Processing device, nucleic acid extraction system, nucleic acid analysis system

Abstract

The present invention provides a processing device, a nucleic acid extraction system, and a nucleic acid analysis system. In the processing device, a container (30) has multiple storage parts (310) for storing samples and a cover (320) for closing the multiple storage parts (310). The processing device (6) has a container support part (41) and a container fixing part (42). The container support part (41) supports the multiple storage parts (310). The container fixing part (42) overlaps with the cover (320) and clamps the container (30) between it and the container support part (41) and is configured to be openable and closable relative to the container support part (41). The container support part (41) is provided with multiple holes (411). The container fixing part (42) is provided with multiple claws (420). The multiple claws (420) are inserted into the multiple holes (411) and engaged with the edges (411a) of the multiple holes (411).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to processing devices, nucleic acid extraction systems, and nucleic acid analysis systems. Background Technology

[0002] To extract nucleic acids from cells, it is necessary to disrupt (dissolve) the cell membrane structure, releasing the cell contents outside the cell. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for extracting nucleic acids from cells by treating a container holding a liquid sample at a high temperature of 100°C or higher. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration where, during a polymerase chain reaction, a surface plate is pressed against the container lid to heat the sample inside the container to near its boiling point.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5624487

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-19537

[0006] However, when processing at temperatures exceeding 100°C as in Patent Document 1, high internal pressure is generated in each container holding the sample. Therefore, the processing apparatus needs to suppress the combined force of the internal pressure generated in each container. However, neither Patent Document 1 nor Patent Document 2 mentions a pressure-resistant structure for handling such high internal pressure. If a gap forms in a portion of the container lid due to the internal pressure, sample vapor leaks to the outside of the container, reducing the sample volume. Furthermore, if sample vapor leaks to the outside of the container, the sample temperature does not rise to the set temperature due to the latent heat of vaporization, preventing the desired reaction from occurring. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above facts, and its purpose is to provide a processing device, a nucleic acid extraction system, and a nucleic acid analysis system capable of suppressing the leakage of sample vapor to the outside of the container.

[0008] (1) One aspect of the present invention relates to a processing apparatus comprising: a heat treatment apparatus for heat-treating a container containing a sample; and a moving device for moving the container relative to the heat treatment apparatus, the container having: a plurality of receiving portions for receiving the sample; and a cover portion for closing the plurality of receiving portions, the moving device having: a container support portion for supporting the plurality of receiving portions; and a container fixing portion overlapping the cover portion, sandwiching the container between the container support portion and the container fixing portion and configured to be openable and closable relative to the container support portion, a plurality of holes being provided in either the container support portion or the container fixing portion, and a plurality of claw portions being provided in the other of the container support portion and the container fixing portion, the plurality of claw portions being inserted into the plurality of holes and engaged with the edges of the plurality of holes.

[0009] (2) In the processing apparatus described in (1) above, preferably, the moving device has an opening restriction part that switches between a locked state and an unlocked state by moving the container support part and the container fixing part in parallel relative to each other. The locked state is a state in which the plurality of claws are engaged with the edges of the plurality of holes so that the container fixing part cannot be opened relative to the container support part. The unlocked state is a state in which the plurality of claws are disengaged from the edges of the plurality of holes so that the container fixing part can be opened relative to the container support part.

[0010] (3) In the processing apparatus described in (2) above, preferably, the opening restriction part has: a rotating shaft provided in either the container support part or the container fixing part, having a pair of curved surfaces on its circumferential surface and a pair of flat surfaces connecting the ends of the pair of curved surfaces to each other; and a bearing part provided in the other of the container support part and the container fixing part, having a circular hole that allows the rotating shaft to rotate and an elongated hole that is continuously provided with the circular hole and can engage with the pair of flat surfaces.

[0011] (4) In the processing apparatus described in (2) or (3) above, it is preferable that the mobile device has a detection unit for detecting the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0012] (5) In the processing apparatus described in (4) above, preferably, the detection unit has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit facing each other with a gap, and a part of the container fixing unit moves back and forth between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit by parallel movement relative to the container support unit.

[0013] (6) In any of the processing apparatuses described in (1) to (5) above, preferably, the cover has a sealing member that is sealed by being inserted into the receiving portion and abutting against the inner wall of the receiving portion, the heat treatment apparatus has a heating block that has an insertion hole for inserting and heating the receiving portion, and the sealing member is located in the insertion hole when the receiving portion is inserted into the insertion hole.

[0014] (7) In any of the processing devices described in (1) to (6) above, preferably, at least a portion of the plurality of holes and the plurality of claws are arranged between the plurality of storage portions in the connection direction of the plurality of storage portions.

[0015] (8) In any of the processing devices described in (1) to (7) above, preferably, the container has a connecting portion that connects the plurality of storage portions, and the connecting portion has a through hole through which the claw portion can pass at a position overlapping at least one of the plurality of holes.

[0016] (9) In the processing apparatus described in (6) above, preferably, the inner wall surface of the insertion hole is in contact with or close to the insertion portion of the plurality of storage portions except for the upper end.

[0017] (10) In the processing apparatus described in (9) above, preferably, the container further has a plurality of sealing portions inserted into the upper opening of the plurality of storage portions.

[0018] (11) In the processing apparatus described in (10) above, preferably, the container further has a connecting portion that connects the plurality of storage portions, and the cover portion has a flat plate shape of the same size as the connecting portion.

[0019] (12) In the processing apparatus described in (10) or (11) above, preferably, the plurality of sealing portions are a plurality of protrusions that protrude downward from the lower surface of the cover portion.

[0020] (13) In the processing apparatus described in (12) above, it is preferable that an annular groove for arranging the seal is formed on the circumferential surface of the lower end of each of the plurality of sealing portions.

[0021] (14) In any of the processing devices described in (6) to (13) above, it is preferable that the sealing element is a material with an elastic modulus lower than that of at least one of the plurality of receiving portions and the cover portion.

[0022] (15) In any of the processing devices described in (1) to (14) above, it is preferable that the container fixing part has a flat plate shape of the same size as the container support part.

[0023] (16) In any of the processing devices described in (1) to (15) above, preferably, the plurality of claws are suspended from the lower surface of the container fixing part along the direction of gravity, and the lower ends of the plurality of claws are bent in a direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity.

