Heat transfer device, heating device, and processing device

Abstract

The invention provides a heat transfer device, a heating device and a processing device which can easily and efficiently conduct heat with a sealing part of a container. The heat transfer device (7) is provided with a housing part (45) which can be inserted into and detached from a sealing part (27) of a container (19) in which a sample can be sealed, and which is configured so as to be able to conduct heat with the accommodated sealing part (27), and the housing part (45) is configured so as to be expandable / contractible, and is preloaded in the direction of contraction at least during expansion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a heat transfer device, a heating device and a processing device. Background Art

[0002] A heat transfer device is known that includes a housing portion that can insert and remove a sealing portion of a container that can seal a sample and that can conduct heat to the sealed portion to be housed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-19537 Summary of the invention

[0004] It is preferred that the heat transfer device as described above can transfer heat to the sealing portion of the container as efficiently as possible.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a heat transfer device, a heating device, and a processing device that can easily and efficiently conduct heat to a sealing portion of a container.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0007] [1] A heat transfer device having a housing portion capable of being inserted into and removed from a sealing portion of a container capable of sealing a sample in the container, and configured to conduct heat to the sealed portion to be housed, wherein:

[0008] The housing portion is configured to be expandable / contractable, and is biased in a contraction direction at least when expanding.

[0009] According to such a configuration, the gap between the housing portion and the sealing portion can be reduced, and heat can be easily and efficiently conducted.

[0010] [2] The heat transfer device according to [1], wherein the housing portion is composed of a plurality of divided parts.

[0011] According to this structure, heat can be easily and efficiently conducted to the sealing portion of the container.

[0012] [3] The heat transfer device according to [1] or [2], wherein the housing portion is configured to be expandable / contractable in a predetermined direction different from a direction in which the sealing portion is inserted and removed.

[0013] According to this structure, heat can be conducted more easily and efficiently to the sealing portion of the container.

[0014] [4] A heat transfer device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the housing portion comprises: a first portion configured to accommodate a tapered front end portion of the enclosing portion; and a second portion configured to accommodate a portion of the enclosing portion other than the front end portion.

[0015] The second portion is configured to be expandable / contractable in a predetermined direction different from the insertion and removal direction of the sealing portion, and is biased in a contraction direction at least when expanding.

[0016] According to this structure, heat can be conducted more easily and efficiently to the sealing portion of the container.

[0017] [5] The heat transfer device according to [4], wherein the first portion and the second portion are preloaded in a direction toward each other.

[0018] According to this structure, heat can be conducted more easily and efficiently to the sealing portion of the container.

[0019] [6] The heat transfer device according to [4] or [5], wherein the second portion is formed by a pair of blocks guided by an axis so as to be able to separate from / approach each other in the predetermined direction.

[0020] According to this structure, heat can be conducted more easily and efficiently to the sealing portion of the container.

[0021] [7] The heat transfer device according to [6], wherein the pair of blocks are preloaded by a pair of compression springs through which the shaft passes, at least in a direction in which they approach each other in the prescribed direction when expanding.

[0022] According to this structure, heat can be conducted more easily and efficiently to the sealing portion of the container.

[0023] [8] A heating device comprising: the heat transfer device according to any one of [1] to [7]; and a heating unit capable of heating the heat transfer device.

[0024] According to this structure, heat can be easily and efficiently conducted between the sealing part of the container. In addition, the housing part can be expanded, so it is possible to suppress the sealing part of the container from expanding and biting into the housing part as it is heated.

[0025] [9] A processing device, comprising: the heating device described in [8]; and a conveying device capable of placing and removing the container relative to the heating device.

[0026] According to this structure, heat can be easily and efficiently conducted to the sealing portion of the container.

[0027]

[10] The processing device according to [9], wherein the device has a cooling device capable of configuring and removing the container using the conveying device.

[0028] According to this structure, the sample can be easily cooled after heating.

[0029]

[11] The processing device according to [9] or

[10] , which has a PCR device capable of amplifying nucleic acid.

[0030] According to this structure, nucleic acid extracted from a sample such as a cell can be easily amplified.

[0031]

[12] A processing device according to any one of [9] to

[11] , wherein the device is capable of identifying the type of cells in the sample from which the nucleic acid is extracted by analyzing the nucleic acid.

[0032] According to this configuration, the type of cells in a sample can be easily identified.

[0033] Effects of the Invention

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat transfer device, a heating device, and a processing device that can easily and efficiently conduct heat to a sealing portion of a container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a part of the processing device including the heat transfer device according to the first embodiment in a state before the sealing portion of the container is inserted into the receiving portion.

[0036] Figure 2 It means from Figure 1 The state shown is a perspective view of a state in which the sealing portion of the container is inserted into the receiving portion.

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A-direction view.

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 B view.

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 CC cross-section diagram.

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of part D.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram showing the processing device according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the evaluation results of the bite force.

[0043] Fig. 9 It is a graph showing the evaluation results of the temperature rise rate.

[0044] Fig.10 It is a partially enlarged side view showing the heat transfer device according to the second embodiment.

[0045] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a heat transfer device according to a third embodiment.

[0046] Fig.12 It is a side view showing a heat transfer device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0047] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 EE cross-section diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, in the first embodiment, the processing device 1 has a heating device 2, a conveying device 3, a cooling device 4, a PCR device 5 and an analyzing device 6, the heating device 2 has a heat transfer device 7 and a heating part 8, the conveying device 3 has a container holding part 9 and a moving mechanism 10, the container holding part 9 has a first plate 11 and a second plate 12, the heat transfer device 7 has a first block part 13, a second block part 14, a block support part 15, a first pre-tightening part 16, the second block part 14 has a plurality of (4) block pairs 17, and the block pair 17 is composed of a pair of blocks 18. In addition, the number of block pairs 17 is not limited to 4 and can be appropriately set. In this embodiment, the heating device 2, the conveying device 3 and the cooling device 4 constitute a nucleic acid extraction device.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the container 19 has a container body 20 and an opening and closing cover 21. The container body 20 has an alignment portion 22 and a plurality of (4) main body portions 23 respectively connected to the alignment portion 22. In addition, the number of the main body portions 23 is not limited to 4 and can be set appropriately. The opening and closing cover 21 has: a plate portion 24, which can be aligned with the alignment portion 22; and a plug body 25, which is provided corresponding to each main body portion 23. The plug body 25 has a sealing portion 26. The portion of the main body portion 23 that can seal the sample constitutes a sealing portion 27. The sealing portion 27 has a front end portion 28 with a tapered front end. The container 19 is made of resin, for example.

