JP5459265B2 - Inspection target receptacle, liquid mixing system including the inspection target receptacle, and liquid mixing method using the liquid mixing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a microchip that is a test target receiver for mixing a reagent with a specimen such as blood, a liquid mixing system including the microchip, and a liquid mixing method using the liquid mixing system. More specifically, the present invention changes the timing at which the sample and the reagent are mixed without changing the rotation pattern for rotating the microchip by the centrifugal force applying device and without requiring a device other than the centrifugal force applying device. The present invention relates to a microchip that can be used, a liquid mixing system including the microchip, and a liquid mixing method using the liquid mixing system.

  A microchip is known as a chip for mixing a reagent with a sample such as blood and examining the state of the sample. The sample and the reagent are mixed by mounting the microchip on the centrifugal force applying device and rotationally driving the centrifugal force applying device.

  If the timing at which the specimen and the plurality of reagents are mixed in the microchip is different from the desired timing, the desired test result may not be obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to control the timing of changing the rotation direction by the rotation direction switching mechanism of the centrifugal force applying device so that the microchip specimen and the reagent are mixed at a desired timing. In other words, it is necessary to change the timing of changing the rotation direction of the rotation direction switching mechanism of the centrifugal force imparting device (hereinafter referred to as a test rotation pattern) in accordance with the timing of mixing the specimen and the reagent.

  And as shown in patent document 1, the barcode which described the rotation pattern for a test | inspection is added to a microchip, and the barcode of the microchip is read with a barcode reader, The centrifugal-force provision apparatus with respect to the microchip There is a method of automatically recognizing a rotation pattern and driving a rotation direction switching mechanism.

  Specifically, the following steps are followed. The barcode is added to the microchip by the barcode printer. The microchip to which the barcode is added is attached to the centrifugal force applying device. The centrifugal force imparting device to which the microchip is attached is driven to rotate. The microchip is moved to the barcode reader reading position. The barcode on the microchip is read by the barcode reader. The barcode information read by the barcode reader is sent to the control unit of the centrifugal force applying device. A corresponding inspection rotation pattern is selected from a plurality of inspection rotation patterns stored in the control unit on the basis of the sent bar code information. The rotation direction switching mechanism of the centrifugal force applying device is driven according to the selected rotation pattern for inspection. As a result of the rotation direction switching mechanism being driven according to the test rotation pattern, the reagent in the microchip and the sample are mixed. As described above, even when the timing of mixing the sample and the reagent differs for each microchip, the rotation direction can be automatically switched.

JP 2008-8875 A

  However, the conventional rotational driving method of a centrifugal force applying device using a code such as a barcode has a problem that a device such as a barcode printer or a barcode reader is required separately from the centrifugal force applying device. In addition, the conventional rotational driving method of the centrifugal force imparting device includes the operation of adding a barcode to the microchip, the operation of reading the barcode of the microchip, and the centrifugal driving for each microchip separately from the rotational driving operation of the centrifugal force imparting device. There is also a problem that requires a control process in which the control unit of the force applying device selects a rotation pattern.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and requires a device other than the centrifugal force applying device without changing the inspection rotation pattern which is the rotation pattern of the rotation driving portion of the centrifugal force applying device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a test object receiver that can change the timing of mixing the sample and the reagent in the test object receiver.

In order to solve the above-mentioned object, the liquid mixing system according to claim 1 is characterized in that a first inspection object receiver having a predetermined flow path formation surface and a flow path formation different from the first inspection object receiver. A liquid mixing system comprising: a second test object receiver having a surface different from the first test object receiver; and a centrifugal force applying device, wherein the centrifugal force applying device includes: a rotating body; A plurality of holding bodies provided on the rotating body, configured to be capable of mounting a plurality of inspection target receivers including the first and second inspection target receivers, and holding the plurality of inspection target receivers; A revolving drive unit that rotates the rotating body and applies a centrifugal force to the plurality of holding bodies, and a flow path of each of the plurality of inspection target receivers held by the plurality of holding bodies. A plurality of each of the plurality of holding bodies are arranged around a rotation axis perpendicular to the forming surface. A rotation drive unit that changes the rotation angle to a predetermined rotation angle, and a flow path forming surface of the first test target receptacle stores a sample input unit into which the test target liquid is input and a test target liquid. When the storage tank formed so as to be able to rotate and the first inspection target receptacle rotate above the first rotation angle among the plurality of predetermined rotation angles with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force, A first flow channel formed so that a liquid to be tested supplied from the specimen input section of one test target receptacle flows into the storage tank, a mixing tank for mixing the liquid to be tested and a reagent, When the first test object receiver rotates about a second rotation angle larger than the first rotation angle with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force, the liquid to be inspected stored in the storage tank is mixed. A second flow path formed to flow to the tank, and the second inspection object On the flow path forming surface of the body, a specimen input unit for supplying the liquid to be tested, a first mixing tank for mixing the liquid to be tested and the reagent, and the second test target receiver receive the centrifugal force. The liquid to be inspected supplied from the specimen input part of the second test object receptacle when the autorotation is greater than or equal to the first rotation angle with respect to the direction is the second test object receptacle. A first flow path formed to flow to the first mixing tank, a second mixing tank for mixing the mixed liquid and the reagent mixed in the first mixing tank of the second test target receptacle, and The second liquid to be inspected is formed so that the mixed liquid flows from the first mixing tank to the second mixing tank when the second rotating object is rotated by the second rotation angle or more with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force. A second flow path is formed, and the rotation driving unit is configured such that the rotation angles of the plurality of holding bodies are the same. It is characterized by changing to.

3. The liquid mixing system according to claim 2, wherein the first flow path of the first inspection target receptacle has a first wall portion extending in a first extending direction so that the liquid to be inspected flows to the storage tank. And the second flow path of the first test object receptacle has a second wall portion extending in a second extending direction so that the liquid to be tested flows to the mixing tank, When the inspection subject receptacle is rotated to the first rotation angle in the first rotation direction, the first wall portion of the first inspection subject receptacle is oriented in the direction of the centrifugal force in the first rotation direction. When the first inspection object receiver is rotated to the second rotation angle in the first rotation direction, the angle from the first extension direction to the first extension direction is a right angle or an obtuse angle. The second wall portion of the first test object receptacle is in the first rotation direction from the direction of the centrifugal force to the second extending direction. Is formed at a right angle or an obtuse angle, and the liquid to be inspected flows into the first mixing tank of the second object to be inspected in the first flow path of the second object to be inspected. When the second inspection object receiver is rotated to the first rotation angle in the second rotation direction, the second inspection is performed. The first wall of the object receiver is formed such that an angle from the direction of the centrifugal force to the third extending direction is a right angle or an obtuse angle in the second rotation direction, and the second inspection object receiver The second flow path has a second wall portion extending in a fourth extending direction so that the mixed liquid flows to the second mixing tank of the second inspection target receptacle, and the second inspection When the target receiver is rotated to the second rotation angle in the second rotation direction, the second wall portion of the second inspection target receiver is Characterized in that the angle from the direction of the centrifugal force in the second rotation direction until the fourth extending direction is formed to be perpendicular or obtuse angle.

A liquid mixing method according to a third aspect is a liquid mixing method using the liquid mixing system according to the first or second aspect, and includes the first inspection object receiver and the second inspection object receiver . a rotation step of rotating the rotating member so that the centrifugal force is applied to a plurality of said holding member for holding a plurality of test object receptacle, after the rotation step, simultaneously rotating said first and said plurality of retaining members a first rotation step for rotating angle, after the first rotation step, and having a second rotating step for rotating said plurality of holders simultaneously in the second rotation angle.

According to the plurality of liquid mixing systems of the first aspect , the plurality of holding bodies are configured so that the plurality of test target receptacles can be mounted. When a plurality of holding bodies that hold a plurality of test subject receptacles revolve with different rotation angles, the strength of the centrifugal force acting on each holding body is different, and the load applied to the revolution drive unit varies greatly, The accuracy of the liquid mixing timing of the centrifugal force applying device is adversely affected, and in some cases, the durability of the centrifugal force applying device may be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable that a plurality of holding bodies that hold a plurality of inspection object receivers are rotated in the same inspection rotation pattern. The second test object receptacle of the plurality of test object receptacle, when that is the rotation first rotation angle than on, the liquid to be tested is sample insertion portion of the second test object receptacle It is configured to flow through the first flow path to the first mixing tank. As a result, when the centrifugal force imparting device gradually increases the rotation angle of the plurality of test target receivers, the liquid to be tested in the specimen input portion of the second test target receiver is changed to the first test target. The liquid to be inspected in the receiving body receives the second inspection object at a timing earlier than the timing at which the liquid to be inspected flows from the sample input portion of the first inspection object receiver to the mixing tank through the second flow path of the first inspection object receiver. It flows through the first channel in the body. The liquid to be inspected that has flowed through the first flow path in the second inspection target receptacle reaches the first mixing tank of the second inspection target receptacle, and the inspection target liquid in the second inspection target receptacle has The liquid and reagent are mixed. Thereafter, when the centrifugal force applying device is driven to the second rotation angle, the liquid to be inspected in the storage tank of the first inspection target receptacle is the second flow path of the first inspection target receptacle. Flowing. Then, the liquid to be inspected that has flowed through the second flow path in the first inspection target receptacle reaches the mixing tank of the first inspection target receptacle, and the liquid to be inspected in the first inspection target receptacle. And the reagent are mixed. As a result, even when a plurality of test target receptacles are rotated with the same test rotation pattern, the timing of mixing the reagent and the liquid to be tested is compared without requiring a device other than the centrifugal force applying device. First test object receiver that needs to be relatively slow compared to the second test object receiver that needs to be made faster and the second test object receiver that mixes the reagent and the liquid to be tested. In this case, the reagent and the liquid to be inspected can be mixed at a desired timing with one inspection.
In addition, when the first inspection object receiver and the second inspection object receptor are rotated to the second rotation angle, the liquid to be inspected in the first inspection object receiver is mixed with the reagent, The mixed liquid in the second test subject receptacle is mixed with another reagent. As a result, it is possible to create liquids with different numbers of mixings with the same number of times of inspection and the same inspection rotation pattern.