[0024] (17) In the processing apparatus described in (3) above, preferably, the width of the elongated hole in the gravity direction is the size at which the pair of planar portions of the rotating shaft can enter when the container fixing part is closed.

[0025] (18) In the processing apparatus described in (6) above, preferably, the seal is located below the upper surface of the heating block.

[0026] (19) The nucleic acid extraction system according to one aspect of the present invention includes any of the processing devices described in (1) to (18) above, and extracts nucleic acid from the cells of the sample.

[0027] (20) A nucleic acid analysis system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the nucleic acid extraction system described in (19) above, and analyzes the extracted nucleic acid.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention described above, a processing apparatus, a nucleic acid extraction system, and a nucleic acid analysis system capable of suppressing the leakage of sample vapor to the outside of the container are provided. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the nucleic acid analysis system according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the nucleic acid extraction system according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a top view of the container assembly according to the first embodiment when the heating block has a container inserted.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The sectional view shown is shown in the IV-IV direction.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the unlocked state of the container fixing part according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the container fixing part according to the first embodiment in an open state.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a top view of the container assembly according to the second embodiment when the heating block has a container inserted.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The sectional view shown is along line VIII-VIII.

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The IX-IX sectional view shown.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the determination and control of the locking state of the container fixing part according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the timing interruption process according to the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a top view of the container assembly according to the third embodiment when the heating block has a container inserted.

[0041] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The XIII-XIII sectional view shown.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a top view of the container assembly according to the fourth embodiment when the heating block has a container inserted.

[0043] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The XV-XV sectional view shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The processing apparatus, nucleic acid extraction system, and nucleic acid analysis system according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a general overview of the embodiments of the present invention will be given, followed by a detailed description of the embodiments.

[0045] 〔summary〕

[0046] The automated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) apparatus described in Patent Document 2 operates the PCR at a temperature near its boiling point. Therefore, the vapor pressure of the sample inside the container is below atmospheric pressure, and the pressure exerted by this vapor pressure in the direction of opening the container lid is less than 1 atmosphere—not a large force. Thus, even with the pressure-resistant structure disclosed in Patent Document 2, the lid will not open. On the other hand, in the nucleic acid extraction method described in Patent Document 1, the sample inside the container is heated to a temperature exceeding its boiling point for the reaction. Therefore, a vapor pressure exceeding 1 atmosphere is generated, requiring a force to be applied in the direction of opening the container lid.

[0047] Especially for samples containing bacteria or fungi, in order to disrupt (dissolve) the cell membrane structure, the sample needs to be heated to 120°C–180°C for reaction, which is equivalent to 2–10 atmospheres of pressure. Therefore, a pressure-resistant structure is required. In recent years, with the large-scale and sophisticated use of nucleic acid analysis, there are situations where multiple containers are arranged along columns, rows, or both sides of a row to process multiple samples simultaneously. Therefore, there is a tendency for the force acting towards the open end of the container lid to increase.

[0048] Patent Document 2 discloses a pressure-resistant structure in which the surface plate abuts against the container lid. However, the surface plate flexes due to internal pressure, necessitating thickening and weighting to prevent bending. This leads to a larger device size and degrades operability. Furthermore, if the surface plate is not sufficiently thick, its flexing due to internal pressure causes a portion of the container lid to open, resulting in leakage of sample vapor from the container to the outside and a reduction in sample volume. Additionally, if the container lid remains open, continuous leakage of sample vapor prevents the sample temperature from rising to the set temperature due to latent heat generated by sample evaporation, hindering the desired reaction.

[0049] According to embodiments of the present invention, in a processing apparatus, a nucleic acid extraction system, and a nucleic acid analysis system, multiple claws engage a container support portion and a container fixing portion to hold the container. The container fixing portion presses against the container cap portion between itself and the container support portion, and each claw bears the vapor pressure generated in each receiving portion of the container. Furthermore, the container fixing portion is flexible between the claws; due to the multiple claws, the flexural distance (span) between the claws is short, thus suppressing overall flexural deformation of the container fixing portion. This suppresses the leakage of sample vapor to the outside of the container.

[0050] [First Embodiment]

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the nucleic acid analysis system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the nucleic acid analysis system 1 includes a bacterial recovery system 2, a nucleic acid extraction system 3, a hybridization reaction system 4, and a detection system 5.

[0053] The microbial recovery system 2 is a system for recovering microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.) contained in sample 100. For example, if the test is for a beverage, sample 100 could be the beverage itself, the water used to make the beverage, or liquids from the process of making the beverage. Alternatively, sample 100 may be a liquid containing microorganisms recovered from a cotton swab or similar object used to wipe the test environment in order to check for sterility and the degree of contamination in the manufacturing environment.

[0054] For example, bacteria can be recovered by pressurizing or depressurizing the recovered liquid and then filtering it with a filter. For example, in the case of recovering bacteria or fungi, a filter with a pore size of 0.22 μm to 0.45 μm is sufficient. After recovering bacteria using the filter, the filter is immersed in a culture medium containing bacteria, and the culture medium from which bacteria are cultured can be used as sample 100 in the next step (nucleic acid extraction system 3). Alternatively, liquid containing bacteria collected by centrifugation or the like, or liquid dissolving aggregates collected by centrifugation or the like, can be used as sample 100 in the next step. Alternatively, a suspension of bacteria formed by vibrating the liquid into which the filter is immersed can be used as sample 100 in the next step.

[0055] Nucleic acid extraction system 3 is a system that disrupts (dissolves) the membrane structure of cells in sample 100 to extract nucleic acids from the cells. Additionally, a liquid containing other nucleic acids that react with the extracted nucleic acids can be mixed into sample 100 containing extracted nucleic acids. Furthermore, this other nucleic acid may be a nucleic acid with a site that exhibits fluorescence, luminescence, or extinction under specific conditions for detection in the detection process (detection system 5) described later. This other nucleic acid can be mixed into sample 100 before or after processing by nucleic acid extraction system 3.

