Filtering filter and filtering device

Abstract

The present application provides a filter trap capable of improving durability. The filter trap of the present application is provided with: a trap portion (11) having a plurality of through holes (13) that pass through a first main surface (PS1) that captures a filter object included in a cell suspension and a second main surface (PS2) that is opposite to the first main surface; and a frame portion (12) that is arranged to surround the outer periphery of the trap portion, the film thickness (T1) at the center of the trap portion being greater than the film thickness (T3) of the trap portion (11) at a position closer to the frame portion (12) than the center of the trap portion, the second main surface (PS2) of the trap portion (11) having a flat shape.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of International Application No. PCT / JP2019 / 001076, filed on January 16, 2019, which entered the national phase in the U.S. on August 21, 2020, as U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 992,685, entitled "Filtering Filter and Filtration Device," and which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-0014685, filed on January 16, 2019. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a filtering filter and a filtration device. BACKGROUND

[0003] As a filtering filter, for example, a filter described in Patent Literature 1 is known. The filter described in Patent Literature 1 captures nucleated cells and platelets from a liquid containing red blood cells, nucleated cells, and platelets.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-284860 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in the filter of Patent Literature 1, there is room for improvement in terms of improvement in durability.

[0009] An object of the present application is to provide a filtering filter and a filtration device that can improve durability.

[0010] TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0011] A filtering filter of one embodiment of the present application includes:

[0012] a filter portion having a plurality of through holes that pass through a first main surface that captures a filter target included in a cell suspension and a second main surface that is opposite to the first main surface; and

[0013] a frame portion that is arranged to surround an outer periphery of the filter portion,

[0014] a film thickness at a center of the filter portion is greater than a film thickness of the filter portion at a position closer to the frame portion than the center of the filter portion,

[0015] the second main surface of the filter portion has a flat shape.

[0016] A filtration device of one embodiment of the present application includes:

[0017] a filter strainer that filters a filter target contained in the cell suspension liquid, and

[0018] a housing that has a flow path through which the cell suspension liquid flows inside, and holds the filter strainer in the flow path,

[0019] the filter strainer has:

[0020] a strainer portion that has a plurality of through-holes that pass through a first main surface that captures the filter target and a second main surface that opposes the first main surface, and

[0021] a frame portion that is arranged to surround the outer periphery of the strainer portion,

[0022] the film thickness at the center of the strainer portion is greater than the film thickness of the strainer portion at a position closer to the frame portion than the center of the strainer portion,

[0023] the second main surface of the strainer portion has a flat shape,

[0024] the housing has:

[0025] a first housing portion that has a flow path that faces the first main surface of the strainer portion of the filter strainer, and

[0026] a second housing portion that has a flow path that faces the second main surface of the strainer portion of the filter strainer,

[0027] the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to sandwich the frame portion of the filter strainer and hold the frame portion in the sandwiched state in the thickness direction,

[0028] the frame portion of the filter strainer is held by the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a state that continuously extends in a direction from the strainer portion toward the frame portion.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a filter strainer and a filter device that have improved durability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of one example of a filter strainer according to Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view and a schematic cross-sectional view that show the configuration of the filter strainer of Figure 1

[0033] Figure 3 ​is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the filter section of the illustrative filter.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the filter section of Figure 3

[0035] Figure 5A is an example of a process of a method of using the filter filter of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0036] Figure 5B is an example of a process of a method of using the filter filter of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0037] Figure 6A is an example of a process of a method of manufacturing the filter filter of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0038] Figure 6B is an example of a process of a method of manufacturing the filter filter of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0039] Figure 6C is an example of a process of a method of manufacturing the filter filter of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0040] Figure 6D is an example of a process of a method of manufacturing the filter filter of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0041] Figure 6E is an example of a process of a method of manufacturing the filter filter of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0042] Figure 6F is an example of a process of a method of manufacturing the filter filter of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0043] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a two-dimensional model of the filter filter used for stress analysis simulation.

[0044] Figure 8 is a graph showing the results of calculating the Mises stress using the two-dimensional model shown in Figure 7

[0045] Figure 9

[0046] Figure 10A is a graph showing the results of stress analysis in the case where a load is applied to a two-dimensional model of a filter filter having a convex shape.

[0047] ​​​Figure 10B is a graph showing the stress analysis result in a case where a load is applied to a two-dimensional model of a filter eliminator having a flat shape.

[0048] Figure 10C is a graph showing the stress analysis result in a case where a load is applied to a two-dimensional model of a filter eliminator having a concave shape.

[0049] Figure 11 is a schematic configuration view of a filter eliminator of a modification example of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0050] Figure 12 is a schematic configuration view of a filter eliminator of another modification example of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0051] Figure 13A is a graph showing the stress analysis result in a case where a load is applied to a two-dimensional model of a filter eliminator of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0052] Figure 13B is a graph showing the stress analysis result in a case where a load is applied to a two-dimensional model of a filter eliminator of a modification example of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0053] Figure 13C is a graph showing the stress analysis result in a case where a load is applied to a two-dimensional model of a filter eliminator of another modification example of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates.

[0054] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of one example of a filter device of Embodiment 2 to which the present application relates.

[0055] Figure 15 is a schematic exploded view of one example of a filter device of Embodiment 2 to which the present application relates.

[0056] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one example of a filter device of Embodiment 2 to which the present application relates.

[0057] Figure 17 is an enlarged view of a Z1 portion of the filter device of Figure 16

[0058] Figure 18 is a graph showing a filtration of one example of a filter device of Embodiment 2 to which the present application relates.

[0059] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of a filter device of a modification example of Embodiment 2 to which the present application relates.

[0060] Figure 20 ​FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter device according to Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0061] LEGEND

[0062] 10, 10A, 10B: filter

[0063] 11, 11a, 11b: filter portion

[0064] 12: frame portion

[0065] 13: through-hole

[0066] 14: filter base portion

[0067] 20: pipette

[0068] 21: substrate

[0069] 22: copper thin film

[0070] 23: resist film

[0071] 24: groove portion

[0072] 30: liquid

[0073] 40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f: two-dimensional model

[0074] 41: end portion

[0075] 42: end portion

[0076] 43: central portion

[0077] 50, 50A: filter device

[0078] 51: flow path

[0079] 52: housing

[0080] 60: first housing portion

[0081] 61: first flow path

[0082] 62: convex step portion

[0083] 63, 63b: first flange portion

[0084] 63a: first groove

[0085] 70: second housing portion

[0086] 71: second flow path

[0087] 72: concave step portion

[0088] 73: second flange portion

[0089] 73a: second groove

[0090] 74: handle

[0091] PS1: first main surface

[0092] PS2: second main surface

[0093] PS3: first surface

[0094] PS4: second surface

[0095] D1, D2, D3: radius

[0096] CL1: imaginary straight line

[0097] P1: center

[0098] P2, P3: intersection

[0099] R11, R12, R13: region

[0100] D11, D12: direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] (Process of accomplishing the present invention)

[0102] In the case where a filter trap is used to filter a liquid containing a filter object, there is a case where the liquid does not pass through the filter trap, and the filtering efficiency is reduced. As one method of solving the reduction of the filtering efficiency, there is a method of using a pipette to perform the filtering.

[0103] In this method, in a state where the front end of the pipette that accommodates the liquid containing the filter object is pressed against the filter trap, the liquid is discharged from the front end of the pipette to the filter trap.

[0104] In this method, the inventors of the present invention newly found a problem that, since the filter trap is pressed by the front end of the pipette, stress is concentrated in a portion in contact with the front end of the pipette, and there is a case where the filter trap is broken.

[0105] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention earnestly researched, and as a result, found that durability can be improved by forming the trap portion of the filter trap in a convex shape, and accomplished the present invention.

[0106] A filter trap of one embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0107] a filter portion having a plurality of through-holes that pass through a first main surface that captures a filter target included in a liquid and a second main surface that opposes the first main surface; and

[0108] a frame portion configured to surround an outer periphery of the filter portion,

[0109] a film thickness at a center of the filter portion is greater than a film thickness of the filter portion at a position closer to the frame portion than the center of the filter portion.

