Liquid feeding device

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid feeding device which can continuously feed liquid with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate. A liquid delivery device (100) is provided with a liquid delivery unit (3) provided with a liquid delivery chamber (7) through which a liquid flows in and out, and a linear first flow path (11) and a linear second flow path (12) through which the liquid can flow relative to the liquid delivery chamber (7), and a rotating unit (8) for liquid delivery, the rotating unit (8) for liquid delivery being provided with: a support shaft (7b) disposed so as to protrude from the center of the liquid delivery chamber (7); an impeller (20) which is rotatably supported by the support shaft (7b) via an annular portion (21) and which includes a magnetic body; and a drive motor (31) that is disposed outside the liquid feeding chamber (7) and that rotates the impeller (20) by means of a magnetic field, a gap (24) being provided between the outer periphery (7c) of the support shaft (7b) and the inner circle (21a) of the annular portion (21), and the drive motor (31) being disposed so that the impeller (20) can rotate in a state in which the gap (24) is offset within the contact range of the outer periphery (7c) of the support shaft (7b) and the inner circle (21a) of the annular portion (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid delivery device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in the field of drug development, Microphysiological Systems (bio-mimetic systems) have attracted attention. MPS is a cell detection platform that reproduces the in vivo environment in vitro. Conventionally, MPS has used a liquid delivery device. A liquid delivery device for MPS is proposed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the liquid delivery device described in Patent Document 1, a liquid flow passage portion through which a liquid flows and a liquid delivery portion that delivers the liquid to the liquid flow passage portion are connected by an annular flow passage. In this liquid delivery device, the liquid delivery portion has a liquid delivery chamber for introducing the liquid. The annular flow passage has: a first flow passage that connects the liquid delivery chamber and the liquid flow passage portion so as to enable liquid delivery; and a second flow passage that connects the liquid delivery chamber and the liquid flow passage portion so as to enable liquid delivery. In the liquid delivery chamber, a rotating member (impeller) is provided that transports the liquid from one of the first flow passage and the second flow passage to the other by rotation. The liquid flow passage portion includes one or more storage portions capable of storing the liquid.

[0004] The liquid delivery chamber has two liquid inlets and outlets. One liquid inlet and outlet is located at a position rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis of the liquid delivery chamber and the other liquid inlet and outlet. In addition, in the liquid delivery device described in Patent Document 1, the central axis of the liquid delivery chamber is both the central axis of the support shaft and the central axis of the rotating member. In other words, one liquid inlet and outlet is located at a position displaced by 180° in the axial direction around the central axis with respect to the other liquid inlet and outlet. In other words, the two liquid inlets and outlets are provided at point-symmetric positions with respect to the central axis of the liquid delivery chamber.

[0005] In addition, a convex rotating shaft (support portion) that supports the rotating member (impeller) so as to be rotatable is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the liquid delivery chamber, and the rotating member (impeller) has a shaft support portion (ring portion) into which the rotating shaft (support portion) is inserted.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-159008 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] When the present inventor further studied and developed the liquid feeding device described in Patent Document 1, it was found that: the flow direction of the liquid reverses or reverses again and returns to the original flow direction, resulting in an unfixed flow direction of the liquid and unstable flow rate (refer to the second paragraph from the bottom of page 22 to the second paragraph of page 23 described later, Fig.10 for the explanation). It has been confirmed that this phenomenon occurs frequently, and it has been clarified that this phenomenon causes deviations in the liquid feeding state over time. From the perspective of performing stable liquid feeding, that is, from the perspective of being able to continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate, this phenomenon urgently needs to be improved.

[0011] Currently, the cause of this phenomenon is not clear, but as one of the causes of this phenomenon, attention is paid to the gap between the supporting portion of the liquid feeding chamber that supports the impeller to be rotatable and the circular ring portion of the impeller inserted into the supporting portion (regarding this, (a) of Figure 6 will be described in detail later). This gap is provided to enable the impeller to rotate smoothly, but due to the existence of this gap, every time the impeller rotates, the contact point between the supporting portion and the circular ring portion changes. Therefore, the rotation center of the impeller changes position in a circular shape starting from the center of the supporting portion every time it rotates. It has been found that when the rotation center of the impeller changes, the position of the blade portion of the impeller also changes, thereby affecting the state of the liquid moved by the rotation of the blade portion (regarding this, (a) of Figure 7 will be described in detail later). Since the liquid feeding device is premised on cell culture, it is not reused in terms of hygiene management, and appropriate treatment is carried out after use and then discarded. Therefore, the liquid feeding device is a consumable, and on the premise of being able to be mass-produced, it is not suitable to set bearings or the like in the gap between the supporting portion of the liquid feeding chamber that supports the impeller to be rotatable and the circular ring portion of the impeller inserted into the supporting portion to eliminate the gap for smooth rotation. In addition, even if the gap is designed to be minimized, the gap needs to be adjusted to less than 0.1 mm, which is difficult to achieve mass production.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid feeding device that can continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate.

[0013] Method for Solving the Problem

[0014] The liquid feeding device of the present invention that solves the above problems includes a liquid feeding unit and a rotating unit for liquid feeding. Among them, the liquid feeding unit includes: a liquid feeding chamber that allows the inflow and outflow of liquid; and a first flow path and a second flow path that are linear when viewed from above the liquid feeding chamber and allow the liquid to flow through the liquid feeding chamber. The rotating unit for liquid feeding includes: a support shaft that protrudes and is arranged at the center of the liquid feeding chamber; an impeller that has an annular portion rotatably supported by the support shaft and a blade portion provided on the annular portion that allows the liquid in the liquid feeding chamber to flow out from the first flow path or the second flow path. The impeller is made of a material containing a magnetic body; and a drive motor that is arranged outside the liquid feeding chamber and rotates the impeller using a magnetic field. The support portion formed by the outer circumference of the support shaft and the inner circle of the annular portion has a gap for the annular portion to rotate freely, and the drive motor is arranged in such a way that the impeller can rotate in a state where the gap is offset within the contact range between the outer circumference of the support shaft and the inner circle of the annular portion.

[0015] Preferably, when viewed from above, the first flow path and the second flow path are in a positional relationship that is line-symmetric, asymmetric, or point-symmetric with respect to the liquid feeding chamber with the support shaft as a reference.

[0016] Preferably, the liquid feeding chamber is circular in shape when viewed from above. In addition, the liquid feeding chamber is configured such that when viewed from above, the length of the first wall portion formed by the first connection portion connected to the first flow path, the second connection portion connected to the second flow path, and the inner circumferential surface of the circular shape between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is shorter than the length of the second wall portion formed by the third connection portion connected to the first flow path, the fourth connection portion connected to the second flow path, and the inner circumferential surface of the circular shape between the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion. The first flow path and the second flow path are arranged in such a way that the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the liquid feeding chamber and the outflow direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid feeding chamber are continuous through the arc of the first wall portion. The drive motor is arranged in such a way that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located within the area of the semi-circle bisected by the second reference line and containing the first wall portion and the gap is offset. Among them, the second reference line is orthogonal to the first reference line passing through the center point of the support shaft and the point that bisects the length of the first wall portion and passes through the center point.

[0017] Preferably, the liquid delivery chamber is formed in a circular shape in the plan view, and the liquid delivery chamber is configured such that, in the plan view, the length of a first wall portion formed by a first connection portion connected to the first flow path, a second connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is shorter than the length of a second wall portion formed by a third connection portion connected to the first flow path, a fourth connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion. The first flow path and the second flow path are formed on the same straight line with the liquid delivery chamber interposed therebetween. The liquid delivery chamber is provided with the first flow path at a position corresponding to the first quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references among concentric circles centered on the center point of the support shaft, and is provided with the second flow path at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references. Here, the third reference line is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid delivery chamber and passes through the center point, the fourth reference line is orthogonal to the third reference line and passes through the center point, and the drive motor is arranged such that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located in a region corresponding to the first quadrant or a region corresponding to the third quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references and the gap is offset.

[0018] Preferably, the liquid delivery chamber is formed in a circular shape in the top view. The liquid delivery chamber is configured such that, in the top view, the length of a first wall portion formed by a first connection portion connected to the first flow path, a second connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner circumferential surface of the circular shape between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is shorter than the length of a second wall portion formed by a third connection portion connected to the first flow path, a fourth connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner circumferential surface of the circular shape between the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion. The formation direction of the first flow path with respect to the liquid delivery chamber is parallel to the formation direction of the second flow path with respect to the liquid delivery chamber. However, the first flow path and the second flow path are formed stepwise with the liquid delivery chamber therebetween. The impeller rotates in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing from the first flow path toward the second flow path. Among concentric circles centered on the center point of the support shaft, the liquid delivery chamber has the first flow path at a position including a boundary line between the first quadrant and the fourth quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references, and has the second flow path at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references. Here, the third reference line is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid delivery chamber and passes through the center point, the fourth reference line is orthogonal to the third reference line and passes through the center point, and the drive motor is arranged such that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located in a region corresponding to the first quadrant or a region corresponding to the third quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references and the gap is offset.

[0019] Preferably, the liquid supply chamber is formed in a circular shape in the plan view. The liquid supply chamber is configured such that, in the plan view, the length of a first wall portion formed by a first connection portion connected to the first flow path, a second connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is shorter than the length of a second wall portion formed by a third connection portion connected to the first flow path, a fourth connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion. The formation direction of the first flow path with respect to the liquid supply chamber is parallel to the formation direction of the second flow path with respect to the liquid supply chamber, but the first flow path and the second flow path are formed stepwise with the liquid supply chamber interposed therebetween. The impeller rotates in a direction the same as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing from the second flow path toward the first flow path. Among concentric circles centered on the center point of the support shaft, the liquid supply chamber has the first flow path at a position including a boundary line between the first quadrant and the fourth quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references, and has the second flow path at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references. Here, the third reference line is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid supply chamber and passes through the center point, the fourth reference line is orthogonal to the third reference line and passes through the center point, and the drive motor is arranged such that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located in a region corresponding to the first quadrant, a region corresponding to the second quadrant, or a region corresponding to the fourth quadrant and the gap is offset.

[0020] Preferably, the liquid delivery chamber is formed in a circular shape in the top view. In addition, the liquid delivery chamber has a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The first wall portion is formed in the top view by a first connecting portion connected to the first flow path, a second connecting portion connected to the second flow path, and a first inner peripheral surface of an arc forming the circular shape between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The second wall portion is formed by a third connecting portion connected to the first flow path, a fourth connecting portion connected to the second flow path, a second inner peripheral surface of an arc forming the circular shape between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion, an arcuate third inner peripheral surface having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface between the third connecting portion and the second inner peripheral surface, and an arcuate fourth inner peripheral surface having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface between the fourth connecting portion and the second inner peripheral surface. The first flow path and the second flow path are arranged such that the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the liquid delivery chamber and the outflow direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid delivery chamber are continuous through the arc of the first wall portion. The drive motor is arranged such that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located in a region of a semi-circle bisected by a second reference line and including the first wall portion and the gap is offset. Wherein, the second reference line is orthogonal to a first reference line passing through the center point of the support shaft and the point bisecting the length of the first wall portion and passes through the center point.

[0021] Preferably, taking a fifth reference line passing through the intersection of the second inner peripheral surface and the first reference line and parallel to the second reference line as a reference, the forming dimensions of the third inner peripheral surface and the fourth inner peripheral surface, which are perpendicular to the fifth reference line and the longest, are the same.

[0022] Preferably, taking a fifth reference line passing through the intersection of the second inner peripheral surface and the first reference line and parallel to the second reference line as a reference, the forming dimensions of the third inner peripheral surface and the fourth inner peripheral surface, which are perpendicular to the fifth reference line and the longest, are different from each other.

[0023] Preferably, in the liquid delivery chamber, when the liquid is delivered by the rotation of the impeller, the flow rate of the liquid is adjusted by the rotation speed of the impeller.

[0024] In addition, preferably, the delivery direction of the liquid is adjusted by the rotation direction of the impeller.

[0025] Preferably, the liquid feeding device includes a first storage part communicated with the first flow path, a second storage part communicated with the second flow path, and a return flow path connected to the first storage part and the second storage part. A circular flow path is formed by the first flow path, the second flow path and the return flow path. The height dimensions of the circular flow path and the liquid feeding chamber are the same, and the flow rate of the liquid is adjusted by using the height dimension.

[0026] In addition, preferably, the flow rate of the liquid is adjusted by using the width dimension of the return flow path.

[0027] Advantages of the Invention

[0028] The liquid feeding device of the present invention can continuously feed liquid with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate. Description of the Drawings

[0029] Figure 1 FIG. is a perspective view showing an example of a liquid feeding device related to the overall structure with the liquid feeding part of the first embodiment as an example.

[0030] Figure 2 FIG. is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a liquid feeding device related to the overall structure with the liquid feeding part of the first embodiment as an example.

[0031] Figure 3 FIG. is a top view showing an example of the device main body related to the overall structure with the liquid feeding part of the first embodiment as an example.

[0032] Figure 4 FIG. is a perspective view of a part showing an example of the device main body related to the overall structure with the liquid feeding part of the first embodiment as an example.

[0033] Figure 5 FIG. is a structural diagram of the liquid feeding part and the impeller with the liquid feeding part of the first embodiment as an example.

[0034] Figure 6 FIG. is an explanatory diagram showing the difference in the rotation center position of the impeller between the existing method and the present embodiment (point contact method) with respect to the first embodiment. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the central axis of the support shaft and the rotation center of the impeller in the existing method. (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the center point of the support shaft and the rotation center of the impeller in the point contact method.

[0035] Figure 7 FIG. is an explanatory diagram showing the difference in the rotation center position of the impeller between the existing method and the present embodiment (point contact method) with respect to the first embodiment. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the deviation of the rotation center of the impeller in the existing method. (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the deviation of the rotation center of the impeller in the point contact method.

[0036] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram showing the difference in the rotational center position of the impeller between the existing method and this embodiment (point contact method) with respect to the first embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 9 It shows when conducting the investigation related to Figure 8 a chart showing the measurement results of the change over time of the average flow rate of the impeller in the point contact method measured during the investigation.

[0038] Fig.10 It is a chart explaining the backflow phenomenon that occurs when using a liquid delivery chamber in which a first flow path and a second flow path are symmetrically arranged with respect to the support shaft in the liquid delivery device.

[0039] Fig.11 It is an explanatory diagram of the liquid delivery part of the liquid delivery device of the second embodiment.

[0040] Fig.12 It is an explanatory diagram of the liquid delivery part of the liquid delivery device of the third embodiment.

[0041] Fig.13 It is an explanatory diagram of the liquid delivery part of the liquid delivery device of the fourth embodiment.

[0042] Fig.14 For (a) to (d) of , they are respectively explanatory diagrams showing the shape of the liquid delivery part of the device main body of Examples 1 to 4 and the arrangement position of the rotational center of the drive motor described later.

[0043] Fig.15 It is an explanatory diagram showing the situation of the impeller rotation and the situation of measuring the average flow rate in the examples.

[0044] Fig.16 It shows in Fig.14 a chart showing the change over time of the respective average flow rates when the rotational center of the drive motor is arranged at the five positions of the center, upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right of the liquid delivery chamber (point symmetric) of the liquid delivery device of Example 1 in (a) (number of devices used: 4).

[0045] Fig.17 It shows in Fig.14 a chart showing the change over time of the respective average flow rates when the rotational center of the drive motor is arranged at the five positions of the center, upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right of the liquid delivery chamber (asymmetric) of the liquid delivery device of Example 2 in (b) (number of devices used: 4).

[0046] Fig.18 It shows in Fig.14Graph of the change over time of the respective average flow rates when the center of rotation of the drive motor is arranged at five locations: the center, upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right of the liquid delivery chamber of the liquid delivery device of Example 3 in (c) (line symmetry Ver. 1 (Form 1)). (Number of devices used: 4).

