JPWO2015025633A1 - Inspection container and inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The test container 4 into which the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is inserted includes an opening region 202 that is connected to the opening into which the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is inserted and is filled with liquid at the other end. Here, the opening area 202 includes a first cone-shaped area 101-2 and a second cone-shaped area 101-3 that are arranged in the order from one end of the opening area 202 to the other end. ing. In the first conical region 101-2, the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from one end side to the other end side of the first opening region. Moreover, in the 2nd cone-shaped area | region 101-3, the shape of an opening becomes thin in a cone shape toward the other end side from the one end side of a 1st opening area | region.

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection container and an inspection apparatus, and more particularly to a sample container, a reagent container, and an inspection apparatus on which they are installed.

  In recent years, for example, in gene analyzers, reduction of samples or reagents has been demanded. In connection with this, it is required to minimize the amount of liquid filled in the sample (sample) container and the reagent container. When the amount of liquid to be filled is minimized, it is desirable that the position of the tip of the dispensing tip is the center of the bottom surface of the container, particularly when the minimum amount of liquid in the container is sucked.

  In Patent Document 1, FIGS. 4E-1 and 4E-2 show that the center position is accurately found by repeating the operation until the probe 103 and the jig 101 are not in contact with each other.

  Further, Patent Document 2 shows a cuvette 230 whose upper region has a funnel shape in FIGS. 15 (1) and 15 (2), and shows that the cleaning nozzle is guided to the central axis A 0 of the cuvette 230. Has been.

JP 2009-300152 A JP 2009-36595 A

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operation is repeated until no contact is made. Therefore, it takes time to suck the liquid.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the cleaning nozzle is guided by the funnel shape, but the guided range is widened, and it is difficult to guide the center of the container with high accuracy. In Patent Document 2, there is no particular awareness of reducing the sample or reagent.

  In this specification, it is to be understood that the sample container and the reagent container are referred to as a test container, and the test container includes the sample container and the reagent container.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an inspection container and an inspection apparatus capable of positioning a dispensing tip at the center of an inspection container with high accuracy.

  The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

  Of the inventions disclosed in the present application, the outline of typical ones will be briefly described as follows.

  That is, the inspection container into which the dispensing tip is inserted extends in a direction orthogonal to the main surface, a circular first opening formed in the main surface, and one end of the first container. A first opening region connected to the opening and filled with liquid at the other end. Here, the first opening area includes a first cone-shaped area and a second cone-shaped area that are sequentially arranged in a direction from one end to the other end of the first opening area. In the first conical region, the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from one end side to the other end side of the first opening region. Further, in the second conical region, the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from one end side to the other end side of the first opening region.

  The dispensing tip is inserted into the first opening of the inspection container and passes through the first conical region and the second conical region. Here, the dispensing tip extends in one direction, has a suction port for sucking liquid on one side in the extending direction, and has an outer shape from the other side in the extending direction toward the suction port. The shape is narrowed to a conical shape.

  The dispensing tip inserted into the first opening is guided toward the center of the first opening region by the first conical shape region having a conical shape, and the opening shape is a second one having a conical shape. Guided by the conical region toward the center of the first opening region. That is, the dispensing tip is gradually guided toward the center of the first opening region using the plurality of conical regions (first conical region, second conical region). Further, since the outer shape of the dispensing tip is conical, the guide is guided toward the center of the first opening region along the shape of the opening in the first conical region and the second conical region. This makes it possible to align the suction port of the dispensing tip with the center of the first opening region with high accuracy.

  In one embodiment, the first opening region is provided with a recessed region (hereinafter also referred to as a recessed portion) filled with liquid at the other end. Since the liquid is filled in the depression area, it is possible to increase the height of the liquid surface at the other end of the first opening area even when the amount of the liquid is small as compared with the case where the depression area is not provided. . Therefore, it is possible to provide a test container suitable when the amount of a sample or reagent that is a liquid is small.

  Furthermore, in one embodiment, the dispensing tip is reversible. Therefore, the dispensing tip can be deformed along the shape of the opening in the first cone-shaped region and the second cone-shaped region, and can reach the center of the first opening region.

  When viewed from the viewpoint of the inspection apparatus, in one embodiment, the inspection apparatus includes a dispensing mechanism on which a dispensing tip is mounted, a container erection unit on which an inspection container filled with liquid is erected, and a detection Mechanism. The dispensing tip attached to the dispensing mechanism extends in the vertical direction, has a suction port for sucking liquid on the lower side in the vertical direction, and has an outer shape from the upper side in the vertical direction toward the suction port. It has a shape that narrows into a conical shape. In addition, the inspection container extends in a direction orthogonal to the main surface, a circular first opening formed in the main surface, and one end of the container is connected to the first opening. A first opening region filled with liquid at the end. Here, the first opening region includes a first conical shape region and a second conical shape region, which are sequentially arranged in a direction from one end to the other end.

  In the first conical region, the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from one end side to the other end side of the first opening region. Also in the second conical region, the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from one end side to the other end side of the first opening region.

  The dispensing tip is moved in the vertical direction so as to be inserted into the first opening when sucking the liquid. Due to the movement in the vertical direction, the dispensing tip passes through the first conical region and the second conical region. When passing, the dispensing tip having a conical outer shape moves toward the center of the first opening region along the first conical region and the second conical region having a conical opening. Therefore, highly accurate alignment is possible.

