JP4110455B2

JP4110455B2 - Cell washing rotor and cell washing centrifuge equipped with the same

Info

Publication number: JP4110455B2
Application number: JP2002143029A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 健二山田; 和彦村山; 大治郎白石
Original assignee: Hitachi Koki Co Ltd
Current assignee: Koki Holdings Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-05-17
Filing date: 2002-05-17
Publication date: 2008-07-02
Anticipated expiration: 2022-05-17
Also published as: JP2003337088A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する分野】
本発明は遠心力を利用して赤血球等の生体細胞を洗浄する細胞洗浄遠心機に係り、更にはそれに用いられる細胞洗浄ロータに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来から，輸血検査時の抗グロブリン試験、交差適合試験、不規則抗体スクリーニング等には赤血球を生理食塩水等の洗浄液で洗浄し、懸濁液中の余分な抗体を除去する工程が必要であり、この目的のために色々な細胞洗浄遠心機が知られている。
【０００３】
例えば、特開昭５０−２２６９３号公報には、内面が円錐形状容器の底面外周から放射状にノズルを設置し、回転による遠心力で洗浄液分配素子中央から注入された洗浄液を等分に分配し、ノズルより試験管ホルダによって保持された多数の試験管内に洗浄液を供給する構造の洗浄液分配素子が開示されている。
【０００４】
また例えば、実開平２−８１６４０号公報には、洗浄液分配素子に穿孔された穴から試験管ホルダによって保持された多数の試験管内に洗浄液を供給する構造が開示されている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
細胞洗浄の自動化を目的とした遠心機により良好な輸血検査等を行うためには、洗浄液分配素子により多数の試験管内に供給される洗浄液量が等量であることが望ましい。多数の試験管内に供給された洗浄液量にばらつきがある場合、例えば、洗浄液供給量の少ない試験管内では、懸濁液中に他の試験管よりも多量の抗体などの異物が残留する。また逆に洗浄液供給量の多い試験管内では、懸濁液中の抗体などの残留異物が少なく、この差が後工程で行われる試薬反応による検査結果の差となり、結果として輸血検査等の判定に重大な誤りを生ずる原因となる。
【０００６】
また洗浄液量の少ない試験管があった場合、この試験管の洗浄液供給量に合わせて他の試験管にも洗浄液を供給すると、他の試験管には過多の洗浄液が供給され、洗浄液量の多いものは試験管からあふれ、貴重な細胞試料が失われてしまうという問題を生じる。更には、洗浄液量の少ないものに合わせて洗浄回数を決めると洗浄工程が長時間に及ぶ不具合がある。
【０００７】
このように試験管に供給される洗浄液量が不均一になる原因はいくつか考えられる。第一の原因は、洗浄液分配素子の流路抵抗の不均一さに起因するものである。例えば、実開平２−８１６４０号公報で示される放射状に穿孔された穴から試験管ホルダによって保持された多数の試験管内に洗浄液を供給する方式の洗浄液分配素子では、穴の加工はドリル加工などの機械加工以外では困難である。しかし機械加工による穴加工は、穴の出入り口形状や穴内面の粗さに誤差が生じやすく、これが不均一な流路抵抗の原因となり、結果として多数の試験管内に供給された洗浄液量にばらつきを生じさせる。
【０００８】
また、特開昭５０−２２６９３号公報には、洗浄液分配素子に金属パイプを埋め込み、金属パイプ内を流路として多数の試験管内に洗浄液を供給する構造が開示されているが、この場合もやはりパイプ端面の加工形状やパイプ長さに加工誤差が生じ、これが前記同様不均一な流路抵抗の原因となり、結果として多数の試験管内に供給された洗浄液量にばらつきを生じさせる。
【０００９】
洗浄液量が不均一になる第二の原因は、洗浄液の漏れに起因するものである。例えば洗浄液分配素子の洗浄液出口と試験管口の距離が離れていると、穴加工方向の誤差により液体分配素子からでた洗浄液が試験管に完全に入らない場合があり、これもやはり試験管内に供給された洗浄液量にばらつきを生じさせる原因となっている。
【００１０】
また金属パイプ先端を試験管の近くに設置し、洗浄液が試験管に完全に入るようにした場合、試験管の長さ寸法のばらつきや回転起動時、試験管ホルダの横方向のがたにより試験管と金属パイプ先端が接触し、試験管破損を引き起こす不具合が発生する。
【００１１】
洗浄液量が不均一になる第三の原因は洗浄液中の異物に起因するものである。ポンプが送り出した洗浄液が液体分配素子に到達する間に空気中のごみや綿ほこり等を巻き込み、それらの異物が洗浄液分配素子の穴やパイプに詰まると、流路を塞ぎ、結果としてその部分に対応する試験管への洗浄液供給量を減少させる。その他、異物の原因として洗浄液に生理食塩水等を用いる場合にはタンクや流路中で析出した塩化ナトリウム等の固形物が流路を塞ぎ、洗浄液供給量を減少させる原因となることもある。
【００１２】
上記の洗浄液分配素子では、外部からこのような流路を塞ぐ異物を見ることが出来ず、定期的に洗浄工程を一時停止し、試験管に分配された洗浄液供給量を確認する煩雑な作業が必要であった。更には、上記の洗浄液分配素子では、処理する試験管本数の増減に関係無く、穴またはパイプの数だけ常に、洗浄液が供給されるため、試験管本数の少ない場合は洗浄液の無駄が生じた。
【００１３】
本発明の目的は上述した従来技術の問題に鑑み、多数の試験管内に、均等な洗浄液量を供給できる洗浄液分配素子を提供することにある。
【００１４】
本発明の他の目的は上記のような洗浄液分配素子を用いることにより、洗浄特性の良好でかつ信頼性が高く、しかも容易に試験管本数の増減に対応できる細胞洗浄ロータ並びにこれを備えた細胞洗浄遠心機を提供することである。
【００１５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の目的を達成するために本発明は、ロータと、ロータ回転時に遠心力で外方に揺動し得るように前記ロータに装着された試験管ホルダと、該試験管ホルダによって保持された試験管内に洗浄液を分配する洗浄液分配素子とより構成される細胞洗浄ロータにおいて、前記洗浄液分配素子は、上部分配素子と下部分配素子からなり、前記上部分配素子は、中央部に洗浄液導入孔を有する円錐形状部と、該円錐形状部の周囲に連続する円形平板状部とよりなり、前記下部分配素子は、前記上部分配素子の円錐形状部と間隙を隔てて対向する円錐形状部と、前記上部分配素子の円形平板状部と対向する位置に配置された円形平板状部とよりなり、前記上部分配素子及び下部分配素子の円形平板状部の外円周に沿って周期的な凸部と凹部を形成すると共に、前記上部分配素子及び下部分配素子の一方又は両方の該凸部に前記間隙から円形平板状部の外周端に通ずる溝部を形成することにより、前記洗浄液導入孔より導入した洗浄液が、前記間隙及び前記溝部を介して前記試験管ホルダに保持された試験管内に導入されるようにすると共に、上記洗浄液導入孔に着脱自在なフィルタを装着したことに一つの特徴がある。
【００１６】
本発明の他の特徴は、ロータと、ロータ回転時に遠心力で外方に揺動し得るように前記ロータに装着された試験管ホルダと、該試験管ホルダによって保持された試験管内に洗浄液を分配する洗浄液分配素子とより構成される細胞洗浄ロータにおいて、前記洗浄液分配素子は、上部分配素子と、中央部分配素子と、下部分配素子からなり、前記上部分配素子は、中央部に洗浄液導入孔を有する円錐形状部と、該円錐形状部の周囲に連続する円形平板状部とよりなり、前記中央部分配素子は、中央部が中空で、前記上部分配素子の円形平板状部と対向する位置に配置された円形平板状部からなり、前記下部分配素子は、前記中央部分配素子の中空部に挿入され、前記上部分配素子の円錐形状部と間隙を隔てて対向するように配置された円錐形状部からなり、前記上部分配素子及び下部分配素子の円形平板状部の外円周に沿って周期的な凸部と凹部を形成すると共に、前記上部分配素子及び下部分配素子の一方又は両方の該凸部に前記間隙から円形平板状部の外周端に通ずる溝部を形成することにより、前記洗浄液導入孔より導入した洗浄液が、前記間隙及び前記溝部を介して前記試験管ホルダに保持された試験管内に導入されるようにすると共に、上記洗浄液導入孔に着脱自在なフィルタを装着したことにある。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下本発明の実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。図１は本発明の一実施例を示す細胞洗浄ロータの構造及び部品構成を説明する斜視図である。本実施例では、細胞洗浄ロータ１はロータ２と洗浄液分配素子５から構成され、円盤型のロータ２には外周に２４個の角穴が配置され、この穴に２４個の試験管ホルダ３が装着されている。試験管４を挿入した試験管ホルダ３はロータ２の回転時、遠心力で装着部を軸として水平方向に自在に動くことができる。この実施例ではロータ２及び試験管ホルダ３はステンレス板をプレス加工により製作したが、樹脂成形品での製作も可能である。ロータ２の上には試験管４に洗浄液を供給する為の洗浄液分配素子５が装着される。洗浄液分配素子５はその下部の凸部がロータ２の長穴と係合しているため、ロータ２と共に回転する。また、洗浄液分配素子５をロータより着脱しても、ロータ２及び試験管ホルダ３と洗浄液分配素子５の位置関係は変わることは無い。
【００２０】
図２は本発明の一実施例を示す洗浄液分配素子の構造及び部品構成を説明する斜視図である。本実施例では、洗浄液分配素子５は上部分配素子６と下部分配素子８から構成され、下部分配素子８には放射状に試験管４の本数に等しい２４本の溝９が形成されている。上部分配素子６と下部分配素子８を組み合わせ配置することにより、下部分配素子８の溝９と上部分配素子６の平坦部で構成される空間が洗浄液の流路となる。この実施例により、洗浄液流路を溝と平面で囲まれる形状とすることで、上部分配素子６と下部分配素子８を樹脂成形のみで製作することが可能となる。高精度の金型を用いて上部分配素子６及び下部分配素子８を樹脂成形することにより、下部分配素子８の溝９の形状は、同一の洗浄液分配素子５で高精度に均一となり、性能的に均一な流路抵抗を有する洗浄液分配素子５を何時でも、大量に製造することが可能となった。
【００２１】
なお、上記の実施例において溝は、上部分配素子６及び下部分配素子８の一方又は両方に設けてもよいし、これらを樹脂ではなくセラミックス等で製造することも可能である。作り易さや流路抵抗の均一さを考えると、上記の実施例のように下部分配素子８に溝を設け、上部分配素子６の平面との間に形成される空間を流路とするのが最もよい。
【００２２】
また図２において上部分配素子６の中央には円筒形状の把握部１４が設けられている。把握部１４の外周には縦方向に複数のすべり止め凹部２６とすべり止め凸部２７が設けられている。これは、細胞洗浄工程終了後にロータ１を手動で小刻みに正逆回転し、試験管４内の赤血球と試薬を良好に混ぜ合わせ、反応を促進させるときに便利である。
【００２３】
図１０は本発明に係る細胞洗浄遠心機２０の全体構成を示す縦断面図である。図１０を用い洗浄液分配素子５の機能をより詳細に説明する。図１０においてモータ２１の駆動軸２２に細胞洗浄ロータ１が取りつけられる。モータ２１には本図では図示しない駆動回路より駆動電圧が印可されて駆動軸２２が回転される。細胞洗浄ロータ１は駆動軸２２により回転駆動され、試験管ホルダ３及び前もって赤血球等の生体細胞を適量入れた試験管４が遠心力で水平方向に揺動される。
【００２４】
この時にポンプ２３を動作させ、外部の洗浄液タンクより洗浄液を細胞洗浄遠心機２０の上部に位置するノズル２５に送り込むと、洗浄液はノズル２５から下方に噴出し、回転している細胞洗浄ロータ１中央の洗浄液導入孔７から洗浄液分配素子５内に入る。洗浄液分配素子５内に入った洗浄液は遠心力により外周に移動し、下部分配素子８の溝９と上部分配素子６の平坦部で構成される２４本の流路に分かれて流入し、洗浄液分配素子５の外周から勢い良く飛び出る。飛び出た洗浄液は洗浄液分配素子５の外側に位置する試験管４の内壁に当たり、壁面を伝わり試験管４底部にある生体細胞を浮遊させ懸濁状態を作り出す。試験管４に適量の洗浄液が入るとポンプ２３は停止し、洗浄液の注入工程は終了する。
【００２５】
引き続き、浮遊している生体細胞が試験管４底部に集まるまで回転を継続する。その後回転を停止し、試験管ホルダ３を垂直な位置に戻す。次に、本実施例では試験管ホルダ３の水平方向の動きを拘束する手段としの磁気素子２８を機能させながら低速でモータ２１を回転させる。試験管ホルダ３は磁性体のＳＵＳ４３０材等で製造されているので磁気素子２８の磁力により吸着され、垂直な状態を保持したまま回転するため試験管４内の洗浄液は遠心力で外部に放出される。試験管４底部にある生体細胞はそのまま残り洗浄液だけが無くなる。
【００２６】