[0047] Fig.19 It shows that in Fig.14 Graph of the change over time of the respective average flow rates when the center of rotation of the drive motor is arranged at five locations: the upper, center, lower, upper left, and upper right of the liquid delivery chamber of the liquid delivery device of Example 4 in (d) (line symmetry Ver. 2 (Form 2)). (Number of devices used: 3).

[0048] Fig. 20 It is a graph showing the flow rate, average flow rate, and coefficient of variation of each device used in the liquid delivery devices of Examples 1 to 4 45 minutes after the start of driving of the drive motor.

[0049] Fig.21 It is a graph showing that the average flow rate of the liquid delivery device is dependent on the rotational speed.

[0050] Fig. 22 It shows that in Fig.14 Graph showing that the average flow rate of the liquid delivery device of Example 4 in (d) is dependent on the flow path height.

[0051] Fig.23 It shows that in Fig.14 Graph showing that the average flow rate of the liquid delivery devices of Example 4 with different average flow path heights in (d) is dependent on the rotational speed.

[0052] Fig.24 It is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of the liquid delivery part of the device main body of Example 5 and the arrangement position of the center of rotation of the drive motor.

[0053] Fig.25 It is an explanatory diagram of the liquid delivery part of the liquid delivery device which is a modification of the third embodiment.

[0054] Fig.26 It is an explanatory diagram of the liquid delivery part of the liquid delivery device which is a modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 27 It is an explanatory diagram of the liquid delivery part of the liquid delivery device of the sixth embodiment.

[0056] Fig.28 It is from Fig. 27 A perspective view observed from the direction of arrow XXVIII in

[0057] Fig.29 It is an explanatory diagram of the liquid delivery part of the liquid delivery device which is a modification of the sixth embodiment.

[0058] Fig.30 It is an explanatory diagram of the liquid feeding section of the liquid feeding device which is a modification example in the sixth embodiment.

[0059] Fig.31 It is an explanatory diagram of the liquid feeding section of the liquid feeding device which is another modification example in the sixth embodiment.

[0060] Fig.32 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shapes of the liquid feeding sections of No.1 to No.6 used when investigating how the shape difference of the liquid feeding section of the investigation device main body affects the liquid flow rate.

[0061] Fig.33 It is a chart showing the respective flow rates and average flow rates [μL / min] when measuring No.1 to No.6 three times respectively.

[0062] Fig.34 It is an explanatory diagram for illustrating and explaining the conditions etc. of the simulation for studying the shape of the liquid feeding section of the device main body.

[0063] Fig.35 It is a chart showing the results of the simulation.

[0064] Fig.36 It shows Fig.35 A chart (left chart) in which the average flow rate (experimental result of simulation) recorded in the table shown is shown in a bar graph, and a chart (right chart) obtained by extracting the experimental results (experimental results of the actual machine) of No.1, No.3, No.4, and No.6 from the chart shown in Fig.33 An explanatory diagram.

[0065] Fig.37 It is an explanatory diagram for illustrating and explaining the conditions etc. of the experiment for studying the influence on the width dimension of the return flow path.

[0066] Fig.38 It is a chart showing the results obtained by verifying the influence on the width dimension of the return flow path. Detailed Embodiment

[0067] Hereinafter, a liquid feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with appropriate reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings used for explaining the present invention, parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof are sometimes omitted.

[0068] [Liquid Feeding Device]

[0069] (Overall Structure)

[0070] First, the overall structural example of the liquid delivery device 100 will be described. Secondly, the specific content and preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. In addition, the overall structure will be described by taking the liquid delivery part 3 (liquid delivery chamber 7) having a point-symmetrical shape described in the first embodiment as an example.

[0071] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the liquid delivery device 100 related to the overall structure by taking the liquid delivery part 3 of the first embodiment as an example. Figure 2 FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the liquid delivery device 100 related to the overall structure by taking the liquid delivery part 3 of the first embodiment as an example. Figure 3 FIG. 8 is a top view showing an example of the device main body 10 related to the overall structure by taking the liquid delivery part 3 of the first embodiment as an example. Figure 4 FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a part showing an example of the device main body 10 related to the overall structure by taking the liquid delivery part 3 of the first embodiment as an example. Figure 5 FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of the liquid delivery part 3 and the impeller 20 by taking the liquid delivery part 3 of the first embodiment as an example.

[0072] Hereinafter, the positional relationship of each structure will be described using the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The X direction is the length direction of the rectangular plate-shaped device main body 10. The +X direction in the X direction is the right side. The -X direction is the left side. The Y direction is the front-rear direction orthogonal to the X direction. The +Y direction in the Y direction is the rear side. The -Y direction is the front side. The Z direction is the thickness direction of the device main body 10, and is a direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction in the Z direction is the upper side. The -Z direction is the lower side. The Z direction is also referred to as the up-down direction or the height direction. Observing from the Z direction (up-down direction), that is, observing in the horizontal direction is called a top view, and the drawing using the top view is called a top view drawing.

[0073] As Figure 3 shown, in the present embodiment, regarding the direction in which the liquid circulates in the annular flow path 4 in the liquid delivery device 100, the flow direction circulating along the counterclockwise direction (left rotation) is set as the positive flow F1, and the flow direction circulating along the clockwise direction (right rotation) is set as the reverse flow F2.

[0074] In addition, as Figure 5 shown, although the impeller 20 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 7b, in the present embodiment, in order to fix the flow direction of the liquid, when viewed from above, the impeller 20 is rotated in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) (left rotation). Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the liquid delivery device 100 will be described by taking the case where the liquid circulates along the counterclockwise (left rotation), that is, the positive flow F1, in the annular flow path 4 as an example.

[0075] In addition, in the present embodiment, it is also possible to circulate the liquid in the clockwise direction (right rotation), i.e., the reverse flow F2. In this case, it is preferable that the impeller 20 rotates in the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction) (right rotation is preferable). In this case, the shape of the liquid feeding unit 3 described later and the like can also be a mirror image when rotating in the counterclockwise direction (left rotation).

[0076] As Figure 1 to Figure 3 shown, the liquid feeding device 100 includes a device main body 10 and a driving device 30 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). As described later, the device main body 10 can be separated from the driving device 30 and the device main body 10 is placed on the driving device 30 for use. When the device main body 10 is placed on the driving device 30, the liquid feeding unit 3 provided on the device main body 10 is arranged on the driving motor 31 provided on the driving device 30.

[0077] The liquid feeding device 100 having such a structure can be used as a cell culture device, for example. When the liquid feeding device 100 is used as a cell culture device, for example, cells can be accommodated in the first storage unit 5, and a liquid medium for culturing the cells can be accommodated in the second storage unit 6. And, the liquid medium for culturing the cells can be transported from the second storage unit 6 to the first storage unit 5 via the liquid feeding unit 3.

[0078] The device main body 10 includes a first storage unit 5 and a second storage unit 6. The device main body 10 includes a first flow path 11, a liquid feeding unit 3 (liquid feeding chamber 7), a second flow path 12, and a return flow path 13. The first storage unit 5 and the second storage unit 6 are connected through the first flow path 11, the liquid feeding unit 3 (liquid feeding chamber 7), and the second flow path 12. In addition, the first storage unit 5 and the second storage unit 6 are connected through the return flow path 13. As an example, the device main body 10 includes a plurality of first storage units 5 and second storage units 6. Their specific structures will be described later.

[0079] In addition, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the drive device 30 has four positioning parts 32 that are one level higher for positioning the device body 10. The positioning parts 32 are arranged at the four corners of the drive device 30. Here, the top view shape of the positioning parts 32 is roughly L-shaped, and each corner of the device body 10 abuts against the inner side of each positioning part 32. That is, the device body 10 is placed while the four corners abut against the positioning parts 32 of the drive device 30, so that it can be positioned with high precision and stably set. It should be noted that the positioning part 32 is not limited to an L-shape as long as it can determine the position of the device body 10. For example, the positioning part 32 can be two columnar protrusions, or it can be composed of a combination of one or more selected from an L-shape, two columnar protrusions and one columnar protrusion. The drive device 30 is arranged so that the rotation center C3 ( Figure 5 ) is housed in the liquid delivery portion 3 of the liquid delivery device 100, specifically, in the liquid delivery chamber 7. The drive motor 31 is arranged outside the liquid delivery chamber 7, and rotates the impeller 20 through a magnetic field. That is, the drive motor 31 is a magnetic field generating device, also known as a magnetic stirrer, etc. The details of the configuration position of the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 will be described later. Since the liquid delivery device 100 is constructed in this way, as long as the four corners of the device body 10 are brought into contact with the positioning portion 32 of the drive device 30 and placed at the same time, the position of the drive motor 31 of the drive device 30 can be made consistent with the position of the liquid delivery chamber 7.

[0080] The device body 10 is formed in a block or plate shape, for example. The device body 10 is rectangular in plan view (for example, a rectangular shape). The device body 10 is made of, for example, a resin or the like. Examples of the resin constituting the device body 10 include polystyrene resin (PS); polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA); polyolefin resins such as cycloolefin polymer (COP); polycarbonate resin; silicone materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). In addition, a transparent material is preferred, but it may also be colored.

[0081] like Figure 1 to Figure 3As shown, the device main body 10 can be composed of a resin main part (not shown) formed with a liquid flow structure 1 and a bottom member such as a plate or a sheet (not shown). The bottom member closes the lower opening of the storage part or the like. The bottom member only needs to be able to store liquid in the first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6, and there are no particular restrictions on the material or the like. The bottom member can be made of, for example, a silicone resin or an olefin resin with high air permeability. According to this structure, since oxygen can be effectively supplied to the cells cultured on the bottom member, the physiological activity of aerobic cells can be improved. In addition, the bottom member can also be made of cover glass. According to this structure, it is possible to use a confocal microscope to observe in detail the situation of the cells in the first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6 through the cover glass.

[0082] It should be noted that the device main body 10 can also be composed of one or more cylindrical bodies having a storage part formed therein and a frame body supporting the cylindrical bodies.

[0083] As Figure 1 to Figure 3 shown, a plurality of (for example, six) liquid flow structures 1 are formed in the device main body 10. The six liquid flow structures 1 (1A to 1F) are arranged in a "3×2" matrix in the X direction and the Y direction. It should be noted that the number of the liquid flow structures 1 is not limited to six, and can be designed as one according to the experimental system, or can be designed as any number of two or more, such as 12, 24, 48, 96. The orientation of arranging a plurality of liquid flow structures 1 is not limited to Figure 1 to Figure 3 the arrangement of. In Figure 1 to Figure 3 , the liquid supply part 3 (liquid supply chamber 7) is arranged so as to face outward in the +Y direction (rear) and the -Y direction (front) respectively, but for example, all of the liquid flow structures 1A, 1B, and 1C can also be arranged in the same orientation as the liquid flow structures 1D, 1E, and 1F. In addition, each liquid flow structure 1 can also be arranged in an arbitrary orientation.

[0084] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 the liquid flow structure 1A among the six liquid flow structures 1 (1A to 1F) shown. As Figure 4 shown, the liquid flow structure 1 has a liquid flow part 2, a liquid supply part 3, and an annular flow path 4.

[0085] The liquid flow part 2 has a first storage part 5 and a second storage part 6.

[0086] The first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6 are, for example, on the main surface 10a (upper surface) of the device main body 10 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2)A recess formed by an opening. For example, the first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6 are circular in a top view. The first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6 have a cylindrical internal space (storage space) with a central axis along the Z direction. Therefore, the first storage part 5 has a bottom surface 5a and an inner wall surface 5b, and the second storage part 6 has a bottom surface 6a and an inner wall surface 6b. The first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6 are formed side by side in the X direction.

[0087] The first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6 have upper openings, so they are storage parts of an open system. Therefore, the user can easily perform operations such as cell seeding and culture medium replacement on the first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6 through the upper openings. Since the first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6 are storage parts of an open system, operations such as airtight maintenance are not required, and it is easy to install the liquid delivery device 100.

[0088] It should be noted that when the liquid delivery device 100 is used as a cell culture device, the liquid delivery device 100 may also have a structure (cell culture part) capable of cell culture within the liquid flow structure 1. As the cell culture part, for example, a cell culture insert can be cited. Cells are housed in the cell culture insert and placed in the first storage part 5. Specifically, the cell culture insert with cells attached to the porous membrane at the bottom of the cup-shaped cell culture insert can be immersed in the liquid culture medium in the first storage part 5. Similarly, a non-cup-shaped flat culture medium substrate such as a cell stage can be used in the same way.

[0089] The liquid delivery part 3 has a liquid delivery chamber 7.

[0090] The annular flow path 4 has a first flow path 11, a second flow path 12, and a return flow path 13. The annular flow path 4 connects the liquid flow part 2 and the liquid delivery part 3. That is, the annular flow path 4 connects the first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6 with the liquid delivery chamber 7. In addition, as described above, the return flow path 13 is connected to the first storage part 5 and the second storage part 6. The first flow path 11, the second flow path 12, and the return flow path 13 form a circulation flow path.

[0091] In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the annular flow path 4 formed by the first flow path 11, the second flow path 12, and the return flow path 13 and the liquid delivery chamber 7 have the same height dimension. In the present embodiment, the flow rate of the liquid can be adjusted by this height dimension. That is, by increasing this height dimension, a liquid delivery device 100 with a large liquid flow rate can be realized, and by decreasing this height dimension, a liquid delivery device 100 with a small liquid flow rate can be realized.

[0092] In addition, in the present embodiment, the flow rate of the liquid can also be adjusted by the width dimension of the return flow path 13. That is, the larger the width dimension of the return flow path 13, the more the liquid flow rate.

[0093] One end 11a of the first flow path 11 communicates with the inner wall surface 5b of the first storage portion 5. The first flow path 11 extends from the one end 11a in the -Y direction, bends at the bending portion 11b and extends in the +X direction. The other end, i.e., the connection end 11c of the first flow path 11 is connected to the liquid supply chamber 7. As described above, the height dimension of the first flow path 11 is preferably set to the same dimension as that of the second flow path 12 and the like, but may not be the same dimension. The cross-sectional shape of the first flow path 11 (the shape of the cross-section of the first flow path 11 orthogonal to the length direction) is not particularly limited as long as it can allow the liquid to circulate. For example, it may be rectangular, or may be polygonal, circular, elliptical, or semi-cylindrical.

[0094] One end 12a of the second flow path 12 communicates with the inner wall surface 6b of the second storage portion 6. The second flow path 12 extends from the one end 12a in the -Y direction, bends at the bending portion 12b and extends in the -X direction. The other end, i.e., the connection end 12c of the second flow path 12 is connected to the liquid supply chamber 7. As described above, the height dimension of the second flow path 12 is preferably set to the same dimension as that of the first flow path 11 and the like, but may not be the same dimension. The cross-sectional shape of the second flow path 12 (the shape of the cross-section of the second flow path 12 orthogonal to the length direction) is not particularly limited as long as it can allow the liquid to circulate. For example, it may be rectangular, or may be polygonal, circular, elliptical, or semi-cylindrical.

[0095] In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the return flow path 13 (the shape of the cross-section of the return flow path 13 orthogonal to the length direction) is not particularly limited as long as it can allow the liquid to circulate. For example, it may be rectangular, or may be polygonal, circular, elliptical, or semi-cylindrical.

[0096] As Figure 5 shown, the liquid supply device 100 has a liquid supply portion 3 and a liquid supply rotating portion 8. The liquid supply portion 3 has a liquid supply chamber 7, a first flow path 11, and a second flow path 12. The liquid supply rotating portion 8 has a support shaft 7b, an impeller 20, and a drive motor 31.

