Liquid delivery assistance device, cell processing device, and liquid delivery assistance method

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid delivery assistance device, a cell processing device, and a liquid delivery assistance method capable of suppressing pulsation of a liquid flowing through a flow path. The liquid delivery assist device includes: a hose capable of expanding and contracting according to a flow rate of a liquid flowing through the hose; and a gripping member that grips the hose such that the orthogonal cross-sectional area, which is the area of a cross-section orthogonal to the direction of flow of the liquid, of the flow path formed by the hose becomes smaller than the orthogonal cross-sectional area in a natural state. And the hose is used once.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a liquid feeding assisting device, a cell processing device, and a liquid feeding assisting method. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a technique for suppressing pulsation of a liquid flowing in a flow path, the following technique is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a pulsation preventing device including a tube having flexibility and a member functioning as an elastic body that elastically restricts a cross-sectional area of the tube to be smaller than a maximum cross-sectional area.

[0003] Patent Literature 2 describes a pressure fluctuation preventing device having a flexible hose, an operation member that presses and deforms the flexible hose, and an elastic pressing mechanism that elastically presses the operation member.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S63-275889

[0005] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-259253

[0006] As a device that performs liquid feeding, a hose pump is generally known. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a hose pump. The hose pump 200 has a rotating portion 201 having a rotating shaft in a central portion, a roller 202 installed around the rotating portion 201, and a hose 204 having flexibility installed so as to have a portion in contact with the roller 202 in an outer wall 203 surrounding the periphery of the rotating portion 201. The portion of the hose 204 in contact with the roller 202 becomes a state of being sandwiched between the roller 202 and the outer wall 203. The roller 202 rotates while flattening the hose 204 as the rotating portion 201 rotates, and thus a negative pressure is generated on the suction side of the hose 204, whereby a liquid can be sucked into the inside of the hose. The liquid sucked into the inside of the hose is fed to the discharge side by the rotating action of the rotating portion 201. By repeating this action, continuous liquid feeding can be performed.

[0007] According to liquid feeding using a hose pump, a liquid as a liquid feeding target does not come into contact with members other than the hose, and thus it is possible to suppress the risk of the liquid being contaminated. Therefore, a hose pump is particularly highly useful as a liquid feeding mechanism of a cell processing device, for example.

[0008] On the other hand, a hose pump has a drawback of generating pulsation and the like in its working principle. According to liquid feeding using a hose pump, the flow rate periodically fluctuates in liquid feeding. This periodic fluctuation of the flow rate is pulsation. In an application in which liquid feeding is required to be performed at a constant flow rate, pulsation becomes a disadvantage. SUMMARY

[0009] The technology of the present disclosure is achieved in view of the above point, and aims to suppress pulsation of a liquid flowing in a flow path.

[0010] The liquid delivery auxiliary device disclosed herein includes: a flexible tube capable of expanding and contracting according to the flow rate of the liquid flowing inside; and a holding member that holds the flexible tube in such a way that the area of ​​the cross-section of the flow path formed by the flexible tube, orthogonal to the direction of liquid flow, becomes smaller than the orthogonal cross-sectional area in its natural state. The flexible tube is for single use.

[0011] The gripping component is detachable relative to the hose. The gripping component can hold the hose by an elastic force generated by a spring. The gripping component may have a first component and a second component facing each other, clamping the hose in the middle.

[0012] The cell processing apparatus disclosed herein includes: a filter device having a hollow fiber membrane for filtering liquid; a hose pump for supplying liquid to the filter device; and the aforementioned liquid supply auxiliary device disposed in the flow path between the filter device and the hose pump.

[0013] The liquid delivery assistance method disclosed herein relates to a method for delivering liquid using a flexible tube that expands and contracts according to the flow rate of the liquid flowing inside. The method includes the following steps: holding the flexible tube in a manner that makes the area of ​​the cross-section of the flow path formed by the flexible tube, orthogonal to the direction of liquid flow (i.e., the orthogonal cross-sectional area), smaller than its natural orthogonal cross-sectional area. The flexible tube is for single use.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to suppress the pulsation of liquid flowing in the flow path. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a hose pump.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the structure of a liquid delivery auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of a liquid delivery auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of a liquid delivery auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a holding member in the state of not holding the hose according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein.

[0021] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a state change of a cross section of a hose when a pulsation- generating liquid is circulated in the hose.

[0022] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a damper mechanism.

