WO2008013205A1

WO2008013205A1 - Chip mounting type integration processing apparatus, chip-shaped container and chip mounting type integration processing method

Info

Publication number: WO2008013205A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/064596
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hideji Tajima; Tsutomu Asano
Original assignee: Universal Bio Research Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-07-25
Filing date: 2007-07-25
Publication date: 2008-01-31
Also published as: JP4944888B2; JPWO2008013205A1

Abstract

Provided is a chip mounting type integration processing apparatus which smoothly performs batch mounting operation for mounting a plurality of chips on a plurality of nozzles at one time. A chip-shaped container and a chip mounting type integration processing method are also provided. The chip mounting type integration processing apparatus is provided with the nozzles each of which has one or more outer circumference protruding sections which protrude outward; a nozzle head wherein two or more nozzles are arranged in a prescribed arrangement pattern; a sucking/discharging mechanism; two or more substantially tube-like chip-shaped containers having a mounting opening section and a port arranged at the leading end for permitting a fluid to flow in and out; a chip-shaped container storing section wherein the chip-shaped containers are stored or to be stored in a state where the chip-shaped containers can be mounted on the nozzles in the prescribed arrangement pattern; and a shifting means for relatively shifting the containers between the nozzle heads and the chip-shaped container storing section. The two or more nozzles arranged on the nozzle head are so configured that the outer circumference protruding section arranged on each nozzle by mounting the chip-shaped container is brought into contact or close contact with the inner circumference wall surface of the mounting opening section and that distances from the prescribed reference horizontal surface to at least one outer circumference protruding section are different from each other.

Description

Specification

Chip-mounted integrated processing apparatus, chip-shaped container, and chip-mounted integrated processing method

Technical field

The present invention relates to a chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus, a chip-shaped container, and a chip mounting type integrated processing method.

Background art

Conventionally, there has been a dispensing device that was invented and patented by one of the inventors of the present application. In the dispensing device, the dispensing tip is fitted to the lower end of the nozzle in the mounting opening by fitting, and the lower end of the dispensing tip is moved into the dispensing chip by sliding the plunger in the cylinder communicating with the nozzle. This is done by sucking or discharging the liquid through (Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 4).

[0003] In these dispensing devices, a cylinder for driving a plunger is used as a suction / discharge mechanism, but the mechanism such as a plunger is a high-precision machined part such as a syringe, and particularly in a cylinder. The volume change is basically integral with the volume change in the dispensing tip, and needs to be transmitted so that there is no looseness in the joint between the plunger and the drive device of the plunger. In addition, it is necessary to fit the nozzles of these suction and discharge mechanisms and dispensing tips so that there is no leakage of gas or liquid. Manufacturing and quality control require precision and structure for watertightness and airtightness. Is done. In particular, when a plurality of dispensing tips are used in an integrated manner, a large force is required to insert and fit a plurality of nozzles into a plurality of dispensing tips all together, for example, one nozzle. Since approximately 1 kilogram of force is required to install a dispensing tip, 96 devices require a force close to approximately 100 kilograms, and the O-ring for watertightness and airtightness is severely worn and high quality control is required. However, there was a problem that there was a risk that it would be necessary.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3115501

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3739953

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 3630497 Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent No. 3682302

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus and chip that can smoothly perform simultaneous fitting and simultaneous mounting operations of a plurality of chip containers to a plurality of nozzles. It is to provide a container and a chip mounting type integrated processing method. The second purpose is to provide high water-tightness and air-tightness, so that the reliability is high, the life of the equipment is long, and the burden of quality control is small! /, Chip-mounted integrated processing equipment, chip-shaped container and chip-mounted It is to provide a formula accumulation processing method. A third object is to provide a chip-mounted integrated processing apparatus, a chip-shaped container, and a chip-mounted integrated processing method capable of integrating a plurality of processes and performing a highly efficient and quick process. Is to provide.

Means for solving the problem

[0006] The first invention includes 1 or two or more nozzles having one or more outer peripheral protrusions projecting outward along two or more closed outer peripheral bands spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the nozzle, and two or more A nozzle head in which the nozzles are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern, a suction / discharge mechanism that sucks and discharges gas through the nozzle, a mounting opening that can be attached to or attached to the nozzle, and a tip. Two or more substantially cylindrical chip containers having a mouth portion through which fluid can be introduced and discharged by suction and discharge of the gas provided, and the chip containers are accommodated in a state that can be mounted on the nozzle in the predetermined arrangement pattern. Or two or more of the two or more provided in the nozzle head, each having a tip-like container accommodating portion that can be accommodated, and a moving means that relatively moves between the nozzle head and the tip-like container accommodating portion. The nozzle is the tip When the cylindrical container is mounted, the outer peripheral protrusions provided on the nozzles are in close contact with or in contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the mounting opening, and the distance from the predetermined reference horizontal plane to at least one of the outer peripheral protrusions is different from each other. This is a chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus composed of a plurality of types of nozzle groups.

Here, the “predetermined arrangement pattern” is, for example, a matrix shape, a single row shape, an annular shape, or the like.

The “matrix” refers to a structure in which elements, for example, nozzles and the like are arranged in a predetermined number of rows and a number of columns at predetermined row intervals and column intervals along two directions of the column direction and the row direction. The column direction and the row direction are usually orthogonal, but not necessarily limited thereto. It may be crossed. The “nozzle” is a portion where fluid is sucked and discharged, and the fluid includes gas and liquid. The nozzle is a flow path communicating with a “suction / discharge mechanism” such as a cylinder having a plunger. “Suction / discharge” means suction or / and discharge.

[0008] The "peripheral protrusion" is formed along a belt-like outer peripheral band closed on the outer peripheral side surface of the nozzle so as to surround the nozzle axis, and to protrude outward, radially or normal from the outer peripheral side surface. An annular portion. The outer circumferential band is preferably formed so as to be sandwiched between planes perpendicular to the nozzle axis. In addition, it is preferable that the outward force and height of the outer peripheral projection be constant around the nozzle. The band width along the axial direction of the outer edge portion that is in close contact with or in contact with the inner peripheral wall surface is, for example, compared with the width portion of the outer peripheral band on the outer surface, such as a linear or wall thickness of the chip-shaped container. It is preferable for insertion to be formed small. The outer edge of the outer peripheral protrusion may be provided with an o-ring along the outer periphery, or a groove may be provided to embed the o-ring to ensure watertightness and airtightness.

[0009] When the outer peripheral protrusion and the inner peripheral wall surface are in close contact or in contact with each other, the space inside the tip-shaped container, in particular, the opening for mounting, is partitioned in the axial direction, thereby being aligned along the axial direction of the nozzle. The passage of fluid can be blocked.

[0010] "Closely" means that two objects are in contact with each other with substantially no gap, and in this case, the state in which the outer peripheral protrusion is in contact with the inner peripheral wall surface in the entire circumferential length. “Contact” means that two objects come into contact with each other in a state that allows the presence of a gap, and in this case, a part of the entire circumferential length of the outer peripheral protrusion is in contact with the inner peripheral wall surface. Therefore, in the case of “close”, compared to the case of “contact”, the gap between the outer peripheral protrusion and the inner peripheral wall surface is small. Or very small.

