JP2015132571A - Temperature adjusting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a temperature adjusting system allowing the heating efficiency to be improved.SOLUTION: A temperature adjusting system 1 adjusts the temperature of a temperature-adjusting object T that has light transmissivity and is stored in a long-sized container 10 whose at least a part has light transmissivity. The temperature adjusting system 1 includes a laser source 31 for radiating a laser beam to the temperature-adjusting object T via the container 10. The temperature adjusting system 1 can radiate the laser beam from the laser source 31 so that the radiation direction of the laser beam is substantially along the longitudinal direction of the container 10.

Description

  The present invention relates to a temperature control system.

  Conventionally, a temperature control system for adjusting the temperature of a sample contained in a container has been proposed in order to identify and analyze a sample to be measured from samples containing multiple types of substances. Yes. For example, a Peltier temperature stage that holds a microchannel containing the liquid sample, a thermocouple that measures the temperature of the microchannel, an infrared laser that irradiates the microchannel with laser light, and an infrared laser Has disclosed a temperature control system including a lens that collects the laser light emitted from the light source and a computer that controls the output of an infrared laser (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this temperature control system, the laser light is applied to the fine flow path through the lens so that the irradiation direction of the laser light is substantially orthogonal to the direction from the upstream to the downstream of the fine flow path, It becomes possible to heat the sample accommodated in the fine channel.

International Publication No. 2002/090912 Pamphlet

  However, in the conventional system, as described above, the laser beam is irradiated to the fine channel so that the irradiation direction of the laser beam is substantially orthogonal to the direction from the upstream to the downstream of the fine channel. Therefore, since the irradiation range of the laser light in the fine channel is very small, it is difficult to quickly heat the entire sample accommodated in the fine channel. In view of such a point, a system capable of improving the heating efficiency has been demanded.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above, Comprising: It aims at providing the temperature control system which can improve heating efficiency.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the temperature control system according to claim 1 is a temperature control object accommodated in a long container having at least a part of translucency. A temperature control system for adjusting the temperature of a temperature control target having light properties, comprising a laser light source for irradiating the temperature control target with a laser beam through the container, wherein the irradiation direction of the laser light is The laser light can be irradiated from the laser light source so as to be substantially along the longitudinal direction of the container.

  Moreover, the temperature control system of Claim 2 is a temperature control system of Claim 1, The said laser light source can irradiate only a part of said temperature control object with the said laser beam.

  Moreover, the temperature control system of Claim 3 is further equipped with the condensing means which condenses the said laser beam irradiated from the said laser light source in the temperature control system of Claim 1 or 2, The said condensing The focal position of the laser beam condensed by the means coincides with a predetermined convection starting point position that becomes a starting point when convection is generated by the condensed laser light in the temperature adjustment target. The laser light emitted from the laser light source can be condensed by the condensing means.

  Moreover, the temperature control system according to claim 4 is the temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container includes at least one or more first electrodes substantially along a longitudinal direction of the container. 1 side part and a pair of 2nd side part substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the said container, Comprising: A pair of 2nd side part arrange | positioned in the mutually opposing position, The said laser light source The laser light emitted from the pair of second side portions can be transmitted through one of the pair of second side portions, and the laser light incident from one of the pair of second side portions can be transmitted through the at least one of the pair of second side portions. Reflection is possible by the first side described above.

  The temperature control system according to claim 5 is the temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature control target is an aqueous solution containing a specimen.

  According to the temperature control system of the first aspect, since the laser light can be irradiated from the laser light source so that the irradiation direction of the laser light substantially follows the longitudinal direction of the container, the irradiation direction of the laser light is the longitudinal direction. Compared with the case of substantially orthogonal to the above, the irradiation range of the laser light in the temperature adjustment target is increased, so that the heating efficiency can be improved.

  According to the temperature control system of the second aspect, since the laser light source can irradiate only a part of the temperature control target with the laser light, compared with the case of irradiating the entire container with the laser light. Since convection is likely to occur in the temperature control target, it is possible to further increase the heating efficiency.

  According to the temperature control system of claim 3, the laser beam emitted from the laser light source is applied to the condensing unit so that the focal position of the laser beam collected by the condensing unit coincides with the convection start position. Since it is possible to condense at this point, convection is more likely to occur in the temperature control target than when the focal position of the laser beam coincides with a position other than the convection start position, so that the heating efficiency can be further increased. Become.

  According to the temperature control system of claim 4, the laser light emitted from the laser light source can be transmitted through one of the pair of second side parts, and from one of the pair of second side parts. Since the incident laser beam can be reflected by at least one or more first side portions, the laser beam incident from one of the pair of second side portions can be reflected by at least one or more first side portions. Light can be prevented from leaking, and the heating efficiency can be further improved.

  According to the temperature control system of the fifth aspect, since the temperature control target is an aqueous solution containing the specimen, it is possible to improve the heating efficiency of the aqueous solution.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the temperature control system which concerns on Embodiment 1 with the container in which the temperature control object was accommodated. It is an expanded partial sectional view of the area | region A in FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a temperature control system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state in which the laser beam is irradiated from the laser light source with respect to the temperature control object through the container. It is a figure which shows the state in which the convection has arisen in the temperature control object accommodated in the container. 3 is a flowchart of temperature adjustment processing according to Embodiment 1; It is a flowchart of the temperature control process following FIG. It is an expanded partial sectional view of the area | region A corresponding to FIG. 2 in the temperature control system which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state in which the laser beam is irradiated from the laser light source with respect to the temperature control object through the container. It is a modification of the irradiation mechanism which concerns on Embodiment 1, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state in which the laser beam is irradiated with respect to the temperature control object via the container. It is a modification of the irradiation mechanism which concerns on Embodiment 1, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state in which the laser beam is irradiated with respect to the temperature control object via the container.

  Embodiments of the temperature control system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the configuration of the temperature control system will be described, then the processing executed by the temperature control system will be described, and finally, modifications to each embodiment will be described. However, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

(Basic concept of the present embodiment)
First, the basic concept of this embodiment will be described. The present embodiment generally relates to a temperature control system for adjusting the temperature of a temperature control object accommodated in a container.

  Here, the “container” means a container for accommodating a temperature control target. This “container” is a concept including, for example, a substantially hollow cylindrical container such as a cuvette, a flat dish container such as a petri dish, and the like, but in each embodiment, it is described as a substantially hollow cylindrical container. The “temperature adjustment target” means an object whose temperature is adjusted by the temperature control system. This “temperature control target” is a concept including, for example, a liquid-like, gel-like, solid-like sample containing a specimen, or a sample in which these states are mixed, and a sample having translucency. Each embodiment will be described as an aqueous solution containing a specimen (that is, a mixture of a specimen, water having translucency (for example, pure water) and various reagents necessary for amplifying the specimen). Among these, “sample” means a material to be analyzed, and in each embodiment, it is described as deoxyribonucleic acid (hereinafter referred to as “DNA”). Hereinafter, it may be a nucleic acid such as “RNA”. Further, “adjusting the temperature” means adjusting the temperature of the temperature adjustment target so that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target becomes a predetermined temperature.

