Filtering device, filter fixing clamp and filtering method

Abstract

According to the present invention, by separating a part for airtight sealing between a filter container and an elastic body from a part for fixing the filter container, the airtightness between the filter container and the elastic body can be maintained, and the filter container can be easily mounted or dismounted with a small force. The filter device comprises: a funnel (10) having an inlet (11) into which a liquid sample is introduced and an outlet (12) having a smaller opening area than the inlet (11); a filter container (20) into which the tip section of the funnel (10) having the outlet (12) is inserted and which has a filter (23) for collecting an object contained in the liquid sample; a rubber stopper (40) having a through-hole (41) serving as a flow path for the liquid sample that has passed through the filter (23); and a filter fixing clamp 30 which abuts against the filter container 20, supports the filter container 20, and presses the filter container 20 against the rubber plug 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filtering device, a filter fixing fixture and a filtering method for capturing microorganisms and other particles and substances to be analyzed from liquid samples such as water, medicines, reagents, beverages and cosmetics. Background Art

[0002] Membrane filtration is a method of filtering a liquid sample with a membrane filter, and collecting particles and substances with affinity for the filter on the filter for detection. For example, when detecting bacteria from a liquid sample of 10 mL or more, it is difficult to add the entire amount of the sample directly to the bacterial enrichment medium, so it is necessary to filter and concentrate the bacteria. In addition, when there is a substance that hinders the analysis in the liquid, the membrane filtration method is also used for the purpose of removing the substance.

[0003] A device for suction filtration called a suction manifold is usually used in filter filtration. The suction manifold is composed of a pipe as a base, a suction pump connected to the pipe, and an adapter. The filter container is fixed to the adapter, and the suction pump is used to make the downstream side of the filter negative pressure, thereby performing suction filtration. By combining a funnel of a size corresponding to the volume of the liquid sample with the filter container, a large volume of sample can be filtered.

[0004] Membrane filtration is also used to detect bacteria (bacteria, fungi) in liquid samples. In the existing bacteria detection method, after filtering the sample with a membrane filter with a diameter of 47 mm, the filter is placed on an agar medium to allow the bacteria to proliferate on the filter, and the colonies produced on the medium are visually detected. Alternatively, the following method is adopted: after filtering the sample with a membrane filter, the filter is placed in a liquid culture medium to allow the bacteria to proliferate, and the turbidity of the culture medium is visually detected. In this method, it takes 1 to several days for the bacteria to proliferate to a visually visible number, and there is a disadvantage of a long test time.

[0005] Therefore, as a method of detecting bacteria more quickly than visual inspection, technologies for detecting substances contained in bacteria (adenosine triphosphate (hereinafter referred to as ATP) bioluminescence method, nucleic acid amplification method, immunological method, etc.), solid phase flow cytometry technology for directly counting bacteria, and other measurement technologies have been developed. In these methods, the improvement of the concentration rate of bacteria is related to the improvement of the sensitivity of bacteria detection. Therefore, a method is adopted to increase the number of bacteria per unit area of ​​the filter by filtering using a filter with a smaller diameter than before. For example, by using a filter with a diameter of 10mm, the concentration rate is increased by about 20 times compared to a filter with a diameter of 47mm. This is also the case in analyses other than bacteria detection, such as capturing particles in a liquid sample into a filter and measuring the mass of organic matter, capturing antigens with a filter fixed with antibodies having an affinity for antigens in a liquid sample and performing fluorescence detection, etc.

[0006] The filtration of a large-capacity liquid sample using a filter with a small diameter is implemented by connecting a funnel with a larger diameter than the diameter of the filter container to the filter container. Here, a countermeasure is required to connect the large-diameter funnel to the small-diameter filter container, which has an unstable shape, and fix it upright while maintaining the airtightness of the flow path. In order to realize the user's request to perform filtration using a suction manifold by manual work as in the past without introducing a special filtering device, a clamp is required to fix the filter container and the funnel to the adapter of the suction manifold.

[0007] Patent document 1 discloses a device structure in which a funnel is connected to the primary side of a filter container and a suction flow path is connected to the secondary side. Patent document 1 discloses a device structure in which the filter container and the funnel are respectively connected to movable devices to realize automated assembly and disassembly of the filter container, the funnel, and the flow path. However, in order to meet the user's desire to filter by manual work using a conventional suction manifold, a technology is needed to meet the requirement that the filter container and the funnel can be easily assembled and disassembled by manual work.

[0008] Prior art literature

[0009] Patent Literature

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-139704 Summary of the invention

[0011] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0012] In the case of concentrating the substance in the liquid on the filter for analysis, the concentration rate of the filter with a small diameter becomes higher, and the analytical sensitivity is improved. In order to keep the unstable shape structure of the funnel with a large diameter connected to the filter container with a small diameter airtight and upright, the filter container is generally inserted into a fixing member with a rubber plug and an O-ring with holes, and fixed at the position where the outer side of the filter container contacts the rubber plug and the O-ring. In this case, the fixing of the filter container and the airtightness of the flow path are borne by the same position (the position where the rubber plug and the O-ring contact) on the side of the filter container. Therefore, in order to analyze the substances captured on the filter and need to remove the filter container after filtering, due to the friction between the rubber plug and the O-ring, the problem of having to pull out the filter container with a strong force occurs. In the case of a user who wants to filter by manual operation as in the past, the small filter container is pulled out by manual operation with a strong force. In this case, the risk of accidentally touching the inside of the filter container or causing the filter container to fall and contaminating the filter container becomes high, and there is a problem of reduced analysis accuracy afterwards.

[0013] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a filtering device, a filter fixing fixture and a filtering method, which can maintain the airtightness between the filter container and the elastomer and easily install or remove the filter container with less force by separating the part for airtightness between the filter container and the elastomer and the part for fixing the filter container.

[0014] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0015] The filtering device of the present invention is a filtering device for filtering a liquid sample, which includes: a funnel, which has an inlet for inserting the liquid sample and an outlet with an opening area smaller than the inlet; a cylindrical filter container, which has an inlet and an outlet that can be combined with the front end of the funnel including the outlet, and a filter for capturing objects contained in the liquid sample between the inlet and the outlet; an elastomer, which has a through hole used as a flow path for the liquid sample passing through the filter, and the inlet of the through hole is in contact with the filter container; and a filter fixing clamp, which abuts against the filter container to support the filter container and presses the filter container against the elastomer, and the filter container is pressed against the elastomer by the filter fixing clamp to airtightly seal the inlet of the through hole of the elastomer using the contact surface of the filter container corresponding to the inlet.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, by separating the portion for airtightly sealing the filter container and the elastic body from the portion for fixing the filter container, the filter container and the elastic body can be kept airtight, and the filter container can be easily attached or detached with a small force.