A “chip-shaped container” is a container having an opening for mounting on a nozzle and a mouth for flowing in and out of a fluid at the tip. The mounting opening and the mouth are preferably provided along the axial direction of the container. Examples of the material of the chip-shaped container include resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, polyvinyl, and acrylic, and elastic bodies such as rubber. The chip-like container is preferably transparent or translucent. Since it is “substantially cylindrical”, it is substantially cylindrical or substantially rectangular. The size of the chip-like container is, for example, from its mouth The length along the mounting opening or in the axial direction is several centimeters to several tens of centimeters, and the volume is, for example, several microliters to several tens of milliliters depending on the length. The amount of suction and discharge varies depending on the volume, for example, from several microliters to several

It is about 10ml.

[0012] The chip-shaped container includes, for example, a thick tube portion provided with the mounting opening, a thin tube portion having the mouth portion, and a transition portion formed between the thick tube portion and the thin tube portion. It is not limited to a typical dispensing tip having a tube shape, but may be a tube shape having the same cross-sectional shape along the axial direction as a whole. Moreover, as the shape of the transition portion, for example, a truncated cone shape, a funnel shape, or a step shape is formed. The thick tube and the thin tube are not necessarily limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a prismatic shape, a polygonal shape, a conical shape, a pyramid shape, or a polygonal pyramid shape.

[0013] In addition, by forming the tip of the capillary tube to be tapered or sharp, a prepack-type reagent storage container in which a solution containing a reagent, a specimen, or the like is previously stored and the opening is covered with a film is provided. The solution contained in the container can be sucked through the thin tube by piercing the film with the thin tube.

[0014] Magnetic means capable of applying and removing a magnetic field in the tip-shaped container may be provided in the nozzle head so as to be outside the respective chip-shaped containers. Thus, for example, a suspension in which a large number of magnetic substances holding biological compounds such as proteins, peptides, amino acids, DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides, sugar chains, etc. are suspended is placed in the deformable dispensing tip. When sucking or discharging, or when storing, a magnetic field can be applied to the inside and adsorbed on the inner wall of the chip to separate the magnetic substance, and thus the biological compound. The magnetic force means has, for example, two or more magnets provided so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from two or more of the tip-shaped containers at the same time.

The “inner peripheral wall surface of the mounting opening” is formed so as to be in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion. Therefore, for example, a cylindrical surface, a cylindrical surface, a cylindrical surface with a step, a cylindrical surface, a tapered surface, a truncated cone surface, a combination of a cylindrical shape and a truncated cone surface, and the like.

[0016] The "predetermined reference horizontal plane" is a horizontal plane that serves as a measurement reference set in order to define the distance between the outer peripheral protrusions provided on the nozzle attached to the nozzle head. For example, in the nozzle head, The surface from which multiple nozzles protrude, the horizontal plane that cuts multiple nozzles, It is a horizontal plane set on the top of the page. Usually, it is a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the nozzle. This is because even if the nozzles have the same shape, the relationship between the mounted chip-like container and the outer peripheral projection differs depending on the state of being attached to the nozzle head. The total length along the axial direction of the nozzles arranged in the nozzle head, or the distance from the nozzle arrangement surface to the tip of the nozzle is preferably the same. The “distance to the outer peripheral protrusion” is, for example, the distance from the predetermined reference water surface to the center of gravity, upper end, lower end, or predetermined position of the outer peripheral protrusion.

[0017] In the case of "a nozzle having two or more outer peripheral protrusions projecting outward along two or more closed outer peripheral bands spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the nozzle", one outer periphery between each nozzle It is preferable that not only the protrusions but also other outer peripheral protrusions are formed of nozzle groups having different distances from the predetermined reference horizontal plane to the outer peripheral protrusions that can be in close contact with or in contact with each other. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a resistance force due to a static frictional force or the like between each outer peripheral protrusion and each inner peripheral wall surface is generated simultaneously for each nozzle.

[0018] In addition, when one nozzle has two or more outer peripheral protrusions, the inner peripheral wall surface of the opening for mounting the chip-like container also has an axis of the container according to each outer peripheral protrusion. Two or more inner peripheral cylindrical wall surfaces spaced apart from each other in the direction (the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction is constant) may be provided, and the gap between them may be a flat surface or a stepped surface.

[0019] Further, in the case where one nozzle has two or more outer peripheral protrusions, even in the same nozzle, the outer peripheral protrusions of the nozzle and the inner portions of the chip-like containers that are in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusions. It is preferable to vary the temporal positional relationship associated with the movement between the peripheral wall surfaces. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a resistance force due to a static frictional force or the like between the outer peripheral protrusions and the inner peripheral wall surface of the same nozzle is generated at the same time.

[0020] The arrangement of the nozzles belonging to a plurality of types of nozzle groups is uniform without any spatial deviation in distance or length between at least one outer peripheral protrusion of the nozzle and a predetermined reference horizontal plane. It is preferable to arrange as follows. As a result, when mounting, the entire nozzle head receives the resistance force received by the entire tip of the tip-shaped container and the entire tip of the dispensing tip as much as possible. For example, the distance or length of each nozzle group is set to be longer or shorter for each adjacent column or row, and elements belonging to each column (row) are assigned to the same nozzle group. Arrange the nozzles to which they belong. Furthermore, it is preferable that the nozzle groups are changed and arranged regularly so that the distances or lengths of the adjacent elements in the matrix or in other arrangements become longer or shorter. Each nozzle group has at least one nozzle, and preferably the number of nozzles belonging to each nozzle group is the same or substantially the same. This allows the resistance S to be distributed evenly.

[0021] Here, when the one nozzle is inserted into the mounting opening, the first resistance force received by each of the outer peripheral protrusions from each of the inner peripheral wall surfaces is the static friction coefficient, the outer peripheral protrusion, The size is proportional to the product of the drag in the normal direction between the inner peripheral wall surfaces. The subsequent second resistance force is proportional to the product of the dynamic friction coefficient and the drag in the normal direction between the outer peripheral projection and the inner wall surface, and the dynamic friction coefficient is greater than the static friction coefficient. Generally small! /.

[0022] Therefore, when the chip-like container is attached to all the nozzles of the nozzle head all at once, the following operation is performed. The two or more nozzles provided in the nozzle head are formed from a plurality of types of nozzle groups having different distances from the predetermined reference horizontal plane to the outer peripheral protrusion. Then, as the nozzles are simultaneously moved in the insertion direction of the nozzles with respect to the mounting openings of the chip-like containers arranged corresponding to the nozzle arrangement pattern, for example, the distance from the reference horizontal plane set in the nozzle head is the largest. The outer peripheral protrusions of the nozzles belonging to the large first nozzle group first reach a state where they are in close contact with or in contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the chip-like container. Until this state is reached, the resistance force received by the nozzle from the tip-shaped container is 0 or very small. However, when this state is reached, the outer peripheral projection is caused by a collision with the inner peripheral wall surface or a static frictional force. Suspension or insertion speed is drastically reduced due to resistance. When this resistance force is overcome and the insertion into the nozzle proceeds, the insertion operation continues while receiving a resistance force due to a dynamic friction force smaller than the resistance force. Here, the initial resistance force received by the nozzle is proportional to the product of the number of nozzles, the coefficient of static friction, and the drag in the normal direction acting between the outer peripheral protrusion and the inner peripheral wall surface. When the movement of the nozzle head in the insertion direction is continued, it relates to a resistance force having a magnitude using a dynamic friction coefficient instead of the static friction coefficient. In general, since the dynamic friction coefficient is smaller than the static friction coefficient, the resistance force based on the dynamic friction coefficient is smaller than the resistance force based on the static friction coefficient / J. [0023] Soon, with respect to the nozzles belonging to the second nozzle group having the outer peripheral protrusion having the next largest distance from the reference horizontal plane, the outer peripheral protrusion is brought into close contact with or in contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the tip-shaped container. Buy until. Then, as described above, the number of nozzles belonging to the second nozzle group, the collision between the outer peripheral protrusion and the inner peripheral wall surface, or the coefficient of static friction and the normal line between the outer peripheral protrusion and the inner peripheral wall surface. The resistance force proportional to the product of the directional force is added to the resistance force corresponding to the dynamic friction coefficient of the first nozzle group, and the nozzle head receives the resistance force.

