Separation insert and separator tool

Abstract

To provide a separation insert and a separator tool that enable efficient fractionation work of separated components.SOLUTION: A separation insert 20 comprises: a partition section 30; a support section 40 for supporting the partition section 30 relative to a container; a first opening provided in the partition section 30 and for allowing a separation target liquid to flow from one of a first internal space IS1 and a second internal space IS2 to the other via the first opening during a centrifugal separation operation; a second opening 60 provided in the partition section 30 so as to move air positioned in the second internal space IS2 from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the second opening 60 during the centrifugal separation operation; and a facilitation section 70 provided on the partition section 30 and the support section 40 and for promoting the movement of air from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the second opening 60 during the centrifugal separation operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation insert and a separation device. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique has been proposed for separating specific cells from a biological sample, in which an insert is placed in a centrifuge tube and the centrifuge tube, which contains a target liquid including a biological sample and a separation liquid, is centrifuged using a centrifuge (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This insert is composed of a cylindrical body with a closed upper surface and an open lower surface, and an opening is provided in the upper surface to allow air or fluid to pass through. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 149641 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, as described above, an opening is provided on the upper surface of the insert, and although it is possible to remove the air contained in the target liquid through the opening during centrifugation, air may remain in the target liquid after centrifugation. Therefore, for example, when separating specific cells separated after centrifugation, the separated specific cells may be suspended by the air that has moved through the opening, which may make it difficult to efficiently separate the cells. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of efficiently separating separated components such as specific cells.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to provide a separation insert and a separation device that enable efficient fractionation of separated components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the separation insert described in claim 1 is a separation insert to be accommodated in a container, and when a centrifugation operation is performed on the container containing a separation target liquid including a sample, the separation insert separates components of the sample into a first separated component and a second separated component which is a component other than the first separated component, the container has an opening end where an opening is provided and a bottom end provided opposite to the opening end, and the separation insert divides an internal space of the container into a first internal space which is a space on the opening end side and in which the first separated component is accommodated after the centrifugation operation, and a second internal space which is a space on the bottom end side and in which the second separated component is accommodated after the centrifugation operation. a first opening provided in the partitioning means, the first opening allowing the liquid to be separated to flow from either the first internal space or the second internal space to the other through the first opening during the centrifugation operation; a second opening provided in the partitioning means, the second opening allowing air located in the second internal space to move from the second internal space to the first internal space through the second opening during the centrifugation operation; and a promotion means provided in the partitioning means and / or the support means, for promoting the movement of the air from the second internal space to the first internal space through the second opening during the centrifugation operation.

[0007] The separation insert described in claim 2 is the separation insert described in claim 1, wherein the promotion means is an outer promotion means provided on the partition means and / or the support means, and is arranged so as to protrude toward the outside of the separation insert, or / and an inner promotion means provided on the partition means and / or the support means, and is arranged so as to protrude toward the inside of the separation insert.

[0008] The separation insert described in claim 3 is the separation insert described in claim 2, wherein a plurality of the second openings are provided at intervals from each other on the outer edge of the partition means, and the outer promotion means and / or inner promotion means are arranged between adjacent second openings among the plurality of second openings.

[0009] The separation insert described in claim 4 is the separation insert described in claim 3, wherein the outer promotion means is configured such that the end portion of the outer promotion means on the bottom end side is positioned toward the opening end side as it approaches the second opening.

[0010] The separation insert described in claim 5 is a separation insert described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the outer promotion means is configured so that the outer promotion means can come into contact with the inner wall of the container when the separation insert is contained in the container.

[0011] The separating insert according to claim 6 is the separating insert according to claim 3, wherein the protruding length of the inner promoting means increases with increasing distance from the second opening and with increasing distance from the partition means.

[0012] The separation insert described in claim 7 is a separation insert described in any one of claims 1 to 4, which is provided with a suppression means provided in the vicinity of the first opening, and which is provided with a suppression means for suppressing the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation.

[0013] The separation insert described in claim 8 is the separation insert described in claim 7, wherein the approximately cylindrical support means is arranged to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side, and the approximately cylindrical suppression means is arranged within the support means to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side.

[0014] The separation insert described in claim 9 is the separation insert described in claim 8, wherein the inner diameter of the suppression means is approximately the same as the diameter of the first opening, the protruding length of the suppression means is shorter than the protruding length of the support means, and is a length that can prevent the suppression means from coming into contact with the second separated component after the centrifugation operation.

[0015] The separation insert of claim 10 is the separation insert of claim 7, wherein the first opening is provided on the outer edge of the partition means, the approximately cylindrical support means is provided so as to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side, and the suppression means is provided so as to protrude from the portion of the support means on the first opening side toward the inside of the separation insert and / or the bottom end side.

[0016] The separation insert described in claim 11 is the separation insert described in claim 10, wherein the angle of the inner surface of the separation insert in the suppression means relative to the outer surface of the portion of the support means on the first opening side is greater than or equal to the angle at which the container is inclined during the fractionating operation of the first separated component.

[0017] The separation insert described in claim 12 is the separation insert described in claim 10, wherein the partition means is the promotion means provided on the second internal space side and a component migration promotion means provided on the first internal space side, and comprises a component migration promotion means for promoting the migration of the second separated component from the first internal space to the second internal space through the first opening during the centrifugation operation.

[0018] The separation insert according to claim 13 is the separation insert according to claim 7, wherein the partition means, the support means, the promotion means and / or the suppression means are made of a transparent material.

[0019] The separation device described in claim 14 comprises a container having an open end at which an opening is provided and a bottom end opposite the open end, and a separation insert described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0020] The separation device described in claim 15 is the separation device described in claim 14, further comprising a suppression means provided in either the separation insert or the container, for suppressing the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the separation insert of claim 1 or the separation instrument of claim 14, the separation insert is a promotion means provided on the partition means and / or the support means, and is provided with a promotion means for promoting the movement of air from the second internal space to the first internal space through the second opening during centrifugation, so that air is more likely to move from the second internal space to the first internal space during centrifugation compared to the prior art (a cylindrical insert simply provided with an opening on the upper surface that allows air or fluid to pass through), and therefore air can be prevented from remaining in the second internal space after centrifugation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the first separated component being suspended by the air after centrifugation, and it becomes possible to efficiently perform the separation operation of the first separated component.

[0022] According to the separation insert described in claim 2, the promotion means comprises an outer promotion means provided on the partition means or / and the support means, or / and an inner promotion means provided on the partition means or / and the support means, so that air outside the support means in the second internal space can be effectively moved to the first internal space during centrifugation operation, and / or air inside the support means in the second internal space can be effectively moved to the first internal space during centrifugation operation, thereby further preventing air from remaining in the second internal space after the centrifugation operation.

[0023] According to the separation insert described in claim 3, the multiple second openings are provided at intervals from each other on the outer edge of the partition means, and outer promotion means and / or inner promotion means are arranged between adjacent second openings among the multiple second openings.Therefore, even when the multiple second openings are provided on the outer edge of the partition means, air can be effectively moved from the second internal space to the first internal space during centrifugation operation, and air remaining in the second internal space after the centrifugation operation can be further prevented.

[0024] According to the separation insert described in claim 4, the outer promotion means is configured so that its bottom end side end is positioned toward the opening end side as it approaches the second opening, making it easier to guide air in the second internal space to the second opening during centrifugation operation, and thereby enabling the air to be effectively moved from the second internal space to the first internal space.

[0025] According to the separation insert described in claim 5, the outer promotion means is configured so that it can come into contact with the inner wall of the container in the stored state. Therefore, for example, when the length from the opening end side to the bottom end side of the outer promotion means is relatively long, it becomes easier to effectively move air from the second internal space to the first internal space during centrifugation operation, thereby further preventing air from remaining in the second internal space after centrifugation operation.

[0026] According to the separation insert described in claim 6, the protruding length of the inner promotion means is made longer as it moves away from the second opening and as it approaches the partition means, which makes it easier to effectively move air from the second internal space to the first internal space during centrifugation operation, thereby further preventing air from remaining in the second internal space after centrifugation operation.

[0027] According to the separation insert described in claim 7, the suppression means is provided near the first opening and is for suppressing the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation. Therefore, the second separated component can be suppressed from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation, making it possible to accurately separate the first separated component.

[0028] According to the separation insert described in claim 8, an approximately cylindrical support means is provided so as to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side, and an approximately cylindrical suppression means is provided within the support means so as to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side.Therefore, compared to a case in which the suppression means is provided so as to protrude from the partition means toward the open end side, it is possible to suppress the separation of the first separated component and the second separated component from being hindered by the suppression means during centrifugation operations (for example, the second separated component accumulating near the suppression means during centrifugation operations), and the separation can be performed efficiently.

[0029] According to the separation insert described in claim 9, the inner diameter of the suppression means is approximately the same as the diameter of the first opening, the protruding length of the suppression means is shorter than the protruding length of the support means, and is a length that can prevent the suppression means from contacting the second separated component after the centrifugation operation.Therefore, after the centrifugation operation, the second separated component can be effectively prevented from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space, making it possible to accurately separate the first separated component.

[0030] According to the separation insert described in claim 10, the first opening is provided on the outer edge of the partition means, the approximately cylindrical support means is provided so as to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side, and the suppression means is provided so as to protrude from the first opening side of the support means toward the inside and / or bottom end side of the separation insert.Therefore, when the container is tilted so that the first opening is positioned above the partition means during the separation insert separation operation, the suppression means can suppress the liquid to be separated in the second internal space from flowing into the first internal space through the first opening, making it possible to perform the separation operation even more efficiently.