[0018] Other problems, structures, and effects than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the filtration device of Example 1.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flow chart showing a method of filtering using the filtering device of Example 1.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 2.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 3.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 4.

[0024] Figure 6This is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 5.

[0025] Figure 7 These are six views showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to the sixth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 6.

[0027] Fig. 9 It is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing fixture of Example 7.

[0028] Fig.10 It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 7.

[0029] Fig.11 It is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing fixture of Example 8.

[0030] Fig.12 It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter fixing jig of Example 8.

[0031] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 9.

[0032] Fig.14 These are six views showing an example of a filter fixing fixture according to the tenth embodiment.

[0033] Fig.15 It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of the filter fixing jig of Example 10.

[0034] Fig.16 Flow chart showing a method of filtering using the filtering apparatus of Examples 9 and 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the components are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or unless otherwise clearly considered to be essential in principle.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Figure 1 2 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 1. Figure 1 , the structure of the filtering device 1 of Example 1 is described. Figure 1(A) is a diagram showing a state where the filter device 1 of Example 1 is mounted on the adapter 60, (B) is a diagram showing a state where the filter container 20 is disassembled, and (C) is a diagram showing a state where the filter fixing fixture 30 is disassembled.

[0039] (Structure of Filter Device 1)

[0040] The filter device 1 includes a funnel 10, a filter container 20, a filter fixing fixture 30, and an elastic body 40. The filter device 1 is a device for filtering a liquid sample. The elastic body 40 of Example 1 is a commercially available rubber plug with holes. Hereinafter, the elastic body 40 is referred to as the rubber plug with holes 40 or the rubber plug 40. The structure including the funnel 10, the filter container 20, and the filter fixing fixture 30 can be mounted and disassembled relative to the commercially available rubber plug with holes 40. The rubber plug with holes 40 can be used repeatedly and has the advantage of being easy to operate by manual work. If the aperture D41 of the through hole 41 of the rubber plug with holes 40 is smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the filter container 20 (cover 22), it can be used for the filter device 1, so it also has the advantage of being able to use the commercially available rubber plug with holes 40. An adapter 60 can be connected to the upstream side of the suction manifold 50, and the rubber plug with holes 40 is installed on the adapter 60. In addition, a suction pump 70 can be connected to the downstream side of the suction manifold 50. The liquid sample put into the funnel 10 is driven by the suction pump 70 to pass through the filter container 20 , the perforated rubber plug 40 , the adapter 60 , and the suction manifold 50 in sequence from the funnel 10 .

[0041] The suction manifold 50 is a commercially available product, such as a laboratory manifold (Product ID: 4889) of Pall Corporation. In addition, the adapter 60 is an adapter that can be connected to the suction manifold 50, such as a laboratory manifold standard adapter (Product ID: 4892) of Pall Corporation. The suction manifold 50 can also be, for example, a suction manifold (Catalog Number: EZFITH0LD3) of Merck Corporation. If it is a suction manifold of Merck Corporation, the installation of the components can be implemented without tools, and maintenance such as cleaning and sterilization is easy. A cup-shaped adapter 60 can be installed on the manifold illustrated above, and a rubber plug 40 of a size suitable for the adapter 60 is embedded in the adapter 60. The outer surface of the rubber plug 40 is connected to the inner surface of the adapter 60, thereby maintaining the airtightness of the flow path of the liquid sample.

[0042] (Funnel 10)

[0043] The funnel 10 is made of a sterilizable material, such as metal or resin. If it is made of metal, it has high durability and can be repeatedly cleaned and sterilized for use, which is economical. On the other hand, if it is made of resin, it is cheap and does not require cleaning by disposable use, which improves convenience. In addition, by using a transparent resin, it also has the advantage of being able to visually confirm the progress of filtration even from outside the clean bench.

[0044] The funnel 10 has an inlet 11 for inserting a liquid sample and an outlet 12 whose opening area is smaller than that of the inlet. Specifically, the opening area of ​​the inlet 11 is more than 4 times the opening area of ​​the outlet 12. The inner diameter D11 of the inlet 11 of the funnel 10 is larger than the inner diameter D21 of the filter container 20 (filter body 21). In addition, the funnel 10 has a volume capable of holding about 100 mL of liquid. The volume of the funnel 10 can be appropriately selected according to the amount of the liquid sample. The outer diameter D12 of the outlet 12 of the funnel 10 is substantially the same as the inner diameter D21 of the filter body 21. Therefore, the airtightness between the funnel 10 and the filter container 20 is maintained by inserting the lower front end of the funnel 10 into the filter container 20.

[0045] (Filter container 20)

[0046] The filter container 20 has a filter body 21 and a cover 22 covering the outer peripheral surface of the filter body 21. The filter container 20 of Example 1 is a filter assembly composed of two components, the filter body 21 and the cover 22. The filter body 21 and the cover 22 are roughly cylindrical, and a filter 23 is fixed to the bottom surface of the filter body 21. The effective area of ​​the filter (the area of ​​the sample liquid filtered in the entire filter) is roughly the same as the area inside the bottom surface of the filter body 21. The shape of the filter body 21 and the cover 22 is not limited to a true cylindrical shape, as long as it is cylindrical, it can be a polygonal cylindrical shape or an elliptical cylindrical shape. In addition, the diameters of the filter body 21 and the cover 22 may not be uniform. The filter 23 captures the object contained in the liquid sample. The front end portion of the funnel 10 having the outlet 12 is inserted into the filter body 21. Here, the front end portion of the funnel 10 having the outlet 12 is inserted into the filter body 21, but it is sufficient as long as the front end portion of the funnel 10 having the outlet 12 is combined with the filter body 21. The outer diameter D22 of the portion of the filter body 21 inserted into the cover 22 is substantially the same as the inner diameter D23 of the cover 22. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the filter body 21 inserted into the cover 22 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the cover 22, and the airtightness between the filter body 21 and the cover 22 is maintained. In addition, the outer diameter D24 of the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 is larger than the diameter D41 of the through hole 41 of the rubber plug 40. Therefore, the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 abuts against the upper surface 42 of the rubber plug 40, and the airtightness is maintained. In addition, the funnel 10 may be prepared in a state of being combined with the filter container 20 in advance. In addition, it may be configured so that the inner diameter of the outlet of the funnel 10 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the inlet of the filter container 20, and the inlet portion of the filter container 20 is inserted into the outlet portion of the funnel 10. Alternatively, a component of a structure in which the funnel 10 and the filter container 20 are combined may be manufactured by integral molding using a material such as resin, and can be broken and separated at a certain position between the funnel 10 and the filter container 20 after filtering. Alternatively, the filter container 20 may be formed in a tapered shape, and the inlet area may be formed in a shape that also increases the filter effective area.