  The application target of the temperature control system according to the present invention is arbitrary, for example, a PCR apparatus, DNA or RNA used when amplifying DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (hereinafter referred to as “PCR”) amplification method It is conceivable that the amplification reaction is applied to a nucleic acid test apparatus such as a real-time PCR apparatus used in real-time measurement and analysis. In each of the following embodiments, a case where the amplification reaction is applied to a PCR apparatus will be described.

[Embodiment 1]
First, the first embodiment will be described. This Embodiment 1 is a form provided with a condensing means.

(Constitution)
First, the structure of a container and a temperature control system is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the temperature control system according to Embodiment 1 together with a container in which a temperature control target is accommodated. FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of region A in FIG. 1 (shown partially without breaking. Hereinafter, the same applies to FIGS. 4 and 8 to 11). In the following description, the X direction in FIG. 1 is the right direction of the temperature control system, the X ′ direction in FIG. 1 is the left direction of the temperature control system, the Z direction in FIG. The Z ′ direction is the downward direction of the temperature control system. Although not shown, the direction that is substantially orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction in FIG. 1 and that extends from the back side to the near side with respect to the paper surface is the Y direction, and the X direction and the Z direction in FIG. The direction from the near side to the far side with respect to the paper surface is the Y ′ direction.

(Configuration-container)
The container 10 accommodates the temperature adjustment target T and includes a container main body 11 and a flange 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, the specific material of the container 10 is such that the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10 can be irradiated with laser light from a laser light source 31 of the irradiation mechanism 30 described later. A material in which at least a part of 10 has a light-transmitting property is desirable, and for example, acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate, cyclic olefin copolymer, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or the like is desirably employed (specifically, Embodiment 1). 2, the entire container 10 is formed of a translucent material). Moreover, although the formation method of the container 10 is arbitrary, the method etc. which form the container main body 11 and the collar part 12 integrally correspond, for example.

(Configuration-Container-Container body)
The container body 11 is a basic structure of the container 10. The container body 11 includes a first side portion 13 that is a side portion substantially along the vertical direction and second side portions 14a and 14b that are substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction, at positions facing each other. Arranged second side portions 14a and 14b (specifically, the second side portion 14a is arranged at the upper end portion of the first side portion 13 and the second side portion 14b is arranged at the first side portion 13). Are arranged at the lower end of the long hollow cylindrical body.

  Here, as for the shape of the container main body 11, the capacity according to the purpose (for example, the capacity when temperature control target T of a minute amount as in the conventional system (specifically, several nL to about 5 uL)) Or a shape that can accommodate the temperature control target T in a volume (specifically, about several tens of uL to several hundred uL) required for a clinical test such as a PCR amplification method. ing. For example, the inner diameter = 0.50 mm to 3.00 mm and the vertical length = 7.08 mm so that a temperature control target T of about 50 μL, which is a volume normally used in the PCR amplification method, can be accommodated. The shape may be set in a range up to 254.80 mm, but in the first embodiment, a predetermined laser light irradiation length can be ensured and the shape of the container 10 is excellent in manufacturability. The inner diameter is set to 2.00 mm and the length in the vertical direction is set to 15.92 mm.

  An opening 15 is provided in the second side portion 14 a of the container body 11. The opening 15 is a through-hole for injecting the temperature adjustment target T into the container body 11.

(Configuration-container-buttock)
The flange 12 is an abutting means that abuts against a container holding portion 20 described later. The flange 12 is formed of a substantially annular body, and is disposed so as to cover the outer edge of the upper portion of the container body 11.

  Here, about the specific shape of the collar part 12, it is set to the shape in which the container main body 11 can be stably hold | maintained by the container holding part 20 mentioned later, for example, the internal diameter of the collar part 12 is set. It is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the container body 11, the outer diameter of the flange 12 is larger than the outer diameter of the container body 11, and the vertical length of the flange 12 is shorter than the vertical length of the container body 11. Is set to

(Configuration-temperature control system)
The temperature adjustment system 1 is a system that adjusts the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the temperature control system 1 includes a container holding unit 20, an irradiation mechanism 30, a cooling unit 40, a temperature sensor 50, a level sensor 60, and a control device 70. Has been.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Container holder)
The container holding unit 20 is a container holding unit for holding the container 10. The container holding portion 20 is formed of a plate-like body having a substantially rectangular planar shape, is arranged substantially along the left-right direction, and is supported by a support structure (not shown).

  A plurality of openings 21 are provided on the side surface of the container holding unit 20. The plurality of openings 21 are through-holes for inserting the container 10 so that the longitudinal direction of the container 10 is substantially along the vertical direction. The plurality of openings 21 are formed in a substantially circular shape, and are arranged side by side substantially along the left-right direction and the front-rear direction at intervals (for example, about 1 mm to 20 mm). Here, the specific shape of each of the plurality of openings 21 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the container main body 11 of the container 10 and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 12.

  Here, the specific material of the container holding unit 20 is arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, the laser light source 31 of the irradiation mechanism 30 to be described later is accommodated in a specific container 10 and laser is applied to the temperature adjustment target T. A material that can prevent laser light from being irradiated to the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in another container 10 other than the specific container 10 when light is irradiated, such as polybutylene terephthalate, is desirable. A non-translucent resin material or the like is employed.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Irradiation mechanism)
The irradiation mechanism 30 is a mechanism for irradiating the temperature adjustment target T with laser light through the container 10, and is configured to include a laser light source 31, a condensing unit 32, and a position adjustment unit 33. Yes.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Irradiation mechanism-Laser light source)
The laser light source 31 is a light source that irradiates the temperature adjustment target T with laser light through the container 10. The laser light source 31 is configured using a known laser oscillator, for example, and is connected to the control device 70 via the wiring 2.

  Here, the type of laser light emitted from the laser light source 31 is arbitrary, and examples include infrared laser light, visible light laser light, ultraviolet laser light, and the like. explain.

  Further, the light wavelength and light amount of the laser light emitted from the laser light source 31 are desirably set to the light wavelength and light amount that can obtain a heating efficiency of about 10 ° C./second or more for the temperature adjustment target T. For example, the light wavelength = 1450 nm and the light amount = 30 mW are set.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Irradiation mechanism-Condensing part)
The condensing unit 32 is a condensing unit that condenses the laser light emitted from the laser light source 31. This condensing part 32 is comprised using the well-known condensing lens (objective lens), for example.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Irradiation mechanism-Position adjustment unit)
The position adjusting unit 33 is a position adjusting unit for adjusting the installation positions of the laser light source 31 and the light collecting unit 32 in the vertical direction. The position adjustment unit 33 is configured by using, for example, a known actuator that can push and pull the laser light source 31 and is connected to the control device 70 via the wiring 2.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Irradiation mechanism-Other configurations)
The other configuration of the irradiation mechanism 30 described above is arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the temperature stored in any one of the plurality of containers 10 using one irradiation mechanism 30. A transport mechanism (not shown) is provided so that the irradiation mechanism 30 can be transported when the adjustment target T is irradiated with laser light (the same applies to the configuration of the level sensor 60). To do). Here, the transport mechanism is a transport means for transporting the irradiation mechanism 30 substantially along the left-right direction, and includes a slide block, a rail section, and a drive section (illustrating these sections). (Omitted).

