WO2020188976A1

WO2020188976A1 - Weighing mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2020188976A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/001105
Authority: WO
Inventors: 主丹羽
Original assignee: 東レエンジニアリング株式会社
Priority date: 2019-03-20
Filing date: 2020-01-15
Publication date: 2020-09-24
Also published as: JP2020153819A

Abstract

Provided is a weighing mechanism which can achieve highly accurate weighing of a solution even when the capacity of a weighing container is increased. Specifically, this weighing mechanism selectively obtains and weighs a plurality of types of solutions. The weighing mechanism is provided with: a sealed container; an inlet tube which passes through an upper wall of the sealed container and though which the solutions passes; a weighing container that is provided inside the sealed container while not being in contact with the inlet tube and receives the solutions flowing out from the inlet tube; a weighing sensor that measures the weight in the weighing container; a valve-attached outlet tube which is connected to a lower portion of the weighing container and is for guiding downward the solution inside the weighing container; and a discharge tube which is provided below the sealed container, receives the solution flowing out from the outlet tube, and causes the solution to flow out to a further downstream side. The outlet tube and the discharge tube are configured so as to be arranged along a common vertical line while not being in contact with each other.

Description

Weighing mechanism

The present invention relates to a measurement mechanism used in a synthesis device or the like for chemically synthesizing proteins, peptides, nucleic acids and the like.

As a method for chemically synthesizing proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, etc., there is a method in which a plurality of types of solutions (reagents) are sequentially supplied to a reaction vessel and the reaction proceeds in the reaction vessel. For example, in the case of synthesizing nucleic acid, a large number of beads are provided in a reaction vessel, and while supplying a solution to the reaction vessel in sequence, detritylation, coupling, oxidation, and capping are repeated, and bases are sequentially transferred from the beads. Combine with.

There may be dozens of types (for example, 20 types) of solutions used, and these solutions are selectively sent to the reaction vessel, and a compound (nucleic acid) is produced by the molecular material contained in the solution. As an apparatus for performing such chemical synthesis, for example, the synthesizer described in Patent Document 1 is known. Patent Document 2 discloses a measuring mechanism used in the above-mentioned synthesizer.

Special Table 2002-518526 Gazette JP-A-2018-169229

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional weighing mechanism. The measuring mechanism 90 includes a closed container 91, a plurality of inlet pipes 92, a measuring container 94, a weight sensor 95, and a discharge pipe 96. Each inlet tube 92 is connected to a storage container (reagent bottle) (not shown) in which a solution (reagent) is stored, and a solution sent from the storage container passes through the storage container (reagent bottle). The measuring container 94 receives the solution flowing out from the downstream end 93 of each inlet pipe 92. The weight sensor 95 measures the weight in the measuring container 94. The weight sensor 95 is composed of, for example, a strain type load cell. The weight of the measuring container 94 acts on the weight sensor 95 in addition to the solution stored in the measuring container 94. Since the weight (weight) of the measuring container 94 is known, the weight sensor 95 can measure the solution stored in the measuring container 94. The discharge pipe 96 is connected to the lower end of the measuring container 94 and is a pipe for discharging the measured solution.

If the inlet pipe 92 is connected to and in contact with the measuring container 94, for example, if tension is applied to the inlet pipe 92, the inlet pipe 92 affects the weighing result by the weight sensor 95. However, in the measuring mechanism 90 shown in FIG. 6, the inlet pipe 92 and the measuring container 94 are in a non-contact state. Therefore, the influence of the inlet pipe 92 does not affect the weight sensor 95, and highly accurate weighing is possible. Further, when tension acts on the discharge pipe 96 as an external force, the discharge pipe 96 is connected to the measuring container 94, which affects the measurement result by the weight sensor 95. Therefore, in the measuring mechanism 90 shown in FIG. 6, the discharge pipe 96 is a thin elastic tube and has a spiral shape. Therefore, the discharge pipe 96 can be elastically deformed as a whole, whereby the tension can be released. As a result, the influence of the discharge pipe 96 is less likely to reach the weight sensor 95, and highly accurate weighing becomes possible.

