JP2006132991A - Dispenser and dispensing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To implement accurate measurement even when the quantity of held liquid is small in preliminary dispensing without requiring accuracy in preliminary dispensing quantity. <P>SOLUTION: This dispenser has a liquid holding portion 2 for holding the liquid to form a liquid level allowing the introduced liquid to receive pressure from an upper portion, a measuring portion 3 to which the liquid held in the liquid holding portion 2 is introduced to measure its volume by predetermined quantity, an introducing portion 4 composed of a flow channel positioned at a lower portion with respect to the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding portion 2 for connecting the liquid holding portion 2 and the measuring portion 3, and introducing the liquid held in the liquid holding portion 2 to the measuring portion 3, and a discharge portion 5 for discharging the liquid measured by the measuring portion 3 to the external of the measuring portion 3. The liquid measured by the measuring portion 3 is discharged from the discharging portion 5 by adding a prescribed pressure to the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding portion 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispenser and a dispensing method for metering and supplying a desired volume of liquid.

  Conventionally, when dispensing a liquid, there is a dispenser that measures the amount of the liquid. The dispenser includes a reservoir, a connection channel, and a nozzle. The reservoir holds the introduced liquid. The connection channel forms a flow path that connects the reservoir and the nozzle. The nozzle has a discharge hole on the bottom surface, and measures and holds the introduced liquid. This dispenser introduces the liquid in the reservoir into the nozzle by the capillary force of the connecting channel. Thereby, the liquid is measured and held by the nozzle. Then, the liquid measured by applying pressure to the liquid surface of the liquid held in the nozzle is discharged from the discharge hole (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

Dispensing Well Plate (DWP): “A highly integrated nanoliter dispensing system”, “Transducers '03: 12th International Conference Solid-State Sensors, Actuators & Microsystems”, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), 2003, p. 16-19

  In the above-described conventional dispenser, the reservoir and the nozzle are formed as depressions provided on the upper surface of the plate, respectively, and the connection channel is formed as a groove that communicates with the upper surface of the plate in a manner to connect the reservoir and the nozzle. . For this reason, unless the liquid level of the liquid held in the reservoir is in contact with the connection channel, a predetermined amount of liquid to be metered into the nozzle is not introduced and accurate metering cannot be performed. On the other hand, when the liquid held in the reservoir overflows, an excessive amount of liquid is introduced into the nozzle. Therefore, the amount of liquid held in the reservoir needs to be controlled with a certain degree of accuracy. That is, a certain degree of accuracy is required for the preliminary dispensing amount of the liquid introduced into the reservoir.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and does not require accuracy in the amount of preliminary dispensing, and can accurately measure even if the amount of liquid retained by preliminary dispensing is small. The purpose is to provide a dispenser and dispensing method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the dispenser according to claim 1 of the present invention is a liquid that holds the liquid so that the introduced liquid forms a liquid surface that receives pressure from above. A holding unit, a measuring unit that introduces the liquid held in the liquid holding unit and measures the volume of the liquid to a predetermined amount, and is positioned below the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit. A liquid holding unit and the measuring unit are connected, and an introduction unit serving as a flow path for introducing the liquid held in the liquid holding unit into the measuring unit, and the liquid measured by the measuring unit is disposed outside the measuring unit. And discharging the liquid measured by the measuring unit by applying a predetermined pressure to the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit. .

  A dispenser according to a second aspect of the present invention is the dispenser according to the first aspect, wherein the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit is introduced into the measuring unit by moving the liquid away from the measuring unit by the pressure. The liquid is separated from the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit, and the liquid is discharged to the outside of the measuring unit.

  The dispenser according to a third aspect of the present invention is the dispenser according to the first aspect, wherein the inner wall surface of the liquid holding portion has a smaller horizontal cross-sectional area for holding the liquid as it goes downward in the vertical direction. And

  The dispenser according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the dispenser according to the first aspect, wherein the liquid holding part has an opening for introducing the liquid from the outside at a position above the liquid level of the held liquid, The area of the opening includes an area of a liquid surface of the liquid introduced when the liquid holding portion is viewed from above.

  The dispenser according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the dispenser according to the fourth aspect, wherein the liquid holding unit is introduced with the preliminarily dispensed liquid from the opening with an accuracy lower than the measurement accuracy of the measurement unit. It is characterized by.

  The dispenser according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the dispenser according to the first aspect, wherein the measuring portion is present below the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding portion in the vertical direction.

  The dispenser according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the introduction part is a through hole that connects the liquid holding part and the measuring part.

  The dispenser according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, an extra flow path through which a liquid not introduced into the measuring section flows is further connected to the introduction section.

  The dispenser according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the dispenser according to the eighth aspect, wherein an end of the surplus flow path opposite to the introduction portion is connected to an open space.

  The dispenser according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the dispenser according to the ninth aspect, wherein the flow path resistance from the introduction section of the surplus flow path toward the open space is a flow from the measuring section of the discharge section toward the outside. It is characterized by being smaller than the road resistance.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the dispensing method according to claim 11 of the present invention is a process of holding the liquid so that the introduced liquid forms a liquid surface that receives pressure from above. And a process of introducing the retained liquid into the measuring unit via an introducing unit provided at a position below the liquid level and measuring it to a predetermined volume, and a predetermined pressure from above the liquid level of the retained liquid. And a step of discharging the liquid weighed by adding to the outside of the metering unit.