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Cooling part)
The cooling unit 40 is a cooling unit for cooling the container 10. The cooling unit 40 is configured using, for example, a known heat transfer element (specifically, a Peltier element or the like). In addition, the cooling unit 40 is formed of a substantially ring-shaped body and is disposed so as to cover a part of the container 10. The cooling unit 40 is connected to the control device 70 via the wiring 2.

  An opening 41 is provided on the side surface of the cooling unit 40. The opening 41 is a through hole for bringing the temperature sensor 50 into contact with the container 10, and is formed in a shape larger than the outer edge shape of the temperature sensor 50.

  Here, the specific shape of the cooling unit 40 is set in a shape that can cover a part of the outer edge of the contact portion with the temperature adjustment target T in the first side portion 13 of the container body 11. For example, the inner diameter of the cooling unit 40 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the container body 11 of the container 10, the outer diameter of the cooling unit 40 is larger than the outer diameter of the container body 11, and The length is set to be shorter than the vertical length of the container body 11. The operating temperature of the cooling unit 40 is desirably a temperature at which a predetermined cooling efficiency is obtained for the temperature adjustment target T, and is set to about 4 ° C. to 20 ° C., for example.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Temperature sensor)
The temperature sensor 50 is temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T and outputs the detected value to the control device 70 via the wiring 2. The temperature sensor 50 is configured using, for example, a known temperature sensor (specifically, a thermocouple or the like), and is disposed so as to contact the container 10 through the opening 41 of the cooling unit 40.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Level sensor)
The level sensor 60 detects the level of the liquid level in the temperature adjustment target T (that is, the distance from the level sensor 60 to the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T), and outputs the detected value to the control device 70 via the wiring 2. Level detecting means. The level sensor 60 is, for example, a known level sensor (for example, an ultrasonic type) that can detect the level of the liquid level in the temperature adjustment target T in a state where the level sensor 60 is not in contact with the temperature adjustment target T. And is installed at a position above the container 10 and opposed to the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Control device)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of temperature control system 1 according to the first embodiment. The control device 70 is a device that controls the temperature control system 1, and includes an operation unit 71, an output unit 72, a control unit 73, and a storage unit 74, as shown in FIG. The control device 70 can be configured by a known personal computer or the like, for example, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Control device-Operation unit)
The operation unit 71 is an operation means for receiving operation inputs related to various types of information. The operation unit 71 is configured by using known operation means such as a remote operation means such as a touch panel or a remote controller, or a hard switch.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Control device-Output unit)
The output unit 72 is an output unit that outputs various types of information based on the control of the control unit 73. The output unit 72 is configured by using a known display means such as a known liquid crystal display or a flat panel display such as an organic EL display, or a known sound output means such as a speaker.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Control device-Control unit)
The control unit 73 is a control unit that controls the control device 70. Specifically, the control unit 73 includes a CPU, various programs that are interpreted and executed on the CPU (including a basic control program such as an OS and an application program that is activated on the OS and realizes a specific function), and An internal memory such as a RAM for storing programs and various data is provided. In particular, the temperature control program according to the first embodiment is stored in a computer-readable recording medium, and is installed in the control device 70 from the recording medium, thereby substantially configuring the control unit 73.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 73 includes a laser light source output control unit 73 a and a convection start position specifying unit 73 b in terms of functions and concepts. The laser light source output control unit 73 a is a laser light source output control unit that performs laser light output control in the laser light source 31. The convection start position specifying unit 73b is a convection start position specifying means for specifying a convection start position, which will be described later. Details of processing executed by each component of the control unit 73 will be described later.

(Configuration-Temperature control system-Control device-Storage unit)
Various information necessary for the processing of the control device 70 (for example, the number of repetitions described later, the vertical position of a level sensor 60 described later, a level reference value described later, a focal length value described later, a laser light source 31 and a light collection described later) Storage means for storing a mutual distance value with the unit 32, a first temperature value to be described later, a second temperature value to be described later, and a third temperature value to be described later, for example, a hard disk (not shown) as an external recording device ). However, any other recording medium including a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical recording medium such as a DVD or a Blu-ray disk can be used instead of or together with the hard disk.

  The storage unit 74 includes a convection starting point position table (not shown). The convection start position table is convection start position storage means for storing information related to the convection start position. Specifically, the convection starting point position table is configured by associating the item “liquid level position” and the item “convection starting point position” with information corresponding to each item. Here, the information corresponding to the “liquid level position” is information specifying the vertical position on the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10. The “convection start position” is information for specifying a convection start position to be described later.

(Details of irradiation mechanism)
Next, with respect to the details of the configuration of the irradiation mechanism 30 according to the first embodiment, the following measures are taken. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which laser light is irradiated from the laser light source 31 to the temperature adjustment target T via the container 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which convection is generated in the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10.

(Details of irradiation mechanism-about the structure of irradiation mechanism)
First, as for the configuration of the irradiation mechanism 30, for example, a configuration is employed in which the laser light can be irradiated from the laser light source 31 so that the irradiation direction of the laser light is substantially along the longitudinal direction of the container 10. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the irradiation port of the laser light source 31 is opposed to the second side portion 14 b of the container body 11 of the container 10 at a position below the container holding unit 20. The laser light source 31 is arranged so as to do so. In this case, the condensing part 32 is installed between the laser light source 31 and the second side part 14 b of the container body 11. The position adjustment unit 33 is disposed at a position where the push-pull portion of the position adjustment unit 33 contacts the lower end of the laser light source 31 and is fixed to the laser light source 31 with a fixture or the like.

  With such a configuration, since the laser light can be emitted from the laser light source 31 so that the laser light irradiation direction is substantially along the longitudinal direction of the container 10, compared with the case where the laser light irradiation direction is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Thus, since the laser light irradiation range in the temperature adjustment target T is increased, the heating efficiency can be improved.

(Details of irradiation mechanism-configuration of laser light source)
As the configuration of the laser light source 31, a configuration is adopted in which laser light can be irradiated only to a part of the temperature adjustment target T. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the planar shape of the irradiation port of the laser light source 31 is smaller than the planar shape of the container 10 (more specifically, the irradiation port of the laser light source 31. The laser light source 31 is formed in such a manner that the length in the left-right direction is shorter than the length in the left-right direction of the container 10).

  With such a configuration, convection is more likely to occur in the temperature adjustment target T than in the case of irradiating the entire container 10, so that the heating efficiency can be further increased.