According to the liquid mixing system of claim 2, when the second test object receptacle is rotating in a second rotational angle, the second wall portion of the second test object receptacle, the second rotation In the direction, the angle from the direction of the centrifugal force to the fourth extending direction is a right angle or an obtuse angle.
The first wall portion is formed such that an angle from the direction of the centrifugal force to the first extending direction is a right angle or an obtuse angle in the first rotation direction, and the second wall portion is a direction of the centrifugal force in the first rotation direction. To the second extending direction is formed to be a right angle or an obtuse angle. As a result, the liquid stored in the storage tank from the first flow path flows from the second flow path to the mixing tank when the test object receiver rotates at the second rotation angle.
When the second inspection target receptacle is rotated to the first rotation angle, the first wall portion of the second inspection target receptacle is from the direction of centrifugal force to the first extending direction in the second rotation direction. Are formed to be a right angle or an obtuse angle.
Thereby, without using a special device, the angle of the test object receiver with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force of the centrifugal force applying device is gradually increased. It is possible to easily create liquids with different numbers of times of mixing in the first inspection object receiver and the second inspection object receiver.

According to the liquid mixing method of claim 3 , a plurality of holding bodies that hold a plurality of inspection object receivers including the first inspection object receiver and the second inspection object receiver are simultaneously rotated to the first rotation angle. And a second rotation step for simultaneously rotating the plurality of holding bodies to the second rotation angle. Thereby, without using a special apparatus, the angle of the test object receiver with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force of the centrifugal force applying apparatus is gradually increased, and the first test object receiver and Even if the timing of mixing the liquid to be tested and the reagent of the second test target receptacle is different, the liquid to be tested and the reagent of each test target receptacle can be mixed at a desired timing.

1 is a perspective view showing a microchip 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The top view of the plate member 2 of the microchip 1. FIG. The enlarged view of the vicinity area | region 26 of the 1st storage tank 16 formed in the plate member 2 of the microchip 1. FIG. The enlarged view of the vicinity area | region 27 of the 2nd storage tank 18 formed in the plate member 2 of the microchip 1. FIG. The top view of the board | plate member 102 of another microchip 101 different from the microchip 1. FIG. The front view of the centrifugal force provision apparatus 30 with which the microchips 1 and 101 were mounted | worn in the state of rotation angle (alpha) = 0 degree. The front view which shows a mode that the microchips 1 and 101 are mounted | worn by the chip holders 47L and 47R of the centrifugal force provision apparatus 30 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) = 90 degree. The flowchart which shows the test | inspection program 30a of the centrifugal force provision apparatus 30. FIG. The flowchart of angle change program S11 which changes the rotation angle of the chip holder 47, and adds the centrifugal force CF to the microchips 1 and 101. FIG. The top view of the microchip 1 in the state filled with the sample and the reagent before giving centrifugal force CF in the state of rotation angle α4 = 90 °. The top view of the microchip 1 in the state which filled the sample and the reagent before giving centrifugal force CF in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 0 = 0 degree. The top view of the microchip 1 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 0 = 0 degree with respect to direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 1 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 1 = 30 degrees with respect to direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 1 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 2 = 45 degrees with respect to direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 1 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 3 = 60 degrees with respect to the direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 1 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 4 = 90 degree with respect to direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 1 which complete | finishes provision of centrifugal-force CF and exists in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 4 = 90 degree. The top view of the microchip 101 in the state filled with the test substance and reagent before giving centrifugal force CF in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 4 = 90 degree. The top view of the microchip 101 in the state which filled the sample and the reagent before giving centrifugal force CF in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 0 = 0 degree. The top view of the microchip 101 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 0 = 0 degree with respect to direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 101 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 1 = 30 degrees with respect to direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 101 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 2 = 45 degrees with respect to the direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 101 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 3 = 60 degree with respect to direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 101 in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 4 = 90 degrees with respect to direction of centrifugal-force CF. The top view of the microchip 101 which complete | finishes provision of centrifugal-force CF and exists in the state of rotation angle (alpha) 4 = 90 degree. The top view of the microchip 1B which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the microchip 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, another microchip 101 that is different from the microchip 1 in that it includes components that can be charged and supplied with a plurality of reagents, A liquid mixing system including a centrifugal force applying device 30 on which 101 is rotatably mounted will be described.

The direction of the centrifugal force applying device 30 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The centrifugal force imparting device 30 includes a main shaft 57, a T-shaped plate 48, and chip holders 47L and 47R. The T-shaped plate 48 has a groove 80. The extending direction of the main shaft 57 is the vertical direction. The extending direction of the groove 80 is defined as the left-right direction. A direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction is taken as the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the tip holders 47 </ b> L and 47 </ b> R of the centrifugal force applying device 30 are revolved about the main shaft 57 as an axis, and the centrifugal force CF is applied. The chip holder 47L is rotated in the first rotation direction LD about the rotation axis LA. Similarly, the tip holder 47R is rotated in the second rotation direction RD about the rotation axis RA.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a microchip 1 used in a liquid mixing system. A detailed configuration of the microchip 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The microchip 1 is mounted on the centrifugal force applying device 30 and changed to various rotation angles. The directions of the three arrows shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. The up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction of the centrifugal force applying device 30 in a state at a predetermined initial rotation position shown are shown.

(Detailed configuration of microchip 1)
The structure of the microchip 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the microchip 1 includes a plate member 2 and a cover member 24.

  The plate member 2 is a rectangular transparent plate. The thickness of the plate member 2 is about 1 to 10 mm. The vertical width and horizontal width of the plate member 2 are each about 10 to 100 mm. The plate member 2 has a flow path forming surface 2A on which a predetermined flow path having a depth in the front-rear direction which is the thickness direction of the plate member 2 is formed. The flow path forming surface 2A has an area enough to form a predetermined flow path. The predetermined channel is formed for flowing a liquid to be examined (hereinafter referred to as a specimen). The plate member 2 is formed from, for example, a synthetic resin. The plate member 2 is manufactured by, for example, injection molding.

  The cover member 24 is, for example, a film having a rectangular flexibility as viewed from the front. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the thickness of the cover member 24 is exaggerated, but the thickness of the cover member 24 is about 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The cover member 24 has an area enough to cover a predetermined flow path formed in the plate member 2. The cover member 24 has a vertical width and a horizontal width of about 10 to 100 mm, respectively. The adhesive layer of the cover member 24 is provided on the surface of the cover member 24 so as to adhere to the flow path forming surface 2A on which the flow path of the plate member 2 is formed. The cover member 24 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view of the microchip 1. The internal structure of the plate member 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The flow path forming surface 2A of the plate member 2 includes a sample input section 3, a reagent input section 6, a sample supply path 7, a reagent supply path 10, a space section 11, a first flow path 21, and a first reservoir. The tank 16, the second flow path 22, the second storage tank 18, the third flow path 23, and the mixing tank 20 are formed so as to have a depth in the front-rear direction.

  The sample loading unit 3 is a tank into which a sample is loaded. The sample insertion unit 3 has a volume capable of accommodating a predetermined amount of sample. The predetermined amount of specimen is about 0.01 to 1 ml of specimen. The specimen is, for example, blood, plasma, or serum. The sample supply path 7 is connected to the lower end of the sample input unit 3.

  The sample supply path 7 is a flow path that extends downward from the lower end of the sample input section 3, and in this embodiment, the extending direction of the sample supply path 7 is parallel to the vertical direction. The width in the left-right direction of the sample supply path 7 is set to be narrower than the width in the left-right direction of the sample input unit 3 to such an extent that the sample in the sample input unit 3 does not flow out into the space 11 due to downward gravity. The The width in the left-right direction of the specimen insertion unit 3 is, for example, about 0.1 mm. The space portion 11 is connected to the lower end of the sample supply path 7.

  The reagent charging unit 6 is a tank into which a reagent is charged. The reagent loading unit 6 has a volume capable of accommodating a predetermined amount of reagent. The predetermined amount of reagent is about 0.01 to 1 ml of reagent. When the microchip 1 is viewed from the front with respect to the sample loading unit 3 and the reagent loading unit 6, the sample loading unit 3 is formed on the right side and the reagent loading unit 6 is formed on the left side. The reagent supply path 10 is connected to the lower end of the reagent charging unit 6.

  The reagent supply path 10 is a flow path extending downward from the lower end of the reagent charging unit 6. The width in the left-right direction of the reagent supply path 10 is set narrower than the width in the left-right direction of the sample input unit 3 so that the reagent in the reagent input unit 6 does not flow out into the mixing tank 20 due to downward gravity. The The width in the left-right direction of the reagent supply path 10 is, for example, about 0.1 mm. The mixing tank 20 is connected to the lower end of the reagent supply path 10.

  The space portion 11 has a volume capable of measuring a predetermined amount of the sample supplied from the sample supply path 7. The space part 11 includes a measuring part 14 and a surplus tank 15.

  The measuring unit 14 includes a first wall portion 21 </ b> A and a surplus side wall portion 13. The right end portion of the surplus side wall portion 13 is provided below the left end portion of the first wall portion 21A.

  The surplus tank 15 is formed below the surplus side wall 13 of the measuring unit 14. The surplus tank 15 has a volume capable of storing a predetermined amount of surplus liquid that has been weighed by the metering unit 14 and flowed to the right from the surplus side wall 13.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity region 26 of the first storage tank 16 of the microchip 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first flow path 21 is connected to the left side of the measuring unit 14. The first flow path 21 includes a first oblique flow path 211 and a first lower flow path 212.