[0023] Figure 8 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a liquid delivery assisting device according to another embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 9A FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a state of a cross section of a hose when a pulsation-generating liquid is circulated in the inside of a hose held by a holding member according to an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 9B FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state of a cross section of a hose when a pulsation-generating liquid is circulated in the inside of a hose held by a holding member according to an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 10 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a liquid delivery assisting device according to another embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 11 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a cell processing device according to another embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 12A FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a state of a filtration process based on a hollow fiber membrane.

[0029] Figure 12B FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which a flow direction of a liquid is substantially perpendicular to a membrane surface of a hollow fiber membrane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent constituent elements and parts are denoted by the same reference symbols, and overlapping description will be omitted.

[0031] [1st Embodiment]

[0032] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a structure of a liquid delivery assisting device 100 according to the 1st embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure. The liquid delivery assisting device 100 has a hose 10 and a holding member 20. The hose 10 is a member that forms a flow path of a liquid, and is a flexible tubular member that can expand and contract depending on a flow rate of a liquid circulated in the inside. The hose 10 can be, for example, a silicone tube. The hose 10 can be connected to a liquid source such as a liquid container, a liquid pump, and a liquid reservoir.Figure 1 The illustrated hose pump 200 connection allows liquid delivered from the hose pump 200 to flow inside the hose 10. The liquid delivery assist device 100 can, for example, be used as a component of a cell processing device, and the liquid flowing inside the hose 10 can be, for example, a cell suspension. In this case, the hose 10 can be for single use (disposable).

[0033] Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are cross-sectional views of the liquid delivery auxiliary device 100. Figure 3 This indicates a cross-section parallel to the flow direction of the liquid flowing inside the hose 10 (hereinafter referred to as the liquid flow direction). Figure 4 The section orthogonal to the direction of liquid flow (hereinafter referred to as the orthogonal section) is indicated. The holding member 20 holds the hose 10 in a manner that makes the area of ​​the orthogonal section of the flow path formed by the hose 10 (hereinafter referred to as the orthogonal cross-sectional area) smaller than in its natural state, when liquid is not flowing inside the hose 10. The natural state is the state in which no force is applied to the hose 10, and it neither expands nor contracts. In its natural state, the shape of the orthogonal section of the hose 10 is circular. By holding the hose 10 by the holding member 20, the hose 10 becomes flattened, and the shape of the orthogonal section of the hose 10 becomes elliptical. As a result, the orthogonal cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 becomes smaller than the orthogonal cross-sectional area in its natural state.

[0034] Figure 5 This diagram shows the gripping member 20 in the ungripped state of the hose 10. The gripping member 20 has a pair of first parts 21 and second parts 22 facing each other, clamping the hose 10 in the middle. A leaf spring 23 is provided between the first parts 21 and the second parts 22. A closing force is applied to the ends E1 of the first parts 21 and the second parts 22 by the elastic force generated by the leaf spring 23. Figure 4 As shown, the hose 10 is held between the ends E1 of the first component 21 and the second component 22 by clamping the hose 10 between them. That is, the holding component 20 holds the hose 10 by the elastic force generated by the leaf spring 23. By holding the hose 10 by the holding component 20, the hose 10 is flattened, and the orthogonal cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 becomes smaller than the orthogonal cross-sectional area in its natural state.

[0035] The gripping component 20 is detachable from the hose 10. Therefore, even when the hose 10 is used for single-use purposes, the gripping component 20 can be reused repeatedly. Furthermore, a torsion spring (torsion coil spring) can be used instead of the leaf spring 23.

[0036] According to the liquid delivery assist device 100 of this embodiment, pulsation of liquid flowing inside the hose 10 can be suppressed. The reasons for this will be explained below. Figure 6This is a diagram illustrating an example of the change in the state of the orthogonal cross section of the hose 10 when a pulsating liquid flows through it. Figure 6 The upper section shows the situation where hose 10 is not being held. Figure 6 The next section describes the case where the hose 10 is held in a manner that makes the orthogonal cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 smaller than its natural state.

[0037] Without holding hose 10 ( Figure 6 (Above paragraph) When the flow rate of the liquid flowing inside the hose 10 is at its minimum, the hose 10 maintains its natural state or becomes slightly contracted from its natural state. On the other hand, when the flow rate of the liquid flowing inside the hose 10 is at its maximum, the hose 10 expands due to the pressure of the liquid, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 becomes larger than the cross-sectional area in its natural state.

