Particle separating device and particle separating method

Abstract

Provided is a particle separating device that can quickly remove droplets when the droplets adhere to an electrode for charging a liquid stream.　A particle separating device according to the present technology comprises: a charging unit that charges a liquid stream flowing through a prescribed path and containing liquid particles; a droplet generation unit that generates droplets by vibrating the liquid stream; and a separating unit that separates the charged droplets. The charging unit includes an electrode. The electrode has a proximity unit in proximity to the path and a discharge unit that discharges the droplets to a position off the path when the droplets adhere to the proximity unit.

Description

Fine Particle Separation Device and Fine Particle Separation Method

[0001] The technology according to the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as "the present technology") is a fine particle separation device and a fine particle separation method

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sorting block used together with a flow cytometer for sorting.

[0003] In the sorting block described in Patent Document 1, droplets generated from a liquid stream pass between a pair of charging plates (electrodes) to be charged, are deflected by an electrostatic plate (deflection plate), and are collected by a sorting container.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-069706

[0005] However, in the sorting block described in Patent Document 1, there is no technique for quickly removing the droplets when they adhere to the electrostatic charging plate (electrode).

[0006] Therefore, the main object of the present technology is to provide a fine particle separation device capable of quickly removing droplets when they adhere to an electrode for charging a liquid stream.

[0007] This technology provides a microparticle separator comprising: a charging unit that charges a liquid stream containing microparticles flowing along a predetermined path; a droplet generation unit that vibrates the liquid stream to generate droplets; and a separator unit that separates the charged droplets, wherein the charging unit includes an electrode, and the electrode has a proximity unit that is close to the path, and a discharge unit that discharges the droplets to a position away from the path when the droplets adhere to the proximity unit. The proximity unit may have a proximity-facing surface that is close to and facing the path, and the discharge unit may include a droplet guide surface that is a non-horizontal plane, the upper end of which is directly or indirectly connected to the lower end of the proximity-facing surface. The proximity-facing surface may be a plane that extends along the path. The droplet guide surface may be further away from the path as it approaches the lower end of the droplet guide surface. The droplets from the proximity-facing surface may be held by the droplet guide surface by surface tension and move along the droplet guide surface by their own weight. The droplet guide surface may include an inclined surface and / or a curved surface. The adjacent opposing surface and / or the droplet guide surface may be a hydrophilic surface. The discharge section may have a connecting section that connects the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface and the upper end of the droplet guide surface. The connecting section may include an inclined surface, a curved surface, or a stepped section. The discharge section may have a projection surface that is continuous with the lower end of the droplet guide surface and protrudes downward. The droplet guide surface may be provided with at least one groove that extends in a direction approaching or moving away from the adjacent opposing surface. The adjacent opposing surface may be provided with at least one groove that extends along the path. The fine particle separator may further include a receiving member positioned below the discharge section to receive the droplets discharged from the discharge section. The receiving member has a bottom surface and side surfaces for receiving the droplets, the bottom surface becoming lower as it moves away from the path, and an outlet for discharging the droplets may be provided near the bottom of the bottom surface of the receiving member. At least one groove may be provided on the bottom surface and / or the side surface. The at least one groove may include at least one first groove extending from the area below the discharge end of the discharge section on the bottom surface to the discharge port.The at least one groove may include at least one second groove extending in a direction nonparallel to the direction in which the first groove extends. The particulate separator may further include a container positioned below the outlet for containing the droplets from the outlet. The particulate separator may further include an imaging unit for imaging an area including at least the path and the adjacent area; an alert notification unit for notifying an alert; and a control unit that, when it determines from the imaging results of the imaging unit that the state of the liquid stream and / or the droplets is abnormal, causes the alert notification unit to notify an alert and stops the supply of liquid to the path and / or the separation of the droplets. This technology also provides a method for separating fine particles, which includes the steps of: charging a liquid stream containing fine particles flowing along a predetermined path; generating droplets by vibrating the liquid stream; separating the charged droplets; and, when the droplets adhere to an electrode adjacent to the path used to charge the liquid stream in the charging step, discharging the droplets by allowing them to travel along the surface of the electrode to a location away from the path.

[0008] This figure schematically shows the configuration of a particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. This figure schematically shows the configuration of a particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a side view of the second electrode of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a perspective view of the second electrode of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a partial perspective view of the second electrode of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a top view of the drain cup of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a side view of the drain cup of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a bottom view of the drain cup of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a cross-sectional view (part 1) of the drain cup of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology. Figure 11A shows the drain cup of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology mounted on the structure. Figure 11B shows the drain cup of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology removed from the structure. Figures 12A to 12C are diagrams illustrating the procedure for removing the drain cup of the particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology by removing a part of the outer cover of the structure. This is a schematic diagram showing the droplet discharge operation of a microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram (1) showing the droplet discharge operation of a microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram (2) showing the droplet discharge operation of a microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram showing the separatory operation after the droplet discharge operation of a microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of a microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a flowchart showing a first example of the control flow of a microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a flowchart showing a second example of the control flow of a microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a flowchart showing a third example of the control flow of a microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the control flow of a microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. Figure 22A shows a state in which a liquid stream and droplets are normally observed in the captured image. Figure 22B shows a state in which a liquid stream and droplets are not observed in the captured image.Figure 22C is a diagram showing a state in which liquid is adhering to the adjacent part of the second electrode in the captured image. This is a partial perspective view of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 1 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 24A is a partial perspective view (part 1) of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 2 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 24B is a partial perspective view (part 2) of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 2 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a partial perspective view of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 3 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a perspective view of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 27A is a partial perspective view of Configuration Example 1 of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 27B is a partial plan view of Configuration Example 1 of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 28A is a partial perspective view of Configuration Example 2 of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 28B is a partial plan view of a configuration example 2 of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 29A is a partial perspective view of a configuration example 3 of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of this technology. Figure 29B is a partial plan view of a configuration example 3 of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of this technology. A partial perspective view of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 5 of one embodiment of this technology. A side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 5 of one embodiment of this technology. A partial perspective view of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 6 of one embodiment of this technology. A side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 6 of one embodiment of this technology. A partial perspective view of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 7 of one embodiment of this technology. A side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 7 of one embodiment of this technology. A partial perspective view of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 8 of one embodiment of this technology. A side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle separator according to Modification 8 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 9 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 10 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 11 of one embodiment of this technology.This is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 12 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a top view of the drain cup of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 13 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a top view of the drain cup of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 14 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a top view of the drain cup of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 15 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a top view of the drain cup of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 16 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram showing the normal sorting operation of a microparticle sorting device according to a comparative example. This is a diagram showing the state in which droplets adhere to the second electrode when sorting is interrupted in the microparticle sorting device according to a comparative example. This is a diagram showing the state in which droplet generation becomes impossible when sorting is resumed in the microparticle sorting device according to a comparative example. This is a cross-sectional view (part 2) of the drain cup of a microparticle sorting device according to one embodiment of this technology. This is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 17 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 18 of one embodiment of this technology. This is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of a biological sample analyzer.

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present technology will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The embodiments described below represent typical embodiments of the present technology and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope of the present technology. Even if this specification describes that the particulate separation apparatus and particulate separation method according to the present technology have multiple effects, the particulate separation apparatus and particulate separation method according to the present technology only need to have at least one effect. The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0010] Furthermore, the explanation will proceed in the following order: 1. Introduction 2. A particulate separation device according to one embodiment of this technology 3. A particulate separation device according to modification 1 of one embodiment of this technology 4. A particulate separation device according to modification 2 of one embodiment of this technology 5. A particulate separation device according to modification 3 of one embodiment of this technology 6. A particulate separation device according to modification 4 of one embodiment of this technology 7. A particulate separation device according to modification 5 of one embodiment of this technology 8. A particulate separation device according to modification 6 of one embodiment of this technology 9. A particulate separation device according to modification 7 of one embodiment of this technology 10. A particulate separation device according to modification 8 of one embodiment of this technology 11. A particulate separation device according to modification 9 of one embodiment of this technology 12. A particulate separation device according to modification 10 of one embodiment of this technology 13. A particulate separation device according to modification 11 of one embodiment of this technology 14. A particulate separation device according to modification 12 of one embodiment of this technology 15. A particulate separation device according to modification 13 of one embodiment of this technology 16. 14. Microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology 17. Microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology 18. Microparticle separator according to one embodiment of this technology 16. Other variations of this technology 20. Biological sample analyzer (flow cytometer) to which this technology can be applied

[0011] <1. Introduction> One method for separating fine particles using a fine particle sorting device (e.g., a cell sorter) involves generating charged droplets by exciting and applying an electric field to a liquid stream containing fine particles flowing through a channel (e.g., a pipe), and then passing these droplets between deflection plates (e.g., charged plates) and deflecting them by Coulomb force for sorting (see, for example, Figure 46).

[0012] In the comparative example shown in Figure 46, the electric field can be efficiently applied to the liquid stream by electrically connecting the upstream part of the liquid stream to the first electrode (e.g., a positive or negative electrode) and bringing the downstream part of the liquid stream close to the second electrode (e.g., a ground electrode).

[0013] During normal sorting, the second electrode and the liquid stream are not in contact, and droplets are generated near the second electrode due to vibrations applied to the liquid stream.

[0014] However, because the second electrode and the liquid stream are in close proximity, droplets from the liquid stream may adhere to the second electrode, for example, when the liquid flow is stopped during sorting interruption (see Figure 47). If sorting is resumed in this state, the liquid stream will come into contact with and bind to the droplets attached to the second electrode, preventing the generation of new droplets and making sorting impossible (see Figure 48).

[0015] In this case, problems can arise such as unsortable liquid streams contaminating already sorted samples, or droplets adhering to unexpected locations within the instrument causing salting-out. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly remove droplets adhering to the second electrode.

[0016] Therefore, after diligent research, the inventors succeeded in developing a technique to quickly discharge liquid droplets that adhere to the electrodes used to charge the liquid stream. This technique represents a novel discovery by the inventors.

[0017] The inventors then developed a microparticle sorting device and a microparticle sorting method related to this technology, as a device for sorting microparticles that embodies this novel knowledge.

[0018] The microparticle separator according to this technology provides a microparticle separator that can quickly remove liquid droplets when they adhere to electrodes used to charge a liquid stream.

[0019] According to the microparticle separation method of this technology, when liquid droplets adhere to electrodes used to charge a liquid stream, the droplets can be quickly removed.

[0020] <2. A particulate separation apparatus according to one embodiment of this technology> A particulate separation apparatus according to one embodiment of this technology will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [Configuration of the particulate separation device] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a particulate separation device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a particulate separation device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology.