  A dispensing method according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned twelfth aspect, when the retained liquid is measured, the liquid is introduced into the measuring portion by a capillary force.

  The dispensing method according to claim 13 of the present invention is the dispensing method according to claim 11, wherein when the pressure is applied to the liquid surface, the liquid not introduced into the metering unit is moved away from the metering unit. The method includes a step of separating the liquid introduced into the liquid and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit.

  A dispensing method according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the dispensing method according to the eleventh aspect, wherein in the process of applying pressure to the liquid surface, the pressure not higher than the pressure at which the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit starts to flow. And a step of separating the liquid introduced into the metering unit and the liquid not introduced into the metering unit by applying a pressure lower than the pressure at which the metered liquid starts to flow. .

  The dispensing method according to claim 15 of the present invention is the dispensing method according to claim 11, wherein in the process of applying pressure to the liquid surface, the pressure is higher than the pressure at which the liquid not introduced into the metering unit starts to flow. The method further includes a step of applying a pressure higher than a pressure at which the liquid introduced into the measuring unit starts to flow to discharge the liquid to the outside of the measuring unit.

  A dispensing method according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned eleventh aspect, in the step of applying pressure to the liquid surface, the step of discarding the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring section is included.

  The dispensing method according to claim 17 of the present invention is the process according to claim 11, wherein after the metered liquid is discharged to the outside of the metering unit, the liquid not introduced into the metering unit is introduced into the metering unit. It is characterized by including.

  The dispenser according to the present invention measures the liquid held in the liquid holding unit by the measuring unit, and applies the pressure from above the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit to measure the liquid measured by the measuring unit. To the outside. Since the introduction part is below the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding part, it is possible to introduce the liquid from the introduction part to the measuring part even when the amount of liquid is small. Therefore, the pre-dispensing amount for introducing the liquid into the liquid holding unit does not require as much accuracy as the conventional dispensing device. In addition, liquid that has been pre-dispensed with a general-purpose dispenser (1 microliter level) is accurately and easily measured and discharged below 1 microliter, preferably several tens of nanoliters to several microliters. can do.

  In addition, the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit is moved away from the measuring unit by pressure, so that the liquid that has been introduced into the measuring unit and the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit are separated. As a result, since the liquid unnecessary for the measurement is separated from the liquid necessary for the measurement, it is possible to prevent the liquid other than the measured liquid from being discharged when the liquid is discharged from the measurement unit via the discharge unit.

  Further, the inner wall surface of the liquid holding portion has a smaller horizontal cross-sectional area for holding the liquid as it goes downward in the vertical direction. As a result, the liquid held in the liquid holding part can be concentrated in the lower introduction part.

  Further, the liquid holding part has an opening for introducing the liquid from the outside at a position above the liquid level of the held liquid, and the area of the opening is that of the liquid introduced when the liquid holding part is viewed from above. Includes the area of the liquid level. As a result, the liquid held in the liquid holding part can be concentrated in the lower introduction part.

  In addition, the liquid holding unit is introduced with the liquid preliminarily dispensed with an accuracy lower than the measurement accuracy of the measurement unit. As a result, the preliminary dispensing amount can be measured without requiring accuracy.

  Further, the measuring unit is present below the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit in the vertical direction. As a result, even if the amount of liquid preliminarily dispensed into the liquid holding unit is small, the liquid can be introduced into the measuring unit and measured if the amount to be measured is satisfied.

  The introduction part is a through hole that connects the liquid holding part and the measuring part. As a result, the liquid held in the liquid holding unit can be accurately introduced into the measuring unit.

  Further, an extra flow path through which the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring section flows is further connected to the introduction section. As a result, when the liquid introduced into the measuring unit and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit are separated, the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit can be flowed and guided.

  Moreover, in the surplus flow path, the end part on the opposite side to the introduction part is connected to the open space. As a result, when the liquid introduced into the metering unit and the liquid not introduced into the metering unit are separated, the liquid not introduced into the metering unit can be flowed to the surplus flow path at a relatively low pressure.

  Further, the flow path resistance from the introduction part side to the open space side in the surplus flow path is smaller than the flow path resistance from the measurement part side to the measurement part in the discharge part. As a result, when separating the liquid introduced into the measuring unit and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit, the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit is first caused to flow into the surplus flow path so that the separation can be performed more accurately. It can be carried out.

  In the dispensing method according to the present invention, regardless of the amount of the retained liquid, the liquid is appropriately introduced into the measuring unit and measured, and the measured liquid is discharged to the outside of the measuring unit by pressure. For this reason, the amount of liquid to be held in advance may be large, that is, the preliminary dispensing can measure and discharge the liquid without requiring accuracy as much as the conventional dispensing device. Also, the liquid preliminarily dispensed with a general-purpose dispenser (1 microliter level) is less than 1 microliter, preferably several tens of nanoliters to several microliters of liquid is accurately and easily measured and discharged. be able to.