[0051] like Figure 1 to Figure 4As shown, the block support portion 15 has a support body portion 29, an axial body portion 30, a second preload portion 31, and an adjustment portion 32. The support body portion 29 is composed of a pair of support bodies 33. The axial body portion 30 is composed of a pair of axial bodies 34. The block pair 17 has a pair of axial body passing portions 35. The axial body passing portion 35 is composed of a pair of through holes 36. The pair of through holes 36 is composed of a through hole 36 that allows one block 18 of the block pair 17 to pass through, and a through hole 36 that allows the other block 18 of the block pair 17 to pass through. The second preload portion 31 has a spring preload portion 37 provided corresponding to each axial body passing portion 35. The spring preload portion 37 has a compression spring pair 38 and a gasket pair 39. The compression spring pair 38 is composed of a pair of compression springs 40, and the gasket pair 39 is composed of a pair of gaskets 41. The adjustment portion 32 has an adjustment body 42 provided between the spring preload portions 37 adjacent to each other. The adjustment body 42 has a slider 43 and a fixing screw 44. In addition, the support body portion 29 is not limited to a structure composed of a pair of support bodies 33, and may be a structure composed of a single support body 33.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the block pair 17 forms a part of a plurality of (8) receiving portions 45. In addition, the number of receiving portions 45 corresponding to the block pair 17 is not limited to 8, and can be appropriately set. The receiving portion 45 is configured to enable insertion and removal of the enclosing portion 27. In addition, the receiving portion 45 is composed of a plurality of (3) divided parts. More specifically, the receiving portion 45 has a first portion 46 and a second portion 47, the first portion 46 is formed by the first block portion 13, and the second portion 47 is formed by the block pair 17, more specifically, it is composed of a pair of divided parts, one portion is formed by one block 18, and the other portion is formed by another block 18. The first portion 46 is configured to be able to accommodate the front end portion 28 of the enclosing portion 27, and the second portion 47 is configured to be able to accommodate the portion of the enclosing portion 27 other than the front end portion 28.

[0053] The shaft body 34 extends along a predetermined direction, i.e., a first direction, which is different (perpendicular) from the insertion and removal direction of the sealing portion 27 relative to the receiving portion 45. More specifically, the shaft body 34 is formed in a rod shape with the first direction as the length direction. Therefore, the block pair 17 is guided by the shaft body portion 30 in a manner that allows them to separate from / approach each other in the first direction. Therefore, the second portion 47 can expand / contract in the first direction. In addition, the first direction is not limited to a direction perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction, as long as it is a direction different from the insertion and removal direction.

[0054] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the first pre-tightening portion 16 has spring pre-tightening portions 48 respectively provided corresponding to the two ends of each block 18 in the second direction. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to both the insertion and disengagement direction and the first direction. The spring pre-tightening portion 48 has a tension spring 51 hung between a spring hooking portion 49 of the block 18 and a spring hooking portion 50 of the first block portion 13. In addition, each block 18 is formed into a strip parallel to the second direction, but is not limited thereto, and can be formed into a strip-shaped structure extending obliquely relative to the second direction.

[0055] For convenience of explanation, the insertion and removal direction is also referred to as the up-down direction, the direction from the first portion 46 toward the second portion 47 along the insertion and removal direction is referred to as the up direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the down direction. The up direction is usually the same as the vertical up direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first plate 11 has insertion holes 52 provided corresponding to the respective receiving portions 45. The insertion holes 52 are configured so that the main body 23 of the container 19 can pass therethrough, while the alignment portion 22 and the opening and closing cover 21 cannot pass therethrough. The container 19 is arranged on the first plate 11, and the upper surface of the opening and closing cover 21 is pressed by the lower surface of the second plate 12, so that the container 19 is held in the container holding portion 9 in a sealed state of the sealed portion 27 of the container 19. The second plate 12 is configured so as to be relatively movable (rotational, parallel movement, etc., the moving method is not particularly limited) relative to the first plate 11 between an open position where the container 19 can be arranged on the first plate 11 and a closed position where the sealed state of the sealed portion 27 of the container 19 can be maintained. By moving the container holding portion 9 to a setting position relative to the heating device 2 by the conveying device 3, each insertion hole 52 is arranged just above the corresponding receiving portion 45, and as a result, each sealed portion 27 is accommodated in the corresponding receiving portion 45. The transport device 3 can insert and remove each sealing portion 27 in the insertion and removal direction with respect to the corresponding housing portion 45 (can be inserted into or removed from).

[0057] The first block portion 13 and the second block portion 14 (a plurality of block pairs 17) are respectively formed of a desired material having a high thermal conductivity, such as metal, and can conduct heat to the enclosing portion 27 (a portion of the main body 23 that can enclose a sample) contained in the containing portion 45. The first block portion 13 can be heated by the heating portion 8, and the heat of the first block portion 13 is conducted to the front end portion 28 of the enclosing portion 27 via the first portion 46 of the containing portion 45 (the surface of the bottom portion of the recess) and heated. The second block portion 14 can conduct the heat conducted from the first block portion 13 to the second block portion 14 via the second portion 47 of the containing portion 45 (the surface of the upper portion of the recess) to the portion of the enclosing portion 27 other than the front end portion 28 and heat it. The heating portion 8 can heat the first block portion 13 to a temperature corresponding to the application. The heat source of the heating portion 8 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an electric heating wire, an electric heating element, a contact or non-contact heater, or the like. The heating unit 8 may be built into the first block 13, may be provided in contact with the outer surface of the first block 13, or may be provided separately from the first block 13. For example, a heating wire, a heating element, a heater, etc. may be assembled in the first block 13.