[0110] With such a structure, durability can be improved.

[0111] In the filter, the second main surface of the filter portion can have a flat shape.

[0112] With such a structure, the liquid becomes easy to be discharged from the plurality of through-holes of the filter portion, and a filtration time can be shortened.

[0113] In the filter, a film thickness at a center of the filter portion can be greater than a thickness of the frame portion.

[0114] With such a structure, durability can be further improved.

[0115] In the filter, a film thickness of the filter portion at a position closer to the frame portion than a center of the filter portion can be greater than a thickness of the frame portion.

[0116] With such a structure, durability can be further improved.

[0117] In the filter, a film thickness at a center of the filter portion can be 1.1 times or more and 1.9 times or less of a film thickness of the filter portion at a position closer to the frame portion than the center of the filter portion.

[0118] With such a structure, durability can be further improved.

[0119] In the filter,

[0120] the filter portion has a substantially circular shape,

[0121] the frame portion has a ring shape that surrounds an outer periphery of the filter portion.

[0122] With such a structure, durability can be further improved.

[0123] A filter device of one embodiment of the present application includes:

[0124] a filter that filters a filter target included in a liquid; and

[0125] a housing having a flow path through which the liquid flows inside, and holding the filter trap in the flow path,

[0126] the filter trap has:

[0127] a trap portion having a plurality of through-holes that pass through a first main surface that traps the filter object and a second main surface that opposes the first main surface, and

[0128] a frame portion configured to surround the outer periphery of the trap portion,

[0129] the film thickness at the center of the trap portion is greater than the film thickness of the trap portion at a position closer to the frame portion than the center of the trap portion,

[0130] the housing has:

[0131] a first housing portion having a flow path toward the first main surface of the trap portion of the filter trap, and

[0132] a second housing portion having a flow path toward the second main surface of the trap portion of the filter trap,

[0133] the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to fit together with the frame portion of the filter trap interposed therebetween, and to hold the frame portion in the fitted state in the thickness direction,

[0134] the frame portion of the filter trap is held by the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a state of continuously extending in a direction from the trap portion toward the frame portion.

[0135] With such a structure, durability can be improved.

[0136] In the filter device, the first housing portion can have a convex step portion protruding in a direction from the first housing portion toward the second housing portion at an end portion on a fitting side with the second housing portion,

[0137] the second housing portion can have a concave step portion recessed in a direction from the first housing portion toward the second housing portion at an end portion on a fitting side with the first housing portion,

[0138] the first housing portion and the second housing portion fit together with the convex step portion and the concave step portion, and hold the frame portion of the filter trap in the thickness direction by a convex surface of the convex step portion and a concave surface of the concave step portion.

[0139] With such a structure, durability can be further improved.

[0140] Also, in the filter device, the second housing portion can have a flange portion extending outward from a side wall of the second housing portion.

[0141] With this structure, the ease of use of the filter device is improved.

[0142] Also, in the filter device, the first housing portion can have a flange portion extending outward from a side wall of the first housing portion.

[0143] With this structure, the ease of use of the filter device is improved.

[0144] Also, in the filter device, the second housing portion can have a handle.

[0145] With this structure, the ease of use of the filter device is improved.

[0146] A filter device according to an embodiment of the present application includes:

[0147] a filter portion having a plurality of through holes that pass through a first main surface that captures a filter target included in a liquid and a second main surface that opposes the first main surface; and

[0148] a frame portion that is arranged to surround an outer periphery of the filter portion,

[0149] the filter portion has a convex shape that protrudes toward the first main surface side.

[0150] With this structure, durability can be improved.

[0151] Also, in the filter device, the second housing portion can have a handle.

[0152] With this structure, the liquid becomes easy to drain from the plurality of through holes of the filter portion, and the filtration time can be shortened.

[0153] A filter device according to an embodiment of the present application includes:

[0154] a filter portion having a plurality of through holes that pass through a first main surface that captures a filter target included in a liquid and a second main surface that opposes the first main surface; and

[0155] a housing that has a flow path through which the liquid flows inside, and that holds the filter portion in the flow path,

[0156] the filter portion has:

[0157] a filter portion having a plurality of through holes that pass through a first main surface that captures the filter target and a second main surface that opposes the first main surface; and

[0158] a frame portion configured to surround an outer periphery of the filter portion,

[0159] the filter portion has a convex shape protruding toward the first main surface side,

[0160] the housing has:

[0161] a first housing portion having a flow path toward the first main surface of the filter portion of the filter filter; and

[0162] a second housing portion having a flow path toward the second main surface of the filter portion of the filter filter,

[0163] the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to fit in the frame portion of the filter filter with the frame portion interposed therebetween, and to hold the frame portion in a fitted state in a thickness direction,

[0164] the frame portion of the filter filter is held by the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a state of continuously extending in a direction from the filter portion toward the frame portion.

[0165] With such a configuration, durability can be improved.

[0166] Hereinafter, an embodiment 1 related to the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, each element is exaggerated for easy explanation.

[0167] (Embodiment 1)

[0168] [Overall Configuration]

[0169] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of one example of a filter filter 10 of the embodiment 1 related to the present application. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view and a schematic sectional view illustrating a configuration of the filter filter of Figure 1 Figure 2 (A) of Figure 2 (B) of Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of the filter filter 10 ofcut at the A-A line. The X, Y, Z directions in the drawing respectively show a lateral direction, a longitudinal direction, and a thickness direction of the filter filter 10.

[0170] [Overall Configuration]

[0171] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the filter filter 10 is provided with a filter portion 11 and a frame portion 12 configured to surround an outer periphery of the filter portion 11. In the embodiment 1, the filter filter 10 is a metal filter.

[0172] <Filter Section>

[0173] The filter section 11 is a plate-shaped structure having a first main surface PS1 and a second main surface PS2. The first main surface PS1 captures the filterable material contained in the liquid, and the second main surface PS2 is opposite to the first main surface PS1. A plurality of through holes 13 are formed in the filter section 11, penetrating the first main surface PS1 and the second main surface PS2. Specifically, a plurality of through holes 13 are formed in the filter base section 14 constituting the filter section 11.

[0174] The filter section 11 has a convex shape that protrudes toward the first main surface PS1. The filter section 11 does not have a uniform membrane thickness, but is formed such that the membrane thickness on the central side becomes greater than the membrane thickness on the peripheral side. In other words, the filter section 11 is formed such that the membrane thickness decreases from the center toward the peripheral side.

[0175] use Figure 2 A more detailed description of the construction of the filter 10 is provided. For example... Figure 2 As shown in (A), the filter section 11 is a circular region with radius D3 centered at P1. In the filter section 11, imaginary circles C1 and C2 with radii D1 and D2 are drawn for the center P1. Radius D1 is smaller than radius D3, and radius D2 is smaller than radius D3 but larger than radius D1. Here, radius D1 is radius D3 × 1 / 3, and radius D2 is radius D3 × 2 / 3. In the filter section 11, the circular region surrounded by imaginary circle C1 is designated as the central side region R11, the annular region sandwiched between imaginary circles C1 and C2 is designated as the middle region R12, and the annular region surrounding imaginary circle C2 and its outer periphery is designated as the peripheral side region R13. Furthermore, from a top view of the filter section 11, when depicting an imaginary straight line CL1 passing through the center P1 of the filter section 11, the intersection point (first position) of the imaginary straight line CL1 and the imaginary circle C1 is set as P2, and the intersection point (second position) of the imaginary straight line CL1 and the imaginary circle C2 is set as P3.

[0176] Next, the film thickness of the filter section 11 will be explained. The film thickness of the filter section can be measured using SEM. For example, during measurement, the accelerating voltage is set to 1 kV and the magnification is set to 1000x. The sample stage on which the filter is mounted is tilted at 40°, and the width of the grid penetrating in the direction perpendicular to the side of the grid of the filter section 11, that is, perpendicular to the upper surface of the filter 10, is measured. The boundaries of the two ends of the grid are determined by the shift in the amount of light in the image during SEM measurement. The amount of secondary electrons generated inside and outside the grid changes. The point of change is defined as the boundary, and the width of the grid is measured as the film thickness of the filter section.