  In addition, when measuring the retained liquid, it includes a process of introducing the liquid into the measuring unit by capillary force. As a result, the liquid below the 1 microliter level can be easily introduced into the measuring unit.

  In addition, when pressure is applied to the liquid surface, the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit is moved away from the measuring unit, thereby the liquid introduced into the measuring unit and the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit. Including the process of separation. As a result, since the liquid unnecessary for measurement is separated from the liquid necessary for measurement, it is possible to prevent a liquid other than the measured liquid from being discharged when the liquid is discharged to the outside of the measurement unit.

  In addition, in the process of applying pressure to the liquid surface, the pressure not higher than the pressure at which the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit starts to flow and lower than the pressure at which the measured liquid starts to flow. In addition, the method includes a step of separating the liquid introduced into the measuring unit and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit. As a result, the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit can be separated from the liquid without flowing the liquid measured inside the measuring unit.

  In addition, in the process of applying pressure to the liquid level, the pressure that is not introduced into the measuring unit is higher than the pressure at which the liquid starts to flow, and is further higher than the pressure at which the liquid introduced into the measuring unit starts to flow. Including a process of applying pressure to discharge liquid to the outside of the metering unit. For this reason, in a state where the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit is separated from the liquid that has been introduced into the measuring unit, the liquid measured inside the measuring unit can be flowed and discharged to the outside of the measuring unit. .

  Further, the process of applying pressure to the liquid level includes a process of discarding the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit. As a result, it is possible to reliably obtain the necessary liquid that has been weighed.

  In addition, the method includes a step of introducing the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit into the measuring unit after discharging the measured liquid to the outside of the measuring unit. As a result, the liquid that has not been measured can be reused and measured.

  Exemplary embodiments of a dispenser and a dispensing method according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser is provided with a liquid holding unit 2, a metering unit 3, an introduction unit 4, a discharge unit 5, a reaction unit 6, and an excess flow channel 7 with respect to the container body 1.

  The liquid holding part 2 is for holding the introduced liquid. The liquid holding part 2 is formed as a bottomed recess having an opening 21 above the container 1. The opening 21 has an opening area equal to or larger than an opening of the reaction unit 6 described later. The inner wall surface of the liquid holding part 2 is formed in such a manner that the horizontal cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it goes from the opening 21 toward the bottom in the vertical direction, and is formed as the slope part 22 in the present embodiment. It is. Although not clearly shown in the drawing, not only the inclined surface portion 22 but also a stepped portion may be used as long as the cross-sectional area in the horizontal direction decreases from the opening 21 toward the bottom in the vertical direction.

  That is, the liquid holding unit 2 holds the liquid by introducing the liquid from the opening 21. Furthermore, because of the slope portion 22, the area of the opening 21 includes the area of the liquid surface held by the liquid holding portion 2 when the liquid holding portion 2 is viewed from above. Further, the held liquid receives pressure from the opening 21 (above) side with respect to the liquid surface.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid holding unit 2 has an internal volume into which a liquid dispensed by a general-purpose dispenser such as a micropipette or a syringe dispenser can be introduced, and the opening 21 is the above-described general-purpose It is formed in an area that can be easily dispensed by a typical dispenser.

  The measuring unit 3 is for introducing the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2 and measuring the volume of the liquid to a predetermined amount by its own internal volume. The measuring unit 3 is provided in a partition wall 8 that separates the liquid holding unit 2 and the reaction unit 6 described later with respect to the container 1, and is below the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2. Are connected to the position of the bottom of the liquid holding unit 2. The measuring unit 3 has a predetermined internal volume space as a liquid reservoir for measuring the volume of the liquid to a predetermined amount.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined amount of the liquid to be measured by the measuring unit 3 is an amount below the 1 microliter level, and preferably an amount of several tens of nanoliters to several microliters. That is, the liquid holding unit 2 is preliminarily dispensed with low accuracy from the opening 21 by a general-purpose dispenser such as a micropipette or syringe dispenser, but the liquid is preliminarily dispensed by the metering unit 3. Is also weighed with high accuracy.

  The introduction unit 4 connects the liquid holding unit 2 and the measuring unit 3 to form a flow path for introducing the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2 into the measuring unit 3. The introduction part 4 is provided in the partition wall 8 with respect to the container 1, exists below the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding part 2, and is located at the bottom of the liquid holding part 2. In this mode, the liquid held in the liquid is introduced into the measuring unit 3 by capillary force, and is formed as a through-hole connecting the liquid holding unit 2 and the measuring unit 3.

  The discharge unit 5 forms a flow path for discharging the liquid measured by the measurement unit 3 to the reaction unit 6 by connecting the measurement unit 3 and a later-described reaction unit 6 outside the measurement unit 3. The discharge part 5 is provided in the partition wall 8 with respect to the container 1, and is a through hole that connects the measurement part 3 and the reaction part 6 in a mode of discharging the liquid measured by the measurement part 3 to the reaction part 6. It is formed as. Further, the inner wall surface of the discharge part 5 may be made hydrophobic by applying a hydrophobic resin (for example, polyfluorinated ethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene) or the like.