[0056] Hybridization reaction system 4 is a system for performing a hybridization reaction on the nucleic acids in sample 100. Furthermore, in this process, sample 100 is subjected to a hybridization reaction consistent with the other nucleic acids described above by, for example, heating sample 100 to 60°C while stirring sample 100. In this reaction, for example, sites on the other nucleic acids described above that exhibit fluorescence, luminescence, or extinction under specific conditions react with the nucleic acids in sample 100 to exhibit fluorescence, luminescence, or extinction.

[0057] Furthermore, by designing the structures of the other nucleic acids mentioned above to react with specific nucleic acids, it is possible to react only with nucleic acids present in specific bacteria, fungi, etc., in sample 100. In other words, in the processing of hybridization reaction system 4, by using other nucleic acids that react with the specific nucleic acid, fluorescence, luminescence, and extinction effects imparted to the other nucleic acids can be exhibited only when specific bacteria, fungi, etc., are present in sample 100.

[0058] The detection system 5 detects whether the sample 100 obtained after processing by the hybridization reaction system 4 exhibits fluorescence, luminescence, or extinction, and the degree of fluorescence, luminescence, or extinction. For example, the detection system 5 uses an excitation laser to excite the nucleic acid in the sample 100 to exhibit fluorescence, and uses a high-sensitivity camera to detect the fluorescence after excitation.

[0059] Alternatively, the detection system 5 uses a high-sensitivity camera to detect the luminescence exhibited by the nucleic acid of sample 100. Alternatively, the detection system 5 uses a high-sensitivity camera to detect the extinction effect exhibited by the nucleic acid of sample 100, and the degree to which fluorescence and luminescence are extinguished near the site where extinction is imparted. Regarding this detection method, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-74726 can be used.

[0060] The nucleic acid analysis system 1 uses the above series of systems to analyze whether sample 100 contains specific bacteria (bacteria, fungi, etc.) or their concentration.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the nucleic acid extraction system 3 according to the first embodiment.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the nucleic acid extraction system 3 is equipped with a processing device 6, which includes a heat treatment device 10 and a moving device 20. The heat treatment device 10 includes a heating block 11 and a cooling block 12. The moving device 20 includes a first actuator 21, a second actuator 22, and a container assembly part 23.

[0063] Furthermore, in the following description, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is established, and the positional relationships of each component are explained with reference to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The X-axis direction is the first horizontal direction of the arrangement of heating block 11 and cooling block 12. The Z-axis direction is the direction of gravity. The Y-axis direction is... Figure 2 Not shown in the figure, but as described later. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, this is the second horizontal direction orthogonal to the aforementioned X-axis direction and the aforementioned Z-axis direction.

[0064] Heating block 11 is used to heat the container 30 containing the aforementioned sample 100 (see...). Figure 3Heating is performed. Cooling block 12 cools the container 30 heated by heating block 11. Container assembly part 23 assembles container 30 onto moving device 20. Second actuator 22 moves container assembly part 23 along the Z-axis. First actuator 21 moves second actuator 22 along the X-axis.

[0065] The moving device 20 moves the container 30, which is assembled in the container assembly section 23, in the order of heating block 11 and cooling block 12. In this way, by moving the container 30 from heating block 11 to cooling block 12, the container 30 and the sample 100 sealed in the container 30 are heated and cooled, thereby performing a nucleic acid extraction reaction.

[0066] Furthermore, the moving device 20 only needs to be configured to move the container 30 on the side of the heat treatment device 10 (heating block 11, cooling block 12). In addition, when the first actuator 21 rotates horizontally rather than linearly, the heating block 11 and the cooling block 12 only need to be arranged on the same radius relative to the rotation axis of the first actuator 21.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a top view of the container assembly 23 according to the first embodiment when the container 30 is inserted into the heating block 11. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The sectional view shown is shown in the IV-IV direction.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple containers 30 are assembled at intervals along the Y-axis in the container assembly section 23.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, an insertion hole 110 is formed in the heating block 11 for inserting a portion of the container 30. Multiple insertion holes 110 are formed on the upper surface 11a of the heating block 11. The heating block 11 can be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. The heating block 11 is heated, for example, by an electric heater (not shown), a Peltier element, or a hot medium flowing in a flow channel within the block (not shown). Furthermore, Figure 2 The cooling block 12 shown is identical to the heating block 11 except that the heat medium flowing in the flow channel within the block is a refrigerant.

[0070] Alternatively, the cooling block 12 can be cooled at room temperature by external air instead of refrigerant. Additionally, a portion of the cooling block 12 may be provided with fins (not shown) that can contact fin components (not shown) to facilitate cooling at room temperature. Alternatively, the cooling block 12 can be cooled by a Peltier element (not shown).

[0071] like Figure 4As shown, the container 30 includes a container body 31 and a lid 32. The container body 31 includes multiple storage sections 310 for storing the sample 100 and a connecting section 311 for connecting the multiple storage sections 310. The storage section 310 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape, having a hemispherical bottom 310a and a body 310b extending along the Z-axis direction with a fixed outer diameter. In addition, the bottom 310a may be formed as an inverted cone shape, for example. In addition, the bottom 310a may be configured such that the apex of the inverted cone is a hemispherical or other curved surface. In addition, the body 310b may not have a fixed outer diameter but rather an inclined shape that slightly decreases in outer diameter towards the lower part in the Z-axis direction.

[0072] A plurality of insertion holes 110 are formed on the upper surface 11a of the heating block 11, allowing for the insertion of multiple receiving portions 310. The inner wall surface of the insertion hole 110 contacts or approaches the insertion portion of the receiving portion 310, excluding the upper end. Furthermore, chamfers such as C-shaped chamfers and R-shaped chamfers can be applied to the opening edge of the insertion hole 110 to prevent damage to the receiving portion 310 due to contact. Multiple receiving portions 310 are arranged as follows... Figure 3 As shown, they are arranged in a row along the X-axis. The connecting part 311 is formed as a flat plate extending along the X-axis, connecting the upper ends of the plurality of storage parts 310.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 32 includes: a cover portion 320 extending along the X-axis and covering the upper openings of a plurality of storage portions 310; and a plurality of sealing portions 321 inserted into the upper openings of the plurality of storage portions 310. The cover portion 320 has a flat plate shape that is approximately the same size as the connecting portion 311 when viewed from above. The plurality of sealing portions 321 are a plurality of protrusions that protrude downward from the lower surface of the cover portion 320. An annular groove for arranging a sealing member 322 is formed on the circumferential surface of the lower end of the sealing portion 321. The sealing member 322 is formed in annular shape and is sealed by being inserted into the storage portion 310 and abutting against the inner wall surface of the storage portion 310.