If the movement in the insertion direction is continued as it is, as described above, a resistance force proportional to the dynamic friction coefficient is received instead of the static friction coefficient with respect to the second nozzle group.

[0025] It is preferable to further provide a liquid storage section group that can store or store various liquids on the stage on which the chip-shaped container storage section is installed. “Various liquids” include liquids containing various reagents, specimens, chemical substances, or magnetic substances.

In the second invention, the two or more outer peripheral protrusions provided on the nozzle are formed such that the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the front end side is shorter than the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the rear end side. The chip mounting type integrated processing device is provided with an inner peripheral wall surface in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion corresponding to the outer peripheral protrusion.

[0027] Here, the two or more outer peripheral protrusions are provided apart from each other, and the inner peripheral wall surface that is in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusions is provided, for example, in the axial direction of the container. It has a peripheral cylindrical wall surface (the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction is the same), and a taper surface or a step surface is formed between the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surfaces, or in close contact with two or more outer peripheral protrusions Or there is a tapered surface that comes into contact.

[0028] In a third aspect of the invention, the inner peripheral wall surface includes a plurality of inner peripheral cylindrical wall surfaces provided to be spaced apart from each other corresponding to the outer peripheral protrusion, and each inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface is The chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus is provided in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion and provided with a tapered taper surface connected to the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface on the rear end side of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface.

[0029] Therefore, a taper surface that expands outward is formed at the rear end of the mounting opening. It is preferable that the edge on the front end side of the tapered surface is continuously connected to the edge on the rear end side of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface! [0030] Similarly, with respect to the tapered surface provided between the adjacent inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface on the front end side and the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface on the rear end side, the front end edge of the tapered surface is the front end side. It is preferable to continuously connect the rear end edge of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface and continuously connect the rear end edge of the tapered surface to the front end edge of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface on the rear end side.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a resistance force due to a static frictional force or the like between each of the outer peripheral protrusions and the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface of the same nozzle is generated at the same time.

[0032] The nozzle is provided with two outer peripheral protrusions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, and the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the front end side is shorter than the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the rear end side. In this case, the mounting opening of the chip-shaped container is in close contact with or in contact with the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion on the front end and the outer peripheral protrusion on the rear end. The rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface is spaced from the front end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface and between the rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface and the rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface. It is preferable that a tapered surface be formed on the end side.

[0033] In a fourth invention, the moving means belongs to at least the nozzle group after each nozzle of the nozzle head has reached a position where it can be inserted into the mounting opening of the chip-like container. Tip mounting that relatively moves between the nozzle head and the tip-shaped container housing portion so that each nozzle is inserted into the mounting opening based on the nozzle structure and the number of nozzles belonging to each nozzle group This is an integrated processing apparatus.

[0034] Such movement of the moving means is controlled by the control unit. The control unit further controls the movement between the nozzle head and the chip-shaped container housing unit, further the number or structure of the chip-shaped container, the liquid to be sucked and discharged, the substance contained therein, the amount thereof, It can be controlled based on its storage position, its temperature or its concentration, processing details, or instructions. Substances include various chemical substances including not only biological substances such as nucleic acids, proteins, sugar chains and amino acids but also metals.

[0035] The fifth aspect of the present invention has a detaching part that detaches the chip-like containers attached to the nozzles all at once, and the detaching part is larger than the maximum outer diameter or maximum width of the horizontal cross section of the nozzle. And a desorption plate in which holes or gaps having a diameter or width smaller than the maximum outer diameter or maximum width of the horizontal cross section of the chip-shaped container are formed in accordance with the predetermined arrangement pattern, So The plate surface of the nozzle is provided in parallel to the predetermined reference horizontal plane, and is movable relative to the nozzle along the axial direction of the nozzle so that the axis of the nozzle passes through the hole or the gap. It is the provided chip-shaped container.

Here, the “maximum outer diameter or maximum width” is the largest of the outer diameters or widths of the horizontal cross section perpendicular to the axial direction existing in the nozzle or the tip-like container. The “hole” is a closed gap that is formed so as to surround the normal direction of the desorption plate provided for each nozzle, and the nozzle can be inserted into the hole from the normal direction of the desorption plate. The “gap” is a gap provided in the desorption plate and opened in the lateral direction of the desorption plate, and the nozzle can be inserted into the gap from the normal direction of the desorption plate and from the portion opened in the lateral direction. “Diameter” corresponds to a circumferential shape, and “Width” corresponds to something other than a circumferential shape. For example, in the first case, the nozzle is stopped and the desorption plate is moved downward from the upper side of the chip-like container. In the second case, the desorption plate is fixed and the nozzle is fixed. There are a case where the chip is moved upward from the upper side of the chip-like container and a third case where both are moved. For example, in the first case, the desorption plate may be supported by the nozzle head and provided so as to be movable along the axial direction of the nozzle with respect to the nozzle head. In the second case, the detachable plate is fixedly provided on the stage provided with the chip-shaped container housing portion, and a gap is formed in the detachable plate, and the nozzle is located on the side of the gap of the detachable plate. After inserting from the direction, the tip container may be detached from the nozzle by raising the nozzle head by the moving means. Since it is “formed according to the predetermined arrangement pattern”, holes are formed so as to have the same arrangement pattern as the predetermined arrangement pattern, for example, the same number of rows, the same number of columns and the same row spacing, column spacing, An array pattern corresponding to the array pattern, for example, a plurality of rows (or rows) of long holes along the column direction (or row direction), and the nozzles of the number of rows or the number of columns) In some cases, it is formed so that it can be inserted.

[0037] A sixth invention is a substantially cylindrical cylindrical container capable of containing a liquid therein, and protrudes outward along one or two or more closed outer peripheral bands spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. A mounting opening that can be attached to a nozzle having one or more outer peripheral projections, and a mouth that is provided at the tip of the container and allows the fluid to enter and exit by suction and discharge of gas through the nozzle. And the opening for mounting is mounted in front of the nozzle by mounting to the nozzle. It is a chip-like container having an inner peripheral wall surface that is in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion, and a tapered tapered surface that is provided on the rear end side of the inner peripheral wall surface and is connected to the inner peripheral wall surface.

[0038] In a seventh aspect of the invention, the inner peripheral wall surface corresponds to one or more outer peripheral protrusions projecting outward along two or more closed outer peripheral bands spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the nozzle. Provided with a plurality of inner peripheral cylindrical wall surfaces provided in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral projections by being attached to the nozzles and spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the container. The inner peripheral length of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface is shorter than the inner peripheral length of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface on the rear end side, and a tapered taper surface is formed on the rear end side of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface. Chip-shaped container.

Naturally, even in the plurality of outer peripheral protrusions provided on the nozzle, the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the front end side is formed shorter than the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the rear end side, and the inner peripheral cylindrical shape This corresponds to the inner circumference of the wall.