[0031] According to the separation insert described in claim 11, the angle of the inner surface of the separation insert in the suppression means relative to the outer surface of the part of the support means on the first opening side is set to be equal to or greater than the angle at which the container is tilted during the separation operation of the first separated component.Therefore, compared to when the angle is lower than the angle at which the container is tilted, it is possible to suppress the liquid to be separated in the second internal space from flowing into the first internal space through the first opening during the separation operation of the first separated component, allowing the suppression means to function effectively.

[0032] According to the separation insert of claim 12, the partition means includes a promoting means provided on the second internal space side and a component migration promoting means provided on the first internal space side, so that the component migration promoting means facilitates migration of the second separated component from the first internal space to the second internal space during centrifugation, thereby preventing the second separated component from remaining in the first internal space after centrifugation. Also, the configuration of the support means can be simplified, and the manufacturability of the support means can be improved.

[0033] According to the separation insert described in claim 13, the partitioning means, supporting means, promoting means, and / or suppressing means are made of transparent materials, so that the separation status of the sample can be grasped during the centrifugation operation, thereby improving the usability of the separation insert.

[0034] According to the separation device described in claim 15, since it is equipped with a suppression means provided in either the separation insert or the container, it is possible to suppress the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation, and it is possible to accurately perform the fractionation operation of the first separated component. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an overview of a separation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a separation device, in which (a) is a perspective view seen from above, and (b) is a perspective view seen from below. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the separation insert. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the separation insert. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the separating insert. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where a dispensing step of the sample separation method has been performed. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a centrifugation step of the sample separation method has been performed. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a fractionation step of the sample separation method has been performed. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a front view showing an outline of a separation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the separation insert. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the separation insert. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the separating insert. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which a fractionation step is being performed, and shows a region corresponding to FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a modified example of the separation insert. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the separation insert. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the separation insert of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the separating insert. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the separation insert. [Figure 21] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a modified example of the separation device, in which FIG. 13A is a side view showing the separation device, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing a separation insert. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a modified example of the separation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Hereinafter, the separation insert and the separation device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, [I] the basic concept of the embodiment will be described, then [II] the specific content of the embodiment will be described, and finally, [III] modified examples of the embodiment will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0037] [I] Basic Concept of the Embodiment First, a basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a separation insert that is accommodated in a container, and that separates components of a sample into a first separated component and a second separated component that is a component other than the first separated component through the separation insert when a centrifugation operation is performed on a container that accommodates a liquid to be separated that contains a sample, and a separation device.

[0038] Here, the term "sample" refers to a substance to be subjected to a test, analysis, and / or inspection. The concept of the sample includes, for example, specimens and reagents, but in the embodiment, the sample will be described as a specimen.

[0039] Moreover, the term "specimen" refers to a biological sample that is believed to contain a target substance (or is tested to see if it contains a target substance). The concept of this specimen includes, for example, clinical specimens (for example, blood such as peripheral blood) and liquids that contain physiologically active substances such as low molecular weight compounds, but in the embodiment, the specimen will be described as blood.

[0040] Furthermore, the term "reagent" refers to something used to detect a substance to be analyzed through an immune reaction in a container described below, and is a concept that includes, for example, magnetic particle reagents, labeled antibodies, labeled antigens, etc.

[0041] The term "liquid to be separated" refers to a liquid used for separating a sample. The liquid to be separated is a concept including, for example, a liquid containing a sample and a density gradient solution, or a liquid containing a sample, a density gradient solution, and a diluent, but in the embodiment, it will be described as a liquid containing a sample, a density gradient solution, and a diluent.

[0042] [II] Specific Contents of the Embodiments Next, the specific contents of the embodiment will be described.

[0043] [First embodiment] First, there will be described a separation device according to embodiment 1. In this embodiment 1, a suppression section, which will be described later, is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0044] (composition) First, the configuration of the separation device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0045] In the following description, the X direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the left-right direction of the separation tool (the -X direction is the left direction of the separation tool, and the +X direction is the right direction of the separation tool), the Y direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front-to-back direction of the separation tool (the +Y direction is the front direction of the separation tool, and the -Y direction is the rear direction of the separation tool), and the Z direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the up-down direction of the separation tool (the +Z direction is the upward direction of the separation tool, and the -Z direction is the downward direction of the separation tool).

[0046] The separation instrument 1 is an instrument for separating components of a sample (specifically, blood), and generally includes a container 10 and a separation insert 20, as shown in FIGS.

[0047] (Configuration - Container) First, the configuration of the container 10 will be described.

[0048] The container 10 is for containing a sample and a separation insert 20. The container 10 is configured using, for example, a known centrifuge tube, and includes a container body 11, an opening 12, and a lid 13, as shown in FIG.

[0049] (Configuration - Container - Container body) The container body 11 is a basic structure of the container 10. The container body 11 is formed of a long hollow body made of, for example, resin (or glass), and specifically, the bottom portion 11d of the container body 11 is formed of a hollow body having a substantially conical shape.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the container body 11 has an opening end 11a where the opening 12 is provided, a bottom end 11b opposite the opening end 11a, and a side wall portion 11c provided between the opening end 11a and the bottom end 11b.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the "bottom portion 11d" corresponds to a portion of the container body 11 that includes the bottom end portion 11b and its vicinity, as shown in FIG.

[0052] Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the container body 11 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0053] That is, the planar shape of the container body 11 is set to be substantially circular. However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a ring shape other than a substantially circular ring shape (for example, a rectangular ring shape or a triangular ring shape).

[0054] The inner diameter of the container body 11 is set according to the amount of the liquid to be separated LS in the container 10 shown in Fig. 7, and may be set to about 15 mm to 30 mm, for example. However, the inner diameter is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, less than 15 mm or more than 30 mm.

[0055] The length of the container body 11 in the vertical direction is set according to the amount of the liquid to be separated LS contained in the container 10, and may be set to about 100 mm to 150 mm, for example. However, the length is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, less than 100 mm or more than 150 mm.

[0056] (Configuration-Container-Opening) The opening 12 is for allowing the liquid to be separated LS (specifically, liquid containing a sample, a density gradient solution, and a diluent) to flow in and out of the container body 11, and is provided at the opening end 11a as shown in FIG. 1.

[0057] The specific shape and size of this opening 12 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0058] That is, the shape of the opening 12 is set to be substantially circular, but is not limited thereto, and may be set to be, for example, substantially elliptical or substantially polygonal (for example, substantially rectangular).

[0059] The diameter of the opening 12 is set to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the opening end 11a, but is not limited thereto, and may be set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the opening end 11a, for example.

[0060] (Composition - Container - Lid) The lid portion 13 is for sealing the opening 12. The lid portion 13 is formed, for example, of a hollow resin body with an open bottom, and is connected to the opening end 11a of the container body 11 and its neighboring portion by a fitting structure (or a screw structure or a locking structure) or the like when the opening 12 is sealed by the lid portion 13, as shown in Fig. 1 .

[0061] Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the lid portion 13 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0062] That is, the cross-sectional shape of the lid portion 13 along the XY plane is set to a shape that can be fitted into the open end 11a of the container body 11 and its neighboring portion, and as one example, is set to a substantially circular ring shape.

[0063] In addition, the inner diameter of the lid portion 13 is set to a size that can fit into the opening end 11a of the container body 11 and its surrounding area, and specifically, is set to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the opening end 11a of the container body 11.

[0064] In addition, the vertical length of the lid portion 13 is set to a length that can fit into the opening end 11a of the container body 11 and its surrounding area, and as an example, is set to approximately 1 / 8 to 1 / 6 of the vertical length of the container body 11.

[0065] (Configuration - Separation Insert) Next, the configuration of the separation insert 20 will be described.

[0066] The separation insert 20 is for separating components of a sample into a first separated component S1 in Fig. 8 and a second separated component S2 in Fig. 8 when a centrifugation operation is performed on the container 10 containing a separation target liquid LS including a sample. The separation insert 20 is formed separately from the container 10 and is contained in the container 10.

[0067] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the separation insert 20 is positioned above the bottom portion 11d of the container body 11 in the internal space IS of the container 10 (however, this is not limited to the above, and for example, a part of the container body 11 may be positioned in the bottom portion 11d).

[0068] As also shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the separation insert 20 includes a partition portion 30, a support portion 40, a first opening 50, a second opening 60, a promotion portion 70, and a suppression portion 80. As shown in FIG.

[0069] Here, the term "centrifugal separation operation" refers to an operation of centrifuging the container 10 containing the liquid to be separated LS using a known centrifuge or the like.

[0070] Furthermore, the "first separated component S1" refers to the component to be recovered among the components of the sample separated by the centrifugation operation, and in the first embodiment, this corresponds to specific cells contained in blood (for example, T cells, B cells, etc.).

[0071] Moreover, the "second separated component S2" refers to the components of the sample separated by the centrifugation operation, other than the first separated component S1.

[0072] (Configuration - Separation insert - Partition) The partition 30 is a partitioning means for partitioning the internal space IS of the container 10 into a first internal space IS1 and a second internal space IS2. The partition 30 is formed of, for example, a substantially plate-like body made of resin (or glass), and specifically, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6, it is formed of a substantially plate-like body having a concave shape recessed downward.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, when the separation insert 20 is housed in the container 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "housed state"), the partition portion 30 is provided approximately horizontally at a position above the bottom portion 11d of the container body 11.

[0074] Here, the "first internal space IS1" refers to the space on the open end 11a side of the internal space IS of the container 10, in which the first separated component S1 is accommodated after the centrifugation operation. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the first internal space IS1 corresponds to the space from the partition 30 to the open end 11a of the internal space IS of the container 10 in the accommodated state.

[0075] Further, the "second internal space IS2" refers to the space on the bottom end 11b side of the container body 11 within the internal space IS of the container 10, in which the second separated component S2 is accommodated after the centrifugation operation. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the second internal space IS2 corresponds to the space from the partition 30 to the bottom end 11b of the container body 11 within the internal space IS of the container 10 in the accommodated state.

