Particle separator

Abstract

To provide a particle separator in which a liquid A and a liquid C are mixed in a syringe and a mixture solution can be efficiently generated.SOLUTION: A particle separator 1 includes: a liquid supply unit A for supplying a liquid A into a separation device 100; and a control unit 80 for controlling the liquid supply unit A. The liquid supply unit A has a syringe 200 attached thereto, and mixing the liquid A and a liquid C in the syringe generates a mixture solution and the liquid A is supplied to the separation device from the syringe as a mixture solution. The control unit 80 generates the mixture solution in the syringe by suctioning the liquid A into the syringe and suctioning the liquid C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a particle separator. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, JP 2018-158328 A discloses a particle separation device for separating particles in a fluid such as blood. The particle separation device includes an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. The flow path includes a particle separation structure that separates particles from a liquid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-158328 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the particle separation device described in JP 2018-158328 A, it is desirable to efficiently mix the liquid filled into the device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a particle separation device capable of mixing liquid A and liquid C in a syringe to efficiently generate a mixed liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A particle separation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a particle separation device that separates particles from liquid A using a separation device capable of separating the particles from liquid A containing the particles, and includes a liquid supply unit A that supplies liquid A to the separation device, and a control unit that controls the liquid supply unit A, wherein the liquid supply unit A has a syringe attached thereto, generates a mixed liquid by mixing liquid A and liquid C in the syringe, and supplies liquid A from the syringe to the separation device as the mixed liquid, and the control unit generates the mixed liquid in the syringe by aspirating liquid A into the syringe and aspirating liquid C. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a particle separation device capable of mixing liquid A and liquid C in a syringe and efficiently producing a mixed liquid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a particle separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a separation device. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the device installation section and the installation member. FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the needle is engaged with the needle engagement portion. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a control unit and an object to be controlled by the control unit. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a cleaning liquid recovery operation in which cleaning liquid is recovered from each connecting flow path to each pump. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram showing an outline of a cleaning liquid storage operation for returning cleaning liquid from each pump to a cleaning liquid storage section. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing an outline of a replenishing operation of Liquid B for replenishing each pump with Liquid B from a liquid reservoir. FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a filling operation of liquid B in which liquid B is supplied and filled into a separation device from each pump. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outline of a recovery operation of liquid B for recovering liquid B from each connecting flow path through each pump. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a storage operation of liquid B in which liquid B is returned from each pump to a liquid storage section. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an outline of a cleaning liquid supply operation for supplying cleaning liquid from a cleaning liquid reservoir to each pump. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a cleaning liquid filling operation for filling each connecting flow path from each pump with a cleaning liquid. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] 1 is a perspective view that shows a schematic diagram of a particle separation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The particle separation apparatus 1 is an apparatus that causes liquid A, which is a sample liquid and contains particles, to flow into a separation device and separates the particles from liquid A. The particle separation apparatus 1 is preferably used, for example, to separate white blood cells (particles) from blood.

[0011] Hereinafter, first the separation device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2, and then the particle separator 1 will be described.

[0012] The separation device 100 is a device that separates particles from a liquid A containing particles in its flow path. The separation device 100 is capable of separating white blood cells from blood, for example. The separation device 100 has a mixed liquid inlet 110, a first liquid inlet 121, a second liquid inlet 122, a drainage port 130, a recovery port 131, and flow paths (not shown) that connect the inlets 110, 121, and 122, the drainage port 130, and the recovery port 131.

[0013] The mixed liquid inlet 110 is an inlet (connection port) for allowing liquid A to flow into the flow path as a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid is a mixture of liquid A and liquid C, which is a solvent for diluting liquid A. When blood is used as liquid A, for example, physiological saline is used as liquid C, and by diluting the blood, plasma components in the blood and the like are prevented from coagulating in the flow path. The mixed liquid inlet 110 is connected to the discharge part 210 of the syringe 200 (see Figures 3 and 4). The mixed liquid inlet 110 is formed on the upper surface of the separation device 100.