  The first diagonal channel 211 is a channel extending diagonally upward to the left from the left end of the measuring unit 14. The first oblique channel 211 includes a first wall portion 21A. The first wall portion 21 </ b> A is provided across the measuring portion 14 and the first flow path 21. 21 A of 1st wall parts are the walls below the 1st diagonal flow path 211, and are wall parts which have the surface extended in the front-back direction. The angle θ1 is an angle from the first wall portion 21A to the virtual line RL1 extending leftward from the first wall portion 21A in the first rotation direction LD of the centrifugal force applying device 30. The angle θ1 is an acute angle, for example, 30 °. The first lower flow path 212 is connected to the left end of the first oblique flow path 211.

  The first lower flow path 212 extends downward. The first oblique channel 211 is connected to the right side of the upper part of the first lower channel 212. The upper end of the first storage tank 16 is connected to the lower end of the first lower flow path 212.

  The first storage tank 16 has a volume that can accommodate the specimen flowing from the first lower flow path 212. The first storage tank 16 has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The second flow path 22 is connected to the left end of the first storage tank 16.

  The second flow path 22 includes a second oblique flow path 221 and a second lower flow path 222.

  The second diagonal flow path 221 is a flow path extending diagonally upward to the left from the left end of the first storage tank 16. The second oblique channel 221 includes a second wall portion 22A. The second wall portion 22A is a lower wall of the second oblique channel 221 and is a wall portion having a surface extending in the front-rear direction. The angle θ2 is an angle from the second wall portion 22A to a virtual line RL2 extending leftward from the second wall portion 22A in the first rotation direction LD of the centrifugal force applying device 30. The angle θ2 is an acute angle larger than the angle θ1, for example, 45 °. The second lower flow path 222 is connected to the left end of the second oblique flow path 221. The left end of the second wall portion 22 </ b> A is provided above the upper end of the first storage tank 16.

  The second lower flow path 222 extends downward. The second oblique channel 221 is connected to the right side of the upper part of the second lower channel 222. The upper end of the second storage tank 18 is connected to the lower end of the second lower flow path 222.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity region 27 of the second storage tank 18 of the microchip 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the second storage tank 18 has a volume that can accommodate the specimen flowing from the second lower flow path 222 of the second flow path 22. The second storage tank 18 has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The third flow path 23 is connected to the left end of the second storage tank 18.

  The third flow path 23 includes a third oblique flow path 231 and a third lower flow path 232.

  The third diagonal flow channel 231 is a flow channel extending diagonally upward to the left from the left end of the second storage tank 18. The third oblique channel 231 includes a third wall portion 23A. The third wall portion 23A is a lower wall of the third oblique channel 231 and is a wall portion having a surface extending in the front-rear direction. The angle θ3 is an angle from the third wall portion 23A to a virtual line RL3 extending leftward from the third wall portion 23A in the first rotation direction LD of the centrifugal force applying device 30. The angle θ3 is an acute angle larger than θ2, for example, 60 °. The third lower flow path 232 is connected to the left end of the third oblique flow path 231. The left end of the third wall portion 23 </ b> A is provided above the upper end of the second storage tank 18.

  The angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are angles that satisfy the relationship of 0 ° <θ1 <θ2 <θ3 ≦ 90 °. Θ1 is larger than 0 ° so that the sample introduced into the liquid introduction unit 3 and discharged to the measuring unit 14 does not flow into the first storage tank 16 as it is. Θ2 is larger than θ1 so that the sample flowing into the first storage tank 16 does not flow into the second storage tank 18 as it is. Θ3 is larger than θ2 so that the sample flowing into the second storage tank 18 does not flow into the mixing tank 20 as it is. Θ3 is desirably 90 ° or less so that the specimen flowing into the second storage tank 18 flows into the mixing tank 20 without requiring a special flow path design.

  The third lower flow path 232 extends downward. The third oblique channel 231 is connected to the right side of the upper part of the third lower channel 232. The upper right end of the mixing tank 20 is connected to the lower end of the third lower flow path 232.

  The mixing tank 20 has a volume that can accommodate the specimen flowing from the third lower flow path 232 and the reagent flowing from the reagent supply path 10. The mixing tank 20 has, for example, a square shape when viewed from the front. The reagent supply path 10 is connected to the upper end of the mixing tank 20.

(Detailed configuration of the microchip 101)
FIG. 5 is a plan view of another microchip 101 used in the liquid mixing system, which is different from the microchip 1 in that it includes components that can input and supply a plurality of reagents. A detailed configuration of the microchip 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The directions of the two arrows shown in FIG. 5 and the directions perpendicular to the two arrows are the up-down direction and the left-right direction when the microchip 101 is mounted on the centrifugal force applying device 30 and is in the predetermined initial rotation position shown in FIG. Direction and front-rear direction.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the microchip 101 is different from the microchip 1 in that four of the first reagent supply unit 104, the second reagent supply unit 105, the first reagent supply path 108, and the second reagent supply path 109 are used. It has the same shape except that it further comprises one component. Specifically, the plate member 2 of the microchip 1, the flow path forming surface 2 </ b> A, the sample supply part 3, the sample supply path 7, the space part 11, the measuring part 14, the first wall part 21 </ b> A, the excess side wall part 13, the excess tank 15, the first channel 21, the second channel 22, and the third channel 23 are configured in the order of the plate member 102, the channel forming surface 102 </ b> A, the sample input unit 103, and the sample supply channel 107. , Space portion 111, measuring portion 114, first wall portion 121 </ b> A, surplus side wall portion 113, surplus tank 115, first channel 121, second channel 122, and third channel 123. Furthermore, the configuration of the microchip 101 corresponding to the reagent loading unit 6, the reagent supply path 10, the first storage tank 16, the second storage tank 18, and the mixing tank 20 of the microchip 1 is the third reagent loading unit 106, The third reagent supply path 110, the first mixing tank 116, the second mixing tank 118, and the third mixing tank 120 are referred to.

  The first reagent input unit 104 and the second reagent input unit 105 have the same shape as the sample input unit 103, respectively. The second reagent supply path 108 and the third reagent supply path 109 each have the same shape as the sample supply path 107. In the specific configuration of the microchip 101 shown in FIG. 5, the extending direction of the sample supply path 107 is parallel to the vertical direction in the same way as the extending direction of the sample supply path 7 of the microchip 1. The lower end of the second reagent supply path 108 is connected to the upper end of the first mixing tank 116. The lower end of the third reagent supply path 109 is connected to the upper end of the second mixing tank 118.

(Detailed configuration of the centrifugal force applying device 30)
FIG. 6 is a front view of the centrifugal force imparting device 30 to which the microchips 1 and 101 according to the present embodiment are mounted. The centrifugal force imparting device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the direction of the three arrows shown in FIG. 6 represents the direction equivalent to the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction shown in FIG.

  The centrifugal force imparting device 30 includes a turntable 33, a chip holder 47, and a control device (not shown). The centrifugal force imparting device 30 holds a chip holder 47 (to be described later) holding the microchips 1 and 101 configured as described above at a predetermined rotation angle, and revolves a turntable 33 (to be described later) to generate a centrifugal force CF. Give.

  The turntable 33 is rotatably provided with the vertical direction as an axis. The turntable 33 is provided in a disk shape.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the tip holder 47 can set the rotation angle α from 0 ° to 90 °. The chip holder 47 includes a chip holder 47L and a chip holder 47R. The chip holder 47L is a box-shaped member that is formed one size larger than the microchip 1 and is surrounded by a top surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface 47LB as a lid. Similar to the chip holder 47L, the chip holder 47R is a box-shaped member that is formed one size larger than the microchip 101 and is surrounded by a top surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface 47RB as a lid. When the turntable 33 is revolved, centrifugal force CF is applied in a direction parallel to the flow path forming surfaces 2A and 102A of the microchips 1 and 101 in the chip holders 47L and 47R. Further, the chip holders 47 </ b> L and 47 </ b> R hold the microchips 1 and 101 in a state where the flow path forming surface 2 </ b> A of the microchip 1 and the flow path forming surface 102 </ b> A of the microchip 101 are orthogonal to the upper surface of the turntable 33.

  The control device includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., not shown. The ROM stores an inspection program 30a shown in FIG. The control device controls the revolution of the turntable 33 and the rotation of the chip holder 47 to a predetermined angle according to the inspection program 30a.

(Revolution mechanism of centrifugal force applying device 30)
The revolution mechanism of the centrifugal force imparting device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The revolution mechanism of the centrifugal force imparting device 30 includes a main shaft motor 35, a shaft 36, a motor pulley 37, a main shaft pulley 38, a belt 39, a main shaft 57, and a turntable 33.

  The spindle motor 35 is provided for revolving the turntable 33. The main shaft motor 35 includes a rotatable shaft 36.

  The motor pulley 37 is fixed to the shaft 36.

  The belt 39 is stretched between the motor pulley 37 and the main shaft pulley 38.

  The main shaft pulley 38 is fixed to the main shaft 57.

  The main shaft 57 extends upward and penetrates the central portion of the upper plate 32. The main shaft 57 is connected to the turntable 33.

  The turntable 33 is provided to be rotatable about the main shaft 57.

  Operation | movement of the revolution mechanism of the centrifugal force provision apparatus 30 is demonstrated. When the shaft 36 of the main shaft motor 35 is rotated, the driving force is transmitted to the main shaft 57 via the motor pulley 37, the belt 39 and the main shaft pulley 38, and the turntable 33 revolves. When the turntable 33 revolves, a centrifugal force CF is applied to the chip holder 47.

(Rotation mechanism of the centrifugal force applying device 30)
The rotation mechanism of the centrifugal force applying device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The rotation mechanism of the centrifugal force applying device 30 includes a stepping motor 51, a shaft 58, a cam plate 59, a protrusion 70, a T-shaped plate 48, a guide rail 56, a bearing 41, a second shaft 40, a rack gear. 43, a guide member 42, a pinion gear 44, an L-shaped plate 60, a gear 45, and chip holders 47L and 47R.