[0076] Further, the specific shape and size of the partition portion 30 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0077] That is, the planar shape of the partition portion 30 is set to be substantially the same as the inner diameter shape of the portion other than the bottom portion 11d of the container body 11, and specifically, is set to be substantially circular.

[0078] The diameter of the partition 30 is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the container body 11 other than the bottom portion 11d.

[0079] The thickness of the partition portion 30 is set to a length that ensures the desired strength of the partition portion 30, and may be set to approximately 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, for example (the same applies to the thickness of the support portion 40 and the thickness of the suppression portion 80).

[0080] (Configuration - Separation insert - Support part) The support portion 40 is a support means for supporting the partition portion 30 relative to the container 10. The support portion 40 is formed, for example, of a substantially cylindrical body made of resin (or glass) with an open upper and lower surfaces.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the support portion 40 is provided so as to protrude from the partition portion 30 toward the bottom end portion 11b of the container body 11, and is connected to the partition portion 30. As shown in FIG.

[0082] Furthermore, the specific shape and size of the support portion 40 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0083] That is, the planar shape of the support portion 40 is set to be substantially circular. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a ring shape other than a substantially circular ring shape (for example, a rectangular ring shape or a triangular ring shape).

[0084] Moreover, the outer diameter of the support portion 40 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the partition portion 30, and as an example, may be set to be smaller than the diameter of the partition portion 30 by about 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0085] The vertical length of the support part 40 is set so that the lower end of the support part 40 is located at or near the upper end of the bottom part 11d of the container body 11, and as an example, is set to about 1 / 8 to 1 / 4 of the vertical length of the container body 11. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the lower end of the support part 40 may be set so that the lower end of the support part 40 is located at or near the lower end of the bottom part 11d of the container body 11.

[0086] (Configuration - Separation Insert - First Opening) The first opening 50 is a through hole that allows the liquid to be separated LS to flow from either the first internal space IS1 or the second internal space IS2 to the other during centrifugation through the first opening 50. This first opening 50 is provided in the partition 30, and specifically, only one first opening 50 is provided in the approximate center of the partition 30, as shown in FIG.

[0087] Furthermore, the specific shape and size of first opening 50 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0088] That is, the shape of the first opening 50 is set to be substantially circular, but is not limited thereto, and may be set to, for example, a substantially elliptical shape or a substantially polygonal shape (for example, a substantially rectangular shape).

[0089] The diameter of the first opening 50 is set to a size that allows a desired amount of the liquid to be separated LS to flow from either the first internal space IS1 or the second internal space IS2 to the other through the first opening 50 during the centrifugation operation, and may be set to about 0.5 mm to 2 mm, for example. However, the diameter is not limited to this, and may be set to less than 0.5 mm, for example.

[0090] (Configuration - Separation insert - Second opening) The second opening 60 is a through hole that allows air located in the second internal space IS2 to move from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the second opening 60 during the centrifugation operation. The second opening 60 is provided in the partitioning part 30, and specifically, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5, a plurality of second openings 60 (specifically, three openings) are provided at intervals from each other at the edge of the partitioning part 30, and a plurality of second openings 60 (specifically, three openings) are provided at intervals from each other at the upper end of the support part 40.

[0091] In the following, as necessary, of the multiple second openings 60, the second opening 61 provided at the edge end of the partition portion 30 will be referred to as the "partition side second opening 61", and the second opening 62 provided at the upper end of the support portion 40 will be referred to as the "support side second opening 62".

[0092] 3 and 4, in the first embodiment, each partition-side second opening 61 is described as being formed integrally with the support-side second opening 62 located nearby. However, this is not limiting, and for example, each partition-side second opening 61 may be formed separately from the support-side second opening 62 located nearby.

[0093] Further, the specific shape and size of the partition-side second opening 61 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0094] That is, the shape of the partition-side second opening 61 is set to be substantially rectangular. However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially polygonal shape other than a substantially rectangular shape (for example, a substantially square shape or a substantially triangular shape) or a substantially circular shape.

[0095] In addition, the length of the partition side second opening 61 is set to a length that enables air located in the second internal space IS2 to move from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the partition side second opening 61, while suppressing the movement of the liquid to be separated LS located in the second internal space IS2 from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the partition side second opening 61 during centrifugation operation.

[0096] As an example, the length of the longitudinal direction of the partition-side second opening 61 may be set to about 1 mm to 3 mm, and the length of the transverse direction of the partition-side second opening 61 may be set to about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0097] Further, the specific shape and size of the support-side second opening 62 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0098] That is, the shape of the support-side second opening 62 is set to a substantially rectangular shape. However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to, for example, a substantially polygonal shape other than a substantially rectangular shape (for example, a substantially square shape or a substantially triangular shape) or a substantially circular shape.

[0099] In addition, the length of the support side second opening 62 is set to a length that enables air located in the second internal space IS2 to move from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the support side second opening 62, while suppressing the movement of the liquid to be separated LS located in the second internal space IS2 from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the support side second opening 62 during centrifugation operation.

[0100] As an example, the longitudinal length of the support side second opening 62 may be set to be smaller than the longitudinal length of the partition side second opening 61, and the short side length of the support side second opening 62 may be set to be approximately the same as the longitudinal length of the partition side second opening 61.

[0101] (Configuration - Separation Insert - Promotion Part) 3, the promotion unit 70 is a promotion means for promoting the movement of air from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the second opening 60 (specifically, the partition-side second opening 61 and the support-side second opening 62) during the centrifugation operation. As shown in Figs. 3 to 6, the promotion unit 70 is provided in the partition unit 30 and the support unit 40, and includes an outer promotion unit 71 and an inner promotion unit 72.

[0102] (Configuration - Separation insert - Facilitator part - Outer facilitator part) 3, the outer promotion portion 71 is an outer promotion means provided so as to protrude toward the outside of the separation insert 20 (specifically, toward the outside in the radial direction of the separation insert 20). At least one outer promotion portion 71 is provided in the partition portion 30 and the support portion 40 (specifically, three outer promotion portions are provided).

[0103] Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the outer promotion portions 71 are each provided between adjacent second openings 60 among the multiple second openings 60, and are each connected to the partition portion 30 and the support portion 40.

[0104] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the outer promotion portion 71 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 1, the outer promotion portion 71 is configured so that the end 71a on the bottom end 11b side of the outer promotion portion 71 (specifically, the lower end portion of the outer promotion portion 71) is positioned toward the opening end 11a as it approaches the second opening 60.

[0105] Specifically, first, the side shape of the outer promotion portion 71 is set to a substantially inverted triangular shape as shown in Figures 3 and 4. However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the lower end portion of the outer promotion portion 71 may be set to a substantially arcuate shape.

[0106] The inclination angle of the lower end of the outer promotion portion 71 is set based on the following formula (1). F = (fG) × sinθ =(ρ L -ρ A )×v×g×sinθ···(Formula 1) (Here, F: resultant force G: Gravity (=ρ A ×v×g) f: Buoyancy (=ρ L ×v×g) N: Normal force (=(fg)×cosθ) g: gravitational acceleration v: bubble volume ρL: liquid density ρA: Gas density θ: Guide inclination)

[0107] In the above formula 1, for example, when 0 deg<θ=<90 deg, 0 <sinθであり、ρ A <ρ L Therefore, F is an upward force. As a result, during the centrifugation operation, the air in the second internal space IS2 is effectively guided along the lower end of the outer facilitating portion 71 to the first internal space IS1 (specifically, upward).

[0108] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set, for example, based on a method other than the above formula 1 (for example, experimental results or analytical results).

[0109] The protruding length of the outer promotion portion 71 (specifically, the length of the outer promotion portion 71 protruding radially outward from the separation insert 20) is set so that the outer promotion portion 71 does not come into contact with the inner wall of the container 10 (specifically, the inner surface of the side wall portion 11c) in the accommodated state. As an example, it may be set to about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0110] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to a length such that, for example, the outer promotion portion 71 comes into contact with the inner wall of the container 10 in the accommodated state.

[0111] The vertical length of the outer promotion portion 71 is set to be shorter than the vertical length of the support portion 40, and as an example, is set to be substantially the same as the longitudinal length of the support-side second opening 62. However, without being limited thereto, the outer promotion portion 71 may be set to be shorter than the longitudinal length of the support-side second opening 62 or longer than the longitudinal length of the support-side second opening 62.

[0112] With the above-described configuration, it becomes easier to guide the air in the second internal space IS2 to the second opening 60 during centrifugation operation, so that the air can be effectively moved from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1.

[0113] In addition, such an outer promotion portion 71 can effectively move air outside the support portion 40 in the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation, thereby preventing air from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation.

[0114] Furthermore, since the outer promotion portion 71 is arranged between adjacent second openings 60 among the multiple second openings 60, even when the multiple second openings 60 are provided on the outer edge of the partition portion 30, air can be effectively moved from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation, and air can be further prevented from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation.

[0115] (Configuration - Separation insert - Promotion part - Inner promotion part) The inner promotion portion 72 is an inner promotion means provided so as to protrude toward the inside of the separation insert 20 (specifically, toward the radial inside of the separation insert 20). At least one inner promotion portion 72 is provided in the partition portion 30 and the support portion 40 (specifically, three inner promotion portions are provided).

[0116] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner promotion portion 72 is provided between adjacent second openings 60 among the multiple second openings 60, and is connected to the partition portion 30 and the support portion 40, respectively.

[0117] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the inner promotion portion 72 is arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, the inner promotion portion 72 is configured to extend from the lower surface of the partition portion 30 to the lower end portion of the support portion 40.