[0177] like Figure 2As shown in (B) of FIG. 1, in the filter portion 11, the film thickness T1 of the filter portion 11 in the central side region R11 farther from the frame portion 12 than the peripheral side region R13 is formed to be larger than the film thickness T3 of the filter portion in the peripheral side region R13 closer to the frame portion 12 than the central side region R11. Further, in the filter portion 11, the film thickness T2 in the intermediate region R12 between the central side region R11 and the peripheral side region R13 is formed to be smaller than the film thickness T1 of the central side region R11 and larger than the film thickness T3 of the peripheral side region R13.

[0178] Specifically, the film thickness at the center P1 of the filter portion 11 is set to T1, the film thickness at the intersection P2 is set to T2, and the film thickness at the intersection P3 is set to T3, in which case each of the film thicknesses satisfies the relationship of T1 > T2 > T3. As such, in the filter portion 11, the film thickness is set so as to become larger from the peripheral side of the filter portion 11 toward the central side. In other words, in the filter portion 11, the film thickness is set so as to become smaller from the center P1 of the filter portion 11 toward the radiation direction (radially outward). Further, the film thickness can be made continuous or smaller.

[0179] For example, the film thickness T1 at the center P1 of the filter portion 11 is 1.1 times or more and 1.9 times or less of the film thickness T3 of the filter portion 11 at a position closer to the frame portion 12 than the center P1 of the filter portion 11.

[0180] In Embodiment 1, the film thickness of the filter portion 11 continuously changes. Specifically, the first main surface PS1 of the filter portion 11 is inclined toward the second main surface PS2 side from the center P1 of the filter portion 11 toward the frame portion 12, whereby the film thickness of the filter portion 11 becomes smaller from the center P1 of the filter portion 11 toward the frame portion 12. Further, the film thicknesses T1, T2, T3 of the filter portion 11 are each smaller than the thickness TO of the frame portion 12.

[0181] Further, the second main surface PS2 of the filter portion 11 has a flat shape. In the present specification, the so-called "flat shape" means a shape in which, when the second main surface PS2 side is placed on a horizontal plane, the entire surface of the second main surface PS2 comes into contact with the horizontal plane.

[0182] Returning to Figure 1 The shape of the filter portion 11, as viewed from the thickness direction (Z direction) of the filter 10, is, for example, circular, rectangular, or elliptical. In Embodiment 1, the shape of the filter portion 11 is substantially circular. In the present specification, the so-called "substantially circular" means that the ratio of the length of the major diameter to the length of the minor diameter is 1.0 or more and 1.2 or less.

[0183] In the present specification, the so-called "filtration object" means an object contained in a liquid that should be filtered. For example, the filtration object can be a biological-derived substance contained in a liquid. The so-called "biological-derived substance" means a substance derived from a living organism such as a cell (eukaryote), a bacterium (eubacterium), a virus, or the like. As the cell (eukaryote), for example, there are included an artificial pluripotent stem cell (iPS cell), an ES cell, a stem cell, a mesenchymal stem cell, a monocyte, a single cell, a cell mass, a planktonic cell, an adherent cell, a neural cell, a leukocyte, a cell for regenerative medicine, a self cell, a cancer cell, a cancer cell circulating in blood (CTC), HL-60, HELA, and a fungus. As the bacterium (eubacterium), for example, there are included Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

[0184] In Embodiment 1, as one example, the liquid is a cell suspension, and the filtration object is a cell.

[0185] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the filter section 11. Figure 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the filter section 11 viewed from the thickness direction. Figure 3

[0186] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a plurality of through-holes 13 are periodically arranged on the first principal surface PS1 and the second principal surface PS2 of the filter section 11. Specifically, the plurality of through-holes 13 are arranged in a matrix shape at equal intervals in the filter section 11. Figure 3 Figure 4 In Embodiment 1, the through-holes 13 have a square shape as viewed from the first principal surface PS1 side of the filter section 11, that is, as viewed from the Z direction. In addition, the shape as viewed from the Z direction is not limited to a square shape with respect to the through-holes 13, and for example, can be a polygonal shape such as a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or the like, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape, or the like.

[0187] In Embodiment 1, the shape (cross-sectional shape) of the through-holes 13 projected onto a plane perpendicular to the first principal surface PS1 of the filter section 11 is a rectangular shape. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the through-holes 13 is a rectangular shape in which the length of one side in the radial direction of the filter 10 is longer than the length of one side in the thickness direction of the filter 10. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the through-holes 13 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and for example, can be a trapezoidal shape or a tapered shape such as a parallelogram or a trapezoid, or can be a symmetrical shape or an asymmetrical shape.

[0188] In Embodiment 1, as viewed from the first principal surface PS1 side (Z direction) of the filter section 11, the plurality of through-holes 13 are arranged at equal intervals in two arrangement directions parallel to each of the sides of the square, that is, in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0189] In Embodiment 1, as viewed from the first principal surface PS1 side (Z direction) of the filter section 11, the plurality of through-holes 13 are arranged at equal intervals in two arrangement directions parallel to each of the sides of the square, that is, in the X direction and the Y direction. Figure 4 ​​The through holes 13 are arranged at equal intervals in the X and Y directions. By arranging the multiple through holes 13 in a square grid, the opening ratio is increased, and the resistance of the liquid to the flow of the filter 10 is reduced. This structure shortens the filtration time and reduces the pressure on the filtered material.

[0190] Furthermore, the arrangement of the multiple through holes 13 is not limited to a square grid arrangement; for example, it can also be a quasi-periodic arrangement or a periodic arrangement. As an example of a periodic arrangement, if it is a square arrangement, it can also be a rectangular arrangement with unequal intervals in two arrangement directions, or a triangular grid arrangement or an equilateral triangular grid arrangement, etc. In addition, as long as multiple through holes 13 are provided in the filter section 11, the arrangement is not limited.

[0191] The spacing b of the multiple through-holes 13 can be appropriately designed according to the type (size, morphology, properties, elasticity) or quantity of the cells being separated. Here, the spacing b of the through-holes 13 is referred to as... Figure 4 As shown, this means the distance between the center of any through-hole 13 and the center of an adjacent through-hole 13 when viewed from the first main surface PS1 side of the filter section 11. In the case of a periodically arranged structure, the interval b of the through-holes 13 is, for example, greater than 1 times and less than 10 times the side length d of the through-hole 13, preferably less than 3 times the side length d of the through-hole 13. Alternatively, for example, the opening ratio of the filter section 11 is 10% or more, preferably 25% or more and less than 75%. With such a structure, the resistance of the liquid to the flow of the filter section 11 can be reduced. Therefore, the processing time can be shortened and the pressure on the cells can be reduced. In addition, the opening ratio can be calculated by (the area occupied by the through-hole 13) / (the projected area of ​​the first main surface PS1 assuming that the through-hole 13 is not open).

[0192] The thickness of the filter section 11 is preferably greater than 0.1 times and less than 100 times the size of the through hole 13 (one side d). More preferably, the thickness of the filter section 11 is greater than 0.5 times and less than 10 times the size of the through hole 13 (one side d). With this structure, the resistance of the filter 10 to the liquid can be reduced, and the filtration time can be shortened. As a result, the pressure on the filtered material can be reduced.

[0193] In the filter section 11, it is preferable that the surface roughness of the first main surface PS1, which is in contact with the liquid containing the object to be filtered, is small. Here, surface roughness means the average of the differences between the maximum and minimum values ​​measured at any five locations on the first main surface PS1 using a stylus profilometer. In the filter 10, the surface roughness of the first main surface PS1 is measured at five locations: one in the central region R11, two in the middle region R12, and two in the peripheral region R13.