  The stepping motor 51 is provided for rotating the chip holder 47. The stepping motor 51 includes a shaft 58 and a cam plate 59. The cam plate 59 has a disk shape when viewed from the front. The cam plate 59 is disposed around the shaft 58 and is fixed to the shaft 58. The protrusion 70 is provided in front of the cam plate 59. The protrusion 70 has a circular shape when viewed from the front.

  The T-shaped plate 48 is provided on the guide rail 56 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The T-shaped plate 48 includes a groove 80. The groove part 80 is a groove extending in the left-right direction. The groove 80 is provided so that the projection 70 can slide in the left-right direction. The state shown in FIG. 6 is a state in which the T-shaped plate 48 is lowered to the bottom. The state shown in FIG. 7 is a state where the T-shaped plate 48 is raised to the top.

  The bearing 41 is connected to the T-shaped plate 48. The bearing 41 is provided at the lower end of the second shaft 40. The bearing 41 holds the second shaft 40 in a rotatable manner.

  The inside of the main shaft 57 is hollow. The second shaft 40 is provided inside the main shaft 57 as an inner shaft. The second shaft 40 is connected to the rack gear 43.

  The rack gear 43 is a plate-like member that extends in the vertical direction. Gears are respectively carved on the left and right side ends of the rack gear 43. The guide member 42 slidably holds the rack gear 43. The gears at both end portions of the rack gear 43 mesh with a pair of pinion gears 44.

  The pair of L-shaped plates 60 includes a pair of gears 45.

  The pair of gears 45 includes a pair of rotation axes LA and RA. When the flow path forming surfaces 2A and 102A of the microchips 1 and 101 are orthogonal to the front-rear direction, the pair of rotation axes LA and RA extend in the front-rear direction. That is, the extending direction of the pair of rotation axes LA and RA is orthogonal to the flow path forming surfaces 2A and 102A. The pair of gears 45 mesh with both pinion gears 44, respectively. The pair of gears 45 is provided on the L-shaped plate 60 so as to be rotatable about a pair of rotation axes LA and RA.

The chip holders 47L and 47R are fixed to the rotation axes LA and RA of both gears 45, respectively.

  The operation of the rotation mechanism of the centrifugal force applying device 30 will be described. When the shaft 58 of the stepping motor 51 rotates, the cam plate 59 rotates. When the cam plate 59 rotates, the protrusion 70 provided on the cam plate 59 rotates about the shaft 58. When the protrusion 70 rotates about the shaft 58, the protrusion 70 moves in the vertical direction while sliding in the groove 80 in the horizontal direction. When the protrusion 70 moves in the vertical direction, the T-shaped plate 48 moves in the vertical direction along the guide rail 56. When the T-shaped plate 48 moves in the vertical direction, the second shaft 40 moves up and down via the bearing 41. When the second shaft 40 moves up and down, the rack gear 43 moves up and down. When the rack gear 43 moves up and down, both pinion gears 44 rotate. When both pinion gears 44 rotate, both gears 45 rotate. When both gears 45 rotate, the tip holders 47L and 47R fixed to both gears 45 rotate around the rotation axes LA and RA of both gears 45.

The rotation of the chip holders 47L and 47R will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The tip holder 47L rotates from the rotation angle α = 0 ° to α = 90 ° around the rotation axis LA of the left gear 45. The rotation axis LA is orthogonal to the flow path forming surface 2A of the microchip 1 held by the chip holder 47L. The rotation direction of the tip holder 47L from the rotation angle α = 0 ° to α = 90 ° is defined as a first rotation direction LD. Similarly, the tip holder 47R rotates around the rotation axis RA of the right gear 45 from a rotation angle α = 0 ° to α = 90 °. The rotation axis RA is orthogonal to the flow path forming surface 102A of the microchip 101 held by the chip holder 47R. A rotation direction of the tip holder 47R from the rotation angle α = 0 ° to α = 90 ° is defined as a second rotation direction RD.

Further, the chip holders 47L and 47R rotate at the same rotation angle. In the state where the rotation angle α0 = 0 °, the bottom surface 47LB of the tip holder 47L is directed to the left side of the centrifugal force applying device 30, as shown in FIG. Similarly, in the state of the rotation angle α0 = 0 °, the bottom surface 47RB of the chip holder 47R is directed to the right side of the centrifugal force applying device 30 that is opposite to the bottom surface 47LB of the chip holder 47L. In the state where the rotation angle α is 90 °, the bottom surface 47LB of the chip holder 47L and the bottom surface 47RB of the chip holder 47R are directed to the lower side of the centrifugal force applying device 30, as shown in FIG.

(Mounting method of the microchips 1 and 101 to the chip holders 47L and 47R)
A method for mounting the microchips 1 and 101 to the chip holders 47L and 47R will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the microchips 1 and 101 in FIG. 7 are preliminarily loaded with a specimen and a reagent, and a cover member 24 is pasted in advance. The flow path forming surface 2A of the microchip 1 of FIG. 2 faces the front side of the chip holder 47L of FIG. 7, and the lower side of the microchip 1 of FIG. 2 and the bottom surface 47LB of the chip holder 47L of FIG. To do. Then, the microchip 1 is inserted into the chip holder 47L downward in FIG. 7 so that the lower side of the microchip 1 in FIG. 2 and the bottom surface 47LB of the chip holder 47L in FIG. Closed. In this way, the mounting of the microchip 1 to the chip holder 47L is completed.

Similarly, the flow path forming surface 102A of the microchip 101 in FIG. 5 faces the rear side of the chip holder 47R in FIG. 7, and the lower side of the microchip 101 in FIG. 5 and the bottom surface 47RB of the chip holder 47R in FIG. Let the state be Then, the microchip 101 is inserted into the chip holder 47R downward in FIG. 7 so that the lower side of the microchip 101 in FIG. 5 and the bottom surface 47RB of the chip holder 47R in FIG. Closed. In this way, the mounting of the microchip 101 to the chip holder 47R is completed.

(Processing according to inspection program 30a)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the inspection program 30 a of the centrifugal force imparting device 30. With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the inspection program 30a executed by the CPU of the centrifugal force imparting device 30 of this embodiment will be described.

  When the operation unit for starting the inspection is operated, the CPU of the centrifugal force applying device 30 reads the inspection program 30a stored in the ROM of the centrifugal force applying device 30 and starts its execution (S10).

  In accordance with an angle changing program S11 described later, the chip holder 47 is held at a plurality of rotation angles α, and the turntable 33 is rotated to apply a centrifugal force CF to the chip holder 47 (S11).

  Substitute the initial value 1 for the algebra N. The algebra N is a value indicating how many times the transmitted light of the microchips 1 and 101 is measured (S12). The algebra N is stored in the RAM of the control device.

  It is determined whether the algebra N is equal to or less than the required number Nmax of transmitted light measurements (S13). The required number of measurements Nmax is stored in advance in the ROM of the control device. The required number of measurements Nmax is a number of about 1 to 20, for example. When the algebra N is equal to or less than the required number Nmax of transmitted light measurement (Yes), the process proceeds to S14. If the algebra N is larger than the required number Nmax of transmitted light measurement (No), the process proceeds to S19.

  The turntable 33 is stopped so that the mixing tank 20 of the microchip 1 in the chip holder 47L is positioned on the optical path of the inspection light emitted from the light source (not shown) of the centrifugal force applying device 30 (S14). The optical path is provided so that the inspection light emitted from the light source of the centrifugal force applying device 30 passes through the mixing tank 20 and enters a detector (not shown) of the centrifugal force applying device 30.

  Inspection light is emitted from a light source (not shown) to the liquid in the mixing tank 20 of the microchip 1 in the chip holder 47L. The transmitted light that has passed through the mixing tank 20 is received by a detector. The intensity of the transmitted light received by the detector is stored in the RAM of the control device (S15).

  Similarly to the mixing tank 20, the turntable 33 is rotated halfway so that the mixing tank 120 of the microchip 101 in the chip holder 47R is positioned on the optical path of the inspection light (S16).

  Inspection light is emitted toward the liquid in the mixing tank 120 of the microchip 101 in the chip holder 47R. The transmitted light that has passed through the mixed layer 120 is received by a detector. The intensity of the transmitted light received by the detector is stored in the RAM of the control device (S17).

  1 is added to the algebra N (S18). After S18, the process returns to S13.

  Calculate the absorbance from the value of the transmitted light stored in the RAM of the control device, measure the absorbance of a plurality of test solutions having known concentrations, and use the calibration curve of the concentration and absorbance of the target substance to determine the target substance Is calculated (S19). In the present embodiment, the concentration of the target substance is calculated by measuring the value of the transmitted light using the light source and the detection unit. However, the concentration of the target substance may be obtained by another measurement method.

  The concentration of the target substance of the sample injected into the microchips 1 and 101 is displayed on a computer screen (not shown) (S20).

  The inspection program 30a is terminated (S21).

(Detailed flowchart of angle change program S11)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process of adding the centrifugal force CF in different directions to the microchips 1 and 101 by changing the rotation angle α of the chip holder 47. The angle change program S11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The directions of the three arrows shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 18, and FIG. It represents the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction.

  When the microchips 1 and 101 are mounted on the chip holders 47L and 47R and the operation unit for starting the inspection is operated, the angle changing program 21a is started (S30).

  The microchip 1 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the microchip 1 in a state in which the specimen EL and the reagent M1 before applying the centrifugal force CF are filled and the centrifugal force applying device 30 is at a predetermined initial rotational position (α4 = 90 °). . As shown in FIG. 10, in the state before the centrifugal force CF is applied, the sample EL in the sample loading unit 3 and the reagent M1 in the reagent loading unit 6 are not so flowing that the liquid flows due to downward gravity. Since the width in the left-right direction of each of the supply path 7 and the reagent supply path 10 is set narrow, the sample supply path 7 and the reagent supply path 10 do not flow (S31).