[0058] The first block portion 13 has a planar upper surface perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction, and is formed into an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the first direction and the second direction. The second block portion 14 has a planar lower surface perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction, and is formed into an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the first direction and the second direction. A plurality of (4) block pairs 17 constituting the second block portion 14 are arranged in the first direction, and a pair of blocks 18 constituting the block pair 17 are arranged in the first direction. A plurality of (8) receiving portions 45 corresponding to the block pair 17 are arranged in the second direction.

[0059] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the spring hook portion 49 of the block 18 corresponding to each spring pre-tensioning portion 48 (tension spring 51) is composed of a columnar body protruding in the second direction from the end of the block 18 in the second direction. In addition, the shape of the spring hook portion 49 of the block 18 is not limited to a columnar body and can be appropriately set. The spring hook portion 50 of the first block portion 13 corresponding to each spring pre-tensioning portion 48 (tension spring 51) is composed of a columnar body protruding in the second direction from the end of the first block portion 13 in the second direction. In addition, the shape of the spring hook portion 50 of the first block portion 13 is not limited to a columnar body and can be appropriately set. The first pre-tensioning portion 16 is used to pre-tighten the first block portion 13 and the second block portion 14 in a direction close to each other in the insertion and disengagement direction. As a result, the upper surface of the first block portion 13 and the lower surface of the second block portion 14 are further tightly attached to each other, which can efficiently conduct heat. Furthermore, the first pre-tightening portion 16 is not limited to the insertion and disengagement direction, and any structure is sufficient as long as it pre-tightens the first block portion 13 and the second block portion 14 in a direction that brings the first block portion 13 and the second block portion 14 closer to each other. The direction in which the first block portion 13 and the second block portion 14 approach each other is different from the first direction (in this embodiment, it is a direction perpendicular to the first direction, but it is not limited to this).

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the second block portion 14 is arranged between a pair of support bodies 33 in the first direction. The block pair 17 has a shaft body passing portion 35 at one end in the second direction and another shaft body passing portion 35 at the other end in the second direction. One shaft body 34 passes through each shaft body passing portion 35, each spring preload portion 37, and each adjustment body 42 (slider 43) provided at one end in the second direction of the second block portion 14, and both ends of the shaft body 34 are fixed to the support body 33. Another shaft body 34 passes through each shaft body passing portion 35, each spring preload portion 37, and each adjustment body 42 (slider 43) provided at the other end in the second direction of the second block portion 14, and both ends of the shaft body 34 are fixed to the support body 33.

[0061] The shaft passage 35 can be formed to have a sufficient size relative to the shaft 34. Thus, each block 18 constituting the second block portion 14 can move without being hindered from moving by the friction force generated between the shaft 34 and the shaft passage 35, and can move under the preload force of the spring preload portion 37.

[0062] In addition, as described above, each block 18 is preloaded by the spring preload portion 48 in a direction approaching the first block portion 13. However, when the container 19 is removed from the heating device 2, a bite force is generated between the container 19 and the heating device 2, and sometimes at least a portion of the second block portion 14 is subjected to a bite force in a direction of separation from the first block portion 13. And, by using the bite force acting on at least one block 18, when the force acting in the direction of separating the block from the first block portion 13 is not greater than the force acting on the block 18 in the direction approaching the first block portion 13 by the spring preload portion 48, the block 18 may be separated from the first block portion 13. In addition, when the force based on the bite force is larger, for example, the block 18 may climb onto other blocks, and there is a possibility that the receiving portion 45 is not formed by a pair of blocks 18.

[0063] By utilizing this bite force, even when at least a portion of the second block portion 14 is separated from the first block portion 13, each block 18 will not move by an amount greater than or equal to the amount of the gap between the shaft body passing portion 35 provided in each block 18 and the shaft body 34, for example, it is possible to reliably prevent at least one block 18 from moving onto the other blocks 18 as described above, resulting in a state where the receiving portion 45 is not formed by a pair of blocks 18. That is, the shaft body passing portion 35 and the shaft body 34 can be configured to also function as a limiting portion that limits the amount of movement of the second block portion 14 in the insertion and removal direction relative to the first block portion 13.

[0064] In addition, such a limiting portion may be provided as a structure provided separately from the aforementioned shaft 34 and the shaft passing portion 35 (hole or slot). The configuration of the limiting portion in this case is not particularly limited, and may be provided at both ends of the second direction of each block 18 constituting the second block portion 14, or may be provided at other portions.

[0065] A pair of washers 41 of the spring preload portion 37 is arranged on both sides of the corresponding shaft body passing portion 35 in the first direction. A pair of compression springs 40 of the spring preload portion 37 is arranged on both sides of the corresponding shaft body passing portion 35 and the washers 39 in the first direction. The inner diameter of the washers 41 is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the shaft body 34, and the washers 41 can move freely on the shaft body 34. In addition, the inner diameter of the washers 41 is sufficiently smaller than the inner diameter of the compression spring 40, and the outer diameter of the washers 41 is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the compression spring 40, so that the compression spring 40 is inhibited from entering the shaft body passing portion 35. The slider 43 is configured to be fixed to the shaft body 34 by the fixing screw 44. In addition, the slider 43 can support the end of the compression spring 40 in the first direction. The slider 43 can be fixed to the shaft body 34 after adjusting the position of the slider 43 in the first direction, so that the balance of the preload force of the spring preload portions 37 adjacent to each other in the first direction can be adjusted.

[0066] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the pair of blocks 18 are guided by the shaft 34 in a manner that allows them to separate from each other and approach each other in the first direction, and are preloaded in a direction of approaching each other in the first direction by the compression spring pair 38. Therefore, when the diameter of the enclosing portion 27 accommodated in the accommodating portion 45 is larger than the diameter when the pair of blocks 18 are in contact with each other in the first direction, i.e., the minimum size of the second portion 47 of the accommodating portion 45, due to fluctuations in the manufacturing of the container 19, as the enclosing portion 27 is inserted into the accommodating portion 45, the enclosing portion 27 resists the preload force of the second preload portion 31 in the first direction and presses the second portion 47 of the accommodating portion 45, so that the second portion 47 of the accommodating portion 45 can be expanded in the first direction. In addition, in a case where the diameter of the enclosing portion 27 accommodated in the accommodating portion 45 becomes larger than the minimum size of the second portion 47 of the accommodating portion 45 due to the expansion of the enclosing portion 27 as it is heated, the second portion 47 of the accommodating portion 45 can be expanded in the first direction by using the enclosing portion 27 to resist the preload force of the second preload portion 31 in the first direction.

