JP2006266573A - Trace fluid temperature raising device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a trace fluid temperature raising device capable of homogeneously heating a trace amount of fluid. <P>SOLUTION: A tube 2 having a conductive heat generating layer 1 along the longitudinal direction is provided, voltage is applied to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2, the heat is generated, and the temperature of the fluid flowing inside thereof is raised, and the voltage is respectively applied to a plurality of sections of the tube 2. The trace fluid temperature raising device is provided with the tube having the conductive heat generating layer along the longitudinal direction, and the voltage is applied to the conductive heat generating layer of the tube, the heat is generated, and the temperature of the fluid flowing inside thereof is raised, and the tube through which the fluid flows generates the heat, and thereby effective heating can be achieved compared to the case wherein the tube is abutted to an external heater heat source and indirectly transmitting the heat from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a microfluidic temperature raising apparatus that heats a specimen or other microfluids.

  Conventionally, exothermic tubes used as water supply hoses for home water supply, hot water supply, etc. are known, but the water supply hose is water remaining in the hose in outdoor use, especially in cold areas. In view of the problem of freezing, there is the following proposal in order to generate heat at a constant temperature over the entire length of the hose (see Patent Document 1).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, a cylindrical synthetic resin exothermic tube composed of an inner layer tube 11 and an outer layer tube 12 does not cross each other between the inner layer tube 11 and the outer layer tube 12. Two bare copper wires 13a and 13b and one heating fiber 14 are embedded, and the bare copper wires 13a and 13b are in contact with the heating fiber 14 at a predetermined interval. As a result, since the heating fiber 14 is in contact with the bare copper wires 13a and 13b at regular intervals, heat is generated from the bare copper wires 13a and 13b by passing an electric current through the bare copper wires 13a and 13b embedded in the exothermic tube. The parallel circuits formed of the fibers 14 are formed at equal intervals, and the entire tube can generate heat at a constant temperature regardless of the length of the tube.

  By the way, although the technical field to which the invention belongs is different from the large-diameter exothermic tube as a living material such as water supply and hot water as described above, recently, due to the development of a small amount of high-speed analysis technology, etc. There is an attempt to create a large life science market such as a diagnostic chip (see Non-Patent Document 1). Specifically, in order to raise the temperature of the specimen and other fluids to the body temperature and supply them to the analyzer, a device for heating by bringing a tube through which the fluid flows into contact with a heat source such as a plate-like or string-like heater. Development is underway.

However, there is a problem that the contact area between the heat source and the tube is small and it is difficult to heat uniformly.
JP 2004-162827 A (pages 2 and 3, FIG. 1) Micro Chemical Process Technology Research Association Homepage, “Business Objectives”, [2004/11/5 Search], Internet <URL: http://www.mcpt.jp/japanese/mission.html>

  Therefore, the present invention is intended to provide a microfluidic temperature raising apparatus capable of heating a microfluid more uniformly than in the prior art.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.
(1) A microfluidic temperature raising apparatus according to the present invention includes a tube having a conductive heat generating layer formed in a longitudinal direction, and applies a voltage to the conductive heat generating layer of the tube to generate heat and raise the temperature of the fluid flowing inside. In addition, the tube is configured to apply a voltage in each of a plurality of sections.

  This microfluidic temperature raising device comprises a tube having a conductive heat generating layer formed in the longitudinal direction, and a voltage is applied to the conductive heat generating layer of the tube to generate heat and raise the temperature of the fluid flowing inside. Since the tube through which the fluid flows itself generates heat, it can be heated more efficiently than when the tube is brought into contact with an external heater heat source and indirectly transferred from the outside.

By the way, in order to avoid alteration of fluid (for example, a specimen such as blood) as much as possible, it is preferable to heat the tube in the vicinity of the set temperature rise (softly) rather than to expose the inside of the tube to a high temperature. When a length that can increase the amount of heat that can raise the temperature from the previous temperature (for example, 15 ° C.) to the set temperature after the heating (for example, 37 ° C.) is required, The resistance value increases in proportion to the thickness, and it is difficult to generate heat even when a voltage is applied, but since the voltage is not applied to both ends of the entire length of the tube, the voltage is applied to each of multiple sections. Even if the length of the tube is slightly increased, the fluid can be heated softly in the vicinity of the set temperature rise temperature to prevent its alteration and raise the temperature.
The voltage may be applied by a DC power supply or an AC power supply.