  The microchip 101 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 shows the sample EL, the first reagent M1, the second reagent M2, and the third reagent M3 before applying the centrifugal force CF, and a predetermined initial rotation position (α4 = 90 °) of the centrifugal force applying device 30. 2 is a plan view of the microchip 101 in a state of (1). As shown in FIG. 18, in the state before the centrifugal force CF is applied, the sample EL in the sample loading unit 103, the reagent M1 in the first reagent loading unit 104, the reagent M2 in the second reagent loading unit 105, In the reagent M3 in the third reagent supply unit 106, the width in the left-right direction of each of the sample supply path 107 and the reagent supply paths 108 to 110 is set so narrow that the liquid does not flow due to gravity applied downward. The sample supply path 107, the first reagent supply path 108, the second reagent supply path 109, and the third reagent supply path 110 do not flow (S31).

  The microchip 1 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S32 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the microchip 1 in a state in which the specimen and the reagent before being applied with the centrifugal force CF are filled with the rotation angle α0 = 0 °. Under the control of the CPU, the state of the microchip 101 shown in FIG. 6, that is, the lower side of the microchip 1 in the chip holder 47L of the centrifugal force applying device 30 faces the left of the centrifugal force applying device 30 (α0 = 0). The stepping motor 51 is rotated (S32). As shown in FIG. 11, since the centrifugal force CF is not applied, the sample EL in the sample loading unit 3 and the reagent M1 in the reagent loading unit 6 do not flow through the sample supply channel 7 and the reagent supply channel 10. (S32).

  The microchip 101 and the centrifugal force imparting device 30 in the state of S32 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a plan view of the microchip 101 in a state in which the specimen and the reagent before applying the centrifugal force CF are filled with the rotation angle α0 = 0 °. Under the control of the CPU, the state of the microchip 101 shown in FIG. 6, that is, the lower side of the microchip 101 in the chip holder 47R of the centrifugal force applying device 30 faces the right of the centrifugal force applying device 30 (α0 = 0). The stepping motor 51 is rotated (S32). As shown in FIG. 19, since the centrifugal force CF is not applied, the sample EL in the sample loading unit 103, the reagent M1 in the first reagent loading unit 104, the reagent M2 in the second reagent loading unit 105, and the third The reagent M3 in the reagent charging unit 106 does not flow through the sample supply path 107, the first reagent supply path 108, the second reagent supply path 109, and the third reagent supply path 110 (S32).

The microchip 1 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S33 will be described. The spindle motor 35 is driven and the turntable 33 is rotated so that the centrifugal acceleration of the centrifugal force CF to the microchip 1 is 500 G [m / s ² ] (gravity acceleration G = 9.8 m / s ² ). In the state where the angle α0 = 0 ° between the extending direction of the specimen supply path 7 of the microchip 1 and the direction of the centrifugal force CF is held for 10 seconds (S33).

  FIG. 12 is a plan view of the microchip 1 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α0 = 0 °. With this processing S33, as shown in FIG. 12, the sample EL input from the sample input unit 3 passes through the sample supply path 7 by the centrifugal force CF due to the rotation of the turntable 33, and then the measuring unit 14 of the space unit 11 To leak. Moreover, the right end part of the surplus side wall part 13 is provided below the left end part of 21 A of 1st wall parts. Therefore, the sample EL exceeding the volume defined by the first wall portion 21 </ b> A and the surplus side wall portion 13 gets over the right end portion of the surplus side wall portion 13 and flows out to the surplus tank 15. Accordingly, a predetermined amount of the sample EL is weighed in the weighing unit 14 formed by the first wall 21A and the surplus side wall 13. The volume determined by the first wall portion 21A and the surplus side wall portion 13 is set in advance based on the volume to be measured. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12, the reagent M <b> 1 introduced from the reagent introduction unit 6 flows out to the mixing tank 20 via the reagent supply path 10 by the centrifugal force CF due to the rotation of the turntable 33.

The microchip 101 and the centrifugal force imparting device 30 in the state of S33 will be described. Similar to the angle setting and rotation of the microchip 1, the microchip 101 rotates by setting the angle α = 0 ° of the chip holder 47 </ b> R. That is, as with the microchip 1, the spindle motor 35 is rotated so that the centrifugal acceleration of the centrifugal force CF applied to the microchip 101 is 500 G [m / s ² ], and the microchip 101 is rotated while the turntable 33 is rotated. The angle α0 = 0 ° between the extending direction of the specimen supply path 107 and the direction of the centrifugal force CF is held for 10 seconds (S33).

  FIG. 20 is a plan view of the microchip 101 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α0 = 0 °. Similar to the microchip 1, by this processing S33, as shown in FIG. 20, the sample EL input from the sample input unit 103 flows out and accumulates in the space 111 via the sample supply path 107 by the centrifugal force CF. . The first reagent M1 introduced from the first reagent introduction unit 104 flows out and accumulates in the first mixing tank 116 via the first reagent supply path 108 by the centrifugal force CF. Similarly, the second reagent M2 input from the second reagent input unit 105 flows out and accumulates in the second mixing tank 118 via the second reagent supply path 109 by the centrifugal force CF. Similarly, the third reagent M3 introduced from the third reagent introduction unit 106 flows out and accumulates in the third mixing tank 120 via the third reagent supply path 110 by the centrifugal force CF.

The microchip 1 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S34 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the microchip 1 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α1 = 30 °. As shown in FIG. 13, the microchip 1 in the chip holder 47L of the centrifugal force applying device 30 is controlled by the CPU while the centrifugal acceleration of the centrifugal force CF applied to the microchip 1 is maintained at 500 G [m / s ² ]. Specifically, the rotation angle α between the extending direction of the sample supply path 7 of the microchip 1 in the chip holder 47L and the direction of the centrifugal force CF so that the lower side is directed obliquely below the centrifugal force applying device 30. However, the stepping motor 51 is rotated so that α1 = 30 ° in the first rotation direction LD from the direction of the centrifugal force CF, and the rotation angle α1 = 30 ° of the microchip 1 of the chip holder 47L is 10 °. Hold for seconds (S34).

  The angle θa is an angle formed by the extending direction of the first wall portion 21A and the direction of the centrifugal force CF in the first flow path 21, and is an angle measured from the direction of the centrifugal force CF to the first rotation direction LD. It is. By this process S34, as shown in FIG. 13, the angle θa becomes 90 °. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the sample EL measured by the measuring unit 14 of the microchip 1 gets over the left end of the first wall 21 </ b> A in the first channel 21 and flows into the first storage tank 16. . If the angle θa is a right angle or an obtuse angle, the specimen EL flows into the first storage tank 16 and accumulates.

The angle θb is an angle formed by the direction of the centrifugal force CF and the extending direction of the second wall portion 22A in the second flow path 22, and is an angle measured from the direction of the centrifugal force CF in the first rotation direction LD. It is. By this process S34, the angle θb shown in FIG. 13 becomes 75 ° (acute angle). For this reason, the specimen EL collected in the first storage tank 16 does not flow into the second storage tank 18. If the angle θb is an acute angle, the specimen EL does not flow into the second storage tank 18.

  The microchip 101 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S34 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a plan view of the microchip 101 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α1 = 30 °. In step S34, as shown in FIG. 21, specifically, the lower side of the microchip 101 in the chip holder 47R of the centrifugal force applying device 30 faces obliquely below the centrifugal force applying device 30, specifically, the inner surface of the chip holder 47R. Stepping is performed so that the rotation angle α between the extending direction of the sample supply path 107 of the microchip 101 and the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α1 = 30 ° in the first rotation direction RD from the direction of the centrifugal force CF. The motor 51 is rotated and held for 10 seconds in a state where the rotation angle α1 of the microchip 101 of the chip holder 47R is 30 ° (S34).

  The angle θa1 is an angle formed by the extending direction of the first wall 121A and the direction of the centrifugal force CF in the first flow path 121, and is an angle measured from the direction of the centrifugal force CF in the second rotation direction RD. . Similar to the microchip 1, the angle θa1 becomes 90 ° by the process S34. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21, the sample EL measured by the measuring unit 114 passes over the left end portion of the first wall 121 </ b> A in the first flow channel 121 and flows into the first mixing tank 116. And it mixes with the 1st reagent M1 collected in the 1st mixing tank 116 by processing of S31, and turns into liquid mixture B1. If the angle θa1 is a right angle or an obtuse angle, the specimen EL flows out to the first mixing tank 116.

The angle θb1 is an angle formed by the extending direction of the second wall 122A and the direction of the centrifugal force CF in the second flow path 122, and is an angle measured from the direction of the centrifugal force CF in the second rotation direction RD. . By this process S34, the angle θb1 shown in FIG. 21 becomes 75 ° (acute angle). For this reason, the mixed liquid B1 accumulated in the first mixing tank 116 does not move to the second mixing tank 118 beyond the left end of the second wall 122A in the second flow path 122. If the angle θb1 is an acute angle, the mixed liquid B1 does not flow into the second mixing tank 118.

The angle θc1 is an angle formed between the extending direction of the third wall portion 123A and the direction of the centrifugal force CF in the third flow path 123, and is an angle measured from the direction of the centrifugal force CF in the second rotation direction RD. . By this process S34, the angle θc1 shown in FIG. 21 becomes 60 ° (acute angle). For this reason, the second reagent M2 accumulated in the second mixing tank 118 does not move to the third mixing tank 120 beyond the tip of the third wall 123A in the third flow path 123. If the angle θc1 is an acute angle, the second reagent M2 does not flow into the third mixing tank 120.

The microchip 1 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S35 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the microchip 1 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α2 = 45 °. With the centrifugal acceleration of the centrifugal force CF applied to the microchip 1 maintained at 500 G [m / s ² ], the lower side of the microchip 1 in the chip holder 47L of the centrifugal force applying device 30 applies the centrifugal force by the same control as described above. Specifically, the rotation angle α between the extending direction of the sample supply path 7 of the microchip 1 and the direction of the centrifugal force CF shown in FIG. The stepping motor 51 is rotated so that α2 = 45 ° in the first rotation direction LD from the direction, and held for 10 seconds in a state where the rotation angle α2 = 45 ° of the microchip 1 of the chip holder 47L (S35).