In the above-mentioned synthesizer, in order to mass-produce the synthetic product, it is necessary to increase the number of solutions handled at one time in the measuring mechanism 90, that is, the solution to be measured (for example, several tens of liters), and in this case, weighing. The capacity of the container 94 increases. If the discharge pipe 96 connected to the measuring container 94 is thin, it takes a lot of time to discharge the solution after weighing. Therefore, the diameter of the discharge pipe 96 may be increased, but in this case, the rigidity as a whole is increased, and even if the spiral shape is formed, the function of releasing the tension as described above is reduced. That is, the discharge pipe 96 affects the weighing result of the weight sensor 95. Further, depending on the type of solution to be handled, if the amount is large, it is necessary to make the pipe metal. If the discharge pipe 96 is made of metal, even if it has a spiral shape, the above-mentioned function of releasing tension cannot be obtained.

As described above, when the amount of solution to be measured increases, the capacity of the measuring container is expanded, but in this case, the conventional configuration cannot cope with it, and it becomes difficult to maintain the accuracy of measurement.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a measuring mechanism capable of realizing measurement of a solution with high accuracy even when the capacity of the measuring container is expanded.

The present disclosure is a measuring mechanism for selectively acquiring and measuring a plurality of types of solutions, which comprises a closed container, an inlet pipe that penetrates the upper wall of the closed container and allows the solution to pass through, and the inlet pipe. A measuring container provided in the closed container in a non-contact state to receive the solution flowing out from the inlet pipe, a weight sensor for measuring the weight in the measuring container, and a weight sensor connected to the lower part of the measuring container in the measuring container. The outlet pipe is provided with an outlet pipe with a valve for guiding the solution downward, and a discharge pipe provided at the lower part of the closed container to receive the solution flowing out from the outlet pipe and further discharge the solution to the downstream side. And the discharge pipe are arranged along a common vertical line in a non-contact state.

According to the measuring mechanism, the solution can be weighed by the weight sensor by storing the solution in the measuring container with the valve of the outlet pipe closed. If each of the inlet pipe and the discharge pipe is in contact with the measuring container, for example, if tension is applied to each of the inlet pipe and the discharge pipe, the weighing result by the weight sensor is affected. However, since the inlet pipe and the measuring container are in a non-contact state, and the outlet pipe connected to the measuring container and the discharge pipe are in a non-contact state, the inlet pipe and the discharge pipe are weighed by the weight sensor. Does not affect. Therefore, even when the capacity of the measuring container is expanded, the measurement of the solution can be realized with high accuracy. When the solution in the measuring container that has been weighed flows out from the outlet pipe by, for example, free fall, the discharge pipe receives the solution. Then, the weighed solution is supplied further downstream through the discharge pipe.

After weighing, by opening the valve of the outlet pipe, the solution flows out from the outlet pipe by, for example, free fall. Then, since the outlet pipe and the discharge pipe are arranged in a non-contact state, the solution discharged from the outlet pipe may scatter to the surroundings. Therefore, preferably, the lower end of the outlet pipe is in a state of being inserted into the discharge pipe. According to this configuration, the solution discharged from the outlet pipe can be suppressed from scattering to the surroundings, and the solution can be received by the discharge pipe.

Also, preferably, the discharge pipe has a funnel portion at its upper part having a wide opening toward the top. According to this configuration, whether or not the lower end of the outlet pipe is inserted into the discharge pipe, the socket of the discharge pipe is enlarged, so that the discharge pipe can easily receive the measured solution. ..

After weighing, by opening the valve of the outlet pipe, the solution flows out from the outlet pipe by, for example, free fall. Then, since the outlet pipe and the discharge pipe are arranged in a non-contact state, the solution discharged from the outlet pipe may scatter to the surroundings. Therefore, preferably, the discharge pipe has a funnel portion having an opening widening upward and a straight pipe portion connected to the lower portion of the funnel portion, and the lower end of the outlet pipe is formed above the discharge pipe. , Is in a state of being inserted into the straight pipe portion. According to this configuration, the solution can be suppressed from being scattered from the outlet pipe to the surroundings, and the discharge pipe can receive the solution.

Further, when the flow rate per unit time when the solution is discharged from the discharge pipe is larger than the flow rate per unit time when the solution flows out from the outlet pipe, the discharge pipe has a second valve on the downstream side thereof. The capacity at which the solution can be stored in the discharge pipe when the second valve is closed may be smaller than the capacity of the measuring container. In this case, if the second valve is opened when the measurement is completed and the solution flows out from the outlet pipe, the solution does not overflow from the discharge pipe. Further, according to the above configuration, the discharge pipe can be made smaller.