[0118] Specifically, first, the side shape of the inner promotion portion 72 is set to a substantially inverted triangular shape as shown in Fig. 6. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, it may be set to a shape other than a substantially inverted triangular shape (for example, a trapezoid).

[0119] The inclination angle of the inclined portion 72a of the inner promotion portion 72 on the partition portion 30 side and the inclination angle of the inclined portion 72b of the inner promotion portion 72 on the support portion 40 side are set based on the above formula (1). However, without being limited thereto, for example, they may be set based on a method other than the above formula 1 (for example, experimental results or analytical results).

[0120] 5, the protruding length of the inner promotion portion 72 (specifically, the length of the protruding portion protruding radially inwardly of the separation insert 20) is set to be longer as it moves away from the second opening 60 and approaches the partition portion 30. As an example, it may be set to be about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0121] This makes it easier to effectively move air from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation, thereby making it possible to further prevent air from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation.

[0122] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the protruding length of the inner promotion portion 72 may be set to a constant value.

[0123] The vertical length of the inner promotion portion 72 is set to be approximately the same as the vertical length of the support portion 40. However, this is not limited to this, and the inner promotion portion 72 may be set to be shorter than the vertical length of the support portion 40.

[0124] With the above-described configuration, it becomes easier to guide the air in the second internal space IS2 to the second opening 60 during centrifugation operation, so that the air can be effectively moved from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1.

[0125] In addition, such an inner promotion portion 72 can effectively move air inside the support portion 40 in the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation, thereby preventing air from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation.

[0126] Furthermore, since the inner promotion section 72 is arranged between adjacent second openings 60 among the multiple second openings 60, even when the multiple second openings 60 are provided on the outer edge of the partition section 30, air can be effectively moved from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during centrifugation operation, and air can be further prevented from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation.

[0127] (Configuration - Separation insert - Suppression part) 5, the suppression unit 80 is a suppression means for suppressing the second separated component S2 from flowing from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation. The suppression unit 80 is formed of a substantially cylindrical body made of resin (or glass) with an open upper and lower surfaces.

[0128] In addition, the suppression portion 80 is provided near the first opening 50, and specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, it is provided within the support portion 40 so as to protrude from the partition portion 30 toward the bottom end portion 11b of the container body 11, and is connected to the partition portion 30.

[0129] Further, the specific shape and size of the suppression section 80 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0130] That is, the planar shape of the suppression portion 80 is set to be substantially circular annular. However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to be, for example, substantially elliptical or substantially rectangular annular.

[0131] Moreover, the inner diameter of the suppression portion 80 is set to be substantially the same as the diameter of the first opening 50. However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the inner diameter may be set to be shorter or longer than the diameter of the first opening 50.

[0132] The protruding length of the suppression section 80 (specifically, the vertical length of the suppression section 80) is set to be shorter than the protruding length of the support section 40 (specifically, the vertical length of the support section 40), and is set to a length capable of preventing the suppression section 80 from contacting the second separated component S2 after the centrifugation operation. As an example, the length is set to be approximately two to three times the thickness of the partition section 30.

[0133] This effectively prevents the second separated component S2 from flowing from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation, making it possible to accurately collect the first separated component S1.

[0134] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to a length less than twice the thickness of the partition portion 30, or may be set to a length more than three times the thickness of the partition portion 30, for example.

[0135] Such a suppression section 80 can suppress the second separated component S2 from flowing from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation, making it possible to accurately separate and collect the first separated component S1.

[0136] Furthermore, compared to a case in which the suppression section 80 is arranged to protrude from the partition section 30 toward the opening end 11a of the container body 11, it is possible to suppress the inhibition of separation of the first separated component S1 and the second separated component S2 during centrifugation operations (for example, the accumulation of the second separated component S2 near the suppression section 80 during centrifugation operations), and the separation can be performed efficiently.

[0137] (Configuration - Separation Insert - Other Configurations) Further, the other configurations of the separation insert 20 are arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, it is configured as follows.

[0138] (Configuration - Separation Insert - Other Configurations - Configuration 1) That is, first, the partition portion 30, the support portion 40, the promotion portion 70, and the suppression portion 80 are made of a transparent material, specifically, a transparent resin material (e.g., polypropylene, etc., or a transparent glass material).

[0139] This makes it possible to grasp the state of sample separation during centrifugation, thereby improving the usability of the separation insert 20.

[0140] However, without being limited thereto, for example, at least one of the partition portion 30, the support portion 40, the promotion portion 70, and the suppression portion 80 may be made of a non-transparent material (for example, a non-transparent resin material or glass material).

[0141] (Configuration - Separation Insert - Other Configurations - Configuration 2) In addition, the partition portion 30, the support portion 40, the promotion portion 70, and the suppression portion 80 are integrally formed, specifically, by injection molding (or molding with a 3D printer) a transparent resin material.

[0142] This allows the separating insert 20 to be constructed easily and quickly, and the manufacturability of the separating insert 20 can be improved.

[0143] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, any one of the partition portion 30, the support portion 40, the promotion portion 70, and the suppression portion 80 may be formed separately.

[0144] The above-described separation insert 20 and separation instrument 1 allow air to move more easily from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during centrifugation compared to the prior art (a cylindrical insert simply provided with an opening on the upper surface through which air or fluid can pass), and therefore prevent air from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after centrifugation. This makes it possible to prevent the first separated component S1 from being suspended by the air after centrifugation, and makes it possible to efficiently perform the work of separating and collecting the first separated component S1.

[0145] (Sample Separation Method) Next, a method for separating a sample using the separation tool 1 will be described.

[0146] This separation method is a method for separating components of a sample into a first separated component S1 and a second separated component S2 via a separation insert 20, and includes a dispensing step, a centrifugation step, and a fractionation step.

[0147] (Sample separation method - dispensing process) First, the dispensing step will be described.

[0148] The dispensing step is a step of dispensing the liquid to be separated LS into the container 10 of the separation tool 1.

[0149] Specifically, first, the separation insert 20 of the separation instrument 1 is accommodated in the container 10 of the separation instrument 1. Next, a dispenser (e.g., a pipette) (not shown) is used to pour the density gradient solution LS1 out of the liquid LS to be separated into the container 10. Thereafter, the sample and diluent LS2 (specifically, the sample diluted with the diluent) out of the liquid LS to be separated are poured into the container 10 using the dispenser.

[0150] Here, the method for setting the amount of density gradient solution LS1 poured into container 10 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 1, the amount is set so that, in the contained state, the upper surface of the density gradient solution LS1 is positioned above the upper end of the separation insert 20, as shown in Figure 7.

[0151] Furthermore, the method for setting the amount of sample and diluent LS2 poured into container 10 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 1, the amount is set so that after centrifugation, the interface of the second separated component S2 is located below the partition section 30 (more specifically, the suppression section 80), as shown in Figure 8.

[0152] By using these setting methods, the interface of the first separated component S1 can be positioned above the partition section 30 after the centrifugation operation, and the first separated component S1 can be efficiently recovered.

[0153] (Sample separation method - centrifugation process) Next, the centrifugation step will be described.

[0154] The centrifugation process is a process in which, after the dispensing process, a centrifugation operation is performed on the container 10 containing the liquid to be separated LS shown in Figure 7, thereby separating the components of the sample into a first separation component S1 and a second separation component S2, as shown in Figure 8.

[0155] Specifically, the container 10 is set in a known centrifuge, and then a centrifugation process is carried out for a predetermined period of time using the centrifuge, whereby the container 10 is subjected to a centrifugation operation by the centrifuge.

[0156] Furthermore, during this centrifugation operation, the outer promotion section 71 and the inner promotion section 72 promote the movement of air from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the partition side second opening 61 and the support side second opening 62, thereby preventing the air from hindering the operation of the separation process.

[0157] Furthermore, since the first separation component S1 is moved above the partition section 30 through the first opening 50 and the suppression section 80, and the second separation component S2 is moved below the partition section 30, the fractionation process can be performed efficiently.

[0158] (Sample separation method - fractionation process) Next, the fractionation step will be described.

[0159] The fractionation step is a step of fractionating the first separated component S1 from the container 10 after the centrifugation step.

[0160] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the first separated component S1 of the container 10 is poured into another container 90 (specifically, a resin container with an open top) through the opening 12 of the container 10 (more specifically, by performing this action once without stopping), and the first separated component S1 is separated out of the container 10.

[0161] During the above operation, the suppression section 80 suppresses the second separated component S2 from flowing from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1, thereby preventing the second separated component S2 from being accidentally separated and collected from the container 10.

[0162] According to the above-described sample separation method, the components of the sample can be separated into the first separated component S1 and the second separated component S2, and the first separated component S1 can be recovered with high accuracy, and the recovery operation can be performed efficiently.

[0163] (effect) Thus, according to the first embodiment, the separation insert 20 is a promotion part 70 provided on the partition part 30 or / and the support part 40, and is provided with the promotion part 70 for promoting the movement of air from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the second opening 60 during the centrifugation operation, so that air is more likely to move from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation than in the conventional technology (a cylindrical insert simply provided with an opening on the upper surface that allows air or fluid to pass through), and therefore it is possible to prevent air from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the first separated component S1 being suspended by the air after the centrifugation operation, and it is possible to efficiently perform the separation operation of the first separated component S1.

[0164] In addition, since the promotion section 70 is equipped with an outer promotion section 71 provided on the partition section 30 and / or the support section 40, or / and an inner promotion section 72 provided on the partition section 30 and / or the support section 40, the air outside the support section 40 in the second internal space IS2 can be effectively moved to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation, and / or the air inside the support section 40 in the second internal space IS2 can be effectively moved to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation, thereby further preventing air from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation.