[0047] (Filter fixing fixture 30)

[0048] The filter fixing jig 30 includes a base 31 and a pressing member 32. The pressing member 32 abuts against the filter container 20 to support the filter container 20. The base 31 fixes the pressing member 32 that presses the filter container 20 to the perforated rubber plug 40. The base 31 is embedded in the upper part of the rubber plug 40 and fixed to the rubber plug 40. The base 31 has a base fixing portion 33 of a tapered shape embedded in the upper part of the rubber plug 40. In addition, the base 31 has a filter housing portion 34 that houses a part or all of the filter container 20. An externally threaded portion 35 having an externally threaded surface is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the filter housing portion 34. In addition, an internally threaded portion 36 having an internally threaded surface is formed on the portion of the pressing member 32 that is opposite to the externally threaded portion 35. By screwing the internally threaded portion 36 into the externally threaded portion 35, the pressing member 32 is fixed relative to the base 31. It is also possible to provide a threaded portion on the inner peripheral surface of the filter housing portion 34 and to provide a threaded portion on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing member 32.

[0049] The inner diameter D31 of the filter housing 34 is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. Therefore, the filter container 20 can be easily moved in and out of the filter housing 34 without friction resistance. In addition, a filter support portion 37 is formed on the pressing member 32, which abuts against the upper surface 25 of the filter main body 21. The filter support portion 37 abuts against the upper surface 25 of the filter main body 21 to restrict the upward movement of the filter main body 21. The filter support portion 37 presses the filter container 20 against the perforated rubber plug 40, so that the inlet of the through hole 41 of the perforated rubber plug 40 is airtightly closed at the contact surface of the filter container 20 corresponding to the inlet. The inner diameter D32 of the filter support portion 37 is smaller than the outer diameter D25 of the upper surface 25 of the filter main body 21. In addition, a funnel support portion 38 for supporting the funnel 10 is provided on the upper part of the pressing member 32 to prevent the funnel 10 from swinging sideways.

[0050] (Rubber plug with hole 40)

[0051] The perforated rubber stopper 40 is disposed on the downstream side of the filter container 20 and contacts the bottom surface 24 of the filter container 20. The perforated rubber stopper 40 has a through hole 41 that serves as a flow path for the liquid sample passing through the filter 23. The base 31 described above is fitted into the perforated rubber stopper 40.

[0052] (Filtering method using the filtering device 1 of Example 1 (filtering method))

[0053] Figure 2 1 is a flow chart showing a method (filtration method) of filtering using the filtering device of Example 1. Figure 2 , the filtration method of the filtration device 1 of Example 1 is described.

[0054] The user first prepares the suction manifold 50, the perforated rubber plug 40 and the filter fixing fixture 30, and cleans and sterilizes them respectively (step S201). The suction manifold 50 and the perforated rubber plug 40 are preferably scrubbed regularly to reduce the amount of the measured object. For example, if the purpose of the test is bacterial detection, high-pressure steam sterilization or dry heat sterilization is performed, and the filter is set in a clean environment such as a clean bench, and then the filtering operation is performed aseptically. In addition, the base 31 and the pressing member 32 are also scrubbed to prepare the sterilized parts.

[0055] In addition, the user sterilizes the funnel 10 and the filter container 20. The filter body 21 is sterilized in a state where it is housed in the cover 22 (step S202).

[0056] Next, the user prepares a liquid sample (step S203).

[0057] The user sets the perforated rubber plug 40 on the adapter 60 connected to the suction manifold 50 (step S204 ).

[0058] Then, the user fits the upper portion of the rubber stopper 40 into the base fixing portion 33 of the base 31 , thereby fixing the base 31 to the rubber stopper 40 (step S205 ).

[0059] The user inserts the filter container 20 into the filter receiving portion 34 fixed to the base 31 of the rubber stopper 40 and makes it stand upright (step S206). At this moment, the filter container 20 is only placed on the rubber stopper 40, and the upper surface 42 of the rubber stopper 40 and the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 are not airtightly sealed.

[0060] Here, the user screws the pressing member 32 into the base 31 to fix the filter container 20 (step S207). Figure 1 When the filter container 20 is screwed into the external thread processing part 35 of the base 31 (in the Z direction in the middle), the filter support part 37 on the inner upper surface of the pressing member 32 abuts against the upper surface 25 of the filter main body 21. And, when the pressing member 32 is screwed into the base 31, the filter container 20 is pressed vertically downward relative to the rubber plug 40. Through this operation, the filter container 20 is fixed upright, and the airtightness between the upper surface 42 of the rubber plug 40 and the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 is maintained. In addition, when the pressing member 32 presses the filter container 20 excessively on the rubber plug 40, the rubber plug 40 is deformed or damaged. Therefore, in order to limit the pressing distance, it can also be formed into a shape that stops the screwing distance of the pressing member 32 relative to the base 31 at a certain value. The maximum allowable value of the pressing distance (the distance that the filter container 20 is moved in the direction of the rubber plug 40 from the state where the filter container 20 is placed on the upper surface 42 of the rubber plug 40) depends on the hardness of the rubber plug 40, for example, it is preferably within 2 mm.

[0061] In addition, the shape of the flow path of the liquid sample can be cylindrical or other than cylindrical. For example, the shape of the through hole 41 of the rubber plug 40 can be formed into any shape other than cylindrical. The shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet and outlet can also be different. However, in order to maintain airtightness, the contact surface of the cover 22 and the rubber plug 40 needs to be continuous in a manner that surrounds the flow path of the liquid.