Alternatively, the discharge pipe has a second valve on the downstream side thereof, and the capacity at which the solution can be stored in the discharge pipe when the second valve is closed is larger than the capacity of the measuring container. It may be large. In this case, even if the flow rate per unit time when the solution is discharged from the discharge pipe is smaller than the flow rate per unit time when the solution flows out from the outlet pipe, the solution does not overflow from the discharge pipe.

According to the present invention, it is possible to measure the solution with high accuracy even when the capacity of the measuring container is expanded.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the synthesis apparatus provided with a measuring mechanism. It is explanatory drawing of the measuring mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other form (second form) of a measuring mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other form (third form) of the measuring mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other form (fourth form) of a measuring mechanism. It is explanatory drawing of the conventional measuring mechanism.

[Overall configuration of synthesizer]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a synthesizer including a weighing mechanism. This synthesis device is a device for chemically synthesizing proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, etc., and a plurality of types of solutions (reagents) are sequentially supplied to the reaction vessel 9 to proceed with the chemical synthesis in the reaction vessel 9. When synthesizing nucleic acid, a large number of beads are provided in the reaction vessel 9, and while sequentially supplying the solution to the reaction vessel 9, detritylation, coupling, oxidation, and capping are repeatedly performed, and the beads, for example, bases, for example. Such molecular materials are bonded one after another. There are dozens of types (for example, 20 types) of solutions used, and these solutions are selectively sent to the reaction vessel 9, and a compound (nucleic acid) is produced by the molecular material contained in the solution.

In this disclosure, 19 types of solutions (reagents) are used. It should be noted that this number is changed according to the product to be chemically synthesized. The synthesis device 3 includes an area for providing the same number (19) of storage containers (reagent bottles) 2-1 and 2-2, ... As the type of solution. Each solution is stored in each of the storage containers 2-1 and 2-2. Note that FIG. 1 shows only two storage containers (2-1 and 2-2), and the other storage containers are not shown. The synthesizer 3 also includes a storage container 2-20 for storing the cleaning liquid. In the following, the reference code attached to the storage container is simply referred to as “2”. Each storage container 2 is a closed container, but the introduction pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 are connected to each other.

The synthesizer 3 includes a tank 4 for storing pressurized gas, an upstream pipe 10, an introduction pipe 5, an outlet pipe 6, an intermediate pipe 8, a discharge side pipe 19, a reaction vessel 9, a measuring mechanism 15, and a control device 16. To be equipped. The tank 4 is filled with a gas having a pressure higher than that of the atmosphere, and in the present disclosure, it is filled with argon gas as an inert gas. Aseptic gas (air) may be used instead of the inert gas. The same number of introduction pipes 5 as the plurality of storage containers 2 (20 in the present disclosure) are pipes branched from the common upstream pipe 10, and the upstream pipe 10 has a regulator (electropneumatic regulator) 11 and a valve 12. It is provided. The upstream pipe 10 is connected to the tank 4, pressurized gas is supplied to each storage container 2, and the internal pressure of each storage container 2 is adjusted by the regulator 11. The internal pressure of each storage container 2 is increased by the pressurized gas, and the solution of the storage container 2 is pressure-fed through the outlet pipe 6. A pipe 17 for pressurized gas is provided between the tank 4 and the closed container 29 included in the measuring mechanism 15. A second regulator (electropneumatic regulator) 18 is provided in the pipe 17. The gas in the tank 4 is supplied to the closed container 29.

A valve 14 is provided for each of the lead-out pipes 6. The piping portion on the downstream side (measurement container 7 side) of each valve 14 is the inlet pipe 20 included in the measuring mechanism 15. By selecting the valve 14 to be in the open state, a predetermined solution can be selectively sent (pressure-fed) to the measuring container 7 through the outlet pipe 6 and the inlet pipe 20 from the solutions of the plurality of storage containers 2. .. The control device 16 selects the valve 14 to be in the open state.

The measuring mechanism 15 selectively acquires and weighs a plurality of types of solutions by supplying (pumping) from the storage container 2. The measuring mechanism 15 has a function of measuring the solution stored in the measuring container 7. The measurement result by the measurement mechanism 15 is transmitted to the control device 16, the control device 16 controls the opening / closing operation of the valve 14 based on the measurement result, and a specified amount of solution is obtained in the measurement container 7. A specified amount of solution is sent to the reaction vessel 9 through the intermediate pipe 8.