  In the reaction unit 6, the liquid measured by the measuring unit 3 is introduced through the discharge unit 5. The reaction unit 6 is provided with respect to the vessel body 1 and is formed as a bottomed recess having an opening above the same as the liquid holding unit 2. And the reaction part 6 is connected to the measurement part 3 via the discharge part 5 in the position of the bottom part.

  The surplus flow path 7 forms a flow path for surplus liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3. The surplus flow path 7 is provided in the container 1, and one end 71 thereof is connected to the liquid holding part 2 and the introduction part 4 at the position of the bottom of the liquid holding part 2. Further, in the surplus flow path 7, the other end portion 72 on the side opposite to the introduction portion 4 is opened in the open space in such a manner that the other end portion 72 is opened to the upper side of the container body 1 through the lower portion of the liquid holding portion 2. Connected.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the periphery of the measuring unit shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the dimension of the smallest diameter at the bottom of the liquid holding part 2 is A, the dimension of the diameter of the one end 71 of the surplus flow path 7 is B, and the dimension of the inner diameter of the introduction part 4 is a. The dimension of the inner diameter of the measuring part 3 is b, and the dimension of the inner diameter of the discharge part 5 is c. The diameter A, the diameter B, the inner diameter a, the inner diameter b, and the inner diameter c indicate dimensions in a direction perpendicular to the liquid flowing direction. In the surplus flow path 7, the inner diameter from the one end portion 71 to the other end portion 72 is not smaller than the diameter B of the one end portion 71. The relationship between the above dimensions is as follows: aperture A≈port B> inner diameter b ≧ inner diameter a> inner diameter c.

  That is, the cross-sectional area of the discharge part 5 is formed smaller than the cross-sectional area of the measuring part 3 in a plane perpendicular to the liquid flow direction. In addition, the flow path resistance from the one end 71 (introduction section 4) side to the other end 72 (open space) side in the surplus flow path 7 is the flow from the liquid holding section 2 side to the measurement section 3 side in the introduction section 4. It is formed so as to be smaller than the channel resistance and further smaller than the channel resistance from the measuring unit 3 side to the reaction unit 6 side in the discharge unit 5. Further, as described above, when the discharge part 5 is made hydrophobic, it is preferable that the discharge part 5 is provided so as to be partially hung on the inner wall surface of the reaction part 6 in addition to the inner wall surface as shown by a thick line in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the inner diameter b is greater than the inner diameter a, but the inner diameter b may be equal to the inner diameter a. In this case, it is possible to smoothly introduce the liquid from the introduction part 4 to the measurement part 3 because the cross-sectional areas of the measurement part 3 and the introduction part 4 are the same.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an assembly example of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an assembly example of the dispenser shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the container body 1 is divided into a main body body 11 and a sub-body body 12.

  The main body 11 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed by cutting the above-described components. Specifically, the liquid holding part 2 is formed to penetrate the lower side of the main body 11 while cutting the inclined surface 22 from the opening 21 side which is the upper side of the main body 11. The reaction unit 6 is formed to penetrate the main body 11 in the vertical direction with a partition wall 8 separating from the liquid holding unit 2. The measuring part 3, the introduction part 4, and the discharge part 5 are formed by cutting into a groove shape from the lower side of the partition wall 8 (main body 11). In addition, it is preferable to form the cross-sectional shape which the measurement part 3, the introduction part 4, and the discharge part 5 connect in the aspect which changes smoothly so that the flow of a liquid may not be inhibited. The surplus flow path 7 is formed by cutting one end 71 side into a groove shape from the lower side of the main body 11 and penetrating the other end 72 side in the vertical direction of the main body 11.

  On the other hand, the secondary body 12 is formed as a flat plate. Then, by joining the sub-device body 12 integrally with the lower surface of the main device body 11 in a liquid-tight state, the sub-device body 12 becomes the bottom of the liquid holding unit 2 and the reaction unit 6, and the measuring unit 3, the introduction unit 4, the dispenser which comprised a part of wall of the discharge part 5 and the excess flow path 7 is obtained. In addition, when making the discharge part 5 hydrophobic, before joining the main unit body 11 and the sub-unit body 12, a hydrophobic resin or the like is applied to a portion that becomes the inner wall surface of the discharge unit 5. The inner wall surface of 5 is made hydrophobic. For joining the main body 11 and the sub-body 12, for example, a technique in which one is made of glass and the other is made of plastic and fixed with heat, or one is made of glass and the other is made of silicon and anodic bonded. Alternatively, there is a technique in which both are made of acrylic resin and diffusion bonded.

  That is, at least a part of the metering unit 3, the introduction unit 4, and the discharge unit 5 are provided in the same member (main body 11) that forms at least a part of the liquid holding unit 2 and the reaction unit 6. Thus, a dispenser can be easily obtained with high accuracy by cutting each component with respect to the main unit body 11 and joining the sub-unit body 12 formed flat.

  5 to 9 are longitudinal sectional views showing a liquid measuring process by the dispenser shown in FIG.