[0074] The seal 322 is preferably made of a material with a lower elastic modulus than that of at least one of the receiving portion 310 or the cover portion 320. Because of the lower elastic modulus, the sealing portion 321 can be inserted into the upper opening of the receiving portion 310 with less force through deformation of the seal 322. Furthermore, due to the lower elastic modulus, the seal 322 can reliably fill the gap between the annular groove on the lower end of the sealing portion 321 and the receiving portion 310, preventing leakage. Materials such as nitrile rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, and perfluoroelastomers can be used as the material for the seal 322.

[0075] The container assembly part 23 includes: a container support part 41 that supports the connecting part 311 in a suspended state for suspending the plurality of storage parts 310; and a container fixing part 42 that overlaps with the cover part 320, clamps the container 30 between itself and the container support part 41, and is configured to be openable and closable relative to the container support part 41. The container support part 41 is formed in a grid shape with a plurality of through holes 410. The plurality of through holes 410 are formed in the container support part 41 in a number and arrangement that allows the plurality of storage parts 310 to be inserted.

[0076] In the container support portion 41, multiple holes 411 for fixing the container are provided adjacent to the multiple through holes 410. The multiple holes 411 are as follows: Figure 3 The container is rectangular in top view. Multiple holes 411 are formed on the container support 41 in a one-to-one manner with multiple receiving portions 310 (multiple through holes 410). The multiple holes 411 are arranged in rows along the X-axis and in multiple columns spaced apart along the Y-axis. The columns of receiving portions 310 are arranged between the columns of holes 411. That is, holes 411 are arranged on both sides of the receiving portions 310 (through holes 410).

[0077] The container fixing part 42 has a flat plate shape that is approximately the same size as the container support part 41 when viewed from above. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of claw portions 420 are provided in the container fixing part 42. The plurality of claw portions 420 are inserted into a plurality of holes 411 in the container support part 41 and engage with the edges 411a of the plurality of holes 411. The plurality of claw portions 420 are suspended vertically from the lower surface of the container fixing part 42 along the Z-axis direction, and their lower ends are bent in the Y-axis direction, engaging with the edges 411a of the holes 411 on the lower surface of the container support part 41. The plurality of claw portions 420 are formed in the container fixing part 42 in a number and arrangement that can be inserted into the plurality of holes 411.

[0078] The container assembly part 23 includes an opening restriction part 50. By moving the container fixing part 42 parallel to the container support part 41 along the Y-axis direction, it switches between a locked state where the container fixing part 42 cannot be opened and an unlocked state where the container fixing part 42 can be opened. Here, the locked state refers to: [e.g., ...] Figure 4 As shown, multiple claws 420 engage with the edges 411a of multiple holes 411, and the container fixing part 42 cannot be opened relative to the container support part 41.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the unlocked state of the container fixing part 42 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the container fixing part 42 according to the first embodiment in an open state.

[0080] The so-called unlocked state refers to: such as Figure 5As shown, multiple claws 420 separate from the edges 411a of multiple holes 411, allowing the container fixing part 42 to be opened relative to the container support part 41. In the unlocked state, the container fixing part 42 can be opened as follows: Figure 6 As shown, it can be lifted so that the container 30 can be loaded and unloaded relative to the container support 41.

[0081] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the opening restriction part 50 includes a rotating shaft 51 disposed on the container fixing part 42 and a bearing part 52 disposed on the container support part 41. The rotating shaft 51 has a pair of curved surfaces 51a on its circumferential surface and a pair of flat surfaces 51b connecting the ends of the pair of curved surfaces 51a to each other. That is, the rotating shaft 51 is formed into an elliptical or oblong shape in cross-sectional view. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, a pair of planar portions 51b extend parallel to the Y-axis direction when the container fixing portion 42 is closed.

[0082] The bearing portion 52 includes: a circular hole 52a in which the rotating shaft 51 can rotate; and an elongated hole 52b, which is continuously provided with the circular hole 52a and can engage with a pair of planar portions 51b of the rotating shaft 51. In other words, the bearing portion 52 has a daruma-shaped hole in its cross-sectional view. The width of the elongated hole 52b in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole 52a. Furthermore, the width of the elongated hole 52b in the Z-axis direction is configured such that the pair of planar portions 51b of the rotating shaft 51 can enter when the container fixing portion 42 is in a closed state. The elongated hole 52b extends from the circular hole 52a along the Y-axis direction in the same direction as the bent tip of the claw portion 420.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, the container assembly part 23 configured above includes a container support part 41 and a container fixing part 42, capable of clamping the container body 31 and the lid 32. The container fixing part 42 is provided with multiple claws 420, and the container support part 41 is provided with multiple holes 411 at positions corresponding to the claws 420. If the container support part 41 slides relative to the container fixing part 42 in the Y-axis direction, the multiple claws 420 engage with the edges 411a of the multiple holes 411, preventing the container fixing part 42 from opening relative to the container support part 41, thus fixing the container 30.

[0084] If the container 30 is heated, the sample 100 evaporates in each of the receiving portions 310. For example, if the sample 100 is mainly composed of water, heating the container 30 to 120°C will generate an internal pressure of about 2 atmospheres, and heating the container 30 to 180°C will generate an internal pressure of about 10 atmospheres. The claws 420 of the container assembly part 23 adjacent to the receiving portion 310 each bear the internal pressure generated in each receiving portion 310. As a result, the force borne by the container assembly part 23 from the container 30 is distributed. Therefore, even the small claws 420, the thin container fixing part 42, and the container support part 41 can withstand the force acting in the direction of opening towards the lid 32, making the processing device 6 a simple and compact structure.