[0067] Therefore, even when the diameter of the housing portion 45 is made the largest due to fluctuations in the manufacture of the sealing portion 27, and further the largest due to the expansion of the heated sealing portion 27 itself and the increase in the vapor pressure of the liquid inside the sealing portion 27, the sealing portion 27 can be inserted into the housing portion 45, and it is not necessary to set the diameter of the housing portion 45 to a larger size in a manner that can prevent the sealing portion 27 from biting into the second portion 47 of the housing portion 45 (i.e., adhering) and being difficult to remove from the housing portion 45. Therefore, even when the diameter of the housing portion 27 becomes the smallest due to fluctuations in the manufacture of the sealing portion 27, the gap between the housing portion 45 and the sealing portion 27 can be reduced in the state before the expansion occurs before heating, and as a result, heat can be easily and efficiently conducted to the sealing portion 27.

[0068] Preferably, the sliding surface between the first block portion 13 and the second block portion 14 has a coating capable of reducing sliding resistance. Such a coating can be provided on both or one of the upper surface of the first block portion 13 and the lower surface of the second block portion 14. The coating can be formed, for example, by electroless Ni-P / PTFE composite plating in which PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) particles are dispersed in a nickel metal coating. In addition, in order to suppress bite, it is preferred that the sliding surface between the enclosing portion 27 and the housing portion 45 has a coating capable of reducing sliding resistance in the housing portion 45. The coating can be formed, for example, by electroless Ni-P / PTFE composite plating.

[0069] In the case of coating such as plating, only specific parts are coated, or only specific parts are not coated, and it is necessary to perform masking and other processes during coating, which becomes complicated. It is preferred that the block 18 reduces the sliding resistance on the sliding surface with other parts, so that the entire block 18 can be coated. When the entire block 18 is coated, it is sometimes impossible to coat the parts that hold the block 18 during the coating process. In this case, it is preferred to provide a non-coated part except for the sliding surface between the block 18 and other parts.

[0070] In consideration of the bite suppression of the enclosed portion 27 and the heat conduction efficiency between the second portion 47 of the housing portion 45 and the enclosed portion 27, the compression load of the compression spring 40 is preferably set to, for example, 0.5 to 1 N. In consideration of the bite suppression of the enclosed portion 27 and the heat conduction efficiency between the first block portion 13 and the second block portion 14, the tension load of the tension spring 51 is preferably set to, for example, 0.5 to 1 N.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the first part 46 of the housing portion 45 preferably has a tapered surface 53 in the shape of a downward conical surface opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion 28 of the enclosing portion 27 in the shape of a downward conical surface. In addition, in this case, it is preferred that the inclination of the tapered surface 53 relative to the insertion and disengagement direction is greater than the inclination of the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion 28 of the enclosing portion 27 relative to the insertion and disengagement direction at a predetermined angle θ. The predetermined angle θ is, for example, 1°. In addition, it is preferred that the upper end edge of the tapered surface 53 has a chamfered portion 54 throughout the entire circumference. The chamfered portion 54 is preferably formed by a chamfered (R) surface having a curvature radius R of, for example, greater than or equal to 0.4 mm. By utilizing both or one of the above-mentioned inclination of the tapered surface 53 and the above-mentioned chamfered portion 54, it is possible to suppress the bite of the enclosing portion 27 relative to the first part 46 of the housing portion 45 caused by fluctuations in the manufacturing of the container 19, expansion of the enclosing portion 27 due to heating, and the like.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, according to the heating device 2 of this embodiment, the bite force can be greatly reduced. The bite refers to the phenomenon that a part of the container 19 is tightly attached to the storage portion 45 of the heating device 2, and resistance is generated when the container 19 is taken out even though the container 19 is to be taken out in the opening direction of the storage portion 45. In addition, similar to the bite force, it is the resistance generated when the container 19 is to be taken out in the opening direction of the storage portion 45 due to the bite. As test conditions, the temperature of the heat transfer device 7 is set to about 160°C, the container 19 is made of resin, and the amount of liquid in the sealing portion 27 is set to 40μL. In order to suppress the fluctuation of the evaluator's operation, the insertion and removal of the container 19 were operated and evaluated via a push-pull strain gauge installed on the tensile testing machine. As a result, the push-pull strain gauge can be used to evaluate the resistance when the container 19 is taken out from the storage portion 45. As a result, as shown in Figure 8Thus, in the case of the conventional receiving portion 45 (a recessed portion provided in an integral block body), the engaging force is 80 to 90N, whereas in the case of the receiving portion 45 of the present embodiment, the engaging force can be reduced to approximately 5N.

[0073] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown, according to the heating device 2 of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve heat transfer equivalent to that of the above-mentioned current receiving portion 45. As test conditions, the temperature of the heat transfer device 7 is set to about 160°C, the container 19 is made of resin, and the amount of liquid in the sealing portion 27 is set to 40μL. In this test, a small hole is opened in the upper part of the container 19 and a sheathed thermocouple of Φ0.5mm is inserted from the upper part of the container 19. The hole is sealed with an adhesive, and the temperature is measured using the test container 19 that can measure the temperature of the liquid inside the container 19. The temperature detection part at the front end of the sheathed thermocouple is adjusted in position so as to become the center of the liquid sealed in the container 19, and is fixed with the adhesive, thereby being able to measure the temperature of the center of the liquid. The measured temperature is shown with 160°C, the final temperature reached, being set as 100%, and 25°C, the temperature at the start of the test, being set as 0%.