[0165] In addition, the multiple second openings 60 are provided at intervals from each other on the outer edge of the partition 30, and outer promotion sections 71 and / or inner promotion sections 72 are arranged between adjacent second openings 60 among the multiple second openings 60.Therefore, even when the multiple second openings 60 are provided on the outer edge of the partition 30, air can be effectively moved from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation, and air remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation can be further prevented.

[0166] In addition, the outer promotion portion 71 is configured so that the end 71a on the bottom end 11b side of the outer promotion portion 71 is positioned toward the opening end 11a as it approaches the second opening 60, making it easier to guide the air in the second internal space IS2 to the second opening 60 during centrifugation operation, and thereby enabling the air to be effectively moved from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1.

[0167] In addition, the protruding length of the inner promotion portion 72 is made longer as it moves away from the second opening 60 and as it approaches the partition portion 30, which makes it easier to effectively move air from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation, thereby further preventing air from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation.

[0168] Further, the suppression section 80 is provided near the first opening 50 and is for suppressing the second separated component S2 from flowing from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation. Therefore, the second separated component S2 can be suppressed from flowing from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation, and the first separated component S1 can be accurately separated.

[0169] Furthermore, the approximately cylindrical support portion 40 is arranged to protrude from the partition portion 30 toward the bottom end 11b, and the approximately cylindrical suppression portion 80 is arranged within the support portion 40 to protrude from the partition portion 30 toward the bottom end 11b. Therefore, compared to a case in which the suppression portion 80 is arranged to protrude from the partition portion 30 toward the opening end 11a, it is possible to suppress the separation of the first separated component S1 and the second separated component S2 from being hindered by the suppression portion 80 during the centrifugation operation (for example, the second separated component S2 from accumulating near the suppression portion 80 during the centrifugation operation), and the separation can be performed efficiently.

[0170] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the suppression section 80 is approximately the same as the diameter of the first opening 50, the protruding length of the suppression section 80 is shorter than the protruding length of the support section 40, and is a length that can prevent the suppression section 80 from contacting the second separated component S2 after the centrifugation operation. Therefore, the second separated component S2 can be effectively prevented from flowing from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation, and the first separated component S1 can be accurately separated.

[0171] Furthermore, since the partition portion 30, the support portion 40, the promotion portion 70, and / or the inhibition portion 80 are made of transparent materials, the separation status of the sample can be grasped during the centrifugation operation, thereby improving the usability of the separation insert 20.

[0172] [Embodiment 2] Next, a separation device according to embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment 2, the suppression unit is configured in a manner different from that of the suppression unit according to embodiment 1. However, the configuration of this embodiment 2 is substantially the same as that of embodiment 1, except where otherwise specified, and the configuration substantially the same as that of embodiment 1 will be given the same reference numerals and / or names as those used in embodiment 1 as necessary, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0173] (composition) First, the configuration of the separation device according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0174] The separation device 100 includes a container 10 and a separation insert 110, as shown in FIG.

[0175] (Configuration - Container) First, the configuration of the container 10 will be described.

[0176] The container 10 according to the second embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the container 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0177] (Configuration - Separation Insert) Next, the configuration of the separation insert 110 will be described.

[0178] The separation insert 110 is formed separately from the container 10 and is housed in the container 10 .

[0179] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the separation insert 110 is positioned so that a portion of the separation insert 110 is located above the bottom portion 11d of the container body 11 in the internal space IS of the container 10, and another portion of the separation insert 110 is located in the bottom portion 11d of the container body 11.

[0180] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the separation insert 110 includes a partition portion 30, a support portion 40, a third opening 120, a promotion portion 70, a component transfer promotion portion 130, and a suppression portion 80.

[0181] (Configuration - Separation insert - Partition) The partition portion 30 is formed of, for example, a substantially plate-like body made of resin (or glass), and specifically, as shown in Figs. 11 and 14, it is formed of a substantially plate-like body having a curved vertical cross-sectional shape.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 10, the partition 30 is provided above the bottom portion 11d of the container body 11 in the accommodated state.

[0183] Further, the specific shape and size of the partition section 30 are arbitrary, but are set to be substantially the same as the specific shape and size of the partition section 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0184] (Configuration - Separation insert - Support part) The support portion 40 is configured in substantially the same manner as the support portion 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0185] (Configuration - Separation insert - 3rd opening) The third opening 120 is a first opening that allows the liquid to be separated LS to flow from either the first internal space IS1 or the second internal space IS2 to the other through the third opening 120 during centrifugation operation, and is a second opening that allows air located in the second internal space IS2 to move from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 through the third opening 120 during centrifugation operation.

[0186] The third opening 120 is provided in the partition 30. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10 to Fig. 12, only one is provided at the edge of the partition 30 (the outer edge on the right side in Fig. 12) and only one is provided at the upper end of the support 40 (the upper end of the right part of the support 40 in Fig. 12), and these third openings 120 are formed continuously.

[0187] In the following, as necessary, among the third openings 120, the third opening 121 provided at the edge end of the partition portion 30 will be referred to as the "partition side third opening 121", and the third opening 121 provided at the upper end of the support portion 40 will be referred to as the "support side third opening 122".

[0188] Further, the specific shape and size of the partition-side third opening 121 are arbitrary, but in the second embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0189] That is, the planar shape of the partition-side third opening 121 is set to be substantially arc-shaped. However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to be, for example, substantially polygonal (for example, substantially rectangular).

[0190] Moreover, the length of the partition-side third opening 121 in the longitudinal direction is set to be smaller than the diameter of the partition part 30, and may be set to about half the diameter of the partition part 30, for example. However, this is not limiting, and may be set to less than half the diameter of the partition part 30, for example.

[0191] In addition, the short-side length of the partition-side third opening 121 is set to be shorter than the long-side length of the third opening 120, and as an example, may be set to be less than half the long-side length of the third opening 120.

[0192] Further, the specific shape and size of the support-side third opening 122 are arbitrary, but in the second embodiment, they are set as follows.

[0193] That is, the side shape of the support-side third opening 122 is set to be substantially rectangular. However, the shape is not limited to this, and may be set to be, for example, substantially polygonal (for example, substantially square, substantially triangular, etc.) or substantially elliptical.

[0194] Moreover, the horizontal length of the support-side third opening 122 is set to be approximately the same as the longitudinal length of the third opening 120 .

[0195] The length of the support-side third opening 122 in the up-down direction is set to be equal to or greater than the length of the third opening 120 in the short side direction and shorter than the length of the third opening 120 in the long side direction.

[0196] (Configuration - Separation Insert - Promotion Part) The facilitating portion 70 is provided in the partition portion 30. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, it is provided on the second internal space IS2 side, and more specifically, it is formed integrally with a portion of the partition portion 30 below the bending point 31 (that is, the partition portion 30 is provided with the facilitating portion 70).

[0197] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the promotion portion 70 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 2, the promotion portion 70 is configured so that it slopes upward as it approaches the third opening 120, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0198] Here, the inclination angle of the facilitating portion 70 is set based on the above formula (1). However, the method is not limited to this, and the inclination angle may be set based on a method other than the above formula 1 (for example, experimental results or analytical results).

[0199] Such a promotion portion 70 can effectively move air outside the support portion 40 in the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during the centrifugation operation, thereby preventing air from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operation.

[0200] (Configuration - Separation insert - Component migration promotion part) The component migration promotion section 130 is a component migration promotion means for promoting the migration of the second separated component S2 from the first internal space IS1 to the second internal space IS2 through the third opening 120 (first opening) during centrifugation operation.

[0201] This component transfer promotion section 130 is provided in the partition section 30. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, it is provided on the first internal space IS1 side, and more specifically, it is formed integrally with a portion of the partition section 30 above the bending point 31 (that is, the partition section 30 is provided with the component transfer promotion section 130).

[0202] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the component transfer promotion section 130 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 2, as shown in the figure, the component transfer promotion section 130 is configured so that the component transfer promotion section 130 slopes downward as it approaches the third opening 120.

[0203] Here, the method for setting the inclination angle of the component transfer promoter 130 is set based on the above formula (1). However, without being limited thereto, for example, the inclination angle may be set based on a method other than the above formula 1 (for example, experimental results or analytical results).

[0204] The component migration promoting section 130 facilitates migration of the second separated component S2 from the first internal space IS1 to the second internal space IS2 during the centrifugation operation, thereby preventing the second separated component S2 from remaining in the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation. In addition, since the partition section 30 includes the promoting section 70 and the component migration promoting section 130, the configuration of the support section 40 can be simplified, and the manufacturability of the support section 40 can be improved.

[0205] (Configuration - Separation insert - Suppression part) The suppression portion 80 is provided in the vicinity of the third opening 120 .

[0206] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the suppression portion 80 is configured to protrude from the third opening 120 side (first opening side) of the support portion 40 toward the inside of the separation insert 110 and the bottom end portion 11b side.

[0207] In the following, as necessary, the suppression portion 81 of the suppression portion 80 that protrudes toward the inside of the separation insert 110 will be referred to as the "first suppression portion 81," and the suppression portion 82 that protrudes toward the bottom end portion 11b will be referred to as the "second suppression portion 82."

[0208] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the suppression section 80 is arbitrary, but in embodiment 2, the suppression section 80 is configured so that when the container 10 is tilted so that the third opening 120 is positioned above the partition section 30 during the separation operation of the first separated component S1, the liquid to be separated LS in the second internal space IS2 is not positioned above the third opening 120.

[0209] The reason why the suppression section 80 is configured as described above is as follows.