このような工程を繰り返すことにより細胞洗浄遠心機２０は試験管４内の生体細胞から抗体などの異物を分離、取り除く。この様な工程により洗浄処理を行うため、多数の試験管内に供給された洗浄液量が等量であることが細胞洗浄遠心機２０の性能上望ましい訳である。
【００２７】
図２の実施例によれば、洗浄液分配素子５の上部分配素子６と下部分配素子７が高精度の樹脂成形品で製作されているので、穿孔された穴や金属パイプの流路に比較して下部分配素子８の溝９の形状は高精度に均一とすることができる。従って、穿孔された穴や金属パイプの流路に比較して流路抵抗が均一で等量の洗浄液量を分配することが可能な洗浄液分配素子５を再現性良く、大量に製造することが可能となる。
【００２８】
また細胞洗浄遠心機２０の細胞洗浄工程終了後には、例えば赤血球洗浄後には抗グロブリン血清等の試薬を試験管４に滴下し、細胞洗浄ロータ１を手動で小刻みに正逆回転し、試験管４内の赤血球と試薬を良好に混ぜ合わせ、反応を促進させることが必要であるが、図２の実施例では、上部分配素子６の中央に把握部１４を設け、更に外周にすべり止め凹部２６とすべり止め凸部２７を設けたことにより、手動で小刻みに正逆回転することが容易となり、確実な試薬反応を促すことができるという効果がある。
【００２９】
図３は本発明の一実施例による細胞洗浄ロータの平面図である。細胞洗浄遠心機２０の処理時間を短縮するためモータ２１の回転速度を上げると、洗浄液分配素子５の外周から飛び出た洗浄液が試験管４に入るまでに回転の風圧により飛行方向が曲げられ、完全に試験管４内に入らない場合が発生する。図３の実施例では、溝９の中心線１０が、試験管ホルダ３の中心とロータ２の回転中心を結ぶ直線よりも、ロータ２の回転方向に前進した位置に溝９が設けられている。このようにすることにより、洗浄液の飛行方向の曲がりを補正し、図に示すように試験管４の中に確実に注入することができる。前進させる角度はロータ２の回転速度及び洗浄液分配素子５と試験管４の距離に依存するが、０.５度から５度が望ましく、更には言えば１度から３度が望ましい。
【００３０】
図４は本発明の一実施例による細胞洗浄ロータの平面図であり、溝９の中心線１０は直線又は曲線状で前記ロータ中心を通る直線とある角度を成して設置されている。この例もやはり溝の中心線１０と前記ロータ中心を通る直線とのなす角度をロータ２の回転方向に前進させることで洗浄液の飛行方向の曲がりを補正することができる。
【００３１】
図５は本発明の一実施例による下部分配素子８の平面図である。この実施例においては、溝９の、ロータ２中心側の溝端部１１がなめらかな曲面で構成されている。このような形状とすることにより、洗浄液が洗浄液導入孔７から洗浄液分配素子５内に入り、複数の溝９に流れ込む時の流路抵抗のばらつきを小さく押さえ込むことができる。特にこの実施例のように隣り合う溝端部１１間を半円状の円弧で構成すると流路抵抗のばらつきを低減するのに効果がある。
【００３２】
また図５及び図２において上部分配素子６及び下部分配素子８は、その最外周において、溝９が配置された部分を他の部分よりも外に向かって凸形状とするような凸部１５が設けられている。このような形状とすることにより、試験管４と洗浄液分配素子５が干渉する距離を小さくすることができる。結果として洗浄液分配素子５と試験管４との間の距離を小さく設定でき、凸部１５から飛び出た洗浄液が試験管４に入るまでに回転の風圧により飛行方向が曲げられ、試験管４内に入らないという不具合も減少した。また洗浄液分配素子５外周の無駄な部分を削除でき、結果として洗浄液分配素子５の重量の軽量化により、モータ２１の負荷を軽減できた。
【００３３】
図６は本発明の一実施例による洗浄液分配素子５の断面図である。上部分配素子６の中央に位置する洗浄液導入孔７に上方から着脱自在な多孔質フィルタ１２を装着した。このような構成とすることで洗浄液中の異物は洗浄液分配素子５に入り込む前に除去することが可能で、溝９に詰まり、流路を塞ぎ、結果として試験管４への洗浄液供給量を減少させることを防止できた。本実施例では多孔質フィルタ１２は濾過精度５０μｍのポリプロピレン樹脂燒結成形品を用い、長期間使用後、フィルタの目詰まりが発生し、流量が減少する前に新しいものと交換可能とした。この他、多孔質フィルタ１２はステンレス等金属のスクリーンメッシュで製造しても実用上問題は無い。
【００３４】
また図６において上部分配素子６は全て透明部材で製造されている。この結果、上方より下部分配素子８の溝９を目視でき、万が一洗浄液中の異物で流路を塞がれた場合でもその位置を瞬時に特定でき、早期に対処可能となる。溝９が観察可能であれば上部分配素子６の一部だけが透明部材で構成されていても同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００３５】
図７は本発明の他の実施例による洗浄液分配素子の構造及び部品構成を説明する斜視図である。前述した細胞洗浄ロータ１は２４個の試験管ホルダ３を保持していたが、必ずしも1回の洗浄処理に２４本の試験管４の洗浄処理は行わず、場合によっては１２本の試験管４を処理することもある。この場合試験管４の無い部位にも洗浄液は供給注入されるため、洗浄液の無駄が生じた。
【００３６】
図７における実施例では洗浄液分配素子５は上部分配素子６と下部分配素子８及び栓部材１６で構成され、栓部材１６は上部分配素子６と下部分配素子８の間に保持され、かつ溝端部１１に密着、係合した構造とされている。この結果、栓部材１６が係合した溝９の洗浄液流れを完全に止めることができた。従って２４個の試験管ホルダ３を有する細胞洗浄ロータ１において１２本の試験管４を用い洗浄処理を行う場合は、試験管４の設置されていない１２個所の溝端部１１に栓部材１６を密着係合することにより、洗浄液部の無駄な供給を止めることができる。もちろん栓部材１６は細胞洗浄ロータ１中心に対して対称な位置に設置することが望ましい。更に、上部分配素子６は、その一部または全部が透明部材で構成されているので、上方より栓部材１６の位置を確認でき、確実に試験管４を洗浄液供給個所に設置することができる。また栓部材１６はシリコンゴム等の弾性体材料から構成することにより、更に溝端部１１との密着性を向上し、確実に洗浄液流れを止めることができる。
【００３７】
図８は本発明の他の実施例による洗浄液分配素子の構造及び部品構成を説明する斜視図である。図８における実施例では洗浄液分配素子５は上部分配素子６と下部分配素子８及び溝９が形成された中央部分配素子１７から構成される。このような構成とすることで、洗浄液分配素子５は異なる溝本数を有する中央部分配素子１７を逐次交換することにより、簡単に試験管処理本数の増減に対応でき、結果として洗浄液部の無駄を確実に無くすことができる。
【００３８】
また図９は本構成の洗浄液分配素子５の断面図である。中央部分配素子１７は上部分配素子６及び下部分配素子８の位置決め凸部１８または位置決め凹部１９と結合し、その位置関係が一義的に決まるので中央部分配素子１７を交換した場合でも対応する試験管４の相対位置に変化は無く、試験管４を洗浄液が供給されない位置に設置する誤りは無くなる。
【００３９】
また中央部分配素子１７はその外形寸法が上部分配素子６及び下部分配素子８よりも大きく、溝９が配置された部分が他の部分よりも外に向かって凸であるように構成されている。この結果、試験管４と洗浄液分配素子５が干渉する距離を小さくすることができ、結果として洗浄液分配素子５と試験管４間距離を小さく設定でき、凸部１５から飛び出た洗浄液が試験管４に入るまでに回転の風圧により飛行方向が曲げられ、試験管４内に入らない不具合も減少した。更に、中央部分配素子１７をシリコンゴム等の弾性体材料で構成することにより試験管４が中央部分配素子１７に接する距離に配置しても試験管４は破損することが無くなり信頼性を向上することができる。
【００４０】
また上部分配素子６の洗浄液導入孔７に多孔質フィルタ１２を装着したことで洗浄液中の異物の除去可能となり、溝９に詰まり、流路を塞ぎ、結果として試験管４への洗浄液供給量を減少させることを防止できる。更に上部分配素子６を透明部材で製造した結果、万が一洗浄液中の異物で流路を塞がれた場合でもその位置を瞬時に特定でき、早期に対処可能となった。
【００４１】
【発明の効果】
以上、説明したように本発明においては、洗浄液分配素子を、中央に洗浄液導入孔を有する円形平板状の上部分配素子と円形平板状の下部分配素子とから構成し、上部分配素子及び下部分配素子のいずれか一方または両方に放射状の複数の溝を設けた構造にするか、あるいは中央に洗浄液導入孔を有する円形平板状の上部分配素子と、複数の放射状に配置された溝を有する円形平板状の中央部分配素子と、円形平板状の下部分配素子からなる構造とすることにより、流路を高精度に形成することが可能になった。
【００４２】
このため、多数の試験管内に均等な洗浄液量を供給できるようになり、その結果、洗浄特性が良好で且つ信頼性が高く、しかも容易に試験管本数の増減に対応できる細胞洗浄ロータ並びにこれを備えた細胞洗浄遠心機を提供することができるという顕著な効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施例を示す細胞洗浄ロータの構造及び部品構成を説明する斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の一実施例を示す洗浄液分配素子の構造及び部品構成を説明する斜視図である。
【図３】本発明の一実施例による細胞洗浄ロータの平面図である。
【図４】本発明の一実施例による細胞洗浄ロータの平面図である。
【図５】本発明の一実施例による下部分配素子の平面図である。
【図６】本発明の一実施例による洗浄液分配素子の断面図である。
【図７】本発明の他の実施例による洗浄液分配素子の構造及び部品構成を説明する斜視図である。
【図８】本発明の他の実施例による洗浄液分配素子の構造及び部品構成を説明する斜視図である。
【図９】本発明の他の実施例による洗浄液分配素子の断面図である。
【図１０】本発明の一実施例による細胞洗浄遠心機の断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１細胞洗浄ロータ
２ロータ
３試験管ホルダ
４試験管
５洗浄液分配素子
６上部分配素子
７洗浄液導入孔
８下部分配素子
９溝
１０中心線
１１溝端部
１２多孔質フィルタ
１３透明部材
１４把握部
１５凸部
１６栓部材
１７中央部分配素子
１８位置決め凸部
１９位置決め凹部
２０細胞洗浄遠心機
２１モータ
２２駆動軸
２３ポンプ
２５ノズル
２６すべり止め凹部
２７すべり止め凸部
２８磁気素子
２９回り止め凸部
３０長穴[0001]
[Field of the Invention]
The present invention relates to a cell washing centrifuge that uses a centrifugal force to wash biological cells such as red blood cells, and further relates to a cell washing rotor used therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for anti-globulin test, cross-match test, irregular antibody screening, etc. at the time of blood transfusion test, it is necessary to wash the red blood cells with a washing solution such as physiological saline and remove the excess antibody in the suspension. Various cell washing centrifuges are known for this purpose.
[0003]
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 50-22669, nozzles are radially installed from the outer periphery of the bottom surface of a conical container, and the cleaning liquid injected from the center of the cleaning liquid distribution element is distributed equally by centrifugal force due to rotation, A cleaning liquid distribution element having a structure for supplying a cleaning liquid from a nozzle into a number of test tubes held by a test tube holder is disclosed.
[0004]