[0014] The first liquid inlet 121 and the second liquid inlet 122 are inlets (connection ports) for allowing liquid B to flow into the flow channel. Liquid B is a liquid that flows into the flow channel together with liquid A in order to separate particles from liquid A. Liquid B is called a buffer liquid or sheath liquid. An example of liquid B is physiological saline such as phosphate buffered saline. In this embodiment, the same liquid is used as liquid B and liquid C. However, liquid B and liquid C may be different liquids. A first connecting flow channel 51 described later is connected to the first liquid inlet 121. A second connecting flow channel 52 described later is connected to the second liquid inlet 122. Each of the liquid inlets 121 and 122 is formed on the upper surface of the separation device 100.

[0015] The drain port 130 is an outlet (opening) for discharging liquid A (blood containing red blood cells etc.) that has passed through the flow path from within the flow path. The recovery port 131 is an opening for discharging specific particles (white blood cells) that have been separated from liquid A from within the flow path. The drain port 130 and the recovery port 131 are formed on the bottom surface of the separation device 100.

[0016] The flow path of the separation device 100 includes a separation section 140 that separates particles from the mixed liquid that has flowed in from the mixed liquid inlet 110 .

[0017] As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the particle separation device 1 includes a device installation section 10, an installation member 20, a liquid supply section A (hereinafter referred to as "Liquid A supply section 30"), a liquid supply section B (hereinafter referred to as "Liquid B supply section 40"), a cleaning liquid flow path 56, a liquid storage section 64, a cleaning liquid storage section 66, an imaging section 70, a control section 80, and a housing 90.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 90 houses the device installation section 10, the installation member 20, the liquid A supply section 30, the liquid B supply section 40, the cleaning liquid flow path 56, the liquid storage section 64, the cleaning liquid storage section 66, the imaging section 70, and the control section 80. The housing 90 may have an openable and closable window 92. Note that the housing 90 is shown by a dashed line in Fig. 1. Also, in Fig. 1, the control section 80 is shown outside the housing 90 for the sake of explanation, but is actually disposed inside the housing 90.

[0019] The device installation part 10 is a portion where the separation device 100 is installed. The device installation part 10 supports the separation device 100 in a horizontal position. When the separation device 100 is in a horizontal position, the mixed liquid inlet 110 and each of the liquid inlets 121 and 122 open upward, and the drainage port 130 and the recovery port 131 open downward.

[0020] The installation member 20 is disposed at a position adjacent to the device installation section 10. The installation member 20 has a liquid container installation section A (hereinafter referred to as “Liquid A container installation section 21”), a liquid container installation section C (hereinafter referred to as “Liquid C container installation section 22”), a needle holding section 23, and a needle engaging section 24.

[0021] The liquid A container installation section 21 is a portion where a liquid container A (hereinafter referred to as "liquid container 500") that contains liquid A is installed. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid container 500 is installed in the liquid A container installation section 21 with its opening facing upward. When blood is used as the liquid A, for example, a blood collection tube is used as the liquid container 500 (see FIG. 3). The opening of the blood collection tube may be plugged with a stopper. The liquid A container installation section 21 and the device installation section 10 are arranged in the housing 90 so as to be aligned horizontally.

[0022] The Liquid C container installation section 22 is a portion where a liquid container C (hereinafter referred to as "liquid container 600") that contains Liquid C is installed. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid container 600 is installed in the Liquid C container installation section 22 with its opening facing upward. In this embodiment, the Liquid C container installation section 22 is disposed on a horizontal line connecting the Liquid A container installation section 21 and the device installation section 10. Specifically, the Liquid C container installation section 22, the Liquid A container installation section 21, and the device installation section 10 are disposed so as to be aligned horizontally in this order.

[0023] Needle holding part 23 is a part that holds needle 400 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) that is attached to and detached from discharge part 210 of syringe 200. Needle holding part 23 holds the base end of needle 400 with the tip of needle 400 facing downward. Needle holding part 23 is disposed on the horizontal line. Needle holding part 23 is disposed on the opposite side to the side on which Liquid A container installation part 21 is disposed, with Liquid C container installation part 22 as the reference in the horizontal direction.