[0097] The liquid supply chamber 7 allows the inflow and outflow of the liquid. The first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 allow the liquid to flow relative to the liquid supply chamber 7, that is, the inflow and outflow.

[0098] The first flow path 11 is linear (straight pipe shape) at the connection portion with the liquid supply chamber 7.

[0099] The first flow path 11 is continuous with one side of the liquid supply chamber 7 when viewed from above the liquid supply chamber 7 to allow the liquid to flow into or out of the liquid supply chamber 7.

[0100] The second flow path 12 is also linear (straight pipe shape) at the connection portion with the liquid supply chamber 7.

[0101] The second flow path 12 is continuous with the other side of the liquid delivery chamber 7 in the top view, allowing the liquid in the liquid delivery chamber 7 to flow in or out.

[0102] In the flow paths where the liquid flows in a certain direction, either the first flow path 11 or the second flow path 12 can be an inflow path or an outflow path. As described above, which of these flow paths becomes the inflow path or the outflow path can be adjusted by the rotation direction of the impeller 20.

[0103] The support shaft 7b protrudes and is disposed at the center of the liquid delivery chamber 7. The impeller 20 has an annular portion 21 rotatably supported by the support shaft 7b. In addition, the impeller 20 has a blade portion 22 provided on the annular portion 21 for discharging the liquid in the liquid delivery chamber 7 from the first flow path 11 or the second flow path 12 (as described above, in the example of the present embodiment, from the second flow path 12). Furthermore, the impeller 20 is made of a material containing a magnetic body. The impeller 20 is also referred to as a rotating member, a stirring member, a magnetic stir bar, etc. The drive motor 31 is disposed outside the liquid delivery chamber 7 and rotates the impeller 20 through a magnetic field.

[0104] And, in the liquid delivery device 100, as Figure 5 shown, the support portion 9 formed by the outer circumference 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the annular portion 21 has a gap 24 for the annular portion 21 to rotate freely. In addition, in the liquid delivery device 100, the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the gap 24 is offset within the contact range between the outer circumference 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the annular portion 21.

[0105] As Figure 5 shown, the width W1 of the first flow path 11 and the width W2 of the second flow path 12 are preferably less than or equal to one-half of the width W3 of the liquid delivery chamber 7. The width W3 of the liquid delivery chamber 7 is the inner diameter of the liquid delivery chamber 7.

[0106] In the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12, the flow resistance of the liquid can be the same or different. However, it is desirable that the flow resistances of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are the same. The flow resistance is a value corresponding to the cross-sectional area and length of the flow path. If the cross-sectional area of the flow path is increased, the flow resistance is decreased. In addition, if the length of the flow path is shortened, the flow resistance is decreased.

[0107] In the case where the flow path resistances of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are set to be different, for example, when the liquid is being conveyed in the forward flow F1 direction, it is preferable that the flow path resistance of the second flow path 12 is smaller than that of the first flow path 11. In this way, the outflow of the liquid from the liquid feeding chamber 7 to the second flow path 12 can be carried out smoothly. It should be noted that when the liquid is being conveyed in the reverse flow F2 direction, it is preferable to reduce the flow path resistance of the first flow path 11 compared to the second flow path 12. In this way, the outflow of the liquid from the liquid feeding chamber 7 to the first flow path 11 can be carried out smoothly.

[0108] (First Embodiment)

[0109] As Figure 5 shown, the liquid feeding chamber 7 has a circular shape in plan view. The liquid feeding chamber 7 has an inner diameter (width W3) such that the front end 22a of the impeller 20 does not contact the inner peripheral surface 7a of the liquid feeding chamber 7 even if the rotation orbit 23 of the impeller 20 is offset in plan view. The liquid feeding chamber 7 has a cylindrical inner space having a central axis C1 along the Z direction. The shape of the inner space of the liquid feeding chamber 7 can be a frustum of a cone shape or a circular plate shape. In the present embodiment, the support shaft 7b is formed to project along the central axis C1 at the center of the liquid feeding chamber 7. Therefore, the central axis C1 of the liquid feeding chamber 7 is also the central axis passing through the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b. In addition, the support shaft 7b is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape or a conical shape. The support shaft 7b supports the impeller 20 so as to be rotatable.

[0110] The liquid feeding chamber 7 has a liquid inlet / outlet 14 and a liquid inlet / outlet 15. In the present embodiment, the impeller 20 of the liquid feeding chamber 7 rotates in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction), causing the liquid to flow in the forward flow F1 direction. Therefore, the liquid inlet / outlet 14 becomes the inlet, and the liquid inlet / outlet 15 becomes the outlet.

[0111] In addition, as described above, when the impeller 20 of the liquid feeding chamber 7 rotates in the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction) and causes the liquid to flow in the reverse flow F2 direction, the liquid inlet / outlet 14 becomes the outlet, and the liquid inlet / outlet 15 becomes the inlet.

[0112] The liquid inlet / outlet 14 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 7a of the liquid feeding chamber 7. The liquid feeding chamber 7 communicates with the first flow path 11 through the liquid inlet / outlet 14. The liquid feeding chamber 7 is connected to the first flow path 11 so that the liquid can flow through the liquid inlet / outlet 14. In plan view, the inner side surface 11d of the linear first flow path 11 is smoothly continuously formed with the arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 7a. The end portion 14a of the liquid inlet / outlet 14 is the connection point of the inner side surface 11d of the first flow path 11 and the inner peripheral surface 7a.

[0113] In a top view, the first flow path 11 including the length range of the connection end 11c extends starting from the same circumferential position as the end portion 14a along the traveling direction (the direction of the velocity vector V1) of the leading end 22a of the blade portion 22 of the impeller 20. The direction of the first flow path 11 including the length range of the connection end 11c is the direction of the tangent line L1 along the rotation orbit 23 at the same circumferential position as the end portion 14a.

[0114] The liquid inlet / outlet 15 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 7a of the liquid delivery chamber 7. The liquid delivery chamber 7 communicates with the second flow path 12 through the liquid inlet / outlet 15. The liquid delivery chamber 7 is connected to the second flow path 12 to enable the liquid to flow through the liquid inlet / outlet 15. In a top view, the inner side surface 12d of the linear second flow path 12 is smoothly continuously formed with the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 7a. The end portion 15a of the liquid inlet / outlet 15 is the connection point of the inner side surface 12d of the second flow path 12 and the inner circumferential surface 7a.

[0115] The liquid inlet / outlet 15 is located at a position that is rotationally symmetric (point-symmetric) with respect to the liquid inlet / outlet 14 with reference to the support shaft 7b of the liquid delivery chamber 7, more specifically, with reference to the central axis C1 of the liquid delivery chamber 7. That is, the liquid inlet / outlet 15 is located at a position that is offset by 180° in the axial direction around the support shaft 7b with respect to the liquid inlet / outlet 14. The liquid inlet / outlet 15 only needs to have at least a part in the circumferential direction located at a position rotationally symmetric with respect to the liquid inlet / outlet 14. That is, the liquid inlet / outlet 14 and the liquid inlet / outlet 15 only need to have at least a part in the circumferential direction located at a position offset by 180° in the axial direction around the central axis C1.

[0116] In a top view, the second flow path 12 including the length range of the connection end 12c extends starting from the same circumferential position as the end portion 15a along the traveling direction (the direction of the velocity vector V2) of the leading end 22a of the blade portion 22 of the impeller 20. The direction of the second flow path 12 including the length range of the connection end 12c is the direction of the tangent line L2 along the rotation orbit 23 at the same circumferential position as the end portion 15a.

[0117] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the return flow path 13 connects the first storage portion 5 and the second storage portion 6. One end 13a of the return flow path 13 is connected to the inner wall surface 5b of the first storage portion 5. The other end 13b of the return flow path 13 is connected to the inner wall surface 6b of the second storage portion 6. In the liquid delivery device 100, since the liquid flows counterclockwise in the liquid flow structure 1, the liquid in the second storage portion 6 flows toward the first storage portion 5 through the return flow path 13.

[0118] The liquid flow structure 1 (the liquid flow portion 2, the liquid delivery portion 3, and the annular flow path 4) can be formed by microfabrication techniques such as three-dimensional plotters, three-dimensional printers, or photolithography.

[0119] In addition, as Figure 5 shown, the impeller 20 has an annular portion 21 and a plurality (for example, two) of blade portions 22. Part or all of the impeller 20 is made of a magnetic material. The impeller 20 may also be provided with a permanent magnet. A resin coating excellent in abrasion resistance may be formed on the surface of the impeller 20. The resin coating is made of, for example, a fluororesin or the like.

[0120] The shape of the annular portion 21 may be cylindrical. The annular portion 21 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 7b. Therefore, the inside (inner circle 21a) of the annular portion 21 functions as a shaft support portion 21b into which the support shaft 7b is inserted. In the liquid feeding device 100 of the present embodiment, by adopting the structure described later, the rotation center C2 of the annular portion 21, that is, the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20, does not coincide with the central axis C1 of the liquid feeding chamber 7.

[0121] The blade portions 22 are formed in a flat plate shape or a rod shape and extend radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 21. The two blade portions 22, 22 are formed at positions rotationally symmetric with respect to the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20. The lengths of the two blade portions 22, 22 extending from the annular portion 21 are the same. In addition, the number of the blade portions 22 is not limited to 2, and may be any number of 3 or more. The rotation orbit 23 is a circular rotation orbit drawn by the front end 22a of the blade portion 22 when the impeller 20 rotates.

[0122] As Figure 2 shown, the drive device 30 has a placement surface 30a that is rectangular in plan view. The device main body 10 is placed on the placement surface 30a.

[0123] The drive device 30 is provided with drive motors 31 at positions overlapping the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the liquid flow structure 1 (1A to 1F), respectively. The drive motor 31 is provided with a rotating magnet (not shown). The rotating magnet is rotated by a drive source such as an electric motor. As the rotating magnet of the drive motor 31 rotates, a rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is generated. In addition, due to the change in the magnetic field accompanying the rotation of the rotating magnet of the drive motor 31, a rotational driving force around the rotation center C2 is applied to the impeller 20 in a non-contact manner (see Figure 5 ). As Figure 5 shown, the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged between the support shaft 7b and the inner peripheral surface 7a.

[0124] The drive motor 31 is provided with a control unit (not shown) that controls the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the rotating magnet. The control unit can set the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the rotating magnet to arbitrary values by adjusting the supply voltage to the drive motor 31 and the like. That is, the drive motor 31 can control the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the impeller 20 through the control unit. It should be noted that the drive motor 31 only needs to apply a magnetic field to the impeller 20 of the liquid flow structure 1, and its configuration and number can be determined arbitrarily.

[0125] The liquid delivery device 100 having such a structure is configured as described above, and the support portion 9 formed by the outer periphery 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the ring portion 21 has a clearance 24 ([ Figure 5 ) for the ring portion 21 to rotate freely. And, in the liquid delivery device 100, since the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged between the support shaft 7b and the inner peripheral surface 7a, the impeller 20 is attracted toward the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 by the magnetic force of the drive motor 31 and rotated at the same time. That is, the liquid delivery device 100 arranges the drive motor 31 in such a manner that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the clearance 24 is offset within the contact range between the outer periphery 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the ring portion 21. In this way, the liquid delivery device 100 can rotate the impeller 20 in a state where the clearance 24 is offset within the contact range between the outer periphery 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the ring portion 21, that is, in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 converges in one direction. This is because the outer periphery 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the ring portion 21 mostly come into contact at a specific point, so in this specification, this is referred to as the point contact method. Therefore, the liquid delivery device 100 can converge the rotation position of the impeller 20 to a specific range narrower than before. Thereby, the liquid delivery device 100 can rotate the impeller 20 more stably.

[0126] Here, Figure 6 and Figure 7 are explanatory diagrams showing the difference in the rotation center position of the impeller between the conventional method and the present embodiment (point contact method) with respect to the first embodiment.

[0127] Figure 6 (a) of is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the central axis 67d of the support shaft 67b and the rotation center C62 of the impeller 620 in the conventional method. Figure 6 (b) of is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 in the point contact method. In Figure 6 (a) of, "●" represents the central axis 67d of the support shaft 67b. The cross of the single dotted line and its intersection point represent the rotation center C62 of the impeller 620. In Figure 6In (b) thereof, "●" represents the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b. Additionally, in this figure, "▲" represents the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31. The dotted cross and its intersection represent the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20.

[0128] In addition, Figure 7 (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the deviation of the rotation center C62 of the impeller 620 in the existing method. Figure 7 (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the deviation of the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 in the point contact method.

[0129] Figure 6 In the existing method shown in (a), the central axis 67d of the support shaft 67b is made to coincide with the rotation center C63 of the drive motor 631. Thus, the impeller 620 is rotated such that the central axis 67d of the support shaft 67b coincides with the rotation center C62 of the impeller 620. Since these centers coincide, it is referred to as the center method in this specification.

[0130] As Figure 6 shown in (a), in the center method as the existing method, there is a gap 624 between the outer circumference 67c of the support shaft 67b and the inner circle 621a of the annular portion 621 of the impeller 620. Regarding the impeller 620 in the center method, the position of the rotation center C62 within the range of this gap 624 is not particularly limited, so the position of this rotation center C62 will freely move within the range of this gap 624.

[0131] In contrast, Figure 6 regarding the point contact method in the present embodiment shown in (b), the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is separated from the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b, and the impeller 20 is attracted in a specific direction (the direction of the rotation center C3) by the magnetic force of the drive motor 31 and rotated simultaneously. Thus, the point contact method in the present embodiment can rotate the impeller 20 in such a way that the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b does not coincide with the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20.

[0132] As Figure 6 shown in (b), in the point contact method of the present embodiment, there is also a gap 24 between the outer circumference 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the annular portion 21 of the impeller 20. However, in the point contact method in the present embodiment, the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the gap 24 is offset within the contact range between the outer circumference 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the annular portion 21. Therefore, in the point contact method in the present embodiment, the movement range of the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 within the range of this gap 24 is restricted.

[0133] Figure 7The "○" at the intersection of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in (a) indicates the position of the central axis 67d of the support shaft 67b, and the "●" indicates the result obtained by plotting the position of the rotation center C62 of the impeller 620 analyzed from the continuously captured images. Additionally, Figure 7 The numerical values on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in (a) represent the distance from the intersection point "○", and the unit is millimeters (mm).

[0134] As Figure 7 shown in (a), it can be seen that in the case of the center method as the existing method, the rotation center C62 of the impeller 620 is dispersed around the central axis 67d of the support shaft 67b as a whole. That is, it can be seen that in the center method, while the rotation center C62 of the impeller 620 revolves around the central axis 67d of the support shaft 67b approximately, the impeller 620 rotates (self-rotates).

[0135] Figure 7 The "○" at the intersection of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in (b) indicates the position of the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b, and the "●" indicates the result obtained by plotting the position of the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 analyzed from the continuously captured images. It should be noted that Figure 7 The numerical values on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in (b) represent the distance from the intersection point "○", and the unit is millimeters (mm).

[0136] As Figure 7 shown in (b), it can be seen that in the case of the point contact method in this embodiment, the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 converges to a certain extent within a specific range ( Figure 7 the upper right range in (b)) with respect to the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b.

[0137] Figure 8 It is also an explanatory diagram showing the difference in the rotation center position of the impeller 20 between the existing method and this embodiment (point contact method) with respect to the first embodiment. Additionally, Figure 8 The numerical values on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in represent the distance from the center point (0, 0), and the unit is millimeters (mm). Figure 8 Shows the results obtained by investigating the positions of the rotation center C62 of the impeller 620 and the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 by using a support shaft 7b with a diameter of about 0.7 mm and an impeller 20 (maximum length of about 3 mm) and rotating the impeller 20 with a drive motor 31. The impeller 20 includes a ring portion 21 having an inner circle 21a with a diameter of about 0.8 mm and two blade portions 22, 22 (each with a length of about 1 mm) extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 21.