[0022] The particulate sorting device 10 is, for example, a cell sorter, which is a type of flow cytometer.

[0023] As an example, the microparticle sorting device 10 includes, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a charging unit 100 that charges a liquid stream FS containing microparticles flowing along a predetermined path R, a droplet generation unit 105 that vibrates the liquid stream FS to generate droplets D, and a sorting unit 500 (not shown in Figure 1) that sorts the charged droplets D.

[0024] The particle sorting device 10 further includes, as an example, a structure 400 (not shown in Figure 2) that supports the charging unit 100, the droplet generation unit 105, and the sorting unit 500.

[0025] The particulate sorting device 10 may further include, as an example, an operating unit that allows the user to start, stop, or otherwise control the sorting process.

[0026] The fine particle sorting device 10 further includes, as an example, a liquid delivery pipe 103 having a first portion FP1 of a flow path FP (e.g., a conduit) which is part of the path R, and a liquid delivery block 104 having a third portion FP3 of the flow path FP which is part of the path R, as shown in Figure 2. At least the vibration part of the droplet generation unit 105 is located inside the liquid delivery block 104.

[0027] For example, the path R extends vertically, and the liquid stream FS flows from top to bottom. The liquid stream FS is generated, for example, by sending liquid containing fine particles from a liquid storage section to a liquid delivery pipe 103. The path R may be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0028] The fine particle sorting device 10 further includes a drain cup 200 as a receiving member for receiving droplets D discharged from the discharge section 102b of the second electrode 102 of the charged section 100, which will be described later, and a drain tank 300 as a container for containing the droplets D. For example, the drain tank 300 is provided integrally with the drain cup 200.

[0029] [Charging section]

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the charged section 100 includes a first electrode 101 and a second electrode 102. The first electrode 101 is, for example, a positive electrode to which a positive potential is applied or a negative electrode to which a negative potential is applied. The second electrode 102 is, for example, a ground electrode connected to ground (GND). The first electrode 101 is connected to a power source (positive power source or negative power source) via wiring. The second electrode 102 is connected to ground via wiring. Note that the first electrode 101 may be a ground electrode and the second electrode 102 may be a positive electrode or a negative electrode.

[0031] The first electrode 101 and the second electrode 102 are made of metals or alloys such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, pure titanium, or titanium alloy, as an example.

[0032] (First Electrode) The first electrode 101, for example, constitutes a part of the path R and is electrically connected to the liquid stream FS. More specifically, the first electrode 101 has a second portion FP2 of the flow path FP, which is part of the path R. In the flow path FP, the second portion FP2 is located between the first portion FP1 and the third portion FP3.

[0033] (Second Electrode) The second electrode 102, as an example, has a proximity portion 102a that is close to the path R, and a discharge portion 102b that, when a droplet D adheres to the proximity portion 102a, allows the droplet D to travel along the surface 102bS and be discharged to a position away from the path R. Thus, the discharge portion 102b has a surface 102bS that guides the droplet D to a position away from the path R. The second electrode 102 further has an arm portion 102d that supports the discharge portion 102b.

[0034] Figure 3 is a side view of the second electrode 102 of the microparticle sorting device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second electrode 102 of the microparticle sorting device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology. Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the second electrode 102 of the microparticle sorting device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology. Figure 6 is a side view of the surface of the second electrode 102 of the microparticle sorting device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology.

[0035] The proximity portion 102a has, for example, a proximity-facing surface 102a1 (vertical surface, vertical plane) that is adjacent to and facing the path R, as shown in Figures 2 to 6. The proximity-facing surface 102a1 is, for example, a plane that extends along the path R. The proximity-facing surface 102a1 may be somewhat inclined. The flatness and surface roughness of the proximity-facing surface 102a1 can be changed as appropriate.

[0036] The discharge section 102b includes, for example, a droplet guide surface 102b1 whose surface 102bS is a non-horizontal surface whose upper end is directly or indirectly (indirectly in this case) connected to the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface 102a1. Preferably, the droplet guide surface 102b1 is a non-horizontal surface and a non-vertical surface (non-vertical surface). The flatness and surface roughness of the droplet guide surface 102b1 can be changed as appropriate.

[0037] The discharge section 102b further includes, for example, a connecting section 102b2 (not shown in Figure 2) that connects the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 and the upper end of the droplet guide surface 102b1. The connecting section 102b2 is, for example, a stepped section. More specifically, the connecting section 102b2 is, for example, an L-shaped stepped section in side view, composed of a horizontal surface 102b21 ​​and a vertical surface 102b22 (vertical surface), as shown in Figure 6 (see Figure 6). The horizontal surface 102b21 ​​of the connecting section 102b2 extends, for example, from the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 in a horizontal direction away from the path R. The vertical surface 102b22 of the connecting section 102b2 extends, for example, downward from the end of the horizontal surface 102b21 ​​of the connecting section 102b2 that is opposite to the path R side. The flatness and surface roughness of the horizontal surface 102b21 ​​and the vertical surface 102b22 can be changed as appropriate.

[0038] For example, the connection portion 102b2 is the discharge starting end of the discharge portion 102b. The droplet D from the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 is held by the horizontal surface 102b21 ​​and the vertical surface 102b22 of the connection portion 102b2 by surface tension and guided to the droplet guide surface 102b1 by its own weight.

[0039] As an example, the droplet guiding surface 102b1 moves away from the path R as it approaches the lower end of the droplet guiding surface 102b1. The droplet guiding surface 102b1 is, for example, composed of an inclined surface. More specifically, the droplet guiding surface 102b1 is, as an example, a plane that extends obliquely downward away from the path R from the lower end of the vertical surface 102b22 of the connecting portion 102b2.

[0040] The discharge portion 102b further has a protruding surface 102b3 that is connected to the lower end of the droplet guiding surface 102b1 and protrudes downward. The protruding surface 102b3 is the discharge end of the discharge portion 102b, and has a function of dropping the droplet D that has traveled along the droplet guiding surface 102b1 to a position directly below the protruding surface 102b3.

[0041] [Droplet generation portion] As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the droplet generation portion 105 is provided at a position adjacent to the third portion FP3 of the flow path FP in the liquid feeding block 104, and includes a piezoelectric element (for example, a piezo element) as a vibration portion and a piezoelectric driving portion that vibrates the piezoelectric element.

[0042] When vibration is applied to the liquid stream FS from the piezoelectric element of the droplet generation portion 105, a break-off point is generated in the vicinity of the second electrode 102, and the droplet D is generated at the break-off point.

[0043] [Sorting portion] As an example, the sorting portion 500 includes first and second deflection plates 500a and 500b. The first and second deflection plates 500a and 500b are arranged to face each other such that the distance between them widens downward.

[0044] The first deflection plate 500a is, for example, a charged plate that is negatively charged. The second deflection plate 500b is, for example, a charged plate that is positively charged.

[0045] The positively charged droplet D that has fallen between the first and second deflection plates 500a and 500b is deflected toward the first deflection plate 500a by the electrostatic attraction from the negatively charged first deflection plate 500a and the electrostatic repulsion from the positively charged second deflection plate 500b, and is accommodated in the first sorting container arranged below the first deflection plate 500a.

[0046] The negatively charged droplets D that have fallen between the first and second deflection plates 500a and 500b are deflected toward the second deflection plate 500b by the electrostatic repulsion from the negatively charged first deflection plate 500a and the electrostatic attraction from the positively charged second deflection plate 500b, and are accommodated in the second sorting container disposed below the second deflection plate 500b.

[0047] The sorting unit 500 preferably also includes a recovery container for recovering the droplets D (for example, non-charged droplets D) that fall without being deflected to either the first or second deflection plates 500a and 500b. This recovery container is preferably disposed at an intermediate position (for example, on the path R) between the first and second sorting containers.

[0048] [Drain cup] Fig. 7 is a top view of the drain cup 200 of the fine particle sorting device 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig. 8 is a side view of the drain cup 200 of the fine particle sorting device 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the drain cup 200 of the fine particle sorting device according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view (part 1) of the drain cup 200 of the fine particle sorting device according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 7.

[0049] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the drain cup 200 is disposed below the discharge portion 102b.

[0050] As shown in Figs. 7, 8, and 10, the drain cup 200 has a bottom surface 200a and a side surface 200b (specifically, an inner surface) for receiving the droplets D. The bottom surface 200a is inclined or curved so as to become lower as it moves away from the path R, and has a discharge port 200a1 for discharging the droplets D near the lowermost portion of the bottom surface 200a. Thereby, the droplets D that have fallen into the region (hereinafter also referred to as "droplet falling region") directly below the discharge end (for example, the protruding surface 102b3) of the bottom surface 200a can be discharged from the discharge port 200a1 by traveling along the bottom surface 200a.

[0051] At least one groove is provided on the bottom surface 200a and / or the side surface 200b of the drain cup 200.

[0052] The at least one groove includes at least one first groove 200a2 extending from the droplet fall area on the bottom surface 200a to the outlet 200a1. Here, multiple first grooves 200a2 are provided, and the width of each first groove 200a2 is set to be smaller than the distance between adjacent first grooves 200a2 (for example, 3 / 4 or less of the distance, 1 / 2 or less of the distance, 1 / 4 or less, etc.). The distance is set to be smaller than the diameter of the droplet D. As a result, the droplet D falls onto at least one first groove 200a2 in the droplet fall area. The droplet that falls onto the at least one first groove 200a2 moves quickly to the outlet 200a1 along the at least one first groove 200a2 by capillary action.

[0053] Preferably, at least one groove is located along the outer periphery of the bottom surface 200a (the boundary between the bottom surface 200a and the side surface 200b). This is because droplets D tend to remain at the boundary (corner) between the bottom surface 200a and the side surface 200b due to surface tension.

[0054] The at least one groove may have a second groove 200b1 provided on the side surface 200b that extends in a non-horizontal direction (for example, in a direction non-parallel to the direction in which the first groove 200a2 extends, for example, in the vertical direction) (see Figure 49). This is because droplets D may adhere to the side surface 200b and remain due to surface tension.

[0055] For example, assuming that droplet D is a spherical droplet with a volume of approximately 0.05 ml and a diameter of approximately 4.6 mm, the spacing between adjacent first grooves 200a2 can be set to, for example, 4 mm or less, and the width of each first groove 200a2 can be set to, for example, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, etc.

[0056] At least one projection is provided on the lower surface of the drain cup 200, adjacent to the outlet 200a1 (see Figure 9). This at least one projection is, for example, two projections P1 and P2 facing each other across the outlet 200a1. These two projections P1 and P2 induce the droplet D from the outlet 200a1 to fall from their tips, and the falling position of the droplet D can be controlled.