[0074] In addition, regarding the current receiving portion 45 (the recessed portion provided in the integral block), a case where the gap with the sealing portion 27 is increased to 0.2 mm is shown as a comparative example. Here, the gap between the receiving portion 45 (the recessed portion provided in the integral block) and the sealing portion 27 without increasing the gap is set to 0.05 mm, and the shape of the recessed portion of the receiving portion 45 of the present embodiment is also formed to be the same as the case where the gap with respect to the sealing portion 27 is set to 0.05 mm. In the comparative example, the bite is suppressed, but the result is that the temperature rise is delayed by about ten seconds compared with the case where the gap of the current receiving portion 45 is set to 0.05 mm or the case where the receiving portion 45 of the present embodiment is used.

[0075] Based on this result, it can be seen that with respect to the current structure of the housing portion 45, if the gap relative to the sealing portion 27 is enlarged in order to prevent biting, a compromise relationship occurs in which the heating performance deteriorates. With respect to the structure of this embodiment, regardless of the size of the gap between the housing portion 45 and the sealing portion 27, biting can be prevented and the heating performance can be ensured, and a compromise effect that exceeds the prior art can be obtained.

[0076] In addition, as described above, the structure of this embodiment can achieve the above effect regardless of the size of the gap between the receiving portion 45 and the sealing portion 27. Therefore, regardless of whether the size of the receiving portion 45 or the sealing portion 27 changes, the above effect can be achieved in the same manner. That is, the receiving portion 45 is also manufactured by cutting, casting, die-casting, etc., so the size actually changes. Therefore, the size also changes between different devices, such as Figure 1 As shown, the dimensions of the plurality of receiving parts 45 disposed in the heat transfer device 7 vary. Therefore, regarding the structure of the receiving part 45 in the prior art, the plurality of receiving parts 45 disposed in the heat transfer device 7 also vary in bite force and temperature rise performance between devices or within a device.

[0077] Here, in the case of fluctuations between devices, the fluctuations can be reduced by adjusting each device at the time of shipment and startup. However, it is impossible to reduce the fluctuations generated by each of the multiple receiving sections 45 configured in the heat transfer device 7. In addition, in order to prevent the sample engaged with the container 19 from being mixed with the next sample when the next sample is processed, the container 19 for heating the sample using the present device preferably uses a new container 19 for each sample, and it is preferably made of resin by injection molding or the like. Therefore, dimensional fluctuations occur in the container 19 and its sealing section 27, and dimensional fluctuations also occur in each container 19, or in the same container 19, for each of the multiple sealing sections 27 continuously provided in the container 19. As a result, fluctuations in the engaging force and the temperature rise performance may occur in each container 19, or in the multiple sealing sections 27 continuously provided in the container 19.

[0078] For example, when extracting nucleic acids from microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, etc.) by the method disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5624487, it is necessary to heat the cell suspension to a specified temperature in order to extract nucleic acids. If the heating time is too long, the extracted nucleic acids are broken into lengths less than or equal to the desired length. For example, when using the extracted nucleic acids for analysis, sometimes the analysis is hindered by the breaking into lengths less than or equal to the desired length. In the worst case, false positives and false negatives may occur, leading to erroneous judgments. Even if the dimensions of the receiving portion 45, the container 19, and the sealing portion 27 fluctuate, such erroneous judgments can be suppressed by the structure of this embodiment, which can suppress fluctuations in the bite force and heating performance and can heat up to a specified temperature within a specified time.

[0079] In addition, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-19537 shows the following structure, that is, heating can be performed in PCR amplification that reacts at a temperature less than or equal to the boiling point. Therefore, if the original structure is used in the process of extracting nucleic acids from bacteria and fungi in a high-temperature state exceeding the boiling point in the container and a high-pressure state based on the saturated vapor pressure in the high-temperature state, especially when the container is made of resin, the expansion of the resin container caused by the saturated vapor pressure causes the container wall to bite into the heating block, and it is possible that the resin container cannot be pulled up from the heating block after a certain period of heating treatment. In addition, if the resin container is to be lifted up by force, there is also the possibility that the resin container itself will break due to the friction between the resin container and the heating block, and if an actuator is used for pulling up, an excessive load will be applied to them, thereby causing the possibility of breakage and abnormal heating in the worst case, and the possibility that the surrounding mechanism parts are also involved and cause large abnormal noise, impact, or damage. In addition, in order to prevent biting into the heating block, it is also considered to increase the gap with the container to form a block shape that does not bite the container. However, in this case, the contact between the resin container and the heating block is reduced. As a result, the internal temperature of the sample in the container rises with lag, and the expected amount of nucleic acid may not be extracted.

[0080] like Figure 7 As shown, the transport device 3 can move the container holding portion 9 in the insertion and removal direction, the first direction, and the second direction, for example, and can move the container holding portion 9 to the heating device 2, the cooling device 4, the PCR device 5, and the analysis device 6 in sequence by using a control device such as a computer or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). That is, the transport device 3 is configured to be able to arrange and remove the container 19 with respect to the heating device 2, the cooling device 4, the PCR device 5, and the analysis device 6, respectively. In addition, the transport device 3 can be configured to be able to move the container holding portion 9 in parallel with the insertion and removal direction, the first direction, and the second direction, respectively, and can be configured to be able to move the container holding portion 9 by movement accompanying the rotation.

[0081] The heating device 2 heats the heat transfer device 7 by causing the heating portion 8 to heat the heat transfer device 7 under computer control, thereby being able to heat the sealing portion 27 contained in the containing portion 45 by heat conduction from the containing portion 45. The cooling device 4 is configured to be able to cool the sealing portion 27. The PCR device 5 is configured to be able to amplify the nucleic acid sealed in the sealing portion 27. The analyzing device 6 is configured to be able to analyze the nucleic acid sealed in the sealing portion 27 by, for example, using fluorescence, and identify the type of cells in the sample from which the nucleic acid is extracted.