[0040] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the two outer peripheral protrusions provided in the nozzle and spaced apart from each other in the axial direction have an outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the front end side and an outer peripheral protrusion on the rear end side. The opening for mounting of the chip-like container can be in close contact with or in contact with each of the outer peripheral projections, and is provided spaced apart in the axial direction of the container. The inner circumferential length of the inner circumferential cylindrical wall surface of the tip end side is shorter than the inner circumferential length of the rear inner circumferential cylindrical wall surface. A tapered taper surface is formed between the end side and rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface and the front end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface. The tip end side of the nozzle is in close contact with the outer peripheral protruding portion, and the rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface is a tip-shaped container that comes into contact with the outer end protruding portion on the rear end side.

[0041] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided one or more nozzles having one or more outer peripheral protrusions projecting outward along two or more closed outer peripheral bands spaced apart from each other in the axial direction; Nozzle head in which nozzles are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern, suction / discharge mechanism that performs suction / discharge of gas through the nozzle, mounting opening that can be attached to the nozzle, and suction / discharge of the gas provided at the tip Two or more substantially chip-shaped containers having a mouth portion through which fluid can be entered and exited, and a chip-shaped container in which the chip-shaped containers are arranged in the predetermined arrangement pattern and can be attached to the nozzles An accommodating portion; and a moving means for moving the nozzle head relative to the tip-shaped container accommodating portion, provided on the nozzle head. In the two or more nozzles, the outer peripheral protrusions of the nozzles are in close contact with or in contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the mounting opening by mounting the tip-shaped container, and the outer peripheral protrusions are in a predetermined reference horizontal plane. And a plurality of types of nozzle groups having different distances from the outer peripheral projection to each other, and each nozzle of the nozzle head is placed in the mounting opening of the tip-like container accommodated in the tip-like container accommodation portion. The tip mounting type integrated processing method includes a step of moving the nozzle head to a position where it can be inserted, lowering the nozzle head, and mounting the tip-shaped container on each nozzle of the nozzle head.

Here, the lowering of the nozzle head is preferably performed based on at least the structure of the nozzles belonging to each nozzle group and the number of nozzles belonging to each nozzle group. As a result, it can be mounted with an optimum force.

[0043] A tenth aspect of the invention has a detaching part for detaching the chip-like containers attached to the nozzles all at once, and the detaching part is larger than the maximum outer diameter or the maximum width of the horizontal cross section of the nozzle. A desorption plate provided with holes or gaps having a diameter or width smaller than the maximum outer diameter or maximum width of the chip-like container according to the predetermined arrangement pattern, the plate surface of the desorption plate having the predetermined surface The nozzle is mounted in parallel with a reference horizontal plane and is moved relative to the nozzle along the axial direction of the nozzle so that the axis of each nozzle passes through the hole or the gap. And a chip mounting type integration processing method including a step of detaching the chip container.

The invention's effect

[0044] According to the first invention, the sixth invention, or the ninth invention, two or more nozzles belonging to a plurality of nozzle groups are provided in the nozzle head, thereby providing a space between all the nozzles and all the chip-like containers. By using the fact that the pattern of resistance force generated between the outer peripheral protrusion and the inner peripheral wall surface due to relative movement during mounting or removal of the nozzles differs for each nozzle group, the total frictional force of all nozzles can be calculated. It is possible to prevent the resistance force based on the nozzle head from concentrating on the nozzle head at the same time or at the same position. Therefore, when the tip-shaped container is attached to or detached from the nozzle, a large force corresponding to the sum of the resistance forces based on the static friction force is dispersed to the number of times corresponding to the number of groups of the nozzle group, whereby the nozzle Reduce the maximum force applied to the head, reduce the force applied to each outer protrusion, prevent wear of each outer protrusion, and reduce operating costs In addition, the life of the apparatus can be extended, and thereby product management can be facilitated.

[0045] Further, by automatically attaching or detaching the tip-shaped container to or from the nozzle, various processes can be performed consistently, which is suitable for automation. Furthermore, since each outer peripheral protrusion is provided along a closed outer peripheral band! /, The water-tightness and air-tightness to the outside of the chip-like container are high.

[0046] According to the second invention, the third invention, the seventh invention or the eighth invention, in addition to the effects described above, the outer peripheral lengths of the plurality of outer peripheral protrusions are shortened toward the tip. By forming the nozzles in this manner, it is possible to smoothly insert nozzles having a plurality of outer peripheral protrusions.

[0047] Further, by providing an outer peripheral protrusion provided along a plurality of closed outer peripheral bands and an inner peripheral wall surface in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion, liquid or gas leakage is further enhanced. Since it can be reliably prevented, cross contamination is prevented and reliability is high.

[0048] Further, when a plurality of outer peripheral protrusions are provided, they are brought into close contact with one inner peripheral wall surface and brought into contact with the other inner peripheral wall surface, thereby reducing resistance due to friction with the inner peripheral wall surface. As a result, compared to the case where only the outer peripheral protrusion 1 is provided, this causes the rattling at the time of mounting the nozzle due to the axial displacement between the nozzle and the chip-shaped container. Use force S to prevent and insert smoothly.

[0049] According to the third invention, the sixth invention, or the eighth invention, in addition to the above-described effects, an inner peripheral wall surface that is in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion of the nozzle is provided. By forming a tapered surface on the rear end side, insertion of the nozzle into the mounting opening of the tip-shaped container can be facilitated. Further, it is preferable that the tip of the nozzle is also tapered. By providing an inner peripheral wall surface that is in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion of the nozzle, it is possible to prevent the flow of gas or liquid from the tip-shaped container over the outer peripheral protrusion of the nozzle.

[0050] According to the fourth invention, in addition to the effects described above, the force to be applied to the nozzle head in advance is obtained based on the structure of the nozzles belonging to the nozzle group and the number of nozzles belonging to each nozzle group. Can apply an appropriate amount of force and polish the outer peripheral protrusion more than necessary. Wear can be prevented and the life of the apparatus can be extended.

[0051] According to the fifth invention or the tenth invention, by providing a predetermined hole or gap in the detachable plate as the detachable portion, and providing the movably between the nozzle and the detachable plate, With a simple configuration, it is possible to remove and install the nozzle tips attached to the nozzles in a batch and reliably. Further, since the desorption plate is provided in parallel to the predetermined reference horizontal plane, a large force corresponding to the sum of the resistance forces based on the static friction force is applied when the chip-like container is attached to or detached from the nozzle. By distributing the number of nozzles corresponding to the number of nozzle groups, the maximum force applied to the nozzle head and the detachable plate is reduced, the force applied to each outer peripheral protrusion is reduced, and wear of each outer peripheral protrusion is prevented. As a result, operational costs can be reduced and the life of the equipment can be extended, which makes product management easier.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0052] Next, based on the drawings, a chip-mounted integrated processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The chip-like container and the chip mounting type integration processing method will be described.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a chip-mounted integrated processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The chip-mounted integrated processing apparatus 10 includes a total of 96 substantially cylindrical nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and a nodule 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d arranged in a matrix of 12 rows by 8 columns. The nozzle heads 12 arranged so as to protrude downward from the nozzle array plate 20 having the predetermined reference horizontal surface on the lower surface, and suction / discharge mechanisms (16, 18, 18) for sucking and discharging gas through the nozzles 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) and a moving means (34, 36, 38, 40) for moving the nozzle head 12 relative to the chip housing portion.