[0057] Hereinafter, the path through which droplet D is discharged from the droplet fall area of ​​the drain cup 200 to the outlet 200a1 will be referred to as the "droplet discharge path".

[0058] As an example, the drain cup 200 has an elongated hole LH on the side of the droplet discharge path for attaching and detaching the drain cup 200 to the structure 400 (see Figures 7 and 9). As an example, the elongated hole LH extends in the direction in which the droplet discharge path extends and has a wide portion LH1 which is the portion on the longitudinal side of the droplet fall area, an elongated narrow portion LH3 which is the portion on the longitudinal side of the outlet 200a1, and a tapered portion LH2 located between the wide portion LH1 and the narrow portion LH3. The maximum width of the tapered portion LH2 is the same as the width of the wide portion LH1, and the minimum width is the same as the width of the narrow portion LH3.

[0059] Figure 11A shows the drain cup 200 of the particulate separator 10 according to one embodiment of this technology attached to the structure 400. Figure 11B shows the drain cup 200 of the particulate separator 10 according to one embodiment of this technology removed from the structure 400.

[0060] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the structure 400 has a base portion 400a and a frame portion 400b erected on the base portion 400a.

[0061] Multiple pins p are arranged in a row (for example, two) on the base portion 400a, and are slidably engaged with the elongated hole LH of the drain cup 200. These pins are positioned to move closer to and further away from the path R.

[0062] Pin p consists of a member with a T-shaped longitudinal cross-section, where the diameter of the top portion, which is the horizontal side of the T, is smaller than the wide portion LH1 of the elongated hole LH, and larger than the narrow portion LH3 of the elongated hole LH, and the diameter of the body portion, which is the vertical side of the T, is slightly smaller than the diameter of the narrow portion LH3 of the elongated hole LH. Multiple pins (for example, two) are positioned to be simultaneously inserted into the region including the wide portion LH1 and the tapered portion LH2 of the elongated hole LH.

[0063] When attaching the drain cup 200 to the structure 400, the drain cup 200 is placed on the base portion 400a with multiple pins p simultaneously inserted into the area including the wide portion LH1 and tapered portion LH2 of the elongated hole LH, and the drain cup 200 is slid in the direction approaching the path R (towards the back) until the end of the narrow portion LH3 of the elongated hole LH (the end opposite to the wide portion LH1 side) abuts against the pin p furthest from the path R. This positions the drain cup 200 in the appropriate position on the base portion 400a (the position that receives droplets D from the discharge portion 102b). In this positioned state, the drain tank 300 is located to the side of the base portion 400a.

[0064] When removing the drain cup 200 from the structure 400, slide the drain cup 200 in the direction away from the path R (towards the front) until the multiple pins p enter the area including the wide portion LH1 and tapered portion LH2 of the elongated hole LH, then lift the drain cup 200 and detach it from the base portion 400a.

[0065] As described above, since the drain cup 200 is detachable from the structure 400, the drain cup 200 can be removed from the structure 400 as needed, allowing for cleaning of the drain cup 200 and the drain tank 300, and thus enabling the drain cup 200 and the drain tank 300 to be kept in a clean state.

[0066] Figures 12A to 12C illustrate the procedure for a user to remove the drain cup 200 of a particulate separator 10 according to one embodiment of this technology.

[0067] First, the user opens the cover of the exterior (see Figure 12A). Next, the user removes the screw 400c3 attached to the insertion port for inserting the liquid delivery nozzle and the front panel 400c2 of the exterior cover 400c of the structure 400 from the cover body 400c1 of the exterior cover 400c, exposing the drain cup 200 (see Figure 12B). Then, the user pulls the drain cup 200 towards them and slides it (see Figure 12C), and then lifts it up to detach it from the base part 400a.

[0068] [Drainage Tank] The drainage tank 300 is positioned below the outlet 200a1 of the drainage cup 200, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example. The drainage tank 300 is, for example, a container having an opening that opens upward, and is provided integrally with the drainage cup 200 so that the opening is located directly below the outlet 200a1. The drainage tank 300 may be detachable from the drainage cup 200.

[0069] [Operation of the Fine Particle Separator] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the droplet discharge operation of the fine particle separator 10 according to one embodiment of this technology. The arrows in Figure 13 indicate the droplet discharge sequence in the fine particle separator 10. Figure 14 is a diagram (part 1) showing the droplet discharge operation of the fine particle separator 10 according to one embodiment of this technology. Figure 15 is a diagram (part 2) showing the droplet discharge operation of the fine particle separator according to one embodiment of this technology. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the droplet separation operation after the droplet discharge operation of the fine particle separator 10 according to one embodiment of this technology.

[0070] In the particulate sorting device 10, when sorting (droplet sorting operation) is performed, as shown in Figure 2, the piezoelectric element of the droplet generation unit 105 is vibrated, and with an electric field applied between the first and second electrodes 101 and 102 of the charging unit 100, liquid is started to be sent to the flow path FP. When the downstream portion of the liquid stream FS flowing through the flow path FP reaches the vicinity of the side of the second electrode 102, a breakoff point occurs in that vicinity, generating droplets D, which fall between the first and second deflection plates 500a and 500b. The charged droplets D are deflected by the first and second deflection plates 500a and 500b and collected in either the first or second sorting container. The uncharged droplets D fall into the recovery container and are stored there.

[0071] Here, for example, if a droplet D unexpectedly adheres to the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 of the second electrode 102 during sorting, as shown in Figure 14, and sorting is continued as is, there is a risk that droplet D will become unable to be generated, as in the comparative example described above. Therefore, it is preferable to interrupt sorting and resume sorting only after it has been confirmed that the discharge operation of droplet D by at least the surface 102bS of the discharge unit 102b has finished. The same applies when a droplet D unexpectedly adheres to the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 when sorting is interrupted. Therefore, it is preferable that the fine particle sorting device 10 has means for detecting whether or not there is an abnormality in the liquid stream FS and / or droplet D, as will be described later.

[0072] When a droplet D adheres to the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 of the second electrode 102, the droplet D from the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 is held on the surface 102bS of the discharge section 102b by surface tension and moves along the surface 102bS by its own weight (see Figures 13 and 14). The droplet D that reaches the discharge end of the surface 102bS falls into the area of ​​the drain cup 200 directly below the discharge end (droplet fall area), flows along the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup 200 toward the outlet 200a1, and falls into the drain tank 300 from the outlet 200a1 (see Figures 13 and 15).

[0073] Once this series of droplet discharge operations is confirmed, sorting can be resumed, making it possible to generate and separate droplets D normally (see Figure 16).

[0074] [Example of Control Configuration for a Microparticle Separation Device] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the control configuration for a microparticle separation device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology.

[0075] As an example, the particle sorting device 10 may include, in addition to the charging unit 100, droplet generation unit 105, and sorting unit 500, a control unit 1001, a liquid delivery unit 1002, an imaging unit 1004, an image determination unit 1005, and a display unit 1006 (alert notification unit), as shown in Figure 17. The alert notification unit may have an alarm sound output unit including a speaker in addition to or instead of the display unit 1006.

[0076] The control unit 1001 comprehensively controls the entire device. The control unit 1001 is implemented by hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a chipset.

[0077] The liquid delivery unit 1002 starts or stops the delivery of liquid containing fine particles to the flow path FP based on instructions from the control unit 1001.

[0078] The imaging unit 1004 captures an area including at least the path R and the proximity area 102a, and outputs the imaging result to the image determination unit 1005 in real time. The imaging unit 1004 is configured, for example, to include an image sensor.

[0079] The image determination unit 1005 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the captured image, which is the result of imaging by the imaging unit 1004 (whether or not the liquid stream FS and droplet D are generated normally), and outputs the determination result to the control unit 1001.

[0080] The control unit 1001 displays an alert message (for example, the words "abnormality occurred") on the display unit 1006 (for example, a display panel) if the image determination unit 1005's determination result based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 1004 is "abnormal." The control unit 1001 may also perform the function of the image determination unit 1005.

[0081] [First Example of Control Flow for the Microparticle Separation Device] The first example of the control flow for the microparticle separation device 10 will be explained below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 18.

[0082] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing a first example of the control flow of a microparticle sorting device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology. Figure 22A shows a state in which the liquid stream FS and droplet D are normally observed in the captured image. Figure 22B shows a state in which the liquid stream and droplet are not observed in the captured image. Figure 22C shows a state in which droplets are attached to the area adjacent to the second electrode in the captured image.

[0083] The flow shown in Figure 18 is initiated when the user performs a sorting start operation via the control panel.

[0084] In the first step S1, the control unit 1001 causes the liquid delivery unit 1002 to start delivering liquid containing fine particles to the flow path FP.

[0085] In the next step S2, the control unit 1001 causes the sorting unit 500 to start sorting. Specifically, the pair of deflection plates 500a and 500b are charged negatively and positively, respectively.

[0086] In the next step S3, the image determination unit 1005 determines the captured image. Specifically, the image determination unit 1005 determines whether the liquid stream FS and droplet D are being generated normally and outputs the determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing a normal liquid stream FS and droplet D, for example, as shown in Figure 22A, the image determination unit 1005 outputs a positive determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing no liquid stream FS and droplet D, for example, as shown in Figure 22B, the image determination unit 1005 outputs a negative determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing liquid F adhering to the area adjacent to the second electrode 102, for example, as shown in Figure 22C, the image determination unit 1005 outputs a negative determination result to the control unit 1001.

[0087] In the next step, S4, the control unit 1001 determines whether there is an abnormality in the state (stream state) of the liquid stream FS and the droplet D. Specifically, if the image determination unit 1005 outputs a positive determination result, the control unit 1001 rejects the decision made here, and if it outputs a negative determination result, it affirms the decision made here. If the decision made in step S4 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S5; if it is rejected, the process returns to step S3.

[0088] In step S5, the control unit 1001 instructs the sorting unit 500 to stop sorting. Specifically, it stops applying voltage to the pair of deflection plates 500a and 500b. At the same time, it stops applying voltage between the first and second electrodes 101 and 102.

[0089] In the next step, S6, the image determination unit 1005 determines the captured image. Specifically, the image determination unit 1005 performs the same determination as in step S3 above.

[0090] In the next step, S7, the control unit 1001 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the state (stream state) of the liquid stream FS and the droplet D. Specifically, the control unit 1001 makes the same determination as in step S4. If the determination in step S7 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S8; otherwise, it returns to step S2.