  By this process S35, the angle θb shown in FIG. 14 becomes 90 °. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the specimen EL accumulated in the first reservoir 16 gets over the tip of the second wall 22 </ b> A in the second flow path 22 and flows into the second reservoir 18. If the angle θb is a right angle or an obtuse angle, the specimen EL flows into the second reservoir 18 and accumulates.

  The angle θc is an angle formed by the direction of the centrifugal force CF and the extending direction of the third wall portion 23A in the third flow path 23, and is an angle measured from the direction of the centrifugal force CF in the first rotation direction LD. It is. By this process S35, the angle θc shown in FIG. 14 becomes 75 ° (acute angle). For this reason, the specimen EL collected in the second storage tank 18 does not flow into the mixing tank 20 beyond the tip of the third wall portion 23A in the third flow path 23. If the angle θc is an acute angle, the specimen EL does not flow into the mixing tank 20.

  The microchip 101 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S35 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a plan view of the microchip 101 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α2 = 45 °. By the process S35, as shown in FIG. 22, specifically, the lower side of the microchip 101 in the chip holder 47R of the centrifugal force applying device 30 faces obliquely below the centrifugal force applying device 30, specifically, the inner surface of the chip holder 47R. Stepping is performed so that the rotation angle α between the extending direction of the sample supply path 107 of the microchip 101 and the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α2 = 45 ° in the first rotation direction RD from the direction of the centrifugal force CF. The motor 51 is rotated and held for 10 seconds in a state where the rotation angle α2 of the microchip 101 of the chip holder 47R is 45 ° (S35).

  By this processing S35, the angle θb1 becomes 90 ° as in the microchip 1. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 22, the mixed liquid B <b> 1 in the first mixing tank 116 of the microchip 101 passes over the tip of the second wall 122 </ b> A in the second flow path 122 and flows into the second mixing tank 118. And it mixes with the 2nd reagent M2 collected in the 2nd mixing tank 118 by processing of S33, and becomes mixed liquid B2. When the angle θb1 becomes a right angle or an obtuse angle, the mixed liquid B1 flows into the second mixing tank 118.

  By this process S35, θc1 shown in FIG. 22 becomes 75 ° (acute angle). For this reason, the mixed liquid B2 accumulated in the second mixing tank 118 does not flow into the third mixing tank 120 beyond the tip of the third wall 123A in the third flow path 123. If the angle θc1 is an acute angle, the specimen EL does not flow into the third mixing tank 120.

The microchip 1 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S36 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the microchip 1 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α3 = 60 °. With the centrifugal acceleration of the centrifugal force CF applied to the microchip 1 maintained at 500 G [m / s ² ], the lower side of the microchip 1 in the chip holder 47L of the centrifugal force applying device 30 applies the centrifugal force by the same control as described above. Specifically, the rotation angle α between the extending direction of the sample supply path 7 of the microchip 1 and the direction of the centrifugal force CF shown in FIG. The stepping motor 51 is rotated so that α3 = 60 ° in the first rotation direction LD from the direction of the angle, and is held for 10 seconds in a state where the rotation angle α3 = 60 ° of the microchip 1 of the chip holder 47L (S36). .

  By this process S36, the angle θc becomes 90 °. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the sample EL accumulated in the second storage tank 18 gets over the tip of the third wall 23 </ b> A in the third flow path 23 and flows into the mixing tank 20. Then, the specimen EL is mixed with the reagent M1 accumulated in the mixing tank 20 in the process of S31 to become a mixed liquid B4. If the angle θc is a right angle or an obtuse angle, the specimen EL flows out to the mixing tank 20.

  The microchip 101 and the centrifugal force imparting device 30 in the state of S36 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a plan view of the microchip 101 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α3 = 60 °.

  Specifically, the sample supply of the microchip 101 shown in FIG. 23 is performed so that the lower side of the microchip 101 in the chip holder 47R of the centrifugal force applying device 30 faces obliquely below the centrifugal force applying device 30 by this processing S36. The stepping motor 51 is rotated so that the rotation angle α between the extending direction of the path 107 and the direction of the centrifugal force CF becomes α3 = 60 ° in the first rotation direction RD from the direction of the centrifugal force CF. The chip holder 47R is held for 10 seconds with the rotation angle α3 = 60 ° of the microchip 101 (S36). By this processing S36, the angle θc1 becomes 90 ° as in the microchip 1. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 23, the mixed liquid B2 in the second mixing tank 118 passes over the tip of the third wall 123A in the third flow path 123 and flows into the third mixing tank 120, and the process of S31 And mixed with the third reagent M3 accumulated in the third mixing tank 120 to become a mixed liquid B3.

The microchip 1 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S37 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the microchip 1 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α4 = 90 °. With the centrifugal acceleration of the centrifugal force CF applied to the microchip 1 maintained at 500 G [m / s ² ], the lower side of the microchip 1 in the chip holder 47L of the centrifugal force applying device 30 applies the centrifugal force by the same control as described above. Specifically, the rotation angle α between the extending direction of the specimen supply path 7 of the microchip 1 and the direction of the centrifugal force CF shown in FIG. The stepping motor 51 is rotated so that α4 = 90 ° from the direction to the first rotation direction LD (S37). By this process S37, the mixed liquid B4 is brought closer to the side farther from the third flow path 23 in the mixing tank 20.

  The microchip 101 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S37 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a plan view of the microchip 101 in a state where the rotation angle α with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force CF is α4 = 90 °. Specifically, the sample supply path 107 of the microchip 101 shown in FIG. 24 is set so that the lower side of the microchip 101 in the chip holder 47R of the centrifugal force applying device 30 faces the lower side of the centrifugal force applying device 30 by the process S37. The rotation angle α between the extending direction and the direction of the centrifugal force CF is rotated so that α4 = 90 ° in the first rotation direction RD from the direction of the centrifugal force CF (S37). By the process S37, the mixed liquid B3 is brought closer to the side farther from the third flow path 123 in the mixing tank 120.

  The microchip 1 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the state of S38 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the microchip 1 in which the application of the centrifugal force CF is finished and the rotation angle α is in the state of α4 = 90 °. The rotation of the turntable 33 is stopped, and the application of the centrifugal force CF is finished (S38). By this processing S38, as shown in FIG. 17, the mixed liquid B4 in the lower part of the mixing tank 20 is stirred and collected. At this time, the surplus specimen EL accumulated in the surplus tank 15 does not flow out of the surplus tank 15.

  The microchip 101 in the state of S38 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a plan view of the microchip 101 in which the application of the centrifugal force CF is finished and the rotation angle α is in the state of α4 = 90 °. Similar to the microchip 1, this process S38 causes the mixed liquid B3 to be stirred and accumulated in the lower part of the third mixing tank 120 of the microchip 101 as shown in FIG. At this time, the surplus specimen EL accumulated in the surplus tank 115 does not flow out of the surplus tank 115.

  The turntable 33 of the centrifugal force applying device 30 is stopped, and the angle changing program S11 is ended (S39).

(Effects of the first embodiment)
By using the microchips 1 and 101, the sample and reagent in each microchip can be mixed at different timings by the same rotation driving pattern of the stepping motor 51 and by one inspection process.

Also, by using the microchips 1 and 101, different numbers of reagents are mixed in both microchips by the same rotation driving pattern of the stepping motor 51 and one inspection process, and the mixed liquids B3 and B4 are simultaneously mixed Can be created.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 26 is a plan view of a microchip 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A microchip 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The directions of the three arrows shown in FIG. 26 represent the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction in a state where the microchip 1B is mounted on the chip holder 47L of the centrifugal force applying device 30 and is at a predetermined initial rotation position.

  In the microchip 1 according to the first embodiment, the sample EL is measured by the measuring unit 11, but the sample may not be measured. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, unlike the microchip 1, the microchip 1 </ b> B includes a sample reservoir 11 </ b> B that stores the sample flowing from the sample supply path 7. Since the sample reservoir 11B does not have a measuring unit and a surplus tank, the sample reservoir 11B does not weigh and store the sample. On the contrary, various tanks such as a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, etc., such as a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, a third mixing tank, etc. And the measurement part and the excess tank may be provided in either of the flow paths. By providing measuring sections and surplus tanks in various tanks and flow paths, the amount of sample and reagent to be mixed can be measured. As a result, the sample and the reagent can be mixed in an appropriate amount only by changing the tip holder to a predetermined rotation angle without measuring the reagent and the sample to be injected into the microchips 1 and 101 in advance.

  In the microchip 1 according to the first embodiment, the first flow path 21 is connected to the upper end of the first storage tank 16. However, the first flow path does not have the first lower flow path, and may be connected to the right end of the first storage tank. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, the first channel 21B is connected to the left end of the sample reservoir 11B, extends obliquely upward, and is connected to the right end of the storage tank 16B. Similarly, the second channel and the third channel may be connected to the right end of the storage tank or the mixing tank. The size of the cross-sectional areas of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path is not particularly limited, and the cross-sectional area size is determined by the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion. As long as it extends in a predetermined extending direction and the specimen or reagent is designed to flow, it may increase or decrease as it approaches the downstream side of the flow path.

  The microchip 1 according to the first embodiment includes a first storage tank 16 and a second storage tank 18 as storage tanks. However, the number of storage tanks may be one. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, unlike the microchip 1, the microchip 1 </ b> B does not include the two components of the second storage tank 18 and the third flow path 23, and the first storage tank A storage tank 16B is provided instead of 16, and a second flow path 22B is provided instead of the second flow path 22. 2nd wall part 22AB is a wall below the 2nd flow path 22B, and is a wall part which has the surface extended in the front-back direction. The angle θ4 is an angle from the second wall portion 22AB to a virtual line RL4 extending leftward from the second wall portion 22AB in the first rotation direction LD of the centrifugal force applying device 30. The angle θ4 is an acute angle, for example, 60 °. If the second wall portion extends in a predetermined direction so that the specimen and the reagent are mixed at a predetermined mixing timing, the number of storage tanks may be one or three or more. Similarly, in the first embodiment, the microchips 1 and 101 are each provided with a total of three channels, the first channel 21, the second channel 22, and the third channel 23. There may be two flow paths or four or more flow paths.