(Details of irradiation mechanism-about the configuration of the condensing part)
Moreover, about the structure of the condensing part 32, it irradiated from the laser light source 31 so that the focal position of the laser beam condensed in the condensing part 32 may correspond with the convection origin position in the temperature control object T, for example. A configuration in which the laser beam can be collected by the light collecting unit 32 is employed. Here, the “convection starting point position” means a predetermined position that is a starting point when convection is generated by the laser light collected by the light collecting unit 32 in the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10. . The determination of the convection start position is arbitrary, and for example, it is preferably determined at a position where the convection efficiency in the temperature adjustment target T is high. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, even if the position of the center of gravity of the temperature adjustment target T, which is a position where a plurality of convections can be generated in the temperature adjustment target T, is determined as the convection start position CP. Well, or as shown in FIG. 5B, a position other than the center of gravity position of the temperature adjustment target T, which is a position where a single convection can be generated in the temperature adjustment target T (for example, the temperature adjustment target T Although the upper end position or the lower end position) may be determined as the convection start position CP, the first embodiment will be described assuming that the center of gravity position of the temperature adjustment target T is determined as the convection start position CP.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the focal position of the laser beam condensed by the condenser 32 is the center of gravity position of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10 (more specifically, When the outer shape of the container 10 is cylindrical, the position of the center of gravity of the temperature adjustment target T is the vertical position on the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T and the second side portion 14b of the container body 11 of the container 10. The condensing part 32 is arrange | positioned so that it may correspond to an intermediate position with the position of an up-down direction.

  With such a configuration, convection is more likely to occur in the temperature adjustment target T as compared with the case where the focal position of the laser light coincides with a position other than the convection start position, so that the heating efficiency can be further improved.

(processing)
Next, temperature control processing executed by the temperature control system 1 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the temperature adjustment process according to Embodiment 1 (steps are abbreviated as “S” in the description of each process below). FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the temperature adjustment process continued from FIG. This temperature adjustment process is a process for adjusting the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10 and is activated after the power is supplied to the control device 70.

  When the temperature adjustment process is started, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the control unit 73 stands by until a user's predetermined instruction is accepted via the operation unit 71 (SA1, No).

  For example, the plurality of containers 10 in which the temperature adjustment target T is accommodated are held by the container holding unit 20, and the irradiation mechanism 30, the cooling unit 40, the temperature sensor 50, and the level sensor 60 are installed at predetermined positions. Later, when a predetermined instruction is received (SA1, Yes), the control unit 73 targets any one of the plurality of containers 10 held by the container holding unit 20 in a loop between SA2 and SA20. The processes from SA3 to SA19 are sequentially performed. In addition, at the same timing, cooling by the cooling unit 40 is started and detection by the temperature sensor 50 and the level sensor 60 is started (the operations of the cooling unit 40, the temperature sensor 50, and the level sensor 60 are This is continued until the temperature adjustment process is completed). Hereinafter, the container 10 to be processed is referred to as “target container 10”.

  Here, the setting of the number of repetitions of the loop between SA2 and SA20 is arbitrary. For example, the number of times stored in advance in the storage unit 74 may be set as the number of repetitions, or via the operation unit 71. The number of times the user has input may be set as the number of repetitions. Note that the “number of repetitions” means the number of times the processes from SA3 to SA12 need to be repeated in order to amplify the sample included in the temperature adjustment target T to a predetermined number. In order to amplify the number of a certain DNA by 1 million times, the number of repetitions is set to about 20 to 30 times.

  In this loop, first, in order to adjust the focal position of the laser beam condensed by the condensing unit 32, the control unit 73 performs processing from SA3 to SA5.

  First, the convection start position specifying unit 73b determines whether or not the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T stored in the target container 10 is at a predetermined position based on the detection value of the level sensor 60 (SA3). Specifically, the convection start position specifying unit 73b subtracts the distance from the level sensor 60 to the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T from the vertical position of the level sensor 60 stored in advance in the storage unit 74. The position in the vertical direction on the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T is calculated, and whether the calculated position in the vertical direction on the liquid level of the temperature control target T matches the level reference value stored in the storage unit 74 in advance. If they match, it is determined that the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T is at a predetermined position, and if they do not match, it is determined that the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T is not at a predetermined position. Here, the “position in the vertical direction of the level sensor 60” means the coordinate in the vertical direction of the level sensor 60 when the predetermined position is the origin. The “level reference value” is, for example, when the capacity of the temperature adjustment target T stored in the container is 50 μL, or when 50 μL of the temperature control target T is stored in the container 10 when the predetermined position is the origin. The value which shows the coordinate of the up-down direction in the liquid level of temperature control object T of this.

  When it is determined that the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T is not at the predetermined position (SA3, No), the convection start position specifying unit 73b refers to the convection start position position table and calculates the calculated temperature adjustment target T. The position of the convection start point corresponding to the vertical position on the liquid level is specified (SA4). Here, with respect to the identified convection start position, for example, the outer shape of the temperature adjustment target T = cylindrical, the vertical position on the liquid surface of the temperature adjustment target T = 38 mm, and the second in the container body 11 of the container 10. When the position in the vertical direction of the side portion 14b = 30 mm, the position of the convection start point = (the position in the vertical direction on the liquid surface of the temperature adjustment target T + the vertical position in the second side portion 14b of the container body 11 of the container 10). The direction position) / 2 = (38 mm + 30 mm) / 2 = 34 mm is stored in the convection start point position table.

  Next, the convection starting point position specifying unit 73b adjusts the position of the laser light source 31 in the vertical direction so that the focal position of the laser beam condensed by the condensing unit 32 coincides with the specified convection starting point position. (SA5).

  Here, the method of adjusting the vertical position of the laser light source 31 is arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, the vertical position of the laser light source 31 acquired from the position adjustment unit 33 (specifically, the laser light source 31 Based on the vertical position of the upper end of the light source 31, the focal length value stored in advance in the storage unit 74, and the mutual distance value between the laser light source 31 and the light collecting unit 32, the current focal position is determined. And calculating the position deviation amount between the calculated current focal position and the convection start position specified in SA4, and adjusting the vertical position of the laser light source 31 based on the calculated position deviation amount. A method or the like is adopted. Here, the “focal length value” means a value indicating a distance from the upper end portion of the light collecting unit 32 to the focal point of the laser light condensed by the light collecting unit 32. Further, “the mutual distance value between the laser light source 31 and the condensing unit 32” means a value indicating the distance from the upper end of the laser light source 31 to the upper end of the condensing unit 32. For example, when the position of the laser light source 31 in the vertical direction = 17 mm, the focal length value = 13 mm, the mutual distance value between the laser light source 31 and the condensing unit 32 = 3 mm, and the convection start point position = 34 mm, the current focal point Position = vertical position of the laser light source 31 + focal length value + mutual distance value between the laser light source 31 and the condenser 32 = 17 mm + 13 mm + 3 mm = 33 mm is calculated, and the amount of positional deviation between the convection starting point position and the current focal position = Convection origin position-Focus position at present = 34 mm-33 mm = 1 mm is calculated. Then, the laser light source 31 is moved upward by 1 mm by the position adjustment unit 33. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above method. For example, the convection start position specified in SA4 in the current processing from SA3 to SA13 is more than the convection start position specified in SA4 in the previous processing from SA3 to SA13. In the case of low (or high), a method of calculating the positional deviation amount between these convection start positions and adjusting the vertical position of the laser light source 31 based on the calculated positional deviation amount may be employed. .