In the chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus 10, as will be described later, a dispensing chip as a chip-shaped container mounted on the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and the dispensing chip are arranged in the array. It has a chip accommodating part as a chip-like container accommodating part to be described later, which is arranged according to the pattern and accommodates the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d in a state where it can be mounted.

[0055] The suction / discharge mechanism (16, 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) (The above-mentioned nose and nore head 12ί are arranged in a matrix of 12 rows by 8 columns of the array pattern. 96 cylinders 16 arranged in a pattern and communicating with the above-mentioned Noznoles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, respectively, and the cylinders 16 96 rods 18 for driving a plunger (not shown) slidably inserted therein, a rod driving plate 22 for connecting the 96 rods, and the rod driving plate 22 The rod driving plate 22 is connected to the two columnar actuators 24 for driving the rods in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) at the same time, and the actuators 24, and the actuators 24 are moved in the vertical direction. A nut screw 26 that is screwed with the ball screw 28 to be driven and translated in the vertical direction by the rotation of the ball screw 28, and a ball screw 28 that is driven to rotate by the suction / discharge motor 30. The nozzle head support 32 supports the suction / discharge motor 30 and the nozzle array plate 20 and supports the actuator 24 so as to be movable up and down.

[0056] The moving means (34, 36, 38, 40) includes a ball screw that rotationally drives the nozzle head 12 in the X-axis direction (row direction of the array pattern) by an X-axis motor (not shown). A Y-axis drive mechanism having a ball screw that is rotationally driven by an X-axis drive mechanism (not shown) and a Y-axis motor (not shown), and driving in the Y-axis direction (column direction of the array pattern) (Not shown), a frame 33 that is movable in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and a ball screw 34 that is rotatably supported by the frame 33 and extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction); A nut that engages with the ball screw 34 and is connected to the nozzle head support 32 and translates the nozzle head support 32 and thus the nozzle head 12 upward and downward by rotation of the ball screw 34. Part 36 and the ball screw 34 supported by the frame 33. Rolling with a Z-axis motor 40 for driving, and a connector 38 for connecting the motor shaft of the Z-axis motor 40 and the ball screw 34. Although not shown, the apparatus includes a control unit for controlling the moving means, the suction / discharge mechanism, and the like. The control unit includes, for example, an information processing device including a CPU and a memory, a data input device such as a mouse and a keyboard, a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, a data output device such as a printer, a communication means, or a CD, DVD, flexible disk, etc. The external memory drive device.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the nozzle array plate 20 provided in the nozzle head 12 as viewed from below. The lower surface of the nozzle array plate 20 corresponds to the predetermined reference horizontal plane. Each of the 96 nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d employs 24 nozzles each belonging to four types of nozzle groups, which will be described later, and has an array pattern of 12 rows x 8 columns. For each adjacent element, the first nozzle group has an order determined according to the distance or length between the outer peripheral protrusion on the tip side, which will be described later, and the predetermined reference horizontal plane, that is, the length is alternately increased or decreased. Are sequentially arranged in the order of the nozzle 14a belonging to the nozzle group 14a, the nozzle 14c belonging to the third nozzle group, the nozzle 14b belonging to the second nozzle group, and the nozzle 14d belonging to the fourth nozzle group. Therefore, the number of nozzles belonging to each nozzle group is 24. As a result, the resistance force that the entire nozzle head 12 receives from the entire dispensing tip 46 is dispersed as much as possible.

[0058] As another arrangement method, for example, 12 nozzles belonging to the same nozzle group are arranged for each row. Nozzles 14a belonging to the first nozzle group with respect to the first to fourth nozzle groups formed according to the order of the distance or length between the outer peripheral protrusion on the tip side of the nozzle and a predetermined reference horizontal plane, which will be described later. Are arranged in the first row and the fifth row, twelve in the second row, and the nozzles 14b belonging to the second nozzle group are arranged in the third row and the seventh row, twelve in the third row and in the third row. No. 14 nozzles belonging to No. 4 are arranged in 12 rows in the 2nd row and 6th row, and 24 nozzles 14d belonging to the No. 4 nozzle group are arranged in 12 rows in the 4th row and 8th row. There is a case.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the nozzle head 12 and 96 dispensing tips 46 of the same shape that can be attached to the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d of the nozzle head 12. That is, the chip accommodating portion 42 that is horizontally arranged in a matrix of 12 rows × 8 columns and accommodated in the state where it can be attached to the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d is shown.

[0060] The tip accommodating portion 42 includes an upper plate 44 having 96 through holes arranged in an array pattern of 12 rows x 8 columns for inserting and supporting the dispensing tips 46, and The four columns 48 having a height capable of supporting the upper plate 44 horizontally at the four corners of the upper plate 44 and supporting the dispensing tips 46 through the through holes of the upper plate 44, and the columns In its four corners, it has a lower plate 50 for supporting it upright. The size of the through hole is such that the main body of the dispensing tip 46 (a thick tube portion 62, a thin tube portion 66 and a transition portion 68 described later) can be inserted, but a plurality of protrusions provided at the upper end are formed. The formed ridge forming portion 47 is formed in a size that cannot be inserted. On the stage on which the chip accommodating portion 42 is placed, there is further provided a microplate (not shown) in which various liquids are accommodated or wells that can be accommodated are arranged in the arrangement pattern! / FIG. 4 shows a state in which the nozzle head 12 and the chip accommodating portion 42 are looked up from below. Each of 96 noses and nores 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d is passed through 96 nozzle support members 51 having the same shape from the reference horizontal plane that is the lower surface of the nozzle arrangement plate 20 of the nose and nore head 12. It is provided so as to protrude vertically downward.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the dispensing tip 46 is attached to the nozzles 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d provided on the nozzle head 12.

FIG. 6 shows a state where the dispensing tip 46 is attached to one kind of nozzle 14 a provided in the nozzle head 12.

[0064] The nozzle 14a protrudes from the lower surface of the nozzle array plate 20 of the nozzle head 12, and the lower side of the nozzle support member 51 in which a cylindrical channel 51a communicating with the nozzle 14a is provided in the center. It is provided in connection with. The nozzle 14a protrudes at a certain height outwardly with respect to the main body 56a along a cylindrical main body 56a and an annular outer peripheral band that is closed so as to surround the axis of the nozzle, and mutually in the axial direction. It has a rear end side outer peripheral protrusion 52a and a front end side outer peripheral protrusion 54a which are provided apart from each other. The width of the outermost edge of the outer peripheral projection is narrower than the width of the outer peripheral band on the outer peripheral surface. The front end side outer peripheral protrusion 54a is formed to have a shorter outer peripheral length than the rear end side outer peripheral protrusion 52a. The tip 58a of the nozzle 14a has a taper surface tapered toward the tip 58a of the nozzle 14a on the lower side of the outer peripheral protrusion 54a.

[0065] The dispensing tip 46 attached to the nozzle 14a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, is provided at the rear end thereof, and is attached to or attachable to the nozzle 14a (or 14b, 14c, 14d). An opening for mounting 60, a port 64 provided at the tip, and capable of entering and exiting fluid by suction and discharge of the gas by the nozzle 14a (or 14b, 14c, 14d), and the opening 60 for mounting A thick tube portion 62 provided on the upper side, the mouth portion 64 is provided at the lower end, and is formed to be narrower than the thick tube portion 62, and has a substantially tapered thin tube portion 66, and the thick tube portion 62 and the thin tube portion. 66 and a funnel-shaped transition portion 68 provided between them.