  In one embodiment, a dispensing tip is constituted by a reversible conductor. Since it has reversibility, it is possible to deform along the shape of the opening in the first cone-shaped region and the second cone-shaped region and reach the center of the first opening region. Moreover, since the dispensing tip has conductivity, the detection mechanism can easily detect contact between the suction port of the dispensing tip and the liquid level.

  According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide an inspection container and an inspection apparatus capable of positioning a dispensing tip with high accuracy at the center of the inspection container.

(A) And (B) is the top view and front view which show the structure of a gene-analysis apparatus. (A) And (B) is the top view and front view of a nucleic acid sample container. (A) And (B) is principal part sectional drawing of a nucleic acid sample container. (A) And (B) is sectional drawing of the container hole of a nucleic acid sample container. It is sectional drawing of the container hole for demonstrating when a dispensing tip has shifted | deviated. (A) And (B) is the top view and front view of a reagent container. (A) And (B) is sectional drawing of the container hole of a reagent container.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

  In the following embodiments, a genetic analysis device (also referred to as a nucleic acid test device) will be described as an example of the test device. In this case, the nucleic acid sample container and the reagent container installed in the gene analyzer correspond to the test container.

  FIG. 1A is a plan view showing the configuration of the gene analyzer, and FIG. 1B is a front view showing the configuration of the gene analyzer.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is a housing of a gene analyzer, and 2 and 3 are nucleic acid sample drawers. As shown in FIG. 1, the nucleic acid sample drawer 2 and the nucleic acid sample drawer 3 are installed in the housing 1 and are arranged in parallel. Three nucleic acid sample containers 4 can be installed in each of the nucleic acid sample drawer 2 and the nucleic acid sample drawer 3. A reagent drawer 5 is installed along with the nucleic acid sample drawer 2 and the nucleic acid sample drawer 3. Inside the reagent drawer 5, there are a reagent container erection part 7 and a reagent preparation container erection part 6 for preparing several kinds of stock solution reagents enclosed in the reagent container 8. A maximum of six containers can be erected on each of the reagent container erection part 7 and the reagent preparation container erection part 6.

  The nucleic acid sample drawers 2 and 3 and the reagent drawer 5 are provided with a temperature control mechanism (not shown) having a Peltier and a temperature sensor for refrigeration of a chemical solution in a container installed on the nucleic acid sample drawers 2 and 3. In addition, a lid mechanism (not shown) is provided above the nucleic acid sample drawers 2 and 3 and the reagent drawer 5 in order to prevent evaporation of the extracted nucleic acid samples and reagents and condensation in the drawer. A consumable item drawer 9 is installed on the housing 1 so as to be aligned with the reagent drawer 5. The consumable drawer 9 is provided with a 25 μl dispensing tip rack 10, a 200 μl dispensing tip rack 11, a reaction vessel rack 12, and a sphere supply mechanism 13 that supplies spheres for closing the reaction vessel. The 25 μl dispensing tip rack 10 is provided with a plurality of 25 μl dispensing tips, and the 200 μl dispensing tip rack 11 is provided with a plurality of 200 μl dispensing tips. As shown later using FIG. 6, as can be seen from FIG. 1A, each of the reagent containers 8 has a large hole, a small hole, and a filling hole for mineral oil.

  The relationship between the nucleic acid sample container 4 and the reagent container 8 and the 25 μl dispensing chip and the 200 μl dispensing chip will be described. The 25 μl dispensing chip is used to dispense the extracted nucleic acid sample in the nucleic acid sample container 4 and the small holes of the reagent container 8. Used to dispense the reagent filled in On the other hand, the 200 μl dispensing tip is used for dispensing the reagent filled in the large hole of the reagent container 8 and dispensing mineral oil. That is, depending on the amount of liquid (sample, reagent) to be sucked, the dispensing tip is properly used. These dispensing tips are discarded after being used for dispensing. That is, each dispensing tip is used as a consumable item.

  The nucleic acid sample drawer 2, the nucleic acid sample drawer 3, the reagent drawer 5 and the consumables drawer 9 are provided with a drawer mechanism, and each drawer is pulled out from the front of the apparatus to obtain a nucleic acid sample container 4, a reagent container 8, a 25 μl dispensing tip, 200 μl. Dispensing tips, reaction vessels, and spheres are installed on each drawer. In FIG. 1A, the drawer direction of each drawer is indicated by a solid arrow Y.

  A 25 μl dispensing tip and a 200 μl dispensing tip are mounted on the upper part of the gene analyzer, and the dispensing mechanism 16 (FIG. 1B) for dispensing and the dispensing tip reaches the liquid level (contact). An XYZ arm mechanism 14 provided with a detection mechanism (not shown) for detecting the above and an XYZ arm mechanism 15 for transporting the reaction vessel are installed. The detection mechanism provided in the XYZ arm mechanism 14 includes the capacitance between the dispensing tip and the container (nucleic acid sample container 4, reagent container 8), and the solution of the solution (liquid) in the dispensing tip and the container. The capacitance between the surface is detected. Thereby, it is detected whether the dispensing tip is in contact with the nucleic acid sample container 4 or has reached (contacted) the liquid level of the solution (liquid) in the nucleic acid sample container 4. Thus, by detecting that the liquid surface has been reached, it is possible to dispense the extracted nucleic acid sample and the reagent with the accuracy required for analysis.