[0210] That is, as shown in Fig. 15, when the container 10 is tilted so that the third opening 120 is located above the partition 30 during the separation operation of the first separated component S1, if the liquid to be separated LS in the second internal space IS2 is located above the third opening 120, the liquid to be separated LS tends to move downward due to gravity. Then, as a result of this movement, a force acts on the liquid to be separated LS in the second internal space IS2 to push it toward the first internal space IS1, so that the liquid to be separated LS (including the second separated component S2) in the second internal space IS2 may flow into the first internal space IS1 through the third opening 120. Therefore, in order to avoid such a problem, the suppression section 80 is configured as described above.

[0211] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the protruding length of the first suppression portion 81 (specifically, the length protruding toward the inside of the separation insert 110) is set to become longer toward the bottom end portion 11b.

[0212] 11, the second suppression portion 82 protrudes from the first suppression portion 81 and the support portion 40 toward the bottom end portion 11b so that the side shape of the second suppression portion 82 is a substantially inverted triangular shape. Also, as shown in FIG 14, the protruding length of the second suppression portion 82 (specifically, the length protruding toward the bottom end portion 11b) is set to a length that allows the second suppression portion 82 to abut against the bottom end portion 11b of the container 10 in the accommodated state.

[0213] 14 and 15, the angle of the inner surface of the separation insert 110 in the suppression unit 80 relative to the outer surface of the portion of the support unit 40 on the third opening 120 side is set to be equal to or greater than the angle at which the container 10 is tilted during the fractionation operation of the first separated component S1, specifically, set to be greater than the angle at which the container 10 is tilted. However, the angle is not limited to this, and may be set to be smaller than the angle at which the container 10 is tilted, for example.

[0214] With this configuration, when the container 10 is tilted so that the third opening 120 is located above the partition 30 during the collection operation of the first separated component S1, the suppression unit 80 can suppress the liquid to be separated LS in the second internal space IS2 from flowing into the first internal space IS1 through the third opening 120, making it possible to perform the collection operation more efficiently. Furthermore, compared to the case where the angle of the inner surface of the separation insert 110 in the suppression unit 80 relative to the outer surface of the part of the support unit 40 on the third opening 120 side is lower than the angle at which the container 10 is tilted during the collection operation of the first separated component S1, the liquid to be separated LS in the second internal space IS2 can be suppressed from flowing into the first internal space IS1 through the third opening 120 during the collection operation of the first separated component S1, making it possible to make the suppression unit 80 function effectively.

[0215] Furthermore, like the suppression section 80 in embodiment 1, this suppression section 80 can suppress the second separated component S2 from flowing from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation, making it possible to accurately separate the first separated component S1.

[0216] (Configuration - Separation Insert - Other Configurations) Other configurations of the separation insert 110 are arbitrary, but in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, an inner diameter adjustment portion 140 is provided on the support portion 40.

[0217] The inner diameter adjustment portion 140 is an inner diameter adjustment means for making the inner diameter of the separation insert 110 (specifically, the diameter of the space surrounded by the support portion 40 and the suppression portion 80) approximately uniform. As shown in Fig. 14, the inner diameter adjustment portion 140 is provided so as to protrude toward the inside of the separation insert 110 from the portion of the support portion 40 opposite to the third opening 120 side (first opening side).

[0218] In addition, in the second embodiment, the protruding length of the inner diameter adjusting portion 140 is set to become shorter toward the bottom end portion 11b side, as shown in FIG.

[0219] Such an inner diameter adjusting portion 140 allows the inner diameter of the separation insert 110 to be approximately uniform, and for example, when the separation insert 110 is formed by injection molding, it becomes easier to ensure the manufacturability of the suppression portion 80.

[0220] (Sample Separation Method) Next, a method for separating a sample using the separation instrument 100 will be described.

[0221] The separation method according to the second embodiment is similar to the separation method according to the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0222] (effect) Thus, according to embodiment 2, the first opening is provided on the outer edge of the partition 30, the approximately cylindrical support 40 is provided so as to protrude from the partition 30 toward the bottom end 11b, and the suppression section 80 is provided so as to protrude from the first opening side of the support 40 toward the inside of the separation insert 110 and / or the bottom end 11b. Therefore, during the separation operation of the first separated component S1, when the container 10 is tilted so that the first opening is positioned above the partition 30, the suppression section 80 can suppress the liquid to be separated LS in the second internal space IS2 from flowing into the first internal space IS1 through the first opening, making it possible to perform the separation operation even more efficiently.

[0223] Furthermore, the angle of the inner surface of the separation insert 110 in the suppression section 80 relative to the outer surface of the portion of the support section 40 on the first opening side is set to be equal to or greater than the angle at which the container 10 is tilted during the separation operation of the first separated component S1. Therefore, compared to when the angle is lower than the angle at which the container 10 is tilted, the liquid to be separated LS in the second internal space IS2 can be prevented from flowing into the first internal space IS1 through the first opening during the separation operation of the first separated component S1, allowing the suppression section 80 to function effectively.

[0224] Moreover, since the partition 30 includes the promoting section 70 provided on the second internal space IS2 side and the component transfer promoting section 130 provided on the first internal space IS1 side, the component transfer promoting section 130 facilitates the transfer of the second separated component S2 from the first internal space IS1 to the second internal space IS2 during the centrifugation operation, thereby preventing the second separated component S2 from remaining in the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation. Also, the configuration of the support section 40 can be simplified, and the manufacturability of the support section 40 can be improved.

[0225] [III] Modifications to the embodiment Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical ideas of the inventions described in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

[0226] (About the problem to be solved and the effects of the invention) First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above, and the present invention may solve problems that are not described above or achieve effects that are not described above, or may solve only some of the problems that are described or achieve only some of the effects that are described.

[0227] (shape, number, structure, time series) The components illustrated in the embodiments and drawings may be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention with respect to the shape, numerical values, or structure or chronological relationships of multiple components.

[0228] (About separation equipment) In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the container 10 and the separation insert 20 are described as being formed separately, but this is not limiting, and for example, the container 10 and the separation insert 20 may be formed integrally. In this case, for example, the container 10 and the separation insert 20 may be formed integrally by molding them with a resin material using a 3D printer (the same applies to the separation instrument 100 of the second embodiment).

[0229] (About the container) In the above embodiments 1 and 2, it has been described that the bottom portion 11d of the container body 11 is formed of a hollow body having an approximately conical shape. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the bottom portion 11d of the container body 11 may be formed of a hollow body having an approximately hemispherical shape.

[0230] (About separation inserts) In the above first and second embodiments, the separation insert is described as having the promotion portion 70 and the suppression portion 80, but this is not limiting, and for example, either the promotion portion 70 or the suppression portion 80 may be omitted.

[0231] In addition, in the above embodiment 2, it was described that the separation insert is equipped with a component transfer promotion portion 130 and an inner diameter adjustment portion 140, but this is not limited to this, and for example, at least one of the component transfer promotion portion 130 or the inner diameter adjustment portion 140 may be omitted.

[0232] (About the partition) In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the partition portion 30 is described as being formed of a generally plate-like body having a concave shape recessed downward, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be formed of, for example, a generally flat plate-like body.

[0233] In addition, in the above embodiment 2, it has been described that the third opening 120 is provided in the partition portion 30, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, a fourth opening for inserting a dispenser used in the dispensing process may further be provided.

[0234] In addition, in the above embodiment 2, it has been described that the partition section 30 is equipped with a promotion section 70 and a component transfer promotion section 130, but this is not limited to this, and for example, at least one of the promotion section 70 or the component transfer promotion section 130 may be omitted.

[0235] When the promoting section 70 is omitted, for example, the portion of the partition section 30 below the bending point 31 may be provided substantially horizontally. When the component transfer promoting section 130 is omitted, for example, the portion of the partition section 30 above the bending point 31 may be provided substantially horizontally.

[0236] (About the support part) In the above embodiments 1 and 2, the support portion 40 is described as being formed of a roughly cylindrical body with open upper and lower surfaces, but this is not limited thereto, and the support portion 40 may be, for example, formed of a plurality of legs spaced apart from one another at the edge portion of the partition portion 30 or in the vicinity thereof, and extending downward from the partition portion 30.

[0237] In addition, in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the supporting portion 40 has been described as being made of a transparent resin material, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be made of, for example, a deformable resin material.

[0238] In the above-described second embodiment, the support portion 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, the support portion 40 according to the second embodiment may be formed in a substantially plate shape by removing a part of the support portion 40.

[0239] (Regarding the first opening) In the above embodiment 1, it has been described that the first opening 50 is provided in approximately the center of the partition portion 30, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be provided in a part other than approximately the center of the partition portion 30 (for example, an edge portion of the partition portion 30).

[0240] In the above embodiment 1, the number of first openings 50 is one, but the number is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, two or more. In this case, suppression units 80 may be provided at positions corresponding to the first openings 50, respectively.

[0241] (Regarding the second opening) In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the second opening 60 is described as including the partition-side second opening 61 and the support-side second opening 62, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, the support-side second opening 62 may be omitted.

[0242] In addition, in the above embodiment 1, it has been described that the second opening 60 is provided at the edge of the partition portion 30 and the upper end of the support portion 40, but this is not limited to this and, for example, multiple openings may be provided near the center of the partition portion 30, as shown in Figure 17 (in Figure 17, three partition-side second openings 61 are provided in that vicinity).

[0243] In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 18, the inner promotion portion 72 may be provided in the partition portion 30 and the support portion 40, between adjacent partition side second openings 61 among the multiple partition side second openings 61 provided in the vicinity of the center of the partition portion 30.

[0244] In addition, in the above embodiment 1, it was described that the number of partition side second openings 61 and support side second openings 62 installed is three each, but this is not limited to the above, and for example, the number may be less than three each, or may be three or more each.

[0245] (About the third opening) In the above-mentioned second embodiment, it has been described that the third opening 120 includes the support-side third opening 122. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the support-side third opening 122 may be omitted.

