Sleeve for connecting capillary tips

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sleeve for coupling a capillary tip, including: a main body in which an in-pipe passage is formed through both sides of the main body, a suction unit of a sample collection device being provided to be coupled to one side of the main body, and a capillary tip being provided to be coupled to the other side of the main body; a variable pressure hole unit formed in the main body and including a through hole formed through the in-pipe passage and the outside of the main body; and an opening and closing unit elastically supported by the variable pressure hole unit and installed to close or communicate the through hole and the in-pipe passage when moved by elastic force. The present invention can expand the range of use of the capillary tip, and can simplify the sample collection configuration by applying a manual sampling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a socket for connecting a capillary tip, and more specifically, to a socket for connecting a capillary tip to allow for the collection of small amounts of sample by utilizing the capillary tip and for using the capillary tip by connecting it to a manual sampling device, thereby expanding the scope of use of the capillary tip. Background Technology

[0002] Various chemical or biochemical tests used to measure biomarkers related to specific diseases, general health conditions, or infections are typically performed using a variety of reagents and instruments through multi-step chemical reactions and physical operations. For example, in detecting specific chemical substances or biochemical substances such as proteins in samples such as blood, the following physical operations are required: collecting the sample, placing the collected sample in a container, reacting the collected sample with one or more reagents, and then dispensing the reacted sample from the container.

[0003] If the sample to be analyzed (such as blood), a detection antibody labeled with a fluorescent substance, and whole blood are used, a solution of red blood cell lysis reagent (reagent) is added in the quantitative proportion to be reacted, so that the sample can be placed on the sample pad of the analytical device or kit for analysis. In this case, accurate and reproducible analysis is only possible if the sample is added in an accurate quantity.

[0004] Accurate sample volume measurement is crucial to the accuracy of the analyte and directly affects the accuracy of the measurement results. Since current volumetric measurement equipment is considered to achieve an error level of a few microliters, the error in measurement results due to sample volume errors is negligible in general measurement methods with sample volumes around milliliters (ml), and therefore does not require attention. However, when the total sample volume is at the microliter (μl) level, entirely new challenges arise in improving measurement accuracy. In precise analyses with total sample volumes of a few microliters, the error in sample volume measurement must also be reduced to a corresponding level. To achieve this goal, the applicant has developed a pipette tip and pipette system for minimizing sample collection errors (Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1713172). In other words, the pipette tip developed by the applicant utilizes the capillary effect to collect samples, enabling accurate and quantitative collection of small amounts of sample without error.

[0005] However, the aforementioned traditional pipette tips require the use of a pipette system to collect samples, which creates the problem of needing specialized knowledge to operate the pipette system for sample collection. In other words, traditional pipette tips can only be used by skilled operators, which limits their applicability and scalability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a sleeve for connecting capillary tips, thereby expanding the application range of capillary tips.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention aims to simplify the construction using capillary tips.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention also aims to provide a sleeve for connecting capillary tips to increase the convenience of sample collection.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a sleeve for connecting a capillary tip, comprising: a body having an internal channel formed therein extending through both sides of the body; an aspiration unit of a sample collection device configured to be connected to one side of the body, and a capillary tip configured to be connected to the other side of the body; a pressure-changing orifice unit formed in the body, and including a through hole formed to communicate the internal channel with the outside of the body; and an opening / closing unit elastically supported by the pressure-changing orifice unit and installed to close or connect the through hole and the internal channel when moved by elastic force.

[0012] Preferably, the tube channel includes: an insertion hole formed on one side of the body and having an inner diameter that allows the suction unit of the sample collection device to be inserted therein; a central hole formed on one side of the insertion hole to communicate with a through hole, and having an inner diameter smaller than that of the insertion hole; and a connecting hole formed on the other side of the body and serving as a channel communicating with the interior of the capillary tip; wherein the inner diameter of the insertion hole is formed to be larger than that of the central hole, and the inner diameter of the central hole is formed to be larger than that of the connecting hole.