(2) The tube may have a shape in which a substantially U-shaped curved portion is connected by a substantially straight portion. If comprised in this way, an apparatus can be compactly formed as a shape where the several area which consists of a substantially linear part reciprocates via the substantially U-shaped curved part of a tube.

(3) The tube may have a shape in which a gentle curve is continuous. If comprised in this way, even if the tube itself tends to be somewhat hard, a gentle curve can be formed continuously.

(4) The said tube is good also as a shape which connected the substantially right-angled part with R by the substantially linear part. If comprised in this way, even if there exists a tendency for the tube itself to be somewhat hard, the substantially right-angled part with R can be formed continuously.

  Here, the tubes may be arranged (piped) in a coil shape or other three-dimensional shape instead of the two-dimensional shape (planar shape) as described above.

(5) It is good also as having wired the conducting wire and the conductive heat generating layer so that a voltage may be applied in parallel between both ends of the plurality of sections of the tube. If comprised in this way, a conducting wire can be wired in the neat aspect with respect to the electroconductive heat generating layer of a tube.

(6) With respect to a plurality of sections formed by turning the tube, a conductive wire and a conductive heat generating layer may be wired so that a voltage is applied in parallel to subdivided sections further divided.

  When configured in this way, the length of the plurality of sections can be set long (it is possible to heat by applying a voltage to the divided subsections), and the number of turns of the tube can be set to be small. The degree of freedom of the entire layout can be increased.

(7) The tube is wound around two spaced apart conductive wires, and the conductive heat generating layer of the tube is brought into electrical conduction by alternately contacting the two conductive wires that are positively and negatively energized. A voltage may be applied to each of a plurality of sections where the two conducting wires are alternately in contact with each other. If comprised in this way, it can arrange | position not linearly but linearly.

  The present invention is configured as described above and has the following effects.

  Since the tube can be heated more efficiently than when the tube is brought into contact with an external heater heat source and indirectly transferred from the outside, a microfluidic temperature riser that can heat a microfluid more uniformly than before is provided. can do.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the microfluidic temperature raising device of this embodiment includes a tube 2 in which a conductive heating layer 1 is formed in the longitudinal direction. The tube 2 heats the collected analysis fluid such as blood and raises the temperature. The inner diameter of the tube 2 is preferably 8 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less in terms of temperature rise efficiency. For example, the outer diameter (mm) -inner diameter (mm) can be set to 1.0-0.5φ, 1.0-0.2φ, 2.2-1φ, 3-2φ, 3-1φ.

As shown in FIG. 2, the innermost layer of the tube has an insulating layer 3 (base ETFE resin) in contact with the fluid, and the conductive heat generating layer 1 is laminated in the longitudinal direction on the outer layer side. The conductive heat generating layer 1 contains a resin or a substance (for example, conductive carbon, metal powder, carbon fiber, metal fiber, or carbon nanotube) having a property of generating heat by conducting electricity with respect to the base ETFE resin. ing. The heating degree can be adjusted by setting the volume resistivity of the conductive heat generating layer 1 to 10 ⁻⁶ to 10 ⁵ Ω · cm. The tube 2 is made of ETFE resin, but can be made of PFA resin or the like. And the insulating layer 4 (nylon) is formed in the tube outer surface. The conductive heat generating layer 1 is provided in the thickness of the tube 2. This tube 2 was manufactured by extrusion molding using a three-type three-layer multilayer tube mold.

  And as shown in FIG. 1, the said tube 2 is made into the shape which connected the substantially U-shaped curved part 5 by the substantially linear part 6, and the both ends (curved part 5) of the several area (20 rows) of the said tube 2 The conducting wire 7 and the conductive heat generating layer 1 were wired so that a voltage was applied between them in parallel. Here, the insulating layer 4 on the outer surface of the tube is peeled off at a location 8 where the conducting wire 7 and the conductive heat generating layer 1 are electrically connected. The tube 2 applies a voltage (a DC power supply is used, but an AC power supply may be used) in each of a plurality of sections composed of substantially straight portions 6. The tube 2 may be arranged (pipe) in a three-dimensional shape other than the two-dimensional shape (planar shape) as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the outer insulating layer 4 is not formed, but the insulating layer 3 in contact with the fluid and the conductive heat generating layer 1 may be used. This tube 2 was manufactured by extrusion molding using a two-type two-layer multilayer tube mold. In this case, the conductive heat generating layer 1 is provided on the outer layer of the tube 2.