  First, using a general-purpose dispenser such as a micropipette or syringe dispenser, liquid is introduced (preliminary dispensing) from the opening 21 of the liquid holding unit 2 as shown in FIG. Then, the liquid is held in the liquid holding unit 2 so as to form a liquid surface that receives pressure from the opening 21 (above) of the liquid holding unit 2.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the liquid is introduced into the measuring unit 3 through the introduction unit 4 provided at a position below the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2. The introduction of the liquid into the measuring unit 3 is performed by the capillary force of the introducing unit 4. Then, the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 is measured to a predetermined volume by the internal volume of the measuring unit 3. This predetermined volume is an amount below the 1 microliter level as described above, and preferably an amount of several tens of nanoliters to several microliters.

  On the other hand, surplus liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3 flows into the surplus flow path 7. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the liquid level of the liquid in the surplus flow path 7 and the liquid level of the liquid in the liquid holding unit 2 become the same height (horizontal), the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2 The liquid level is stable. At this time, as can be seen from the fact that the inner diameter c of the discharge part 5 is the smallest compared to the other as described above (see FIG. 2), the flow path resistance from the measuring part 3 side to the reaction part 6 side in the discharge part 5 is low. Since it is the largest, the liquid measured by the measuring unit 3 is held in the measuring unit 3 without being discharged from the discharging unit 5 to the reaction unit 6 at normal atmospheric pressure. Further, if the inner wall surface of the discharge unit 5 has hydrophobicity, the liquid inside the measuring unit 3 is separated from the outside of the measuring unit 3.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, a predetermined pressure P <b> 1 is applied to the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2 from the opening 21 (above) of the liquid holding unit 2. Then, by applying the pressure P1, the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3 flows into the surplus flow path 7 and moves away from the measuring unit 3. For this reason, the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 are separated. The predetermined pressure P1 at this time is higher than the pressure at which the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 starts to flow, and is higher than the pressure at which the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 starts to flow. Low pressure. That is, when the pressure P1 is applied, the liquid measured inside the measuring unit 3 does not flow.

  Next, when the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 are separated, as shown in FIG. 9, from the opening 21 (above) of the liquid holding unit 2 A predetermined pressure P2 is applied. Then, by applying the pressure P <b> 2, the measured liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 is discharged from the discharge unit 5 to the reaction unit 6 outside the measuring unit 3. The predetermined pressure P2 at this time is higher than the pressure at which the liquid that has flowed into the surplus flow path 7 and has not been introduced into the metering unit 3 starts to flow, and the liquid introduced into the metering unit 3 The pressure is higher than the pressure at which flow starts. That is, when the pressure P2 is applied, the liquid measured inside the measuring unit 3 flows.

  Finally, after the liquid weighed by applying pressure P2 is discharged to the outside of the metering unit 3, the liquid that has not been introduced into the metering unit 3 by flowing into the excess flow path 7 by stopping the pressure P2 is retained in the liquid holding unit 2 Return to the side. Then, as shown in FIG. 7 again, the liquid is introduced into the measuring unit 3 by the capillary force of the introducing unit 4 and is measured to a predetermined volume by the internal volume of the measuring unit 3. Thereafter, the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 are separated by applying the pressure P1 (see FIG. 8), and the liquid of the measuring unit 3 is applied by applying the pressure P2. The measured liquid introduced into the inside is discharged from the discharge unit 5 (see FIG. 9). That is, after the measured liquid is discharged to the outside of the measuring unit 3, the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3 can be introduced into the measuring unit 3 and reused. When the liquid weighed by applying pressure P2 is discharged to the outside of the metering unit 3, the liquid that flows into the surplus flow path 7 and is not introduced into the metering unit 3 may be discarded without being reused. .

  By the way, in the above-mentioned dispenser, it is set as the form by which the liquid (reagent, specimen sample) was introduce | transduced inside the reaction part 6, or the form by which solid reagents, such as dry chemistry, were apply | coated to the inner wall surface of the reaction part 6. Then, a dispenser of these forms is installed in a conventional automatic analyzer, and a liquid (reagent, specimen) is opened from the opening 21 of the liquid holding unit 2 by a general-purpose dispenser such as a micro pipetter or a syringe dispenser. Sample). Then, by discharging the liquid measured by the measuring unit 3 to the reaction unit 6, the reaction process of the liquid in the reaction unit 6 is photometrically measured in time series, and the sample is based on the reaction result between the reagent and the sample. It becomes possible to analyze the sample.

  Therefore, in the dispenser according to the above-described embodiment, the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2 as a single unit is measured by the measuring unit 3 and discharged to the reaction unit 6, so that the liquid to the liquid holding unit 2 is discharged. Preliminary introduction with a general-purpose dispenser with a precision (amount above 1 microliter level) lower than the weighing accuracy of the measuring section 3 (below the 1 microliter level, preferably several tens of nanoliters to several microliters level) It is possible to dispense. As a result, it becomes possible to accurately and easily meter the amount of liquid below the 1 microliter level even if a conventional general-purpose dispenser is used.

  In addition, the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3 is moved away from the measuring unit 3 by pressure, whereby the liquid that has been introduced into the measuring unit 3 and the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3 are separated. For this reason, since the liquid unnecessary for measurement is separated from the liquid necessary for measurement, it is possible to prevent a situation in which liquid other than the measured liquid is discharged when the liquid is discharged from the measurement unit 3 via the discharge unit 5. become.