[0085] The container fixing part 42 can flex between the claws 420. Since there are multiple claws 420, the flexural distance (span) between the claws 420 is short, thus suppressing overall flexural deformation of the container fixing part 42. Therefore, the lid 32 is less likely to open from the receiving part 310, suppressing vapor leakage of the sample 100 to the outside of the container 30. That is, even if the receiving part 310 is made by resin injection molding, for example, even if the body 310b is to be made vertically, it is still slightly tapered, opening towards the lid 32 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, if the lid 32 moves from the receiving part 310 towards the opening, the gap between the lid 32 and the receiving part 310 increases, making vapor leakage easier. Therefore, with the configuration described above, the force generated by the vapor pressure of the sample 100 can be withstood with a simple and compact structure, suppressing vapor leakage of the sample 100 caused by flexural deformation of the container fixing part 42.

[0086] Therefore, the processing apparatus 6 of the first embodiment described above includes: a heat treatment apparatus 10 for heat-treating a container 30 containing a sample 100; and a moving device 20 for moving the container 30 relative to the heat treatment apparatus 10. The container 30 has a plurality of storage portions 310 for storing the sample 100 and a cover portion 320 for closing the plurality of storage portions 310. The moving device 20 includes: a container support portion 41 for supporting the plurality of storage portions 310; and a container fixing portion 42 that overlaps with the cover portion 320, clamps the container 30 between itself and the container support portion 41, and is openable and closable relative to the container support portion 41. Furthermore, the container support portion 41 is provided with a plurality of holes 411, and the container fixing portion 42 is provided with a plurality of claw portions 420, which are inserted into the plurality of holes 411 and engaged with the edges 411a of the plurality of holes 411. Based on this structure, a processing device 6 capable of suppressing the leakage of vapor from sample 100 to the outside of container 30, a nucleic acid extraction system 3 equipped with the processing device 6, and a nucleic acid analysis system 1 equipped with the nucleic acid extraction system 3 can be obtained.

[0087] In addition, the plurality of holes 411 may be provided on the container fixing part 42 (i.e., either the container support part 41 or the container fixing part 42) instead of the container support part 41, and the plurality of claws 420 may be provided on the container support part 41 (i.e., the other one of the container support part 41 and the container fixing part 42) instead of the container fixing part 42.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the moving device 20 has an opening restriction part 50. By moving the container support part 41 and the container fixing part 42 parallel to each other, the opening restriction part 50 switches between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, multiple claws 420 engage with the edges 411a of multiple holes 411, preventing the container fixing part 42 from opening relative to the container support part 41. In the unlocked state, the multiple claws 420 separate from the edges 411a of the multiple holes 411, allowing the container fixing part 42 to open relative to the container support part 41. According to this structure, the user can switch between the locked and unlocked states by moving the container support part 41 and the container fixing part 42 parallel to each other, enabling easy and quick replacement of the container 30.

[0089] In addition, in the first embodiment, the opening restriction part 50 has a rotating shaft 51 and a bearing part 52. The rotating shaft 51 is provided on the container fixing part 42. The rotating shaft 51 has a pair of curved parts 51a on its circumferential surface and a pair of flat parts 51b connecting the ends of the pair of curved parts 51a to each other. The bearing part 52 is provided on the container support part 41 and has a circular hole 52a for rotating the rotating shaft 51 and an elongated hole 52b continuously provided with the circular hole 52a and capable of engaging with the pair of flat parts 51b. According to this structure, by... Figure 4 The locked state shown allows the container fixing part 42 to slide relative to the container support part 41, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the claw portion 420 of the container fixing part 42 separates from the edge portion 411a of the hole portion 411 of the container support part 41. If the claw portion 420 moves to a position where it can pass through the hole portion 411, then as... Figure 6 As shown, the container fixing part 42 can be opened with the rotation axis 51 as the center. If the container fixing part 42 is further rotated, the container support part 41 moves to a roughly vertical state, so that there are no obstacles directly above the container 30, and the sample 100 can be replaced quickly.

[0090] Alternatively, the rotating shaft 51 may be provided on the container support 41 (i.e., either the container support 41 or the container fixing 42) instead of the container fixing part 42. In addition, the bearing part 52 may be provided on the container fixing part 42 (i.e., the other one of the container support 41 and the container fixing part 42) instead of the container support 41.

[0091] [Second Implementation]

[0092] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the embodiments described above will be simplified or omitted.

[0093] Figure 7 This is a top view of the container assembly 23 according to the second embodiment when the container 30 is inserted into the heating block 11. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The sectional view shown is along line VIII-VIII. Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The IX-IX sectional view shown.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, the sealing member 322 according to the second embodiment is located in the insertion hole 110 when the storage part 310 of the container 30 is inserted into the insertion hole 110.

[0095] Considering the thickness of the container support 41 and the length of the claw 420, the seal 322 is located below the upper surface 11a of the heating block 11 or below the upper surface of the cooling block 12. According to this structure, during the nucleic acid extraction reaction via heating and cooling, the area where the sample 100 and its vapor can exist within the receiving section 310 can be confined inside the heating block 11 or cooling block 12. Therefore, the sample 100 and its vapor within the receiving section 310 can be brought closer to the temperature of the heating block 11 or cooling block 12. Consequently, the temperature of the sample 100 sealed within the receiving section 310 can be precisely varied, making it easier to control the nucleic acid extraction reaction.

[0096] Thus, in the second embodiment, the cover 320 has a sealing member 322, which is inserted into the receiving portion 310 and abuts against the inner wall of the receiving portion 310 to seal it. The heat treatment apparatus 10 has a heating block 11 (cooling block 12) with an insertion hole 110 for inserting and heating the receiving portion 310. The sealing member 322 is located in the insertion hole 110 when the receiving portion 310 is inserted into the insertion hole 110. According to this structure, the temperature of the sample 100 sealed in the container 30 can be precisely controlled, and nucleic acid extraction is easy.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the mobile device 20 according to the second embodiment includes a detection unit 70, which detects the locked and unlocked states of the container 30 in the container assembly unit 23. Figure 7 As shown, the detection unit 70 is provided on the container support 41 where the container assembly unit 23 is mounted. Furthermore, the container support 41 is connected to the base 60 via... Figure 2 The second actuator 22 shown is continuously arranged and moves together with the container assembly 23 along the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0098] like Figure 9 As shown, the detection unit 70 has a light-emitting unit 71 and a light-receiving unit 72 that are spaced apart and opposed to each other. Furthermore, a portion of the container fixing unit 42 (in...) Figure 9 In the example, the rotating shaft 51 moves back and forth between the light-emitting part 71 and the light-receiving part 72 by parallel movement relative to the container support part 41. For example, when the rotating shaft 51 does not block the detection light between the light-emitting part 71 and the light-receiving part 72, the container fixing part 42 is in a locked state. Conversely, when the rotating shaft 51 blocks the detection light between the light-emitting part 71 and the light-receiving part 72, the container fixing part 42 is in an unlocked state. Figure 9 (represented by a double-dotted line).