Further, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-81640 discloses a structure in which the cleaning liquid is supplied into a large number of test tubes held by a test tube holder from holes drilled in the cleaning liquid distribution element.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to perform a good blood transfusion test or the like using a centrifuge for the purpose of automating cell washing, it is desirable that the amount of washing liquid supplied into a large number of test tubes by the washing liquid distribution element is equal. When there are variations in the amount of cleaning liquid supplied into a large number of test tubes, for example, in a test tube with a small amount of cleaning liquid supply, a larger amount of foreign matter such as antibodies remains in the suspension than in other test tubes. Conversely, in a test tube with a large amount of cleaning liquid supplied, there are few residual foreign substances such as antibodies in the suspension, and this difference results in a difference in the test results due to the reagent reaction performed in the subsequent process. Causes serious errors.
[0006]
Also, if there is a test tube with a small amount of cleaning liquid, supply the cleaning liquid to other test tubes according to the cleaning liquid supply amount of this test tube. Things overflow from the test tube, causing the problem of precious cell samples being lost. Furthermore, there is a problem that the cleaning process takes a long time if the number of times of cleaning is determined in accordance with a small amount of cleaning liquid.
[0007]
There are several possible causes for the uneven amount of the cleaning liquid supplied to the test tube. The first cause is due to the non-uniformity of the channel resistance of the cleaning liquid distribution element. For example, in a cleaning liquid distribution element that supplies cleaning liquid into a large number of test tubes held by a test tube holder from radially drilled holes shown in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-81640, the holes are processed by drilling or the like. It is difficult except for machining. However, hole machining by machining tends to cause errors in the shape of the hole entrance / exit and the roughness of the inner surface of the hole, which causes uneven flow resistance, resulting in variations in the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to many test tubes. Cause it to occur.
[0008]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 50-22893 discloses a structure in which a metal pipe is embedded in a cleaning liquid distribution element, and the cleaning liquid is supplied into a number of test tubes through the metal pipe as a flow path. A processing error occurs in the processing shape of the pipe end face and the pipe length, which causes a non-uniform flow path resistance as described above, resulting in variations in the amount of cleaning liquid supplied into a large number of test tubes.
[0009]
The second cause of the uneven amount of cleaning liquid is due to leakage of the cleaning liquid. For example, if the distance between the cleaning liquid outlet of the cleaning liquid distribution element and the test tube port is large, the cleaning liquid from the liquid distribution element may not completely enter the test tube due to an error in the hole processing direction. This is a cause of variation in the amount of supplied cleaning liquid.
[0010]
Also, if the tip of the metal pipe is installed near the test tube so that the cleaning solution can completely enter the test tube, the test tube holder will be tested for lateral length variations and variations in the test tube length when rotating. The tube and the tip of the metal pipe come into contact with each other, causing a problem that causes the test tube to break.
[0011]
The third cause of the uneven amount of the cleaning liquid is due to foreign matters in the cleaning liquid. While the cleaning liquid sent out by the pump reaches the liquid distribution element, it entraps dust and cotton dust in the air, and when these foreign substances become clogged in the holes and pipes of the cleaning liquid distribution element, the flow path is blocked, and as a result Reduce the amount of cleaning fluid supplied to the corresponding test tube. In addition, when physiological saline or the like is used as the cleaning liquid as a cause of the foreign matter, solid matter such as sodium chloride deposited in the tank or the flow path may block the flow path and cause a decrease in the supply amount of the cleaning liquid.
[0012]
In the above-mentioned cleaning liquid distribution element, it is not possible to see foreign substances that block such a flow channel from the outside, and the cleaning process is temporarily stopped periodically to check the supply amount of cleaning liquid distributed to the test tubes. It was necessary. Furthermore, in the above-described cleaning liquid distribution element, the cleaning liquid is always supplied by the number of holes or pipes regardless of the increase or decrease of the number of test tubes to be processed. Therefore, when the number of test tubes is small, the cleaning liquid is wasted.
[0013]
An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning liquid distribution element capable of supplying an equal amount of cleaning liquid into a large number of test tubes in view of the above-described problems of the prior art.