  In addition, when the process proceeds to SA3 for the first time in the temperature adjustment process, it is determined that the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T is not in a predetermined position unless the target container 10 does not contain 50 μL of the temperature adjustment target T. Since it is not performed, it will transfer to SA6 mentioned later (On the other hand, when it transfers to SA3 twice or more in temperature control processing, the volume of the temperature control object T accommodated in the object container 10 will fluctuate. When the vertical position on the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T is reduced by the above, it is determined that the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T is not at the predetermined position, and the process proceeds to SA4).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the liquid level of the temperature adjustment target T is at the predetermined position (SA3, Yes), the control unit 73 performs the processing from SA6 to SA10 in order to set the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T to the first temperature. Do. Here, the “first temperature” is, for example, the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T when dissociating DNA (specifically, double-stranded DNA) as a specimen into single-stranded DNA by thermal deformation. Specifically, the temperature is set to about 94 ° C. to 98 ° C.

  First, the laser light source output control unit 73a causes the laser light source 31 to irradiate the temperature adjustment target T via the target container 10 (SA6). Thereby, the temperature control object T is heated by the laser beam.

  Next, the laser light source output control unit 73a determines whether the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has reached the first temperature based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 50 (SA7, No). Specifically, the laser light source output control unit 73a determines whether or not the detection value of the temperature sensor 50 matches the first temperature value stored in advance in the storage unit 74. It is determined that the temperature of the target T has reached the first temperature. If they do not match, it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has not reached the first temperature. Here, the “first temperature value” means a value indicating the first temperature.

  Here, when it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has not reached the first temperature (SA7, No), the control unit 73a proceeds to SA6 and repeats the processes of SA6 and SA7 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has reached the first temperature (SA7, Yes), the laser light source output control unit 73a stops the laser light irradiation by the laser light source 31 (SA8). Thereby, the temperature control object T is cooled by the cold energy of the cooling unit 40. Next, the laser light source output control unit 73a determines whether or not a first waiting time (for example, about 0.05 to 5 seconds) has elapsed since it was determined at SA7 that the first temperature was first reached. (SA9).

  Here, when it is determined that the first standby time has not elapsed (SA9, No), the laser light source output control unit 73a determines that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T is the first based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 50. It is determined whether or not a predetermined temperature (for example, about 1 ° C.) has decreased from the temperature (SA10). Here, when it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has decreased by a predetermined temperature (SA10, Yes), the control unit 73 proceeds to SA6 and repeats the processing from SA6 to SA10 again. Accordingly, the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T can be maintained at the first temperature until the first standby time has elapsed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has not decreased by a predetermined temperature (SA10, No), the control unit 73 proceeds to SA9 and repeats the processes of SA9 and SA10 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the first standby time has elapsed (SA9, Yes), the control unit 73 performs the processing from SA11 to SA14 in order to set the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T to the second temperature. Here, the “second temperature” is, for example, the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T when the primer (nucleic acid fragment) is bound to the single-stranded DNA dissociated by thermal deformation, specifically from 55 ° C. The temperature is set to about 60 ° C.

  First, the laser light source output control unit 73a monitors whether the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has reached the second temperature based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 50 (SA11, No). Specifically, the laser light source output control unit 73a determines whether or not the detection value of the temperature sensor 50 matches the second temperature value stored in advance in the storage unit 74. It is determined that the temperature of the target T has reached the second temperature. If they do not match, it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has not reached the second temperature. Here, the “second temperature value” means a value indicating the second temperature.

  When the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T reaches the second temperature (SA11, Yes), the laser light source output control unit 73a determines that the second temperature has been reached for the first time in SA11. , About 0.05 to 5 seconds, etc.) is determined (SA12).

  Here, when it is determined that the second standby time has not elapsed (SA12, No), the laser light source output control unit 73a determines that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T is the second based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 50. It is determined whether or not the temperature has decreased by a predetermined temperature (for example, about 1 ° C.) (SA13). Here, when it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has decreased by a predetermined temperature (SA13, Yes), the laser light source output control unit 73a applies laser light to the temperature adjustment target T via the target container 10. The light source 31 is irradiated for a predetermined time (for example, about 0.1 to 0.2 seconds) (SA14). And the control part 73 transfers to SA11, and repeats the process of SA11 to SA14 again. Thus, the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T can be maintained at the second temperature until the second standby time elapses. On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has not decreased by the predetermined temperature (SA13, No), the control unit 73 proceeds to SA12 and repeats the processes of SA12 and SA13 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the second standby time has elapsed (SA12, Yes), the control unit 73 performs the processing from SA15 to SA19 in order to set the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T to the third temperature. Here, the “third temperature” is, for example, the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T when a complementary strand of the original DNA is synthesized as a primer by a DNA polymerase, and specifically about 68 ° C. to 72 ° C. The temperature is set.

  First, the laser light source output control unit 73a causes the laser light source 31 to irradiate the temperature adjustment target T via the target container 10 (SA15). Next, the laser light source output control unit 73a determines whether the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has reached the third temperature based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 50 (SA16, No). Specifically, the laser light source output control unit 73a determines whether or not the detected value of the temperature sensor 50 matches the third temperature value stored in advance in the storage unit 74. It is determined that the temperature of the target T has reached the third temperature. If they do not match, it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has not reached the third temperature. Here, the “third temperature value” means a value indicating the third temperature.

  Here, when it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has not reached the third temperature (SA7, No), the control unit 73a proceeds to SA15 and repeats the processes of SA15 and SA16 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has reached the third temperature (SA16, Yes), the laser light source output control unit 73a stops the laser light irradiation by the laser light source 31 (SA17). Next, the laser light source output control unit 73a determines whether or not a third waiting time (for example, about 0.05 to 5 seconds) has elapsed since it was determined in SA16 that the third temperature was first reached. (SA18).

  Here, when it is determined that the third standby time has not elapsed (SA18, No), the laser light source output control unit 73a determines that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T is the third based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 50. It is determined whether or not the temperature has decreased by a predetermined temperature (for example, about 1 ° C.) (SA19). If it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has decreased by a predetermined temperature (SA19, Yes), the control unit 73 proceeds to SA15 and repeats the processing from SA15 to SA19 again. Thus, the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T can be maintained at the third temperature until the third standby time elapses. On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature of the temperature adjustment target T has not decreased by the predetermined temperature (SA19, No), the control unit 73 proceeds to SA18 and repeats the processes of SA18 and SA19 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the third waiting time has elapsed (SA18, Yes), in the loop between SA2 and SA20, the number of times the loop is actually repeated is the number of repetitions stored in advance in the storage unit 74. Until it becomes, the control unit 73 repeats the processing from SA3 to SA19 again.