As shown in FIG. 26, the second wall portion 22AB may be provided across the lower left end of the storage tank 16B and the second flow path 22B. Thereby, the specimen in the storage tank 16B easily flows into the second flow path 22B. Not only the second wall part, but also the first wall part and the third wall part may be provided across the measuring part and the first flow path, the second storage tank and the third flow path. The storage tank may have a polygonal shape or a chamfered shape such as a circle or an ellipse as long as it has a volume capable of accommodating the specimen. Similarly, the mixing tank may have a chamfered shape such as a polygon, a circle, an ellipse, or the like as long as it has a volume capable of accommodating the mixed liquid.

  The microchip 1 according to the first embodiment includes a reagent charging unit 6 and a reagent supply path 10. However, the reagent charging unit 6 and the reagent supply path 10 may be omitted. As shown in FIG. 26, unlike the microchip 1 according to the first embodiment, the microchip 1B is not provided with the reagent charging unit 6 and the reagent supply path 10. Instead, the reagent is put directly into the mixing tank 20B in advance, and the reagent and the sample are mixed in the mixing tank 20B. Similarly, the sample input unit 3 and the sample supply path 7 may not be provided, and the sample may be directly input to the sample reservoir 11B in advance. However, the lower end of the second flow path 22B needs to be connected to the vicinity of the center of the upper end of the mixing tank 20B so that the liquid in the mixing tank 20B does not flow backward through the second flow path 22B. Specifically, it is necessary that the left and right sides of the mixing tank 20B have a volume enough to store the reagent or the mixed liquid, respectively, across the extending direction of the second flow path 22B. Since the lower end of the second flow path 22B is connected to the vicinity of the center of the upper end of the mixing tank 20B, α4 = 90 ° before application of the centrifugal force CF and α0 = 0 ° before application of the centrifugal force CF. In any state of the angle change program S11 such as α4 = 90 ° while the centrifugal force CF is applied, the liquid in the mixing tank 20B does not flow back into the second flow path 22B. .

(Modified example of microchip channel and tank)
In the present embodiment, the microchip 1 is provided with the sample loading unit 3 on the right side and the reagent loading unit 6 on the left side toward the flow path forming surface 2A, but the sample loading unit 3 on the left side and the reagent loading unit on the right side. You may arrange | position the part 6, ie, the structure of a flow path and a tank left-right symmetrically. However, in FIG. 7, it is necessary to insert the flow path forming surface of the microchip toward the rear side into the chip holder 47L. Similarly, in the microchip 101, the flow path and the tank configuration may be arranged symmetrically. However, in FIG. 7, it is necessary to insert the flow path forming surface into the tip holder 47R with the front side facing forward.

  In the present embodiment, the thicknesses of the sample loading unit 3 and the reagent loading unit 6 are constant, but the sample loading unit 3 and the reagent loading unit 6 are closer to the sample supply channel 7 and the reagent supply channel 10. The thickness in the front-rear direction may be reduced. By reducing the thickness of the sample supply path 7 and the reagent supply path 10 in the front-rear direction, it is possible to accurately measure a smaller amount of sample and reagent.

  In the present embodiment, the microchips 1 and 101 both have one specimen EL, but there may be two or more specimens in each of the microchips 1 and 101. In the present embodiment, the sample EL of the microchip 101 is mixed with the three reagents, the first reagent M1, the second reagent M2, and the third reagent M3. However, the first reagent input unit 104 and the second reagent input unit The sample EL and the two reagents may be mixed without introducing the reagent into one of the reagent introduction units 105 or the third reagent introduction unit 106. Similarly, only one reagent may be charged into only the first reagent loading unit 104 or the second reagent loading unit 105, and the sample EL and one reagent may be mixed. A reagent loading part may be newly provided to mix the sample EL and four or more reagents.

  In the present embodiment, the sample is described as blood, plasma, or serum, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the specimen may be a reagent such as a drug, a mixed liquid of reagent and blood, and the like, and can be appropriately selected by a user according to a desired test.

(Modifications other than microchip channel and tank)
In the present embodiment, the material of the plate members 2, 102 and the cover member 24 is not particularly limited, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene ( PS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyarylate resin (PAR), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), vinyl chloride resin (PVC), polymethylpentene resin (PMP) ), Polybutadiene resin (PBD), biodegradable polymer (BP), cycloolefin polymer (COP), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and the like can be used. In addition, an inorganic material such as silicon, glass, or quartz may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the plate members 2 and 102 are rectangular plates. However, if the plate members 2 and 102 have a flow path forming surface having an area enough to form a flow path, a polygon such as a square, or It may be a chamfered shape such as a circle or an ellipse. The chip holders 47L and 47R may be formed so as to be accommodated in accordance with the shapes of the various plate members.

  In the present embodiment, the cover member 24 may be not only a flexible film but also a sheet-like substance having higher rigidity than the film. Moreover, the board | substrate which has the hardness comparable as the board member 2 and consists of a homogeneous material may be sufficient. The substrate is known, for example, described in JP-A-2006-234600.

  In the present embodiment, the plate members 2 and 102 are manufactured by injection molding, but may be manufactured by other various resin molding methods such as vacuum molding, mechanical cutting, and the like.

(Modification of centrifugal force application device)
In the present embodiment, the chip holders 47 </ b> L and 47 </ b> R hold the microchips 1 and 101 in a state where the flow path forming surface 2 </ b> A of the microchip 1 and the flow path forming surface 102 </ b> A of the microchip 101 are orthogonal to the upper surface of the turntable 33. However, the chip holders 47L and 47R may hold the microchip in a state where the flow path forming surface of the microchip is parallel to the upper surface of the turntable. A centrifugal force applying device that holds a microchip in a state in which the flow path forming surface of the microchip is parallel to the upper surface of the turntable is known, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-8875. Not only this but the centrifugal force provision apparatus should just be the structure which can add the centrifugal force CF to a chip | tip holder, and can change a chip | tip holder to a predetermined | prescribed rotation angle.

  In the present embodiment, the chip holder 47 includes the chip holder 47L and the chip holder 47R, but there may be three or more chip holders 47.

  In the present embodiment, the turntable 33 has a disk shape, but may have various shapes such as a polygonal shape as long as the turntable 33 is provided to be rotatable about the vertical direction.

  In the present embodiment, the centrifugal force application device 30 includes a light source that emits inspection light and a detection unit that receives transmitted light. However, the centrifugal force application device is not provided with a light source and a detection unit. May be. Specifically, after the angle changing program is completed, that is, after the sample and the reagent are mixed, the microchips 1 and 101 are attached to a device having a light source and a detection unit different from the centrifugal force applying device 30, and transmitted light Can be measured.

  In the present embodiment, the extending direction of the pair of rotation axes LA and RA and the flow path forming surfaces 2A and 102A are orthogonal to each other. However, the orthogonality does not necessarily mean that the angle formed between the flow path forming surfaces 2A and 102A and the extension direction of the pair of rotation axes LA and RA is a right angle in a mathematical sense, but a pair of rotation axes. It may be an acute angle or an obtuse angle with a predetermined error to the extent that the direction of the centrifugal force CF can be switched to a desired direction when the rotation angle is changed to a predetermined rotation angle centering on LA and RA.

  In the present embodiment, the centrifugal force CF is applied in a direction parallel to the flow path forming surfaces 2A and 102A of the microchips 1 and 101 in the chip holders 47L and 47R. However, the parallel direction does not necessarily mean that the flow path forming surfaces 2A and 102A and the direction of the centrifugal force CF are parallel in a mathematical sense. A predetermined error may be allowed and crossed to such an extent that the liquid in the microchip can flow in a desired direction in the tank. Along with the predetermined error, the first rotation direction LD and the second rotation direction RD also allow a change in direction.

In the present embodiment, the centrifugal force of the centrifugal force applying device 30 is the same 500 G [m / s ² ] at any rotation angle of α0, α1, α2, α3, and α4. Alternatively, the centrifugal force may be different at each rotation angle of α0, α1, α2, α3, and α4 as long as the specimen or the mixed liquid can move in the tank. Moreover, the centrifugal acceleration of the centrifugal force CF may be a value of about 100 G to 5000 G [m / s ² ], for example. Similarly, the rotation time of the centrifugal force applying device 30 was 10 seconds at any rotation angle of α0, α1, α2, and α3, but the specimen or the mixed liquid can move through a predetermined flow path or tank. The rotation time may be different at each rotation angle of α0, α1, α2, and α3 as long as the time is about. The rotation time may be, for example, about 1 to 30 seconds.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation angle α is changed to the angles α0 = 0 °, α1 = 30 °, α2 = 45 °, and α3 = 60 ° in order, but 0 ° ≦ α0 <α1 <α2 <α3 ≦ It is only necessary to satisfy the 90 ° relationship. Further, the rotational angle α only needs to satisfy the relationship of 0 ° ≦ α0 <θ1 ≦ α1 <θ2 ≦ α2 <θ3 ≦ α3 ≦ 90 °, taking into account the relationship with the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3. Since 0 ° ≦ α0 <θ1, when the rotation angle α is set to α0, the sample EL in the measuring unit 14 has the first wall 21A having the first wall portion 21A extending to the angle θ1. The first storage tank 16 does not flow through. Since θ1 ≦ α1 <θ2, when the rotation angle α is set to α1, the specimen EL in the measuring unit 14 has the first flow path 21 having the first wall portion 21A extending to the angle θ1. It passes through the first storage tank 16 with certainty. Since θ2 ≦ α2 <θ3, when the rotation angle α is set to α2, the specimen EL in the first storage tank 16 has the first flow path 22 having the second wall portion 22A extending to the angle θ2. And flows into the second storage tank 18 without fail. Since θ3 ≦ α3, when the rotation angle α is set to α3, the specimen EL in the second storage tank 18 passes through the third flow path 23 having the third wall portion 23A extending to the angle θ3. Surely flows into the mixing tank 20.