[0014]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cell washing rotor that has good washing characteristics and high reliability and can easily cope with increase / decrease in the number of test tubes by using the washing liquid distribution element as described above, and cells equipped with the same. It is to provide a washing centrifuge.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a rotor, a test tube holder attached to the rotor so as to be able to swing outward by centrifugal force when the rotor rotates, and a test held by the test tube holder. In a cell washing rotor comprising a washing liquid distribution element for distributing a washing liquid in a tube, the washing liquid distribution element comprises an upper distribution element and a lower distribution element, and the upper distribution element has a conical shape having a washing liquid introduction hole in the center. The lower distribution element includes a conical shape portion opposed to the conical shape portion of the upper distribution element with a gap therebetween, and the upper distribution portion. A circular flat plate portion disposed at a position opposite to the circular flat plate portion of the element, and periodic convex portions and concave portions are formed along the outer circumference of the circular flat plate portions of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element. Form Both of the convex portions of one or both of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element are formed with a groove portion that leads from the gap to the outer peripheral end of the circular flat plate portion so that the cleaning liquid introduced from the cleaning liquid introduction hole One feature is that it is introduced into the test tube held by the test tube holder through the groove and a detachable filter is attached to the cleaning liquid introduction hole .
[0016]
Another feature of the present invention is that the rotor, a test tube holder mounted on the rotor so as to be able to swing outwardly by centrifugal force when the rotor rotates, and a cleaning liquid in the test tube held by the test tube holder In the cell washing rotor constituted by the washing liquid distribution element to be dispensed, the washing liquid distribution element comprises an upper distribution element, a central distribution element, and a lower distribution element, and the upper distribution element has a washing liquid introduction hole in the central part. And a circular flat plate portion continuous around the conical shape portion, and the central distribution element has a hollow central portion and is opposed to the circular flat plate portion of the upper distribution element. The lower distribution element is inserted into the hollow portion of the central distribution element, and is arranged so as to face the conical shape part of the upper distribution element with a gap therebetween. Shape part And forming periodic convex portions and concave portions along the outer circumference of the circular flat plate portions of the upper and lower distribution elements, and forming one or both of the convex portions of the upper and lower distribution elements. By forming a groove part in the part from the gap to the outer peripheral end of the circular flat plate-like part, the cleaning liquid introduced from the cleaning liquid introduction hole is placed in the test tube held by the test tube holder through the gap and the groove part. In addition to being introduced, a detachable filter is attached to the cleaning liquid introduction hole .
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining the structure and component structure of a cell washing rotor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cell washing rotor 1 is composed of a rotor 2 and a washing liquid distribution element 5, and the disk-shaped rotor 2 has 24 square holes arranged on the outer periphery, and 24 test tube holders 3 are placed in the holes. It is installed. When the rotor 2 rotates, the test tube holder 3 into which the test tube 4 is inserted can freely move in the horizontal direction around the mounting portion by centrifugal force. In this embodiment, the rotor 2 and the test tube holder 3 are manufactured by pressing a stainless plate, but can also be manufactured by a resin molded product. A cleaning liquid distribution element 5 for supplying a cleaning liquid to the test tube 4 is mounted on the rotor 2. The cleaning liquid distribution element 5 rotates together with the rotor 2 because the lower convex portion is engaged with the elongated hole of the rotor 2. Even if the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 is attached to and detached from the rotor, the positional relationship between the rotor 2 and the test tube holder 3 and the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 does not change.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the structure and component structure of a cleaning liquid distribution element according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 includes an upper distribution element 6 and a lower distribution element 8, and 24 grooves 9 that are radially equal to the number of test tubes 4 are formed in the lower distribution element 8. By arranging the upper distribution element 6 and the lower distribution element 8 in combination, a space formed by the groove 9 of the lower distribution element 8 and the flat portion of the upper distribution element 6 becomes a flow path for the cleaning liquid. According to this embodiment, it is possible to manufacture the upper distribution element 6 and the lower distribution element 8 only by resin molding by forming the cleaning liquid flow path into a shape surrounded by a groove and a plane. By molding the upper distribution element 6 and the lower distribution element 8 using a high-precision mold, the shape of the groove 9 of the lower distribution element 8 becomes uniform with high accuracy by the same cleaning liquid distribution element 5, and performance is improved. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a large amount of the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 having a uniform flow path resistance at any time.
[0021]
In the above embodiment, the groove may be provided in one or both of the upper distribution element 6 and the lower distribution element 8, or these may be manufactured from ceramics instead of resin. Considering the ease of making and the uniformity of the flow path resistance, a groove is formed in the lower distribution element 8 as in the above embodiment, and a space formed between the flat surface of the upper distribution element 6 is used as the flow path. Best.