  As described above, in the loop between SA2 and SA20, after the processes from SA3 to SA19 are sequentially performed until the number of times the loop is actually repeated reaches the number of repetitions stored in the storage unit 74 in advance. The control unit 73 causes the output unit 72 to output that the temperature adjustment process has been completed (SA21). The output method to the effect that the temperature adjustment process has ended is arbitrary. Specifically, a method for displaying the fact that the temperature adjustment process has ended by a known display means, or that the temperature adjustment process has ended. A known method for outputting sound may be employed. Thus, the temperature adjustment process ends.

  Thus, DNA which is the sample amplified by the temperature control process can be detected by a known method. For example, amplified DNA is classified according to the size of the DNA by electrophoresis. Specifically, a part of the temperature adjustment target T that has been subjected to temperature adjustment and a buffer for increasing the specific gravity are mixed, and the mixture (hereinafter referred to as “mixture”) is placed in a tray (not shown). Injected. Then, the mixture injected into the tray is electrophoresed by a known electrophoresis apparatus (not shown). Here, the method for confirming the size of the electrophoresed DNA is arbitrary. Specifically, after the electrophoresed DNA is stained with a staining solution (for example, ethidium bromide), the stained DNA is stained. Is taken using a known UV transilluminator (not shown), and a method for visually recognizing the size of DNA based on the taken photograph is employed. Or it is not restricted to this, For example, the method etc. by which the amplified DNA is directly labeled during amplification with a well-known label | marker used for real-time PCR method etc. may be employ | adopted. According to this method, the amplified DNA can be detected by detecting the label contained in the amplified DNA. In addition, amplified DNA can be detected using, for example, a fluorescently labeled probe.

(effect)
As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the laser light can be emitted from the laser light source 31 so that the irradiation direction of the laser light substantially follows the longitudinal direction of the container 10, the irradiation direction of the laser light is the longitudinal direction. Since the irradiation range of the laser light on the temperature adjustment target T is increased compared to the case where the temperature control target T is approximately orthogonal to the temperature control, it is possible to improve the heating efficiency.

  Further, since the laser light source 31 can irradiate only a part of the temperature adjustment target T with laser light, convection is likely to occur in the temperature adjustment target T as compared with the case where the laser light source 31 is irradiated to the entire container 10. It is possible to further increase the heating efficiency.

  In addition, since the laser light emitted from the laser light source 31 can be condensed by the condensing unit 32 so that the focal position of the laser light condensed by the condensing unit 32 coincides with the convection start point position. As compared with the case where the focal position of the laser beam coincides with a position other than the convection starting point position, convection is likely to occur in the temperature adjustment target T, so that the heating efficiency can be further improved.

  In addition, since the temperature adjustment target T is an aqueous solution containing a specimen, it is possible to improve the heating efficiency of the aqueous solution.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, the first embodiment will be described. In this form, a part of the container can reflect the laser light. In addition, about the component similar to Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol or name as used in Embodiment 1 is attached | subjected as needed, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Constitution)
First, the structure of the container and temperature control system which concern on Embodiment 2 is demonstrated. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A in FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which laser light is irradiated from a laser light source to a temperature adjustment target via a container. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the temperature control system 101 according to the second embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the temperature control system 1 according to the first embodiment. The device to show is given.

(Configuration-Container configuration)
Regarding the configuration of the container 10, for example, the laser light emitted from the laser light source 31 can be transmitted through the second side portion 14b, and the laser light incident from the second side portion 14b can be transmitted to the first side. A configuration that allows reflection by the portion 13 is employed. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the container body 11 of the container 10 includes a first side portion 13 and a second side portion 14a, 14b formed of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic. It has. A reflective film 80 is provided on the first side portion 13.

  The reflection film 80 is a reflection means that can reflect laser light. The reflective film 80 is formed of a substantially annular body, and is located between the first side portion 13 and the cooling portion 40 at the outer edge of the contact portion with the temperature adjustment target T on the first side portion 13. It arrange | positions so that at least one part may be covered.

  Here, the specific shape of the reflective film 80 is set to a shape that can cover the outer edge of the first side portion 13 of the container body 11. For example, the inner diameter of the reflective film 80 is set to the container 10. Is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the container body 11, the outer diameter of the reflective film 80 is larger than the outer diameter of the container body 11, and the vertical length of the cooling part 40 is the vertical direction of the first side part 13. It may be set substantially the same as the length. In this case, as for the specific shape of the cooling unit 40, for example, the inner diameter of the cooling unit 40 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the reflective film 80, and the outer diameter of the cooling unit 40 is larger than the outer diameter of the reflective film 80. It is large and is set so that the vertical length of the cooling unit 40 is shorter than the vertical length of the container body 11.

  As for the specific material of the reflective film 80, the laser light incident from the second side portion 14b can be reflected, and the cooling heat of the cooling portion 40 can be conducted to the first side portion 13. For example, a metal material such as aluminum, copper, silver, or gold is preferably used.

  An opening 81 is provided on the side surface of the reflective film 80. This is a through hole for bringing the temperature sensor 50 into contact with the container 10. The opening 81 is formed in a shape larger than the outer edge shape of the temperature sensor 50, and is disposed at a position facing the opening 41 of the cooling unit 40.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the laser light incident from the second side portion 14 b from leaking from the first side portion 13 as compared with the case where the reflective film 80 is not provided on the first side portion 13. .

(effect)
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the laser light emitted from the laser light source 31 can be transmitted through the second side portion 14b, and the laser light incident from the second side portion 14b is Since the light can be reflected by the first side portion 13, it is possible to prevent the laser light incident from the second side portion 14b from leaking from the first side portion 13 and to further improve the heating efficiency. it can.

[Modifications to Embodiment]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configuration and means of the present invention are arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of each invention described in the claims. be able to. Hereinafter, such a modification will be described.

(About problems to be solved and effects of the invention)
First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the above contents, and may vary depending on the implementation environment and details of the configuration of the invention. May be solved, or only some of the effects described above may be achieved. Even when the heating efficiency cannot be improved as compared with the conventional system, when the means of the present invention is different from the means of the conventional system, the problem of the present invention is solved.

(About distribution and integration)
Further, each of the electrical components described above is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each unit is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof is functionally or physically distributed or integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be configured. For example, the control device 70 can be configured to be distributed among a plurality of devices.

(About the container)
In the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the container 10 is formed so that the outer shape of the container main body 11 is a columnar shape. However, the shape is not limited to this, and for example, the outer shape is a substantially prismatic shape ( In this case, the container 10 may be formed to have a plurality of first side portions 13), a substantially conical shape, a substantially hourglass shape, or a substantially oval shape.