  In the above description, the embodiment and the modification have been described as separate examples, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as a configuration in which the components are combined, the embodiment and some of the modifications may be combined as appropriate.

  Finally, the above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For this reason, it is a matter of course that various modifications can be made as needed within the scope not departing from the technical idea of the present invention other than the embodiment described above.

  The microchips 1 and 1B in the present embodiment are an example of a test object receptacle according to the present invention. The channel formation surface 2A in the present embodiment is an example of the channel formation surface in the present invention. The microchips 1 and 1B in the present embodiment are an example of a first inspection target receptacle according to the present invention. The angles α0 = 0 °, α1 = 30 °, α2 = 45 °, and α3 = 60 ° in the present embodiment are examples of a plurality of predetermined rotation angles in the present invention. The specimen EL in the present embodiment is an example of a liquid to be examined in the present invention. The reagent M1 in the present embodiment is an example of the reagent in the present invention. The sample input unit 3 in the present embodiment is an example of a sample input unit in the present invention. The 1st channel 21 in this embodiment is an example of the 1st channel in the present invention. The 1st storage tank 16, the 2nd storage tank 18, or the storage tank 16B in this embodiment is an example of the storage tank in this invention. The mixing tank 20 in this embodiment is an example of the mixing tank in the present invention. The 2nd channel 22 in this embodiment is an example of the 2nd channel in the present invention. The mixed liquid B1 or B2 in the present embodiment is an example of the mixed liquid in the present invention. The rotation axes LA and RA in the present embodiment are examples of the rotation axis in the present invention. The first rotation direction LD and the second rotation direction RD in the present embodiment are examples of the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction in the present invention in order.

  The microchip 101 in the present embodiment is an example of a second inspection target receptacle in the present invention. The flow path forming surface 102A in the present embodiment is an example of the flow path forming surface of the second inspection target receptacle in the present invention. The 1st mixing tank 116 or the 2nd mixing tank 118 in this embodiment is an example of the 1st mixing tank of the 2nd test object receptacle in this invention. The 3rd mixing tank 120 in this embodiment is an example of the 2nd mixing tank of the 2nd test object receptacle in this invention. The sample input unit 103 in the present embodiment is an example of the sample input unit of the second test target receptor in the present invention. The 1st flow path 121 and the 2nd flow path 122 in this embodiment are an example of the 1st flow path of the 2nd test object receiver in this invention in order, and the 2nd flow path of the 2nd test object receiver in this invention. . The microchips 1 and 101 in the present embodiment are an example of a plurality of test target receptacles in the present invention.

  The direction of the centrifugal force CF acting in the direction perpendicular to the main shaft 57 in this embodiment is an example of the direction of the centrifugal force in the present invention. The centrifugal force imparting device 30 in the present embodiment is an example of a centrifugal force imparting device in the present invention. The turntable 33 in the present embodiment is an example of a rotating body in the present invention. The chip holder 47 in the present embodiment is an example of a holding body in the present invention. The chip holders 47L and 47R in the present embodiment are examples of a plurality of holding bodies in the present invention. The spindle motor 35 in the present embodiment is an example of a revolution drive unit in the present invention. The stepping motor 47 in the present embodiment is an example of the rotation driving unit in the present invention. The microchips 1 and 101 and the centrifugal force applying device 30 in the present embodiment are examples of the liquid mixing system in the present embodiment.

  The first wall portion 21A and the second wall portion 22A in this embodiment are an example of the first wall portion and the second wall portion in the present invention in order. The angle α1 = 30 ° or the angle α2 = 45 ° in the present embodiment is an example of the first rotation angle. The angle α1 = 30 ° or the angle α2 = 45 ° in the present embodiment is an example of a third rotation angle. The angle α3 = 60 ° in the present embodiment is an example of the second rotation angle. The angle α3 = 60 ° in the present embodiment is an example of a fourth rotation angle.

  The extending direction of the first wall portion 21A and the extending direction of the second wall portion 22A in this embodiment are examples of the first extending direction and the second extending direction in the present invention in order. The extending direction of the first wall portion 121A and the extending direction of the second wall portion 122A in this embodiment are examples of the third extending direction and the fourth extending direction in the present invention in order. The angles θa and θb in the present embodiment are examples of the “angle from the direction of centrifugal force to the first extending direction” in the present invention. The angles θa1 and θb1 in the present embodiment are examples of the “angle from the direction of centrifugal force to the third extending direction” in the present invention. The angle θc in the present embodiment is an example of the “angle from the direction of centrifugal force to the second extending direction” in the present invention. The angle θc1 in the present embodiment is an example of the “angle from the direction of centrifugal force to the fourth extending direction” in the present invention.

  S11 in the present embodiment is an example of the liquid mixing method in the present invention. S33 in this embodiment is an example of the rotation process in the present invention. S34 or S35 in the present embodiment is an example of the first rotation process in the present invention. S36 in this embodiment is an example of the 2nd rotation process in this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Microchip 2 Plate member 2A Flow path formation surface 3 Specimen input part 6 Reagent input part 7 Specimen supply path 10 Reagent supply path 11 Space part 13 Excess side wall part 14 Weighing part 15 Excess tank 16 1st storage tank 18 2nd storage tank 20 Mixing tank 21 1st flow path 21A 1st wall part 22 2nd flow path 22A 2nd wall part 23 3rd flow path 23A 3rd wall part 24 Cover member

Claims (3)

A first inspection target receiver having a predetermined flow path forming surface and a second inspection different from the first inspection target receiver having a flow path forming surface different from the first inspection target receiver. A liquid mixing system comprising a target receiver and a centrifugal force applying device,
The centrifugal force applying device is:
A rotating body,
A plurality of holding bodies provided on the rotating body, configured to be capable of mounting a plurality of inspection target receivers including the first and second inspection target receivers, and holding the plurality of inspection target receivers; ,
A revolving drive unit that rotates the rotating body and applies centrifugal force to the plurality of holding bodies;
A plurality of predetermined rotations of each of the plurality of holding bodies around a rotation axis perpendicular to the flow path forming surface of each of the plurality of inspection target receptacles held by the plurality of holding bodies. A rotation drive unit that changes to an angle, and
On the flow path forming surface of the first test object receptacle,
A sample loading unit into which a liquid to be examined is loaded;
A storage tank formed so that the liquid to be inspected can be stored;
The specimen of the first test object receptor when the first test object receptor rotates around the first rotation angle among the plurality of predetermined rotation angles with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force. A first flow path formed so that the liquid to be inspected supplied from the input unit flows into the storage tank;
A mixing tank for mixing the liquid to be inspected and the reagent;
When the first test object receptacle is rotated at a second rotation angle larger than the first rotation angle with respect to the direction of the centrifugal force, the liquid to be inspected stored in the storage tank is A second flow path formed to flow to the mixing tank;
Formed,
On the flow path forming surface of the second inspection object receiver,
A sample input unit for supplying a liquid to be examined;
A first mixing tank for mixing the liquid to be inspected and the reagent;
The test object supplied from the specimen input part of the second test object receptacle when the second test object receptor rotates about the direction of the centrifugal force at the first rotation angle or more. A first flow path formed such that the liquid flows to the first mixing tank of the second test target receptacle,
A second mixing tank for mixing the mixed liquid and the reagent mixed in the first mixing tank of the second test target receptacle;
The liquid mixture is formed so that the liquid mixture flows from the first mixing tank to the second mixing tank when the second test object receiver rotates about the centrifugal force at the second rotation angle or more. A second flow path,
Formed,
The said rotation drive part is changed so that the rotation angle of each of these holding | maintenance bodies may become the same, The liquid mixing system characterized by the above-mentioned. The first flow path of the first test object receptacle has a first wall portion extending in the first extending direction so that the liquid to be tested flows to the storage tank,
The second flow path of the first test object receptacle has a second wall portion extending in the second extending direction so that the liquid to be tested flows to the mixing tank,
When the first test object receiver is rotated to the first rotation angle in the first rotation direction, the first wall portion of the first test object receiver is rotated in the first rotation direction. The angle from the direction of the force to the first extending direction is formed to be a right angle or an obtuse angle,
When the first test object receiver is rotated to the second rotation angle in the first rotation direction, the second wall portion of the first test object receiver is the first rotation direction in the first rotation direction. Formed so that the angle from the direction of centrifugal force to the second extending direction is a right angle or an obtuse angle,
The first flow path of the second inspection object receptacle has a first wall portion extending in the third extending direction so that the liquid to be inspected flows to the first mixing tank of the second inspection object receptacle. And
When the second inspection object receiver is rotated to the first rotation angle in the second rotation direction, the first wall portion of the second inspection object receptor is rotated in the second rotation direction. The angle from the direction of the force to the third extending direction is a right angle or an obtuse angle,
The second flow path of the second inspection target receptacle has a second wall portion extending in the fourth extending direction so that the mixed liquid flows to the second mixing tank of the second inspection target receptacle. ,
When the second inspection object receiver is rotated to the second rotation angle in the second rotation direction, the second wall portion of the second inspection object reception body is in the second rotation direction. The liquid mixing system according to claim 1, wherein an angle from a direction of centrifugal force to the fourth extending direction is a right angle or an obtuse angle. A liquid mixing method using the liquid mixing system according to claim 1 or 2,
A rotating step of rotating the rotating body so that centrifugal force is applied to the plurality of holding bodies that hold the plurality of inspection object receivers including the first inspection object receiver and the second inspection object receiver; ,
A first rotation step of simultaneously rotating the plurality of holding bodies to the first rotation angle after the rotation step;
A second rotation step of rotating the plurality of holding bodies simultaneously at the second rotation angle after the first rotation step;
A liquid mixing method characterized by comprising:

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