[0091] In step S8, the control unit 1001 instructs the liquid delivery unit 1002 to stop supplying the liquid containing fine particles to the flow path FP.

[0092] In the next step, S9, the control unit 1001 executes an alert notification. Specifically, the control unit 1001 displays an alert on the display unit 1006.

[0093] In the first example of the control flow of the particulate sorting device 10 described above, sorting can be stopped if there is an abnormality in the stream state, sorting can be resumed once the abnormality in the stream state is resolved, and if the abnormality in the stream state is not resolved, the liquid supply is stopped and an alert notification is issued, prompting the user to take action such as cleaning the second electrode 102, the drain cup 200, and the drain tank 300.Here, since liquid supply is stopped in addition to sorting, the occurrence of sorting errors can be suppressed, liquid consumption can be reduced, and the workability of the user, such as the cleaning described above, can be improved.However, since liquid supply is not stopped immediately after sorting is stopped, there is a possibility that droplets D adhering to the adjacent part 102a of the second electrode 102 may be accidentally washed away.

[0094] [Second Example of Control Flow for the Microparticle Separation Device] Below, a second example of the control flow for the microparticle separation device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 19.

[0095] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing a second example of the control flow of a microparticle sorting device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology.

[0096] The flow shown in Figure 19 begins when the user initiates the sorting process via the control panel.

[0097] In the first step S11, the control unit 1001 causes the liquid delivery unit 1002 to start delivering liquid containing fine particles to the flow path FP.

[0098] In the next step S12, the control unit 1001 causes the sorting unit 500 to start sorting. Specifically, the pair of deflection plates 500a and 500b are charged negatively and positively, respectively.

[0099] In the next step S13, the image determination unit 1005 determines the captured image. Specifically, the image determination unit 1005 determines whether the liquid stream FS and droplet D are being generated normally and outputs the determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing a normal liquid stream FS and droplet D, for example, as shown in Figure 22A, it outputs a positive determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing no liquid stream FS and droplet D, for example, as shown in Figure 22B, it outputs a negative determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing liquid F adhering to the area adjacent to the second electrode 102, as shown in Figure 22C, it outputs a negative determination result to the control unit 1001.

[0100] In the next step, S14, the control unit 1001 determines whether there is an abnormality in the state (stream state) of the liquid stream FS and the droplet D. Specifically, if the image determination unit 1005 outputs a positive determination result, the control unit 1001 rejects the decision made here, and if it outputs a negative determination result, it affirms the decision made here. If the decision made in step S14 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S15; if it is rejected, the process returns to step S13.

[0101] In step S15, the control unit 1001 instructs the sorting unit 500 to stop sorting. Specifically, it stops applying voltage to the pair of deflection plates 500a and 500b. At the same time, it stops applying voltage between the first and second electrodes 101 and 102.

[0102] In the next step S16, the control unit 1001 instructs the liquid delivery unit 1002 to stop supplying the liquid containing fine particles to the flow path FP.

[0103] In the next step, S17, the image determination unit 1005 determines the captured image. Specifically, the image determination unit 1005 performs the same determination as in step S13.

[0104] In the next step, S18, the control unit 1001 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the captured image. Specifically, the control unit 1001 makes the same determination as in step S14. If the determination in step S18 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S19; otherwise, it returns to step S11.

[0105] In step S19, the control unit 1001 executes an alert notification. Specifically, the control unit 1001 displays an alert on the display unit 1006.

[0106] In the second example of the control flow for the particulate sorting device 10 described above, sorting and liquid delivery can be stopped if there is an abnormality in the stream condition, and liquid delivery and sorting can be resumed once the abnormality in the stream condition is resolved. If the abnormality in the stream condition is not resolved, an alert notification can be issued to prompt the user to take action such as cleaning the second electrode 102, the drain cup 200, and the drain tank 300. In this case, since liquid delivery is stopped in addition to sorting, sorting errors can be suppressed, liquid consumption can be reduced, and the work efficiency of the user, such as cleaning, can be improved.

[0107] [Third example of the control flow of the microparticle sorting device] Below, a third example of the control flow of the microparticle sorting device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 20.

[0108] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing a third example of the control flow of a microparticle sorting device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology.

[0109] The flow shown in Figure 20 begins when the user initiates the sorting process via the control panel.

[0110] In the first step S21, the control unit 1001 causes the liquid delivery unit 1002 to start delivering liquid containing fine particles to the flow path FP.

[0111] In the next step S22, the control unit 1001 causes the sorting unit 500 to start sorting. Specifically, the pair of deflection plates 500a and 500b are charged negatively and positively, respectively.

[0112] In the next step S23, the image determination unit 1005 determines the captured image. Specifically, the image determination unit 1005 determines whether the liquid stream FS and droplet D are being generated normally and outputs the determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing a normal liquid stream FS and droplet D, for example, as shown in Figure 22A, it outputs a positive determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing no liquid stream FS and droplet D, for example, as shown in Figure 22B, it outputs a negative determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing liquid F adhering to the area adjacent to the second electrode 102, as shown in Figure 22C, it outputs a negative determination result to the control unit 1001.

[0113] In the next step, S24, the control unit 1001 determines whether there is an abnormality in the state (stream state) of the liquid stream FS and the droplet D. Specifically, if the image determination unit 1005 outputs a positive determination result, the control unit 1001 rejects the decision made here, and if it outputs a negative determination result, it affirms the decision made here. If the decision made in step S24 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S25; if it is rejected, the process returns to step S23.

[0114] In step S25, the control unit 1001 instructs the liquid delivery unit 1002 to stop supplying the liquid containing fine particles to the flow path FP.

[0115] In the next step S26, the control unit 1001 instructs the sorting unit 500 to stop sorting. Specifically, it stops applying voltage to the pair of deflection plates 500a and 500b. At the same time, it stops applying voltage between the first and second electrodes 101 and 102.

[0116] In the final step S27, the control unit 1001 executes an alert notification. Specifically, the control unit 1001 displays an alert on the display unit 1006.

[0117] In the third example of the control flow of the particulate sorting device 10 described above, if there is an abnormality in the stream state, the liquid supply and sorting are stopped and an alert notification is issued, prompting the user to take action such as cleaning the second electrode 102, the drain cup 200, and the drain tank 300. Here, since both sorting and liquid supply are stopped, the occurrence of sorting errors can be suppressed, liquid consumption can be reduced, and the workability of the user, such as the cleaning, can be improved. After confirming that liquid has been removed from at least the vicinity of the second electrode 102, the user can restart sorting by, for example, operating the control unit to cause the particulate sorting device 10 to execute steps S21 to S26 in Figure 20 again.

[0118] [Fourth example of the control flow of the particulate sorting device] The fourth example of the control flow of the particulate sorting device 10 will be described below with reference to Figure 21.

[0119] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the control flow of a microparticle sorting device 10 according to one embodiment of this technology.

[0120] The flow shown in Figure 21 is initiated when the user performs a sorting start operation via the control panel.

[0121] In the first step S31, the control unit 1001 causes the liquid delivery unit 1002 to start delivering liquid containing fine particles to the flow path FP.

[0122] In the next step S32, the control unit 1001 causes the sorting unit 500 to start sorting. Specifically, the pair of deflection plates 500a and 500b are charged negatively and positively, respectively.

[0123] In the next step S33, the image determination unit 1005 determines the captured image. Specifically, the image determination unit 1005 determines whether the liquid stream FS and droplet D are being generated normally and outputs the determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing a normal liquid stream FS and droplet D, for example, as shown in Figure 22A, it outputs a positive determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing no liquid stream FS and droplet D, for example, as shown in Figure 22B, it outputs a negative determination result to the control unit 1001. If the image determination unit 1005 receives an image from the imaging unit 1004 showing liquid F adhering to the area adjacent to the second electrode 102, as shown in Figure 22C, it outputs a negative determination result to the control unit 1001.

[0124] In the next step 34, the control unit 1001 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the state (stream state) of the liquid stream FS and the droplet D. Specifically, if the image determination unit 1005 outputs a positive determination result, the control unit 1001 rejects the determination made here, and if a negative determination result is output, it affirms the determination made here. If the determination made in step S34 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S35; if it is rejected, the process returns to step S33.

[0125] In step S35, the control unit 1001 instructs the sorting unit 500 to stop sorting. Specifically, it stops applying voltage to the pair of deflection plates 500a and 500b. At the same time, it stops applying voltage between the first and second electrodes 101 and 102.

[0126] In the next step S36, the control unit 1001 instructs the liquid delivery unit 1002 to stop supplying the liquid containing fine particles to the flow path FP.

[0127] In the final step S37, the control unit 1001 executes an alert notification. Specifically, the control unit 1001 displays an alert on the display unit 1006.

[0128] In the fourth example of the control flow of the particulate sorting device 10 described above, if there is an abnormality in the stream state, sorting is stopped and an alert notification is issued, prompting the user to take action such as cleaning the second electrode 102, the drain cup 200, and the drain tank 300. Here, in addition to sorting, liquid supply is also stopped, so the occurrence of sorting errors can be suppressed, liquid consumption can be reduced, and the workability of cleaning by the user can be improved. After confirming that liquid has been removed from at least the vicinity of the second electrode 102, the user can restart sorting by, for example, operating the control unit to cause the particulate sorting device 10 to execute steps S31 to S37 in Figure 21 again.

[0129] The control configuration of the particulate sorting device 10 does not necessarily have to include an alert notification unit. In this case, the step of executing an alert notification will not be performed in the first to fourth examples of the control flow of the particulate sorting device 10. In the first to fourth examples of the control flow of the particulate sorting device 10, the control unit 1001 may only perform one of the following actions when it determines from the captured image that the state of the liquid stream FS and / or droplet D is abnormal: stop supplying liquid to the path R and / or stop sorting the droplet D.

[0130] [Effects of the particulate separator and the particulate separator method using the particulate separator] The effects of the particulate separator 10 and the particulate separator method using the particulate separator 10 will be described below. The particulate separator method corresponds to a series of operations of the particulate separator 10 (for example, the first to fourth examples of the control flow described above).

[0131] The fine particle sorting device 10 includes a charging unit 100 that charges a liquid stream FS containing fine particles flowing along a predetermined path, a droplet generation unit 105 that vibrates the liquid stream FS to generate droplets D, and a sorting unit 500 that sorts the charged droplets D. The charging unit 100 includes a second electrode 102 (electrode), the second electrode 102 having a proximity unit 102a that is close to the path R, and a discharge unit 102b that, when droplets D adhere to the proximity unit 102a, discharges the droplets D to a position away from the path R by allowing them to travel along the surface 102bS.