From the above, the solution is selectively sent to the measuring container 7 from at least one of the plurality of storage containers 2, and when the measurement is performed in the measuring container 7, it is sent to the reaction container 9. The supply of the solution to the reaction vessel 9 is repeated while changing the type of the solution, a plurality of types of solutions are sequentially supplied to the reaction vessel 9, and the chemical synthesis proceeds in the reaction vessel 9. When the solution passes through the reaction vessel 9, the solution is discharged through the discharge side pipe 19.
[About measuring mechanism 15]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the measuring mechanism 15. The measuring mechanism 15 includes a closed container 29 to which the gas (pressurized gas) is supplied, a plurality of (20 in the present disclosure) inlet pipes 20, a measuring container 7, a weight sensor 26, and an outlet pipe 30. It is provided with a discharge pipe 35. The measuring container 7, the outlet pipe 30, and the discharge pipe 35 may be made of resin, but are made of metal in the present disclosure.

A plurality of inlet pipes 20 are bundled and penetrate the upper wall 29a of the closed container 29. The solution sent from the storage container 2 passes through the inlet pipe 20. The measuring container 7 is a bottomed tubular container capable of receiving the solution flowing out from the downstream end portion 20a of the inlet pipe 20 and storing the solution. A plurality of inlet pipes 20 are collectively provided in the inlet region (opening 7a) at the upper part of the measuring container 7. An outlet pipe 30 with a valve 31 is connected to the lower portion 7b of the measuring container 7. With the valve 31 closed, the solution sent through the inlet pipe 20 is introduced into the measuring container 7 and stored in the measuring container 7. The measuring container 7 is provided in the closed container 29 in a non-contact state (a state in which the edge is cut) with each inlet pipe 20.

The weight sensor 26 measures the weight in the measuring container 7. The weight sensor 26 of the present disclosure is composed of a strain type load cell. The weight sensor 26 is installed in the closed container 29, and the measuring container 7 is supported by the closed container 29 via the weight sensor 26. The measuring container 7 is provided in a closed container 29 in a suspended state via a weight sensor 26. Therefore, the weight of the measuring container 7 and the solution stored in the measuring container 7 is received by the weight sensor 26. The weight sensor 26 measures the weight of the solution stored in the measuring container 7. The weight sensor 26 may be a sensor of another type, and is composed of, for example, an electromagnetic type, a piezoelectric element type, a capacitance type, a magnetostrictive type, a gyro type or the like load cell.

The outlet pipe 30 is a straight pipe having a valve 31 in the middle. The outlet pipe 30 is connected to the lower portion 7b of the measuring container 7 and guides the solution in the measuring container 7 downward. The outlet pipe 30 has a function as a nozzle for discharging the solution of the measuring container 7. With the valve 31 closed, the solution is stored in the measuring container 7. When the valve 31 is opened, the solution flows out from the outlet pipe 30. This outflow is due to free fall.

The valve 31 is opened and closed by air (fluid). That is, the valve body of the valve 31 is operated by the air. The air is supplied through the air pipe 32 connected to the valve 31. A part of the air pipe 32 penetrates the wall 29b of the closed container 29. An air source (not shown) is provided outside the closed container 29, and air is supplied to the valve 31 from this air source through the air pipe 32. The air pipe 32 is composed of a thin tube that is easily elastically deformed. As shown in FIG. 2, a part 32a of the air pipe 32 has a spiral shape and can be elastically deformed as a whole.

The discharge pipe 35 is provided at the lower part of the closed container 29. The discharge pipe 35 of the present disclosure has a second valve 39 on the downstream side thereof. The second valve 39 can also be driven by air (fluid) in the same manner as the valve (first valve) 31 of the outlet pipe 30. The discharge pipe 35 receives the solution flowing out from the outlet pipe 30. With the second valve 39 open, the discharge pipe 35 allows the solution from the outlet pipe 30 to flow out to the reaction vessel 9 (see FIG. 1) through the intermediate pipe 8 on the downstream side thereof.

The outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are installed in a non-contact state (the edge is cut off). The outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are arranged along a common vertical line C. That is, the center lines of the outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are arranged along the common vertical line C. In the measuring mechanism 15 shown in FIG. 2, the discharge pipe 35 has a funnel portion 36 having an opening widening upward and a straight pipe portion 37 connected to the lower portion 36b of the funnel portion 36 at the upper portion thereof. The funnel portion 36 has a cylindrical portion 40 that is cylindrical, and a tapered portion 41 whose inner diameter decreases downward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 40. The straight pipe portion 37 is a straight pipe connected to the lower portion (36b) of the tapered portion 41.

The lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 may be inserted at a position above the straight pipe portion 37 and at the same height as the funnel portion 36, but in the form shown in FIG. 2, the outlet pipe 30 The lower end 30b is in a state of being inserted into the straight pipe portion 37. That is, the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is located below the lower portion 36b of the funnel portion 36 and is within the same height range as the straight pipe portion 37. The outlet pipe 30 is in a non-contact state with both the funnel portion 36 and the straight pipe portion 37.

When the solution is weighed in the measuring container 7 and the first valve 31 is opened, the solution flows to the discharge pipe 35 through the outlet pipe 30. At the same time that the first valve 31 is opened, the second valve 39 is also opened. As a result, the solution that has flowed to the discharge pipe 35 through the outlet pipe 30 is discharged to the reaction vessel 9 side through the discharge pipe 35 while being stored in the discharge pipe 35 (funnel portion 36).

Here, the closed container 29 is filled with the gas (pressurized gas). On the other hand, the reaction vessel 9 side has a lower pressure than the closed vessel 29 (at atmospheric pressure). Therefore, when the second valve 39 is opened, the gas flows to the reaction vessel 9 side through the discharge pipe 35 and the intermediate pipe 8 due to the differential pressure between the closed vessel 29 and the reaction vessel 9 side. Then, the solution in the discharge pipe 35 is forced to flow to the reaction vessel 9 side by being pushed by the gas. That is, the discharge of the solution from the discharge pipe 35 is promoted. Further, the diameter (inner diameter) of the straight pipe portion 37 is larger than that of the outlet pipe 30. Therefore, it can be expected that the flow rate per unit time when the solution is discharged from the discharge pipe 35 is larger than the flow rate per unit time when the solution flows out from the outlet pipe 30.

Therefore, the capacity at which the solution can be stored in the discharge pipe 35 when the second valve 39 is closed (hereinafter, this is referred to as “discharge side capacity”) may be smaller than the capacity of the measuring container 7. .. Even in this case, when the measurement is completed and the solution is discharged from the outlet pipe 30, the solution does not overflow from the discharge pipe 35. The discharge side capacity is the capacity on the upstream side (outlet pipe 30 side) of the second valve 39 in the discharge pipe 35.

Further, if the discharge side capacity is reduced, the discharge pipe 35, particularly the funnel portion 36, can be made compact. The funnel portion 36 (at least a part thereof) is provided inside the closed container 29. When the discharge pipe 35 (funnel portion 36) is large, it is necessary to increase the volume of the closed container 29, and a large amount of the gas to be filled in the closed container 29 is also required. However, by making the discharge pipe 35 (funnel portion 36) compact, the volume of the closed container 29 can also be reduced, and as a result, the gas to be filled can also be reduced.

As described above, the measuring mechanism 15 shown in FIG. 2 includes a measuring container 7, a weight sensor 26, an outlet pipe 30 with a valve 31, and a discharge pipe 35. The measuring container 7 is provided in the closed container 29 in a non-contact state with the inlet pipe 20, and receives the solution flowing out from the downstream end portion 20a of the inlet pipe 20. The weight sensor 26 measures the weight in the measuring container 7. The outlet pipe 30 with the valve 31 is connected to the lower portion 7b of the measuring container 7 and guides the solution in the measuring container 7 downward. The discharge pipe 35 is provided in the lower part of the closed container 29, receives the solution flowing out from the outlet pipe 30, and causes the solution to flow out further to the downstream side. The outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are arranged along a common vertical line C in a non-contact state.

According to this measuring mechanism 15, the solution can be weighed by the weight sensor 26 by storing the solution in the measuring container 7 with the valve 31 closed. When each of the inlet pipe 20 and the discharge pipe 35 is in contact with the measuring container 7, for example, when tension is applied to each of the inlet pipe 20 and the discharge pipe 35, the weighing result by the weight sensor 26 is affected. However, in the measuring mechanism 15 of the present disclosure, the inlet pipe 20 and the measuring container 7 are in a non-contact state, and the outlet pipe 30 connected to the measuring container 7 and the discharge pipe 35 are in a non-contact state. .. Therefore, the inlet pipe 20 and the discharge pipe 35 do not affect the measurement result by the weight sensor 26. Therefore, the measurement of the solution can be realized with high accuracy. When the solution of the measuring container 7 that has been weighed flows out from the outlet pipe 30, the discharge pipe 35 receives the solution. Then, the weighed solution is supplied to the reaction vessel 9 side through the discharge pipe 35.