[0038] When the hose 10 is held in a manner that makes the area of ​​the cross-section of the hose 10 orthogonal to the direction of liquid flow smaller than in its natural state ( Figure 6 (Next paragraph) At the moment when the flow rate of the liquid flowing inside the hose 10 is at its minimum, the hose 10 remains in a flattened state, so the orthogonal cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 becomes smaller than the orthogonal cross-sectional area in its natural state. On the other hand, at the moment when the flow rate of the liquid flowing inside the hose 10 is at its maximum, the hose 10 expands due to the pressure of the liquid, and the orthogonal cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 becomes larger than the orthogonal cross-sectional area in its natural state.

[0039] exist Figure 6 On the right side, the shaded area shows the difference between the orthogonal cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 at maximum flow velocity and the orthogonal cross-sectional area at minimum flow velocity (hereinafter referred to as the cross-sectional area difference). As can be clearly seen by comparing the two, by holding the hose 10 in a manner that makes the orthogonal cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 smaller than its natural state by the holding member 20, the cross-sectional area difference can be increased compared to the case where the hose 10 is not held.

[0040] When the flow rate is relatively high, the downstream flow is suppressed by expanding the hose 10 to retain the liquid inside the hose 10. When the flow rate is relatively low, pulsation is suppressed by contracting the hose 10 to promote the downstream flow of the liquid retained inside the hose 10. That is, pulsation generated in the liquid flowing inside the hose 10 is suppressed by absorbing pulsation through the expansion and contraction of the hose 10. By increasing the cross-sectional area difference (the difference between the orthogonal cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 at maximum flow rate and the orthogonal cross-sectional area at minimum flow rate), the ability to absorb pulsation through the expansion and contraction of the hose 10 can be improved.

[0041] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid delivery auxiliary device 100 holds the hose 10 in such a way that the orthogonal cross-sectional area of ​​the hose 10 becomes smaller than the orthogonal cross-sectional area in its natural state, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area difference. This improves the ability to absorb pulsations by utilizing the expansion and contraction of the hose 10, thus suppressing pulsations of the liquid flowing inside the hose 10.

[0042] Alternatively, a flexible tube with an elliptical cross-section in its natural state can be used. However, in this case, the elastic force of the tube itself acts to hinder the expansion of the tube during the expansion process from its natural state. On the other hand, the liquid delivery assist device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure uses the holding member 20 to flatten the tube 10 from its natural state. Therefore, during the expansion process of the tube 10, until it returns to its natural state, the elastic force of the tube 10 itself acts to promote the expansion of the tube 10. Therefore, according to the liquid delivery assist device 100, the effect of suppressing pulsation can be improved compared to the case of using a flexible tube with an elliptical cross-section in its natural state.

[0043] As a method for suppressing pulsation of liquid flowing in a flow path, such as Figure 7 As shown, methods for connecting damper mechanisms 210, such as air chambers or hose dampers, to the flow path are generally known. However, according to this method, the flow path becomes complex and preparation becomes cumbersome with the installation of the damper mechanism 210. In particular, when the flow path is applied in a single-use manner, the replacement effort increases, which may increase operation time and operational errors. Furthermore, according to this method, the dead volume increases, making it unsuitable for the delivery of expensive liquids such as pharmaceuticals and regenerative medicine products.

[0044] On the other hand, the liquid delivery assist device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the effect of suppressing pulsation simply by installing the holding member 20 onto the hose 10. Furthermore, the holding member 20 is detachable from the hose 10 and is easy to install and remove, thus minimizing operation time and errors even when the flow path is applied in a single-use manner. Moreover, the hose 10 forming the flow path itself has a damper function, eliminating the need for a separate damper mechanism. Therefore, the generation of dead volume can be avoided, and it can be reliably used for delivering expensive liquids such as pharmaceuticals and regenerative medicine products.

[0045] [Second Implementation]

[0046] Figure 8Fig. 2 is a view showing a structure of a liquid feeding assisting device 100A according to a second embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure. The liquid feeding assisting device 100A has a hose 10 and a holding member 20A. Like the liquid feeding assisting device 100 according to the first embodiment, the hose 10 is a member that forms a flow path of a liquid, and is a flexible tubular member that can expand and contract in accordance with a flow rate of the liquid flowing inside.