[0132] In the fine particle sorting device 10, droplets D adhering to the adjacent portion 102a of the second electrode 102 are discharged along the surface of the discharge portion 102b to a position outside the path R.

[0133] As a result, the microparticle separator 10 can provide a microparticle separator that can quickly remove droplets D when they adhere to the second electrode 102 for charging the liquid stream FS.

[0134] Furthermore, the fine particle sorting device 10 can discharge droplets D adhering to the adjacent area to a position away from the path through which the liquid stream flows more quickly than the comparative example described above, thereby suppressing the occurrence of sorting errors.

[0135] Furthermore, the particulate sorting device 10 can prevent the liquid stream from falling onto the sorted droplets D and contaminating them.

[0136] Preferably, the proximity portion 102a has a proximity-facing surface 102a1 that is in close proximity to and facing the path R, and the surface 102bS of the discharge portion 102b includes a non-horizontal droplet guide surface 102b1 whose upper end is directly or indirectly connected to the lower end of the proximity-facing surface 102a1. This allows droplets D that have flowed from the proximity-facing surface 102a1 by their own weight to be discharged by their own weight along the droplet guide surface 102b1.

[0137] It is preferable that the droplet guide surface 102b1 moves further away from the path R as it approaches the lower end of the droplet guide surface 102b1. This allows droplets D that have flowed from the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 by their own weight to be smoothly discharged along the droplet guide surface 102b1 to a lower position further away from the path R.

[0138] It is preferable that the droplet D from the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 is held by the droplet guide surface 102b1 by surface tension and moves along the droplet guide surface 102b1 by its own weight. This allows the droplet D to be discharged to a desired position away from the path R. In this case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of salting out due to the droplet D falling to an unexpected location in the apparatus.

[0139] The droplet guide surface 102b1 is made up of an inclined surface. This allows the droplet D to be efficiently guided along the droplet guide surface 102b1.

[0140] The discharge section 102b may have a connecting section 102b2 that connects the lower end of the close-proximity opposing surface 102a1 and the upper end of the droplet guide surface 102b1. This allows the close-proximity opposing surface 102a1 and the droplet guide surface 102b1 to be connected indirectly.

[0141] The connecting portion 102b2 is a stepped portion. This allows the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 and the droplet guide surface 102b1 to be connected indirectly and in stages.

[0142] The discharge section 102b may have a projection surface 102b3 that is connected to the lower end of the droplet guide surface 102b1 and protrudes downward. This allows control of the discharge position (drop position) of the droplet D guided by the droplet guide surface 102b1.

[0143] Preferably, the particulate sorting device 10 is further equipped with a drain cup 200, which is positioned below the discharge section 102b and serves as a receiving member for receiving the droplets D discharged from the discharge section 102b. This helps to prevent droplets D from adhering to unexpected locations in the device and causing salting-out.

[0144] The drain cup 200 has a bottom surface 200a and side surfaces 200b for receiving droplets D, and it is preferable that the bottom surface 200a becomes lower as it moves away from the path R, and that an outlet 200a1 for discharging droplets D is provided near the lowest part of the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup 200. This allows droplets D discharged from the discharge section 102b to flow to the outlet 200a1 which is further away from the path R, and to be discharged from the outlet 200a1.

[0145] At least one projection (for example, projections P1 and P2) is provided on the lower surface of the drain cup 200, adjacent to the outlet 200a1. This allows control over the discharge position (drop position) of the liquid droplets D from the outlet 200a1.

[0146] It is preferable that at least one groove (for example, a plurality of first grooves 200a2) is provided on the bottom surface of the drainage cup 200. This allows the droplet D to flow quickly in the direction in which the groove extends and decreases due to capillary action.

[0147] Preferably, at least one groove includes at least one (for example, more) first grooves 200a2 extending from the area of ​​the bottom surface 200a below the discharge end of the discharge section 102b (for example, the protruding surface 102b3) to the outlet 200a1. This allows droplets D that fall from the discharge end of the discharge section 102b to be quickly carried to the outlet 200a1 by capillary action.

[0148] The particulate sorting device 10 further comprises a structure 400 that houses at least a drain cup 200, and it is preferable that the drain cup 200 is detachably attached to the structure 400. This allows the drain cup 200 to be removed from the structure 400 and cleaned as needed, making it possible to maintain the drain cup 200 in a clean state.

[0149] Preferably, the particulate sorting device 10 is further equipped with a drain tank 300 positioned below the discharge port 200a1, which serves as a container for collecting the droplets D from the discharge port 200a1. This allows the droplets D to be collected in the drain tank 300.

[0150] The charging section 100 preferably includes a first electrode 101 (another electrode) that constitutes part of the path R and is electrically connected to the liquid stream FS. This allows the liquid stream FS to be charged efficiently.

[0151] The particulate sorting device 10 may further include an imaging unit 1004 that images a range including at least the path R and the adjacent area 102a, an alert notification unit (e.g., a display unit 1006) that notifies an alert, and a control unit 1001 that notifies the alert notification unit of an alert when it determines from the imaging results (images) of the imaging unit 1004 that the state of the liquid stream FS and / or droplet D is abnormal. This allows the user to take action such as cleaning the second electrode 102, the drain cup 200, and the drain tank 300 when the above abnormality occurs.

[0152] The particulate sorting device 10 may further include an imaging unit 1004 that images a range including at least the path R and the adjacent area 102a, and a control unit 1001 that, based on the imaging results (images) from the imaging unit 1004, determines that the state of the liquid stream FS and / or droplet D is abnormal and stops the supply of liquid to the path R and / or sorting of droplet D. This reduces liquid consumption and / or prevents sorting errors.

[0153] The system may further include an imaging unit 1004 that images an area including at least the path R and the adjacent area 102a, an alert notification unit (e.g., a display unit 1006) that notifies an alert, and a control unit 1001 that, when it determines from the imaging results (images) of the imaging unit 1004 that the state of the liquid stream FS and / or droplet D is abnormal, notifies the alert notification unit of an alert and stops the supply of liquid to the path R and / or sorting of droplet D. This allows the user to take action such as cleaning the second electrode 102, the drain cup 200 and the drain tank 300 when the above abnormality occurs, and also helps to reduce liquid consumption and / or prevent sorting errors.

[0154] A method for separating fine particles using the fine particle separator 10 includes the steps of: charging a liquid stream FS containing fine particles flowing along a predetermined path R; generating droplets D by vibrating the liquid stream FS; separating the charged droplets D; and, when droplets D adhere to a second electrode 102 adjacent to the path R used for charging the liquid stream FS in the charging step, discharging the droplets D to a position away from the path R by allowing them to travel along the surface of the second electrode 102.

[0155] In this particulate separation method, droplets D attached to the second electrode 102 are discharged to a position off the path R by traveling along the surface of the second electrode 102.

[0156] As a result, the fine particle separation method makes it possible to quickly remove droplets D when they adhere to the second electrode 102 for charging the liquid stream FS.

[0157] <3. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 1 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 1 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 23.

[0158] Figure 23 is a partial perspective view of the second electrode 102-1 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 1 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0159] The microparticle sorting device according to Modification 1 has the same configuration as the microparticle sorting device 10 according to one embodiment, except that the connection portion 102b2 of the second electrode 102-1 is curved, as shown in Figure 23.

[0160] Here, as an example, the connecting portion 102b2 is a curved surface that is convex toward the path R side, smoothly connecting the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 and the droplet guide surface 102b1.

[0161] According to the microparticle sorting device of modification 1, since the connecting portion 102b2 is curved, droplets D adhering to the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 can be guided more smoothly to the droplet guide surface 102b1.

[0162] <4. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 2 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 2 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figures 24A and 24B.

[0163] Figure 24A is a partial perspective view (part 1) of the second electrode 102-2 of the microparticle sorting device according to modification 2 of one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 24B is a partial perspective view (part 2) of the second electrode 102-2 of the microparticle sorting device according to modification 2 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0164] The particulate separation device according to Modification 2 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device according to Modification 2 (see Figure 23), except that grooves G1 are provided on the surface of the discharge section 102b, as shown in Figures 24A and 24B.

[0165] Groove G1 is, for example, a groove that extends in a direction approaching and separating from the opposing surface 102a1, which is adjacent to the droplet guide surface 102b1, the connecting portion 102b2, and the projection surface 102b3 (a groove that extends along the droplet discharge direction of the discharge portion 102b). Groove G1 is a series of grooves provided across the droplet guide surface 102b1, the connecting portion 102b2, and the projection surface 102b3.

[0166] According to the modified example 2 of the particulate sorting device, since grooves G1 are provided on the surface of the discharge section 102b, droplets D from the adjacent section 102a can be drawn into the grooves G1 by capillary action and discharged more quickly by traveling along the surface of the discharge section 102b.

[0167] The groove G1 does not necessarily have to be provided on all of the droplet guide surface 102b1, the connecting portion 102b2, and the protruding surface 102b3, but it is preferable that it be provided on at least one of them.

[0168] <5. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 3 of one embodiment of the present technology> Hereinafter, a microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 3 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to Figure 25.

[0169] Figure 25 is a partial perspective view of the second electrode 102-3 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 3 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0170] As shown in Figure 25, the particulate sorting device according to Modification 3 has the same configuration as the particulate sorting device according to Modification 2 (see Figure 23), except that the surface of the second electrode 102-3 is a hydrophilic surface.

[0171] In this example, a hydrophilic coating is applied to the nearby opposing surface 102a1, the droplet guide surface 102b1, the connecting portion 102b2, and the protruding surface 102b3.

[0172] According to the microparticle sorting device of modified example 3, since the surface of the second electrode 102-3 is hydrophilic, the wettability is increased and the surface tension is increased, allowing the droplet D to be held more securely on the surface and propagated along the surface by its own weight.

[0173] It should be noted that the droplet guide surface 102b1, the connecting portion 102b2, and the projection surface 102b3 do not necessarily all have to be hydrophilic surfaces; however, it is preferable that at least one of them is a hydrophilic surface.

[0174] <6. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 4 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 4 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 26.

[0175] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the second electrode 102-4 of a microparticle sorting device according to a modified example 4 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0176] The particulate separation device according to the modified example 4 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device 10 according to one embodiment, except that, as shown in Figure 26, at least one groove (for example, multiple grooves G2) is provided on the adjacent opposing surface 102a1.

[0177] For example, the multiple grooves G2 extend along a path R (for example, in the vertical direction). For example, the multiple grooves G2 are arranged horizontally on the adjacent opposing surface 102a1. The pitch of the grooves G2 is set so that any droplet D adhering to the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 is located on one of the grooves G2. For example, each groove G2 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface 102a1. It is preferable that the width of each groove G2 is smaller than the distance between adjacent grooves G2.