  In the first embodiment, it has been described that the container 10 is configured so that the entire container body 11 has translucency. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only a part of the container body 11 is transparent. The container 10 may be configured to have light properties. Specifically, the first side portion 13 of the container main body 11 is formed of a non-translucent resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate, and the second side portion 14b of the container main body 11 has a light transmissive property such as acrylic. The structure which is formed with the material which has and the opening 15 is provided in the 2nd side part 14a of the container main body 11 may be employ | adopted. Alternatively, the container body 11 and the collar part 12 are formed of a non-translucent resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate and the opening 15 is provided in the second side part 14a of the container body 11 (that is, only the opening 15). May be employed. In this case, with respect to the arrangement of the irradiation mechanism 30, it is desirable that the irradiation mechanism 30 be arranged so that laser light can enter from the opening 15, for example, at a position above the container 10. The irradiation mechanism 30 is arranged so that the irradiation port of the laser light source 31 faces the opening 15.

  In the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the container 10 includes the container main body 11 and the collar part 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an aqueous solution containing a specimen evaporates by heating. In order to prevent this, a lid that closes the opening 15 of the container body 11 may be further provided. The lid portion is a convex body having a protruding portion formed in an outer edge shape smaller than the outer edge shape of the opening 15 and a base portion formed in an outer edge shape larger than the outer edge shape of the opening 15. In addition, at least a part of the protruding portion of the lid is accommodated inside the container main body 11, and the lid is arranged so that the base portion of the lid contacts the upper end of the container main body 11. Here, as for the material of the lid portion, for example, the lid may be measured so that the liquid level in the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10 can be measured by the level sensor 60 configured using an optical level meter. A material in which at least a part of the part has translucency is desirable. For example, acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate, cyclic olefin copolymer, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or the like is employed. In addition, the specific configuration of the lid portion is arbitrary, but for example, a configuration in which the lid portion and the flange portion 12 are integrally formed may be employed. In this case, the lid part and the collar part 12 are formed separately from the container body 11.

  In the first and second embodiments, the shape of the container body 11 has been described as being set to a shape that can accommodate the temperature adjustment target T of about 50 μL, but is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the container body 11 may be set to a shape that can accommodate the temperature adjustment target T with a volume other than 50 μL (specifically, about 20 μL, 100 μL, etc.). The inner diameter and the vertical length of the container body 11 are set according to the other capacity of the adjustment target T.

  In the first embodiment, it has been described that the temperature control system 1 includes the transport mechanism for transporting the irradiation mechanism 30 and the level sensor 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transport mechanism is omitted. In addition, a transport mechanism for transporting the container 10 to a position corresponding to the irradiation mechanism 30 and the level sensor 60 may be provided.

(About the container holder)
In Embodiment 2 described above, the container holding portion has been described as being formed of a non-translucent resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate, but is not limited thereto, for example, a material having translucency such as acrylic. May be formed.

(About irradiation mechanism)
In the first embodiment, it has been described that the irradiation mechanism 30 includes the light collecting unit 32. However, for example, the light collecting unit 32 may be omitted (the same applies to the second embodiment). . In this case, the configuration of the laser light source 31 is arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the planar shape of the irradiation port of the laser light source 31 is smaller than the planar shape of the container 10 (specifically, The length of the irradiation port of the laser light source 31 in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the container 10 in the left-right direction), or the laser light source 31 may be formed. Thereby, it becomes possible to irradiate only a part of the temperature control target T with the laser light. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the laser light source 31 is arranged so that the planar shape of the irradiation port of the laser light source 31 is substantially the same as the planar shape of the container 10 (or larger than the planar shape of the container 10). It may be formed. Thereby, it becomes possible to irradiate the whole temperature control object T with a laser beam.

  In the first and second embodiments, it has been described that the laser light is irradiated to the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in any one of the plurality of containers 10 using one irradiation mechanism 30. Not limited to. For example, the irradiation mechanism 30 may be provided for each container 10 so that the laser light can be simultaneously irradiated to the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the plurality of containers 10. In this case, a level sensor 60 may be provided for each container 10 so that the level of the liquid level in the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the plurality of containers 10 can be detected simultaneously. And the conveyance mechanism (not shown) provided in the irradiation mechanism 30 and the level sensor 60 may be omitted.

  In the first and second embodiments, the irradiation mechanism 30 has been described as being disposed immediately below the container 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a position other than the position directly below the container 10 (for example, the container 10 10 and may be arranged to be located on the left side of the container 10. In this case, the irradiation mechanism 30 determines the irradiation direction of the laser light emitted from the laser light source 31 of the container 10. A reflection part (not shown) that can reflect substantially along the longitudinal direction (for example, a reflection mirror) is provided, and the reflection part (not shown) is a position where the laser light emitted from the laser light source 31 can be relayed to the container 10. And it arrange | positions just under the container 10. With such a structure, when the laser beam from the laser light source 31 is irradiated toward the reflection part, the irradiated laser beam is not illustrated. By being reflected by the part, the irradiation direction of the reflected laser beam becomes possible to substantially along the longitudinal direction of the container 10.

  In the first and second embodiments, the position adjusting unit 33 is described as adjusting the vertical installation positions of the laser light source 31 and the light collecting unit 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Only the vertical installation position of the optical unit 32 may be adjusted.

(About the cooling unit)
Although the cooling unit 40 has been described as being configured using a known heat transfer element, the cooling unit 40 is not limited thereto, and, for example, the outer edge of the contact portion with the temperature adjustment target T in the first side portion 13 of the container body 11. It may be configured using a water tank capable of immersing a part of the water tank, which can be managed at a predetermined temperature (specifically, about 4 ° C. to 20 ° C. or the like). In this case, it is desirable that the irradiation mechanism 30 is disposed at a position above the container 10 so that the irradiation port of the laser light source 31 of the irradiation mechanism 30 faces the opening 15.

(About reflective film)
In the second embodiment, the reflective film 80 is provided between at least a part of the outer edge of the contact portion with the temperature adjustment target T on the first side portion 13 between the first side portion 13 and the cooling portion 40. Although it has been described that it is arranged so as to cover, it is not limited to this. For example, the reflective film 80 may be disposed inside the first side portion 13 so that the reflective film 80 contacts at least a part of the temperature adjustment target T. In this case, as for the specific shape of the reflective film 80, for example, the outer diameter of the reflective film 80 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the container body 11 of the container 10, and the inner diameter of the reflective film 80 is the outer diameter of the container body 11. The length of the cooling unit 40 in the vertical direction may be set to be substantially the same as the length of the first side portion 13 in the vertical direction. The specific shape of the cooling unit 40 is set to be substantially the same as the shape of the cooling unit 40 according to the first embodiment.