[0047] The holding member 20 according to the first embodiment holds the hose 10 by an elastic force generated by the leaf spring 23. The elastic force generated by the leaf spring 23 relatively increases when the hose 10 expands, and relatively decreases when the hose 10 contracts. Therefore, the holding member 20 according to the first embodiment holds the hose 10 with a relatively large force when the hose 10 expands, and holds the hose 10 with a relatively small force when the hose 10 contracts. On the other hand, the holding member 20A according to the second embodiment holds the hose 10 with a relatively small force when the hose 10 expands, and holds the hose 10 with a relatively large force when the hose 10 contracts. That is, in the holding member 20A according to the second embodiment, a state of change of the holding force corresponding to expansion and contraction of the hose 10 is opposite to that of the holding member 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] The holding member 20A has a pair of a first member 21A and a second member 22A that sandwich the hose 10. The first member 21A and the second member 22A are connected to each other at a connection portion 24 provided at a central portion in a longitudinal direction thereof. The connection portion 24 forms a rotation axis parallel to a flow direction of the liquid flowing inside the hose 10, and the first member 21A and the second member 22A can rotate with the connection portion 24 as a fulcrum.

[0049] A magnet 25 is provided at an end portion E1 of the first member 21A, and an end portion E1 of the second member 22A is made of a magnetic body such as iron. Alternatively, the entire second member 22A can be made of a magnetic body. A force in a closing direction acts on the end portions E1 of the first member 21A and the second member 22A by a magnetic force generated by the magnet 25 and the magnetic body. The hose 10 is held by being sandwiched between the first member 21A and the second member 22A at the end portions E1 thereof. That is, the holding member 20A holds the hose 10 by the magnetic force generated by the magnet 25. By holding the hose 10 by the magnetic force, it is possible to relatively decrease the holding force when the hose 10 expands, and relatively increase the holding force when the hose 10 contracts. Like the holding member 20 according to the first embodiment, the holding member 20A preferably holds the hose 10 in such a manner that an orthogonal cross-sectional area of the flow path formed by the hose 10 becomes smaller than a natural state in a state where the liquid does not flow inside the hose 10.

[0050] The holding member 20A is detachable with respect to the hose 10. Thus, even in the case where the hose 10 is applied in a single-use manner, the holding member 20A can be repeatedly used.

[0051] As described above, at the time when the flow rate relatively increases, the amount of liquid sent to the downstream side is suppressed by expanding the hose 10 to retain the liquid inside the hose 10, and at the time when the flow rate relatively decreases, the pulsation of the liquid circulating inside the hose 10 is suppressed by contracting the hose 10 to promote the sending of the liquid retained inside the hose 10 to the downstream side.

[0052] In the case where the hose 10 is held by the elastic force generated by the spring, the more the hose 10 expands, the greater the holding force becomes, and thus the force that hinders the expansion accompanying the expansion of the hose 10 becomes greater. Also, in the case where the hose 10 is held by the elastic force generated by the spring, the more the hose 10 contracts, the smaller the holding force becomes, and thus it is difficult to crush the hose 10 to a state of contraction more than the natural state. That is, in the case where the hose 10 is held by the elastic force generated by the spring, sometimes the effect of suppressing the pulsation of the liquid circulating inside the hose 10 becomes limited.

[0053] The liquid sending assisting device 100A according to the 2nd embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure can improve the effect of suppressing the pulsation of the liquid circulating inside the hose 10, compared to the case where the hose 10 is held by the elastic force generated by the spring. Hereinafter, the reason therefor will be described. Figure 9A and Figure 9B are each a diagram showing an example of the state of the orthogonal cross section of the hose 10 when the pulsation-generating liquid circulates inside the hose 10 held by the holding member 20A. Figure 9A is a case where the flow rate of the liquid circulating inside the hose 10 is large, Figure 9B is a case where the flow rate of the liquid circulating inside the hose 10 is small.

[0054] At the time when the flow rate of the liquid circulating inside the hose 10 is large, as shown in Figure 9A , the hose 10 expands, and thus the distance between the 1st member 21A and the 2nd member 22A that constitute the holding member 20A becomes longer. Thus, the magnetic force generated by the magnet 25 becomes smaller, and thus the force by which the hose 10 is held by the holding member 20A becomes smaller. On the other hand, at the time when the flow rate of the liquid circulating inside the hose 10 is small, as shown in Figure 9B , the distance between the 1st member 21A and the 2nd member 22A that constitute the holding member 20A becomes shorter. Thus, the magnetic force generated by the magnet 25 becomes greater, and thus the force by which the hose 10 is held by the holding member 20A becomes greater.