  Next, the usage state of the microfluidic temperature raising apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  This microfluidic temperature raising apparatus includes a tube 2 having a conductive heat generating layer 1 formed in the longitudinal direction, and applies a voltage to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2 to generate heat and raise the temperature of the fluid flowing inside. Therefore, since the tube 2 that flows the fluid itself generates heat, it can be heated more efficiently than when the tube is brought into contact with an external heater heat source and indirectly transferred from the outside. There is an advantage that it can be heated uniformly.

  By the way, in order to avoid alteration of fluid (for example, a specimen such as blood) as much as possible, it is preferable to heat the tube in the vicinity of the set temperature rise (softly) rather than to expose the inside of the tube to a high temperature. When a length that can provide a quantity of heat that can raise the temperature from the previous temperature (for example, 15 to 25 ° C.) to the set temperature after heating (for example, 37 ° C.) is required, the length of the tube increases accordingly. Although the resistance value increases in proportion to the length and it becomes difficult to generate heat even when a voltage is applied, the voltage is not applied to both ends of the entire length of the tube 2 but is applied to each of a plurality of sections. Therefore, even if the length of the tube 2 is somewhat longer, it is possible to heat the fluid softly in the vicinity of the set temperature rise to prevent the alteration and raise the temperature. A. For example, in order to bring the collected sample for analysis (blood, etc.) close to the same conditions as in the living body, it is heated to about 37 ° C. close to body temperature and introduced into an analytical instrument (not shown) in a heated state. be able to. In addition, it can also heat to higher temperature, such as 80 degreeC, as temperature to raise.

  In addition, there is an advantage that the apparatus can be compactly formed in such a shape that a plurality of sections (20 rows) composed of the substantially straight portions 6 reciprocate through the substantially U-shaped curved portion 5 of the tube 2. Furthermore, since the conducting wire 7 and the conductive heating layer 1 are wired so that the voltage is applied in parallel between both ends (curved portions 5) of the plurality of sections of the tube 2, the conducting wire 7 is connected to the conductive heating layer 1 of the tube 2. However, there is an advantage that wiring can be performed in a clean manner.

  In addition, a voltage is applied to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2 to generate heat, the fluid flowing through the innermost insulating layer 3 is heated, and the temperature of the tube 2 near the outlet of the fluid is measured by the temperature sensor S. The applied voltage is controlled by the conducting wire 7 to the conductive heat generating layer 1 and the applied voltage is adjusted by the temperature of the tube 2 in the vicinity of the fluid outlet without directly measuring the temperature of the heated fluid. In addition, the temperature of the fluid has risen near the outlet compared to the vicinity of the fluid inlet, and the temperature of the actual fluid in the tube 2 can be more accurately evaluated by detecting the temperature of the tube 2 at this position. can do.

(Embodiment 2)
The difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a voltage (a DC power source is used but an AC power source may be used) is applied in parallel between the tops of both end portions (curved portion 5) of a plurality of sections of the tube 2. The conducting wire 7 and the conductive heat generating layer 1 are wired. That is, the tops of both end portions of the plurality of sections coincide with the portion 8 where the conductive wire 7 and the conductive heat generating layer 1 are electrically connected. Since it comprised in this way, even the substantially U-shaped curved part 5 of the outer side of the substantially linear part 6 can produce heat, and there exists an advantage that the area | region which does not generate heat can be eliminated.

(Embodiment 3)
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 2, the microfluidic temperature raising apparatus of this embodiment includes a tube 2 in which a conductive heat generating layer 1 is formed in the longitudinal direction. The tube 2 heats the collected analysis fluid such as blood and raises the temperature. The inner diameter of the tube 2 is preferably 8 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less in terms of temperature rise efficiency. For example, the outer diameter (mm) -inner diameter (mm) can be set to 1.0-0.5φ, 1.0-0.2φ, 2.2-1φ, 3-2φ, 3-1φ.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tube innermost layer has an insulating layer 3 (base ETFE resin) in contact with a fluid, and a conductive heat generating layer 1 is laminated in the longitudinal direction on the outer layer side. The conductive heat generating layer 1 is made to contain a mixture of a resin or a substance (for example, conductive carbon, metal powder, carbon fiber, metal fiber, or carbon nanotube) having a property of generating heat by conducting with respect to the base ETFE resin. ing. The heating degree can be adjusted by setting the volume resistivity of the conductive heat generating layer 1 to 10 ⁻⁶ to 10 ⁵ Ω · cm. The tube 2 is made of ETFE resin, but can be made of PFA resin or the like. And the insulating layer 4 (nylon) is formed in the tube outer surface. The conductive heat generating layer 1 is provided in the thickness of the tube 2. This tube 2 was manufactured by extrusion molding using a three-type three-layer multilayer tube mold.