[0082] According to this processing device 1, a cell suspension is used as a sample, and the sealing part 27 is heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the boiling point of the sample (e.g., 100 to 160° C.) by the heating device 2, thereby at least partially destroying the cells, and nucleic acid can be extracted from the cell suspension in the sealing part 27. After the sealing part 27 is cooled to an appropriate temperature by the cooling device 4, it can be arranged in the PCR device 5 and the nucleic acid can be amplified, and the nucleic acid can be analyzed by the analysis device 6 to identify the type of cells such as bacteria and fungi in the sample.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the first preload portion 16 uses the tension spring 51, but it may also be Fig.10 As shown in the second embodiment, the first preload portion 16 is configured to use a compression spring 55 instead of the tension spring 51. In the second embodiment, the first preload portion 16 replaces the spring preload portion 48 with a spring preload portion 56 provided corresponding to both ends of each block pair 17 in the second direction.

[0084] The spring preload portion 56 includes a pressing member 57, a pair of mounting screws 58, and a pair of compression springs 55. The pressing member 57 is formed in a shape in which the middle portion 59 in the first direction is offset upwards compared to the two end portions 60, and each of the two end portions 60 includes a screw passage portion 61 for the mounting screw 58 to pass through in the insertion and disengagement direction. The mounting screw 58 includes a shaft portion 62 and a head portion 63 with a larger diameter than the shaft portion 62. The front end portion of the shaft portion 62 is screwed into and fixed to the first block portion 13 in a state where the front end portion of the shaft portion 62 is directed downward and the shaft portion 62 passes through the corresponding compression spring 55 and the screw passage portion 61. The compression spring 55 applies a preload force in a direction of separating the lower surface of the head portion 63 of the mounting screw 58 and the upper surface of the screw passage portion 61 of the pressing member 57.

[0085] The ends of a pair of blocks 18 in the second direction respectively have protrusions 64 that abut against the lower surface of the middle portion 59 of the pressing member 57 in a manner that allows sliding in the first direction. The lower surfaces of the two end portions 60 of the pressing member 57 are maintained in a state of being separated by a predetermined gap from the upper surface of the first block portion 13. Therefore, in the case of the second embodiment, the first pre-tightening portion 16 is also used to pre-tighten the first block portion 13 and the second block portion 14 in a direction that approaches each other in the insertion and disengagement direction, and as a result, heat can be efficiently conducted between the first block portion 13 and the second block portion 14. In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, the same component as the compression spring 40 of the second pre-tightening portion 31 can also be used in the first pre-tightening portion 16 to suppress the burden and cost of component management.

[0086] In the first embodiment, if Figure 6As shown, the first portion 46 of the receiving portion 45 is formed in a shape with a closed bottom, but it may also be formed as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As in the third embodiment shown in the figure, a structure is formed in which a passage 65 having a diameter of, for example, 1 mm is provided at the bottom of the first portion 46 of the receiving portion 45. According to this structure, for example, when the sealing portion 27 does not reach the lowest part of the receiving portion 45, vacuum suction is performed through the passage 65, thereby reaching the lowest part. In addition, for example, when the container 19 is separated from the receiving portion 45, pressurized gas can be supplied from the passage 65 to assist in separation. In addition, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple can be provided in the passage 65 and used for temperature measurement. In addition, for example, a positioning pin can be provided in the passage 65 for positioning relative to other components such as the heating portion 8.

[0087] In the first embodiment, the second portion 47 of the housing portion 45 is formed by the block pair 17 guided by the shaft 34 so as to be able to separate from and approach each other in the first direction, for example. Figure 12-13 As shown in the fourth embodiment, the second portion 47 of the accommodating portion 45 can be formed into the following structure, that is, the second portion 47 of the accommodating portion 45 is constructed to be able to expand / contract in a predetermined direction (vertical) different from the insertion and removal direction of the sealing portion 27, that is, a third direction, so that the second portion 47 of the accommodating portion 45 is formed by an integral block 66 in a manner that is pre-tightened in the contraction direction at least when expanded.

[0088] In the fourth embodiment, the housing portion 45 includes: a first portion 46 configured to accommodate the tapered front end portion 28 of the enclosing portion 27; and a second portion 47 configured to accommodate the portion of the enclosing portion 27 other than the front end portion 28, the second portion 47 being composed of a pair of portions divided in the third direction. The pair of portions are each formed into a semi-cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction, and as a whole, are formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. Here, in Fig.12 The example in which the cylindrical wall is vertical is shown in FIG. Figure 5 , Fig.11 As shown, the cylindrical wall surface may not be vertical but may have a taper angle. The bite force can be further reduced by setting the taper angle.

[0089] The circumferential ends of each of the pair of parts are connected to the block body 68 via the elastic portion 67. Between the block body 68 and each of the pair of parts, there is a gap to the extent that the pair of parts can be separated from each other in the third direction by the elastic deformation of the elastic portion 67. According to this structure, the receiving portion 45 can also be formed as the following structure, that is, it is configured to be able to expand / contract and be pre-tightened in the contraction direction at least when expanding. Here, it can be configured in the following manner, that is, the enclosed portion 27 is not inserted into the receiving portion 45, and the size of the contraction of the receiving portion 45 is smaller than the enclosed portion 27, so that if the enclosed portion 27 is inserted into the receiving portion 45, the receiving portion 45 expands. Therefore, when the enclosed portion 27 is inserted into the receiving portion 45, the receiving portion 45 expands and is pre-tightened in the contraction direction, so that it can be pre-tightened in the direction of pressing the enclosed portion 27, and the gap between the receiving portion 45 and the enclosed portion 27 can be reduced and heat can be easily and efficiently conducted, and the bite of the enclosed portion 27 can be suppressed.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, the elastic portion 67 connected to one part of the second portion 47 and the elastic portion 67 connected to the other part of the second portion 47 are arranged at positions opposite to each other in the circumferential direction, but are not limited thereto and may be arranged at positions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. In addition, a structure may be formed in which the elastic portion 67 is separately provided and mounted to both the block body 68 and the second portion 47. The number of the receiving portions 45 provided in the block body 66 is not limited to the 16 shown in the figure and may be set appropriately.