  Further, around each drawer, a sphere supply mechanism in which a sphere for closing the reaction vessel is installed, a sphere transfer mechanism 17 for transferring the supplied sphere to the plugging place, and the transferred sphere are closed in the reaction vessel. A sphere push-in mechanism 18 is installed. In addition, around each drawer, a reaction container transport mechanism 19 that transports the reaction container after the dispensing of the nucleic acid sample and the amplification reagent to the capping mechanism side, and agitation for mixing the extracted nucleic acid sample and the amplification reagent in the reaction container After installing the mechanism 20 and the reaction vessel after stirring, a carousel disk is installed as a PCR temperature control mechanism. Furthermore, a reading unit 21 and a touch panel PC 22 each including an individual temperature control block, excitation light and a fluorescence detection unit are installed around each drawer.

  The XYZ arm mechanism 15 installs the reaction containers on the reaction container rack 12 to the reaction container transport mechanism 19, the stirring mechanism 20, and the reading unit 21 as necessary. The moving direction of the XYZ arm mechanism 15 is indicated by solid arrows X2, Y2, and Z2. Further, the moving direction of the reaction container transport mechanism 19 is indicated by a solid arrow X. In the figure, reference numeral 23 denotes a container holding mechanism.

  The XYZ arm mechanism 14 equipped with a dispensing mechanism is installed in the target nucleic acid sample drawer 2, the nucleic acid sample drawer 3, and the reagent drawer 5 after mounting the dispensing chip for dispensing operation according to the dispensing workflow. Move to container. The moving direction of the XYZ arm mechanism 14 is indicated by solid arrows X1, Y1, and Z1.

  The positional relationship between the dispensing tip moved by the XYZ arm mechanism 14 and the nucleic acid sample container and reagent container is such that the motor stop position accuracy in the XY direction of the XYZ arm mechanism 14 to which the dispensing tip is attached is, for example, The deviation due to adjustment to the center position of the container is, for example, ± 0.2 mm. Further, the deviation due to opening and closing of each drawer mechanism is, for example, ± 0.2 mm, the deviation due to the installation of the container is, for example, ± 0.2 mm, and the tolerance of the inner diameter dimension of the hollow portion of the bottom of the container is, for example, ± 0 .2 mm. In this case, when integrated, the deviation is ± 1.0 mm. Furthermore, since the dispensing tip is formed of a reversible conductive material, for example, a conductive resin, warping may occur at the tips of the 25 μl dispensing tip and the 200 μl dispensing tip. For example, if the dispensing tip warps have a tolerance of ± 0.8 mm from the central axis of the dispensing tip, the maximum of the tip of the 25 μl dispensing tip and the 200 μl dispensing tip is 1. It may deviate from the central axis of the 8mm container.

  In this way, dispensing is performed in the nucleic acid sample container 4 and the reagent container 8 using a dispensing chip that may be displaced from the central axis of the container. At the time of dispensing, since the minimum liquid volume of the extracted nucleic acid sample for detecting the liquid level in the nucleic acid sample container 4 is 20 μl and the minimum suction amount is 12 μl, it is necessary to detect the remaining amount of 8 μl. Also in the reagent container 8, since the minimum amount of the reagent for detecting the liquid level in the reagent container 8 is 10 μl and the minimum suction amount is 2 μl, it is necessary to detect the remaining amount of 8 μl as in the case of the extracted nucleic acid sample. is there.

  Next, the structure of the nucleic acid sample container 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A is a plan view of the nucleic acid sample container 4 installed in the gene analyzer, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the nucleic acid sample container 4. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line AA ′ in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 3B is the dashed line in FIG. It is sectional drawing shown by BB '. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, broken lines indicate portions hidden in plan view and front view.

  The nucleic acid sample container (test container) 4 has a housing 200, and one main surface 200A of the housing 200 is provided with four openings 201 (first openings). Each opening 201 has the same circular shape (circular shape). As shown in FIG. 2B, the housing 200 has four cylindrical regions 202 extending from one main surface 200A in one direction (lower side in the figure). Each cylindrical region 202 is connected to the opening 201. Each cylindrical region 202 is an opening region (first opening region), one end of which is connected to the corresponding opening 201 and the other end is closed. ) 203 is provided. In other words, each opening region 202 extends in a direction orthogonal to one main surface 200A of the housing, one end of which is connected to the corresponding opening 201, and the other end is provided with a recessed region 203. Has a structured. A liquid which is a sample or a reagent is filled in the depression region 203.

  A nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 to be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 is attached to each opening region 202. Since the opening area 202 has one end connected to the opening 201 and the other end closed by the depression area 203, the opening area 202 can also be regarded as a container hole of the inspection container. When regarded as a container hole, the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 can be regarded as being fitted in the container hole. The nucleic acid sample container sleeves 101 attached to the respective open regions 202 have the same shape as each other. In FIG. 2, the schematic shape is indicated by a broken line.

  3A and 3B are enlarged cross-sectional views of the recessed region 203 shown in FIG. When viewed from the A-A ′ sectional direction, the bottom area of the recessed area 203 is flat, but when viewed from the B-B ′ sectional direction, the bottom area has a V-shaped structure. At the time of dispensing, the dispensing tip is inserted into the opening region 202 from the opening 201 and sucks the liquid so as to come into contact with the bottom surface portion of the recessed region 203. When the dispensing tip comes into contact with the bottom surface portion of the depression region 203, the bottom surface portion has a V-shaped structure, thereby preventing the suction port provided at the tip of the dispensing tip from being blocked. be able to. That is, a gap is formed between the suction port of the dispensing tip and the V-shaped structure, and the solution can be sucked with high accuracy from this gap.