[0194] In Embodiment 1, the surface roughness is preferably smaller than the size of the filtration target, more preferably smaller than half the size of the filtration target. Here, regarding the size of the filtration target, it can be defined from an image observed with an optical microscope. For example, in the case where the filtration target is a cell, the observation is performed from a direction parallel to the direction in which the fluid passes using an optical microscope with a magnification set to 100 times or more and 1000 times or less. On the observed image, a line in each direction of the cell in which the length becomes the longest is set with a horizontal line and a vertical line, and the length in each direction of the cell is measured. Regarding the two lines, in the case where the length of one becomes twice or more the length of the other, the length of the shorter one is regarded as the size of the filtration target. In the case other than this, the area is calculated as an ellipse with the two lines as the major axis and the minor axis, then approximated to a circle, and the diameter of the circle is regarded as the size of the filtration target. In addition, regarding the length measured by the observation optical microscope, it means the length of the actual size of the filtration target taking into account the magnification. In other words, the openings of the plurality of through holes 13 on the first principal surface PS1 of the filter portion 11 are formed on the same plane (XY plane). Further, the filter base portion 14, which is a portion of the filter portion 11 in which the through holes 13 are not formed, is connected and formed in one body. With such a structure, the adhesion of the filtration target to the surface (first principal surface PS1) of the filter portion 11 can be reduced, and the resistance of the liquid can be reduced.

[0195] The opening on the first principal surface PS1 side of the through hole 13 and the opening on the second principal surface PS2 side are communicated by a continuous wall surface. Specifically, the through hole 13 is provided so that the opening on the first principal surface PS1 side can be projected to the opening on the second principal surface PS2 side. That is, in the case where the filter portion 11 is observed from the first principal surface PS1 side, the through hole 13 is provided so that the opening on the first principal surface PS1 side overlaps the opening on the second principal surface PS2 side. In Embodiment 1, the through hole 13 is provided so that the inner wall thereof is perpendicular to the first principal surface PS1 and the second principal surface PS2.

[0196] In addition, a reinforcing layer can also be provided on the second filter portion PS2 side. Thereby, the durability of the filtration filter 10 can be improved.

[0197] The material constituting the filter base portion 14 has a metal and / or a metal oxide as a main component. The filter base portion 14 can be, for example, gold, silver, copper, platinum, nickel, palladium, titanium, alloys thereof, and oxides thereof.

[0198] <Frame portion>

[0199] The frame portion 12 is a member configured to surround the outer periphery of the filter portion 11. When viewed from the first principal surface PS1 side of the filter portion 11, the frame portion 12 is formed in a ring shape. Further, when the filter 10 is viewed from the first principal surface PS1 side, the center of the frame portion 12 coincides with the center of the filter portion 11. That is, the frame portion 12 is formed on the same concentric circle as the filter portion 11.

[0200] In Embodiment 1, the thickness TO of the frame portion 12 is formed to be thicker than the film thicknesses T1, T2, T3 of the filter portion 11. With such a structure, it is possible to improve the mechanical strength of the filter 10.

[0201] The frame portion 12 functions as a connecting portion that connects the filter 10 and a housing (see Embodiment 2). In Embodiment 1, the filter 10 holds the frame portion 12 by the housing.

[0202] Further, it is also possible to display information of the filter (for example, the size of the through-hole 13 and the like) in the frame portion 12. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily grasp the filter hole size or to discriminate the front and back without re-measuring and the like.

[0203] In the frame portion 12, the first surface PS3 on the first principal surface PS1 side of the filter portion 11 continuously extends in the direction (X, Y direction) from the filter portion 11 toward the frame portion 12. Further, in the frame portion 12, the second surface PS4 on the second principal surface PS2 side of the filter portion 11 continuously extends in the direction (X, Y direction) from the filter portion 11 toward the frame portion 12. By "continuously extend", it means to extend without bending. In Embodiment 1, the first surface PS3 and the second surface PS4 of the frame portion 12 are formed flat from the center of the filter 10 toward the radial outer side. With such a structure, it becomes easy to hold the frame portion 12.

[0204] In Embodiment 1, the diameter of the filter 10 is 7.8 mm, the diameter of the filter portion 11 is 6 mm, and the width of the frame portion 12 is 0.9 mm. Further, the film thickness T1 of the central side region R11 of the filter portion 11 is 11 μm, the film thickness T3 of the peripheral side region R13 is 6 μm, and the thickness TO of the frame portion 12 is 15 μm. The filter 10 is not limited to these dimensions, and can be produced by other dimensions.

[0205] In Embodiment 1, the material that constitutes the frame portion 12 is the same as the material that constitutes the filter portion 11 (filter base portion 14).

[0206] [Method of using the filter]

[0207] The filter 10 is used as follows. Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of the method of using the filter 10 will be described. Figure 5Aand Figure 5B An example of a procedure showing a method for using the filter strainer 10 is shown.

[0208] As shown in Figure 5A , a pipette 20 in which a liquid 30 containing cells as objects to be filtered is accommodated is prepared. Then, the pipette 20 is moved in a thickness direction (Z direction) of the filter strainer 10 in a direction D11 approaching the filter strainer 10.

[0209] As shown in Figure 5B , the front end of the pipette 20 is brought into contact with the first principal surface PS1 of the strainer portion 11. Specifically, the front end of the pipette 20 is pressed against the first principal surface PS1 of the portion in which the film thickness becomes the greatest within the strainer portion 11. In Embodiment 1, the portion in which the film thickness becomes the greatest within the strainer portion 11 is the central side region R11 of the strainer portion 11.

[0210] Next, the liquid 30 is discharged from the front end of the pipette 20 in a state in which the front end of the pipette 20 is pressed against the first principal surface PS1 of the strainer portion 11. Thus, the liquid 30 accommodated in the pipette 20 passes through the strainer portion 11, and the cells are captured on the first principal surface PS1 of the strainer portion 11.

[0211] Further, the liquid 30 discharged from the pipette 20 flows along the convex shape on the first principal surface PS1 of the strainer portion 11. That is, the filter strainer 10 is viewed from the first principal surface PS1 side, and the liquid 30 flows so as to expand from the center of the strainer portion 11 toward the outer periphery. Thus, the contact area of the liquid 30 and the strainer portion 11 becomes large, and thus it is possible to increase the filtering efficiency.

[0212] [Manufacturing method of filter strainer]

[0213] Using Figure 6A through Figure 6F An example of a manufacturing method of the filter strainer 10 is described. Figure 6A through Figure 6F are drawings each showing an example of a manufacturing procedure of the filter strainer 10.

[0214] As shown in Figure 6A , a copper thin film 22 is formed on a substrate 21 of silicon or the like. The copper thin film 22 can be formed, for example, by evaporation or sputtering. In the case of formation by sputtering, it is possible to make the surface film quality better than in the case of formation by evaporation. At this time, an intermediate layer of Ti or the like can also be formed with the aim of ensuring the adhesion of the substrate 21 and the copper thin film 22. The copper thin film 22 functions as a power supply film at the time of formation of the filter strainer 10 by an electrolytic plating method, which will be described later.

[0215] As shown in Figure 6BAs shown, a resist film 23 is formed on the copper thin film 22. Specifically, the resist is applied to the copper thin film 22, for example, by spin coating, and then dried to form the resist film 23. The thickness of the resist film 23 can be appropriately set according to the thickness of the filter 10.

[0216] like Figure 6C As shown, the resist film 23 is exposed and developed to form a resist image 25 with a groove 24, from which the portion corresponding to the filter 10 has been removed from the resist film 23.

[0217] like Figure 6D As shown, a filter 10 is formed in the portion where the resist film 23 has been removed. The filter 10 can be formed, for example, by electroplating (electroforming). When plating is performed by electroplating, the plating time is increased. Specifically, the plating response time is increased. The plating response time means the time from the start of plating until the plating solution reaches the set temperature.

[0218] The conditions for forming the filter 10 by electrolytic plating are as follows.