  And as shown in FIG. 5, the said tube 2 makes a gentle curve continuous shape, and the conducting wire 7 and the electroconductive heat generating layer 1 so that a voltage may be applied in parallel between the both ends of the several area of the said tube 2; (See also FIG. 1). Here, the insulating layer 4 on the outer surface of the tube is peeled off at a location 8 where the conducting wire 7 and the conductive heat generating layer 1 are electrically connected. The tube 2 applies a voltage (a DC power source is used, but an AC power source may be used) in each of a plurality of sections made of curves. The tube 2 may be arranged (pipe) in a three-dimensional shape other than the two-dimensional shape (planar shape) as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the outer insulating layer 4 is not formed, but the insulating layer 3 in contact with the fluid and the conductive heat generating layer 1 may be used. This tube 2 was manufactured by extrusion molding using a two-type two-layer multilayer tube mold. In this case, the conductive heat generating layer 1 is provided on the outer layer of the tube 2.

  Next, the usage state of the microfluidic temperature raising apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  This microfluidic temperature raising apparatus includes a tube 2 having a conductive heat generating layer 1 formed in the longitudinal direction, and applies a voltage to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2 to generate heat and raise the temperature of the fluid flowing inside. Therefore, since the tube 2 that flows the fluid itself generates heat, it can be heated more efficiently than when the tube is brought into contact with an external heater heat source and indirectly transferred from the outside. There is an advantage that it can be heated uniformly.

  By the way, in order to avoid alteration of fluid (for example, a specimen such as blood) as much as possible, it is preferable to heat the tube in the vicinity of the set temperature rise (softly) rather than to expose the inside of the tube to a high temperature. When a length that can provide a quantity of heat that can raise the temperature from the previous temperature (for example, 15 to 25 ° C.) to the set temperature after heating (for example, 37 ° C.) is required, the length of the tube increases accordingly. Although the resistance value increases in proportion to the length and it becomes difficult to generate heat even when a voltage is applied, the voltage is not applied to both ends of the entire length of the tube 2 but is applied to each of a plurality of sections. Therefore, even if the length of the tube 2 is somewhat longer, it is possible to heat the fluid softly in the vicinity of the set temperature rise to prevent the alteration and raise the temperature. A. For example, in order to bring the collected sample for analysis (blood, etc.) close to the same conditions as in the living body, it is heated to about 37 ° C. close to body temperature and introduced into an analytical instrument (not shown) in a heated state. be able to. In addition, it can also heat to higher temperature, such as 80 degreeC, as temperature to raise.

  In addition, there is an advantage that a gentle curve can be continuously formed even if the tube 2 itself tends to be somewhat hard due to its material. Moreover, since the conducting wire 7 and the conductive heating layer 1 are wired so that the voltages are applied in parallel to both ends of the plurality of sections of the tube 2, the conducting wire 7 is clearly connected to the conductive heating layer 1 of the tube 2. There is an advantage that wiring can be performed in the manner described above.

  In addition, a voltage is applied to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2 to generate heat, the fluid flowing through the innermost insulating layer 3 is heated, and the temperature of the tube 2 near the outlet of the fluid is measured by the temperature sensor S. The applied voltage is controlled by the conducting wire 7 to the conductive heat generating layer 1 and the applied voltage is adjusted by the temperature of the tube 2 in the vicinity of the fluid outlet without directly measuring the temperature of the heated fluid. In addition, the temperature of the fluid has risen near the outlet compared to the vicinity of the fluid inlet, and the temperature of the actual fluid in the tube 2 can be more accurately evaluated by detecting the temperature of the tube 2 at this position. can do.