  4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the container hole (opening region) 202 as viewed from the A-A ′ cross-sectional direction of FIG. These figures also show a cross-section of the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 attached to the container hole (opening region) 202. In particular, FIG. 4A shows a state in which a 25 μl dispensing tip 102, which is a dispensing tip, is inserted into a container hole 202 and a nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 attached to the container hole 202. . In these drawings, the cross section of the sleeve 101 for nucleic acid sample container and the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is hatched so that it can be distinguished from the container hole 202.

  In the case of the nucleic acid sample container 4, the volume of the recessed portion 203 that is the bottom of the container hole 202 is, for example, 12.9 μl. Here, in order to enable detection of the remaining amount of 8 μl, it is required that the tip of the dispensing tip is not in contact with the inner wall of the hollow portion when the nucleic acid sample is aspirated, that is, when the extracted nucleic acid sample is aspirated. Is done. The inner wall width of the recessed portion 203 of the container hole 202 is 3 mm, for example, and the diameter of the tip of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is 1.2 mm, for example. Therefore, if the tip of the dispensing tip 102 is shifted by 0.9 mm with respect to the central axis O of the container hole (nucleic acid sample container hole), the tip of the dispensing tip will hit the inner wall of the recessed portion 203. .

  Here, the case where the sleeve 101 for nucleic acid sample containers is not attached (it is not installed) is demonstrated. The width of the recess portion 203 provided at the bottom of the container hole 202 is 3 mm, that is, 1.5 mm from the center of the recess portion 203, and the tip of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is, as described above, the XYZ arm mechanism. The sum of the positional variations at the tip of the dispensing tip may reach a maximum of 1.8 mm due to variations, warpage of the dispensing tip, and the like. The variation of 1.8 mm at the maximum may be offset by 2.4 mm by adding a radius of 0.6 mm at the tip of the dispensing tip. Therefore, in order to enable detection of the remaining amount (residual liquid) of 8 μl, the dispensing tip has a high accuracy such that the tip thereof is inserted within φ0.9 mm with respect to the central axis O of the container bottom. Required.

  FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional structure of the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 attached to the container hole 202 is roughly divided into a cylindrical outer surface shape portion and a conical outer surface shape portion. Extending from one main surface 200A of the container in one direction (downward in the figure). For the nucleic acid sample container, a cylindrical outer surface shape portion and a conical outer surface shape portion are arranged in this extending direction, and the cylindrical outer surface shape portion engages with the inner surface shape of the container hole 202. A sleeve 101 is attached to the container hole 202. In this embodiment, the conical outer surface shape portion has two conical outer surface shape portions, and the diameter of the conical shape is reduced in the order toward the one direction described above.

  The inner surface shape of the sleeve 101 for the nucleic acid sample container includes a cylindrical region 101-1 having a cylindrical opening, a first conical region 101-2 having a conical opening, and a conical opening. And a second conical region 101-3. In the direction from the opening 201 toward the hollow portion 203 of the container hole 202, the cylindrical region 101-1, the first conical region 101-2, and the second conical region 101-3 are arranged in this order. That is, the cylindrical hole region 101-1, the first conical region region 101-2, and the second conical region region 101-3 are arranged in this order from one end to the other end of the container hole (opening region) 202. . Each of the first cone-shaped region 101-2 and the second cone-shaped region 101-3 is configured such that the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape in the direction from one end of the container hole 202 to the other end.

  The aperture opened in the columnar region 101-1 is φD1. The diameter of the opening at the one end side of the first conical region 101-2 connected to the cylindrical region 101-1 is also φD1. On the other hand, the diameter of the opening on the other end side of the first conical region 101-2 is φD2, which is narrower than the diameter φD1 described above. As a result, the first conical region 101-2 is configured such that the aperture diameter becomes narrower (smaller) from φD1 to φD2 in the direction from one end to the other end of the container hole 202. In addition, the aperture diameter at one end of the second conical region 101-3 connected to the other end side of the first conical region 101-2 is φD2, and other than the second conical region 101-3 The diameter of the opening on the end side is set to a diameter φD3 that is narrower (smaller) than the diameter φD2. Thus, the second conical region 101-3 is configured such that the aperture diameter becomes narrower (smaller) from φD2 to φD3 in the direction from one end to the other end of the container hole 202.

  Here, the diameter φD1 of the opening 201 is such that the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is inserted even when the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is inserted up to 1.8 mm away from the central axis O of the container hole 202 of the nucleic acid sample container. The size does not touch the inner surface of the sleeve 101 for the nucleic acid sample container. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 has a protruding portion 101-4 at a portion that engages with the opening 201. The opening 201 has a step so as to engage with the protrusion 101-4. When the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 is inserted into the opening 201, the protrusion 101-4 of the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 is inserted into the stepped portion of the opening 201, and the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 is inserted into the nucleic acid sample container. 4 is fixed. As a method for fixing, the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 is press-fitted into the container hole 202. However, the fixing method is not limited to this. Further, the container hole (opening region) 202 and the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 may be integrally formed, or the container hole 202 may have the shape of the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101.