[0099] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the determination and control of the locking state of the container fixing part 42 according to the second embodiment.

[0100] like Figure 10 As shown, if a processing start signal for starting nucleic acid extraction is input, the detection unit 70 first confirms the locking state of the container fixing unit 42 (step S1). If the container fixing unit 42 is in the locked state (if step S1 is "yes"), processing begins (step S2).

[0101] On the other hand, if the container fixing part 42 is not in a locked state (if step S1 is "No"), it is determined that the container fixing part 42 is not locked (step S5), and the process ends without further action. In this case, the user can be notified that the container fixing part 42 is not locked through the operation screen, sound, light, etc. of the processing device 6.

[0102] If processing has already begun (step S2), a timing interruption is initiated (step S3). If a timing interruption is initiated, a signal initiating the interruption processing (described later) is output at predetermined intervals until processing is completed. Then, processing is performed (step S4), and if there are no problems during the timing interruption, processing ends normally. In this way, processing does not begin if the container fixing part 42 is not in a locked state; for example, even if the user instructs processing to begin, the actuator will not start. This avoids processing failure caused by starting processing in an insufficiently locked state.

[0103] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the timing interruption process according to the second embodiment.

[0104] like Figure 11As shown, if a signal to start the interruption process is received at a predetermined interval, the detection unit 70 confirms the locking state of the container fixing part 42 at predetermined intervals (step S31). If the container fixing part 42 is in a locked state (if step S31 is "yes"), the process continues (step S32). In addition, during the process, the predetermined interval interruption process is performed whenever a signal to start the interruption process is received at the predetermined interval.

[0105] On the other hand, if the container fixing part 42 is not in a locked state (if step S31 is "No"), it is determined that the container fixing part 42 has become unlocked during processing (step S33), and the processing ends abnormally. In this case, the user can be notified by the operation screen, sound, light, etc. of the processing device 6 that the container fixing part 42 has become unlocked during processing.

[0106] As described above, the process also checks whether the container fixing part 42 remains locked. If the lock on the container fixing part 42 is disengaged, the process stops and the user is notified that an error has occurred. This allows the user to know that the lock may have disengaged during processing and that the process has failed.

[0107] Thus, in the second embodiment, a detection unit 70 is provided to detect the locked and unlocked states of the container fixing part 42. The detection unit 70 has a light-emitting part 71 and a light-receiving part 72 facing each other with a gap between them. A portion of the container fixing part 42 moves back and forth between the light-emitting part 71 and the light-receiving part 72 by parallel movement relative to the container support part 41. According to this structure, the detection unit 70 can detect that the container fixing part 42 is reliably locked to the container support part 41 by the claw part 420.

[0108] [Third Implementation]

[0109] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the embodiments described above will be simplified or omitted.

[0110] Figure 12 This is a top view of the container assembly 23 according to the third embodiment when the container 30 is inserted into the heating block 11. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The XIII-XIII sectional view shown. Figure 12 As shown, in the third embodiment, the container 30 arranges the storage section 310 not only along the column direction (X-axis direction) but also along the row direction (Y-axis direction), and the storage section 310 is connected by the connecting section 311.

[0111] In the connecting portion 311, a through hole 311a is provided at a position overlapping with at least one of the plurality of holes 411 (excluding the rows of holes 411 at both ends in the Y-axis direction of the container support portion 41), allowing the claw portion 420 to pass through. According to this structure, even if the container 30, which is a surface structure formed by connecting the storage portions 310 along the column direction and the row direction, is connected, the container support portion 41 and the container fixing portion 42 can be locked by the claw portion 420.

[0112] The receiving section 310, with containers 30 connected along the column and row directions, can handle more samples 100. With the increasing scale and sophistication of nucleic acid analysis, and the growing demand for more nucleic acid extraction and analysis, the use of such a surface-structured container 30 prevents leakage of samples 100 from the container 30 to the outside, thus enabling reliable nucleic acid extraction.

[0113] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of holes 411 and claws 420 (excluding the rows of holes 411 and claws 420 at both ends in the Y-axis direction) are arranged between the plurality of storage portions 310 in the connecting direction of the plurality of storage portions 310. According to this structure, the deflection of the container fixing portion 42 can be effectively suppressed between the plurality of storage portions 310. Thus, it is preferable that the holes 411 and claws 420 are arranged near the storage portions 310. Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one pair of holes 411 and claws 420 are provided across the storage portions 310. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the number of holes 411 and claws 420 is greater than the number of storage portions 310. Additionally, when the spacing between the storage portions 310 is narrow, for example, the holes 411 and claws 420 are staggered with the storage portions 310 in the column direction (X-axis direction).

[0114] [Fourth Implementation]

[0115] Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiments will be simplified or omitted.

[0116] Figure 14 This is a top view of the container assembly 23 according to the fourth embodiment when the container 30 is inserted into the heating block 11. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The XV-XV sectional view shown.

[0117] like Figure 15As shown, the container support 41 according to the fourth embodiment is disposed on a base 60 continuously disposed from the second actuator 22. A limiting pin 82 is provided on the base 60 as a limiting part, which limits the position of the container support 41 within a certain range in the horizontal direction. In addition, a limiting hole 81 for inserting the limiting pin 82 is provided on the container support 41 as a limiting part.