[0022]
In FIG. 2, a cylindrical grasping portion 14 is provided at the center of the upper distribution element 6. A plurality of anti-slip recesses 26 and anti-slip projections 27 are provided on the outer periphery of the grasping portion 14 in the vertical direction. This is convenient when the rotor 1 is manually rotated forward and backward in small increments after completion of the cell washing step, and the red blood cells in the test tube 4 and the reagent are mixed well to promote the reaction.
[0023]
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of the cell washing centrifuge 20 according to the present invention. The function of the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the cell washing rotor 1 is attached to the drive shaft 22 of the motor 21. A drive voltage is applied to the motor 21 from a drive circuit (not shown) in the figure, and the drive shaft 22 is rotated. The cell washing rotor 1 is rotationally driven by a drive shaft 22, and the test tube holder 3 and the test tube 4 in which an appropriate amount of biological cells such as red blood cells are put in advance are rocked in the horizontal direction by centrifugal force.
[0024]
At this time, when the pump 23 is operated and the cleaning liquid is sent from the external cleaning liquid tank to the nozzle 25 located at the upper part of the cell cleaning centrifuge 20, the cleaning liquid is ejected downward from the nozzle 25, and the center of the rotating cell cleaning rotor 1 is rotated. The cleaning liquid distribution element 5 enters the cleaning liquid introduction hole 7. The cleaning liquid that has entered the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 moves to the outer periphery due to centrifugal force, and flows into 24 flow paths constituted by the grooves 9 of the lower distribution element 8 and the flat portion of the upper distribution element 6, and distributes the cleaning liquid. Popping out of the outer periphery of the element 5 vigorously. The cleaning liquid that has jumped out hits the inner wall of the test tube 4 located outside the cleaning liquid distribution element 5, travels along the wall surface, and floats the living cells at the bottom of the test tube 4 to create a suspended state. When an appropriate amount of cleaning liquid enters the test tube 4, the pump 23 stops and the cleaning liquid injection process ends.
[0025]
Subsequently, the rotation is continued until the floating living cells gather at the bottom of the test tube 4. Thereafter, the rotation is stopped and the test tube holder 3 is returned to the vertical position. Next, in this embodiment, the motor 21 is rotated at a low speed while functioning the magnetic element 28 as a means for restricting the horizontal movement of the test tube holder 3. Since the test tube holder 3 is made of a magnetic material such as SUS430, the test tube holder 3 is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnetic element 28 and rotates while maintaining a vertical state, so that the cleaning liquid in the test tube 4 is released to the outside by centrifugal force. The The living cells at the bottom of the test tube 4 remain as they are, and only the washing solution disappears.
[0026]
By repeating such steps, the cell washing centrifuge 20 separates and removes foreign substances such as antibodies from the living cells in the test tube 4. Since the washing process is performed in such a process, it is desirable from the viewpoint of the performance of the cell washing centrifuge 20 that the amount of the washing solution supplied into many test tubes is equal.
[0027]
According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, since the upper distribution element 6 and the lower distribution element 7 of the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 are made of high-precision resin molded products, they are compared with the perforated holes and metal pipe flow paths. Thus, the shape of the groove 9 of the lower distribution element 8 can be made uniform with high accuracy. Accordingly, it is possible to manufacture a large amount of the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 having a uniform flow resistance and capable of distributing an equal amount of the cleaning liquid as compared with the perforated hole or the flow path of the metal pipe with high reproducibility. It becomes.
[0028]
After the cell washing step of the cell washing centrifuge 20 is completed, for example, after washing with red blood cells, a reagent such as antiglobulin serum is dropped on the test tube 4 and the cell washing rotor 1 is manually rotated forward and backward in small increments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a grasping portion 14 is provided at the center of the upper distribution element 6 and an anti-slip recess 26 is provided on the outer periphery. By providing the non-slip protrusion 27, it is easy to manually rotate forward and backward in small increments, and there is an effect that a reliable reagent reaction can be promoted.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cell washing rotor according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the rotation speed of the motor 21 is increased to shorten the processing time of the cell washing centrifuge 20, the flight direction is bent by the wind pressure of the rotation until the cleaning liquid that has jumped out of the outer periphery of the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 enters the test tube 4, and is completely In some cases, the test tube 4 does not enter. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the groove 9 is provided at a position where the center line 10 of the groove 9 is advanced in the rotation direction of the rotor 2 from the straight line connecting the center of the test tube holder 3 and the rotation center of the rotor 2. . In this way, the bending of the cleaning liquid in the flight direction can be corrected and reliably injected into the test tube 4 as shown in the figure. The advance angle depends on the rotational speed of the rotor 2 and the distance between the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 and the test tube 4, but is preferably 0.5 to 5 degrees, and more preferably 1 to 3 degrees.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a cell washing rotor according to an embodiment of the present invention. A center line 10 of the groove 9 is a straight line or a curved line and is installed at an angle with a straight line passing through the center of the rotor. Also in this example, the bending of the cleaning liquid in the flight direction can be corrected by advancing the angle formed by the center line 10 of the groove and the straight line passing through the rotor center in the rotation direction of the rotor 2.
[0031]
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the lower distribution element 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the groove end 11 of the groove 9 on the center side of the rotor 2 is formed with a smooth curved surface. By adopting such a shape, it is possible to suppress a variation in flow path resistance when the cleaning liquid enters the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 from the cleaning liquid introduction hole 7 and flows into the plurality of grooves 9. In particular, the configuration between the adjacent groove end portions 11 as a semicircular arc as in this embodiment is effective in reducing variations in flow resistance.
[0032]
5 and FIG. 2, the upper distribution element 6 and the lower distribution element 8 are provided with a convex portion 15 at the outermost periphery so that the portion where the groove 9 is disposed is convex outward from the other portions. Is provided. By setting it as such a shape, the distance which the test tube 4 and the washing | cleaning liquid distribution element 5 interfere can be made small. As a result, the distance between the cleaning liquid distributing element 5 and the test tube 4 can be set small, and the flight direction is bent by the wind pressure of the rotation until the cleaning liquid that has jumped out of the convex portion 15 enters the test tube 4, so The trouble of not entering was also reduced. Moreover, the useless part of the outer periphery of the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 can be deleted, and as a result, the load of the motor 21 can be reduced by reducing the weight of the cleaning liquid distribution element 5.
[0033]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A porous filter 12 detachable from above was attached to the cleaning liquid introduction hole 7 located at the center of the upper distribution element 6. With this configuration, foreign matters in the cleaning liquid can be removed before entering the cleaning liquid distribution element 5, clogging the groove 9 and closing the flow path, resulting in a reduction in the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the test tube 4. I was able to prevent it. In this embodiment, the porous filter 12 is a polypropylene resin sintered molded product having a filtration accuracy of 50 μm, and after a long period of use, the filter is clogged and can be replaced with a new one before the flow rate decreases. In addition, there is no practical problem even if the porous filter 12 is made of a screen mesh made of metal such as stainless steel.
[0034]
In FIG. 6, the upper distribution element 6 is entirely made of a transparent member. As a result, the groove 9 of the lower distribution element 8 can be visually observed from above, and even if the flow path is blocked by a foreign substance in the cleaning liquid, the position can be instantly identified and can be dealt with early. If the groove 9 can be observed, the same effect can be obtained even if only a part of the upper distribution element 6 is made of a transparent member.
[0035]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure and component configuration of a cleaning liquid distribution element according to another embodiment of the present invention. The above-described cell washing rotor 1 holds 24 test tube holders 3, but the washing treatment of the 24 test tubes 4 is not necessarily performed in one washing treatment, and in some cases, 12 test tubes 4. May be processed. In this case, since the cleaning liquid is supplied and injected also into the portion where the test tube 4 is not provided, the cleaning liquid is wasted.
[0036]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 is composed of an upper distribution element 6, a lower distribution element 8, and a plug member 16. The plug member 16 is held between the upper distribution element 6 and the lower distribution element 8, and the end of the groove. 11 is in close contact with and engaged with the structure. As a result, the cleaning liquid flow in the groove 9 engaged with the plug member 16 could be completely stopped. Accordingly, when the washing process is performed using 12 test tubes 4 in the cell washing rotor 1 having 24 test tube holders 3, the plug members 16 are closely attached to the 12 groove end portions 11 where the test tubes 4 are not installed. By engaging, useless supply of the cleaning liquid part can be stopped. Of course, it is desirable that the plug member 16 is installed at a symmetrical position with respect to the center of the cell washing rotor 1. Furthermore, since part or all of the upper distribution element 6 is made of a transparent member, the position of the plug member 16 can be confirmed from above, and the test tube 4 can be reliably installed at the cleaning liquid supply location. Further, the plug member 16 is made of an elastic material such as silicon rubber, thereby further improving the adhesion with the groove end portion 11 and reliably stopping the flow of the cleaning liquid.