[0062] Next, the user connects the sterilized funnel 10 to the upstream side of the filter body 21 (step S208). At this time, since the filter container 20 is fixed upright, the funnel 10 can be kept upright even if the funnel 10 is connected. In addition, the funnel 10 is supported by the funnel support portion 38 on the upper part of the pressing member 32, which also plays a role in stabilizing the upright position of the funnel 10. In the case where the funnel 10 and the filter container 20 are prepared in a pre-combined state, the filter container 20 combined with the funnel 10 is made upright in step S206, which becomes the order of screwing the pressing member 32 relative to the base 31 in step 207, and step S208 is not required.

[0063] The user injects a liquid sample into the upright funnel 10 (step S209 ).

[0064] The suction pump 70 connected to the suction manifold 50 is operated to perform suction filtration on the liquid sample (step S210). When the suction pump 70 is operated, the downstream side of the filter 23 becomes negative pressure, so the liquid in the funnel 10 is removed through the filter body 21, the filter 23, the cover 22, the rubber plug 40 and the adapter 60. As a result, only the particles in the liquid sample and the substances bound to the filter 23 are captured by the filter 23.

[0065] When the suction filtration is completed, the suction pump 70 is stopped (step S211 ).

[0066] Next, the user removes the funnel 10 from the filter body 21 (step S212). At this time, the user fixes the filter fixing fixture 30 (base 31 or pressing member 32) with one hand, and pulls out the funnel 10 in the vertical upward direction (-Z direction) with the other hand. Alternatively, a U-shaped scraper can be inserted between the upper part of the pressing member 32 and the funnel 10, and the funnel 10 can be pushed upward using the lever principle with the upper part of the pressing member 32 as a fulcrum, so as to be removed.

[0067] Next, the user removes the pressing member 32 from the base 31 (step S213 ).

[0068] After that, the user removes the filter container 20 from the base 31 (step S214). Since the filter container 20 is merely placed on the upper surface 42 of the rubber stopper 40, the user can remove the filter container 20 without resistance.

[0069] Analysis is performed to detect substances captured on the filter 23 of the removed filter container 20 (step S215).

[0070] On the other hand, since the base 31 remains fixed to the perforated rubber plug 40, the suction filtration can be repeatedly performed by inserting the next filter container 20 into the filter receiving portion 34, making it stand upright (step S206), and fixing it (step S207). However, if the perforated rubber plug 40 may be contaminated to the extent that it affects the next analysis due to the previous filtration of the liquid sample, the base 31 and the perforated rubber plug 40 are removed and replaced with cleaned parts.

[0071] (Bacteria Detection Method)

[0072] An example of the procedure of using the filtration device 1 of Example 1 in a method of detecting bacteria (bacteria and fungi) from 100 mL of a water sample using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence method will be described below.

[0073] The funnel 10 and the filter container 20 are sterilized in advance. The perforated rubber plug 40, the pressing piece 32, the base 31, the adapter 60 and the suction manifold 50 are also preferably sterilized. The filter 23 with a diameter of 6 mm and a pore size of 0.45 μm is fixed to the bottom surface of the filter body 21. The outer diameter D24 of the cover 22 is 12 mm, the inner diameter D1 of the filter body 21 is 9 mm, and the content of the filter body 21 is 0.8 mL. The outer diameter D12 of the lower front end of the funnel 10 is 9 mm, and it is embedded in the inside of the filter body 21. The inner diameter D11 of the upper part of the funnel 10 is 60 mm, and the height is 60 mm, which can hold 100 mL of liquid. The pore size D41 of the perforated rubber plug 40 is 9 mm, which is smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22 of 12 mm. The inner diameter D31 of the filter housing portion 34 of the base 31 is 13 mm, which is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22 of 12 mm.

[0074] The user inserts the base 31 into the perforated rubber plug 40, inserts the filter container 20 into the filter receiving portion 34 of the base 31, and screws the pressing piece 32 in to fix it. In addition, the user inserts the funnel 10 into the filter body 21 and injects 100 mL of the liquid sample into the funnel 10. When the suction pump 70 is activated, the liquid sample is sucked and filtered. As a result, the bacteria are captured on the filter 23, and the liquid is removed as the filtrate. The user removes the funnel 10 and the pressing piece 32 in order, takes out the filter container 20, adds 400 μL of ATP elimination solution (reagent solution containing ATP degrading enzyme) to the filter 23, and incubates at 37°C to remove the free ATP remaining in the filter 23. The filter container 20 is placed on a microtube for centrifugal filtration, and the ATP elimination solution is removed as the filtrate. The filter body 21 is removed from the filter container 20 and placed in a measuring tube, and 50 μL of extraction solution (reagent solution that destroys the bacteria and removes the ATP in the bacteria) is added to the filter 23. Centrifugal filtration is performed, and the extraction solution is recovered in the measuring tube. ATP luminescent reagent (a reagent solution that uses luciferin-luciferase reaction to cause luminescent reaction) is added to the measuring tube, and ATP is quantified by luminescent measurement. The amount of ATP is proportional to the amount of bacteria in the liquid sample, so the original amount of bacteria can be known. The liquid sample with a volume of 100mL is filtered, the bacteria are concentrated on the filter 23, and ATP is extracted with 50uL of reagent, thereby achieving 2000-fold concentration.

[0075] In the membrane filtration method, which is commonly used as a bacteria detection method, the liquid sample is filtered through a membrane filter with a diameter of 47 mm and a pore size of 0.1 to 0.5 μm, and the bacteria are captured on the filter. Compared with a filter with a diameter of 47 mm, the concentration rate in a filter with a diameter of 6 mm can be increased by about 60 times, and detection can be performed with higher sensitivity.