  In this embodiment, at the time of dispensing, as shown in FIG. 4A, a 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is inserted into the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 attached to the container hole 202. . When inserted, the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 passes through the columnar region 101-1, the first conical region 101-2, and the second conical region 101-3 and is guided to the recessed portion 203. Thereby, the tip of the dispensing tip 102 is along the first conical region 101-2 and the second conical region 101-3 whose diameter is narrowed from one end side to the other end side of the container hole 202, It is guided to the bottom surface side of the container hole 202. That is, the tip of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is guided downward along the tapered portion of the first conical region 101-2 having a tapered structure such that the hole diameter decreases downward, and further downward. Along the tapered portion of the second conical region 101-3 having a tapered structure such that the diameter of the hole becomes smaller toward the hole diameter, it is guided downward and reaches the recessed portion 203.

  The aperture diameter φD2 of the opening on the other end side of the first cone-shaped region 101-2 (one end side of the second cone-shaped region 101-3) and the aperture diameter φD3 of the opening on the other end side of the second cone-shaped region 101-3 are: In this embodiment, the diameter of the outer shape of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 when the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 contacts the recessed portion 203 is increased from φ0.2 mm to φ0.3 mm. That is, when the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 comes into contact with the recessed portion 203, the diameter of the second cone shaped region 101-3 is 25 μl dispensing tip 102 at the distance L1 in the length direction of the second cone shaped region 101-3. The outer diameter is increased from φ0.2 mm to φ0.3 mm. In the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101, the first conical region 101-2 and the second conical region 101-3 have longer lengths toward the container bottom surface (recessed portion 203) of the nucleic acid sample container 4. Good. In this embodiment, the tip position of the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 is 6 mm from the container bottom surface inside the container. However, when the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is inserted into the container hole, the tip of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 only needs to be within φ1.5 mm from the central axis O of the container at the bottom of the container, and the tip of the slave from the bottom of the container The height is not limited to 6 mm. Moreover, it is desirable that the tip position of the sleeve has a height that does not touch the solution surface to be filled.

  A dispensing tip that dispenses a minute amount such as the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is easily deformed. Therefore, the distance L1 of the second conical region 101-3 in the sleeve 101 that guides the tip of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 to the center of the container hole 202 of the nucleic acid sample container 4 is from one main surface 200A of the nucleic acid sample container 4. The distance L (not shown) to the bottom surface of the container has a length of 1/3 or more of the distance L, and the position of the tip of the sleeve 101 for nucleic acid sample container 4 is from one main surface 200A of the nucleic acid sample container 4. It is desirable that the distance is 1/2 or more below the distance L (a direction close to the bottom of the container).

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an A-A ′ cross section of the nucleic acid sample container 4 shown in FIG. The figure shows a case where a 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is inserted with a deviation from the central axis O of the container hole 202 of the nucleic acid sample container 4. In these drawings, a state in which the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is shifted in diameter by φ1.8 mm is shown. The case where the dispensing tip is inserted with a shift will be described with reference to FIG. 5, but before that, the structure of the dispensing tip will be described. In the following, the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 will be described as an example of a dispensing tip, but the 200 μl dispensing tip 107 has the same configuration, and therefore the description of the 200 μl dispensing tip 107 is omitted.

  The 25 μl dispensing tip 102 extends in one direction, has a suction port at one end thereof, and has a shape in which the outer shape narrows into a conical shape from the other end side toward the suction port. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 5, the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 extends from the upper side to the lower side of the drawing, and the suction port is provided on the lower side. Has a conical shape that narrows from the upper side toward the lower suction port. In dispensing, the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is moved in the vertical direction (lower side in the drawing) by the XYZ arm mechanism, and sucks the liquid through the suction port provided on the lower side. When suction is performed, the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is moved upward by the XYZ arm mechanism. The inside of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is opened, and the sucked liquid is filled in the area of this opening.

  Further, the housing of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is made of a conductive material having reversibility. The 25 μl dispensing tip 102 made of a conductive material is electrically connected to a detection mechanism (not shown) provided in the XYZ arm mechanism 14. The detection mechanism detects a change in capacitance caused when the conductive 25 μl dispensing tip 102 approaches or contacts the liquid surface, the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 or the container hole 202. Thereby, it is determined whether or not the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 has reached (contacted) the liquid level, for example, or whether or not it is in contact with the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the case where the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is displaced and inserted into the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101 will be described.

  As shown on the left side in FIG. 5, when the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is displaced from the central axis O of the container hole 202 and moved downward (lowered), the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is In contact with the inner wall of the sleeve 101 for the nucleic acid sample container. That is, the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is in contact with the inner surface of the first conical region 101-2 ((B) of FIG. 4). The inner surface shape of the first conical region 101-2 has a tapered structure in which the hole diameter decreases downward from the diameter φD1 of the opening on one end side toward the diameter φD2 of the opening on the other end side. Therefore, the suction port of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 moves to the lower side of the container hole 202 (recessed portion 203) along this tapered portion.