[0138] Here, in the center method, the center point 67d of the support shaft 67b is made to coincide with the rotation center C63 of the drive motor 631 ( Figure 6 (a) of

[0139] On the other hand, in the point contact method, the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged to be separated from the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b ( Figure 6 (b) of Figure 6 . Specifically, in the point contact method, when viewed from above the liquid supply chamber 7, the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is moved approximately 1 mm toward the position that is approximately in the middle between the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 in the side wall (inner peripheral surface 7a) of the liquid supply chamber 7 and arranged. That is, the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged by moving approximately 1 mm upward and to the right from the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b in (b) of

[0140] In Figure 8 , "▲" represents the position of the center point 67d of the support shaft 67b in the center method, and the vertical and horizontal crosses represent the range in which the rotation center C62 of the impeller 620 moves. "■" represents the position of the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b in the point contact method, and the vertical and horizontal crosses represent the vertical and horizontal ranges in which the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 moves.

[0141] As Figure 8 shown, in the center method, the rotation center C62 moves within a range of approximately -0.07 to 0.07 mm longitudinally. In addition, as Figure 8 shown, in the point contact method, the rotation center C2 moves within a range of approximately -0.015 mm to 0.015 mm longitudinally and approximately -0.03 mm to 0.03 mm laterally. It is also shown from Figure 8 that, compared with the center method, the point contact method in the present embodiment converges the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 within a certain range. From this, it can be known that the point contact method can make the impeller 20 rotate more stably (at a stable position) than the center method.

[0142] Fig. 9 is a graph showing the measurement results of the change in the average flow rate of the impeller 20 over time in the point contact method measured during the investigation related to Figure 8 . The horizontal axis represents time [min], and the vertical axis represents the average flow rate [μL / min]. Devices (equipment) 1 to 4 represent the device numbers of the liquid supply devices 100 used. That is, four liquid supply devices 100 manufactured with the same design are used for measurement. The line graph indicated by "●" represents the average value (Ave.) of the average flow rates of Devices 1 to 4 at each measurement time.

[0143] The design drawings of the four devices are the same, but since they are manufactured by the present inventor himself, there will be some design errors in each manufactured device. Therefore, although there are deviations between the devices, different from the Fig.10 described later, as Fig. 9 As shown, in the point contact method, among four devices and on the line graph of "●" obtained by averaging the average hourly flow rate of the four devices, as time passes, the average flow rate also fluctuates in the negative direction and then hardly returns to the original approximate value, that is, the liquid hardly flows backward. Therefore, the point contact method can fix the flow direction of the liquid.

[0144] According to the above description, as Figure 6 shown in (b) of FIG., when the liquid supply chamber 7 of the liquid supply device 100 is point-symmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b in plan view so that the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are point-symmetrical, if the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in the region A1 corresponding to the first quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references and within a concentric circle centered on the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and the gap 24 is offset (that is, if the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged in the region A1), then liquid supply with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate can be continuously performed, where the third reference line RL3 is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid supply chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d. In addition, the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 can be regarded as the x-axis, for example, and the above-mentioned fourth reference line RL4 can be regarded as the y-axis, for example.

[0145] (Regarding the preferred mode)

[0146] When the liquid supply chamber 7 of the liquid supply device 100 is point-symmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b in plan view so that the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are point-symmetrical, since the shapes of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are the same, both are liable to allow liquid to flow in and both are liable to allow liquid to flow out. The reason is not clear yet, but in the center method as an existing method, even if the impeller 20 is continuously rotated in a fixed direction (specifically, the counterclockwise positive flow F1 direction), although at a low frequency, a backflow phenomenon where the liquid flows backward occurs in a short time. Fig.10 This is a graph showing the backflow phenomenon that occurs when the liquid supply chamber 7 in which the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the support shaft 7b is used in the liquid supply device 100. In this figure, the horizontal axis represents time [min], and the vertical axis represents the flow velocity [μL / min]. Regarding the vertical axis, with 0 [μL / min] as the center, the upper + side represents the positive flow F1, and the lower - side represents the backflow F2.

[0147] As Fig.10As shown, in the center method which is an existing method, in the case of the liquid feeding chamber 7 where the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged in a point-symmetrical positional relationship with the support shaft 7b as a reference, although it is a short time just after the start of operation, the liquid flows in the reverse flow F2 direction, and then it is stable for a long time, and the liquid flows in the forward flow F1 direction (there are also devices that do not cause the reverse flow phenomenon), but by using the point contact method, as Fig. 9 shown, generally speaking, the flow direction of the liquid is fixed and the flow rate is also stable. In this way, in the case of using this liquid feeding chamber 7 (point-symmetrical), by using the point contact method, good results have been obtained in the long-term operation, but it is considered that more stable liquid feeding can be achieved by further making efforts. From the results of various studies, by using the liquid feeding chamber 7 in which the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are in an asymmetrical or line-symmetrical positional relationship with the support shaft 7b as a reference in a plan view, more stable liquid feeding can be more reliably achieved.

[0148] Hereinafter, a preferred specific embodiment of the liquid feeding device 100 will be described.

[0149] (Second Embodiment)

[0150] Fig.11 It is an explanatory view of the liquid feeding part 3 of the liquid feeding device 100 of the second embodiment.

[0151] As Fig.11 shown, the liquid feeding chamber 7 in the second embodiment is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. In addition, the circular liquid feeding chamber 7 is shown by an imaginary line IL.

[0152] In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid feeding chamber 7 is configured such that in a plan view, the length of the first wall portion 7e formed by the first connection portion P1 connected to the first flow path 11, the second connection portion P2 connected to the second flow path 12, and the inner peripheral surface 7a of the circular shape between the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2 is shorter than the length of the second wall portion 7f formed by the third connection portion P3 connected to the first flow path 11, the fourth connection portion P4 connected to the second flow path 12, and the inner peripheral surface 7a of the circular shape between the third connection portion P3 and the fourth connection portion P4.

[0153] In addition, in this embodiment, the forming direction of the first flow path 11 with respect to the liquid feeding chamber 7 is parallel to the forming direction of the second flow path 12 with respect to the liquid feeding chamber 7, but the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are formed in a stepped manner with the liquid feeding chamber 7 interposed therebetween.

[0154] That is, in the second embodiment, as Fig.11 shown, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged in an asymmetrical position with the support shaft 7b of the liquid feeding chamber 7 as a reference.

[0155] It should be noted that in this mode, the impeller 20 rotates in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing along the first wall portion 7e. That is, in this mode, the impeller 20 rotates along the first wall portion 7e in the direction from the first flow path 11 to the second flow path 12.

[0156] In addition, in this mode, the liquid feeding chamber 7 is provided with the first flow path 11 at a position on a concentric circle centered on the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and including the boundary line between the first quadrant and the fourth quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references, and is provided with the second flow path 12 at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 and fourth reference line RL4 are used as references. The third reference line RL3 is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d. In addition, the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 can be regarded as the x-axis, for example, and the above-mentioned fourth reference line RL4 can be regarded as the y-axis, for example.

[0157] And, in this mode, as Fig.11 shown, the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 (refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 (b) of this) is located in the region A1 corresponding to the above-mentioned first quadrant or in the region A3 of the third quadrant when the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 and fourth reference line RL4 are used as references, and the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the gap 24 is offset.

[0158] In the second embodiment, since the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in the region A1 corresponding to the above-mentioned first quadrant or in the region A3 corresponding to the third quadrant and the gap 24 is offset, the rotation (rotation position) of the impeller 20 is stable. Therefore, the liquid feeding device 100 in the second embodiment can continuously feed the liquid with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate.

[0159] (Third Embodiment)

[0160] Fig.12 It is an explanatory view of the liquid feeding portion 3 of the liquid feeding device 100 in the third embodiment.

[0161] As Fig.12 shown, the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the liquid feeding portion 3 in the third embodiment is also formed in a circular shape when viewed from above.

[0162] In addition, in this method, the liquid feeding chamber 7 is configured such that, when viewed from above, the length of the first wall portion 7e formed by the first connection portion P1 connected to the first flow path 11, the second connection portion P2 connected to the second flow path 12, and the circular inner peripheral surface 7a between the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2 is shorter than the length of the second wall portion 7f formed by the third connection portion P3 connected to the first flow path 11, the fourth connection portion P4 connected to the second flow path 12, and the circular inner peripheral surface 7a between the third connection portion P3 and the fourth connection portion P4. It should be noted that, in this method, as Fig.12 shown, the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2 may also be directly connected. In this case, the length of the first wall portion 7e formed by the circular inner peripheral surface 7a between the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2 is 0.

[0163] That is, as Fig.12 shown, in this method, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are formed on the same straight line with the liquid feeding chamber 7 therebetween.

[0164] Therefore, in the third embodiment, as Fig.12 shown, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are provided at positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (with the following fourth reference line RL4 as the reference).

[0165] It should be noted that, in this method, as an example, the impeller 20 can be rotated in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing along the first wall portion 7e. That is, in this method, as an example, the impeller 20 can be rotated along the first wall portion 7e in the direction from the first flow path 11 toward the second flow path 12.

[0166] In addition, in this method, as Fig.12 shown, the liquid feeding chamber 7 has the first flow path 11 at a position corresponding to the first quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references in concentric circles centered on the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b, and has the second flow path 12 at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references, where the third reference line RL3 is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d. In addition, the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 can be regarded as the x-axis, for example, and the above-mentioned fourth reference line RL4 can be regarded as the y-axis, for example.

[0167] And, in this method, as Fig.12 shown, the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 (refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6(b) is located within the region A1 corresponding to the first quadrant described above or within the region A3 corresponding to the third quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 described above are used as references, and the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the clearance 24 is offset.

[0168] In the third embodiment, since the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located within the region A1 corresponding to the first quadrant or within the region A3 corresponding to the third quadrant and the clearance 24 is offset, the rotation (rotation position) of the impeller 20 is stable. Therefore, the liquid feeding device 100 of the third embodiment can continuously feed liquid with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate.

[0169] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0170] Fig.13 FIG. is an explanatory diagram of the liquid feeding section 3 of the liquid feeding device 100 of the fourth embodiment.

[0171] As Fig.13 shown, the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the liquid feeding section 3 in the fourth embodiment is also formed in a circular shape when viewed from above.

[0172] In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid feeding chamber 7 is configured such that, when viewed from above, the length of the first wall portion 7e formed by the first connection portion P1 connected to the first flow path 11, the second connection portion P2 connected to the second flow path 12, and the circular inner peripheral surface 7a between the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2 is shorter than the length of the second wall portion 7f formed by the third connection portion P3 connected to the first flow path 11, the fourth connection portion P4 connected to the second flow path 12, and the circular inner peripheral surface 7a between the third connection portion P3 and the fourth connection portion P4.

[0173] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged such that the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and the outflow direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid feeding chamber 7 are continuous through the arc of the first wall portion 7e. The angle formed by the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 can be set to 90° or the like, for example.

[0174] That is, in the fourth embodiment, as Fig.13 shown, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged at positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (with respect to the first reference line RL1 described later).

[0175] It should be noted that, in this method, as an example, the impeller 20 can be rotated in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing along the first wall portion 7e. That is, in this method, as an example, the impeller 20 can be rotated along the first wall portion 7e in the direction from the first flow path 11 toward the second flow path 12.

[0176] And, in this method, as Fig.13 shown, the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 (refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 (b)) is located within the semicircular region A5 that is bisected by the second reference line RL2 and includes the first wall portion 7e, and the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the clearance 24 is offset. The second reference line RL2 is orthogonal to the first reference line RL1 passing through the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and the point P5 that bisects the length of the first wall portion 7e and passes through the above-mentioned center point 7d. In addition, the above-mentioned second reference line RL2 can be regarded as the x-axis, for example, and the above-mentioned first reference line RL1 can be regarded as the y-axis, for example.

[0177] In the fourth embodiment, since the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located within the above-mentioned semicircular region A5 and the clearance 24 is offset, the rotation (rotation position) of the impeller 20 is stable. Therefore, the liquid feeding device 100 in the fourth embodiment can continuously feed the liquid with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate.

[0178] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0179] In the present embodiment, in the case where the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the liquid feeding device 100 is point-symmetrical (first embodiment) or line-symmetrical (third embodiment, fourth embodiment) with respect to the support shaft 7b in a plan view, since the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are symmetrically arranged, the liquid feeding direction can be easily adjusted by changing the rotation direction of the impeller 20. For example, in a certain cell culture, the impeller 20 can be rotated in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) to feed the liquid in the forward flow F1 direction, and in another certain cell culture, the impeller 20 can be rotated in the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction) to feed the liquid in the reverse flow F2 direction. In the present embodiment, they can be used separately arbitrarily.

[0180] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the liquid supply chamber 7 of the liquid supply device 100 is asymmetric with respect to the support shaft 7b in a plan view (second embodiment), the liquid supply direction can also be adjusted by changing the rotation direction of the impeller 20. However, in this case, since the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are not symmetrically arranged, the arrangement position of the drive motor 31 that can achieve a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate is different from the region described in the second embodiment. Regarding this point, it will be described later in Example 5 (see Fig.24 ).

[0181] [Liquid Supply Method]

[0182] Next, the liquid supply method of the above liquid supply device 100 will be described.

[0183] The device main body 10 is arranged on the drive device 30 in cooperation with the positioning portion 32 of the drive device 30. Thus, the liquid supply device 100 arranges the drive motor 31 in such a manner that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the gap 24 is offset within the contact range between the outer circumference 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the ring portion 21.

[0184] Next, the drive motor 31 of the drive device 30 is operated. As an example, as Figure 5 shown, the liquid supply device 100 applies a rotational driving force in the rotational direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) around the rotation center C2 to the impeller 20 through the drive motor 31. Thereby, the impeller 20 rotates around the rotation center C2 in the rotational direction D1 (counterclockwise direction). That is, the impeller 20 rotates in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing along the first wall portion 7e. Here, the impeller 20 rotates along the first wall portion 7e in the direction from the first flow path 11 toward the second flow path 12 (counterclockwise direction).

[0185] Due to the rotation of the impeller 20, a rotational flow of the liquid in the rotational direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) around the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is generated in the liquid supply chamber 7. Along with the rotational flow in the liquid supply chamber 7, the liquid flows into the liquid supply chamber 7 from the first flow path 11 through the liquid inlet / outlet 14 and flows through the liquid inlet / outlet 15 to the second flow path 12 (the liquid flows in the positive flow F1). In this example, the liquid inlet / outlet 14 serves as the intake port. The liquid inlet / outlet 15 serves as the discharge port.

[0186] Regarding the reason for generating the flow from the first flow path 11 through the liquid feed chamber 7 towards the second flow path 12, the following speculation can be made. By the rotation of the impeller 20, vortices of different sizes are generated at positions close to the liquid inlet / outlet 14 and the liquid inlet / outlet 15, respectively. For example, the flow direction (rotation direction) of the vortices is the same as the rotation direction D1 of the impeller 20. By generating vortices with different shapes, sizes, and flow velocities, the hydraulic pressure at the liquid inlet / outlet 15 is lower than the hydraulic pressure at the liquid inlet / outlet 14. As a result, the liquid in the liquid feed chamber 7 flows from the liquid inlet / outlet 14 towards the liquid inlet / outlet 15. Therefore, it is considered that the liquid is transported from the first flow path 11 through the liquid feed chamber 7 to the second flow path 12.

[0187] As Figure 4 shown, by generating the flow of the liquid from the first flow path 11 through the liquid feed chamber 7 towards the second flow path 12 ( Figure 4 the flow of the liquid in the direction of the arrow in), the liquid in the first storage part 5 flows into the first flow path 11. The liquid in the second flow path 12 flows into the second storage part 6.