[0076] Here, an example of bacteria detection by ATP measurement is shown, but the detection object is not limited to ATP. Bacteria can also be detected by detecting substances possessed by bacteria, such as lipids, sugars, proteins, metabolites and other bacteria constituent substances, or by adding substrates to detect the activity of enzymes contained in bacteria. In addition, an example of bacteria detection is shown here, but the detection object is not limited to bacteria. It can also be used for analytical purposes such as detecting organic particles or inorganic particles contained in pure water, pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0077] (Effects of Example 1)

[0078] By using the filter fixing jig 30 of Example 1, the portion where the filter container 20 and the elastic body 40 are hermetically sealed and the portion where the filter container 20 is fixed can be separated. Since the hermetically sealed and fixed portions are not performed at the same portion, there is no friction resistance when the filter container 20 is removed, and the filter container 20 can be easily removed by manual work. As a result, the risk of contamination of the filter 23 of the filter container 20 can be reduced during the removal operation. In addition, by only preparing a new filter fixing jig 30, filtering can be performed using a commercially available suction manifold and a rubber plug using a membrane filter with a small area.

[0079] On the other hand, as an alternative for fixing the filter container 20 and maintaining airtightness, a method is considered in which the inner diameter D41 of the perforated rubber plug 40 is made consistent with the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22, and the filter container 20 is pressed into the through hole 41 of the perforated rubber plug 40, so that the filter container 20 stands upright. In this case, both fixing and airtightness are achieved on the outer side of the cover 22, so it is firmly fixed, but on the other hand, it is difficult to remove the filter container 20 from the rubber plug 40. In the case where the filter container 20 is small, it is particularly difficult to remove it by manual work. In contrast, in the filter device 1 of Example 1, fixing and airtight sealing are performed not on the outer side of the cover 22 but on two horizontal surfaces (bottom surface 24 and upper surface 25) of the filter container 20, thereby making it easy to remove the filter container 20 with a small force. As described above, in Example 1, the filter container 20 can be easily removed by manual work, and the risk of dropping the filter container 20 or contacting the inside and contaminating it can be reduced compared to the conventional case where the filter container 20 needs to be removed with a strong force.

[0080] The horizontal plane (bottom surface 24 and top surface 25) of the filter container 20 refers to a plane having an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the vertical axis (Z direction in the figure) when the filter container 20 is erected. However, as a range in which the pressing member 32 can apply a force in a vertical downward direction to the filter container 20 and the filter container 20 and the elastic body 40 (rubber plug 40) can apply a force to each other in a vertical direction, the horizontal plane (bottom surface 24 and top surface 25) of the filter container 20 is allowed to be within a range of 90±45 degrees with respect to the vertical axis.

[0081] In addition, the opening area of ​​the inlet 11 of the funnel 10 is more than 4 times the opening area of ​​the filter container 20 into which the front end of the funnel 10 is inserted. In Example 1, the filter container 20 can be stably fixed by the filter fixing jig 30, so the funnel 10 with a large opening area and unstable can be stably supported.

[0082] Furthermore, since the diameter D41 of the through hole 41 of the rubber stopper 40 is smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the bottom surface 24 of the filter container 20 , airtightness can be maintained between the inlet periphery of the through hole 41 and the bottom surface 24 .

[0083] Furthermore, by forming the screw-threaded portions 35 and 36 on the base 31 and the pressing member 32 , respectively, and screwing the pressing member 32 into the base 31 , the filter container 20 can be more firmly fixed.

[0084] Furthermore, by providing the funnel support portion 38 on the pressing member 32 , the funnel 10 can be fixed more stably.

[0085] Example 2

[0086] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 2. Figure 3 , the structure of the filter device 2 of Example 2 is described. The same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of Example 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0087] In the first embodiment, the base 31 of the filter fixing jig 30 is fixed to the rubber plug 40, but in the second embodiment, the base 331 is fixed to the auxiliary adapter 350. By fixing the base 331 to the adapter 60, it can be expected that the fixing of the filter container 20 and the funnel 10 is more stable than the case of fixing to the elastic body (rubber plug 40). However, it is difficult to fix the base 331 to the adapter 60 having a tapered cup body with a large diameter at the upper part and a small diameter at the lower part for introducing the rubber plug 40. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the auxiliary adapter 350 is mounted on the cup of the adapter 60. Specifically, the auxiliary adapter 350 is fitted with the base fixing part 333 of the base 331 to fix the base 331 to the auxiliary adapter 350. In addition, the fixing screw 351 can be used to further strengthen the fixing of the base 331 to the auxiliary adapter 350. Alternatively, threads can be processed on both the base fixing part 333 and the auxiliary adapter 350, and they can be fixed by screwing into each other.

[0088] (Effects of Example 2)

[0089] By using the base 331 of the second embodiment, the base 331 can be fixed to the auxiliary adapter 350 without the rubber plug 40 fixed to the elastic body or the adapter 60 with a special shape. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0090] Example 3

[0091] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 3. Figure 4The structure of the filtration device 3 of Example 3 is described. The same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those of Example 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0092] In Example 1, the rubber plug 40 with a hole is attached to the commercially available adapter 60 , but in Example 3, the base 431 is attached to the commercially available adapter 60 .

[0093] First, prepare the suction manifold 50 for filter filtration (see Figure 1 ), the adapter 60 with a cup-shaped front end is installed on the suction manifold 50. The base 431 of Example 3 is preferably made of a material that can be sterilized by dry heat or high pressure steam, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or hard plastic. An O-ring 441 for fixing and airtightness relative to the adapter 60, and an O-ring 442 for airtightness with the cover 22 are installed on the base 431. The material of the O-rings 441 and 442 is also preferably a raw material that can be sterilized by dry heat or high pressure steam, but since the O-rings 441 and 442 are inexpensive, the parts made of sterilizable materials can also be provided in a sterilized state and used once.

[0094] The inner diameter D442 of the O-ring 442 is smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. The inner diameter D434 of the filter housing portion 434 is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. Thus, when the filter container 20 is taken out and put in relative to the filter housing portion 434, the filter container 20 can be easily taken out and put in by hand without friction resistance and without force. The filter container 20 is pressed vertically downward against the O-ring 442 by the filter support portion 37 on the inner upper surface of the pressing member 32, and the filter container 20 is fixed, and the airtightness is maintained between the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 and the O-ring 442.

[0095] (Effects of Example 3)

[0096] In the structure of the third embodiment, the base 431 can be directly fixed to the adapter 60, which is stable. In addition, since the airtight sealing is implemented by using the cheap O-rings 441 and 442, it can be used once, the cleaning operation of the airtight parts can be omitted, and the operation can be simplified. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0097] Example 4

[0098] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 4. Figure 5 , the structure of the filter device 4 of Example 4 is described. The same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of Example 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0099] In Examples 1 to 3, the commercially available adapter 60 was used, but in Example 4, the original adapter 560 was used.