[0066] The mounting opening 60 is provided at a distal end inner circumferential cylindrical wall surface 72 that is in close contact with the distal end outer circumferential projection 54a, and spaced from the distal end inner circumferential cylindrical wall surface 72. A rear-end-side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 70 in contact with the end-side outer peripheral protrusion 52a, and a front-end-side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 72 and a rear-end-side inner periphery A tapered surface 76 that is tapered downward is formed between the cylindrical wall surface 70 and a tapered surface 74 that is tapered downward is also formed on the rear end side of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 70 of the rear end side. Yes. Further, at the rear end of the outer wall surface of the thick pipe portion 62, there is a ridge forming portion 47 provided with a plurality of ridges along the axial direction.

FIG. 7 shows a case where the same type of dispensing tip 46 is attached to each of the nozzles 14 &, 1413, 14 and 14 (1) belonging to the four types of nozzles of the nozzle head 12.

FIG. 7 shows a nozzle 14a belonging to the first nozzle group to which the dispensing tip 46 is attached, a nozzle 14b belonging to the second nozzle group, a nozzle 14c belonging to the third nozzle group, and a fourth nozzle. Belong to a group

The distances from the lower surface of the nozzle array plate 20 to the rear end side outer peripheral projections 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d as the predetermined reference horizontal plane are U, U, U, U, respectively, and from the lower surface to the tip side. If the distances to the outer protrusions 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d are L, L, L, and L, respectively, abed

The following relational expression is established. That is, U <U <U <U and L> L> L> a b e d a b c

L. U <L. As a result, the nozzle 14 d d d provided in the nozzle head 12

When a, 14b, 14c and 14d are installed, all nozzles are prevented from receiving the maximum resistance at the same time, and can be divided into four stages.

[0070] Further, in particular, the front end side outer peripheral protrusions 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d are not only the front end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 72, but the rear end side outer peripheral protrusions 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d are the rear end side. When in close contact with the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 70, when the dispensing tip 46 is fully attached to the nozzle 14a (14b, 14c, 14d), the rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 70 If the distance to the rear edge is U, and the distance to the rear edge of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall 72 is L, U—U and L 1 L and ttatat are different, and U—U and L— Make L different, U— U, L— L different, U— btbtctctd

Set U to be different from L to L. As a result, t d t

In the same nozzle, it is possible to prevent the rear end side outer peripheral protrusion and the front end side inner peripheral cylindrical protrusion from simultaneously receiving the maximum resistance force from the inner peripheral wall surface.

[0071] Subsequently, a dispensing tip 4 to the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d according to the embodiment of the present invention 4

6 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. It is moved upward using an X-axis drive mechanism (not shown) and a Y-axis drive mechanism (not shown) of the moving means. Next, the Z-axis motor 40 and the ball screw 43 are driven to lower the nozzle head support 32 and the nozzle head 12 all at once toward the chip housing portion 42. Until the outer peripheral protrusions of any one of the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d come into contact with any one of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surfaces of the dispensing tip 46, these nozzles, and therefore the nozzle head 12 is The resistance force received from the dispensing tip 46 is 0 or very small. The nozzles provided in the nozzle head 12 are formed of four types of nozzle groups having different distances from the reference horizontal plane to the outer peripheral protrusion, and therefore, among the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, The outer peripheral protrusion 54a on the tip side of the nozzle 14a belonging to the first nozzle group having the largest distance L from the reference horizontal plane first comes into contact with the inner cylindrical wall surface 72 on the tip side of the dispensing tip 46. Descent to position. Resistance based on the generation of collision and drag due to the narrowing of the distal inner cylindrical wall 72 and the static frictional force between the objects in close contact between the distal outer circumferential protrusion 54a and the distal inner cylindrical wall 72 Nozzle 14a receives force ϋ.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, for a nozzle head 12 having 24 such nozzles 14a, P = 24p (assuming that there is no difference due to tolerance between products or shape between nozzle groups) The same shall apply hereinafter. This force P is related to the product MN of the coefficient of static friction M and the normal resistance N (holding force) acting between the outer peripheral projection and the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface.

At that time, the rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 70 belongs to the fourth nozzle group having the largest U and the distance U from the reference horizontal plane among the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. Nozzle 14

d

Even if the rear end side outer peripheral projection 52d of the d is first lowered to a position where it comes into contact with the rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 70 of the dispensing tip 46, the rear end side outer peripheral projection 52d The resistance force due to friction between the rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 70 is smaller than the resistance force due to friction between the front end side outer peripheral protrusion 54d and the front end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 72. Hereinafter, the resistance force based on the rear end side outer peripheral protrusions 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d and the rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 70 is ignored in the following description. That is, the resistance force due to friction is small because, for example, the state between the rear end side outer peripheral projection and the rear end side inner peripheral cylindrical shape is not a close state but a contact state, and the drag is smaller than that of the latter. Because of its small size, the friction coefficient is a combination of materials that come into contact with the presence of lubricant. It may be smaller than the latter depending on the absence or quality, surface smoothness, cleanliness, material, etc.

[0075] Eventually, when the force of the nozzle head 12 overcomes the resistance force and the descent proceeds, a resistance force R due to a dynamic friction force smaller than the resistance force is received. This resistance force R is related to the product 24 mN of the dynamic friction coefficient m and the normal resistance N (corresponding to the clamping force) N acting between the outer peripheral projection and the inner cylindrical wall surface. In general, since the dynamic friction coefficient m is smaller than the static friction coefficient M, the resistance force based on the dynamic friction coefficient is / J, which is smaller than the resistance force based on the static friction coefficient.

[0076] Soon, the distal outer peripheral protrusion 54b of the nozzle 14b belonging to the second nozzle group having the next largest distance L from the reference horizontal plane is the distal inner circumferential cylindrical wall surface of the dispensing tip 46. Lowers to a position where it contacts 72. Due to the narrowing of the tip-side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 72 between the tip-side outer peripheral protrusion 54b and the tip-side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 72, the occurrence of collision and pinching force and the static friction force between objects The nozzle 14b receives the resistance force P based on it. Therefore, the Nozure head 12 having 24 such Nozno 14b has a force of P = 24p,

It will be received in addition to R. Therefore, at this point, the force that the nozzle head 12 receives is P

= R + P.

[0077] Eventually, when the force of the nozzle head 12 overcomes this resistance force and the descent proceeds, the nozzle head 12 receives a resistance force R due to a dynamic friction force smaller than the resistance force with respect to the nozzle 14b. . This resistance force R is related to the product 24 mN of the dynamic friction coefficient m and the normal resistance N acting between the outer peripheral projection and the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface. Therefore, as described above, the resistance force based on the dynamic friction coefficient is smaller than the resistance force based on the static friction coefficient.