[0118] Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, a limiting part can be provided on the base 60 to restrict the movement of the container support 41 in the Z-axis direction. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a plate on the base 60 with a gap larger than the thickness of the container support 41 in the limiting portion, and embedding this gap between the container support 41 and the plate. In other words, the container support 41 can move along the Z-axis by the amount obtained by subtracting the thickness from the gap between the base 60 and the plate. Furthermore, since there is a gap between the container support 41 and the base 60, and between the separated plate and the plate, movement is possible along the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The limiting part in the Z-axis direction can be a plate body provided at the upper end of the limiting pin 82. Alternatively, instead of this plate body, the limiting pin 82 can be a bolt with a bolt head diameter larger than the limiting hole 81, or the like.

[0119] A positioning pin 92 is provided on the container support 41 as a positioning part 90 for positioning with the heating block 11. A positioning hole 91 is provided on the heating block 11 as the positioning part 90 for inserting the positioning pin 92. Furthermore, Figure 2 The cooling block 12 shown also has the same configuration.

[0120] The container assembly part 23 moves relative to the heating block 11 and the cooling block 12 by means of the first actuator 21 and the second actuator 22, and then moves downward, thereby inserting the container 30 into the insertion hole 110 provided on the heating block 11 and the cooling block 12.

[0121] At this point, firstly, the positioning pin 92 of the container support 41 is inserted into the positioning holes 91 of the heating block 11 and the cooling block 12, thereby determining their relative positions. Here, the container support 41 and the base 60 can be finely adjusted in relative position within the range where the limiting pin 82 is housed in the limiting hole 81.

[0122] Therefore, even if the heating block 11 and cooling block 12 undergo thermal expansion due to temperature changes, causing a slight shift in their relative positions, the container 30 can still be reliably inserted into the insertion holes 110 of the heating block 11 and cooling block 12. Furthermore, even with a slight reduction in the precision of the first actuator 21 and the second actuator 22, the container 30 can still be reliably inserted into the insertion holes 110 of the heating block 11 and cooling block 12. Therefore, high-precision actuators are not required, simplifying the device configuration.

[0123] like Figure 15 As shown, the positioning hole 91 can have an inclined surface 91a (conical surface) by expanding its upper opening. Thus, the positioning hole 91 expands from a diameter d10 to a diameter d1 at the upper opening.

[0124] Furthermore, the locating pin 92 can be formed into an inverted frustum shape, with its lower end (top part) gradually tapering forward. Thus, the pin diameter d9 of the locating pin 92 narrows to a pin diameter d8 at its lower end.

[0125] Here, as long as the horizontal deviation between the center of the locating pin 92 and the center of the locating hole 91 is smaller than that in equation (1), the locating pin 92 can enter the locating hole 91. That is, the locating pin 92 can at least slide off the inclined surface 91a of the locating hole 91.

[0126] (d1-d8) / 2…(1)

[0127] However, the range in which the container support 41 can move relative to the base 60 is the range in which the limiting pin 82 can move in the limiting hole 81. That is, when the pin diameter d3 of the limiting pin 82 and the hole diameter d2 of the limiting hole 81 are set, the centers of the limiting pin 82 and the limiting hole 81 can deviate from the following formula (2) in the horizontal direction.

[0128] (d2-d3) / 2…(2)

[0129] In other words, the relationship between at least the limiting hole 81, the limiting pin 82, the positioning hole 91, and the positioning pin 92 must satisfy the following formula (4).

[0130] (d2-d3) / 2<(d1-d8) / 2…(3)

[0131] In addition, if the position accuracy of the actuator is set to da and the position offset caused by the heat generated by temperature change is set to dt, then the following equation (4) needs to be satisfied.

[0132] (d2-d3) / 2+da+dt<(d1-d8) / 2…(4)

[0133] In addition, if the positioning hole 91 and the positioning pin 92 do not have an inclined surface 91a and a shape that gradually tapers forward, then in the above formulas (1) to (4), d1 can be set as d10 and d8 can be set as d9.

[0134] However, it is preferable to fix the relative position of the container support 41 and the heating block 11 or cooling block 12 before the storage part 310 is inserted into the insertion hole 110 provided on the heating block 11 or cooling block 12.

[0135] Therefore, preferably, if the length d7 of the lower end of the positioning pin 92 that gradually tapers forward, the height d4 of the inclined surface 91a of the positioning hole 91, and the depth d5 ​​of the insertion hole 110 are set, then the length d6 of the positioning pin 92 satisfies the following formula (5).

[0136] d6-(d7+d4)>d5…(5)

[0137] By satisfying the relationship in equation (5) above, the relative position of the heating block 11 or cooling block 12 and the container support 41 is fixed by the positioning pin 92 and the positioning hole 91 before the receiving part 310 is inserted into the insertion hole 110. Therefore, the receiving part 310 is reliably inserted into the insertion hole 110.

[0138] In addition, if the positioning hole 91 and the positioning pin 92 do not have an inclined surface 91a and a shape that gradually tapers forward, then d7 or d4 can be set to "0" in the above formula (5).

[0139] The configuration involved in the fourth embodiment is not limited to the diameter relationship and position relationship described above. Similarly, the movable range of the container support 41 on the base 60 can be configured such that the positioning pin 92 can enter the positioning hole 91.

[0140] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The various shapes and combinations of the constituent components shown in the above embodiments are examples, and various modifications can be made according to design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0141] In addition, some or all of the processing apparatus involved in the above embodiments can be described as follows.

[0142] (Postscript 1)

[0143] A processing apparatus comprising:

[0144] Container assembly section; and

[0145] An actuator that moves the container assembly.

[0146] The container assembly part has:

[0147] The container support portion has multiple insertion holes; and

[0148] The container fixing part overlaps with the container support part, covering at least a portion of the plurality of insertion holes in an openable manner.

[0149] In the container support portion, a plurality of holes are provided at positions adjacent to at least a portion of the plurality of insertion holes.

[0150] The container fixing part is provided with a plurality of claws, which are inserted into the plurality of holes and engaged with the edges of the plurality of holes.

[0151] (Postscript 2)

[0152] A heat treatment system, comprising:

[0153] A container having a receiving portion for receiving samples and a lid for closing the receiving portion; and

[0154] A heat treatment apparatus is provided with an insertion hole, into which the receiving part of the container is inserted and heat-treated.

[0155] The cover has a sealing element that seals the surface by being inserted into the receiving portion and abutting against the inner wall of the receiving portion.