[0013] Preferably, the pressure-changing orifice unit includes a stepped orifice, the inner diameter of which facing outwards toward the through-hole is larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole, and the opening / closing unit includes: an elastomer mounted on a step formed between the stepped orifice and the through-hole; and a pressing member supported by the elastomer and used to open and close the through-hole when reciprocating between the stepped orifice and the through-hole by the elastic force of the elastomer.

[0014] Beneficial effects

[0015] The sleeve for attaching capillary tips according to the present invention expands the application range of capillary tips by allowing them to be used not only with motorized equipment but also with manual sample collection devices such as pipettes. Furthermore, the present invention simplifies the construction of capillary tips by enabling their attachment and use with pipettes. Therefore, the present invention enhances competitiveness in fields such as individual testing of sample sizes or emergency medicine. Moreover, the present invention improves the convenience of sample collection by using sample collection that utilizes a capillary effect achieved through the pressing operation of an opening and closing unit. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view showing a sleeve for connecting a capillary tip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 The main part of the transformer hole unit for connecting the sleeve to the capillary tip in the embodiment of the present invention shown is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 3 A sleeve for connecting a capillary tip is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the invention shows a sleeve for connecting a capillary tip, wherein a small pipette is connected to the capillary tip.

[0020] Figures 5a to 5c Showing according to Figure 1 The operation of the sleeve for connecting the capillary tip is shown in the embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following is a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the sleeve for connecting capillary tips according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded view showing a sleeve 10 for connecting a capillary tip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This shows the connection state of the sleeve used to connect the capillary tip. (Example) Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the sleeve 10 for connecting the capillary tip includes a main body 100, a pressure-changing orifice unit 200, and an opening / closing unit 300. Figure 2 The main parts of the transformer hole unit are shown.

[0023] The body 100 has the appearance of a sleeve 10 for connecting a sampling tip and includes an internal channel 110 extending through both sides of the body 100. The internal channel 110 is a pressure channel for generating aspiration and discharge pressures and is formed to extend through both sides of the body 100 along its longitudinal direction. At this time, one side of the body 100 is configured to connect to a sample collection device, and the other side of the body 100 is connected to a capillary tip 500. In this specification, for ease of explanation, a miniature pipette is used as an example of a sample collection device, but the sample collection device is not limited to a miniature pipette.

[0024] Figure 4 The capillary tip 500 of the sleeve 10 for connecting the capillary tip is shown connected to the miniature pipette 400. Figures 5a to 5c The operation of the sleeve 10 for attaching the capillary tip is shown.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, one side of the main body 100 is configured to allow a small pipette 400 to be inserted into and connected thereto, while the other side of the main body 100 is configured to be inserted into the interior of the capillary tip 500. On the other hand, the tube channel 110 is formed straight along the longitudinal direction of the main body 100 and is provided with an insertion hole 111, a central hole 112 and a connecting hole 113 that are distinct from each other.

[0026] An insertion hole 111 is formed on one side of the body 100 to allow the aspiration unit 410 of the miniature pipette 400 to be inserted therein. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 111 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the aspiration unit 410 of the miniature pipette 400, but the size of the insertion hole 111 is set to allow the aspiration unit 410 of the miniature pipette 400 to be pressed and connected.

[0027] like Figure 5a As shown, a central hole 112 is formed on one side of the insertion hole 111 and is configured to communicate with a through hole of the transformer hole unit 200, which will be described later. In this case, the inner diameter of the central hole 112 is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 111.

[0028] A connecting hole 113 is formed on one side of the central hole 112 and is configured to connect to the interior of the capillary tip 500. At this time, the inner diameter of the connecting hole 113 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the central hole 112.

[0029] A pressure-changing orifice unit 200 is formed in the body 100 and is configured to control the pressure to induce a capillary effect. For example... Figure 5a As shown, the transformer hole unit 200 preferably includes a through hole 210 and a stepped hole 220.

[0030] The through hole 210 is a channel for communicating with the central hole 112 of the body 100 to the outside of the body 100, and is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body 100. The through hole 210 is preferably formed in a direction perpendicular to the central hole 112 of the body 100. That is, due to the construction of the through hole 210 and the internal channel 110, pressure changes can be induced in the internal channel 110 by changing the opening and closing of the through hole 210.