[0246] In addition, in the above embodiment 2, it has been described that only one partition side third opening 121 and one support side third opening 122 are provided, but this is not limited to the above, and for example, multiple partition side third openings 121 and / or support side third openings 122 may be provided.

[0247] In addition, in the above embodiment 2, it has been described that the third opening 120 is provided at the edge portion of the partition portion 30, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be provided in the center of the partition portion 30, as shown in FIG.

[0248] In this case, for example, the suppression portion 80 may be provided so as to protrude further toward the inside of the separation insert 110 than the suppression portion 80 according to the second embodiment.

[0249] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the third opening 120 is described as being provided in the partition section 30, but this is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the third opening 120, the first opening 50 and the second opening 60 may be provided at an interval from each other.

[0250] (About the Promotion Department) In the above embodiment 1, it has been described that the promotion portion 70 has an outer promotion portion 71 and an inner promotion portion 72, but this is not limited to the above, and for example, either the outer promotion portion 71 or the inner promotion portion 72 may be omitted.

[0251] For example, when the outer promotion portion 71 is omitted, the outer diameter of the support may be set to be substantially the same as the diameter of the partition portion 30.

[0252] In addition, in the above embodiment 1, it was described that the outer promotion portion 71 and the inner promotion portion 72 are provided on the partition portion 30 and the support portion 40, respectively, but this is not limited to this, and for example, they may be provided on only one of the partition portion 30 or the support portion 40.

[0253] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the outer promotion portion 71 is configured such that the end 71a on the bottom end 11b side of the outer promotion portion 71 is positioned closer to the opening end 11a of the container body 11 as it approaches the second opening 60, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the outer promotion portion 71 may be configured such that the end 71a on the bottom end 11b side of the outer promotion portion 71 is not positioned closer to the opening end 11a of the container body 11 as it approaches the second opening 60. As an example, the side shape of the outer promotion portion 71 may be set to be substantially rectangular.

[0254] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the vertical length of the outer promotion portion 71 is set to be shorter than the vertical length of the support portion 40, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 20, the outer promotion portion 71 may have a substantially triangular side shape and the vertical length of the outer promotion portion 71 may be set to be substantially the same as the vertical length of the support portion 40.

[0255] In this case, for example, the outer promotion portion 71 may be configured so that in the stored state, the outer promotion portion 71 can come into contact with the inner wall of the container 10. Specifically, the protruding length of the outer promotion portion 71 may be set to a length that causes the entire outer promotion portion 71 (or only a portion) to come into contact with the inner wall of the container 10 in the stored state.

[0256] This makes it easier to effectively move air from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 during centrifugation operations, for example, when the length from the opening end 11a side to the bottom end 11b side of the outer promotion portion 71 is relatively long, thereby further preventing air from remaining in the second internal space IS2 after the centrifugation operations.

[0257] In addition, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the number of each of the outer promotion portions 71 and the inner promotion portions 72 is described as three, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the number may be less than two. Alternatively, when the number of the second openings 60 is four or more, the number may be four or more.

[0258] (Regarding the suppression part) In the above embodiment 1, it was described that the suppression portion 80 is arranged within the support portion 40 so as to protrude from the partition portion 30 toward the bottom end portion 11b of the container body 11, but this is not limited to the above, and for example, the suppression portion 80 may be arranged within the support portion 40 so as to protrude from the partition portion 30 toward the opening end portion 11a of the container body 11.

[0259] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 1, it was explained that the protruding length of the suppression section 80 is set to a length capable of preventing contact between the suppression section 80 and the second separated component S2 after the centrifugation operation, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, the protruding length may be set to a length capable of contact between the suppression section 80 and the second separated component S2 after the centrifugation operation.

[0260] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the suppression unit 80 is described as being provided so as to protrude from the part of the support unit 40 on the third opening 120 side toward the inside and the bottom end 11b side of the separation insert 110, but this is not limited thereto. For example, in the case where the container 10 is tilted so that the third opening 120 is located above the partition unit 30 during the fractionation operation of the first separated component S1, if the suppression unit 80 can suppress the separation target liquid LS in the second internal space IS2 from flowing into the first internal space IS1 through the third opening 120, the suppression unit 80 may be provided so as to protrude only toward the inside of the separation insert 110 from the part of the support unit 40 on the third opening 120 side (i.e., the second suppression unit 82 may be omitted). Furthermore, a part of the part of the bottom end 11b side of the first suppression unit 81 may be omitted.

[0261] In the above second embodiment, the suppression section 80 is described as being provided in the separation insert 110, but this is not limiting, and the suppression section 80 may be provided in the container 10, for example, as shown in Figs.

[0262] In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, the suppression portion 80 and part of the support portion 40 of the separation insert 110 may be omitted, and the suppression portion 80 may be provided in a portion of the container 10 extending from the portion near the third opening 120 side to the bottom end portion 11b (hereinafter referred to as the "installation portion").

[0263] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, the suppression section 80 may be provided by omitting a portion of the suppression section 80 and the support section 40 of the separation insert 110 and forming the installation section to be installed in an inclined manner so as to make it difficult for the liquid to be separated LS to flow between the separation insert 110 and the installation section of the container 10.

[0264] With this configuration, even if the suppression section 80 is provided in the container 10, it is possible to suppress the second separated component S2 from flowing from the second internal space IS2 to the first internal space IS1 after the centrifugation operation, making it possible to accurately perform the fractionation operation of the first separated component S1.

[0265] (Additional Note) The separation insert of Supplementary Note 1 is a separation insert to be accommodated in a container, and when a centrifugation operation is performed on the container containing a liquid to be separated that includes a sample, the separation insert separates components of the sample into a first separated component and a second separated component that is a component other than the first separated component, the container having an opening end at which an opening is provided and a bottom end provided opposite to the opening end, and the separation insert is a partitioning means for partitioning an internal space of the container into a first internal space which is a space on the opening end side and in which the first separated component is accommodated after the centrifugation operation, and a second internal space which is a space on the bottom end side and in which the second separated component is accommodated after the centrifugation operation. a support means for supporting the partition means relative to the container; a first opening provided in the partition means, the first opening allowing the liquid to be separated to flow from either the first internal space or the second internal space to the other through the first opening during the centrifugation operation; a second opening provided in the partition means, the second opening allowing air located in the second internal space to move from the second internal space to the first internal space through the second opening during the centrifugation operation; and a promotion means provided in the partition means and / or the support means, for promoting the movement of the air from the second internal space to the first internal space through the second opening during the centrifugation operation.

[0266] The separation insert of Appendix 2 is the separation insert of Appendix 1, wherein the promotion means is an outer promotion means provided on the partition means and / or the support means and arranged so as to protrude toward the outside of the separation insert, and / or an inner promotion means provided on the partition means and / or the support means and arranged so as to protrude toward the inside of the separation insert.

[0267] The separation insert of Appendix 3 is the separation insert described in Appendix 2, wherein a plurality of the second openings are provided at intervals from each other on the outer edge of the partition means, and the outer promotion means and / or inner promotion means are arranged between adjacent second openings among the plurality of second openings.

[0268] The separation insert of Appendix 4 is the separation insert of Appendix 3, wherein the outer facilitating means is configured such that an end portion of the outer facilitating means on the bottom end side is positioned closer to the opening end as it approaches the second opening.

[0269] The separation insert of Appendix 5 is a separation insert described in any one of Appendixes 2 to 4, wherein the outer promotion means is configured so that the outer promotion means can come into contact with the inner wall of the container when the separation insert is contained in the container.

[0270] The separation insert of appendix 6 is the separation insert of appendix 3, wherein the protruding length of the inner promotion means increases with increasing distance from the second opening and with increasing distance from the partition means.

[0271] The separation insert of Appendix 7 is a separation insert according to any one of Appendixes 1 to 4, which is provided with a suppression means provided near the first opening, and which has a suppression means for suppressing the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation.

[0272] The separation insert of Appendix 8 is the separation insert described in Appendix 7, wherein the approximately cylindrical support means is arranged to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side, and the approximately cylindrical suppression means is arranged within the support means to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side.

[0273] The separation insert of Appendix 9 is the separation insert described in Appendix 8, wherein the inner diameter of the suppression means is approximately the same as the diameter of the first opening, the protruding length of the suppression means is shorter than the protruding length of the support means, and is a length capable of preventing contact between the suppression means and the second separated component after the centrifugation operation.

[0274] The separation insert described in Appendix 10 is the separation insert described in Appendix 7, wherein the first opening is provided on the outer edge of the partition means, the approximately cylindrical support means is provided so as to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side, and the suppression means is provided so as to protrude from the portion of the support means on the first opening side toward the inside of the separation insert and / or the bottom end side.

[0275] The separation insert described in Appendix 11 is the separation insert described in Appendix 10, wherein the angle of the inner surface of the separation insert in the suppression means relative to the outer surface of the portion of the support means on the first opening side is equal to or greater than the angle at which the container is inclined during the fractionating operation of the first separated component.

[0276] The separation insert described in Appendix 12 is the separation insert described in Appendix 10, wherein the partition means is the promotion means provided on the second internal space side and a component migration promotion means provided on the first internal space side, and comprises a component migration promotion means for promoting the migration of the second separated component from the first internal space to the second internal space through the first opening during the centrifugation operation.

[0277] The separation insert described in Appendix 13 is the separation insert described in Appendix 7, wherein the partition means, the support means, the promotion means, and / or the suppression means are made of a transparent material.

[0278] The separation device described in Appendix 14 comprises a container having an open end at which an opening is provided and a bottom end opposite the open end, and a separation insert described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 4.

[0279] The separation device described in Appendix 15 is the separation device described in Appendix 14, further comprising a suppression means provided in either the separation insert or the container, for suppressing the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation.