[0091] The following structure may be formed, that is, the elastic portion 67 is integrally provided and installed with respect to one of the block body 68 and the second portion 47 and is separately provided and installed with respect to the other. In addition, the elastic portion 67 may be formed as a structure provided at least in a part of the divided second portion 47. For example, in the case of a structure in which the second portion 47 is divided into two, one of the divided second portions 47 may be formed as a structure fixed to the block body 68, and the other of the divided second portions 47 may be formed as a structure connected to the block body 68 via the elastic portion 67. In the case of such a structure, the second portion 47 connected to the block body 68 via the elastic portion 67 presses the enclosing portion 27, and the position of the second portion 47 connected to the block body 68 via the elastic portion 67 moves to a position along the enclosing portion 27 due to the fluctuation of the shapes of the second portion 47 and the enclosing portion 27. On the other hand, the second portion 47 fixed to the block body 68 is not moved, and the second portion 47 connected to the block body 68 via the elastic portion 67 receives a force pressing the enclosed portion 27. Therefore, the enclosed portion 27 is pressed by the second portion 47 connected to the block body 68 via the elastic portion 67 and the second portion 47 fixed to the block body 68, and the gap between the receiving portion 45 and the enclosed portion 27 can be reduced as described above, so that heat can be easily and efficiently conducted and the bite of the enclosed portion 27 can be suppressed.

[0092] In addition, the sealing portion 27 is positioned by the second portion 47 fixed to the block body 68, so that the position change can be suppressed compared to the case where the entire second portion 47 is connected to the block body 68 via the elastic portion 67. As described above, for example, when the container 19 is moved by the conveying device 3 controlled by the control device, the position of the container 19 is important when the container 19 is arranged and removed relative to the heating device 2 and the cooling device 4. Therefore, it is advantageous that a part of the container 19, that is, the sealing portion 27, is positioned relative to the heating device 2 and the cooling device 4 when the container is conveyed.

[0093] Here, the lower part of the heat transfer device 7 of the aforementioned embodiment is divided into a first block portion 13, and the upper part is divided into a second block portion 14. There is a receiving portion 45 (second portion 47) divided into two parts in the second block portion 14, and there is one receiving portion 45 (first portion 46) in the first block portion 13, showing the first to fourth embodiments in which the receiving portion is divided into three.

[0094] However, the heat transfer device 7 of the above-mentioned embodiment is not limited to the structure in which the receiving portion 45 is divided into three parts, and although not shown in the figure, it can also be formed into a structure in which the receiving portion 45 is divided into two parts. That is, it can be formed into a structure in which the receiving portion 45 (first part 46) provided in the first block part 13 is not used, and the receiving portion 45 (second part 47) divided into two parts of the second block part 14 is not only the sealing part 27 of the container 19, but also can accommodate the front end part 28. In this case, the first block part 13 can be used instead of being used, and the first block part 13 without the receiving portion 45 (first part 46) can be used.

[0095] Similarly in the case of the fifth embodiment, the accommodating portion 45 can be formed into a structure that is capable of expansion / contraction and is pre-tightened in the contraction direction at least when expanding, thereby reducing the gap between the accommodating portion 45 and the sealing portion 27 and the front end portion 28, easily and efficiently conducting heat, and inhibiting the biting of the sealing portion 27.

[0096] In the case of the fifth embodiment, if the container 19 is deeply inserted into the receiving portion 45, the receiving portion 45 can continue to expand according to the insertion amount of the container 19, and the insertion amount of the container 19 needs to be limited in order to limit the expansion of the receiving portion 45. In contrast, in the case of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the first portion 46 provided on the first block portion 13 can be used as a limiting member for the insertion direction of the container 19.

[0097] As described above, in order to reduce the gap between the housing portion 45 and the sealing portion 27 and the front end portion 28 and to conduct heat easily and efficiently, it is preferable to press the sealing portion 27 and the front end portion 28 against the housing portion 45 as strongly as possible. However, in the fifth embodiment described above, if the container 19 is inserted deeply in order to press the container 19 strongly against the housing portion 45, the housing portion 45 continues to expand, and therefore the container 19 cannot be pressed strongly against the housing portion 45 by the conveying device 3 or the like. In contrast, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the first portion 46 provided in the first block portion 13 serves as a limiting member for the insertion direction of the container 19, and therefore, at least in the portion of the container 19 that contacts the first portion 46 provided in the first block portion 13, the container 19 can be pressed strongly against the housing portion 45 by the conveying device 3 or the like.

[0098] Here, the sample placed in the container 19 and heated / cooled is concentrated on the front end of the container 19 due to gravity. Therefore, the portion of the front end of the container 19 that contacts the first portion 46 of the container 19 provided in the first block portion 13 is strongly pressed against the receiving portion 45, which is conducive to efficient heating / cooling.

[0099] And, if Figure 6As shown, the portion of the container 19 that contacts the first portion 46 provided in the first block portion 13 can have a sufficiently larger taper angle relative to the insertion and removal direction than the other portions of the container 19. Therefore, even if the portion that contacts the first portion 46 provided in the first block portion 13 is strongly pressed against the receiving portion 45, the occurrence of bite can be reduced, and the occurrence of problems in the insertion and removal of the container 19 can be suppressed.

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0101] Therefore, the heat transfer device 7 involved in the above-mentioned embodiment has a receiving portion 45 that is configured to be able to insert and remove the sealing portion 27 of the container 19 that can seal the sample and can conduct heat between the received sealing portion 27. As long as the receiving portion 45 can be configured to be able to expand / contract and be preloaded in the contraction direction at least when expanding, various changes can be made. For example, it can be formed into a structure as follows, that is, the spring preload portion 48 and the spring preload portion 37 are not separated, and the spring preload portion 48 and the spring preload portion 37 are configured as an integrated spring preload portion that applies a preload force equivalent to the combined force acting on each block 18. The spring that constitutes the integrated spring preload portion is not particularly limited, and can be a compression spring, a tension spring, or a torsion spring. The heat transfer device 7 is not limited to a structure used for the heating device 2, and can be formed into a structure used for the cooling device 4.

[0102] In addition, the heating device 2 according to the above-mentioned embodiment may be modified in various ways as long as it is the heating device 2 including the heat transfer device 7 and a heat source capable of heating the heat transfer device 7 .