(Embodiment 4)
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 2, the microfluidic temperature rising device of this embodiment includes a tube 2 in which a conductive heating layer 1 is formed in the longitudinal direction. The tube 2 heats the collected analysis fluid such as blood and raises the temperature. The inner diameter of the tube 2 is preferably 8 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less in terms of temperature rise efficiency. For example, the outer diameter (mm) -inner diameter (mm) can be set to 1.0-0.5φ, 1.0-0.2φ, 2.2-1φ, 3-2φ, 3-1φ.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tube innermost layer has an insulating layer 3 (base ETFE resin) in contact with a fluid, and a conductive heat generating layer 1 is laminated in the longitudinal direction on the outer layer side. The conductive heat generating layer 1 is made to contain a mixture of a resin or a substance (for example, conductive carbon, metal powder, carbon fiber, metal fiber, or carbon nanotube) having a property of generating heat by conducting with respect to the base ETFE resin. ing. The heating degree can be adjusted by setting the volume resistivity of the conductive heat generating layer 1 to 10 ⁻⁶ to 10 ⁵ Ω · cm. The tube 2 is made of ETFE resin, but can be made of PFA resin or the like. And the insulating layer 4 (nylon) is formed in the tube outer surface. The conductive heat generating layer 1 is provided in the thickness of the tube 2. This tube 2 was manufactured by extrusion molding using a three-type three-layer multilayer tube mold.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the tube 2 has a shape in which a substantially right-angled portion 9 with R is connected by a substantially straight portion 6, and a voltage is applied in parallel between both ends of the plurality of sections of the tube 2. Thus, the conductive wire 7 and the conductive heat generating layer 1 were wired (see FIG. 1). Here, the insulating layer 4 on the outer surface of the tube is peeled off at a location 8 where the conducting wire 7 and the conductive heat generating layer 1 are electrically connected. The tube 2 applies a voltage (a DC power supply is used, but an AC power supply may be used) in each of a plurality of sections composed of substantially straight portions 6. The tube 2 may be arranged (pipe) in a three-dimensional shape other than the two-dimensional shape (planar shape) as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the outer insulating layer 4 is not formed, but the insulating layer 3 in contact with the fluid and the conductive heat generating layer 1 may be used. This tube 2 was manufactured by extrusion molding using a two-type two-layer multilayer tube mold. In this case, the conductive heat generating layer 1 is provided on the outer layer of the tube 2.

  Next, the usage state of the microfluidic temperature raising apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  This microfluidic temperature raising apparatus includes a tube 2 having a conductive heat generating layer 1 formed in the longitudinal direction, and applies a voltage to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2 to generate heat and raise the temperature of the fluid flowing inside. Therefore, since the tube 2 that flows the fluid itself generates heat, it can be heated more efficiently than when the tube is brought into contact with an external heater heat source and indirectly transferred from the outside. There is an advantage that it can be heated uniformly.

  By the way, in order to avoid alteration of fluid (for example, a specimen such as blood) as much as possible, it is preferable to heat the tube in the vicinity of the set temperature rise (softly) rather than to expose the inside of the tube to a high temperature. When a length that can provide a quantity of heat that can raise the temperature from the previous temperature (for example, 15 to 25 ° C.) to the set temperature after heating (for example, 37 ° C.) is required, the length of the tube increases accordingly. Although the resistance value increases in proportion to the length and it becomes difficult to generate heat even when a voltage is applied, the voltage is not applied to both ends of the entire length of the tube 2 but is applied to each of a plurality of sections. Therefore, even if the length of the tube 2 is somewhat longer, it is possible to heat the fluid softly in the vicinity of the set temperature rise to prevent the alteration and raise the temperature. A. For example, in order to bring the collected sample for analysis (blood, etc.) close to the same conditions as in the living body, it is heated to about 37 ° C. close to body temperature and introduced into an analytical instrument (not shown) in a heated state. be able to. In addition, it can also heat to higher temperature, such as 80 degreeC, as temperature to raise.

  In addition, there is an advantage that the substantially right-angled portion 9 with R can be formed continuously even if the tube 2 itself tends to be somewhat hard due to its material. Moreover, since the conducting wire 7 and the conductive heating layer 1 are wired so that the voltages are applied in parallel to both ends of the plurality of sections of the tube 2, the conducting wire 7 is clearly connected to the conductive heating layer 1 of the tube 2. There is an advantage that wiring can be performed in the manner described above.