[0178] According to the particulate sorting device of modified example 4, since grooves G2 are provided on the adjacent opposing surface 102a1, droplets D adhering to the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 can be moved more quickly from the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 to the droplet guide surface 102b1 by capillary action.

[0179] (Example 1 of the configuration of the second electrode) Figure 27A is a partial perspective view of Example 1 of the configuration of the second electrode 102 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 27B is a partial plan view of Example 1 of the configuration of the second electrode 102 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0180] As shown in Figures 27A and 27B, in the configuration example 1 (102-4-1) of the second electrode 102, the cross-sectional shape of each groove G2 is rectangular.

[0181] (Example 2 of the configuration of the second electrode) Figure 28A is a partial perspective view of Example 2 of the configuration of the second electrode 102 of the microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 28B is a partial plan view of Example 2 of the configuration of the second electrode 102 of the microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0182] As shown in Figures 28A and 28B, in the configuration example 2 (102-4-2) of the second electrode 102, the cross-sectional shape of each groove G2 is triangular.

[0183] (Example 3 of the configuration of the second electrode) Figure 29A is a partial perspective view of Example 3 of the configuration of the second electrode 102 of the microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 29B is a partial plan view of Example 3 of the configuration of the second electrode 102 of the microparticle sorting device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0184] As shown in Figures 29A and 29B, in the configuration example 3 (102-4-3) of the second electrode 102, the cross-sectional shape of each groove G2 is semi-oval.

[0185] The configuration of the second electrode 102 may also be other shapes, such as polygons other than triangles and quadrilaterals, semicircles, or semi-ellipses.

[0186] <7. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 5 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 5 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figures 30 and 31.

[0187] Figure 30 is a partial perspective view of the second electrode 102-5 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 5 of one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 31 is a side view of the surface of the second electrode 102-5 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 5 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0188] The particulate separation device according to Modification 5 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device 10 according to one embodiment, except that the droplet guide surface 102b1 of the second electrode 102-5 is directly connected to the adjacent opposing surface 102a1, as shown in Figures 30 and 31.

[0189] Here, the upper end of an inclined surface acting as a droplet guide surface 102b1 is directly connected to the lower end of a nearby opposing surface 102a1 (e.g., a vertical surface), and the lower end of the inclined surface is connected to a projection surface 102b3. The inclined surface is sloped such that it becomes lower as it moves away from the path R.

[0190] According to the particulate sorting device of modified example 5, since the discharge section 102b does not have a connecting section 102b2, the surface of the second electrode 102-5 can be made into a simpler shape, and the molding of the surface becomes easier.

[0191] <8. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 6 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 6 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figures 32 and 33.

[0192] Figure 32 is a partial perspective view of the second electrode 102-6 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 6 of one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 33 is a side view of the surface of the second electrode 102-6 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 6 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0193] The particulate separation device according to the modified example 6 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device 10 according to one embodiment, except that the connection portion 102b2 of the second electrode 102-6 is an inclined surface, as shown in Figures 32 and 33.

[0194] Here, the upper end of the inclined surface, which serves as the connection portion 102b2, is connected to the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 (for example, a vertical surface), and the lower end of the inclined surface is connected to the upper end of the droplet guide surface 102b1.

[0195] According to the particulate sorting device of modification 6, since the connection part 102b2 is an inclined surface, droplets D from the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 can be transferred more smoothly to the droplet guide surface 102b1.

[0196] <9. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to Modification 7 of one embodiment of the present technology> Hereinafter, a microparticle sorting apparatus according to Modification 7 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to Figures 34 and 35.

[0197] Figure 34 is a partial perspective view of the second electrode 102-7 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 7 of one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 35 is a side view of the surface of the second electrode 102-7 of the microparticle sorting device according to Modification 7 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0198] The particulate separation device according to Modification 7 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device 10 according to one embodiment, except that the connection portion 102b2 of the second electrode 102-7 has a plurality of continuous inclined surfaces (for example, first and second inclined surfaces 102b21, 102b22), as shown in Figures 34 and 35.

[0199] Here, the upper end of the first inclined surface 102b21 ​​is connected to the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 (e.g., a vertical surface), the upper end of the second inclined surface 102b22 is connected to the lower end of the first inclined surface 102b21, and the lower end of the second inclined surface 102b22 is connected to the upper end of the droplet guide surface 102b1. Each inclined surface is inclined such that it becomes lower as it moves away from the path R.

[0200] According to the microparticle sorting device of Modification 7, since the connecting portion 102b2 has a plurality of continuous inclined surfaces, droplets D from the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 can be transferred to the droplet guide surface 102b1 even more smoothly.

[0201] <10. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 8 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 8 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figures 36 and 37.

[0202] Figure 36 is a partial perspective view of the second electrode 102-8 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 8 of one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 37 is a side view of the surface of the second electrode 102-8 of a microparticle sorting device according to Modification 8 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0203] As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the particulate separator according to Modification 8 has the same configuration as the particulate separator according to Modification 5 (see Figures 30 and 31), except that the droplet guide surface 102b1 of the second electrode 102-5 is curved.

[0204] Here, the upper end of the curved surface 102b1, which is convex diagonally downward on the path R side and serves as the droplet guide surface, is directly connected to the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 (for example, a vertical surface), and the lower end of this curved surface is connected to the protruding surface 102b3.

[0205] According to the particulate sorting device of modification 6, the droplet guide surface 102b1 can be smoothly and directly connected to the adjacent opposing surface 102a1, and droplets D can be transferred more smoothly from the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 to the droplet guide surface 102b1.

[0206] <11. Microparticle Separation Apparatus According to Modification 9 of One Embodiment of the Present Technology> The microparticle separation apparatus according to Modification 9 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 38.

[0207] Figure 38 is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to a modified example 9 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0208] The particulate separation device according to the modified example 9 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the connection portion 102b2 of the second electrode has an inclined surface 102b21 ​​and a vertical surface 102b22, as shown in Figure 38.

[0209] Here, the upper end of the inclined surface 102b21 ​​is connected to the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface 102a1 (for example, a vertical surface), the lower end of the inclined surface 102b21 ​​is connected to the upper end of the vertical surface 102b22, the lower end of the vertical surface 102b22 is connected to the upper end of the droplet guide surface 102b1, and the lower end of the droplet guide surface 102b1 is connected to the protruding surface 102b3.

[0210] In the particulate sorting device according to Modification 9, the close-proximity opposing surface 102a1 and the droplet guide surface 102b1 are connected via the inclined surface 102b21 ​​and the vertical surface 102b22 in that order, so droplets D from the close-proximity opposing surface 102a1 can be transferred more smoothly to the droplet guide surface 102b1 via the connecting part 102b2.

[0211] <12. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 10 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 10 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 39.

[0212] Figure 39 is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to a modified example 10 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0213] The particulate separation device according to the modified example 10 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device 10 according to one embodiment, except that the droplet guide surface 102b1 has a plurality of continuous inclined surfaces (for example, first and second inclined surfaces 102b11, 102b12) and does not have a protruding surface 102b3, as shown in Figure 39.

[0214] Here, the inclination of the second inclined surface 102b12 on the discharge end side is steeper than the inclination of the first inclined surface 102b11. This allows droplets D to be discharged (dropped) more reliably from the discharge end of the second inclined surface 102b12.

[0215] According to the microparticle sorting device of modified example 10, the discharge position (drop position) of the droplet D can be controlled even without having a protruding surface 102b3.

[0216] <13. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 11 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 11 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 40.

[0217] Figure 40 is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to a modified example 11 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0218] The particulate separation device according to Modification 11 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device according to Modification 9 (see Figure 38), except that the droplet guide surface 102b1 has a plurality of continuous inclined surfaces (for example, first and second inclined surfaces 102b11, 102b12) and does not have a protruding surface 102b3, as shown in Figure 40.

[0219] Here, the inclination of the second inclined surface 102b12 on the discharge end side is steeper than the inclination of the first inclined surface 102b11. This allows droplets D to be discharged (dropped) more reliably from the discharge end of the second inclined surface 102b12.

[0220] The particulate separation device according to Modification 11 provides the same effects as the particulate separation device according to Modification 9, and also allows control of the discharge position (drop position) of the droplet D even without having a protruding surface 102b3.

[0221] <14. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 12 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 12 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 41.

[0222] Figure 41 is a side view of the surface of the second electrode of a microparticle sorting device according to a modified example 12 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0223] The particulate separation device according to Modification 11 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device according to Modification 8 (see Figures 36 and 37), except that the droplet guide surface 102b1 is a curved surface with an inflection point and does not have a protruding surface 102b3, as shown in Figure 41.

[0224] Here, the curved droplet guide surface 102b1 has a curved portion 102b11 located on the discharge start end side and convex diagonally downward on the path R side, and a curved portion 102b12 located on the discharge end end side and convex diagonally upward on the opposite side from the path R side.

[0225] The particulate separation device according to Modification 12 provides the same effects as the particulate separation device according to Modification 8, and also allows control of the discharge position (drop position) of the droplet D even without having a protruding surface 102b3.

[0226] <15. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 13 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 13 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 42.

[0227] Figure 42 is a top view of the drain cup 200-1 of a microparticle sorting device according to a modified example 13 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0228] The particulate separation device according to Modification 13 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device 10 according to one embodiment, except that, as shown in Figure 42, at least one groove provided on the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup 200 includes a plurality of second grooves 200a22 that extend in a direction nonparallel to the direction in which the first grooves 200a21 extend (the longitudinal direction of the first grooves 200a21), in addition to a plurality of first grooves 200a21 that extend from the region below the discharge end of the discharge section 102b on the bottom surface 200a to the discharge port 200a1.

[0229] Here, each second groove 200a22 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first groove 200a21 extends. Multiple second grooves 200a22 are aligned in the direction in which the multiple first grooves 200a21 extend, and the multiple first grooves 200a21 and the multiple second grooves 200a22 together constitute a grid groove.

[0230] According to the particulate sorting device of modification 13, since a grid groove is formed on the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup 200, droplets D that fall at any position on the bottom surface 200a can be reliably guided by the outlet 200a1.

[0231] <16. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 14 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modification 14 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 43.

[0232] Figure 43 is a top view of the drain cup 200-2 of a microparticle sorting device according to a modified example 14 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0233] The particulate separation device according to Modification 14 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device according to Modification 13 (see Figure 42), except that there are more grooves provided on the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup 200-2, as shown in Figure 43.