[0100] First, prepare the suction manifold 50 for filter filtration (see Figure 1 ), the adapter 560 of Example 4 is installed on the suction manifold 50. The adapter 560 of Example 4 is made of a hard material such as metal or resin that can be dry-heat sterilized or high-pressure steam sterilized, and an O-ring 561 is installed inside. The inner diameter D561 of the O-ring 561 is smaller than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. The adapter 560 has a filter receiving portion 562, and the inner diameter D562 of the filter receiving portion 562 is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the cover 22. When the filter container 20 is taken out and put in relative to the filter receiving portion 562, the filter container 20 can be easily taken out and put in by hand without friction resistance and without force. The filter container 20 is pressed vertically downward against the O-ring 561 by the filter support portion 37 on the inner upper surface of the pressing member 32, and the filter container 20 is fixed, and the airtightness is maintained between the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 and the O-ring 561.

[0101] (Effects of Example 4)

[0102] In the structure of the fourth embodiment, since the pressing member 32 is directly fixed to the adapter 560, a more stable fixation can be performed. In addition, since the airtight sealing is implemented by using the cheap O-ring 561, it can be used once, the cleaning operation of the airtight component can be omitted, and the operation can be simplified. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0103] In addition, as a variation of the structure of the fourth embodiment, a method of preparing the filter container 20 in a state where the O-ring 561 is joined to the bottom surface of the filter container 20 is also conceivable. If the filter container 20 is joined to the O-ring 561, only the filter container 20 needs to be replaced without the O-ring 561, and the operation can be performed more simply.

[0104] Example 5

[0105] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 5. Figure 6 , the structure of the filter device 5 of Example 5 is described. The same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of Example 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0106] In the fifth embodiment, an example in which the end surface 664 of a silicon tube 661 is kept airtight is described.

[0107] In Example 5, the silicon tube 661 is inserted into the tube adapter 660. The tube fixing member 662 is inserted between the tube adapter 660 and the silicon tube 661 to fix the silicon tube 661. The tube adapter 660 is stably fixed to a fixing stand (not shown). The tube adapter 660 has a filter housing portion 663 that houses the filter container 20.

[0108] The outer diameter D24 of the cover 22 is larger than the inner diameter D661 of the silicon tube 661 and smaller than the outer diameter D662. The end surface 664 of the silicon tube 661 is smooth, and the filter container 20 is pressed vertically downward against the end surface 664 of the silicon tube 661 by the filter support portion 37 on the inner upper surface of the pressing member 32, and the filter container 20 is fixed, and airtightness is maintained between the bottom surface 24 of the cover 22 and the end surface 664 of the silicon tube 661.

[0109] (Effects of Example 5)

[0110] By connecting the opening on the opposite side of the silicon tube 661 to the suction pump 70, suction filtration can be performed. Alternatively, suction filtration can be performed by clamping and squeezing the outer surface of the silicon tube 661 with a peristaltic pump to form a negative pressure in the tube. Regarding the silicon tube 661, a plurality of silicon tubes that have been cleaned, sterilized, etc. are prepared in advance. If they are replaced each time filtration is performed, filtration can always be performed with a clean flow path, which can reduce contamination of the filter container 20 and improve analysis accuracy. In addition, by using a transparent or translucent flow path like the silicon tube 661, the progress of the filtration can be visually confirmed. Other effects are the same as those in Example 1.

[0111] In addition, the material of the silicon tube 661 may be any material having appropriate elasticity for maintaining airtightness, and is not limited to silicon.

[0112] Example 6

[0113] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is a figure which shows an example of the filter fixing jig of Example 6. Figure 7 1 is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing fixture of Example 6, Figure 8 is a stereogram of the filter fixing fixture of Example 6 and Figure 7 The II section view at the II section shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the structure of the filter fixing fixture 730 of Example 6 is described. The same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of Example 1, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0114] The filter fixing fixture 730 of Example 6 is composed of two parts. The filter fixing fixture 730 has a base 731 and a pressing member 732. Figure 1) The base 731 is fixed to the perforated rubber plug 40 of the adapter 760 connected. The base 731 and the pressing member 732 have threads and are engaged with each other. A notch 733 is formed on the outer surface of the pressing member 732 to facilitate the installation and removal of the screws by hand.

[0115] (Effects of Example 6)

[0116] According to the structure of Example 6, the same effect as that of Example 1 can be expected. In addition, by forming the notch 733, the attachment and removal of the pressing piece 732 by manual work are facilitated.

[0117] Example 7

[0118] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 It is a diagram showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 9 1 is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing fixture of Example 7, Fig.10 is a stereogram of the filter fixing fixture of Example 7 and Fig. 9 The II section view at the II section shown. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the structure of the filter fixing fixture 930 of Example 7 is described. The same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of Example 1, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0119] The filter fixing fixture 930 of Example 7 is composed of two parts. The filter fixing fixture 930 has a base 931 and a pressing member 932. Figure 1 ) is mounted on the outside of the adapter 960 connected to the auxiliary adapter 950. A rubber plug 40 with a hole is provided on the inside of the adapter 960. The base 931 is placed on the rubber plug 40 with a hole. The inner diameter D931 of the base 931 is 0.5 to 2 mm larger than the outer diameter D950 of the auxiliary adapter 950. Thus, the base 931 is easy to attach and detach with respect to the auxiliary adapter 950, and by setting the embedding amount of the two to be more than 5 mm, the base 931 can be prevented from swinging sideways.

[0120] The filter container 20 is accommodated in the filter accommodation portion 934 of the base 931. The pressing piece 932 is placed on the base 931. In this state, there is a gap between the upper surface of the base 931 and the lower surface of the pressing piece 932, and the gap is 0.5 mm or more. By clamping the base 931 and the pressing piece 932 with the clamp 970, the filter container 20 is pressed against the perforated rubber plug 40 to form an airtight flow path.

[0121] In addition, if the clamp 970 has a shape that presses the upper surface of the filter container 20 , the filter container 20 can be fixed by the clamp 970 and the base 931 without using the pressing piece 932 .