Therefore, the force R = R + R received as a whole of the nozzle head 12 is satisfied, and P> R. Similarly, the lowering proceeds and the outer peripheral protrusion 54c on the tip side of the nozzle 14c belonging to the third nozzle group When the nozzle reaches the inner cylindrical wall surface 72 on the tip side, the force of P = R + R + P (= 24ρ, ρ is the resistance force received by one nozzle 14c based on the collision or static friction coefficient) 2 will receive. When this resistance force is overcome and the nozzle head 12 descends further, the resistance force received by the nozzle head 12 becomes R = R + R + R (= the third nozzle group). The resistance force 24 mN based on the dynamic friction coefficient m received by the nozzle 14 c to which the nozzle 14 c belongs is smaller than P). Therefore, P> R.

abc abc

[0079] Further, when the lowering of the nozzle head 12 proceeds and the tip outer peripheral protrusion 54d of the nozzle 14d belonging to the fourth nozzle group reaches the tip inner cylindrical wall surface 72, P = R + R + R + P (= abed abed

24p, p is the resistance force that one nozzle 14d receives based on the collision or static friction coefficient) d d

The nozzle head 12 receives the force. When the nozzle head 12 descends further by overcoming the resistance force, the resistance force received by the nozzle head 12 is R = R + R + R abed a b

+ R (= resistance force based on the dynamic friction coefficient m received by the nozzle 14d belonging to the fourth nozzle group 2 c d

4mN and smaller than P). Therefore, P> R. This makes the 5d abed abed

As shown in FIG. 9, 96 dispensing tips 46 are attached to the respective nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d of the nozzle head 12.

[0080] On the other hand, as in the conventional case, when only 96 nozzles 14a having L are provided in the nozzle head 12 in the arrangement pattern, for example, as nozzles belonging to one nozzle group, for example, as front end side outer peripheral protrusions. In other words, the tip-side outer peripheral projection 54a contacts the tip-side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface 72 of the dispensing tip 46 all at once. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the force p received by one nozzle is related to the resistance force based on the collision or static friction coefficient, that is, mN, and

0

The force P received by the nozzle head is P = 96p. This is generally based on the dynamic friction coefficient.

0 0 0

It will be larger than the above-mentioned P containing force.

abed

Next, FIGS. 9 to 11 schematically show chip-mounted integrated processing apparatuses 100 and 110 according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those of the chip-mounted integrated processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. Unlike the chip-mounted integrated processing apparatus 10 described above, the chip-mounted integrated processing apparatuses 100 and 110 are provided with detachable portions 11 and 111.

[0082] The attachment / detachment portion 11 of the chip mounting integrated processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is supported by the nozzle head 12 and a total of 96 front parts provided on the nozzle head 12 are provided. The detaching plate 15 provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d is a plate surface fi with respect to the nozzle array plate 20 corresponding to a predetermined reference horizontal plane of the nozzle head 12. In the lower part J of the IJ plate 20 to each noss, nore 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d It is located above the dispensing tip 46 to be installed. Therefore, the detaching plate 15 is moved to this position before the dispensing tip 46 is attached.

[0083] The detaching plate 15 of the detachable portion 11 is more than the rear end side outer peripheral protrusions 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d corresponding to the maximum outer diameter of the horizontal cross section of the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. Is it larger than the ridge formation of the opening 60 for mounting corresponding to the maximum width of the dispensing tip 46 as the tip-shaped container? L13 force Noss, Noles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are arranged in the nozzle arrangement plate 20, that is, a matrix of 12 rows x 8 columns, and formed in the nozzle arrangement plate 20. It is formed with the same row spacing and column spacing. The detaching plate 15 is provided in parallel to the nozzle array plate 20 corresponding to the predetermined reference horizontal plane, and the axes of the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d pass through the holes 13 by a moving mechanism (not shown). Thus, it is provided so as to be movable with respect to the nozzle along the axial direction of the nozzle.

[0084] The detachable portion 111 of the chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus 110 according to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is fixedly provided on the stage on which the chip accommodating portion 42 is provided. In this case, a desorption plate 19 formed in a comb shape and a support plate 21 for supporting the desorption plate 19 on a stage are provided. The plate surface of the detachable plate 19 is provided parallel to the nozzle array plate 20 corresponding to a predetermined reference horizontal surface of the nozzle head 12. Reference numeral 17 denotes an opening of a tip accommodating portion that is embedded in the stage and accommodates the dispensing tip 46.

[0085] The detaching plate 19 of the detachable portion 111 is more than the rear end side outer peripheral protrusions 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d corresponding to the maximum outer diameter of the horizontal section of the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. A plurality of gaps (12 in this example) having a width smaller than that of the protrusion forming portion 47 of the mounting opening 60 corresponding to the maximum width of the dispensing tip 46 as the tip-shaped container is large. A plurality of comb-tooth members 23 (11 in this example) sandwiched between one side and the other of the detachable plate 19 are arranged in the nozzle array plate 20, that is, 12 rows. X so as to correspond to a row of 8 columns, with the same length as the nozzle array plate 20 along the row direction, and a length that covers the length in the row direction. Is formed. The detaching plate 15 is provided in parallel to the nozzle array plate 20 corresponding to the predetermined reference horizontal plane. The nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d pass through the holes 13 by a moving mechanism (not shown).

[0086] In order to detach the dispensing tip 46 attached to the nozzles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d using the detaching part 111, the nozzle head 12 is moved by the moving means, and the nozzle nose is moved. 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d forces are inserted by moving in the row direction into the gaps of the detachable plate 19 above the mounted dispensing tips 46. Next, the moving means applies a force along the direction in which the dispensing tip 46 is detached from the nozzle, that is, the nozzle head 12 is directed upward, along the axial direction of the nozzle or dispensing tip. In addition, it is configured to chop off.

In this way, even when detaching, a plurality of types in which the temporal positional relationship in which the resistance force generated by the close contact or contact between the inner peripheral wall surface of the tip-shaped container and the outer peripheral protrusion of the nozzle is applied to the detachable portion is different. The tip-shaped container can be detached from the nozzles with a small force.

Each of the embodiments described above is specifically described for better understanding of the present invention, and does not limit other embodiments. Therefore, changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the nozzle mainly has two outer peripheral protrusions, and is in contact between the upper outer peripheral protrusion and the upper inner peripheral wall surface, and the lower outer peripheral protrusion and the lower outer peripheral protrusion are in contact with each other. The case of close contact with the inner peripheral wall surface has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, when one or three outer peripheral protrusions are provided in one nozzle, or the upper outer peripheral protrusion is provided. It may be a case where it is in close contact with the upper inner wall surface.

[0088] The tip-shaped container is not limited to the above-described one, and may have a step at the transition part or a step other than the transition part. Further, instead of a dispensing tip, a particulate, block, elongated, or wound carrier may be enclosed in a tip-like container.

Further, the arrangement pattern is not limited to the case of 12 rows × 8 columns. For example, there are 4, 6, 8, 12, 96, 384 etc. arranged in a single line or matrix, or other shapes. Furthermore, a short tube having a smaller diameter such as stainless steel may be further fitted into the mouth portion of the thin tube of the chip-shaped container to increase the dispensing accuracy.