As mentioned above, the valve 31 is driven by air. The air pipe 32 interposed between the valve 31 and the closed container 29 is made of a thin tube that is easily elastically deformed. A part 32a of the air pipe 32 has a spiral shape and is elastically deformed as a whole. Therefore, the valve 31 is provided integrally with the outlet pipe 30, and the outlet pipe 30 is integrated with the measuring container 7, but the air pipe 32 does not affect the measurement result by the weight sensor 26.

The upper part of the measuring container 7 is open so that the inlet pipe 20 and the measuring container 7 are not in contact with each other. Further, the outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are separated from each other. Therefore, in the measuring mechanism 15 of the present disclosure, the inside of the closed container 29 is filled with an inert gas or a sterilized gas (air). Therefore, the measured solution and the measured solution do not come into contact with the atmosphere (outside air). Therefore, even if the plurality of types of solutions used include a solution that deteriorates or deteriorates when it comes into contact with the atmosphere (outside air), the quality does not deteriorate.

After weighing, by opening the valve 31 of the outlet pipe 30, the solution flows out from the outlet pipe 30 by, for example, free fall. Then, since the outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are arranged in a non-contact state, the solution discharged from the outlet pipe 30 may scatter to the surroundings. Therefore, in the case of the measuring mechanism 15 shown in FIG. 2, the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is in a state of being inserted into the straight pipe portion 37 of the discharge pipe 35. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the solution from scattering from the outlet pipe 30 to the surroundings.

When the type of solution to be weighed is changed, in the measuring container 7, the outlet pipe 30, and the discharge pipe 35, the cleaning liquid is poured to prevent the previous solution from remaining and mixing with the next solution. Need to be done. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the storage container 2-20 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the cleaning liquid is first supplied to the measuring container 7. When the cleaning of the measuring container 7 is completed, the valve 31 of the outlet pipe 30 is opened and the outlet pipe 30 is washed. Then, the cleaning liquid flows into the discharge pipe 35, and the discharge pipe 35 is cleaned.

In the case of the measuring mechanism 15 shown in FIG. 2, the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is in a state of being inserted into the straight pipe portion 37. Therefore, the scattering range of the solution is narrow, and the range to be cleaned is also narrowed. In the outlet pipe 30, the longer the length inserted into the straight pipe portion 37, the smaller the area where the solution discharged from the outlet pipe 30 is scattered with respect to the discharge pipe 35 can be suppressed. Further, the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 should also be cleaned with a cleaning liquid. Since the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is inserted into the straight pipe portion 37, the lower end 30b is inserted at a position above the straight pipe portion 37 and at the same height as the funnel portion 36. In comparison, less cleaning solution is required. As described above, the amount of the cleaning liquid used in the cleaning step can be reduced, and the contamination of the solution that may occur when the type of the solution is changed can be suppressed.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing another form (second form) of the measuring mechanism 15. Comparing the measuring mechanism 15 of the second form and the measuring mechanism 15 (first form) shown in FIG. 2, the form of the discharge pipe 35 is different. Others are the same, and the same points will be omitted. In the second form, the discharge pipe 35 is composed of a straight pipe. The outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are arranged along a common vertical line C in a non-contact state. The inner diameter at the upper part of the discharge pipe 35 is larger than the outer diameter at the lower part of the outlet pipe 30. The lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is in a state of being inserted into the discharge pipe 35.

After weighing, by opening the valve 31 of the outlet pipe 30, the solution flows out from the outlet pipe 30 by free fall. Then, since the outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are arranged in a non-contact state, the solution discharged from the outlet pipe 30 may scatter to the surroundings. However, in the second form, the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is in a state of being inserted into the discharge pipe 35. Therefore, the solution discharged from the outlet pipe 30 can be suppressed from being scattered to the surroundings (closed container 29), and the discharge pipe 35 can receive the solution.