[0122] (Effects of Example 7)

[0123] According to the structure of Example 7, the same effect as that of Example 2 can be expected. In addition, by using the jig 970, the airtightness between the pressing member 932 and the base 931 can be maintained.

[0124] Example 8

[0125] Fig.11 and Fig.12 It is a diagram showing an example of a filter fixing jig according to the eighth embodiment. Fig.11 1 is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing fixture of Example 8, Fig.12 is a stereogram of the filter fixing fixture of Example 8 and Fig.11 The II section view at the II section shown. Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the structure of the filter fixing fixture 1130 of Example 8 is described. The same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of Example 1, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0126] The filter fixing fixture 1130 (pressing member 1130) of Example 8 is composed of a single component. Figure 1 ) is provided on the inner side of the adapter 60 connected with the filter container 20. The hole diameter D41 of the rubber plug 40 with a hole is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the filter container 20 by more than 0.3 mm. Therefore, there is no friction when the filter container 20 is installed and removed relative to the rubber plug 40 with a hole. In addition, the hole diameter D41 of the rubber plug 40 with a hole is smaller than the outer diameter D1226 of the protrusion 1226 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the filter container 20 by more than 0.5 mm. As a result, the protrusion 1226 is in a state of being hooked on the edge of the hole of the rubber plug 40. In this state, there is a gap between the hole of the rubber plug 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the filter container 20, and the filter container 20 can be tilted to the left and right. Therefore, when the funnel 10 is installed in the filter container 20, the stability of the funnel 10 is insufficient.

[0127] Therefore, in Example 8, the pressing member 1130 is fixed to the rubber plug 40. The pressing member 1130 is formed with a fixing portion 1131 that is embedded in the perforated rubber plug 40. The pressing member 1130 is fixed by the fixing portion 1131 being embedded in the perforated rubber plug 40. At this time, the filter fixing portions 1132 and 1133 inside the pressing member 1130 respectively press the upper surface of the protrusion 1226 of the filter container 20 and the upper surface 25 of the filter container 20 vertically downward, so that the lower surface of the protrusion 1226 and the upper surface of the perforated rubber plug 40 are kept airtight.

[0128] (Effects of Example 8)

[0129] In the eighth embodiment, the protrusion 1226 formed on the filter container 20 can maintain airtightness between the lower surface of the protrusion 1226 and the upper surface of the perforated rubber plug 40. In addition, in the eighth embodiment, the filter container 20 can be fixed only by the pressing piece 1130 (without a base). Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0130] Example 9

[0131] Fig.13 1 is a diagram showing an example of a filtration device according to Example 9. Fig.13 , the structure of the filter device 9 of Example 9 is described. The same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of Example 1, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0132] In Example 9, there is no cover (eg Figure 1 The filter container 1320 of the cover 22) is fixed to the perforated rubber plug 40. The filter fixing fixture 1330 (pressing piece 1330) of Example 9 is a part, and the pressing piece 1330 presses the upper surface of the protrusion 1326 of the filter container 1320 vertically downward, and presses the lower surface of the protrusion 1326 to the upper surface of the perforated rubber plug 40. At this time, the fixing part 1333 of the pressing piece 1330 is embedded in the perforated rubber plug 40. Here, the upper surface and the lower surface of the protrusion 1326 can also have an angle of less than 45° relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical filter container 1320. In addition, the shape of the filter container 1320 is not limited to the cylindrical shape. However, the lower surface of the protrusion 1326 is continuously connected to the opening of the rubber plug 40 and maintained airtight, and it is necessary to be combined with the outlet of the funnel and maintained airtight.

[0133] (Effects of Example 9)

[0134] Thus, the filter container 1320 is fixed. The opening 1332 of the pressing member 1330 does not contact the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320, so the risk of contamination from the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320 can be reduced. In addition, by making the height of the opening 1332 of the pressing member 1330 higher than the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320, the disassembly jig does not contact the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320 when the funnel 10 is disassembled, so the risk of contamination from the opening 1322 of the filter container 1320 can be reduced. Other effects are the same as those of Example 1.

[0135] Example 10

[0136] Fig.14 and Fig.15 It is a figure which shows an example of the filter fixing jig of Example 10. Fig.14 1 is a six-sided view showing an example of a filter fixing fixture of Example 10, Fig.15 is a stereogram of the filter fixing fixture of Example 10 and Fig.14 The II section view at the II section shown. Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the structure of the filter fixing fixture 1430 (pressing member 1430) of Example 10 is described. The same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of Example 1, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0137] The pressing member 1430 of the embodiment 10 is composed of one part. Figure 1 ) is attached to the outside of the adapter 60 connected to the filter container 20. In addition, a perforated rubber plug 40 is provided on the inside of the adapter 60. In addition, the hole diameter D41 of the perforated rubber plug 40 is larger than the outer diameter D24 of the filter container 20 by more than 0.3 mm. Thus, there is no friction when the filter container 20 is attached to and detached from the perforated rubber plug 40. In addition, the hole diameter D41 of the perforated rubber plug 40 is smaller than the outer diameter D1526 of the protrusion 1526 formed on the outer periphery of the filter container 20 by more than 0.5 mm, so that the protrusion 1526 is hooked on the edge of the through hole 41 of the rubber plug 40. In this state, there is a gap between the through hole 41 of the rubber plug 40 and the outer surface of the filter container 20, and the filter container 20 can be tilted to the left and right. Therefore, when the funnel 10 is attached to the filter container 20, the stability of the funnel 10 is insufficient.

[0138] Therefore, in Example 10, the pressing member 1430 is fixed to the auxiliary adapter 1450. The pressing member 1430 is provided with a threaded hole 1431, and the pressing member 1430 is firmly fixed to the auxiliary adapter 1450 by a screw (not shown). At this time, the filter fixing parts 1435 and 1436 inside the pressing member 1430 respectively press the upper surface of the protrusion 1526 of the filter container 20 and the upper surface of the inlet of the filter container 20 vertically downward, and the lower surface of the protrusion 1526 and the upper surface of the perforated rubber plug 40 are kept airtight.