  In addition, a voltage is applied to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2 to generate heat, the fluid flowing through the innermost insulating layer 3 is heated, and the temperature of the tube 2 near the outlet of the fluid is measured by the temperature sensor S. The applied voltage is controlled by the conducting wire 7 to the conductive heat generating layer 1 and the applied voltage is adjusted by the temperature of the tube 2 in the vicinity of the fluid outlet without directly measuring the temperature of the heated fluid. In addition, the temperature of the fluid has risen near the outlet compared to the vicinity of the fluid inlet, and the temperature of the actual fluid in the tube 2 can be more accurately evaluated by detecting the temperature of the tube 2 at this position. can do.

(Embodiment 5)
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 3, the microfluidic temperature rising device of this embodiment includes a tube 2 in which a conductive heat generating layer 1 is formed in the longitudinal direction. The tube 2 heats the collected analysis fluid such as blood and raises the temperature. The inner diameter of the tube 2 is preferably 8 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less in terms of temperature rise efficiency. For example, the outer diameter (mm) -inner diameter (mm) can be set to 1.0-0.5φ, 1.0-0.2φ, 2.2-1φ, 3-2φ, 3-1φ.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tube innermost layer has an insulating layer 3 (base ETFE resin) in contact with the fluid, and the conductive heat generating layer 1 is laminated in the longitudinal direction on the outer layer side. The conductive heat generating layer 1 is made to contain a mixture of a resin or a substance (for example, conductive carbon, metal powder, carbon fiber, metal fiber, or carbon nanotube) having a property of generating heat by conducting with respect to the base ETFE resin. ing. The heating degree can be adjusted by setting the volume resistivity of the conductive heat generating layer 1 to 10 ⁻⁶ to 10 ⁵ Ω · cm. The tube 2 is made of ETFE resin, but can be made of PFA resin or the like. This tube 2 was manufactured by extrusion molding using a two-type two-layer multilayer tube mold.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the tube 2 is spirally wound around two spaced apart conductors 7 (each having an insulating film 10 on the outer periphery), and the conductive heating layer 1 of the tube 2 is formed. Two conductive wires 7 that are positively and negatively energized are alternately brought into electrical conduction (the insulating film 10 of the conductive wire 7 is peeled off at the portion 11 to be conductive), and the tube 2 has two wires. A voltage (either a DC power supply or an AC power supply) is applied to each of the plurality of sections where the conducting wires 7 are alternately in contact.

  Next, the usage state of the microfluidic temperature raising apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  This microfluidic temperature raising apparatus includes a tube 2 having a conductive heat generating layer 1 formed in the longitudinal direction, and applies a voltage to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2 to generate heat and raise the temperature of the fluid flowing inside. Therefore, since the tube 2 that flows the fluid itself generates heat, it can be heated more efficiently than when the tube is brought into contact with an external heater heat source and indirectly transferred from the outside. There is an advantage that it can be heated uniformly.

  By the way, in order to avoid alteration of fluid (for example, a specimen such as blood) as much as possible, it is preferable to heat the tube in the vicinity of the set temperature rise (softly) rather than to expose the inside of the tube to a high temperature. When a length that can provide a quantity of heat that can raise the temperature from the previous temperature (for example, 15 to 25 ° C.) to the set temperature after heating (for example, 37 ° C.) is required, the length of the tube increases accordingly. Although the resistance value increases in proportion to the length and it becomes difficult to generate heat even when a voltage is applied, the voltage is not applied to both ends of the entire length of the tube 2 but is applied to each of a plurality of sections. Therefore, even if the length of the tube 2 is somewhat longer, it is possible to heat the fluid softly in the vicinity of the set temperature rise to prevent the alteration and raise the temperature. A. For example, in order to bring the collected sample for analysis (blood, etc.) close to the same conditions as in the living body, it is heated to about 37 ° C. close to body temperature and introduced into an analytical instrument (not shown) in a heated state. be able to. In addition, it can also heat to higher temperature, such as 80 degreeC, as temperature to raise.

  Further, the tube 2 is wound around the two conductors 7 that are separated from each other, and the conductive heating layer 1 of the tube 2 is alternately brought into contact with the two conductors 7 that are positively and negatively energized to be in an electrically conductive state. Since the tube 2 applies a voltage in each of a plurality of sections where the two conducting wires 7 are alternately in contact with each other, there is an advantage that the tube 2 can be arranged in a straight line rather than a flat shape.