  In Embodiment 2 described above, the reflective film 80 is described as being formed separately from the container 10, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be formed integrally with the first side portion 13 of the container 10. Specifically, the first side portion 13 can reflect the laser light, and the cooling heat of the cooling portion 40 can be reduced. It is formed of a material (for example, a metal material such as aluminum) that can conduct to one side portion 13.

(About the level reference value)
In the first and second embodiments, when the capacity of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container is 50 μL, 50 μL of the temperature adjustment target T is accommodated in the container 10 when the predetermined position is the origin. However, the present invention is not limited to this value. For example. When the volume of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container 10 is set to a volume other than 50 μL (specifically, about 20 μL), the temperature adjustment target of a volume other than 50 μL is used for the container 10 when the predetermined position is the origin. You may change to the value which shows the coordinate of the up-down direction in the liquid level of the temperature control object T when T is accommodated. In this case, regarding the change of the level reference value, when the user can know in advance the volume of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container (specifically, it is dispensed into the container 10 by a known reagent dispensing device). In the case where the capacity of the temperature adjustment target T can be known in advance, for example, the level reference value stored in the storage unit 74 may be changed in advance to a value corresponding to the capacity. On the other hand, when the user cannot know in advance the capacity of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container, the level reference value stored in the storage unit 74 cannot be changed. The position in the vertical direction on the liquid surface of the temperature adjustment target T accommodated in the container may be calculated, and the processes of SA4 and SA5 may be performed at all times.

(About temperature control processing)
In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the processing from SA3 to SA5 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. (That is, when the convection starting point position is a fixed position), SA3 to SA5 may be omitted. In this case, the temperature control system may be configured by omitting the level sensor 60.

  In the first and second embodiments, the processing from SA6 to SA19 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, according to various uses such as amplification of RNA as a sample, the processing from SA6 is performed. Part of the processing up to SA19 may be omitted or added. For example, at least part of the processing from SA6 to SA10 (or at least part of the processing from SA11 to SA14, or at least part of the processing from SA15 to SA19) may be omitted. Further, the processing from SA6 to SA10 (or the processing from SA11 to SA14 or the processing from SA15 to SA19) may be further added. In these cases, the first temperature value, the second temperature value, or the third temperature value stored in the storage unit 74 may be changed according to various applications.

(Appendix)
The temperature control system according to appendix 1 is a temperature control target at least partially housed in a long container having translucency, and a temperature for adjusting the temperature of the temperature control target having translucency. A laser light source for irradiating the temperature control target with laser light through the container, and the laser light is adjusted so that an irradiation direction of the laser light is substantially along a longitudinal direction of the container. Irradiation from the laser light source is possible.

  Further, the temperature control system according to appendix 2 is the temperature control system according to appendix 1, wherein the laser light source can irradiate only a part of the temperature control target with the laser beam.

  Moreover, the temperature control system according to attachment 3 further includes a condensing unit that condenses the laser light emitted from the laser light source in the temperature adjustment system according to attachment 1 or 2, and the condensing unit includes The laser light source so that the focal position of the laser beam condensed in this way coincides with a predetermined convection starting point position that is a starting point when convection is generated by the condensed laser light in the temperature adjustment target The laser beam emitted from the laser beam can be collected by the light collecting means.

  Further, the temperature control system according to appendix 4 is the temperature control system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the container includes at least one or more first electrodes substantially along the longitudinal direction of the container. Irradiating from the laser light source, comprising: a side portion; and a pair of second side portions that are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the container and are disposed at positions facing each other. The transmitted laser beam can be transmitted through one of the pair of second side portions, and the laser beam incident from one of the pair of second side portions can be transmitted through the at least one or more of the pair of second side portions. Reflection is possible by the first side.

  Further, the temperature control system according to appendix 5 is the temperature control system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the temperature control target is an aqueous solution containing a specimen.

(Additional effects)
According to the temperature control system described in appendix 1, since the laser light can be irradiated from the laser light source so that the laser light irradiation direction is substantially along the longitudinal direction of the container, the laser light irradiation direction is the longitudinal direction. Compared to the case of being approximately orthogonal, the laser light irradiation range in the temperature adjustment target is increased, so that the heating efficiency can be improved.

  According to the temperature control system described in appendix 2, the laser light source can irradiate only a part of the temperature control target with laser light, so that the temperature is higher than when the laser light is applied to the entire container. Since convection tends to occur in the adjustment target, it is possible to further increase the heating efficiency.

  According to the temperature control system described in appendix 3, the laser light emitted from the laser light source is applied to the condensing unit so that the focal position of the laser light collected by the condensing unit coincides with the convection start position. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the heating efficiency because convection is more likely to occur in the temperature control target than when the focal position of the laser beam coincides with a position other than the convection start position. .

  According to the temperature control system described in appendix 4, the laser light emitted from the laser light source can be transmitted through one of the pair of second side portions and incident from one of the pair of second side portions. Since the laser beam thus made can be reflected by at least one or more first side portions, the laser beam incident from one of the pair of second side portions can be reflected from at least one or more first side portions. Light leakage can be prevented, and the heating efficiency can be further improved.

  According to the temperature control system described in appendix 5, since the temperature control target is an aqueous solution containing a specimen, it is possible to improve the heating efficiency of the aqueous solution.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101 Temperature control system 2 Wiring 10 Container 11 Container main body 12 Gutter part 13 First side part 14a, 14b Second side part 15 Opening 20 Container holding part 21 Opening 30 Irradiation mechanism 31 Laser light source 32 Condensing part 33 Position Adjustment unit 40 Cooling unit 41 Opening 50 Temperature sensor 60 Level sensor 70 Control device 71 Operation unit 72 Output unit 73 Control unit 73a Laser light source output control unit 73b Convection start position specifying unit 74 Storage unit 80 Reflecting film 81 Opening T Temperature control target CP Convection origin position

Claims (5)

The temperature control target is a temperature control target accommodated in a long container having at least a light-transmitting property, and is a temperature control system for adjusting the temperature of the temperature control target having a light-transmitting property,
A laser light source for irradiating the temperature control target with laser light through the container;
The laser light source can be irradiated from the laser light source so that the irradiation direction of the laser light is substantially along the longitudinal direction of the container.
Temperature control system. The laser light source is
Only a part of the temperature control target can be irradiated with the laser light.
The temperature control system according to claim 1. Condensing means for condensing the laser light emitted from the laser light source,
The focal position of the laser beam condensed by the condensing means is made to coincide with a predetermined convection starting point position that is a starting point when convection is generated by the condensed laser beam in the temperature adjustment target. In addition, the laser light emitted from the laser light source can be condensed by the condensing means.
The temperature control system according to claim 1 or 2. The container is
At least one first side portion substantially along the longitudinal direction of the container;
A pair of second side portions that are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the container, and a pair of second side portions disposed at positions facing each other, and
The laser light emitted from the laser light source can be transmitted through one of the pair of second side portions,
The laser light incident from one of the pair of second side parts can be reflected by the at least one first side part,
The temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The temperature control target is an aqueous solution containing a specimen,
The temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images