Each of Examples are described above in detail to clearly explain the present invention and are not necessarily limited to the examples including all the configurations described. In addition, a configuration of a certain Example can be added to a configuration of another Example. Furthermore, regarding a part of the configurations of Examples, it is possible to add, remove, and replace another configuration. For example, in Examples <NUM> to <NUM> described above, the examples of the work of replacing a reagent vessel, a detergent bottle, and a reagent vessel as storage members are described, but work regarding loading and collecting a specimen vessel as a storage member may be performed.

Claim 1:
An automatic analyzer (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a drive mechanism (<NUM>) adapted to be driven to use a specimen or reagent stored in a storage member;
an automatic analyzer controller (<NUM>) adapted to control the drive mechanism; a reagent cooler; and
an automatic analyzer communication unit (<NUM>) adapted to communicate with a work support device (<NUM>) performing work support to support work of loading and/or unloading the storage member and comprising a work support device communication unit (<NUM>) for communicating with the automatic analyzer, a traveling unit (<NUM>) for traveling to a location different from the automatic analyzer according to a type of the storage member, a hand (<NUM>) for gripping and releasing the storage member, an arm (<NUM>) for moving the hand to a predetermined position, an aspiration unit (<NUM>) for aspirating condensed water on a back surface of a lid of a reagent cooler of the automatic analyzer, and a work support device controller (<NUM>) for controlling the work support device communication unit, the traveling unit, the hand, the arm, and the aspiration unit; wherein
the automatic analyzer communication unit is adapted to transmit a first instruction signal for first work support to the work support device;
when the automatic analyzer communication unit receives a movement completion signal for the first work support from the work support device after the traveling unit has completed the movement to the predetermined position and the work support device communication unit has transmitted the movement completion signal to the automatic analyzer, the automatic analyzer controller is adapted to automatically control the drive mechanism to perform a preparation operation for the loading and/or unloading and to control the automatic analyzer communication unit to automatically transmit a second instruction signal for second work support of loading and/or unloading the storage member to the work support device, wherein the second instruction signal causes the work support device controller to control the aspiration unit to aspirate condensed water adhering to the back surface of the lid.