[0139] (Effects of Example 10)

[0140] According to the structure of the tenth embodiment, the filter container 20 is fixed by one operation, and the installation and removal of the filter container 20 become easy. In addition, the pressing member 1430 can be fixed relative to the auxiliary adapter 1450 by screws, so the filter container 20 can be fixed more stably. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0141] (Method for filtration using the filter fixing jig of Examples 9 and 10 (filtration method))

[0142] In Examples 9 and 10, since no substrate is used, the filtration step is as follows. Fig.16 The same steps as those in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0143] That is, after the perforated rubber plug 40 is installed on the suction manifold 50 (S1601), the filter container 20 is inserted into the through hole 41 of the rubber plug 40 and made to stand upright (S1602). Then, the pressing member 1330 or 1440 is installed to fix the filter container 20 (S1603).

[0144] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments are examples described in detail in order to easily explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to having all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of other embodiments, and in addition, the structure of other embodiments can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment. In addition, with respect to a part of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0145] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example of driving the suction pump 70 to perform suction filtration is described, but the present invention is not limited to suction filtration using the suction pump 70, and the liquid sample may be pressurized for filtration or filtered by its own weight.

[0146] Description of Reference Numerals

[0147] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9: Filter device, 10: Funnel, 20: Filter container, 21: Filter body, 22: Cover, 23: Filter, 24: Bottom surface, 25: Top surface, 30, 730, 930, 1130, 1330, 1430: Filter fixing fixture, 31, 331, 431, 731, 931: Base, 32, 732, 932: Pressing piece, 33: Base fixing part, 34, 434, 934: Filter storage part, 35: External thread processing part, 36: Internal thread processing part, 37: Filter support part, 38: Funnel support part, 40: Rubber plug with hole, 41: Through hole, 42: Top surface Surface, 50: suction manifold, 60, 560, 760, 960: adapter, 350, 950, 1450: auxiliary adapter, 70: suction pump, 351: fixing screw, 441, 442, 561: O-ring, 562: filter housing, 660: tube adapter, 661: silicon tube, 662: tube fixing component, 663: filter housing, 664: end surface, 733: notch, 970: clamp, 1126, 1526: protrusion, 1131: fixing part, 1132, 1133, 1435, 1436: filter fixing part, 1332: opening, 1333: fixing part, 1431: threaded hole.

Claims

1. A filtering device for filtering a sample, characterized in that: include: A funnel having an inlet for inserting the sample and an outlet with an opening area smaller than that of the inlet; a cylindrical filter container having an inlet and an outlet that can be coupled to the front end of the funnel including the outlet, and a filter for capturing an object contained in the sample between the inlet and the outlet; an elastic body having a through hole serving as a flow path for the sample having passed through the filter, wherein the periphery of an inlet of the through hole is in contact with the filter container; and a filter fixing jig which abuts against the filter container to support the filter container and presses the filter container against the elastic body, The filter container is pressed against the elastic body by the filter fixing jig, so that the inlet periphery of the through hole of the elastic body is hermetically closed by a contact surface of the filter container corresponding to the inlet periphery.

2. The filtering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening area of ​​the inlet of the funnel is 4 times or more the smaller one of the opening area of ​​the filter container into which the front end of the funnel is inserted and the effective area of ​​the filter.

3. The filtering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact surface of the filter container is a surface having an angle within 90°±45° with respect to a direction in which the filter container is pressed against the elastic body.

4. The filtering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A diameter around the inlet of the through hole of the elastic body is smaller than an outer diameter of the contact surface of the filter container.

5. The filtering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter fixing fixture comprises a pressing piece and a sleeve component for fixing the pressing piece. The pressing member abuts against the filter container to support the filter container and presses the filter container against the elastic body.

6. The filtering device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner circumferential surface or the outer circumferential surface of the pressing member is threaded, and the surface of the sleeve member opposite to the inner circumferential surface or the outer circumferential surface on which the threading is performed is threaded. By screwing the pressing piece into the cover member, the filter container is fixed in a state of being pressed against the elastic body.

7. The filtering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter fixing fixture presses the filter container to within a pressing distance of 2 mm of the elastic body.

8. The filtering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter fixing fixture has a funnel supporting portion that supports the funnel.

9. A filter fixing fixture, wherein a cylindrical filter container provided with a filter for filtering a sample is fixed to an elastic body, the elastic body being arranged on the downstream side of the filter container and having a through hole serving as a flow path for the sample passing through the filter, and the periphery of the inlet of the through hole being in contact with the filter container, the filter fixing fixture comprising: a filter housing portion that houses at least a portion of the filter container; and a filter support portion that abuts against the filter container accommodated in the filter accommodation portion to support the filter container and presses the filter container against the elastic body, The filter support portion presses the filter container against the elastic body, so that the inlet periphery of the through hole of the elastic body is airtightly closed by a contact surface of the filter container corresponding to the inlet periphery.

10. The filter fixing fixture according to claim 9, characterized in that: The contact surface of the filter container is a surface having an angle within 90°±45° with respect to a direction in which the filter container is pressed against the elastic body.

11. The filter fixing fixture according to claim 9, characterized in that: The invention comprises a pressing piece having the filter supporting portion and a sleeve component for fixing the pressing piece.

12. The filter fixing fixture according to claim 11, characterized in that: The inner circumferential surface or the outer circumferential surface of the pressing piece is threaded, and the surface of the sleeve component opposite to the inner circumferential surface or the outer circumferential surface on which the threading is performed is threaded. By screwing the pressing piece into the sleeve component, the filter container is fixed in a state of being pressed relative to the elastomer.

13. The filter fixing fixture according to claim 9, characterized in that: The filter support portion presses the filter container until a pressing distance of the elastic body is within 2 mm.

14. The filter fixing fixture according to claim 9, characterized in that: The filter container further includes a funnel support portion that supports the funnel attached to the filter container.

15. A filtering method, characterized in that: include: The steps of preparing a cylindrical filter container, an elastic body, and a filter fixing jig, wherein the cylindrical filter container has a filter for capturing an object contained in a sample, the elastic body has a through hole serving as a flow path for the sample, and the periphery of the inlet of the through hole is in contact with the filter container, and the filter fixing jig fixes the filter container; The step of making the filter fixing fixture abut against the filter container to support the filter container; The step of pressing the supported filter container against the elastic body to hermetically seal the periphery of the inlet of the through hole of the elastic body using a contact surface of the filter container corresponding to the periphery of the inlet; and The step of placing the sample into the filter container and capturing the object with the filter.

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