[0031] The stepped hole 220 is a configuration for mounting the transformer hole unit 300 to open and close the through hole 210, and it is formed in a direction from the through hole 210 toward the outside of the body 100. The inner diameter of the stepped hole 220 is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 210, thus forming a step 240 between the through hole 210 and the stepped hole 220.

[0032] The stepped hole 220 is preferably formed as a double stepped hole. Accordingly, two steps 240 are formed in the stepped hole 220, which also includes two stepped holes 221 and 222. For ease of explanation, they are referred to as the first stepped hole 221 and the second stepped hole 222 according to their distance from the through hole 210. The step 240 formed between the through hole 210 and the first stepped hole 221 is referred to as the first step 241, and the step 240 formed between the first stepped hole 221 and the second stepped hole 222 is referred to as the second step 242.

[0033] The first step 241 is the part used to set the spring, which will be described later, and the second step 242 corresponds to the front end (head) of the opening and closing unit 300, which will be described later, and is configured to limit the excessive movement of the opening and closing unit 300.

[0034] like Figure 2 , Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, it is desirable to form a ventilation slot 242a in the second step 242. The ventilation slot 242a is intended to facilitate ventilation into the duct passage 110 when the through hole 210 of the opening / closing unit 300 is opened. A detailed description will be provided later. The ventilation slot 242a is provided in the form of a slot on one or both sides of the second step 242. Figure 2 and Figure 5a As shown, the ventilation slot 242a can extend along the height direction of the inner peripheral surface of the second stepped hole 222.

[0035] The opening / closing unit 300 changes the pressure in the inner channel 110 by opening and closing the through hole 210 and the inner channel 110. In other words, the opening / closing unit 300 induces a capillary effect by changing the pressure in the inner channel 110, thereby drawing the sample into the capillary tip 500. The opening / closing unit 300 is installed in the through hole 210 and the stepped hole 220, and preferably includes an elastomer 310 and a pressing member 320.

[0036] The elastomer 310 is placed in the stepped hole 220 and provides elasticity to the pressing member 320. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the elastic body 310 is preferably a coil spring, but it can be anything that can provide elastic force to the pressing member 320. The elastic body 310 is preferably placed in the first step 241.

[0037] As the pressing member 320 moves linearly between the through hole 210 and the stepped hole 220, it connects or blocks the stepped hole 220 and the tube channel 110. The pressing member 320 is used to open or close the central hole 112 of the tube channel 110 and the stepped hole 220 to each other through a user's pressing action. The pressing member 320 is configured to be elastically supported by an elastomer 310 disposed in the stepped hole 220, and preferably includes a front end 321 and a suspension rod 322.

[0038] The front end 321 is the part that the user presses and applies force to, and its diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the second stepped hole 222.

[0039] When the suspension rod 322 moves within the through-hole 210, it opens and closes the space between the stepped hole 220 and the central hole 112 of the tube channel 110, and is formed to extend from the front end 321 and have a diameter that allows it to pass through the through-hole 210. In this case, a suspension member 322a is formed at the end of the suspension rod 322 and extends radially outward, allowing it to be suspended and supported on the inner circumferential surface of the central hole 112 where the through-hole 210 is formed. When the suspension member 322a is engaged and supported on the inner circumferential surface of the central hole 112, the through-hole 210 between the stepped hole 220 and the central hole 112 is closed. When the user pushes the suspension rod 322 by pressing the front end 321, the suspension member 322a is separated from the inner circumferential surface of the central hole 112, thereby opening the central hole 112 and the stepped hole 220. Opening the central hole 112 and the stepped hole 220 means changing the pressure in the internal passage 110 by connecting it to the outside of the main body 100. On the other hand, it is preferable that the material of the opening / closing unit 300 is ductile. This is because the sealing performance of the internal passage 110 and the stepped hole 220 is intended to be improved by increasing the sealing force when the suspension 322a abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the central hole 112.