  Further, the introduction unit 4 introduces the liquid into the measurement unit 3 by capillary force. For this reason, it becomes possible to easily introduce the liquid below the 1 microliter level into the measuring unit 3.

  The introduction part 4 is a through hole that connects the liquid holding part 2 and the measuring part 3. For this reason, the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2 can be accurately introduced into the measuring unit 3. Furthermore, since the introduction part 4 is located below the liquid level of the liquid introduced into the liquid holding part 2, the amount of preliminary dispensing does not need to be as accurate as the prior art.

  The metering unit 3, the introduction unit 4, and the discharge unit 5 are included in a partition wall 8 that separates the liquid holding unit 2 and the reaction unit 6. Furthermore, at least a part of the measuring unit 3, the introduction unit 4, and the discharge unit 5 is provided in the same member as the member that forms the liquid holding unit 2 and the reaction unit 6. For this reason, it is possible to easily form each component with high accuracy, and it is possible to easily obtain a connection between the components with high accuracy.

  Further, the area of the opening 21 of the liquid holding unit 2 includes the area of the liquid level of the liquid introduced when the liquid holding unit 2 is viewed from above. Specifically, the liquid holding portion 2 has a slope portion 22 in which the horizontal cross-sectional area for holding the liquid becomes smaller toward the lower side in the vertical direction. For this reason, the liquid can be easily introduced from the opening 21 and the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2 can be gathered downward.

  In addition, the measuring unit 3 exists below the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2. For this reason, even if the amount of liquid preliminarily dispensed to the liquid holding unit 2 is small, the liquid can be introduced into the measuring unit 3 and measured if the amount to be measured is satisfied.

  Moreover, the cross-sectional area of the discharge part 5 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the measuring part 3 in a plane perpendicular to the liquid flow direction. For this reason, since the flow path resistance of the discharge part 5 is the largest compared with the measurement part 3, it becomes possible to fill the measurement part 3 sufficiently with a liquid and to perform measurement accurately. Furthermore, the inner wall surface of the discharge part 5 is hydrophobic. For this reason, since the liquid is separated between the inside and the outside of the measuring unit 3, the liquid can be accurately measured.

  Further, the surplus channel 7 through which the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3 flows is further connected to the introduction unit 4. For this reason, when the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 are separated, the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 can be made to flow and be guided.

  Further, in the surplus flow path 7, the end portion (the other end portion 72) opposite to the introduction portion 4 is connected to the open space. For this reason, when the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 are separated, the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 is caused to flow into the surplus flow path 7 with a relatively low pressure. It becomes possible.

  Further, the flow path resistance from the introduction section 4 side to the open space side in the surplus flow path 7 is smaller than the flow path resistance from the measurement section 3 side to the reaction section 6 side in the discharge section 5. For this reason, when the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 are separated, the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 is first caused to flow into the surplus flow path 7 to separate the liquid. Can be performed more accurately.

  In the dispensing method using the dispenser described above, the process of holding the liquid so that the introduced liquid forms a liquid surface that receives pressure from above, and the held liquid at a position below the liquid surface. A process of introducing into the measuring unit 3 provided and measuring it to a predetermined volume, and a process of discharging a liquid measured by applying a predetermined pressure from above the liquid level of the held liquid to the outside of the measuring unit; including. That is, regardless of the amount of liquid held, the liquid is appropriately introduced into the measuring unit 3 and measured, and the measured liquid is discharged to the outside of the measuring unit 3 by pressure. For this reason, the introduction of the liquid to be held is less than 1 microliter accuracy (1 microliter), which is lower than the measurement accuracy of the measuring unit 3 (below 1 microliter level, preferably several tens of nanoliters to several microliters level) by a general-purpose dispenser. It is possible to pre-dispense in an amount exceeding the level). As a result, it becomes possible to accurately and easily meter the amount of liquid below the 1 microliter level even if a conventional general-purpose dispenser is used.

  In addition, when pressure is applied to the liquid level, the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3 is moved away from the measuring unit 3, whereby the liquid that has been introduced into the measuring unit 3 and the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3. Including the process of separation. For this reason, since the liquid unnecessary for the measurement is separated from the liquid necessary for the measurement, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a liquid other than the measured liquid is discharged when the liquid is discharged to the outside of the measurement unit 3.

  Further, in the process of applying pressure to the liquid surface, the pressure that is not introduced into the measuring unit 3 is higher than the pressure at which the liquid starts to flow, and is lower than the pressure at which the measured liquid starts to flow. And a process of separating the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 from the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3. For this reason, it is possible to separate the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3 from the liquid without flowing the liquid measured inside the measuring unit 3.

  Further, in the process of applying pressure to the liquid surface, the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 has a pressure higher than the pressure at which the liquid starts, and the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3 further starts to flow. Includes a process of applying a high pressure to discharge the liquid to the outside of the measuring unit 3. For this reason, in a state where the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit 3 is separated from the liquid introduced into the measuring unit 3, the liquid measured inside the measuring unit 3 is flowed and discharged to the outside of the measuring unit 3. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, the process of applying pressure to the liquid level includes a process of discarding the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit. For this reason, it is possible to reliably obtain the necessary liquid that has been weighed.