[0188] The flow rate of the liquid from the first flow path 11 through the liquid feed chamber 7 towards the second flow path 12 can be adjusted by the rotation speed of the impeller 20. To set the rotation speed of the impeller 20, the rotation speed of the rotating magnet (not shown) of the drive motor 31 is adjusted. Thus, the liquid feed device 100 can circulate the liquid in the annular flow path 4 at an arbitrary flow rate.

[0189] In addition, in the present embodiment, the liquid feed direction of the liquid can be adjusted according to the rotation direction of the impeller 20. That is, by reversing the rotation direction of the drive motor 31 to rotate the impeller 20 in the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction), the liquid feed direction of the liquid can be set to the countercurrent F2 direction.

[0190] The liquid feed device 100 feeds the liquid by using the impeller 20 in the liquid feed chamber 7, so the operations other than the setting of the rotation and stop of the impeller 20 can be reduced. Therefore, the operation for feeding the liquid is easy. Thereby, the convenience can be improved.

[0191] The structure of the liquid feed device 100 for feeding the liquid by using the impeller 20 in the liquid feed chamber 7 is simple, so it is easy to miniaturize. In addition, since the liquid feed structure is simple, cost reduction can be achieved.

[0192] Example 1

[0193] [First Embodiment]

[0194] (Study 1 on the Shape of the Liquid Feed Part 3 of the Device Main Body 10)

[0195] Next, the liquid feed device of the present invention will be described by way of examples.

[0196] A PMMA device main body 10 having a rectangular shape in plan view and formed in a block shape is prepared. In [the first embodiment], the PMMA device main body 10 is cut with a 3D plotter to form Figure 4 the liquid flow structure 1 (liquid flow portion 2, liquid supply portion 3, and annular flow path 4) shown.

[0197] When forming the liquid flow portion 2 and the liquid supply portion 3 (liquid supply chamber 7), the shape is changed, and the device main bodies 10 of Examples 1 to 3 are fabricated, and the device main bodies 10 of Example 4 are fabricated. The liquid flow structure 1 (liquid flow portion 2, liquid supply portion 3, and annular flow path 4) in each device main body 10 is formed using a 3D plotter.

[0198] Among them, Fig.14 (a) to (d) of are explanatory diagrams showing the shape of the liquid supply portion 3 of the device main bodies 10 of Examples 1 to 4 and the arrangement position of the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 described later.

[0199] As Fig.14 shown in (a) of, in the device main body 10 of Example 1, the liquid supply portion 3 makes the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 point-symmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid supply chamber 7 (refer to Figure 6 of (b)).

[0200] As Fig.14 shown in (b) of, in the device main body 10 of Example 2, the liquid supply portion 3 makes the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 asymmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid supply chamber 7 (refer to Fig.11 ).

[0201] As Fig.14 shown in (c) of, in the device main body 10 of Example 3, the liquid supply portion 3 makes the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 line-symmetrical (line symmetry Ver.1) with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid supply chamber 7 (refer to Fig.12 ).

[0202] As Fig.14 shown in (d) of, in the device main body 10 of Example 4, the liquid supply portion 3 makes the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 line-symmetrical (line symmetry Ver.2) with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid supply chamber 7 (see Fig.13 ).

[0203] Then, for Fig.14 the five positions of the center S1, upper right S2, upper left S3, lower left S4, and lower right S5 shown by "□" in each of the diagrams (a) to (c) of and Fig.14In the (d) of, at the five positions of the upper S6, central S7, lower S8, upper left S9, and upper right S10 illustrated by "□", the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 was arranged at each position, and the behavior of the impeller 20 and the flow rate (average flow rate) of the solution were investigated when the impeller 20 was rotated. It should be noted that Fig.14 In (a) to (c) of, the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged at the upper right S2. Fig.14 In (d) of, the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged at the upper right S10.

[0204] It should be noted that the diameter of the support shaft 7b of the liquid delivery chamber 7 is approximately 0.7 mm.

[0205] The impeller 20 made of a magnetic material is used. The impeller 20 is configured such that the diameter of the inner circle 21a of the ring portion 21 is approximately 0.8 mm, and two blade portions 22, 22 (each having a length of approximately 1 mm) extend in the same line from the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 21 toward the radially outer side.

[0206] In order to enable the impeller 20 to rotate around the support shaft 7b of the liquid delivery chamber 7, the ring portion 21 is supported by the support shaft 7b so as to be rotatable.

[0207] In Examples 1 to 4, the average flow path height of the liquid delivery chamber 7, the first flow path 11, the second flow path 12, and the return flow path 13 is 350 μm.

[0208] Then, a solution for flow rate measurement is stored in the first storage portion 5 and the second storage portion 6, and the liquid flow structure 1 is filled with this solution.

[0209] In this state, the drive motor 31 is driven to rotate the impeller 20 in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise), and the flow rate is measured.

[0210] The solution for flow rate measurement, the drive time of the drive motor 31, and the rotation speed of the impeller 20 are as follows.

[0211] Solution: A fluorescent microsphere dispersion solution with a diameter of approximately 1.0 μm

[0212] Drive time: 60 min (start of driving of the drive motor 31 = 0 min)

[0213] Rotation speed: Approximately 2400 rpm

[0214] Rotation direction: Rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) when viewed from above

[0215] Fig.15 It is an explanatory diagram showing the rotation of the impeller 20 in the examples and the measurement of the average flow rate.

[0216] The close-up camera is installed on Fig.15 It was set close to the XVa part, i.e., close to the liquid feeding part 3, and the rotation of the impeller 20 was continuously photographed. Then, the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 was drawn for each continuous image using the image processing software ImageJ, and the behavior of the impeller 20 was measured. Figure 7 (b) of is a diagram (point contact method) obtained by drawing the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 in the apparatus main body 10 of Example 1. It should be noted that Figure 7 (a) of is a diagram obtained by reproducing the center method as an existing method by making the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b coincide with the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 when investigating the apparatus main body 10 of Example 1 and drawing the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 when the impeller 20 is rotated. Therefore, Figure 7 (a) shows the results corresponding to the comparative example.

[0217] In addition, the close-up camera was brought close to Fig.15 the XVb part, i.e., the second flow path 12, and the situation of the solution flowing in the second flow path 12 was continuously photographed. Then, the average flow rate of each device (liquid feeding device 100) in Examples 1 to 4 was calculated using PIV analysis software (FlowExpert2D2C). Figure 16 to Figure 19 The results are shown.

[0218] Fig.16 It is shown in Fig.14 charts showing the change over time of the respective average flow rates in the case where the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged at five positions, i.e., the center S1, upper right S2, upper left S3, lower left S4, and lower right S5 (refer to Fig.14 (a)) of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (point-symmetric) of the liquid feeding device 100 of Example 1 in (a) of (number of devices used: 4).

[0219] Fig.17 It is shown in Fig.14 charts showing the change over time of the respective average flow rates in the case where the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged at five positions, i.e., the center S1, upper right S2, upper left S3, lower left S4, and lower right S5 (refer to Fig.14 (b)) of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (asymmetric) of the liquid feeding device 100 of Example 2 in (b) of (number of devices used: 4).

[0220] Fig.18 It is shown in Fig.14 charts showing the change over time of the respective average flow rates in the case where the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged at five positions, i.e., the center S1, upper right S2, upper left S3, lower left S4, and lower right S5 (refer to Fig.14Graph showing the change over time of the respective average flow rates when the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is configured (number of devices used: 4).

[0221] Fig.19 It shows in Fig.14 In Example 4 of the liquid feeding device 100 in (d), at five positions, namely the upper S6, central S7, lower S8, upper left S9, and upper right S10, of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (line symmetry Ver. 2) (refer to Fig.14 Graph showing the change over time of the respective average flow rates when the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is configured (number of devices used: 3).

[0222] In Figure 16 to Figure 19 , the horizontal axis represents time [min], and the vertical axis represents the average flow rate [μL / min]. A positive value on the vertical axis represents the average flow rate of the forward flow F1, and a negative value represents the average flow rate of the reverse flow F2. Additionally, Figure 16 to Figure 19 In, the shape of the liquid feeding chamber 7 in Examples 1 to 4 is shown in the upper left figure. Additionally, in Examples 1 to 3, continuous shooting (i.e., start of calculation of the flow rate) was started 5 minutes after the start of driving of the drive motor 31, and continuous shooting was performed from the start of driving of the drive motor 31 to 60 minutes. In Example 4, continuous shooting (i.e., start of calculation of the flow rate) was started 10 minutes after the start of driving of the drive motor 31, and continuous shooting was performed from the start of driving of the drive motor 31 to 60 minutes.

[0223] As Figure 16 to Figure 19 shown, the liquid feeding devices 100 of Examples 1 to 4 are all configured such that the impeller 20 rotates in a state where the gap 24 is offset within the contact range between the outer circumference 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the ring portion 21. Therefore, all of these devices can continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate. Additionally, since the flow direction and the change of the flow rate of the liquid in these devices are both stable, it is considered that during the period from 0 minutes to 5 minutes (Examples 1 to 3) or 10 minutes (Example 4) after the start of driving of the drive motor 31, the flow direction of the liquid is similarly fixed and the flow rate is similarly stable. When the liquid feeding devices 100 in Examples 1 to 4 are used for cell culture, about 10 minutes after the start of culture, the composition of the liquid medium circulating in the flow path, the first storage portion 5, and the second storage portion 6 hardly changes, so it is considered that better cell culture than the prior art can be performed.

[0224] Specifically, as Fig.16 and Fig.14 shown in (a), the liquid feeding device 100 of Example 1 is formed such that the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are point-symmetric with respect to the support shaft 7b.

[0225] The liquid feeding device 100 of Example 1 can continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate at the position S2 in the upper right of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (point symmetry) (refer to Figure 6 (b) of

[0226] That is, when the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are point-symmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b in a plan view of the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the liquid feeding device 100, if the impeller 20 can be rotated in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in a region A1 corresponding to the first quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references within a concentric circle centered on the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and the gap 24 is offset, and is rotated in a plan view in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) (that is, if the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged in the region A1), then liquid feeding with the liquid flow direction fixed in the positive flow F1 direction and the flow rate also fixed can be continuously performed, where the third reference line RL3 is parallel to the liquid inflow direction into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d.

[0227] In addition, as Fig.16 and Fig.14 (a) of

[0228] shows, the liquid feeding device 100 of Example 1 can continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate at the position S4 in the lower left of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (point symmetry).

[0229] That is, when the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are point-symmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b in a plan view of the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the liquid feeding device 100, if the impeller 20 can be rotated in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in a region A3 corresponding to the third quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references within a concentric circle centered on the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and the gap 24 is offset, and is rotated in a plan view in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) (that is, if the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged in the region A3), then liquid feeding with the liquid flow direction fixed in the reverse flow F2 direction and the flow rate also fixed can be continuously performed, where the third reference line RL3 is parallel to the liquid inflow direction into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d.

[0229] As Fig.17 and Fig.14As shown in (b) of FIG. , in the liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 2, the forming direction of the first flow path 11 with respect to the liquid feeding chamber 7 is parallel to the forming direction of the second flow path 12 with respect to the liquid feeding chamber 7, but the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are formed in a stepped manner with the liquid feeding chamber 7 therebetween.

[0230] The liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 2 can continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate at positions S2 in the upper right (asymmetric) and S4 in the lower left of the liquid feeding chamber 7.

[0231] That is, in the concentric circles centered on the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b of the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the liquid feeding device 100, the first flow path 11 is provided at a position including the boundary line between the first quadrant and the fourth quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references, and the second flow path 12 is provided at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 and fourth reference line RL4 are used as references. Moreover, the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in the region A1 corresponding to the first quadrant or in the region A3 corresponding to the third quadrant when the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 and fourth reference line RL4 are used as references (refer to Fig.11 ), and liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate can be continuously performed, where the third reference line RL3 is parallel to the liquid inflow direction into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d.

[0232] Thus, in the liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 2, if the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in the rotational direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) in a plan view in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in the region A1 corresponding to the first quadrant or in the region A3 corresponding to the third quadrant and the gap 24 is offset (that is, if the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged in the region A1 or the region A3), then liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction in the positive flow F1 direction and a fixed flow rate can be continuously performed. In addition, regarding the liquid feeding in the positive flow F1 direction, Embodiment 2 can obtain a substantially higher average flow rate than Embodiment 1.

[0233] In addition, as Fig.17 and Fig.14 shown in (b) of FIG. , the liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 2 can continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate at the position S5 in the lower right (asymmetric) of the liquid feeding chamber 7.

[0234] That is, the liquid delivery chamber 7 of the liquid delivery device 100 is provided with a first flow path 11 at a position on a concentric circle centered on the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b, at a position including the boundary line between the first quadrant and the fourth quadrant with the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 as references, and is provided with a second flow path 12 at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references. Moreover, the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located within the region A4 corresponding to the fourth quadrant (see Fig.11 ), and it is possible to continuously perform liquid delivery with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate. Here, the third reference line RL3 is parallel to the liquid inflow direction into the liquid delivery chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d.

[0235] In this way, in the liquid delivery device 100 of the second embodiment, if the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a manner that the impeller 20 can rotate in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) in a plan view in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located within the region A4 corresponding to the above-mentioned fourth quadrant and the gap 24 is offset (that is, if the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged within the region A4), then it is possible to continuously perform liquid delivery with a fixed flow direction in the countercurrent F2 direction and a fixed flow rate. In addition, regarding the liquid delivery in the countercurrent F2 direction, the second embodiment can obtain a substantially higher average flow rate than the first embodiment.

[0236] As Fig.18 and Fig.14 shown in (c) of, in the liquid delivery device 100 of the third embodiment, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are formed in a straight line with the liquid delivery chamber 7 interposed therebetween.

[0237] The liquid delivery device 100 of the third embodiment can continuously perform liquid delivery with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate at the upper right S2 and lower left S4 positions of the liquid delivery chamber 7 (line symmetry Ver.1).

[0238] That is, the liquid delivery chamber 7 of the liquid delivery device 100 is provided with a first flow path 11 at a position corresponding to the first quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references, and is provided with a second flow path 12 at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references. Moreover, the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located within the region A1 corresponding to the first quadrant or within the region A3 corresponding to the third quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references (see Fig.12), it can continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate. Among them, the third reference line RL3 is parallel to the liquid inflow direction into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d.

[0239] In this way, in the liquid feeding device 100 of the third embodiment, if the impeller 20 is configured to rotate in the rotational direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) in a plan view in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in the region A1 corresponding to the first quadrant or the region A3 corresponding to the third quadrant and the gap 24 is offset (that is, if the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged in the region A1 or the region A3), then it can continuously perform liquid feeding with the liquid flow direction fixed to the positive flow F1 direction and a stable flow rate. In addition, regarding the liquid feeding in the positive flow F1 direction, the third embodiment can obtain a substantially higher average flow rate than the first embodiment.

[0240] In addition, as Fig.18 and Fig.14 shown in (c) of, the liquid feeding device 100 of the third embodiment can continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate at the upper left S3 and lower right S5 positions of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (line symmetry Ver.1).

[0241] That is, the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the liquid feeding device 100 has a first flow path 11 at a position corresponding to the first quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references in concentric circles centered on the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b, and has a second flow path 12 at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 and fourth reference line RL4 are used as references. And the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in the region A2 corresponding to the second quadrant or the region A4 corresponding to the fourth quadrant when the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 and fourth reference line RL4 are used as references (refer to Fig.12 ), it can continuously perform liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate. Among them, the third reference line RL3 is parallel to the liquid inflow direction into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d.