[0280] (Effect of supplementary notes) According to the separation insert described in Appendix 1 or the separation device described in Appendix 7, the separation insert is a promotion means provided on the partition means and / or the support means, and is provided with a promotion means for promoting the movement of air from the second internal space to the first internal space through the second opening during centrifugation, so that air is more likely to move from the second internal space to the first internal space during centrifugation compared to the prior art (a cylindrical insert simply provided with an opening on the upper surface that allows air or fluid to pass), and therefore air can be prevented from remaining in the second internal space after centrifugation. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the first separated component being suspended by the air after centrifugation, and it is possible to efficiently perform the separation operation of the first separated component.

[0281] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 2, the promotion means comprises an outer promotion means provided on the partition means or / and the support means, or / and an inner promotion means provided on the partition means or / and the support means, so that air outside the support means in the second internal space can be effectively moved to the first internal space during centrifugation operation, and / or air inside the support means in the second internal space can be effectively moved to the first internal space during centrifugation operation, thereby further preventing air from remaining in the second internal space after centrifugation operation.

[0282] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 3, the multiple second openings are provided at intervals from each other on the outer edge of the partition means, and outer promotion means and / or inner promotion means are arranged between adjacent second openings among the multiple second openings. Therefore, even when the multiple second openings are provided on the outer edge of the partition means, air can be effectively moved from the second internal space to the first internal space during the centrifugation operation, and air remaining in the second internal space after the centrifugation operation can be further prevented.

[0283] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 4, the outer promotion means is configured so that its bottom end portion is positioned toward the open end portion as it approaches the second opening, making it easier to guide air in the second internal space to the second opening during centrifugation operations, thereby effectively moving the air from the second internal space to the first internal space.

[0284] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 5, the outer promotion means is configured so that, in the housed state, the outer promotion means can come into contact with the inner wall of the container. Therefore, for example, when the length from the opening end side to the bottom end side of the outer promotion means is relatively long, it becomes easier to effectively move air from the second internal space to the first internal space during centrifugation operation, thereby further preventing air from remaining in the second internal space after centrifugation operation.

[0285] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 6, the protruding length of the inner promotion means is made longer as it moves away from the second opening and as it approaches the partition means, which makes it easier to effectively move air from the second internal space to the first internal space during the centrifugation operation, thereby further preventing air from remaining in the second internal space after the centrifugation operation.

[0286] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 7, a suppression means is provided near the first opening, and is equipped with a suppression means for suppressing the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation, and it is possible to accurately separate the first separated component.

[0287] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 8, an approximately cylindrical support means is provided so as to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side, and an approximately cylindrical suppression means is provided within the support means so as to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side.Therefore, compared to a case in which the suppression means is provided so as to protrude from the partition means toward the open end side, it is possible to suppress the separation of the first separated component and the second separated component from being hindered by the suppression means during centrifugation operations (for example, the second separated component accumulating near the suppression means during centrifugation operations), and the separation can be performed efficiently.

[0288] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 9, the inner diameter of the suppression means is approximately the same as the diameter of the first opening, the protruding length of the suppression means is shorter than the protruding length of the support means, and is a length that can prevent the suppression means from contacting the second separated component after the centrifugation operation. Therefore, after the centrifugation operation, the second separated component can be effectively prevented from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space, making it possible to accurately separate the first separated component.

[0289] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 10, the first opening is provided on the outer edge of the partition means, the approximately cylindrical support means is provided so as to protrude from the partition means toward the bottom end side, and the suppression means is provided so as to protrude from the first opening side of the support means toward the inside and / or bottom end side of the separation insert.Therefore, during the separation operation of the first separated component, when the container is tilted so that the first opening is positioned above the partition means, the suppression means can suppress the liquid to be separated in the second internal space from flowing into the first internal space through the first opening, making it possible to perform the separation operation even more efficiently.

[0290] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 11, the angle of the inner surface of the separation insert in the suppression means relative to the outer surface of the part of the support means on the first opening side is set to be equal to or greater than the angle at which the container is tilted during the separation operation of the first separated component. Therefore, compared to when the angle is lower than the angle at which the container is tilted, it is possible to suppress the liquid to be separated in the second internal space from flowing into the first internal space through the first opening during the separation operation of the first separated component, allowing the suppression means to function effectively.

[0291] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 12, the partition means includes a promoting means provided on the second internal space side and a component migration promoting means provided on the first internal space side, so that the component migration promoting means facilitates migration of the second separated component from the first internal space to the second internal space during centrifugation, thereby preventing the second separated component from remaining in the first internal space after centrifugation. In addition, the configuration of the support means can be simplified, and the manufacturability of the support means can be improved.

[0292] According to the separation insert described in Appendix 13, the partitioning means, supporting means, promoting means, and / or suppressing means are made of a transparent material, so that the separation status of the sample can be grasped during the centrifugation operation, thereby improving the usability of the separation insert.

[0293] According to the separation device described in Appendix 15, since it is equipped with a suppression means provided in either the separation insert or the container, it is possible to suppress the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation, and it is possible to accurately perform the fractionation operation of the first separated component. [Explanation of symbols]

[0294] 1 Separation device 10 containers 11 Container body 11a Open end 11b Bottom end 11c Side wall part 11d Bottom part 12 Aperture 13 Lid 20 Separation Insert 30 Partition 31 Inflection Point 40 Support part 50 First opening 60 Second Opening 61 Partition side second opening 62 Support side second opening 70 Promotion Department 71 Lateral promotion part 71a Bottom end side end 72 Medial promotion part 72a Slope section 72b Sloped section 80 Suppression part 81 1st suppression part 82 Second suppressor 90 Another Container 100 Separation equipment 110 Separation Insert 120 3rd Opening 121 Partition side third opening 122 Support side third opening 130 Component transfer promotion section 140 Inner diameter adjustment part IS interior space IS1 1st interior space IS2 2nd internal space LS Separation target liquid LS1 Density Gradient Solution LS2 Samples and diluents S1 1st separated component S2 Second separated component

Claims

1. A separation insert is accommodated in a container, and when a centrifugation operation is performed on the container containing a liquid to be separated that includes a sample, the separation insert separates components of the sample into a first separated component and a second separated component that is a component other than the first separated component, The container comprises: an opening end portion at which an opening is provided; a bottom end provided opposite the open end, The separation insert comprises: a partitioning means for partitioning an internal space of the container into a first internal space on the open end side, the first internal space in which the first separated component is accommodated after the centrifugation operation, and a second internal space on the bottom end side, the second internal space in which the second separated component is accommodated after the centrifugation operation; a support means for supporting the partition means relative to the container; a first opening provided in the partition means, the first opening allowing the liquid to be separated to flow from either the first internal space or the second internal space to the other through the first opening during the centrifugation operation; a second opening provided in the partition means, the second opening allowing air located in the second internal space to move from the second internal space to the first internal space through the second opening during the centrifugation operation; a promotion means provided on the partition means and / or the support means for promoting the movement of the air from the second internal space to the first internal space through the second opening during the centrifugation operation; and A separation insert comprising:

2. The promotion means includes: an outer facilitating means provided on the partition means and / or the support means, the outer facilitating means being provided so as to protrude towards the outside of the separation insert; or / and an inner facilitating means provided on the partition means and / or the support means, the inner facilitating means being provided so as to protrude toward the inside of the separation insert; The separator insert according to claim 1 .

3. A plurality of the second openings are provided at intervals from each other on an outer edge of the partition means, The outer promotion means and / or the inner promotion means are arranged between adjacent second openings among the plurality of second openings. The separator insert according to claim 2 .

4. The outer accelerating means is configured such that an end portion of the outer accelerating means on the bottom end side is positioned toward the opening end side as it approaches the second opening. The separator insert according to claim 3.

5. The outer facilitating means is configured so that the outer facilitating means can contact the inner wall of the container when the separation insert is accommodated in the container. A separation insert according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The protruding length of the inner facilitating means is increased as it moves away from the second opening and as it approaches the partition means. The separator insert according to claim 3.

7. a suppression means provided near the first opening, the suppression means being configured to suppress the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation; A separation insert according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The support means is substantially cylindrical and protrudes from the partition means toward the bottom end side, The suppression means is substantially cylindrical and protrudes from the partition means toward the bottom end side within the support means. The separator insert according to claim 7.

9. The inner diameter of the suppression means is approximately the same as the diameter of the first opening; The protruding length of the suppression means is shorter than the protruding length of the support means, and is set to a length capable of suppressing contact between the suppression means and the second separated component after the centrifugation operation. The separator insert according to claim 8.

10. The first opening is provided at an outer edge of the partition means, The support means is substantially cylindrical and protrudes from the partition means toward the bottom end side, The suppression means is provided so as to protrude from the first opening side of the support means toward the inside and / or the bottom end side of the separation insert. The separator insert according to claim 7.

11. The angle of the inner surface of the separation insert in the suppression means relative to the outer surface of the portion of the support means on the first opening side is set to be equal to or greater than the angle at which the container is tilted during the fractionation operation of the first separated component. The separator insert according to claim 10.

12. The partition means is The promoting means provided on the second internal space side; a component migration promoting means provided on the first internal space side, for promoting the migration of the second separated component from the first internal space to the second internal space through the first opening during the centrifugation operation; The separator insert according to claim 10.

13. The partition means, the support means, the promotion means, and / or the suppression means are made of a transparent material. The separator insert according to claim 7.

14. a container having an open end with an opening and a bottom end opposite the open end; A separating insert according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A separation device comprising:

15. a suppression means provided on either the separation insert or the vessel for suppressing the second separated component from flowing from the second internal space to the first internal space after the centrifugation operation; 15. A separation device according to claim 14.

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