[0040] The process of collecting samples by connecting a capillary tip to a miniature pipette using a sleeve 10 constructed as described above for connecting the capillary tip will now be described.

[0041] The user inserts the aspiration unit 410 of the miniature pipette 400 into one side of the sleeve 10 for connecting the capillary tip. Furthermore, the user inserts the other side of the sleeve 10 into the capillary tip 500 to connect them. Thus, as... Figure 4 As shown, the miniature pipette 400 is connected to the capillary tip 500 via the sleeve 10 for connecting the capillary tip, making it ready for sample collection. At this time, as... Figure 5a As shown, when the front end 321 of the pressing member 320 is pushed out of the stepped hole 220 by the elastic force of the elastic body 310, the suspension member 322a is stuck and supported by the inner peripheral surface of the central hole 112, thereby closing the through hole 210.

[0042] The user receives the small pipette 400 connected as described above, and places the capillary tip 500 on the blood vessel or fingertip of the test subject to collect blood. Afterwards, as... Figure 5b As shown, the user presses the front end 321 of the pressing member 320 to push the suspension rod 322 into the central hole 112, allowing the tube channel to communicate with the outside air through the through hole 210, thus changing the pressure in the tube channel 110. That is, due to the capillary effect in the tube channel 110, blood is drawn into the capillary tip 500. At this time, the front end 321 of the pressing member 320 is pressed against the second step 242 by the user's pressure. Due to the ventilation groove 242a formed in the groove shape on the second step 242, even if the front end 321 contacts the second step 242, it will not obstruct the communication between the tube channel 110 and the outside air.

[0043] When blood is drawn into the capillary tip 500, the user releases the pressure applied to the presser 320. Accordingly, the presser 320 returns to its original position due to the restoring force of the contracted elastomer 310. Figure 5a The original position is shown, and thus the through-hole 210 is closed, preventing the tube passage 110 from communicating with the outside air. As a result, the blood drawn into the capillary tip 500 remains inside the capillary tip 500. The user then brings the miniature pipette 400 to the analysis device and presses button 420 on the miniature pipette 400 (see...). Figure 4 This creates positive pressure in the suction unit 410, thereby discharging blood from the capillary tip 500 to a designated location. Thus, the collection and discharge of small amounts of blood is accomplished using the sleeve 10 for connecting the capillary tip.

[0044] As described herein, the sleeve 10 for attaching a capillary tip according to the invention enables the accurate acquisition of small quantities of samples using the capillary tip 500, and allows for the use of a manual sampling device when discharging the sample collected in the capillary tip. Therefore, the sleeve 10 for attaching a capillary tip can be used to expand its applicability by incorporating both manual and electric sampling devices, and can simplify the overall construction of sample collection and discharge, thereby improving its competitiveness in individual examinations of sample quantities or in the field of emergency medicine.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to the embodiments described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are all subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sleeve for connecting a capillary tip to a sample collection device, the sleeve comprising: The main body has a channel, wherein the channel has an insertion hole, a connecting hole and a central hole, the insertion hole is connected to the suction unit of the sample collection device, the connecting hole is connected to the capillary tip, and the central hole is located between the insertion hole and the connecting hole; A transformer port unit has a through hole, which is formed to connect the central hole to the outside of the body; as well as The opening / closing unit, elastically supported by the transformer port unit, is mounted to close or open the through-hole relative to the outside of the main body. The opening and closing unit includes a pressing component, which moves upon being pressed by the user. The variable pressure port unit includes a ventilation slot, which allows for smooth ventilation between the channel and the outside air when the pressing member is pressed to open the through hole.

2. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The inner diameter of the insertion hole is larger than the inner diameter of the center hole, and The inner diameter of the central hole is larger than the inner diameter of the connecting hole.

3. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The transformer orifice unit includes stepped orifices, wherein the inner diameter of the orifice farther from the channel is larger than the inner diameter of the orifice closer to the channel.

4. The sleeve according to claim 3, wherein, The opening and closing unit further includes: an elastic body, mounted on the step formed in the stepped hole, and The pressing element is supported by the elastic body.

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