[0219] Plating solution: Nickel sulfamate plating solution

[0220] pH value: 3.7~4.1

[0221] The temperature of the plating solution: 55℃

[0222] Plating time: Response time 0~60 seconds (preferably 10 seconds)

[0223] Stable range: 20-60 minutes (preferably 20 minutes)

[0224] Current setting: 0.5~3A (preferably 2A)

[0225] Plating tank volume: 8L

[0226] Stirring speed of the bath solution: 3~40L / min (preferably 29L / min)

[0227] like Figure 6E As shown, the resist image 25 is removed from the copper film 22 by impregnation with a solvent (e.g., acetone, etc.) to dissolve and strip the resist image 25.

[0228] like Figure 6F As shown, the copper film 22 is removed by etching, and the filter 10 is peeled off from the substrate 21. Thus, the filter 10 is manufactured.

[0229] Additionally, using Figure 6A through Figure 6FThe manufacturing method described is one example, and other manufacturing methods can also be employed as the manufacturing method of the filter strainer 10.

[0230] [Effects]

[0231] According to the filter strainer 10 according to Embodiment 1, the following effects can be achieved.

[0232] The filter strainer 10 has a convexly shaped strainer portion 11 that protrudes toward the first principal surface PS1 side where the filter objects are captured. Specifically, the film thickness T1 of the strainer portion 11 in the central side region R11 away from the frame portion 12 is formed to be greater than the film thickness T3 of the strainer portion 11 in the circumferential side region R13 closer to the frame portion 12 than the central side region R11. That is, the film thickness T1 at the center P1 of the strainer portion 11 is formed to be greater than the film thickness T3 of the strainer portion 11 at a position closer to the frame portion 12 than the center P1 of the strainer portion 11.

[0233] With this structure, durability can be improved.

[0234] This is particularly effective, for example, in the case where the filter strainer 10 is pressed by the pipette 20 to perform filtration. Specifically, in the strainer portion 11 of the filter strainer 10, the pipette 20 is pressed against the portion where the film thickness becomes the greatest, that is, the center P1 of the strainer portion 11 to perform filtration, whereby breakage of the filter strainer 10 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the liquid 30 containing the filter objects flows from the central side region R11 toward the circumferential side region R13 of the strainer portion 11. That is, the liquid 30 flows so as to expand from the center P1 of the strainer portion 11 toward the radial outside, that is, toward the frame portion 12 side, whereby the contact area of the liquid 30 with the strainer portion 11 becomes large. As a result, the liquid 30 becomes easy to pass through the through holes 13 of the strainer portion 11, and the filtration efficiency improves.

[0235] The second principal surface PS2 of the strainer portion 11 has a flat shape. With this structure, the liquid that has passed through the through holes 13 falls straight down, and the processing speed becomes fast. On the other hand, in the case where the second principal surface PS2 is convex downward or concave, the liquid that has passed through the through holes 13 falls after flowing along the in-plane direction over the second principal surface PS2, and thus in the case where a liquid with particularly high viscosity is used, the processing speed can become slow. As such, by making the second principal surface PS2 of the strainer portion 11 flat, the liquid 30 becomes easy to be discharged from the plurality of through holes 13. As a result, the filtration time can be shortened.

[0236] The strainer portion 11 has a substantially circular shape, and the frame portion 12 has a ring-like shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the strainer portion 11. With this structure, the stress generated in the strainer portion 11 can be more dispersed.

[0237] [Stress Analysis Simulation]

[0238] The results of the stress analysis simulation of the filter eliminator 10 will be described. The stress analysis simulation was performed using Femtet manufactured by Kabushiki Kaisha Murata Kogyo.

[0239] Figure 7 A schematic view of a two-dimensional model 40 of the filter eliminator used for the stress analysis simulation is shown. As shown in Figure 7 The stress analysis used the two-dimensional model 40 because the shape of the filter eliminator 10 has symmetry. The two-dimensional model 40 used for the stress analysis set the width to 200 μm, the thickness of the end portions 41, 42 to 10 μm, and the thickness tl of the central portion 43 as a parameter to be varied. Further, the material constituting the two-dimensional model 40 was set to Ni.

[0240] In addition, in Embodiment 1, the diameter (width) of the filter eliminator 10 was 6 mm, and in relation thereto, the width of the two-dimensional model 40 was set to 200 μm, but there was no great influence on the analysis results. Even in the case where the width of the two-dimensional model 40 was set to 6 mm and the analysis was performed, the same results as the experimental results described below were obtained.

[0241] Specifically, the thickness tl of the central portion 43 was varied from 5 μm to 15 μm at an interval of 1 μm while maintaining the second principal surface PS2 of the two-dimensional model 40 in a flat state. That is, in the case where the thickness tl of the central portion 43 was 5 μm to 9 μm, the two-dimensional model 40 was formed in a concave shape. In the case where the thickness tl of the central portion 43 was 10 μm, the two-dimensional model 40 was formed in a flat shape. In the case where the thickness tl of the central portion 43 was 11 μm to 15 μm, the two-dimensional model 40 was formed in a convex shape. Further, in the case where the thickness tl of the central portion 43 was 5 μm to 9 μm or 11 μm to 15 μm, the first principal surface PS1 of the two-dimensional model 40 was formed in a circular arc shape connecting the three points of the end portions 41, 42 and the central portion 43.

[0242] In the stress analysis, the stress generated in the two-dimensional model 40 when a load Fl was applied to the central portion 43 in a state where the end portions 41, 42 of the two-dimensional model 40 were fixed was calculated. The load Fl was applied from the first principal surface PS1 side. The magnitude of the load Fl was set to 1.0 x 10 -4 N.

[0243] Figure 8 The results of the calculation of the Mises stress using the two-dimensional model shown in Figure 7 As shown in Figure 8 With the increase in the thickness tl of the central portion 43 of the two-dimensional model 40, the stress generated in the central portion 43 became smaller. That is, the stress of the portion to which the load Fl was applied became smaller.

[0244] Figure 9 The position where the Mises stress becomes the largest is shown in a case where the thickness tl of the central portion 43 of the two-dimensional model 40 of the filter eliminator is set as a parameter. As shown in Figure 9 In a case where the thickness tl of the central portion 43 of the two-dimensional model 40 is 10 μm or less, the position where the Mises stress becomes the largest is the central portion 43. In a case where the thickness tl of the central portion 43 of the two-dimensional model 40 is 11 μm or more and 19 μm or less, the position where the Mises stress becomes the largest is the end portion 41 or 42. In a case where the thickness tl of the central portion 43 of the two-dimensional model 40 is 20 μm or more, the position where the Mises stress becomes the largest is the central portion 43. In addition, the thickness of the end portions 41, 42 is 10 μm, which is fixed. It is thus considered that if the thickness tl of the central portion 43 in the two-dimensional model 40 is 1.1 times or more and 1.9 times or less of the thickness of the end portions 41, 42, the stress can be dispersed.

[0245] As such, in a case where the two-dimensional model 40 is formed in a convex shape, the stress generated in the portion (central portion 43) to which the load Fl is applied can be reduced as compared with the concave shape and the flat shape. In other words, in a case where the two-dimensional model 40 is formed in a convex shape, the stress generated in the filter eliminator due to the load Fl can be dispersed as compared with the concave shape and the flat shape.

[0246] Figure 10A through Figure 10C The stress analysis results in a case where the load Fl is applied to the two-dimensional models 40a, 40b, 40c of the filter eliminator having a convex shape, a flat shape, and a concave shape, respectively, are shown. Figure 10A through Figure 10C The stress distributions when the load Fl is applied are shown. In addition, the thickness tl of the central portion 43 of the two-dimensional models 40a, 40b, 40c is 15 μm, 10 μm, and 5 μm, respectively.

[0247] As shown in Figure 10A In the two-dimensional model 40a of the filter eliminator having a convex shape, the stress is almost equally dispersed to the entire two-dimensional model 40a in a case where the load Fl is applied to the central portion 43.

[0248] In contrast to this, in the two-dimensional models 40b, 40c of the filter eliminator having a flat shape and a concave shape, as shown in Figure 10B and Figure 10C In a case where the load Fl is applied to the central portion 43, many stress concentration portions can be observed.

[0249] Specifically, in the two-dimensional models 40b, 40c, the stress is concentrated in the central portion 43, and a larger stress is generated as compared with the two-dimensional model 40a.