Also in the second form, it can be expected that the flow rate per unit time when the solution is discharged from the discharge pipe 35 is larger than the flow rate per unit time when the solution flows out from the outlet pipe 30. Therefore, the capacity (discharge side capacity) at which the solution can be stored in the discharge pipe 35 when the second valve 39 is closed may be smaller than the capacity of the measuring container 7. Even in this case, if the second valve 39 is opened when the measurement is completed and the solution is discharged from the outlet pipe 30, the solution does not overflow from the discharge pipe 35. Since the discharge pipe 35 is composed of linear pipes and its volume is small, the volume of the closed container 29 can be reduced, and as a result, the gas to be filled in the closed container 29 can also be reduced.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another form (third form) of the measuring mechanism 15. In each of the first form (FIG. 2) and the second form (FIG. 3), the lower portion including the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is in a state of being inserted into the discharge pipe 35. On the other hand, in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is not inserted in the discharge pipe 35, but is located higher than the upper end (open end) 35a of the discharge pipe 35. is there. Even in this case, in the third embodiment, the discharge pipe 35 has a funnel portion 36 having an upwardly wide opening at the upper portion thereof. The discharge pipe 35 of the third form has the same configuration as the discharge pipe 35 of the first form. Since the funnel portion 36 expands the receiving port which is the upper end 35a of the discharging pipe 35, the discharging pipe 35 can easily receive the measured solution. That is, even if the solution flowing out of the outlet pipe 30 tries to scatter, such a solution can be received by the funnel portion 36, and it is possible to prevent the solution from flowing out of the discharge pipe 35.

When the discharge pipe 35 has the funnel portion 36 as in the first form (FIG. 2) and the third form (FIG. 4), the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is inserted into the funnel portion 36. Even if it is not inserted, the outlet pipe 30 is less likely to come into contact with the discharge pipe 35. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the problem that an error occurs in the measurement by the weight sensor 26. Further, when the discharge pipe 35 has the funnel portion 36, the capacity of the discharge pipe 35 is larger than that in the case where the discharge pipe 35 is composed of only a straight pipe as in the second form (FIG. 3). Therefore, even if the flow rate per unit time when the solution is discharged from the discharge pipe 35 is small and the solution is accumulated in the discharge pipe 35, it is possible to prevent the solution from overflowing from the discharge pipe 35. Become.

Comparing the measuring mechanism 15 of the third form (FIG. 4) with the measuring mechanism 15 of the first form (FIG. 2), the outlet pipe 30 (position of the lower end 30b) is different. Others are the same, and the same points will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing another form (fourth form) of the measuring mechanism 15. The discharge pipe 35 is provided in the lower part of the closed container 29, receives the solution flowing out from the outlet pipe 30, and causes the solution to flow out further to the downstream side. The outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are arranged along a common vertical line C in a non-contact state. This point is the same as each of the above-mentioned forms. In the fourth embodiment, the discharge pipe 35 is composed of a straight pipe, and the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is located above the upper end 35a of the discharge pipe 35. Also in the fourth embodiment, since the outlet pipe 30 connected to the measuring container 7 and the discharge pipe 35 are in a non-contact state, the discharge pipe 35 does not affect the measurement result by the weight sensor 26.

Comparing the measuring mechanism 15 of the fourth form and the measuring mechanism 15 shown in the first form (FIG. 2), the forms of the outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are different. Others are the same, and the same points will be omitted.

As in the fourth embodiment, the outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 are separated from each other, and even if the discharge pipe 35 does not have the funnel portion 36 as in the first embodiment, the measured solution is the outlet pipe. When it flows out from 30, it can flow from the bottom of the closed container 29 to the reaction container 9 side through the discharge pipe 35.
[About others]
As described above, according to the measuring mechanism 15 of each form, the measurement of the solution can be realized with high accuracy even when the capacity of the measuring container 7 is expanded.

In each of the above embodiments, when the second valve 39 is closed, the capacity Q2 (discharge side capacity Q2) capable of storing the solution in the discharge pipe 35 is the capacity of the measuring container 7. It is smaller than Q1 (Q2 <Q1). However, on the contrary, in each of the above-described forms, although not shown, the discharge side capacity Q2 may be larger than the capacity Q1 of the measuring container 7 (Q2> Q1). When Q2> Q1, even if the flow rate per unit time when the solution is discharged from the discharge pipe 35 is smaller than the flow rate per unit time when the solution flows out from the outlet pipe 30, the solution does not overflow from the discharge pipe 35. Further, when the type of the solution to be weighed is changed, the cleaning liquid is poured into the measuring container 7, the outlet pipe 30, and the discharge pipe 35 so that the previous solution does not remain and mix with the next solution. Need to be cleaned. According to the configuration of Q2> Q1 as described above, the cleaning liquid does not overflow from the discharge pipe 35.