[0103] The processing apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be modified in various ways as long as it includes the heating apparatus 2 and the transport apparatus 3 capable of placing and removing the container 19 with respect to the heating apparatus 2 .

[0104] Furthermore, the heat transfer device 7 according to the above-described embodiment is preferably a heat transfer device 7 in which the housing portion 45 is composed of a plurality of divided parts.

[0105] The heat transfer device 7 according to the above-described embodiment is preferably a heat transfer device 7 in which the housing portion 45 is configured to be expandable / contractible in a predetermined direction different from the insertion and removal direction of the sealing portion 27 .

[0106] The heat transfer device 7 involved in the above-mentioned embodiment is preferably the following heat transfer device 7, that is, the housing portion 45 has: a first part 46, which is configured to accommodate the front end portion 28 of the sealing portion 27 with a pointed front end; and a second part 47, which is configured to accommodate the portion of the sealing portion 27 other than the front end portion 28, and the second part 47 is configured to be able to expand / contract in a specified direction different from the insertion and removal direction of the sealing portion 27, and is pre-tightened in the contraction direction at least when expanding.

[0107] The heat transfer device 7 according to the above-described embodiment is preferably a heat transfer device 7 in which the first portion 46 and the second portion 47 are biased in a direction in which they approach each other.

[0108] The heat transfer device 7 according to the above-described embodiment is preferably a heat transfer device 7 in which the second portion 47 is formed of a pair of blocks 17 guided by the shaft 34 in the predetermined direction so as to be able to separate from and approach each other.

[0109] The heat transfer device 7 according to the above embodiment is preferably a heat transfer device 7 in which the block pair 17 is biased in a direction approaching each other in the predetermined direction at least when expanding by the compression spring pair 38 through which the shaft 34 passes.

[0110] The processing apparatus 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment is preferably a processing apparatus 1 including a cooling device 4 capable of placing and removing the container 19 by a conveying device 3 .

[0111] The processing apparatus 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment is preferably a processing apparatus 1 including a PCR device 5 capable of amplifying nucleic acid.

[0112] The processing device 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment is preferably a processing device 1 including an analysis device 6 capable of identifying the type of cells in a sample from which nucleic acid is extracted by analyzing nucleic acid.

[0113] Description of the label

[0114] 1 Processing device

[0115] 2 Heating device

[0116] 3 Conveying device

[0117] 4 Cooling device

[0118] 5 PCR device

[0119] 6 Analysis device

[0120] 7 Heat transfer device

[0121] 8 Heating unit

[0122] 9 Container holding part

[0123] 10 Mobile mechanism

[0124] 11 Plate 1

[0125] 12 Plate 2

[0126] 13. Block 1

[0127] 14. The second block

[0128] 15 Block support

[0129] 16 1st preload section

[0130] 17 Block pairs

[0131] 18 Blocks

[0132] 19 Container

[0133] 20 Container body

[0134] 21 Open and close cover

[0135] 22 Alignment

[0136] 23 Main body

[0137] 24 Board

[0138] 25 Bolt

[0139] 26 Sealing part

[0140] 27 Enclosed Department

[0141] 28 Front end

[0142] 29 Support body

[0143] 30 Shaft body

[0144] 31 Second preload section

[0145] 32 Adjustment Department

[0146] 33 Support

[0147] 34 Axis

[0148] 35 Shaft body through part

[0149] 36 Through hole

[0150] 37 Spring preload unit

[0151] 38 Compression spring pair

[0152] 39 Gasket pair

[0153] 40 Compression spring

[0154] 41 Gasket

[0155] 42 Regulator

[0156] 43 Slide

[0157] 44 Fixing screw

[0158] 45 Containment Department

[0159] 46 Part 1

[0160] 47 Part 2

[0161] 48 Spring preload unit

[0162] 49 Spring clamping part of the block

[0163] 50 Spring hooking part of the first block

[0164] 51 Extension spring

[0165] 52 Insert hole

[0166] 53 Cone

[0167] 54 Chamfer

[0168] 55 Compression spring

[0169] 56 Spring preload unit

[0170] 57 Pressing parts

[0171] 58 Mounting screws

[0172] 59 Middle part of the pressing part

[0173] 60 Both ends of the pressing part

[0174] 61 Screw through

[0175] 62 Shaft

[0176] 63 Head

[0177] 64 protrusion

[0178] 65 access

[0179] 66 Blocks

[0180] 67 Elasticity

[0181] 68 Block body

[0182] R Radius of curvature

[0183] θ Specified angle

Claims

1. A heat transfer device comprising a housing portion, the housing portion being capable of inserting and removing a sealing portion of a container capable of sealing a sample, and being configured to conduct heat to the sealed portion to be housed, wherein: The housing portion is configured to be expandable / contractable, and is biased in a contraction direction at least when expanding.

2. The heat transfer device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing portion is composed of a plurality of divided parts.

3. The heat transfer device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing portion is configured to be expandable and contractible in a predetermined direction different from the insertion and removal direction of the sealing portion.

4. The heat transfer device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing portion includes: a first portion configured to accommodate a tapered front end portion of the sealing portion; and a second portion configured to accommodate a portion of the sealing portion other than the front end portion. The second portion is configured to be expandable / contractable in a predetermined direction different from the insertion and removal direction of the sealing portion, and is biased in a contraction direction at least when expanding.

5. The heat transfer device according to claim 4, wherein: The first portion and the second portion are biased in a direction toward each other.

6. The heat transfer device according to claim 4, wherein: The second portion is formed of a pair of blocks guided by a shaft so as to be able to separate from and approach each other in the predetermined direction.

7. The heat transfer device according to claim 6, wherein: The pair of blocks are biased toward each other in the predetermined direction at least during expansion by a pair of compression springs through which the shaft passes.

8. A heating device, wherein: The heating device comprises: the heat transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a heating unit capable of heating the heat transfer device.

9. A processing device, wherein: The processing device comprises: the heating device according to claim 8; and a conveying device capable of placing and removing the container relative to the heating device.

Images