[0250] According to the above, by forming the filter portion 11 of the filter strainer 10 in a convex shape, it is possible to disperse stress when a load is applied to the first main surface PS1. Thus, it is possible to improve the durability of the filter strainer 10.

[0251] In addition, although an example in which the filter strainer 10 is a metal filter is described in Embodiment 1, the present application is not limited thereto. The filter strainer 10 can be another filter such as a membrane, as long as it is capable of filtering a filter target included in the liquid 30.

[0252] Although an example in which the film thickness of the first main surface PS1 of the filter portion 11 continuously changes is described in Embodiment 1, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the film thickness of the first main surface PS1 of the filter portion 11 can change in stages.

[0253] Although an example in which the second main surface PS2 of the filter portion 11 has a flat shape is described in Embodiment 1, the present application is not limited thereto. The second main surface PS2 of the filter portion 11 can not be flat. For example, the filter portion 11 can protrude toward the second main surface PS2 of the filter portion 11. Alternatively, the filter portion 11 can be recessed from the second main surface PS2 of the filter portion 11 toward the first main surface PS1. Even in such a structure, it is possible to improve the durability of the filter strainer 10 in a case where the film thickness T1 at the center P1 of the filter portion 11 is formed to be greater than the film thickness T3 of the filter portion 11 at a position closer to the frame portion 12 than the center P1 of the filter portion 11.

[0254] Although an example of a method of using the filter strainer 10 using the pipette 20 is described in Embodiment 1, the present application is not limited thereto. The filter strainer 10 can perform filtration without using the pipette 20.

[0255] Although an example in which the film thickness of the filter portion 11 becomes the greatest in the central side region R11 is described in Embodiment 1, the present application is not limited thereto. The film thickness of the filter portion 11 can become the greatest in the intermediate region R12.

[0256] Although an example in which the film thickness T1 of the central side region R11, which is a portion in which the film thickness of the filter portion 11 becomes the greatest, is smaller than the thickness TO of the frame portion 12 is described in Embodiment 1, the present application is not limited thereto.

[0257] Figure 11 A schematic configuration diagram of a filter strainer 10A of a modification example of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates is shown. As Figure 11As shown in the drawing, in the filter filter 10A, the film thickness T1 of the filter portion 11a in the central side region R11 can also be greater than the thickness T0 of the frame portion 12. That is, the film thickness T1 at the center P1 of the filter portion 11a can also be greater than the thickness T0 of the frame portion 12. With such a structure, the durability of the filter filter 10A can be further improved.

[0258] Although an example in which the film thickness T3 of the filter portion 11 in the peripheral side region R13 is less than the thickness T0 of the frame portion 12 is described in Embodiment 1, the present application is not limited thereto.

[0259] Figure 12 is a schematic configuration view of a filter filter 10B which is another modification example of Embodiment 1 to which the present application relates. As Figure 12 As shown in the drawing, in the filter filter 10B, the film thickness T3 of the filter portion 11b in the peripheral side region R13 can also be greater than the thickness T0 of the frame portion 12. That is, the film thickness T3 of the filter portion 11b at a position closer to the frame portion 12 than the center P1 of the filter portion 11b can also be greater than the thickness T0 of the frame portion 12. For example, the first principal surface PS1 of the filter portion 11b in the peripheral side region R13 can also be a shape connected to the upper surface of the frame portion 12 in a state of continuously extending. By the state of continuously extending, it means a shape in which the first principal surface PS1 continuously changes and is connected to the upper surface of the frame portion 12. With such a structure, the durability of the filter filter 10B can be further improved.

[0260] Figure 13A through Figure 13C The stress analysis results in the case where a load F1 is applied to the two-dimensional models 40d, 40e, 40f of the filter filters 10, 10A, 10B, respectively, are shown. Figure 13A through Figure 13C The stress analysis shown is performed under the same conditions as those of the [stress analysis simulation] described above. The two-dimensional models 40d, 40e, 40f reproduce the two-dimensional shapes of the filter filters 10, 10A, 10B, respectively.

[0261] As Figure 13A through Figure 13C As shown in the drawing, in the case where a load F1 is applied to the central portion 43, the stresses are almost dispersed to the entire body in the two-dimensional models 40e, 40f compared to the two-dimensional model 40d. In particular, the stresses generated in the filter portion 11 in the two-dimensional models 40e, 40f are uniformly dispersed compared to the two-dimensional model 40d.

[0262] Therefore, the filter filters 10A, 10B can disperse the stresses compared to the filter filter 10, and thus the durability can be further improved compared to the filter filter 10.

[0263] (Embodiment 2)

[0264] An embodiment 2 of the filter device according to the present application will be described.

[0265] In the embodiment 2, mainly the different points from the embodiment 1 will be described. In the embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are given to the structures same as or equivalent to those of the embodiment 1 and will be described. Further, in the embodiment 2, the description repeated in the embodiment 1 is omitted.

[0266] In the embodiment 2, the filter 10 of the embodiment 1 is used. Figure 14 through Figure 18 An embodiment 2 of the filter device according to the present application will be described.

[0267] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of one example of the filter device 50 according to the embodiment 2 of the present application. Figure 15 is a schematic exploded view of one example of the filter device 50. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one example of the filter device 50.

[0268] As shown in Figure 14 through Figure 16 , the filter device 50 includes the filter 10 and a housing 52 having a flow path 51 for a liquid to flow therethrough inside, and holds the filter 10 in the flow path 51.

[0269] <HOUSING>

[0270] The housing 52 includes a first housing portion 60 and a second housing portion 70 fitted to the first housing portion 60. The housing 52 holds the filter 10 in the flow path 51 by sandwiching the filter 10 and fitting the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70. Specifically, the housing 52 sandwiches the frame portion 12 of the filter 10 in the thickness direction (Z direction) by the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70. A groove that becomes a gas flow path with a container is provided in the housing 52.

[0271] The first housing portion 60 has a first flow path 61 inside that faces a first main surface PS1 of the filter portion 11 of the filter 10. The first flow path 61 is a flow path through which a liquid containing a filtration target object flows when filtration is performed, and constitutes a part of the flow path 51 of the housing 52. Specifically, the first housing portion 60 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0272] In the embodiment 2, the width, i.e., the diameter of the first housing portion 60 becomes smaller toward the side opposite to the side where the second housing portion 70 is fitted.

[0273] The first housing portion 60 has a portion that contacts the first face PS3 of the frame portion 12 of the filter 10 on the side of fitting with the second housing portion 70. Specifically, in the first housing portion 60, a flat face that contacts the first face PS3 of the frame portion 12 is formed on the end portion on the side of fitting with the second housing portion 70. As described in Embodiment 1, the first face PS3 of the frame portion 12 is not curved but formed flat. Thus, the flat face of the first housing portion 60 makes face contact with the flat first face PS3 of the frame portion 12.

[0274] More specifically, the first housing portion 60 has a convex step portion 62 on the end portion on the side of fitting with the second housing portion 70. The convex step portion 62 protrudes in the direction from the first housing portion 60 toward the second housing portion 70. The convex face of the convex step portion 62 is formed flat. By the convex face of the convex step portion 62, it means a face that protrudes in the direction from the first housing portion 60 toward the second housing portion 70 in the convex step portion 62. Thus, the convex face of the convex step portion 62 contacts the first face PS3 of the frame portion 12.

[0275] Further, the first housing portion 60 has a first flange portion 63 that extends outward from the side wall of the first housing portion 60. The first flange portion 63 has a first groove 63a that is recessed in the direction from the first housing portion 60 toward the second housing portion 70 when the first housing portion 60 is viewed from the upper side. The first groove 63a is formed in a ring shape so as to surround the side wall of the first housing portion 60.

[0276] The width (length in the X and Y directions) of the first housing portion 60 is formed in a size that can be accommodated in a container such as a centrifugal settling tube. On the other hand, the first flange portion 63 is formed in a size larger than the opening of the container.