(Embodiment 6)
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 2, the microfluidic temperature raising apparatus of this embodiment includes a tube 2 in which a conductive heat generating layer 1 is formed in the longitudinal direction. The tube 2 heats the collected analysis fluid such as blood and raises the temperature. The inner diameter of the tube 2 is preferably 8 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less in terms of temperature rise efficiency. For example, the outer diameter (mm) -inner diameter (mm) can be set to 1.0-0.5φ, 1.0-0.2φ, 2.2-1φ, 3-2φ, 3-1φ.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tube innermost layer has an insulating layer 3 (base ETFE resin) in contact with a fluid, and a conductive heat generating layer 1 is laminated in the longitudinal direction on the outer layer side. The conductive heat generating layer 1 contains a resin or a substance (for example, conductive carbon, metal powder, carbon fiber, metal fiber, or carbon nanotube) having a property of generating heat by conducting electricity with respect to the base ETFE resin. ing. The heating degree can be adjusted by setting the volume resistivity of the conductive heat generating layer 1 to 10 ⁻⁶ to 10 ⁵ Ω · cm. The tube 2 is made of ETFE resin, but can be made of PFA resin or the like. And the insulating layer 4 (nylon) is formed in the tube outer surface. The conductive heat generating layer 1 is provided in the thickness of the tube 2. This tube 2 was manufactured by extrusion molding using a three-type three-layer multilayer tube mold.

  And as shown in FIG. 8, the said tube 2 is made into the shape which connected the substantially U-shaped curved part 5 by the substantially linear part 6, and the both ends (curved part 5) of the several area (5 rows) of the said tube 2 The conducting wire 7 and the conductive heating layer 1 were wired so that voltages were applied in parallel to each other. Here, the insulating layer 4 on the outer surface of the tube is peeled off at a location 8 where the conducting wire 7 and the conductive heat generating layer 1 are electrically connected (see FIG. 1).

  In addition, with respect to a plurality of sections (five rows) formed by turning the tube 2 with a substantially U-shaped curved portion 5, a voltage is applied in parallel to subdivided sections 12 further divided (five sections). Thus, the conductive wire 7 and the conductive heat generating layer 1 are wired. The tube 2 applies a voltage [DC power supply (+) (−) is used, although AC power supply may be used) in a plurality of subdivision sections 12 each having a substantially straight portion 6. The tube 2 may be arranged (pipe) in a three-dimensional shape other than the two-dimensional shape (planar shape) as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the outer insulating layer 4 is not formed, but the insulating layer 3 in contact with the fluid and the conductive heat generating layer 1 may be used. This tube 2 was manufactured by extrusion molding using a two-type two-layer multilayer tube mold. In this case, the conductive heat generating layer 1 is provided on the outer layer of the tube 2.

  Next, the usage state of the microfluidic temperature raising apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  This microfluidic temperature raising apparatus includes a tube 2 having a conductive heat generating layer 1 formed in the longitudinal direction, and applies a voltage to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2 to generate heat and raise the temperature of the fluid flowing inside. Therefore, since the tube 2 that flows the fluid itself generates heat, it can be heated more efficiently than when the tube is brought into contact with an external heater heat source and indirectly transferred from the outside. There is an advantage that it can be heated uniformly.

  By the way, in order to avoid alteration of fluid (for example, a specimen such as blood) as much as possible, it is preferable to heat the tube in the vicinity of the set temperature rise (softly) rather than to expose the inside of the tube to a high temperature. When a length that can provide a quantity of heat that can raise the temperature from the previous temperature (for example, 15 to 25 ° C.) to the set temperature after heating (for example, 37 ° C.) is required, the length of the tube increases accordingly. Although the resistance value increases in proportion to the length and it becomes difficult to generate heat even when a voltage is applied, the voltage is not applied to both ends of the entire length of the tube 2 but is applied to each of a plurality of sections. Therefore, even if the length of the tube 2 is somewhat longer, it is possible to heat the fluid softly in the vicinity of the set temperature rise to prevent the alteration and raise the temperature. A. For example, in order to bring the collected sample for analysis (blood, etc.) close to the same conditions as in the living body, it is heated to about 37 ° C. close to body temperature and introduced into an analytical instrument (not shown) in a heated state. be able to. In addition, it can also heat to higher temperature, such as 80 degreeC, as temperature to raise.