[0242] Thus, in the liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 3, if the drive motor 31 is arranged such that the impeller 20 can rotate in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) in a plan view in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in the region A2 corresponding to the second quadrant or the region A4 corresponding to the fourth quadrant and the gap 24 is offset (that is, the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged in the region A2 or the region A4), then the liquid feeding with the liquid flow direction fixed to the countercurrent F2 direction and the flow rate also fixed can be continuously performed. In addition, regarding the liquid feeding in the countercurrent F2 direction, Embodiment 3 can obtain a substantially higher average flow rate than Embodiment 1.

[0243] As Fig.19 and Fig.14 shown in (d) of, in the liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 4, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are provided such that the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and the outflow direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid feeding chamber 7 are continuous through the arc of the first wall portion 7e.

[0244] The liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 4 can continuously perform liquid feeding with the liquid flow direction fixed and the flow rate also stable at the positions of the upper S6, upper left S9, and upper right S10 of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (line symmetry Ver.2).

[0245] That is, in the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the liquid feeding device 100, liquid feeding with the liquid flow direction fixed and the flow rate also stable can be continuously performed in the region A5 of the semi-circle that is bisected in area by the second reference line RL2 and includes the first wall portion 7e (refer to Fig.13 ), where the second reference line RL2 is orthogonal to the first reference line RL1 passing through the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and the point P5 that equally divides the length of the first wall portion 7e and passes through the above center point 7d.

[0246] Thus, in the liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 4, if the drive motor 31 is arranged such that the impeller 20 can rotate in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction) in a plan view in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in the semi-circular region A5 and the gap 24 is offset (that is, if the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged in the semi-circular region A5), then the liquid feeding with the liquid flow direction fixed to the forward flow F1 direction and the flow rate also fixed can be continuously performed. In addition, regarding the liquid feeding in the forward flow F1 direction, Embodiment 4 can obtain a substantially higher average flow rate than Embodiment 1.

[0247] The liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 4 not only has a high flow rate, but also has a wide area where the drive motor 31 can be arranged (a wide setting allowable range for the drive motor 31), so it can be said to be a more preferable mode.

[0248] Fig. 20It is a graph showing the flow rate, average flow rate, and coefficient of variation of each device used in the liquid delivery device 100 of Embodiments 1 to 4 45 minutes after the start of driving of the drive motor 31. Fig. 20 Shows the flow velocity when the drive motor 31 is arranged at the position with the highest average flow rate during liquid delivery in the forward flow F1 direction in each of the Figure 16 to Figure 19 illustrated embodiments. That is, in Embodiments 1 to 3, it is the flow rate when the drive motor 31 is arranged at the upper right S2 part in the liquid delivery chamber 7, and in Embodiment 4, it is the flow rate when the drive motor 31 is arranged at the upper S6 part in the liquid delivery chamber 7. The number of devices used in each embodiment is four (Device1 to 4) in Embodiments 1 to 3 and three (Device1 to 3) in Embodiment 4. In Fig. 20 , the left vertical axis represents the flow rate and average flow rate [μL / min], and the right vertical axis represents the coefficient of variation. In addition, Fig. 20 in, "□" represents the flow rate of Device1 in each embodiment, "◇" represents the flow rate of Device2 in each embodiment, "○" represents the flow rate of Device3 in each embodiment, and "×" represents the flow rate of Device4 in each embodiment. The vertical bars of each embodiment represent the average flow rate. "▲" represents the coefficient of variation of the flow rate of Device1 to 4 in Embodiments 1 to 3 and the coefficient of variation of the flow rate of Device1 to 3 in Embodiment 4.

[0249] As Fig. 20 shown, the average flow rate of the liquid delivery device 100 of Embodiment 3 is the highest, and the average flow rate of the liquid delivery device 100 of Embodiment 4 is the second highest. The coefficient of variation of the liquid delivery device 100 of Embodiment 4 is the lowest, and the flow rate is stable. From this, it can be known that the shape of the liquid delivery chamber 7 in Embodiments 3 and 4 is more preferably, that is, the shape in which the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged at positions that are line-symmetric with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid delivery chamber 7 (refer to Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 (c) of, Fig.14 (d) of), and further, the drive motor 31 is arranged in such a way that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located within a specified region and the gap 24 formed between the outer circumference 7c of the support shaft 7b and the inner circle 21a of the ring portion 21 is offset.

[0250] Fig.21 is a graph showing that the average flow rate of the liquid delivery device 100 has a rotational speed dependence. The shape of the liquid delivery chamber 7 in Embodiment 4 is shown on the left side of Fig.21 . Fig.21This is a graph obtained by using the liquid delivery device 100 of Example 4 to adjust the rotational speed of the drive motor 31 and adjusting the rotational speed of the impeller 20 to approximately 1500 rpm, approximately 2500 rpm, approximately 3500 rpm, and approximately 4500 rpm respectively, and investigating the average flow rate at these rotational speeds. In Fig.21 , the horizontal axis represents the rotational speed [rpm], and the vertical axis represents the average flow rate [μL / min]. Additionally, when conducting this investigation, five liquid delivery devices 100 each having a liquid delivery chamber 7 self-made according to the same design drawings were fabricated for use. Then, the flow rate was measured three times (run1 to 3) for each device. The drive motor 31 has its rotation center C3 disposed at the position S6 above the liquid delivery chamber 7 with the highest average flow rate (refer to Fig.14 (d)).

[0251] As Fig.21 shown, it can be seen that for the liquid delivery device 100 of Example 4, as the rotational speed of the impeller 20 increases, the average flow rate also increases. That is, it can be seen that the average flow rate of the liquid delivery device 100 has a rotational speed dependence.

[0252] Fig. 22 This is a graph showing that the average flow rate of the liquid delivery device 100 of Example 4 in Fig.14 (d) has a flow path height dependence. The shape of the liquid delivery chamber 7 in Example 4 is shown in the left diagram of Fig. 22 . Fig. 22 This is a graph obtained by adjusting the average flow path heights of the liquid delivery chamber 7, the first flow path 11, the second flow path 12, and the return flow path 13 to 268.0 μm, 302.0 μm, 380.0 μm, 440.0 μm, or 580.0 μm respectively, constructing them in the same manner as the liquid delivery device 100 of Example 4, and investigating the average flow rate when the rotational speed of the impeller 20 is adjusted to approximately 2500 rpm. In Fig. 22 , the horizontal axis represents the average flow path height [μm], the left vertical axis represents the average flow rate [μL / min], and the right vertical axis represents the coefficient of variation [%]. "●" represents the average flow rate at each average flow path height. "△" represents the coefficient of variation at each average flow path height. It should be noted that when conducting this investigation, three liquid delivery devices 100 each with its own flow path height were fabricated respectively. Then, the flow rate was measured three times (run1 to 3) for each device. Fig. 22 The error bars of the average flow rates in Fig.14 represent the standard deviation (SD) between devices based on nine data respectively obtained by implementing on these three devices in run1 to 3. The drive motor 31 has its rotation center C3 disposed at the position S6 above the liquid delivery chamber 7 with the highest average flow rate (refer to Fig.14 (d)).

[0253] As Fig. 22As shown, it can be seen that as the average flow path height of the liquid delivery device 100 of Example 4 increases, the average flow rate becomes higher. In addition, it can be seen that the coefficient of variation has a tendency to decrease as the average flow path height increases. From this, it can be known that the stability of the liquid delivery performance changes according to the change in the average flow path height.

[0254] Fig.23 is a graph showing that the average flow rate of the liquid delivery device 100 of Example 4 with different average flow path heights in (d) has a rotational speed dependence. In Fig.14 the left side diagram shows the shape of the liquid delivery chamber 7 in Example 4. Fig.23 is a graph obtained by using the liquid delivery devices 100 with average flow path heights of 302.0 μm, 440.0 μm, and 580.0 μm respectively used in the examples of Fig.23 to adjust the rotational speed of the drive motor 31 and adjusting the rotational speed of the impeller 20 to about 1500 rpm, about 2500 rpm, about 3500 rpm, and about 4500 rpm respectively, and investigating the average flow rate at these rotational speeds. In Fig. 22 the horizontal axis represents the rotational speed [rpm], and the vertical axis represents the average flow rate [μL / min]. "●" represents the average flow rate when the average flow path height is 302.0 μm. "▲" represents the average flow rate when the average flow path height is 440.0 μm. "■" represents the average flow rate when the average flow path height is 580.0 μm. It should be noted that when conducting this investigation, three liquid delivery devices 100 with respective flow path heights were fabricated and used. Then, the flow rate was measured three times (run1 to 3) for each device. Fig.23 The error bars of the average flow rates in Fig.23 represent the standard deviation (SD) between devices based on nine data obtained by separately implementing on these three devices in run1 to 3. The drive motor 31 disposes its rotation center C3 at the position of the upper S6 in the liquid delivery chamber 7 with the highest average flow rate (refer to Fig.14 (d) of

[0255] As Fig.23 shown, it can be seen that regardless of the average flow path height of the liquid delivery device 100 of Example 4, as the rotational speed of the impeller 20 increases, the average flow rate becomes higher. In addition, similar to Fig. 22 it is proved that the average flow rate does not depend on the rotational speed but increases in the order of the average flow path height.

[0256] Here, using the shape of the liquid delivery chamber 7 in Example 4, it is shown that the average flow rate has an average flow path height dependence and even when the average flow path heights are different, the average flow rate also has a rotational speed dependence. However, it is not limited to the shape of the liquid delivery chamber 7 in Example 4, and the same effect can also be obtained in the shapes of the liquid delivery chambers 7 in Examples 1 to 3.

[0257] In addition, for the liquid delivery device 100 of Embodiments 1, 3, and 4 (the liquid delivery device 100 in which the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are point-symmetrical or line-symmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid delivery chamber 7), the flow of the liquid was confirmed in the same manner as above when the rotation direction of the drive motor 31 and the rotation direction of the impeller 20 rotated thereby were set to the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction).

[0258] Specifically, the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 was disposed within the region A1 of the liquid delivery device 100 of Embodiment 1, and the impeller 20 was rotated in the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction).

[0259] The rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 was disposed within the region A1 or the region A3 of the liquid delivery device 100 of Embodiment 3, and the impeller 20 was rotated in the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction).

[0260] The rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 was disposed within the semi-circular region A5 of the liquid delivery device 100 of Embodiment 4, and the impeller 20 was rotated in the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction).

[0261] As a result, it was found that liquid delivery that enables the liquid to flow fixedly in the countercurrent F2 direction and whose flow rate is also stable can be continuously performed. That is, it was confirmed that the liquid delivery devices 100 of Embodiments 1, 3, and 4 can adjust the liquid delivery direction according to the rotation direction of the impeller 20.

[0262] Fig.24 It is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of the liquid delivery part 3 of the device main body 10 of Embodiment 5 and the arrangement position of the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 described later. As Fig.24 shown, the liquid delivery part 3 of the device main body 10 of Embodiment 5 has the same shape as the liquid delivery part 3 of the device main body 10 of Embodiment 2 (refer to Fig.14 (b)). That is, as Fig.24 shown, the liquid delivery part 3 of the device main body 10 of Embodiment 5 is also asymmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid delivery chamber 7 in the same manner as Embodiment 2, with the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 (refer to Fig.11 (b)). Fig.14

[0263] Therefore, in the liquid feeding chamber 7 of the device main body 10 of Embodiment 5, a first flow path 11 is provided at a position on a concentric circle centered on the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and including the boundary line between the first quadrant and the fourth quadrant when the third reference line RL3 and the fourth reference line RL4 are used as references. A second flow path 12 is provided at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 and fourth reference line RL4 are used as references. The third reference line RL3 is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and passes through the center point 7d, and the fourth reference line RL4 is orthogonal to the third reference line RL3 and passes through the center point 7d. It should be noted that the above-mentioned third reference line RL3 can be regarded as the x-axis, for example, and the above-mentioned fourth reference line RL4 can be regarded as the y-axis, for example.

[0264] Moreover, in the device main body 10 of Embodiment 5 Fig.24 at the four positions of the upper right S2, upper left S3, lower left S4, and lower right S5 shown by the "□" in the figure, the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 is arranged to rotate the impeller 20, and the change of the respective average flow rates over time is investigated.

[0265] Regarding the change of the average flow rate over time, the close-up camera is brought close to Fig.24 the XXIVb part shown, that is, the second flow path 12 is arranged and the solution flowing in the second flow path 12 is continuously photographed. Then, the average flow rate of the liquid feeding device 100 of Embodiment 5 is calculated using PIV analysis software (FlowExpert2D2C).

[0266] This investigation is carried out under the following conditions.

[0267] Solution: Fluorescent microsphere dispersion solution with a diameter of about 1.0 μm

[0268] Measurement time: 30 seconds after 10 minutes from the start of driving of the drive motor 31 (0 min)

[0269] Rotation speed: About 2200 rpm

[0270] Rotation direction: Rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction) when viewed from above

[0271] In addition, in the device main body 10 of Embodiment 5, the rotation direction of the drive motor 31 and the rotation direction of the impeller 20 rotated thereby are set to the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction) that rotates in the opposite direction to that of Embodiment 2 and the like. That is, in the device main body 10 of Embodiment 5, the impeller 20 rotates in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing from the second flow path 12 toward the first flow path 11 along the first wall portion 7e.

[0272] As a result, it was confirmed that the liquid flows from the second flow path 12 toward the first flow path 11 at the positions of the upper right S2, the upper left S3, and the lower right S5. That is, in the apparatus main body 10 of Embodiment 5, by arranging the drive motor 31 in such a manner that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located in the region A1 corresponding to the first quadrant, the region A2 corresponding to the second quadrant, or the region A4 corresponding to the fourth quadrant and the gap 24 is offset, it was confirmed that the liquid fixedly flows from the second flow path 12 toward the first flow path 11 and that the flow rate is stable.

[0273] Thus, it can be seen that in the apparatus main body 10 of Embodiment 5, even when the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are asymmetric with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid feeding chamber 7, similar to the case where the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are point-symmetric or line-symmetric with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid feeding chamber 7, by reversing the impeller 20, it is possible to continuously perform liquid feeding in which the liquid can fixedly flow in the reverse flow F2 direction and the flow rate thereof is also stable.

[0274] As described above, the embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and each of the above-described constituent elements can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0275] (Modification Example of the Third Embodiment)

[0276] For example, in the third embodiment, as shown in (c) of Fig.12 and Fig.14 , the following was described: In a plan view, with respect to the circular liquid feeding chamber 7, the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2 may also be directly connected. That is, in the third embodiment, it was described that the wall portion of the circular liquid feeding chamber 7 and the wall portions of the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 that are on the outer side with respect to the width W3 of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (refer to Figure 5 ) are connected at a single point. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the length of the first wall portion 7e formed by the inner peripheral surface 7a of the circular shape between the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2 was set to 0. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0277] Among them, Fig.25 is an explanatory view of the liquid feeding portion 3 of a liquid feeding device 100 which is a modification example of the third embodiment.

[0278] As shown in Fig.25As shown, in this modified example, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 formed on the same straight line can be arranged more inward in the width W3 direction of the circular liquid supply chamber 7. In this case, the liquid supply device 100 of this modified example is configured such that the liquid supply chamber 7 has a first wall portion 7e formed by a first connection portion P1 connected to the first flow path 11, a second connection portion P2 connected to the second flow path 12, and a circular inner peripheral surface 7a between the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2 in a plan view. In addition, the above-mentioned liquid supply chamber 7 has a second wall portion 7f formed by a third connection portion P3 connected to the first flow path 11, a fourth connection portion P4 connected to the second flow path 12, and a circular inner peripheral surface 7a between the third connection portion P3 and the fourth connection portion P4 in a plan view.

[0279] Even in such a modified example, as in the third embodiment, the liquid can be continuously supplied with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate.