  As shown on the right side in FIG. 5, when the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is further moved down (lowered) and inserted, the reversible 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is deformed and the container hole 202 of the nucleic acid sample container 4 is deformed. Led to the center of Here, the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 has a conical shape whose outer shape narrows toward the suction port. Therefore, 25 μl of the conical shape (outer shape) of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is aligned with the conical shape (inner shape) of the second conical region 101-3 (FIG. 4B). The suction port of the dispensing tip 102 moves downward and approaches the central axis O of the container hole 202. Thus, even when the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is inserted with a deviation from the central axis O of the container hole 202 of the nucleic acid sample container 4, when inserted to the bottom of the container, the center axis O of the container hole 202 is The tip (suction port) of the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 can reach within φ1.5 mm.

  Next, the reagent container 8 filled with the reagent will be described. Although not particularly limited, the reagent is filled in the reagent container 8 by the reagent manufacturer and delivered to the engine having the inspection device. 6A and 6B are a plan view and a front view of the reagent container 8, respectively.

  The reagent container 8 has a housing 200, and a plurality of openings are provided on one main surface 200 </ b> A of the housing 200. Moreover, the housing | casing 200 has several opening area | regions orthogonal to the one main surface 200A and extending in the direction below in the figure. One end (one main surface 200A side) of each opening region is connected to the corresponding opening, and the other end is closed. Thereby, the reagent container 8 has a plurality of container holes 104, 106, 108 and 109. In this embodiment, two types of reagent container holes 104 and 106 are provided in the reagent container 8 according to the amount of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) reagent. That is, the reagent container large hole 104 and the reagent container small hole 106 are provided according to the amount of the PCR reagent, and the four reagent container large holes 104 and the reagent container small hole 106 are provided in the reagent container 8, respectively. Further, the reagent container 8 is provided with four storage holes 109 for temporarily storing a filling hole 108 of mineral oil and a 25 μl dispensing tip 102 and a 200 μl dispensing tip 107 as reagents for preventing evaporation of the reagent. .

  Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the size of the opening of the mineral oil filling hole 108 is made larger than the size of the opening of each of the reagent container large hole 104, the reagent container small hole 106, and the storage hole 109. Yes.

  6A and 6B, 201-1 indicates an opening (sixth opening) of the reagent container large hole 104, and 201-2 indicates an opening of the reagent container small hole 106. The openings 201-1 and 201-2 have a circular shape like the openings 201 provided in the sample container 4. Each of the reagent container large hole 104 and the reagent container small hole 106 has container holes (opening areas) 202-1 and 202-2 similar to the container hole (opening area) 202 of the nucleic acid sample container 4. Indented portions 203-1 and 203-2 are arranged at the other end portions of the container holes 202-1 and 202-2, and the other end portions of the container holes 202-1 and 202-2 are formed by the indented portions. Is closed. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the structure of the recessed portion provided in each of the reagent container large hole 104 and the reagent container small hole 106 and the amount of liquid that can be filled therein are the nucleic acid sample container 4 described above. This is the same as the recessed portion 203 provided in the container hole 202.

  In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the hidden portion is indicated by a broken line when viewed from a plan view and a front view. Also in the sample container 8, a sleeve is attached to each of the sample container large hole 104 and the sample container small hole 106, similarly to the container hole 202 of the nucleic acid sample container 4.

  7A is a cross-sectional view when the sample container 8 is viewed in the CC ′ cross-section in FIG. 6A, and FIG. 7B is the cross-sectional view in FIG. It is sectional drawing when the sample container 8 is seen in a DD 'cross section. That is, FIG. 7A shows a reagent container large hole 104 filled with a PCR reagent, and FIG. 7B shows a reagent container small hole 106 filled with a PCR reagent. The filled reagent is not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the reagent container large hole 104 includes a container hole 202-1 (second opening region) connected to the opening 201-1 (sixth opening), and a container hole. It has a reagent container large hole sleeve 103 fixed to the opening 201-1 of 202-1. FIG. 7A also shows a cross section of a 200 μl dispensing tip 107 for dispensing the filled liquid (reagent). The method of fixing the reagent container large hole sleeve 103 to be used in the reagent container hole is the same as that of the nucleic acid sample sleeve 101. Of course, the reagent container large hole sleeve 103 and the container hole 202-1 may be integrally formed.

  The width of the depression on the bottom surface of the container and the volume of the depression are the same as the container hole of the nucleic acid sample container 4 described with reference to FIGS. As the dispensing tip, a 200 μl dispensing tip 107 is used, but when the 200 μl dispensing tip 107 is inserted, between the tip (suction port) of the 200 μl dispensing tip 107 and the central axis O of the container at the bottom of the container hole. The accuracy with respect to the deviation is the same as that of the nucleic acid sample container 4.

  Similarly to the nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101, the reagent container large hole sleeve 103 is formed from a columnar region 101-1 having an opening shape and one end (main surface 200A side) of the container hole 202-1. The first cone-shaped region 101-2 (third cone-shaped region) and the second cone-shaped region 101-3 (fourth cone-shaped) whose opening shape becomes narrower in the direction toward the other end (the recessed portion side) Area). A cylindrical region 101-1, a first conical region 101-2, and a second conical region 101-3 are arranged in this order from one end of the container hole 202-1 to the other end. The columnar region 101-1 has a columnar shape with an inner diameter that is an opening of φD4. The first conical region has a conical shape in which the opening diameter on one end side of the container hole is φD4 and the opening diameter on the other side of the container hole is φD5. Here, the opening diameter φD5 is smaller than the opening diameter φD4. Therefore, in the first conical shape region 101-2, the opening diameter is narrowed from φD4 to φD5, and the taper structure has a tapered portion that goes downward toward the central axis O of the container hole 202-1. ing.