  Further, it includes a process of introducing the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit 3 into the measuring unit 3 after discharging the measured liquid to the outside of the measuring unit 3. For this reason, it becomes possible to measure by reusing the liquid which has not been measured.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of the dispenser according to the present invention. In addition, in 2nd Embodiment demonstrated below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the dispenser in the second embodiment has a plurality of combinations (two sets in the present embodiment) of the measurement unit 3, the introduction unit 4, and the discharge unit 5, and each combination is introduced. The parts 4 are connected to the same number of liquid holding parts 2 and surplus flow paths 7, and the discharge parts 5 of each combination are connected to a single reaction part 6.

  The weighing units 3 in each combination may have the same internal volume, but preferably have different internal volumes. In the present embodiment, the measuring unit 3 on the left side of the reaction unit 6 in FIG. 10 is configured to measure a larger volume of liquid than the measuring unit 3 on the right side of the reaction unit 6. Then, for example, in FIG. 10, the sample sample is introduced into the liquid holding unit 2 on the left side of the reaction unit 6, and the volume of the sample sample is measured by the left measurement unit 3 and discharged to the reaction unit 6. On the other hand, by introducing a reagent into the liquid holding unit 2 on the right side of the reaction unit 6 in FIG. 10, the volume of the reagent is measured by the right measurement unit 3 and discharged to the reaction unit 6. As a result, different liquids such as a specimen sample and a reagent can be discharged and reacted in the single reaction unit 6.

  In the second embodiment described above, the measuring unit 3, the introduction unit 4, the discharge unit 5, the reaction unit 6, a part of the excess flow path 7, and the liquid holding unit 2 are cut into the main body 11. The lower surface of the main body 11 is formed flat. In addition, the measuring unit 3, the introduction unit 4, the discharge unit 5, the reaction unit 6, and a part of the excess flow path 7 are formed by cutting the upper surface of the sub-body 12. Then, the lower surface of the main body 11 and the upper surface of the auxiliary body 12 are joined to form the body 1.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a third embodiment of the dispenser according to the present invention. Note that in the third embodiment described below, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the dispenser in the third embodiment has a plurality of combinations (three sets in the present embodiment) of the measurement unit 3, the introduction unit 4, and the discharge unit 5, and each combination is introduced. The parts 4 are connected to the same number of liquid holding parts 2 and surplus flow paths 7, and the discharge parts 5 of each combination are connected to a single reaction part 6.

  The weighing units 3 in each combination may have the same internal volume, but preferably have different internal volumes. In the present embodiment, for example, in FIG. 11, the small measuring unit 3 has an internal volume for measuring 30 nanoliters of liquid, the internal measuring unit 3 has an internal volume for measuring 50 nanoliters of liquid, and a large measuring unit 3 is an internal volume for measuring 110 nanoliters of liquid. As a result, the number of times measured by the small measuring unit 3 × 30 nanoliters of liquid can be measured and discharged to the reaction unit 6. Further, it is possible to measure and discharge the liquid of the number of times measured by the measuring unit 3 inside to 50 nanoliters to the reaction unit 6. In addition, the number of times measured by the large measuring unit 3 × 110 nanoliters of liquid can be measured and discharged to the reaction unit 6. Furthermore, it is possible to measure and discharge the liquid in an amount in which the small, medium and large measuring units 3 are selectively combined to the reaction unit 6.

  In the third embodiment, different liquids can be discharged to the reaction unit 6 if different liquids are held in the liquid holding units 2 as in the second embodiment described above.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention. In addition, in 4th Embodiment demonstrated below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the dispenser in the fourth embodiment has a plurality of combinations (three sets in the present embodiment) of the measurement unit 3, the introduction unit 4, and the discharge unit 5, and discharges each combination. The parts 5 are connected to the same number of reaction parts 6, and the introduction parts 4 of each combination are connected to the only liquid holding part 2 and the excess flow path 7.

  Each combination measuring unit 3 measures the same volume of liquid with the same internal volume. For example, let the measurement part 3 be an internal volume which measures 30 nanoliters of liquid. As a result, it is possible to measure 30 nanoliters of the same liquid held in the single liquid holding unit 2 in a single operation and discharge them separately to each reaction unit 6.

  In addition, the internal volumes of the weighing units 3 in each combination are set to different internal volumes. In this case, the flow resistance (cross-sectional area) of each discharge unit 5 is such that all the liquid measured by each measurement unit 3 is discharged to the reaction unit 6 by the pressure applied to the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit 2. ). As a result, the same liquid held in the single liquid holding part 2 can be weighed in different amounts by the respective measuring parts 3 and separately discharged to the respective reaction parts 6.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the dispenser according to the present invention. Note that, in the fifth embodiment described below, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the dispenser in the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration of the measuring unit 3, the introduction unit 4, the discharge unit 5, and the reaction unit 6. Specifically, the introduction unit 4 is provided downward from the bottom of the liquid holding unit 2, the measurement unit 3 is provided below the introduction unit 4, and the discharge unit 5 is provided below the measurement unit 3. The discharge part 5 is provided in the lower side of the container body 1. The reaction unit 6 is provided on the lower side of the container body 1 in a mode of being connected to the discharge unit 5. The reaction unit 6 may be provided integrally or detachably with respect to the container 1. In this case, the liquid holding unit 2, the measuring unit 3, the introducing unit 4, the discharge unit 5, and the surplus flow path 7 are formed in the main body 11, and the auxiliary unit 12 having the measuring unit 3 is connected to the liquid holding unit Assembling is performed by vertically joining the liquid held in 2. Further, the auxiliary device body 12 may be joined using a flat plate.