[0055] Thus, according to the holding member 20A that holds the flexible tube 10 by magnetic force, the force to hold the flexible tube 10 decreases in conjunction with expansion of the flexible tube 10, and thus the force that hinders expansion of the flexible tube 10 is suppressed. Also, the force to hold the flexible tube 10 increases in conjunction with contraction of the flexible tube 10, and thus the flexible tube 10 can be collapsed to a state of contraction more than a natural state. Thus, according to the liquid delivery assisting device 100A according to the second embodiment, compared to a case where the flexible tube 10 is held by elastic force generated by a spring, it is possible to improve the effect of suppressing pulsation of liquid flowing inside the flexible tube 10.

[0056] Also, in the above description, a case where the holding member 20A has the magnets 25 and the magnetic body that sandwich the flexible tube 10 therebetween and are opposed to each other is exemplified, but the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this mode. As shown in FIG. 9, the holding member 20A can have a pair of magnets 25A and 25B that sandwich the flexible tube 10 therebetween and are opposed to each other, the polarities of the pair of magnets 25A and 25B being different from each other. Figure 10

[0057] [Third Embodiment]

[0058] Figure 11 FIG. 10 is a view that shows an example of a structure of a cell processing device 500 according to a third embodiment of the technology according to the present disclosure. The cell processing device 500 can be used, for example, for manufacturing of products of regenerative medicine and the like. The products of regenerative medicine and the like are products that are manufactured by performing processes such as culturing on living cells or tissues of humans or animals, and are products for reconstruction / repair / formation of structures / functions of the body, products used for the purpose of treatment / prevention of diseases, or products used by being introduced into cells of humans for the purpose of gene therapy. Cultured skin and cultured cartilage are included, for example, in the products of regenerative medicine and the like.

[0059] The cell processing device 500 according to the present embodiment performs a washing process of cells, and has the liquid delivery assisting device 100 or 100A described above. The cell processing device 500 also has the flexible tube pump 200, the filter device 300, and the container 400.

[0060] The container 400 stores a liquid 50 therein. The liquid 50 is a cell suspension. The flexible tube pump 200 delivers the liquid 50 stored in the container 400 to the filter device 300. A flow path of the liquid 50 is formed by the flexible tube 10 having flexibility. The liquid delivery assisting device 100 (100A) is provided on the flow path between the flexible tube pump 200 and the filter device 300.

[0061] ​The filter device 300 has a hollow fiber membrane that performs a filtration process of the liquid 50. A filtrate containing miscellaneous substances such as low molecules and protein components that pass through the hollow fiber membrane is discharged to the outside of the circulation system. The liquid 50 from which the miscellaneous substances are removed by the filtration process based on the filter device 300 is returned to the container 400. A flow path for supplying a washing liquid is connected on a flow path between the filter device 300 and the container 400. By supplying the washing liquid while discharging the filtrate, displacement of the liquid 50, that is, washing of the cells is performed.

[0062] In a case where the discharge amount of the filtrate per unit time is the same as the supply amount of the washing liquid per unit time, by reducing the amount of the liquid circulating in the circulation system, the displacement efficiency of the liquid can be improved. However, in a case where the amount of the liquid circulating in the circulation system is small, pulsation of the liquid due to the operation of the hose pump becomes more significant. In a system having a filter device with a hollow fiber membrane in the flow path, the disadvantage caused by the pulsation becomes more serious.

[0063] Figure 12A is a diagram schematically showing a state of a filtration process based on the hollow fiber membrane 310. With respect to the filtration process based on the hollow fiber membrane 310, a TFF (Tangential Flow Filtration) method in which a liquid of a processing target is caused to flow along a membrane surface of the hollow fiber membrane 310 is performed. According to the TFF method, the filtration process can be continuously performed while suppressing clogging of the membrane surface of the hollow fiber membrane 310.

[0064] In a case where pulsation occurs in the liquid supplied to the hollow fiber membrane 310, the flow rate of the liquid periodically becomes zero or close to zero. When the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the hollow fiber membrane 310 is close to zero, the filtration method changes from the TFF method to a dead-end filtration method. If the filtration process based on the hollow fiber membrane 310 becomes the dead-end filtration method, as shown in Figure 12B , the flow direction of the liquid is substantially perpendicular to the membrane surface of the hollow fiber membrane 310. As a result, clogging (pore clogging) of the membrane surface of the hollow fiber membrane 310 easily occurs. Therefore, in a system having a filter device with a hollow fiber membrane in the flow path, it is particularly important to suppress pulsation of the liquid circulating in the flow path.