[0234] According to the particulate sorting device of modification 14, even if the size of the droplet D that falls at any position on the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup 200-2 is small, the droplet D can be guided to the outlet 200a1 more reliably.

[0235] Furthermore, it is preferable to set the number of grooves provided on the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup to the minimum number that can guide droplets D that have fallen at any position on the bottom surface 200a to the discharge port 200a1, based on the average size of the droplets D. This makes it possible to achieve both improved droplet discharge performance of the drain cup 200 and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0236] <17. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 15 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 15 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 44.

[0237] Figure 44 is a top view of the drain cup 200-3 of a microparticle sorting device according to a modified example 15 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0238] The particulate matter sorting device according to Modification 15 has the same configuration as the particulate matter sorting device 10 according to one embodiment, except that the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup 200-3 is configured to receive droplets D over a wider area and guide them to the discharge port 200a1, as shown in Figure 44. Here, the bottom surface 200a has, for example, a first region A1 provided with a plurality of first grooves 200a21, a second region A2 provided with a plurality of second grooves 200a22 (for example, grooves extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first grooves 200a21 extend), and a third region A3 provided with a plurality of second grooves 200a22. The first region A1 includes the upstream part and the central part of the downstream part of the droplet discharge path of the bottom surface 200a. The second region A2 includes one end of the downstream part of the droplet discharge path of the bottom surface 200a. The third region A3 includes the other end of the downstream part of the droplet discharge path of the bottom surface 200a.

[0239] According to the particulate sorting device of modification 15, although the cost is increased due to the large number of grooves on the bottom surface 200a, even if the droplet D falls slightly outside the droplet fall area, the droplet D can be guided to the outlet 200a1 and discharged.

[0240] <18. Microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 16 of one embodiment of the present technology> The microparticle sorting apparatus according to modified example 16 of one embodiment of the present technology will be described below with reference to Figure 45.

[0241] Figure 45 is a perspective view of the drain cup 200-4 of a microparticle sorting device according to a modified example 16 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0242] The particulate separation device according to modified example 16 has the same configuration as the particulate separation device 10 according to one embodiment, except that, as shown in Figure 45, there is no groove on the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup 200-4.

[0243] According to the particulate sorting device of modified example 16, although there is a risk that droplets D may remain on the bottom surface 200a of the drain cup 200-4 due to surface tension because there is no groove on the bottom surface 200a, it is possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost of the drain cup 200-4.

[0244] <19. Other Modifications of the Technology> The Technology is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0245] For example, as in the modified example 17 shown in Figure 50, the droplet guide surface 102b1 may have an inclined surface 102b11 on the upstream side in the droplet discharge direction and a curved surface 102b12 on the downstream side in the droplet discharge direction.

[0246] For example, as in the modified example 18 shown in Figure 51, the droplet guide surface 102b1 may have a curved surface 102b11 on the upstream side in the droplet discharge direction and an inclined surface 102b12 on the downstream side in the droplet discharge direction.

[0247] For example, in the above embodiments and their modifications, the path R extends in the vertical direction, but it may also extend in a direction that is somewhat inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0248] For example, in the above embodiments and their modifications, one of the first and second electrodes 101 and 102 is a ground electrode and the other is either a positive or negative electrode. However, one of the first and second electrodes 101 and 102 may be a positive electrode and the other may be a negative electrode.

[0249] For example, some of the components of the microparticle sorting apparatus according to the above embodiments and each modified example may be combined in a manner that is not contradictory to one another. <20. Biological sample analyzers (flow cytometers) to which this technology can be applied>

[0250] Figure 52 shows an example of the configuration of the biological sample analyzer according to this disclosure. The biological sample analyzer 6100 shown in Figure 52 includes a light irradiation unit 6101 that irradiates light onto a biological sample S flowing through a channel C, a detection unit 6102 that detects the light generated by irradiating the biological sample S with light, and an information processing unit 6103 that processes information related to the light detected by the detection unit. Examples of the biological sample analyzer 6100 include a flow cytometer and an imaging cytometer. The biological sample analyzer 6100 may also include a sorting unit 6104 that sorts specific biological particles P within the biological sample. An example of the biological sample analyzer 6100 including the sorting unit is a cell sorter. As a cell sorter, a microparticle sorting device according to this technology (for example, a microparticle sorting device according to one embodiment, a microparticle sorting device according to each modified example, etc.) can be used. In this case, the channel C can be replaced with a channel R, and the sorting unit 6104 can be replaced with a sorting unit 500. Furthermore, the control unit 1001 may or may not be included in the information processing unit 6103.

[0251] (Biological Sample) The biological sample S may be a liquid sample containing biological particles (microparticles). These biological particles are, for example, cells or noncellular biological particles. The cells may be living cells, and more specifically, blood cells such as red blood cells and white blood cells, and germ cells such as sperm and fertilized eggs. The cells may be directly collected from a sample such as whole blood, or they may be cultured cells obtained after culturing. Examples of noncellular biological particles include extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes and microvesicles. The biological particles may be labeled with one or more labeling substances (for example, dyes (particularly fluorescent dyes) and fluorescent dye-labeled antibodies). In addition, particles other than biological particles may be analyzed by the biological sample analyzer of this disclosure, and beads, etc., may be analyzed for calibration purposes.

[0252] (Flow channel) The flow channel C is configured to allow a biological sample S to flow through it. In particular, the flow channel C may be configured to form a flow in which biological particles contained in the biological sample are arranged in a substantially straight line. The flow channel structure including the flow channel C may be designed to form a laminar flow. In particular, the flow channel structure is designed to form a laminar flow in which the flow of the biological sample (sample flow) is surrounded by the flow of the sheath liquid. The design of the flow channel structure may be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art, and known designs may be adopted. The flow channel C may be formed in a flow channel structure such as a microchip (a chip having a flow channel on the order of micrometers) or a flow cell. The width of the flow channel C is 1 mm or less, and in particular may be 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less. The flow channel C and the flow channel structure including it may be formed from materials such as plastic or glass.

[0253] The biological sample analyzer according to this disclosure is configured such that light from the light irradiation unit 6101 is irradiated onto a biological sample flowing through channel C, particularly onto biological particles in the biological sample. The biological sample analyzer according to this disclosure may be configured such that the light irradiation point (interrogation point) for the biological sample is located within the channel structure in which channel C is formed, or it may be configured such that the light irradiation point is located outside the channel structure. An example of the former is a configuration in which the light is irradiated onto channel C in a microchip or flow cell. In the latter case, the light may be irradiated onto biological particles after they have exited the channel structure (particularly its nozzle), for example, a Jet-in-Air type flow cytometer.

[0254] (Light Irradiation Unit) The light irradiation unit 6101 includes a light source unit that emits light and a light guide optical system that guides the light to the irradiation point. The light source unit includes one or more light sources. The type of light source is, for example, a laser light source or an LED. The wavelength of the light emitted from each light source may be any of the wavelengths of ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light. The light guide optical system includes optical components such as a beam splitter group, a mirror group, or an optical fiber. The light guide optical system may also include a lens group for focusing the light, for example, an objective lens. There may be one or more irradiation points where the light intersects with the biological sample. The light irradiation unit 6101 may be configured to focus light irradiated from one or more different light sources to a single irradiation point.

[0255] (Detection Unit) The detection unit 6102 includes at least one photodetector that detects light generated by light irradiation of biological particles. The light to be detected is, for example, fluorescence or scattered light (for example, one or more of forward scattered light, back scattered light, and side scattered light). Each photodetector includes one or more light-receiving elements, for example, a light-receiving element array. Each photodetector may include one or more PMTs (photomultiplier tubes) and / or photodiodes such as APDs and MPPCs as light-receiving elements. The photodetector may include, for example, a PMT array in which multiple PMTs are arranged in a one-dimensional direction. The detection unit 6102 may also include an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. The detection unit 6102 can acquire images of biological particles (for example, bright-field images, dark-field images, and fluorescence images, etc.) using the image sensor.

[0256] The detection unit 6102 includes a detection optical system that directs light of a predetermined detection wavelength to a corresponding photodetector. The detection optical system includes a spectroscopic unit such as a prism or diffraction grating, or a wavelength separation unit such as a dichroic mirror or optical filter. The detection optical system is configured to spectrally analyze light generated by, for example, irradiation of biological particles, and to detect the spectrally analyzed light using a plurality of photodetectors, more than the number of fluorescent dyes on which the biological particles are labeled. A flow cytometer including such a detection optical system is called a spectral flow cytometer. The detection optical system is also configured to separate light corresponding to the fluorescence wavelength range of a specific fluorescent dye from light generated by, for example, irradiation of biological particles, and to detect the separated light using a corresponding photodetector.

[0257] Furthermore, the detection unit 6102 may include a signal processing unit that converts the electrical signal obtained by the photodetector into a digital signal. The signal processing unit may include an A / D converter as the device that performs the conversion. The digital signal obtained by the conversion by the signal processing unit may be transmitted to the information processing unit 6103. The digital signal may be treated by the information processing unit 6103 as data related to light (hereinafter also referred to as "light data"). The light data may be, for example, light data including fluorescence data. More specifically, the light data may be light intensity data, and the light intensity may be light intensity data of light including fluorescence (which may include feature quantities such as Area, Height, Width, etc.).

[0258] (Information Processing Unit) The information processing unit 6103 includes, for example, a processing unit that performs processing of various data (e.g., optical data) and a storage unit that stores various data. When the processing unit obtains optical data corresponding to a fluorescent dye from the detection unit 6102, it may perform fluorescence leakage correction (compensation processing) on ​​the optical intensity data. In the case of a spectral flow cytometer, the processing unit also performs fluorescence separation processing on the optical data to obtain optical intensity data corresponding to a fluorescent dye. The fluorescence separation processing may be performed, for example, according to the unmixing method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-232259. If the detection unit 6102 includes an image sensor, the processing unit may obtain morphological information of biological particles based on the image obtained by the image sensor. The storage unit may be configured to store the acquired optical data. The storage unit may further be configured to store spectral reference data used in the unmixing processing.

[0259] If the biological sample analyzer 6100 includes a sorting unit 6104 described later, the information processing unit 6103 may determine whether to sort biological particles based on optical data and / or morphological information. Based on the result of this determination, the information processing unit 6103 controls the sorting unit 6104, and the sorting of biological particles by the sorting unit 6104 may be performed.

[0260] The information processing unit 6103 may be configured to output various types of data (e.g., optical data and images). For example, the information processing unit 6103 may output various types of data (e.g., two-dimensional plots, spectral plots, etc.) generated based on the optical data. The information processing unit 6103 may also be configured to accept input of various types of data, for example, to accept gating processing on a plot by a user. The information processing unit 6103 may include an output unit (e.g., a display) or an input unit (e.g., a keyboard) for executing such output or input.