[0280] (Modified example of the fourth embodiment)

[0281] In addition, for example, in the fourth embodiment, as Fig.13 and Fig.14 shown in (d), the following is illustrated: In a plan view, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged with respect to the circular liquid supply chamber 7 such that the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the liquid supply chamber 7 and the outflow direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid supply chamber 7 are continuous through the arc of the first wall portion 7e, and the angle formed by the above-mentioned first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 is set to 90 degrees, for example. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0282] Among them, Fig.26 is an explanatory view of the liquid supply portion 3 of the liquid supply device 100 of a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0283] In the fourth embodiment, as Fig.13 and Fig.14 shown in (d), the first flow path 11, the liquid supply chamber 7, and the second flow path 12 are formed in an A shape, but as Fig.26 shown, they can also be formed in an M shape.

[0284] In this modified example, the first flow path 11 has a first folding portion 11a that folds back at an arbitrary position between the liquid supply chamber 7 and a first storage portion 5 (not shown). The second flow path 12 has a second folding portion 12a that folds back at an arbitrary position between the liquid supply chamber 7 and a second storage portion 6 (not shown). Therefore, in this modified example, the design freedom of the liquid supply device 100 can be improved.

[0285] And, in Fig.26In the illustrated modified example, similar to the fourth embodiment, the liquid feeding chamber 7 is configured such that, in a plan view, the length of the first wall portion 7e formed by the first connection portion P1 connected to the first flow path 11, the second connection portion P2 connected to the second flow path 12, and the circular inner peripheral surface 7a between the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2 is shorter than the length of the second wall portion 7f formed by the third connection portion P3 connected to the first flow path 11, the fourth connection portion P4 connected to the second flow path 12, and the circular inner peripheral surface 7a between the third connection portion P3 and the fourth connection portion P4.

[0286] In addition, in this modified example, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged such that the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the liquid feeding chamber 7 and the outflow direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid feeding chamber 7 are continuous through the arc of the first wall portion 7e. In this modified example, similar to the fourth embodiment, the angle formed by the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 can be set to 90° or the like, for example.

[0287] That is, in this modified example, as shown in Fig.26 the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged at positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the support shaft 7b of the liquid feeding chamber 7 (with respect to the first reference line RL1 described later).

[0288] In addition, in this modified example, as an example, the impeller 20 can also be rotated in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing along the first wall portion 7e. That is, in this modified example, as an example, the impeller 20 can also be rotated along the first wall portion 7e in the direction from the first flow path 11 toward the second flow path 12. In this modified example, the impeller 20 rotates in the rotation direction D2 (clockwise direction) in a plan view.

[0289] And, in this modified example, as shown in Fig.26 the drive motor 31 is arranged such that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located within the region A5 of the semi-circle whose area is bisected by the second reference line RL2 and includes the first wall portion 7e and the gap 24 is offset, where the second reference line RL2 is orthogonal to the first reference line RL1 passing through the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and the point P5 that bisects the length of the first wall portion 7e and passes through the above-mentioned center point 7d. It should be noted that the above-mentioned second reference line RL2 can be regarded as the x-axis, for example, and the above-mentioned first reference line RL1 can be regarded as the y-axis, for example.

[0290] Even in this manner of the modified example, similar to the fourth embodiment, liquid feeding with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate can be continuously performed.

[0291] In addition, in this modified example, by rotating the impeller 20 in the rotation direction D1 (counterclockwise direction, see Figure 5 ) Rotate, whereby liquid can be continuously fed in a direction fixed from the second flow path 12 toward the first flow path 11 with a stable flow rate.

[0292] (Other modification examples)

[0293] In addition, for example, with respect to the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31, it is sufficient that their positions are relatively offset. For example, the formation position of the support shaft 7b may be formed within the regions A1 to 5 described in the above-described embodiments and examples, and the rotation center C3 of the drive motor 31 may be set at the same position as the center method of the existing method, that is, the same position as the position of the central axis C1 of the liquid feeding chamber 7. In this way, the impeller 20 is in point contact with the support shaft 7b, and the point contact method can be achieved. Therefore, even in such a case, similar to the first to fourth embodiments, liquid can be continuously fed with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate.

[0294] (Sixth embodiment)

[0295] Fig. 27 It is an explanatory view of the liquid feeding portion 3 of the liquid feeding device 100 of the sixth embodiment. Fig.28 It is from Fig. 27 a perspective view observed from the direction of arrow XXVIII in

[0296] As Fig. 27 shown, the liquid feeding chamber 7 in the sixth embodiment is also formed in a circular shape in plan view.

[0297] In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid feeding chamber 7 has a first wall portion 7e and a second wall portion 7f.

[0298] The first wall portion 7e is formed in plan view by a first connection portion P1 connected to the first flow path 11, a second connection portion P2 connected to the second flow path 12, and a first inner peripheral surface 7a1 of an arc forming a circular shape between the first connection portion P1 and the second connection portion P2.

[0299] The second wall portion 7f is formed by a third connection portion P3a connected to the first flow path 11, a fourth connection portion P4a connected to the second flow path 12, a second inner peripheral surface 7a2 of an arc forming a circular shape between the third connection portion P3a and the fourth connection portion P4a, a third inner peripheral surface 7a3 of an arc shape having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface 7a2 between the third connection portion P3a and the second inner peripheral surface 7a2, and a fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4 of an arc shape having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface 7a2 between the fourth connection portion P4a and the second inner peripheral surface 7a2.

[0300] In addition, in this method, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged such that the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the liquid delivery chamber 7 and the outflow direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid delivery chamber 7 are continuous through the arc of the first wall portion 7e. The angle formed by the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 can be set to 90° or the like, for example.

[0301] That is, in the sixth embodiment, as Fig. 27 shown, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are arranged at positions that are line-symmetrical with reference to the support shaft 7b of the liquid delivery chamber 7 (with reference to the first reference line RL1 described later).

[0302] It should be noted that, in this method, as an example, the impeller 20 can be rotated in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing along the first wall portion 7e. That is, in this method, as an example, the impeller 20 can be rotated along the first wall portion 7e in the direction from the first flow path 11 toward the second flow path 12.

[0303] And, as Fig. 27 shown, in this method, the drive motor 31 is arranged such that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 (refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 (b)) is located within the region A5 of the semi-circle whose area is bisected by the second reference line RL2 and includes the first wall portion 7e and the gap 24 is offset. The second reference line RL2 is orthogonal to the first reference line RL1 passing through the center point 7d of the support shaft 7b and the point P5 that bisects the length of the first wall portion 7e and passes through the above-mentioned center point 7d. In addition, the above-mentioned second reference line RL2 can be considered as the x-axis, for example, and the above-mentioned first reference line RL1 can be considered as the y-axis, for example.

[0304] In the sixth embodiment, since the drive motor 31 is arranged such that the impeller 20 can rotate in a state where the rotation center C2 of the impeller 20 is located within the above-mentioned semi-circular region A5 and the gap 24 is offset, the rotation (rotation position) of the impeller 20 is stable. Therefore, the liquid delivery device 100 of the sixth embodiment can continuously perform liquid delivery with a fixed flow direction and a stable flow rate.

[0305] In addition, as Fig. 27 and Fig.28 shown, the liquid delivery device 100 of the sixth embodiment is configured such that the second wall portion 7f is connected to the first flow path 11 through the third inner peripheral surface 7a3 and is connected to the second flow path 12 through the fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4. Therefore, compared with the third connection portion P3 (refer to Fig.13 , Fig.28 ) and the fourth connection portion P4 (refer to Fig.13 , Fig.28) Compared with the liquid delivery device 100 of the fourth embodiment formed into an acute angle, the liquid delivery device 100 of the sixth embodiment is less likely to generate notches or the like at these connection parts during manufacturing, and it is easy to form a flow path. Therefore, the device is easy to manufacture.

[0306] In addition, as Fig. 27 shown, in the sixth embodiment, with the fifth reference line RL5 passing through the intersection point P6 of the second inner peripheral surface 7a2 and the first reference line RL1 and parallel to the second reference line RL2 as a reference, the formation dimensions FD3 and FD4 of the third inner peripheral surface 7a3 and the fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4 that are perpendicular to the fifth reference line RL5 (i.e., parallel to the first reference line RL1) and the longest can be made the same. In this way, it can be used equally in either the forward flow F1 or the reverse flow F2.

[0307] Fig.29 and Fig.30 are explanatory diagrams of the liquid delivery part 3 of the liquid delivery device 100 which are both modification examples in the sixth embodiment. It should be noted that in Fig.29 and Fig.30 , for the purpose of comparison with Fig.28 , the second wall part 7f (the second inner peripheral surface 7a2, the third inner peripheral surface 7a3, and the fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4) shown in Fig.28 is represented by an imaginary line Ila.

[0308] As Fig.29 and Fig.30 shown, in the modification example of the sixth embodiment, with the fifth reference line RL5 passing through the intersection point P6 of the second inner peripheral surface 7a2 and the first reference line RL1 and parallel to the second reference line RL2 as a reference, the formation dimensions FD3 and FD4 of the third inner peripheral surface 7a3 and the fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4 that are perpendicular to the fifth reference line RL5 (i.e., parallel to the first reference line RL1) and the longest can also be different from each other. In this way, the degree of freedom in the design of the liquid delivery device 100 can be improved.

[0309] In addition, in this case, it is preferable to shorten the formation dimension of one of the third inner peripheral surface 7a3 and the fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4 that is arranged on the liquid outflow side in the liquid delivery chamber 7. In this way, when the one with the shortened formation dimension is used as the outflow side, a larger flow rate can be achieved.

[0310] Fig.31 is an explanatory diagram of the liquid delivery part 3 of another modification example of the liquid delivery device 100 in the sixth embodiment. In addition, in Fig.31 , for the purpose of comparison with Fig.28 , the second wall part 7f (the second inner peripheral surface 7a2, the third inner peripheral surface 7a3, and the fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4) shown in Fig.28 is represented by an imaginary line ILa.

[0311] As Fig.31 shown, in another modification of the sixth embodiment, compared with the liquid feeding device 100 of the sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 27 , the second wall portion 7f (the second inner peripheral surface 7a2, the third inner peripheral surface 7a3, and the fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4) is brought closer to the second reference line RL2. The second wall portion 7f in this modification can be disposed close to the impeller 20 in such a manner as not to contact the rotation locus 23 of the impeller 20 (refer to Figure 5 ). In such a case, the liquid feeding device 100 in another modification of the sixth embodiment can also continuously feed liquid with a fixed liquid flow direction and a stable flow rate.

[0312] It should be noted that in the case of being referred to as an arc shape or an arc, the curvature of the arc of the inner peripheral surface at the position opposed in the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 may be the same curvature (for example Fig. 27 ) or may be different curvatures (for example Figure 29 to Figure 31 ).

[0313] Example 2

[0314] [Second Embodiment]

[0315] [Study 2 on the Shape of the Liquid Feeding Portion 3 of the Apparatus Main Body 10]

[0316] Similar to [the first embodiment], a polystyrene apparatus main body 10 formed in a block shape and having a rectangular shape in plan view was prepared. In [the second embodiment], different from [the first embodiment], the polystyrene apparatus main body 10 was cut with a three-dimensional plotter to form Figure 4 the liquid flow structure 1 (the liquid flow portion 2, the liquid feeding portion 3, and the annular flow path 4) shown.

[0317] In addition, an apparatus main body 10 having a pump chamber (liquid feeding portion 3) with the shapes shown in Fig.32 No. 1 to No. 6 was produced, and the flow rate of the liquid was measured. The measurement of the liquid flow rate was performed at the "shooting position" shown in Fig.32 . It should be noted that Fig.32 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shapes of the liquid feeding portions 3 of No. 1 to No. 6 used when investigating how the shape difference of the liquid feeding portion 3 of the apparatus main body 10 affects the liquid flow rate.

[0318] Among them, No. 2 corresponds to Example 4 of [the first embodiment], and the height dimensions of the annular flow path 4 and the liquid feeding chamber 7 are set to 500 μm.

[0319] In No.5, the shape of the liquid delivery section 3 (liquid delivery chamber 7) is the same as that of Example 4 of [the first embodiment], but the height dimensions of the annular flow path 4 and the liquid delivery chamber 7 are set to 750 μm.

[0320] In No.6, the third connecting portion P3 and the fourth connecting portion P4 in Example 4 of [the first embodiment] are respectively cut so that their shapes have rounded corners, forming an arc-shaped third inner peripheral surface 7a3 having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface 7a2 and an arc-shaped fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4 having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface 7a2.

[0321] When comparing No.1 with No.6, the formation dimension FD3 on the liquid inflow side is the same, and the formation dimension FD4 on the liquid outflow side is increased.

[0322] When comparing No.4 with No.6, the formation dimension FD3 on the liquid inflow side is increased, and the formation dimension FD4 on the liquid outflow side is made the same.

[0323] When comparing No.3 with No.6, the formation dimension FD3 on the liquid inflow side and the formation dimension FD4 on the outflow side are increased. In addition, the formation dimension FD3 and the formation dimension FD4 in No.3 are of the same length. The second wall portion 7f in No.3 is overall closer to the first wall portion 7e.

[0324] Fig.33 It is a chart showing the respective flow rates and average flow rates [μL / min] when No.1 to No.6 are measured three times. ○ represents the flow rate of run1, □ represents the flow rate of run2, △ represents the flow rate of run3, and the bar graph represents the average flow rate. The error bars represent the deviation (difference between experiments), i.e., the standard deviation, of the flow rates of the three experiments (run1 to 3) conducted using the same equipment. In addition, the experiments related to Fig.33 were conducted under the experimental conditions shown in Table 1.

[0325] [Table 1]

[0326] Pump room No.1~No.6 Drive motor 1ch motor (counterclockwise) manufactured by mfsworks Impeller speed 4500[rpm] Perfusion time 15[min]×run number 3

[0327] As Fig.33 shown, when the flow path height is the same and counterclockwise, the liquid flow rates of No.3 and No.4 are relatively large.

[0328] In No.2 corresponding to Example 4 of [the first embodiment] and No.6 in which the third connecting portion P3 and the fourth connecting portion P4 of No.2 have rounded corners (forming an arc-shaped third inner peripheral surface 7a3 having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface 7a2 and an arc-shaped fourth inner peripheral surface 7a4 having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface 7a2), no large difference in the liquid flow rate was confirmed between the two.

[0329] By comparing No.1 and No.4, it can be seen that the flow rate of the liquid of the one with the shorter formed dimension FD4 on the liquid outflow side (No.4) is larger.

[0330] It should be noted that No.5 has the largest flow rate due to its high flow path height.

[0331] Example 3

[0332] [Third Embodiment]

[0333] [Study 3 on the Shape of the Liquid Delivery Port 3 of the Apparatus Main Body 10]

[0334] Next, through simulation, the shape of the liquid delivery port 3 of the apparatus main body 10 was studied. Here, an evaluation of the influence of the shape difference of the pump chamber (liquid delivery port 3) on the liquid flow rate was investigated. Fig.34 It is an explanatory diagram showing and explaining the conditions etc. of the simulation for studying the shape of the liquid delivery port 3 of the apparatus main body 10.

[0335] The experimental conditions of the simulation are as Fig.34 shown in the table below. COMSOL Multiphysics version 6.1 was used as the simulation software. The shapes of the pump chambers (liquid delivery ports 3) used were No.1, No.3, No.4, and No.6. The analysis time was set to 0.2 seconds. The flow path width was set to 1 mm, and the flow path height was set to 500 μm.

[0336] In addition, as Fig.34 shown, in the simulation, in the flow path, a pump chamber was set in a part of the flow path, and a cut point (measurement position) was set in another part. The rotational speed of the impeller 20 was set to 2400 rpm.