  Similarly, the second conical region 101-3 has a conical shape in which the opening diameter on one end side of the container hole is φD5 and the opening diameter on the other side of the container hole is φD6. Here again, the opening diameter φD6 is smaller than the opening diameter φD5. Therefore, also in the second cone-shaped region 101-3, the opening diameter is narrowed from φD5 to φD6, and has a tapered structure having a tapered portion that goes downward toward the central axis O of the container hole 202-1. ing.

  Similar to the nucleic acid sample container 4, the sum of the displacement of the XYZ arm mechanism 14 and the displacement of the tip of the tip with respect to the central axis of the 200 μl dispensing tip 107 is 1.8 mm at the maximum. By making the taper structure from the opening diameters φD4 to φD5 and from the opening diameters φD5 to φD6, the 200 μl dispensing tip 107 inserted in a shifted manner can be guided toward the center of the container hole 202-1. As a result, even when the 200 μl dispensing tip 107 is inserted into the reagent container 8 in a shifted manner, the reagent can be aspirated without coming into contact with the inner wall of the recessed portion at the bottom of the container. Moreover, by doing in this way, it is possible not only to correct the deviation from the central axis at the time of insertion, but also to use a small amount of reagent effectively. That is, the reagent maker is filled with the reagent in advance in each container hole of the reagent container 8 and delivered in a sealed state. Before the delivered reagent container 8 is installed on the reagent drawer, the reagent that has entered the sleeve 103 is dropped onto the bottom of the container along the tapered portion of the tapered structure, so that the reagent can be used effectively. . In FIG. 7A, L2 indicates the distance of the second conical region 101-3.

  FIG. 7B shows a cross section of a reagent container small hole 106 filled with a PCR reagent, a reagent container small hole sleeve 105 and a 25 μl dispensing tip 102. Similarly to the reagent container large hole sleeve 103 shown in FIG. 7A, the reagent container small hole sleeve 105 also has a columnar region 101-1, a first conical region 101-2, and a second conical region 101. -3. The inner diameter of the columnar region 101-1 is φD7.

  In the first conical region, the opening diameter on one end side of the container hole 202-2 is φD7, and the opening diameter on the other side of the container hole 202-2 is φD8 (opening diameter smaller than the opening diameter φD7). The opening diameter becomes narrower from one side of the container hole to the other side. Further, in the second conical region, the opening diameter on one end side of the container hole 202-2 is φD8, and the opening diameter on the other side of the container hole 202-2 is φD9 (opening diameter smaller than the opening diameter φD8). The opening diameter becomes narrower from one side of the container hole to the other side. As a result, like the reagent container large hole 104, the taper structure becomes narrower from the opening diameter φD7 to φD8 and from the opening diameter φ8 to φ9 toward the central axis of the container hole.

  The reagent container small hole 106 differs from the reagent container large hole 104 described above in that the amount of reagent to be filled and the use of a 25 μl dispensing tip 102 are used. Due to this difference, the length and the guiding inner diameter of the reagent container small hole sleeve 105 are different from those of the reagent container large hole sleeve 103. As for the inner diameter, the size of the opening 201-1 in the reagent container large hole 104 is different from the size of the opening 201-2 in the reagent container large hole 106, and the sizes of the respective opening diameters φD4 to φD6 in the reagent container large hole sleeve 103 are as follows. The sizes of the respective opening diameters φD7 to φD9 in the corresponding reagent container small hole sleeve 105 are different.

  In addition to these differences, the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is used for performing a small amount of dispensing compared to the 200 μl dispensing tip 107, and thus is smaller and more easily deformed. Therefore, the distance L3 of the second conical region 101-3 (φD8 to φD9) leading to the center of the container hole of the reagent container 8 is a distance L (see FIG. 5) from the upper surface (main surface 200A) of the reagent container 8 to the container bottom surface. It is desirable to have a length of 1/3 or more of the distance L. If the position of the tip (suction port) of the reagent container small hole sleeve 105 is 1/2 or more below the upper surface of the reagent container 8 (on the side of the depression), the 25 μl dispensing tip 102 is inserted into the bottom of the reagent container 8. Even if it is done, it is possible to suck without contacting the inner wall of the recessed portion of the container bottom.

  In the embodiment, the nucleic acid sample container 4 and the reagent container 8 are each provided with four container holes, but the container erection structure is a structure that can be erected independently from the container hole. If there is, it is not limited to a multi-hole container structure.