  In addition, there is an advantage that the apparatus can be compactly formed in such a shape that a plurality of sections (20 rows) composed of the substantially straight portions 6 reciprocate through the substantially U-shaped curved portion 5 of the tube 2. Furthermore, since the conducting wire 7 and the conductive heating layer 1 are wired so that the voltage is applied in parallel between both ends (curved portions 5) of the plurality of sections of the tube 2, the conducting wire 7 is connected to the conductive heating layer of the tube 2. There is an advantage that wiring can be performed in a clean manner with respect to 1.

  Further, with respect to a plurality of sections formed by turning the tube 2 by the substantially U-shaped curved portion 5, the conductors 7 are applied so that the voltage is applied in parallel to the subdivided sections 12 that are further divided (5 sections). Since the conductive heating layer 1 is wired, the length of the plurality of sections is set to be long (it is possible to heat by applying a voltage to the divided subsections 12) to reduce the number of turns of the tube 2 Therefore, the degree of freedom in the layout of the entire apparatus can be increased.

  In addition, a voltage is applied to the conductive heat generating layer 1 of the tube 2 to generate heat, the fluid flowing through the innermost insulating layer 3 is heated, and the temperature of the tube 2 near the outlet of the fluid is measured by the temperature sensor S. The applied voltage is controlled by the conducting wire 7 to the conductive heat generating layer 1 and the applied voltage is adjusted by the temperature of the tube 2 in the vicinity of the fluid outlet without directly measuring the temperature of the heated fluid. In addition, the temperature of the fluid has risen near the outlet compared to the vicinity of the fluid inlet, and the temperature of the actual fluid in the tube 2 can be more accurately evaluated by detecting the temperature of the tube 2 at this position. can do.

Heating can be performed more efficiently than when the tube is brought into contact with an external heater heat source to indirectly transfer heat from the outside, and a minute amount of fluid can be heated more uniformly than before. It can be applied to the use of the device.

The top view explaining Embodiment 1 of the trace fluid temperature rising apparatus of this invention. The principal part perspective view of the tube used for the micro fluid temperature rising apparatus of FIG. The principal part perspective view of the other Example of the tube used for the trace fluid temperature rising apparatus of FIG. The top view explaining Embodiment 2 of the trace fluid temperature rising apparatus of this invention. The top view explaining Embodiment 3 of the trace fluid temperature rising apparatus of this invention. The top view explaining Embodiment 4 of the trace fluid temperature rising apparatus of this invention. Sectional drawing explaining Embodiment 5 of the trace fluid temperature rising apparatus of this invention. Sectional drawing explaining Embodiment 6 of the trace fluid temperature rising apparatus of this invention. The perspective view which shows the conventional exothermic tube (FIG. 1 of patent document 1)

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Conductive heating layer 2 Tube 5 Bending part 6 Substantially straight part 7 Conductor 9 Substantially right-angled part
12 Subdivision

Claims (7)

A tube (2) having a conductive heating layer (1) formed in the longitudinal direction is provided, and a voltage is applied to the conductive heating layer (1) of the tube (2) to generate heat and raise the temperature of the fluid flowing inside. The tube (2) applies a voltage to each of a plurality of sections, and the microfluidic temperature elevating device. The microfluidic temperature elevating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tube (2) has a shape in which a substantially U-shaped curved portion (5) is connected by a substantially straight portion (6). The microfluidic temperature elevating device according to claim 1, wherein the tube (2) has a shape in which a gentle curve is continuous. The microfluidic temperature elevating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tube (2) has a shape in which a substantially right angle portion (9) with an R is connected by a substantially straight portion (6). The trace fluid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a conducting wire (7) and a conductive heating layer (1) are wired so that voltages are applied in parallel to both ends of the plurality of sections of the tube (2). Temperature rising device. For the plurality of sections formed by turning the tube (2), the conductor (7) and the conductive heating layer (1) are arranged so that a voltage is applied in parallel to the subsection (12) further divided. The microfluidic temperature elevating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein wiring is performed. The tube (2) is wound around two spaced apart conductors (7), and the conductive heating layer (1) of the tube (2) is alternately contacted with the two conductors (7) that are positively and negatively energized. The microfluidic temperature riser according to claim 1, wherein the tube (2) is applied with a voltage in a plurality of sections where the two conducting wires (7) are alternately in contact with each other.

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