Even when the discharge side capacity Q2 is smaller than the capacity Q1 of the measuring container 7 (Q2 <Q1) as in the measuring mechanism 15 of each of the above-described forms, the discharge pipe 35 is used as described below. It is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid from overflowing. That is, to explain with reference to FIG. 2, when the type of the solution to be measured is changed, it is necessary to flow the cleaning liquid through the measuring container 7, the outlet pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 35 to perform cleaning as described above. is there. Therefore, the cleaning liquid is first supplied to the measuring container 7, and the measuring container 7 is washed. At this time, the weight sensor 26 is used to measure the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid is stored in the measuring container 7 so that the liquid level is higher than the solution supplied to the measuring container 7. As a result, the measuring container 7 is washed. When this is completed, the first valve 31 of the outlet pipe 30 is opened and the outlet pipe 30 is washed. Then, the cleaning liquid then flows to the discharge pipe 35, and the discharge pipe 35 is cleaned. As described above, when the discharge side capacity Q2 is larger than the capacity Q1 of the measuring container 7 (Q2> Q1), the cleaning liquid does not overflow from the discharge pipe 35. However, even if the discharge side capacity Q2 is smaller than the capacity Q1 of the measuring container 7 (Q2 <Q1), the weight sensor 26 is used and the cleaning liquid discharged from the measuring container 7 is targeted at a value based on the discharge side capacity Q2. Weighed. The "value based on the discharge side capacity Q2" is a value smaller than the discharge side capacity Q2 and a value at which the liquid level is higher than the solution that may be accumulated in the discharge pipe 35. For example, the "value based on the discharge side capacity Q2" is 90% of the discharge side capacity Q2. As a result, the cleaning liquid does not overflow from the discharge pipe 35.

When the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is inserted into the discharge pipe 35 as in the first form (FIG. 2) and the second form (FIG. 3), the cleaning liquid stored in the discharge pipe 35 Therefore, the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 can also be cleaned. Further, when the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 is inserted into the straight pipe portion 37 as in the first embodiment (FIG. 2), it is necessary to clean the lower end 30b of the outlet pipe 30 as well. It is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid.

Each form disclosed this time is an example in all respects and is not restrictive. The scope of rights of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes all modifications within a range equivalent to the configuration described in the claims.

7: Measuring container 7b: Lower part 15: Measuring mechanism 20: Inlet pipe 26: Weight sensor 29: Sealed container 29a: Upper wall 30: Outlet pipe 30b: Lower end 31: Valve 35: Discharge pipe 36: Funnel part 37: Straight pipe Part 39: Second valve C: Vertical straight line

Claims

A weighing mechanism that selectively acquires and weighs multiple types of solutions.
With a closed container
An inlet tube that penetrates the upper wall of the closed container and allows the solution to pass through,
A measuring container provided in the closed container in a non-contact state with the inlet pipe and receiving the solution flowing out from the inlet pipe.
A weight sensor that measures the weight in the measuring container and
An outlet tube with a valve that is connected to the lower part of the measuring container and guides the solution in the measuring container downward.
A discharge pipe provided at the bottom of the closed container to receive the solution flowing out from the outlet pipe and to let the solution flow further downstream.
With
A measuring mechanism in which the outlet pipe and the discharge pipe are arranged along a common vertical line in a non-contact state.
The measuring mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the lower end of the outlet pipe is inserted into the discharge pipe.
The measuring mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge pipe has a funnel portion whose opening is widened upward.
The discharge pipe has a funnel portion having an opening widening upward and a straight pipe portion connected to the lower portion of the funnel portion at the upper portion thereof.
The measuring mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the lower end of the outlet pipe is inserted into the straight pipe portion.
The discharge pipe has a second valve on the downstream side thereof.
The measuring mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capacity at which the solution can be stored in the discharge pipe when the second valve is closed is smaller than the capacity of the measuring container.
The discharge pipe has a second valve on the downstream side thereof.
The measuring mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capacity at which the solution can be stored in the discharge pipe when the second valve is closed is larger than the capacity of the measuring container.