[0277] For example, in the case of performing backwashing on the filter 10 held in the filter device 50, the filter device 50 is inverted upside down and fitted to a container such as a centrifugal settling tube. At this time, the first housing portion 60 is accommodated inside the container, and the first flange portion 63 is engaged with the opening end portion of the container. Thereby, the first housing portion 60 can hold the filter device 50 in the opening of the container with the lower side. As a result, the filter 10 can be easily subjected to backwashing.

[0278] Further, by engaging the first groove 63a with the opening end portion of the container, the filter device 50 can be stably held in the opening of the container.

[0279] The second housing portion 70 has a second flow path 71 inside that faces the second main face PS2 of the filter portion 11 of the filter 10. The second flow path 71 is a flow path that causes the liquid that has passed through the filter 10 to flow out when filtration is performed, and constitutes a part of the flow path 51. Specifically, the second housing portion 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0280] In Embodiment 2, the width of the second housing portion 70, that is, the length in the X direction, decreases toward the side opposite to the side where the first housing portion 60 is fitted.

[0281] The second housing portion 70 has a portion that contacts the second surface PS4 of the frame portion 12 of the filter 10 on the side where the first housing portion 60 is fitted. Specifically, in the second housing portion 70, a flat surface that contacts the second surface PS4 of the frame portion 12 is formed at the end on the side where the first housing portion 60 is fitted. As described in Embodiment 1, the second surface PS4 of the frame portion 12 is flat. Thus, the flat surface of the second housing portion 70 is in surface contact with the flat second surface PS4 of the frame portion 12.

[0282] More specifically, the second housing portion 70 has a recessed step portion 72 at the end on the side where the first housing portion 60 is fitted. The recessed step portion 72 is recessed toward the second housing portion 70 from the first housing portion 60. The recessed surface of the recessed step portion 72 is flat. The recessed surface of the recessed step portion 72 means a surface that is recessed toward the second housing portion 70 from the first housing portion 60 in the recessed step portion 72. The recessed surface of the recessed step portion 72 is in contact with the second surface PS4 of the frame portion 12.

[0283] Further, the second housing portion 70 has a second flange portion 73 that extends outward from the side wall of the second housing portion 70. The second flange portion 73 has a second groove 73a that is recessed toward the first housing portion 60 from the second housing portion 70 when the second housing portion 70 is viewed from the lower side. The second groove 73a is formed in a ring shape along the side wall of the second housing portion 70.

[0284] Regarding the width dimension (length in the X and Y directions) of the second housing portion 70, except for the second flange portion 73, it is formed to be smaller than the opening of the container such as a centrifugal sedimentation tube. That is, the second flange portion 73 has a dimension larger than the opening of the container. With such a structure, the filter device 50 can be easily fitted to the container and filtration can be performed by engaging the second flange portion 73 with the container.

[0285] Specifically, in the case where the filter device 50 is fitted to the container and filtration is performed, the second housing portion 70 is accommodated inside the container, and the second flange portion 73 is in contact with the opening end of the container. Thus, the second housing portion 70 can hold the filter device 50 downward at the opening of the container when filtration is performed.

[0286] Further, the filter device 50 can be stably held at the opening of the container by engaging the second groove 73a with the opening end of the container.

[0287] The second housing portion 70 has a handle 74. The handle 74 extends outward from a portion of the side wall of the second housing portion 70. In embodiment 2, the handle 74 extends outward from a portion of the second flange portion 73. Viewed from below, the handle 74 of the second housing portion 70 has a trapezoidal shape.

[0288] [Filter retention structure]

[0289] use Figure 17 The structure for maintaining the filter element 10 in the filtration device 50 will be described.

[0290] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 An enlarged view of the Z1 section of the filter device 50. (See image below.) Figure 17 As shown, the filter 10 is held by the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70.

[0291] The first outer casing 60 and the second outer casing 70 are configured to sandwich and fit the frame portion 12 of the filter 10 in the middle, and to hold the frame portion 12 of the filter 10 in the thickness direction (Z direction) in the fitted state. Furthermore, the frame portion 12 of the filter 10 is held by the first outer casing 60 and the second outer casing 70 in a state that extends continuously from the filter portion 11 toward the frame portion 12 in the X and Y directions. Thus, the filtration device 50 holds the filter 10 within the flow path 51 of the outer casing 52.

[0292] The phrase "held by the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 in a state of continuous extension in the direction (X, Y direction) from the filter portion 11 toward the frame portion 12" means that in the frame portion 12 of the filter 10, the portion extending in the direction (X, Y direction) from the filter portion 11 toward the frame portion 12 is held by the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 without bending. In other words, it means that the portion of the frame portion 12 held by the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 is not bent.

[0293] The first outer casing 60 and the second outer casing 70 sandwich the frame portion 12 of the filter 10 in the middle and fit the raised step portion 62 and the recessed step portion 72. Thus, the frame portion 12 of the filter 10 is held by the raised step portion 62 and the recessed step portion 72 in the thickness direction (Z direction).

[0294] By fitting the convex step portion 62 and the concave step portion 72 together, the convex surface of the convex step portion 62, which contacts the first surface PS3 of the frame portion 12, generates a force in the thickness direction (Z direction) from the first outer shell portion 60 toward the second outer shell portion 70. On the other hand, the concave surface of the concave step portion 72, which contacts the second surface PS4 of the frame portion 12, generates a force in the thickness direction from the second outer shell portion 70 toward the first outer shell portion 60.

[0295] In this way, the first outer shell portion 60 and the second outer shell portion 70 fit together with the convex step portion 62 and the concave step portion 72, thereby clamping the frame portion 12 of the filter 10 in the thickness direction (Z direction) by the convex surface of the convex step portion 62 and the concave surface of the concave step portion 72.

[0296] In embodiment 2, the convex surface of the raised step portion 62 and the first surface PS3 of the frame portion 12 have a flat shape relative to each other. Furthermore, the concave surface of the recessed step portion 72 and the second surface PS4 of the frame portion 12 have a flat shape relative to each other. Therefore, the raised step portion 62 and the recessed step portion 72 can hold the frame portion 12 in the thickness direction without bending it. Thus, the filter 10 can be held within the flow path 51 of the housing 52 in a state that suppresses the force of radial stretching towards the outer side of the filter 10.

[0297] With such a retaining structure, the durability of the filter 10 can be improved even when a force is applied to the filter 10 in the thickness direction (Z direction).

[0298] For example, when a load is applied to the filter section 11 of the filter 10, the filter 10 can be flexed in the thickness direction. This releases the force applied to the filter 10, thereby preventing breakage of the filter 10. In other words, the durability of the filter 10 can be improved.

[0299] Figure 18 An example of filtration using filter device 50 is shown. Figure 18 In the example shown, the tip of a pipette 20 containing liquid 30, which is the object to be filtered, is pressed against the first main surface PS1 of the filter section 11 of the filter filter 10, and filtration is performed. Furthermore, the tip of the pipette 20 contacts the portion of the filter section 11 where the membrane thickness is greatest.

[0300] like Figure 18 As shown, if the tip of the pipette 20 is pressed against the first main surface PS1 of the filter section 11, a load is applied to the filter section 11 in the direction D12 from the first main surface PS1 toward the second main surface PS2.

[0301] As described above, in the filter strainer 10, the frame portion 12 is sandwiched in the thickness direction (Z direction) by the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70, and thus the filter strainer 10 is held. Therefore, the filter strainer 10 is held in a state in which the force that stretches to the radial direction outside of the filter strainer 10 is suppressed.

[0302] Therefore, if the tip of the pipette 20 is pressed against the first main surface PS1 of the strainer portion 11, the strainer portion 11 can be deflected in the pressed direction D12. Thus, the force applied to the strainer portion 11 can be released, and thus the filter strainer 10 can be suppressed from being broken.

[0303] In addition, in a case where the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 hold the frame portion 12 in a state in which the frame portion 12 is bent, a force that stretches to the radial direction outside (X, Y direction) of the filter strainer 10 is generated at the bent portion of the frame portion 12. Therefore, the filter strainer 10 is held in the flow path 51 of the housing 52 in a state in which the filter strainer 10 is stretched to the radial direction outside. In this case, when a load is applied to the strainer portion 11, it becomes difficult to deflect the filter strainer 10 in the thickness direction (Z direction).