[0156] The seal is located within the insertion hole when the receiving part is inserted into the insertion hole.

[0157] The heat treatment system described in Appendix 2 is a system that includes the heat treatment apparatus 10 and the container 30. The heat treatment apparatus 10 in the heat treatment system includes at least one of the heating block 11 and the cooling block 12. If a portion of the area within the receiving section 310 where the sample 100 and its vapor can exist is outside the heating block 11 or the cooling block 12, the temperature of the sample 100 may change due to changes in the vapor's state, such as condensation, which could deplete heat energy. On the other hand, according to the configuration in Appendix 2, the area within the receiving section 310 where the sample 100 and its vapor can exist can be confined to the interior of the heating block 11 or the cooling block 12. Therefore, the temperature of the sample 100 and its vapor within the receiving section 310 can be brought closer to that of the heating block 11 or the cooling block 12. Consequently, the temperature of the sample 100 sealed within the receiving section 310 can be precisely controlled, facilitating, for example, control of nucleic acid extraction reactions.

[0158] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "row," and "column" are used in relation to these directions in the device of the present invention. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should be interpreted in relation to the device of the present invention.

[0159] The word “constituent” is used to describe the structure, elements, or parts of an apparatus in order to achieve the functions of the present invention.

[0160] Furthermore, the phrase “means + function” in the claims includes all structures that can be utilized to achieve the functions contained in the present invention.

[0161] The term "unit" is used to refer to a constituent element, a component, hardware, or a part of software programmed to achieve a desired function. Typical examples of hardware are devices and circuits, but are not limited to these.

[0162] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made to the structure without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the foregoing description, but only to the claims.

[0163] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0164] 1. Nucleic acid analysis system

[0165] 3. Nucleic acid extraction system

[0166] 6 processing units

[0167] 10 Heat Treatment Unit

[0168] 11 heating blocks

[0169] 20 mobile devices

[0170] 30 containers

[0171] 41 Container Support

[0172] 42 Container fixing part

[0173] 50 Open Restricted Section

[0174] 51 Rotating Shaft

[0175] 51a curved face

[0176] 51b Planar Section

[0177] 52 Bearing Section

[0178] 52a round hole

[0179] 52b long hole

[0180] 70 Testing Department

[0181] 71 Light Projection Department

[0182] 72 Light-receiving section

[0183] 100 samples

[0184] 110 insertion hole

[0185] 310 Storage Department

[0186] 311 Connecting Section

[0187] 311a through hole

[0188] 320 cover

[0189] 322 seal

[0190] 411 Hole

[0191] 411a Edge

[0192] 420 claw

Claims

1. A processing apparatus, characterized in that, have: A container having multiple storage sections for storing samples and a lid for closing the multiple storage sections; A heat treatment apparatus having a heating block, wherein the heating block is formed with an insertion hole for inserting and heating the receiving part; as well as A moving device that moves the container relative to the heat treatment apparatus. The mobile device has: Container support portion, supporting the plurality of storage portions; and A container fixing part overlaps with the lid part, clamps the container between itself and the container support part, and is configured to be openable and closable relative to the container support part. A plurality of holes are provided in either the container support portion or the container fixing portion. A plurality of claws are provided on the other side of the container support and the container fixing part. The plurality of claws are inserted into the plurality of holes and engaged with the edges of the plurality of holes. The cover has a sealing element that seals the space by being inserted into the receiving portion and abutting against the inner wall of the receiving portion. The seal is located within the insertion hole when the receiving part is inserted into the insertion hole.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile device has an opening restriction part, which switches between a locked state and an unlocked state by the parallel movement of the container support part relative to the container fixing part. The locked state is a state in which the plurality of claws engage with the edges of the plurality of holes, thus preventing the container fixing part from opening relative to the container support part. The unlocked state is the state in which the plurality of claws separate from the edges of the plurality of holes, thereby allowing the container fixing part to open relative to the container support part.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening restriction part has: A rotating shaft, disposed on either the container support portion or the container fixing portion, has a pair of curved surfaces on its circumferential surface and a pair of flat surfaces connecting the ends of the pair of curved surfaces to each other; and The bearing portion, located on the other side of the container support portion and the container fixing portion, has a circular hole that allows the rotating shaft to rotate, and an elongated hole that is continuously provided with the circular hole and can engage with the pair of planar portions.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mobile device has a detection unit that detects the locked state and the unlocked state.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection unit has a light-projecting part and a light-receiving part that are spaced apart and opposite each other. A portion of the container fixing part moves back and forth between the light-projecting part and the light-receiving part by parallel movement relative to the container support part.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the plurality of holes and the plurality of claws are arranged between the plurality of storage portions in the connection direction of the plurality of storage portions.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container has a connecting portion that connects the plurality of storage sections. In the connecting portion, a through hole is provided at a position overlapping at least one of the plurality of holes, through which the claw portion can pass.

8. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the insertion hole is in contact with or close to the insertion portion of the plurality of storage parts excluding the upper end.

9. The processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The container also has multiple sealing parts that are inserted into the upper openings of the multiple storage parts.

10. The processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The container also has a connecting part that connects the plurality of storage sections. The cover has a flat plate shape of the same size as the connecting part.

11. The processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The plurality of sealing portions are a plurality of protrusions that protrude downward from the lower surface of the cover portion.

12. The processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, An annular groove for arranging the seal is formed on the circumferential surface of the lower end of each of the plurality of sealing portions.

13. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seal is made of a material with an elastic modulus lower than that of at least one of the plurality of receiving portions and the cover portion.

14. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container fixing part has a flat plate shape of the same size as the container support part.

15. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of claws are suspended vertically from the lower surface of the container fixing part along the direction of gravity. The lower ends of the plurality of claws are bent in a direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity.

16. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The width of the elongated hole in the direction of gravity is the dimension through which the pair of planar portions of the rotating shaft can enter when the container fixing part is in a closed state.

17. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seal is located below the upper surface of the heating block.

18. A nucleic acid extraction system, characterized in that, The sample is equipped with a processing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, for extracting nucleic acids from the cells of the sample.

19. A nucleic acid analysis system, characterized in that, The system includes a nucleic acid extraction system as described in claim 18, which is used to analyze the extracted nucleic acid.

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