[0337] Regarding the construction of the model, the pump section (liquid delivery port 3) was set as a moving mesh (the hatched part in the middle figure of this figure), and the flow path was set as a stationary mesh. The shape of the mesh was tetrahedron, and the element size was set to fine (Min: 0.0288 mm, Max: 0.152 mm). The physical model was set to laminar flow, and the material was set to water. The results are as Fig.35 shown. Fig.35 It is a chart showing the simulation results. The simulation result of No.1 is shown in the upper left of the figure, the simulation result of No.3 is shown in the upper right, the simulation result of No.4 is shown in the lower left, and the simulation result of No.6 is shown in the lower right. The horizontal axis in each chart represents time [s], and the vertical axis represents flow velocity [m / s].

[0338] As Fig.35As shown, the simulation results are as follows: regarding the average flow rate calculated for one cycle of the rotation of the impeller 20 shown in each graph, No.1 is 7.69 μL / min, No.3 is 11.88 μL / min, No.4 is 9.09 μL / min, and No.6 is 3.97 μL / min.

[0339] Fig.36 represents plotting Fig.35 the average flow rate (experimental results in the simulation) recorded in the table shown in a bar graph (left graph) and an explanatory diagram of the graph (right graph) obtained by extracting the experimental results (experimental results in the actual machine) of No.1, No.3, No.4, and No.6 from the Fig.33 shown graph. In the right graph, ○ represents the flow rate of run1, □ represents the flow rate of run2, △ represents the flow rate of run3, and the bar graph represents the average flow rate. The error bars show the flow rate deviation (difference between experiments), i.e., the standard deviation, of three experiments (run1 - 3) conducted using the same equipment.

[0340] It should be noted that Fig.36 the simulation value of the left graph in was obtained when the rotational speed of the impeller 20 was 2400 rpm. The experimental value of the right graph was obtained when the rotational speed of the impeller 20 was 4500 rpm. In either case, the result was that for No.1, No.3, and No.4, in which at least one of the formation dimensions FD3 on the liquid inlet side and the formation dimension FD4 on the liquid outlet side increased compared to No.6, the liquid flow rate increased compared to this No.6.

[0341] Example 4

[0342] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0343] [Study on the Influence of the Width Dimension of the Return Flow Path 13]

[0344] In [Fourth Example], the width dimension of the return flow path 13 was changed, and the influence of "pipe resistance" on the liquid flow rate was verified.

[0345] Similar to [First Example], three block-shaped PDMS device bodies 10 formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above were prepared. In [Fourth Example], this PDMS device body 10 was formed into the Fig.37 shape shown on the left in the figure not by cutting with a three-dimensional plotter but by soft lithography. At this time, for the return flow path 13, the device body 10 was fabricated with three width dimensions of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 2.0 mm shown on the right in the figure. Additionally, Fig.37 is an explanatory diagram showing and explaining the experimental conditions and the like for studying the influence of the width dimension of the return flow path 13.

[0346] The experimental conditions are as Fig.37 shown in the following table. The height of the return flow path 13 is approximately 425 μm. The drive motor 31 is a 1-channel motor manufactured by mfsworks. The impeller 20 is set to rotate counterclockwise. The rotational speed of the impeller 20 is set to 4500 rpm. The perfusion time is set to 15 min, and three measurements (number of runs 3) were performed. The measurement (imaging) of the liquid flow rate was performed in the "return flow path" shown in Fig. 40. The results are as Fig.38 shown.

[0347] Fig.38 This is a graph showing the results obtained by verifying the influence of the width dimension of the return flow path 13. In this figure, the vertical axis represents the flow rate and the average flow rate [μL / min]. In addition, ○ represents the flow rate of run1, □ represents the flow rate of run2, △ represents the flow rate of run3, and the bar graph represents the average flow rate. The error bars represent the flow rate deviation (difference between experiments), i.e., the standard deviation, of the three experiments (run1 to 3) performed using the same equipment.

[0348] As Fig.38 shown, the larger the width dimension of the return flow path 13, the greater the increase in the liquid flow rate. Thus, it was confirmed that the pipeline resistance can be reduced by increasing the width dimension of the return flow path 13, thereby increasing the liquid flow rate. In addition, it was also confirmed that the pipeline resistance can be increased by reducing the width dimension of the return flow path 13, thereby reducing the liquid flow rate.

[0349] Description of Reference Numerals

[0350] 100 Liquid delivery device

[0351] 1, 1A to 1F Liquid circulation structure

[0352] 2 Liquid circulation part

[0353] 3 Liquid delivery part

[0354] 4 Annular flow path

[0355] 5 First storage part

[0356] 5a Bottom surface

[0357] 5b Inner wall surface

[0358] 6 Second storage part

[0359] 6a Bottom surface

[0360] 6b Inner wall surface

[0361] 7 Liquid delivery chamber

[0362] 7a Inner peripheral surface

[0363] 7a1 First inner peripheral surface

[0364] 7a2 Second inner peripheral surface

[0365] 7a3 Third inner peripheral surface

[0366] 7a4 Fourth inner peripheral surface

[0367] 7b Support shaft

[0368] 7c Outer periphery

[0369] 7d Center point

[0370] 7e First wall portion

[0371] 7f Second wall portion

[0372] 8 Rotating part for liquid delivery

[0373] 9 Support portion

[0374] 10 Device main body

[0375] 10a Main surface

[0376] 11 First flow path

[0377] 11a One end (one end of the first flow path 11)

[0378] 11b Bend portion

[0379] 11c Connection end

[0380] 11d Inner side surface

[0381] 12 Second flow path

[0382] 12a One end (one end of the second flow path 12)

[0383] 12b Bend portion

[0384] 12c Connection end

[0385] 12d Inner side surface

[0386] 13 Return flow path

[0387] 13a One end (one end of the return flow path 13)

[0388] 13b The other end (the other end of the return flow path 13)

[0389] 14 Liquid inlet / outlet

[0390] 14a End portion (end portion of the liquid inlet / outlet 14)

[0391] 15 Liquid inlet / outlet

[0392] 15a end (end of the liquid inlet / outlet 15)

[0393] 20 impeller

[0394] 21 circular ring part

[0395] 21a inner circle

[0396] 21b shaft support part

[0397] 22 blade part

[0398] 22a front end

[0399] 23 rotation orbit

[0400] 24 clearance

[0401] 30 drive device

[0402] 30a mounting surface

[0403] 31 drive motor

[0404] 32 positioning part

[0405] A1 area corresponding to the first quadrant

[0406] A2 area corresponding to the second quadrant

[0407] A3 area corresponding to the third quadrant

[0408] A4 area corresponding to the fourth quadrant

[0409] A5 semi-circular area

[0410] C1 central axis

[0411] C2 rotation center (rotation center of the circular ring part 21)

[0412] C3 rotation center (rotation center of the drive motor 31)

[0413] D1 rotation direction (counterclockwise direction)

[0414] D2 rotation direction (clockwise direction)

[0415] F1 forward flow

[0416] F2 reverse flow

[0417] IL, ILa imaginary line

[0418] L1, L2 tangent line

[0419] RL1 first reference line

[0420] RL2 Second reference line

[0421] RL3 Third reference line

[0422] RL4 Fourth reference line

[0423] RL5 Fifth reference line

[0424] P1 First connection part

[0425] P2 Second connection part

[0426] P3, P3a Third connection part

[0427] P4, P4a Fourth connection part

[0428] P5 Point that equally divides the length of the first wall part 7e

[0429] P6 Intersection point (intersection point of the second inner circumferential surface 7a2 and the first reference line RL1)

[0430] S1 Center

[0431] S2 Upper right

[0432] S3 Upper left

[0433] S4 Lower left

[0434] S5 Lower right

[0435] S6 Up

[0436] S7 Center

[0437] S8 Down

[0438] S9 Upper left

[0439] S10 Upper right

[0440] V1, V2 Velocity vector

[0441] W1 to W3 Width

Claims

1. A liquid delivery device, the liquid delivery device comprising a liquid delivery unit and a rotary unit for liquid delivery, characterized in that, the liquid delivery unit comprises: a liquid delivery chamber for inflow and outflow of liquid; and a first flow path and a second flow path which are linear in plan view of the liquid delivery chamber and through which the liquid can flow relative to the liquid delivery chamber, the rotary unit for liquid delivery comprises: a support shaft protruding and disposed at the center of the liquid delivery chamber; an impeller having an annular portion rotatably supported on the support shaft and blade portions provided on the annular portion for causing the liquid in the liquid delivery chamber to flow out from the first flow path or the second flow path, the impeller being made of a material containing a magnetic body; and a drive motor disposed outside the liquid delivery chamber for rotating the impeller by means of a magnetic field, a support portion formed by the outer periphery of the support shaft and the inner circle of the annular portion has a clearance for the annular portion to rotate freely, the drive motor is disposed in such a manner that the impeller can rotate in a state where the clearance is offset within the contact range between the outer periphery of the support shaft and the inner circle of the annular portion.

2. The liquid delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the plan view, the first flow path and the second flow path are in a positional relationship of any one of line symmetry, asymmetry, and point symmetry with respect to the liquid delivery chamber with the support shaft as a reference.

3. The liquid delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the liquid delivery chamber is formed in a circular shape in the plan view, and in addition, the liquid delivery chamber is configured such that in the plan view, the length of a first wall portion formed by a first connection portion connected to the first flow path, a second connection portion connected to the second flow path, and the inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is shorter than the length of a second wall portion formed by a third connection portion connected to the first flow path, a fourth connection portion connected to the second flow path, and the inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion, the first flow path and the second flow path are arranged such that the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the liquid delivery chamber and the outflow direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid delivery chamber are continuous through an arc of the first wall portion, the drive motor is disposed in such a manner that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located within a region of a semi-circle whose area is bisected by a second reference line and includes the first wall portion and the clearance is offset, wherein the second reference line is orthogonal to a first reference line passing through the center point of the support shaft and the point bisecting the length of the first wall portion and passes through the center point.

4. The liquid delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the liquid delivery chamber is formed in a circular shape in the plan view, The liquid delivery chamber is configured such that, in the plan view, the length of a first wall portion formed by a first connection portion connected to the first flow path, a second connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is shorter than the length of a second wall portion formed by a third connection portion connected to the first flow path, a fourth connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion. The first flow path and the second flow path are formed on the same straight line with the liquid delivery chamber therebetween. In concentric circles centered on the center point of the support shaft, the liquid delivery chamber has the first flow path at a position corresponding to the first quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references, and has the second flow path at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references, where the third reference line is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid delivery chamber and passes through the center point, the fourth reference line is orthogonal to the third reference line and passes through the center point, and the drive motor is arranged such that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located in a region corresponding to the first quadrant or a region corresponding to the third quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references and the gap is offset.

5. The liquid delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid delivery chamber is formed in a circular shape in the plan view, The liquid delivery chamber is configured such that, in the plan view, the length of a first wall portion formed by a first connection portion connected to the first flow path, a second connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is shorter than the length of a second wall portion formed by a third connection portion connected to the first flow path, a fourth connection portion connected to the second flow path, and an inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the third connection portion and the fourth connection portion. The forming direction of the first flow path with respect to the liquid delivery chamber is parallel to the forming direction of the second flow path with respect to the liquid delivery chamber, but the first flow path and the second flow path are formed stepwise with the liquid delivery chamber therebetween. The impeller rotates in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing from the first flow path toward the second flow path. In concentric circles centered on the center point of the support shaft, the liquid delivery chamber has the first flow path at a position including the boundary line between the first quadrant and the fourth quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references, and has the second flow path at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references, where the third reference line is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid delivery chamber and passes through the center point, the fourth reference line is orthogonal to the third reference line and passes through the center point, and The drive motor is arranged such that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located in a region corresponding to the first quadrant or a region corresponding to the third quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references and the gap is offset.

6. The liquid feeding device according to claim 1, wherein, the liquid feeding chamber is formed in a circular shape in the top view, the liquid feeding chamber is configured such that, in the top view, the length of the first wall portion formed by the first connecting portion connected to the first flow path, the second connecting portion connected to the second flow path, and the inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is shorter than the length of the second wall portion formed by the third connecting portion connected to the first flow path, the fourth connecting portion connected to the second flow path, and the inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion, the formation direction of the first flow path with respect to the liquid feeding chamber is parallel to the formation direction of the second flow path with respect to the liquid feeding chamber, but the first flow path and the second flow path are formed stepwise with the liquid feeding chamber therebetween, the impeller rotates in the same direction as the outflow direction of the liquid flowing from the second flow path toward the first flow path, in the concentric circles centered on the center point of the support shaft, the liquid feeding chamber has the first flow path at a position including the boundary line between the first quadrant and the fourth quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references, and has the second flow path at a position corresponding to the second quadrant when the third reference line and the fourth reference line are used as references, wherein the third reference line is parallel to the inflow direction of the liquid into the liquid feeding chamber and passes through the center point, the fourth reference line is orthogonal to the third reference line and passes through the center point, and the drive motor is arranged such that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located in a region corresponding to the first quadrant, a region corresponding to the second quadrant, or a region corresponding to the fourth quadrant and the gap is offset.

7. The liquid feeding device according to claim 1, wherein, the liquid feeding chamber is formed in a circular shape in the top view, and in addition, the liquid feeding chamber has a first wall portion and a second wall portion, the first wall portion is formed in the top view by the first connecting portion connected to the first flow path, the second connecting portion connected to the second flow path, and the first inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the second wall portion is formed by the third connecting portion connected to the first flow path, the fourth connecting portion connected to the second flow path, the second inner peripheral surface of the circular shape between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion, the third inner peripheral surface in an arc shape having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface between the third connecting portion and the second inner peripheral surface, and the fourth inner peripheral surface in an arc shape having a curvature opposite to that of the second inner peripheral surface between the fourth connecting portion and the second inner peripheral surface. The first flow path and the second flow path are arranged such that the inflow direction of the liquid flowing into the liquid delivery chamber and the outflow direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid delivery chamber are continuous through the arc of the first wall portion. The drive motor is arranged such that the impeller can rotate in a state where the rotation center of the impeller is located within a semi-circular region whose area is bisected by the second reference line and includes the first wall portion and the gap is offset, where the second reference line is orthogonal to the first reference line passing through the center point of the support shaft and the point that bisects the length of the first wall portion and passes through the center point.

8. The liquid delivery device according to claim 7, characterized in that Taking the fifth reference line passing through the intersection of the second inner peripheral surface and the first reference line and parallel to the second reference line as a reference, the formed dimensions of the third inner peripheral surface and the fourth inner peripheral surface that are perpendicular to the fifth reference line and the longest are the same.

9. The liquid delivery device according to claim 7, characterized in that Taking the fifth reference line passing through the intersection of the second inner peripheral surface and the first reference line and parallel to the second reference line as a reference, the formed dimensions of the third inner peripheral surface and the fourth inner peripheral surface that are perpendicular to the fifth reference line and the longest are different from each other.

10. The liquid delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that In the liquid delivery chamber, when the liquid is delivered by the rotation of the impeller, the flow rate of the liquid is adjusted by the rotation speed of the impeller.

11. The liquid delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 to 9, characterized in that The delivery direction of the liquid is adjusted by the rotation direction of the impeller.

12. The liquid delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The liquid delivery device includes a first storage portion communicating with the first flow path, a second storage portion communicating with the second flow path, and a return flow path connecting the first storage portion and the second storage portion, and a circular flow path is formed by the first flow path, the second flow path, and the return flow path. The height dimensions of the circular flow path and the liquid delivery chamber are the same dimension. The flow rate of the liquid is adjusted by using the height dimension.

13. The liquid delivery device according to claim 12, characterized in that The flow rate of the liquid is adjusted by using the width dimension of the return flow path.

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