[0304] As described above, in the holding structure of the filter strainer 10 in the filter device 50, the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 sandwich the frame portion 12 of the filter strainer 10 in the thickness direction (Z direction), and hold the frame portion 12 without bending the frame portion 12.

[0305] [Effects]

[0306] According to the filter device 50 according to Embodiment 2, the following effects can be achieved.

[0307] The filter device 50 holds the filter strainer 10 in the flow path 51 inside the housing 52 by sandwiching the frame portion 12 of the filter strainer 10 in the thickness direction (Z direction). In addition, the frame portion 12 is held by the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 in a state in which the frame portion 12 continuously extends in the direction (X, Y direction) from the strainer portion 11 toward the frame portion 12.

[0308] With such a structure, the filter strainer 10 can be held in the flow path 51 inside the housing 52 in a state in which the force that stretches the filter strainer 10 to the radial direction outside is suppressed. Therefore, the durability of the filter device 50 can be improved. In particular, the durability against the force applied in the thickness direction can be improved in the strainer portion 11 of the filter strainer 10.

[0309] For example, in filtration using the pipette 20, the filter trap 10 is able to flex in the direction D12 in which the tip of the pipette 20 is pressed against the filter trap 10. Thereby, the force applied to the filter trap 10 can be released, so that breakage of the filter trap 10 is suppressed.

[0310] In addition, although an example in which the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 have a cylindrical shape is described in Embodiment 2, the present application is not limited thereto. The first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 can have a shape that is capable of holding the filter trap 10, such as a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like.

[0311] In addition, although an example in which the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 have a cylindrical shape is described in Embodiment 2, the present application is not limited thereto. The first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 can have a shape that is capable of holding the filter trap 10, such as a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like.

[0312] In addition, although an example in which the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 have a cylindrical shape is described in Embodiment 2, the present application is not limited thereto. The first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 can have a shape that is capable of holding the filter trap 10, such as a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like.

[0313] In addition, although an example in which the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 have a cylindrical shape is described in Embodiment 2, the present application is not limited thereto. The first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 can have a shape that is capable of holding the filter trap 10, such as a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like.

[0314] In addition, although an example in which the first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 have a cylindrical shape is described in Embodiment 2, the present application is not limited thereto. The first housing portion 60 and the second housing portion 70 can have a shape that is capable of holding the filter trap 10, such as a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like.

[0315] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a filter device 50A that is a modification of Embodiment 2 to which the present application relates. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the filter device 50A that is a modification of Embodiment 2 to which the present application relates. As Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, the first flange portion 63b of the first housing portion 60a does not have a groove that engages with the open end portion of the container in the filter device 50A. In addition, the diameter of the first housing portion 60a is fixed from the end portion on the side of the fitting with the second housing portion 70 to the end portion on the opposite side.

[0316] With this structure, the flow path inlet of the first flow path 61 of the first housing portion 60a can be enlarged. Therefore, it becomes easier to flow the liquid 30 containing the filtration target through the first flow path 61 of the first housing portion 60a. In addition, even in the case of filtration using the pipette 20, the tip of the pipette 20 can be more easily pressed against the portion of the filter portion 11 where the film thickness is large. Thus, the operability of the filter device 50A is improved.

[0317] The present application has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments associated with the accompanying drawings, but various modifications, alterations and corrections will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications, alterations and corrections are to be understood as included within the scope of the present application based on the appended claims, as far as they do not depart from the present application.

[0318] Industrial Applicability

[0319] The filter of the present application can increase the recovery rate of nucleated cells, and is therefore useful for the separation of nucleated cells from a cell suspension.

Claims

1. A filter strainer comprising: a strainer portion having a plurality of through-holes through a first main surface that captures a filtration target included in a cell suspension liquid and a second main surface that opposes the first main surface; and a frame portion that is arranged so as to surround an outer periphery of the strainer portion, wherein a film thickness at a center of the strainer portion is greater than a film thickness of the strainer portion at a position closer to the frame portion than the center of the strainer portion, and the second main surface of the strainer portion has a flat shape.

2. The filter strainer according to claim 1, wherein the film thickness of the strainer portion at the position closer to the frame portion than the center of the strainer portion is greater than a thickness of the frame portion.

3. The filter strainer according to claim 1, wherein the film thickness at the center of the strainer portion is greater than 1.1 times and less than 1.9 times the film thickness of the strainer portion at the position closer to the frame portion than the center of the strainer portion.

4. The filter strainer according to claim 1, wherein the strainer portion has a substantially circular shape, and the frame portion has a ring-like shape that surrounds an outer periphery of the strainer portion.

5. A filtration device comprising: a filter strainer that filters a filtration target included in a cell suspension liquid; and a housing that has a flow path through which the cell suspension liquid flows inside, and that holds the filter strainer in the flow path, wherein the filter strainer has: a strainer portion having a plurality of through-holes through a first main surface that captures a filtration target included in a cell suspension liquid and a second main surface that opposes the first main surface; and a frame portion that is arranged so as to surround an outer periphery of the strainer portion, wherein a film thickness at a center of the strainer portion is greater than a film thickness of the strainer portion at a position closer to the frame portion than the center of the strainer portion, and the second main surface of the strainer portion has a flat shape, and the housing has: a first housing portion that has a flow path toward the first main surface of the strainer portion of the filter strainer; and a second housing portion that has a flow path toward the second main surface of the strainer portion of the filter strainer, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to fit the frame portion of the filter strainer in between, and to sandwich the frame portion in a thickness direction in a fitted state, and the frame portion of the filter strainer is held by the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a state of continuously extending in a direction from the strainer portion toward the frame portion.

6. The filtration device according to claim 5, wherein the first housing portion has a convex step portion that protrudes in a direction from the first housing portion toward the second housing portion at an end portion on a fitting side of the second housing portion, the second housing portion has a concave step portion that is recessed in a direction from the first housing portion toward the second housing portion at an end portion on a fitting side of the first housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion fit the convex step portion and the concave step portion, and the frame portion of the filter strainer is sandwiched in a thickness direction by a convex surface of the convex step portion and a concave surface of the concave step portion. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. The filter device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second housing portion has a flange portion extending outward from a side wall of the second housing portion.

8. The filter device according to claim 7, wherein the first housing portion has a flange portion extending outward from a side wall of the first housing portion.

9. The filter device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second housing portion has a handle.

10. A filter strainer comprising: a strainer portion having a plurality of through-holes through a first main surface and a second main surface, the first main surface capturing a filtration target included in a cell suspension, the second main surface being opposite to the first main surface; and a frame portion configured to surround an outer periphery of the strainer portion, the strainer portion having a convex shape protruding toward the first main surface side, the strainer portion being formed to have a film thickness decreasing from a center toward a periphery side, the second main surface of the strainer portion having a flat shape.

11. A filter device comprising: a filter strainer that filters a filtration target included in a cell suspension; and a housing having a flow path through which the cell suspension flows inside, and holding the filter strainer in the flow path, the filter strainer having: a strainer portion having a plurality of through-holes through a first main surface and a second main surface, the first main surface capturing the filtration target, the second main surface being opposite to the first main surface; and a frame portion configured to surround an outer periphery of the strainer portion, the strainer portion having a convex shape protruding toward the first main surface side, the strainer portion being formed to have a film thickness decreasing from a center toward a periphery side, the second main surface of the strainer portion having a flat shape, the housing having: a first housing portion having a flow path toward the first main surface of the strainer portion of the filter strainer; and a second housing portion having a flow path toward the second main surface of the strainer portion of the filter strainer, the first housing portion and the second housing portion being configured to fit the frame portion of the filter strainer in between and sandwich the frame portion in a fitted state in a thickness direction, the frame portion of the filter strainer being held by the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a state of continuously extending in a direction from the strainer portion toward the frame portion. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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