[0037]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining the structure and component structure of a cleaning liquid distribution element according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 includes an upper distribution element 6, a lower distribution element 8, and a central distribution element 17 in which a groove 9 is formed. With such a configuration, the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 can easily cope with the increase or decrease in the number of test tube treatments by sequentially replacing the central distribution elements 17 having different numbers of grooves, and as a result, the cleaning liquid section is wasted. It can be surely lost.
[0038]
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 having this configuration. The central distribution element 17 is coupled to the positioning convex portion 18 or the positioning concave portion 19 of the upper distribution element 6 and the lower distribution element 8, and the positional relationship thereof is uniquely determined. Therefore, even when the central distribution element 17 is replaced, a corresponding test is performed. There is no change in the relative position of the tube 4, and there is no error in installing the test tube 4 at a position where no cleaning liquid is supplied.
[0039]
Further, the central distribution element 17 is configured such that the outer dimensions thereof are larger than those of the upper distribution element 6 and the lower distribution element 8, and the portion where the groove 9 is disposed is convex outward from the other portions. . As a result, the distance at which the test tube 4 and the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 interfere with each other can be reduced, and as a result, the distance between the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 and the test tube 4 can be set small. The flight direction was bent by the wind pressure of rotation before entering, and the trouble of not entering the test tube 4 was reduced. Further, the central distribution element 17 is made of an elastic material such as silicon rubber, so that the test tube 4 is not damaged even if the test tube 4 is arranged at a distance in contact with the central distribution element 17 and the reliability is improved. can do.
[0040]
Further, by attaching the porous filter 12 to the cleaning liquid introduction hole 7 of the upper distribution element 6, it becomes possible to remove foreign matters in the cleaning liquid, clogging the groove 9, closing the flow path, and as a result, supplying the cleaning liquid to the test tube 4. Decrease can be prevented. Furthermore, as a result of manufacturing the upper distribution element 6 with a transparent member, even if the flow path is blocked by a foreign substance in the cleaning liquid, the position can be instantly identified and can be dealt with early.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, the cleaning liquid distribution element includes the circular flat plate-like upper distribution element having the cleaning liquid introduction hole in the center and the circular flat plate-shaped lower distribution element, and the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element. A structure in which a plurality of radial grooves are provided in one or both of them, or a circular flat plate-like upper distribution element having a cleaning liquid introduction hole in the center and a circular flat plate shape having a plurality of radially arranged grooves With the structure including the central distribution element and the circular flat plate-shaped lower distribution element, the flow path can be formed with high accuracy.
[0042]
For this reason, it becomes possible to supply a uniform amount of cleaning liquid into a large number of test tubes. As a result, the cell cleaning rotor having good cleaning characteristics and high reliability, and easily adapting to the increase or decrease in the number of test tubes, and There is a remarkable effect that the equipped cell washing centrifuge can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining the structure and component configuration of a cell washing rotor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the structure and component configuration of a cleaning liquid distribution element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cell washing rotor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a cell washing rotor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a lower distribution element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning liquid distribution element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the structure and component configuration of a cleaning liquid distribution element according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the structure and component configuration of a cleaning liquid distribution element according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning liquid distribution element according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cell washing centrifuge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cell washing | cleaning rotor 2 Rotor 3 Test tube holder 4 Test tube 5 Cleaning liquid distribution element 6 Upper distribution element 7 Cleaning liquid introduction hole 8 Lower distribution element 9 Groove 10 Center line 11 Groove edge part 12 Porous filter 13 Transparent member 14 Grasping part 15 Convex part 16 Plug member 17 Center part distribution element 18 Positioning convex part 19 Positioning concave part 20 Cell washing centrifuge 21 Motor 22 Drive shaft 23 Pump 25 Nozzle 26 Anti-slip concave part 27 Anti-slip convex part 28 Magnetic element 29 Anti-rotation convex part 30 Slot