  Although the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2, 3 Nucleic acid sample drawer 4 Nucleic acid sample container 5 Reagent drawer 6 Reagent preparation container installation part 7 Reagent container installation part 8 Reagent container 9 Consumable drawer 10 25 microliter dispensing tip rack 11 200 microliter dispensing tip rack 12 Reaction container rack 13 Sphere supply mechanism 14, 15 XYZ arm mechanism 16 Dispensing mechanism 17 Sphere transport mechanism 18 Sphere push-in mechanism 19 Reaction vessel transport mechanism 20 Stirring mechanism 21 Reading unit 22 Touch panel PC
23 Container holding mechanism 101 Nucleic acid sample container sleeve 101-1 Cylindrical region 101-2 First conical region 101-3 Second conical region 102 25 μl Dispensing tip 103 Reagent container large hole sleeve 104 Reagent container large hole 105 Reagent container Small hole sleeve 106 Reagent container small hole 107 200 μl Dispensing tip 108 Mineral oil filling hole 109 Dispensing tip temporary storage hole 202, 202-1, 202-2 Opening area

Claims (9)

It extends in one direction, has a suction port for sucking liquid on one side in the extending direction, and the outer shape narrows in a conical shape from the other side in the extending direction toward the suction port. However, the inspection container into which the dispensing tip is inserted,
The inspection container is:
Main surface,
A circular first opening formed in the main surface;
A first opening region extending in a direction perpendicular to the main surface, one end of which is connected to the first opening, and the other end is filled with the liquid;
Comprising
The first opening region includes a first cone-shaped region and a second cone-shaped region, which are sequentially arranged in a direction from the one end to the other end,
The first conical region has a circular second opening disposed on the one end side so that the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from the one end side toward the other end side, and the other A circular-shaped third opening disposed on the end side and having a diameter narrower than the diameter of the second opening,
The second conical shape region is arranged on the one end side so that the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from the one end side toward the other end side, and is a circular shape connected to the third opening portion. A fourth opening, and a fifth opening disposed on the other end side and having a diameter narrower than the diameter of the fourth opening,
When the dispensing tip is inserted, the dispensing tip passes through the first conical region and the second conical region. The inspection container according to claim 1,
The container for a test | inspection which has the hollow area | region where the other end of the said 1st opening area | region is filled with the said liquid. The inspection container according to claim 2,
The diameter of the fourth opening is the same as the diameter of the third opening. The inspection container according to claim 3,
The inspection container includes the first opening region and a sleeve fixed to the first opening.
The container for a test | inspection in which the said sleeve comprises the said 1st cone-shaped area | region and the said 2nd cone-shaped area | region. The inspection container according to claim 4,
The length of the second conical region in the direction from the one end to the other end is not less than 1/3 of the length from the main surface to the recessed region,
The position of the fifth opening in the direction from the one end to the other end is ½ or more of the length from the main surface to the depression area, and is located at a position close to the depression area. . The inspection container according to claim 2,
The inspection container is:
A circular-shaped sixth opening formed in the main surface;
A second opening region extending in a direction perpendicular to the main surface, one end of which is connected to the sixth opening, and the other end is filled with the liquid;
Comprising
The second opening region includes a third conical region and a fourth conical region, which are sequentially arranged in a direction from the one end to the other end,
The third conical region has a circular seventh opening disposed on the one end side so that the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from the one end side toward the other end side, and the other A circular-shaped eighth opening disposed on the end side and having a diameter narrower than the diameter of the seventh opening;
The fourth conical region is a circular shape that is disposed on the one end side and connected to the eighth opening so that the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from the one end side toward the other end side. A ninth opening, and a tenth opening disposed on the other end side and having a diameter narrower than the diameter of the ninth opening,
When the dispensing tip is inserted, the dispensing tip passes through the third conical region and the fourth conical region. The inspection container according to claim 6,
The size of the aperture of the sixth opening is different from the size of the aperture of the first opening, and the size of the aperture of the seventh opening is different from the size of the aperture of the second opening. The size of the aperture of the part is different from the size of the aperture of the third opening, and the size of the aperture of the ninth opening is different from the size of the aperture of the fourth opening. The size is different from the size of the aperture of the fifth opening,
The inspection container includes an eleventh opening formed in the main surface, a fourth opening region extending in a direction perpendicular to the main surface and connected to the eleventh opening, and the main surface. A twelfth opening formed, and a fifth opening region extending in a direction perpendicular to the main surface and connected to the twelfth opening;
The fourth opening area is used as an area for storing the dispensing tip,
The size of the twelfth opening is larger than the size of each of the first opening, the sixth opening, and the eleventh opening, and the fifth opening region is filled with liquid. container. A dispensing tip that extends in the vertical direction, has a suction port for sucking liquid on the lower side in the vertical direction, and has an outer shape that narrows in a conical shape from the upper side in the vertical direction toward the suction port. A dispensing mechanism to be installed; and
A container erection part on which an inspection container filled with a liquid sucked by the dispensing tip is erected,
A detection mechanism for detecting whether or not the dispensing tip has contacted the liquid level of the liquid filled in the inspection container;
Comprising
The inspection container is:
Main surface,
A circular first opening formed in the main surface;
A first opening region extending in a direction perpendicular to the main surface, one end of which is connected to the first opening, the other end is filled with the liquid, and the dispensing tip is inserted;
Comprising
The first opening region includes a first cone-shaped region and a second cone-shaped region, which are sequentially arranged in a direction from the one end to the other end,
The first conical region has a circular second opening disposed on the one end side so that the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from the one end side toward the other end side, and the other A circular-shaped third opening disposed on the end side and having a diameter narrower than the diameter of the second opening,
The second conical shape region is arranged on the one end side so that the shape of the opening becomes narrower in a conical shape from the one end side toward the other end side, and is a circular shape connected to the third opening portion. A fourth opening, and a fifth opening disposed on the other end side and having a diameter narrower than the diameter of the fourth opening,
When the dispensing tip is inserted, the dispensing tip passes through the first conical region and the second conical region. The inspection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The said dispensing tip is a test | inspection apparatus comprised with the conductor which has reversibility.