[0261] The information processing unit 6103 may be configured as a general-purpose computer, for example, as an information processing device equipped with a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The information processing unit 6103 may be contained within the housing that houses the light irradiation unit 6101 and the detection unit 6102, or it may be located outside of the housing. Furthermore, various processing or functions performed by the information processing unit 6103 may be implemented by a server computer or cloud connected via a network.

[0262] (Separation Unit) The separation unit 6104 performs separation of biological particles according to the determination result by the information processing unit 6103. The separation method may be a method in which droplets containing biological particles are generated by vibration, an electric charge is applied to the droplets to be separated, and the direction of movement of the droplets is controlled by electrodes. The separation method may also be a method in which the direction of movement of biological particles is controlled within a flow channel structure and separation is performed. The flow channel structure may be provided with a control mechanism, for example, by pressure (injection or suction) or electric charge. An example of such a flow channel structure is a chip (for example, the chip described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-76736) in which a flow channel C has a flow channel structure in which a recovery flow channel and a waste liquid flow channel branch downstream thereof, and specific biological particles are recovered into the recovery flow channel.

[0263] Furthermore, this technology can also take the following configurations: (1) A microparticle separator comprising: a charging unit that charges a liquid stream containing microparticles flowing along a predetermined path; a droplet generation unit that vibrates the liquid stream to generate droplets; and a separator unit that separates the charged droplets, wherein the charging unit includes an electrode, and the electrode has a proximity unit that is close to the path, and a discharge unit that discharges the droplets to a position away from the path when the droplets adhere to the proximity unit. (2) The microparticle separator according to (1), wherein the proximity unit has a proximity-facing surface that is close to and facing the path, and the discharge unit includes a droplet guide surface that is a non-horizontal plane, the upper end of which is directly or indirectly connected to the lower end of the proximity-facing surface. (3) The microparticle separator according to (2), wherein the droplet guide surface moves further away from the path as it approaches the lower end of the droplet guide surface. (4) The fine particle separator according to (2) or (3), wherein the droplet from the adjacent opposing surface is held by the droplet guide surface by surface tension and moves along the droplet guide surface by its own weight. (5) The fine particle separator according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the droplet guide surface includes an inclined surface. (6) The fine particle separator according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the droplet guide surface includes a curved surface. (7) The fine particle separator according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein the adjacent opposing surface and / or the droplet guide surface are hydrophilic surfaces. (8) The fine particle separator according to any one of (2) to (7), wherein the discharge section has a connecting section that connects the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface and the upper end of the droplet guide surface. (9) The fine particle separator according to (8), wherein the connecting section is a hydrophilic surface. (10) The particulate separator according to (8) or (9), wherein the connecting portion includes an inclined surface or a curved surface. (11) The particulate separator according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein the connecting portion includes a stepped portion. (12) The particulate separator according to any one of (2) to (11), wherein the discharge portion has a projection surface that is connected to the lower end of the droplet guide surface and protrudes downward. (13) The particulate separator according to any one of (2) to (12), wherein the droplet guide surface is provided with at least one groove that extends in a direction approaching or separating from the adjacent opposing surface.(14) The particulate separator according to any one of (2) to (13), wherein at least one groove extending along the path is provided on the adjacent opposing surface. (15) The particulate separator according to any one of (8) to (14), wherein at least one groove extending in a direction approaching and moving away from the adjacent opposing surface is provided on the connecting portion. (16) The particulate separator according to any one of (1) to (15), further comprising a receiving member disposed below the discharge portion for receiving the droplets discharged from the discharge portion. (17) The particulate separator according to (16), wherein the receiving member has a bottom surface and side surfaces for receiving the droplets, the bottom surface becomes lower as it moves away from the path, and an outlet for discharging the droplets is provided near the bottom of the bottom surface of the receiving member. (18) The particulate separator according to (17), wherein at least one projection is provided on the lower surface of the receiving member at a position adjacent to the outlet. (19) The particulate separator according to (17) or (18), wherein at least one groove is provided on the bottom surface and / or the side surface. (20) The particulate separator according to (19), wherein the at least one groove includes at least one first groove extending from a region below the discharge end of the discharge section on the bottom surface to the discharge port. (21) The particulate separator according to (20), wherein the at least one groove includes at least one second groove extending in a direction nonparallel to the direction in which the first groove extends. (22) The particulate separator according to any one of (16) to (21), further comprising a structure for housing at least the receiving member, wherein the receiving member is detachably provided on the structure. (23) The particulate separator according to any one of (17) to (22), further comprising a container disposed below the discharge port for housing the droplets from the discharge port. (24) The fine particle separator according to (23), wherein the container is provided integrally with the receiving member. (25) The fine particle separator according to any one of (1) to (24), wherein the charging section includes another electrode that constitutes part of the path and is electrically connected to the liquid stream.(26) A particulate sorting device according to any one of (1) to (25), further comprising: an imaging unit that images an area including at least the path and the adjacent area; an alert notification unit that notifies an alert; and a control unit that causes the imaging unit to notify the alert notification unit of an alert when it determines from the imaging results that the state of the liquid stream and / or the droplets is abnormal. (27) A particulate sorting device according to any one of (1) to (26), further comprising: an imaging unit that images an area including at least the path and the adjacent area; and a control unit that stops supplying liquid to the path and / or sorting the droplets when it determines from the imaging results that the imaging unit is abnormal. (28) A particulate separation apparatus according to any one of (1) to (27), further comprising: an imaging unit that images an area including at least the path and the adjacent area; an alert notification unit that notifies an alert; and a control unit that, when it determines from the imaging results of the imaging unit that the state of the liquid stream and / or the droplets is abnormal, causes the alert notification unit to notify an alert and stops the supply of liquid to the path and / or the separation of the droplets. (29) A particulate separation apparatus according to any one of (2) to (28), wherein the adjacent opposing surface is a plane extending along the path. (30) A method for separating fine particles, comprising: charging a liquid stream containing fine particles flowing along a predetermined path; generating droplets by vibrating the liquid stream; separating the charged droplets; and, when the droplets adhere to an electrode adjacent to the path used for charging the liquid stream in the charging step, discharging the droplets by allowing them to travel along the surface of the electrode to a location away from the path.

[0264] 10: Particulate separation device 100: Charging section 101: First electrode (another electrode) 102, 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, 102-4-1, 102-4-2, 102-4-3, 102-5, 102-6, 102-7, 102-8: Second electrode (electrode) 102a: Proximity section 102a1: Proximity opposing surface 102b: Discharge section 102bS: Surface 102b1: Droplet guide surface 102b2: Connection section 102b3: Protruding surface 105: Droplet generation section 200, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4: Drainage cup (receiving member) 200a: Bottom surface 200a1: Discharge port 200a2, 200a21: First groove 200a22: Second groove 200b1: Second groove 200b: Side surface 300: Drainage tank (container) 400: Structure 500: Dispensing unit 1001: Control unit 1004: Imaging unit 1006: Display unit (alert notification unit) FS: Liquid stream D: Droplet R: Path G1: Groove G2: Groove

Claims

1. A particulate part sorting device comprising: a charging unit for charging a liquid stream containing fine particles flowing along a predetermined path; a droplet generation unit for generating droplets by vibrating the liquid stream; and a sorting unit for sorting the charged droplets, wherein the charging unit includes an electrode, and the electrode has a proximity unit that is close to the path, and a discharge unit that, when droplets adhere to the proximity unit, discharges the droplets to a position away from the path.

2. The fine particle separator according to claim 1, wherein the proximity portion has a proximity-facing surface that is in close proximity to and facing the path, and the discharge portion includes a non-horizontal droplet guide surface whose upper end is directly or indirectly connected to the lower end of the proximity-facing surface.

3. The fine particle sorting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adjacent opposing surface is a plane extending along the path.

4. The fine particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein the droplet guide surface moves away from the path as it approaches the lower end of the droplet guide surface.

5. The fine particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein the droplets from the adjacent opposing surfaces are held by the droplet guide surface by surface tension and move along the droplet guide surface by their own weight.

6. The fine particle sorting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the droplet guide surface includes an inclined surface and / or a curved surface.

7. The fine particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein the adjacent opposing surface and / or the droplet guide surface is a hydrophilic surface.

8. The particulate separator according to claim 2, wherein the discharge section has a connecting section that connects the lower end of the adjacent opposing surface and the upper end of the droplet guide surface.

9. The fine particle separator according to claim 8, wherein the connecting portion includes an inclined surface, a curved surface, or a stepped portion.

10. The fine particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein the discharge section has a projection surface that is connected to the lower end of the droplet guide surface and protrudes downward.

11. The fine particle sorting device according to claim 2, wherein the droplet guide surface is provided with at least one groove extending in a direction toward and away from the adjacent opposing surface.

12. The fine particle sorting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one groove extending along the path is provided on the adjacent opposing surface.

13. The fine particle separator according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving member disposed below the discharge section for receiving the droplets discharged from the discharge section.

14. The fine particle sorting device according to claim 13, wherein the receiving member has a bottom surface and side surfaces for receiving the droplets, the bottom surface becomes lower as it moves away from the path, and an outlet for discharging the droplets is provided near the lowest part of the bottom surface of the receiving member.

15. The fine particle separator according to claim 14, wherein at least one groove is provided on the bottom surface and / or the side surface.

16. The particulate separator according to claim 15, wherein the at least one groove includes at least one first groove extending from a region below the discharge end of the discharge section to the discharge port on the bottom surface.

17. The particulate separator according to claim 16, wherein the at least one groove includes at least one second groove extending in a direction nonparallel to the direction in which the first groove extends.

18. The particulate separator according to claim 14, further comprising a container positioned below the outlet for containing the droplets from the outlet.

19. The particulate sorting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an imaging unit that images an area including at least the path and the adjacent area; an alert notification unit that notifies an alert; and a control unit that, when it determines from the imaging results of the imaging unit that the state of the liquid stream and / or the droplets is abnormal, causes the alert notification unit to notify an alert and stops the supply of liquid to the path and / or the sorting of the droplets.

20. A method for separating fine particles, comprising: a step of charging a liquid stream containing fine particles flowing along a predetermined path; a step of generating droplets by vibrating the liquid stream; a step of separating the charged droplets; and a step of discharging the droplets to a position away from the path by allowing them to travel along the surface of the electrode when the droplets adhere to an electrode adjacent to the path used for charging the liquid stream in the charging step.

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