[0065] According to the cell processing device 500 according to the present embodiment, the liquid 50 in which pulsation is suppressed is supplied to the filter device 300 by providing the liquid delivery assisting device 100 (100A) on the flow path between the filter device 300 with the hollow fiber membrane and the hose pump 200. By the liquid delivery assisting device 100 (100A), it is confirmed that pulsation is suppressed in the liquid supplied to the filter device 300.

[0066] According to the cell processing device 500 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to make the flow rate of the liquid 50 supplied to the filter device 300 constant, and thus it is possible to avoid a case where the manner of the filtration treatment based on the filter device 300 becomes a dead-end filtration manner. Thus, it is possible to suppress the risk of occurrence of membrane surface clogging (pore clogging) of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0067] With respect to the above-described first to third embodiments, the following notes are also disclosed.

[0068] (Note 1)

[0069] A liquid feeding assisting device has:

[0070] a hose that is expandable and contractible in accordance with the flow rate of a liquid flowing inside; and

[0071] a holding member that holds the hose in such a manner that the area of the cross section of the flow path formed by the hose, which is orthogonal to the flow direction of the liquid, i.e., the orthogonal cross-sectional area, becomes smaller than the orthogonal cross-sectional area in a natural state,

[0072] the hose is single-use.

[0073] (Note 2)

[0074] The liquid feeding assisting device according to Note 1, wherein

[0075] the holding member is detachable with respect to the hose.

[0076] (Note 3)

[0077] The liquid feeding assisting device according to Note 1 or Note 2, wherein

[0078] the holding member holds the hose by an elastic force generated by a spring.

[0079] (Note 4)

[0080] The liquid feeding assisting device according to any one of Note 1 to Note 3, wherein

[0081] the holding member has a first member and a second member that sandwich the hose and are opposed to each other.

[0082] (Note 5)

[0083] A cell processing device has:

[0084] a filter device that has a hollow fiber membrane that performs filtration treatment of a liquid;

[0085] a hose pump that feeds a liquid to the filter device; and

[0086] The liquid delivery assisting device according to any one of the following: 1 to 4 is provided on a flow path between the filter device and the hose pump.

[0087] (Paragraph 6)

[0088] A liquid delivery assisting method for when liquid is delivered using a hose that expands and contracts in accordance with a flow rate of liquid flowing inside, the method including the steps of:

[0089] holding the hose in such a manner that an area of a cross section of a flow path formed by the hose, which is orthogonal to a flow direction of the liquid, i.e., an orthogonal cross-sectional area, becomes smaller than an orthogonal cross-sectional area in a natural state,

[0090] the hose is single-use.

[0091] Symbol explanation

[0092] 10 - hose, 20, 20A - holding member, 21, 21A - first member, 22, 22A - second member, 24 - connection portion, 25, 25A, 25B - magnet, 50 - liquid, 100, 100A - liquid delivery assisting device, 200 - hose pump, 201 - rotating portion, 202 - roller, 203 - outer wall, 204 - hose, 210 - damper mechanism, 300 - filter device, 310 - hollow fiber membrane, 400 - container, 500 - cell processing device.

Claims

1. A liquid feeding assisting device, comprising: a hose capable of expanding and contracting in accordance with a flow rate of a liquid flowing inside; and a holding member that holds the hose in such a manner that an area of a cross section of a flow path formed by the hose, which is orthogonal to a flow direction of the liquid, i.e., an orthogonal cross-sectional area, becomes smaller than an orthogonal cross-sectional area in a natural state.

2. The liquid feeding assisting device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is detachable with respect to the hose.

3. The liquid feeding assisting device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member holds the hose by an elastic force generated by a spring.

4. The liquid feeding assisting device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member has a first member and a second member that sandwich the hose and oppose each other.

5. A cell processing device, comprising: a filter device having a hollow fiber membrane that performs a filtration process of a liquid; a hose pump that performs liquid feeding to the filter device; and the liquid feeding assisting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is provided on a flow path between the filter device and the hose pump.

6. A liquid feeding assisting method for assisting liquid feeding using a hose capable of expanding and contracting in accordance with a flow rate of a liquid flowing inside, the method comprising the step of: holding the hose in such a manner that an area of a cross section of a flow path formed by the hose, which is orthogonal to a flow direction of the liquid, i.e., an orthogonal cross-sectional area, becomes smaller than an orthogonal cross-sectional area in a natural state.

7. The liquid feeding assisting method according to claim 6, wherein the hose is single-use. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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