Claims

A rotor, a test tube holder attached to the rotor so as to be able to swing outward by centrifugal force when the rotor rotates, and a cleaning liquid distribution element that distributes the cleaning liquid into the test tubes held by the test tube holder In the cell washing rotor
The cleaning liquid distribution element comprises an upper distribution element and a lower distribution element,
The upper distribution element is composed of a conical portion having a cleaning liquid introduction hole in a central portion, and a circular flat plate portion continuous around the conical shape portion,
The lower distribution element includes a conical shape portion facing the conical shape portion of the upper distribution element with a gap, and a circular flat plate portion disposed at a position facing the circular flat plate portion of the upper distribution element. ,
While forming a periodic convex part and a concave part along the outer circumference of the circular flat plate-like part of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element,
By forming a groove portion that leads from the gap to the outer peripheral end of the circular flat plate-like portion in one or both of the convex portions of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element,
The cleaning liquid introduced from the cleaning liquid introduction hole is introduced into the test tube held by the test tube holder through the gap and the groove, and a removable filter is attached to the cleaning liquid introduction hole. A cell washing rotor characterized by.

A rotor, a test tube holder attached to the rotor so as to be able to swing outward by centrifugal force when the rotor rotates, and a cleaning liquid distribution element that distributes the cleaning liquid into the test tubes held by the test tube holder In the cell washing rotor
The cleaning liquid distribution element includes an upper distribution element, a central distribution element, and a lower distribution element.
The upper distribution element is composed of a conical portion having a cleaning liquid introduction hole in a central portion, and a circular flat plate portion continuous around the conical shape portion,
The central distribution element is formed of a circular flat plate portion that is hollow at the central portion and disposed at a position facing the circular flat plate portion of the upper distribution element,
The lower distribution element is inserted into a hollow portion of the central distribution element, and is composed of a conical shape portion disposed so as to face the conical shape portion of the upper distribution element with a gap therebetween,
While forming a periodic convex part and a concave part along the outer circumference of the circular flat plate-like part of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element,
By forming a groove portion that leads from the gap to the outer peripheral end of the circular flat plate-like portion in one or both of the convex portions of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element,
The cleaning liquid introduced from the cleaning liquid introduction hole is introduced into the test tube held by the test tube holder through the gap and the groove, and a removable filter is attached to the cleaning liquid introduction hole. A cell washing rotor characterized by.

3. The cell washing rotor according to claim 1, wherein a part or all of the washing liquid distribution element is manufactured by molding a resin or ceramic.

3. The center line of the plurality of grooves according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the center line of the plurality of grooves is radially arranged on a straight line passing through the rotor center, and the center line of the groove does not coincide with a straight line connecting the test tube holder center and the rotor center. Characteristic cell washing rotor.

3. The center line of the plurality of grooves according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the center line of the plurality of grooves is advanced in the rotational direction of the rotor when viewed from above the rotor rather than a straight line connecting the center of the test tube holder and the center of the rotor. Characteristic cell washing rotor.

3. The cell washing rotor according to claim 1, wherein the center lines of the plurality of grooves are straight or curved and form an angle with a straight line passing through the rotor center.

3. The cell washing rotor according to claim 1, wherein a groove end portion of the plurality of grooves on the rotor center side is configured by a smooth curved surface.

3. The cell washing rotor according to claim 1, wherein a part or all of the upper distribution element is formed of a transparent member.

3. The center of the upper distribution element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cylindrical grasping portion is formed, and a plurality of anti-slip recesses or anti-slip projections are formed on the outer periphery of the grasping portion in the longitudinal direction. A cell washing rotor characterized by that.

3. The cell washing rotor according to claim 1, wherein the washing liquid distribution element includes a stopper member that engages with the upper distribution element or the central distribution element and the groove and prevents a fluid flow.

The cell washing rotor according to claim 10 , wherein the plug member is made of an elastic material.

A rotor, a test tube holder attached to the rotor so as to be able to swing outward by centrifugal force when the rotor rotates, and a cleaning liquid distribution element that distributes the cleaning liquid into the test tubes held by the test tube holder A cell washing centrifuge provided with a cell washing rotor, a rotor driving mechanism for rotating the rotor, and a washing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a washing liquid to the cell washing rotor,
The cleaning liquid distribution element comprises an upper distribution element and a lower distribution element,
The upper distribution element is composed of a conical portion having a cleaning liquid introduction hole in a central portion, and a circular flat plate portion continuous around the conical shape portion,
The lower distribution element includes a conical shape portion facing the conical shape portion of the upper distribution element with a gap, and a circular flat plate portion disposed at a position facing the circular flat plate portion of the upper distribution element. ,
While forming a periodic convex part and a concave part along the outer circumference of the circular flat plate-like part of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element,
By forming a groove portion that leads from the gap to the outer peripheral end of the circular flat plate-like portion in one or both of the convex portions of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element,
The cleaning liquid introduced from the cleaning liquid introduction hole is introduced into the test tube held by the test tube holder through the gap and the groove, and a removable filter is attached to the cleaning liquid introduction hole. A cell washing centrifuge characterized by.

A rotor, a test tube holder attached to the rotor so as to be able to swing outward by centrifugal force when the rotor rotates, and a cleaning liquid distribution element that distributes the cleaning liquid into the test tubes held by the test tube holder A cell washing centrifuge provided with a cell washing rotor, a rotor driving mechanism for rotating the rotor, and a washing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a washing liquid to the cell washing rotor,
The cleaning liquid distribution element includes an upper distribution element, a central distribution element, and a lower distribution element.
The upper distribution element is composed of a conical portion having a cleaning liquid introduction hole in a central portion, and a circular flat plate portion continuous around the conical shape portion,
The central distribution element is formed of a circular flat plate portion that is hollow at the central portion and disposed at a position facing the circular flat plate portion of the upper distribution element,
The lower distribution element is inserted into a hollow portion of the central distribution element, and is composed of a conical shape portion disposed so as to face the conical shape portion of the upper distribution element with a gap therebetween,
A periodic convex portion and a concave portion are formed along the outer circumference of the circular flat plate-like portion of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element, and the convex portion on one or both of the upper distribution element and the lower distribution element is formed on the convex portion. By forming a groove portion that leads from the gap to the outer peripheral edge of the circular flat plate-like portion,
The cleaning liquid introduced from the cleaning liquid introduction hole is introduced into the test tube held by the test tube holder through the gap and the groove, and a removable filter is attached to the cleaning liquid introduction hole. A cell washing centrifuge characterized by.