Note that all references to spatial relationships are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Industrial applicability

[0090] The chip-mounted integrated processing apparatus, chip-shaped container, and chip-mounted processing method according to the present invention include fields requiring processing of various solutions, such as industrial fields, foods, agricultural products, and fishery processing. In the fields of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, hygiene, insurance, immunity, disease, genetics, etc., and chemical and biology fields. The present invention is particularly effective when a series of processes using a large number of reagents and substances are continuously performed in a predetermined order.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a surface view showing a nozzle arrangement pattern of the nozzle head according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a nozzle head and a chip accommodating portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a nozzle head and a chip accommodating portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus in which a dispensing chip according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a nozzle.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway view showing a dispensing tip according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway view when a dispensing tip is attached to four types of nozzles belonging to each nozzle group according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows the amount of insertion and resistance of the nozzle into the dispensing tip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the chip-mounted integrated processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Nozzle head It is a perspective view which shows typically the provided removal | desorption part.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing an attaching / detaching portion provided on a stage of a chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing an attaching / detaching portion provided on a stage of a chip mounting integrated processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 100, 110 Chip mounted integrated processing equipment

11, 111 Desorption part

12 Noznore Head

16 cylinders

14a, 14b, 14c, 14d Nos, Nore

20 Nozure array plate

42 Chip container (chip-shaped container container)

46 Dispensing tips (chip-shaped containers)

52a, 52b, 52c, 52d

54a, 54b, 54c, 54d Tip protrusion

60 Mounting opening

70 Rear end inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface (inner peripheral wall surface)

72 Tip side inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface (inner peripheral wall surface)

64 P section

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] 1 or 2 or more nozzles having one or more outer peripheral protrusions projecting outward along two or more closed outer peripheral bands spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the nozzle, and two or more nozzles in a predetermined arrangement A nozzle head arranged in a pattern, a suction / discharge mechanism for sucking and discharging gas through the nozzle, a mounting opening that can be attached to or attached to the nozzle, and a suction / discharge of the gas provided at the tip Two or more substantially chip-shaped containers having a mouth portion through which fluid can enter and exit, and a chip-shaped container in which the chip-shaped containers can be attached to or accommodated in the nozzle in the predetermined arrangement pattern. A container accommodating portion, and a moving means for relatively moving between the nozzle head and the chip-shaped container accommodating portion,

In the two or more nozzles provided in the nozzle head, the outer peripheral protrusions provided in the nozzles are in close contact with or in contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the mounting opening by mounting the tip-shaped container, A chip-mounted integrated processing apparatus comprising a plurality of types of nozzle groups having different distances from a predetermined reference horizontal plane to at least one of the outer peripheral protrusions.

[2] The two or more outer peripheral protrusions provided in the nozzle are formed such that the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the front end side is shorter than the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the rear end side, 2. The chip mounting type integrated processing device according to claim 1, wherein an inner peripheral wall surface in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion is formed in the mounting opening corresponding to the outer peripheral protrusion.

[3] The inner peripheral wall surface includes a plurality of inner peripheral cylindrical wall surfaces provided to be spaced apart from each other corresponding to the outer peripheral protrusion, and each inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface is in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion. In addition, a tapered tapered surface is provided on the rear end side of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface so as to be connected to the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface. The chip mounting type integrated processing apparatus as described.

[4] The moving means includes at least the structure of the nozzle belonging to the nozzle group and the nozzle group after each nozzle of the nozzle head reaches a position where the nozzle can be inserted into the mounting opening of the chip-like container. Based on the number of nozzles belonging to the! /, The nozzle head and the tip-like container housing portion relatively move so that each nozzle is inserted into the mounting opening. 4. The chip mounting type integrated processing device according to claim 1, wherein the chip mounting type integrated processing device is used.

[5] A chip-like container attached to each nozzle has a desorption part that desorbs all at once, and the desorption part is larger than the maximum outer diameter or the maximum width of the horizontal cross section of the nozzle, A desorption plate having holes or gaps having a diameter or width smaller than the maximum outer diameter or maximum width of the cross section formed in accordance with the predetermined arrangement pattern is provided, and the demounting plate has a plate surface in the predetermined reference horizontal plane. The first aspect of the present invention is provided in parallel, and is provided so as to be movable relative to the nozzle along the axial direction of the nozzle so that the axis of each nozzle passes through the hole or the gap. Or a chip-mounted integrated processing container according to any one of claims 4 to 5.

[6] A substantially cylindrical cylindrical container that can contain a liquid inside, and protrudes outwardly along two or more closed outer circumferential bands 1 or axially separated from each other. A mounting opening that can be attached to a nozzle having an outer peripheral protrusion, and a mouth that is provided at the tip of the container and through which the fluid can be introduced and discharged by suction and discharge of gas through the nozzle. The opening for use is attached to the nozzle so as to be in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion of the nozzle, and a tapered taper provided on the rear end side of the inner peripheral wall and connected to the inner peripheral wall. A chip-like container having a surface.

[7] The inner peripheral wall surface is provided corresponding to one or more outer peripheral protrusions protruding outward along two or more closed outer peripheral bands spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the nozzle, A plurality of inner peripheral cylindrical wall surfaces that are in close contact with or in contact with each of the outer peripheral projections by being attached to the nozzle and are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the container. The inner peripheral length is shorter than the inner peripheral length of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface on the rear end side, and a tapered tapered surface is formed on the rear end side of the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface. The chip-like container according to item.

[8] The two outer peripheral protrusions provided in the nozzle and spaced apart from each other in the axial direction are formed such that the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the front end side is shorter than the outer peripheral length of the outer peripheral protrusion on the rear end side. The mounting opening of the chip-shaped container can be in close contact with or in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion, and two inner peripheral cylindrical wall surfaces provided apart from each other in the axial direction of the container. The inner circumferential length of the inner circumferential cylindrical wall surface on the front end side is shorter than the inner circumferential length of the inner circumferential cylindrical wall surface on the rear end side, and the rear end side inner circumference on the rear end side inner cylindrical wall surface A tapered surface is formed between the cylindrical wall surface and the inner circumferential cylindrical wall surface on the front end side. 7. The tip according to claim 6, wherein the cylindrical wall surface is in close contact with the outer peripheral protrusion on the tip end side of the nozzle, and the inner peripheral cylindrical wall surface on the rear end side is in contact with the outer peripheral protrusion on the rear end side. Container.

[9] One or two or more nozzles having one or more outer peripheral projections projecting outward along an axially spaced outer circumferential band and two or more nozzles in a predetermined arrangement pattern Fluid can be entered and exited by an array of nozzle heads, a suction and discharge mechanism that performs suction and discharge of gas through the nozzle, a mounting opening that can be attached to the nozzle, and the suction and discharge of gas provided at the tip. Two or more chip-shaped containers having a substantially cylindrical shape having a mouth part, a chip-shaped container housing part in which the chip-shaped containers are arrayed in the predetermined array pattern and accommodated in a state of being attached to the nozzles, and the nozzles Moving means for moving the head relative to the tip-shaped container housing portion, and the two or more nozzles provided on the nozzle head are provided for each nozzle by mounting the tip-shaped container. The outer peripheral projection is Serial close to or in contact with the inner peripheral wall surface of the fitting opening, with the outer peripheral protrusion distance from a predetermined reference horizontal surface to the peripheral projection comprising a plurality kinds of nozzle groups different from each other,

The nozzle head is moved to a position where each nozzle of the nozzle head can be inserted into the mounting opening of the tip-like container accommodated in the tip-like container accommodating portion, and the nozzle head is lowered. A chip mounting type integration processing method comprising a step of mounting the chip container on each nozzle of the nozzle head.

[10] A chip-like container attached to each nozzle has a detachable part for detaching all at once, and the detachable part is larger than the maximum outer diameter or maximum width of the horizontal cross section of the nozzle, A desorption plate having holes or gaps having a diameter or width smaller than the outer diameter or maximum width according to the predetermined arrangement pattern is provided, and the demounting plate has a plate surface provided in parallel to the predetermined reference horizontal plane. The tip-like container mounted on the nozzle is moved relative to the nozzle along the axial direction of the nozzle so that the axis of each nozzle passes through the hole or the gap. 10. The chip mounting type integration processing method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of detaching.