  Thus, even with the dispenser in the fifth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those in the first embodiment described above. Moreover, it is also possible to set it as the structure of the 2nd-4th embodiment mentioned above by the structure of 5th Embodiment.

  In addition, although not shown in the figure, in the first to fifth embodiments described above, a lid may be provided at a portion that opens to the outside of the container body 1. By providing the lid, the container 1 can be transported without exposing the liquid to the outside air while holding the liquid.

  Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to configure a dispenser in which a plurality of the configurations in the first to fifth embodiments described above are arranged in parallel.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 1st Embodiment of the dispenser which concerns on this invention. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which expanded the periphery of the measurement part shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the assembly example of the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the assembly example of the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the measurement process of the liquid by the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the measurement process of the liquid by the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the measurement process of the liquid by the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the measurement process of the liquid by the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the measurement process of the liquid by the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the dispenser which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the dispenser which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows 4th Embodiment of the dispenser which concerns on this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 5th Embodiment of the dispenser which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Body 11 Main body 12 Sub container 2 Liquid holding | maintenance part 21 Opening 22 Slope part 3 Weighing part 4 Introduction part 5 Discharge part 6 Reaction part 7 Excess flow path 71 One end part 72 Other end part 8 Partition

Claims (17)

A liquid holding unit that holds the liquid so that the introduced liquid forms a liquid surface that receives pressure from above;
A measuring unit for introducing the liquid held in the liquid holding unit and measuring the volume thereof to a predetermined amount;
A flow path that is positioned below the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit, connects the liquid holding unit and the measuring unit, and introduces the liquid held in the liquid holding unit into the measuring unit An introduction that becomes
A discharge unit that discharges the liquid measured by the measurement unit to the outside of the measurement unit;
The dispenser is characterized in that the liquid measured by the measuring unit is discharged from the discharge unit by applying a predetermined pressure to the liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit.   The liquid that has not been introduced into the metering unit is moved away from the metering unit by the pressure to separate the liquid that has been introduced into the metering unit from the liquid that has not been introduced into the metering unit, and the metering The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein liquid is discharged to the outside of the unit.   2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall surface of the liquid holding portion has a smaller horizontal cross-sectional area for holding the liquid as it goes downward in the vertical direction.   The liquid holding part has an opening for introducing the liquid from the outside at a position above the liquid level of the held liquid, and the area of the opening is the liquid introduced when the liquid holding part is viewed from above The dispenser according to claim 1, comprising an area of the liquid level.   5. The dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the liquid holding unit is introduced with liquid preliminarily dispensed with an accuracy lower than the measurement accuracy of the measurement unit through the opening.   The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit is present in a direction perpendicular to a liquid level of the liquid held in the liquid holding unit.   The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the introduction part is a through hole that connects the liquid holding part and the measuring part.   The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein an extra flow path through which liquid that has not been introduced into the metering section flows is further connected to the introduction section.   The dispenser according to claim 8, wherein an end of the surplus flow path opposite to the introduction part is connected to an open space.   10. The dispenser according to claim 9, wherein a flow path resistance from the introduction part of the surplus flow path toward the open space is smaller than a flow path resistance from the measurement part of the discharge part toward the outside. . Holding the liquid so that the introduced liquid forms a liquid surface that receives pressure from above;
A process of introducing the retained liquid into the measuring unit via the introducing unit provided at a position below the liquid level and measuring the liquid to a predetermined volume;
Discharging the liquid measured by applying a predetermined pressure from above the liquid level of the held liquid to the outside of the measuring unit;
A dispensing method characterized by comprising:   12. The dispensing method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of introducing the liquid into the measuring unit by capillary force when the held liquid is measured.   When pressure is applied to the liquid surface, the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit is moved away from the measuring unit to separate the liquid that has been introduced into the measuring unit from the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit. The dispensing method according to claim 11, comprising a process.   In the process of applying pressure to the liquid surface, a pressure that is higher than the pressure at which the liquid not introduced into the metering unit starts to flow and lower than the pressure at which the measured liquid starts to flow is applied. The dispensing method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of separating the liquid introduced into the measuring unit and the liquid not introduced into the measuring unit.   In the process of applying pressure to the liquid surface, the liquid not introduced into the metering unit is at a pressure higher than the pressure at which the liquid starts, and the liquid introduced into the metering unit is higher than the pressure at which the liquid starts to flow. The dispensing method according to claim 11, comprising a step of applying a pressure to discharge the liquid to the outside of the measuring unit.   12. The dispensing method according to claim 11, wherein the step of applying pressure to the liquid level includes a step of discarding the liquid that has not been introduced into the measuring unit.   The dispensing method according to claim 11, further comprising: introducing a liquid not introduced into the measuring unit into the measuring unit after discharging the measured liquid to the outside of the measuring unit.

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