[0024] The needle engagement portion 24 is a portion that engages with the needle. The needle engagement portion 24 is disposed on the horizontal line. The needle engagement portion 24 is disposed between the liquid A container installation portion 21 and the device installation portion 10 in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the needle engagement portion 24 has an engagement piece 24a that engages with the base end of the needle. When engaged with the needle 400 (the state shown in FIG. 4), the engagement piece 24a restricts the needle 400 from moving together with the syringe 200. This causes the needle 400 to be released from the discharge portion 210.

[0025] In this embodiment, the needle holding section 23, the liquid C container installation section 22, the liquid A container installation section 21, the needle engagement section 24, and the device installation section 10 are arranged in this order in the horizontal direction. The liquid A container installation section 21 and the liquid C container installation section 22 may be arranged in the opposite order. In this case, the liquid A container installation section 21, the liquid C container installation section 22, and the device installation section 10 are arranged in this order in the horizontal direction. The needle holding section 23 is arranged on the opposite side to the side on which the liquid C container installation section 22 is arranged, with the liquid A container installation section 21 as a reference in the horizontal direction. The needle engagement section 24 is arranged between the liquid C container installation section 22 and the device installation section 10 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the needle holding section 23, the liquid A container installation section 21, the liquid C container installation section 22, the needle engagement section 24, and the device installation section 10 are arranged in this order in the horizontal direction.

[0026] The liquid A supply unit 30 supplies the liquid A to the separation device 100. The liquid A supply unit 30 is capable of generating a mixed liquid by mixing the liquid A and the liquid C, and is capable of supplying the mixed liquid to the separation device 100. The liquid A supply unit 30 has a syringe 200, a piston 300, a syringe arm 61, and a piston arm 62.

[0027] The syringe arm 61 is capable of holding the syringe 200. The syringe arm 61 is capable of holding the syringe 200 in a position in which the discharge portion 210 of the syringe 200 faces downward (a position in which the discharge direction is downward). The syringe arm 61 is capable of moving the syringe 200 along the horizontal line and in the vertical direction. The syringe arm 61 moves the syringe 200 above the needle holding portion 23, the Liquid C container installation portion 22, the Liquid A container installation portion 21, the needle engagement portion 24, and the device installation portion 10.

[0028] The piston arm 62 is capable of gripping the piston 300. The piston arm 62 is capable of pushing and pulling the piston 300 into and out of the syringe 200. The piston arm 62 is capable of moving the piston 300 up and down relative to the syringe 200 gripped by the syringe arm 61. The piston arm 62 moves together with the syringe arm 61 when the syringe arm 61 moves.

[0029] The liquid B supply unit 40 supplies liquid B to the separation device 100. In this embodiment, the liquid B supply unit 40 has a first pump 41, a second pump 42, a first connecting flow path 51, a second connecting flow path 52, a connecting arm 63, a liquid flow path 54, and four on-off valves V11, V12, V21, and V22. Note that the connecting flow paths 51 and 52, the connecting arm 63, and the liquid flow path 54 are not shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

[0030] The first pump 41 and the second pump 42 are configured as syringe pumps. The first pump 41 and the second pump 42 are each arranged in a position where the discharge portion of the syringe faces downward (the discharge direction is downward). The first pump 41 and the second pump 42 are arranged side by side so as to be parallel to the horizontal line.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 5, the first connecting flow path 51 connects the first pump 41 and the separation device 100. The first connecting flow path 51 connects the discharge portion of the syringe in the first pump 41 and the first liquid inlet 121 of the separation device 100. As shown in Fig. 3, a seal member 51A is provided at one end of the first connecting flow path 51 on the side connected to the separation device 100, to improve airtightness with the first liquid inlet 121. An on-off valve V11 (see Fig. 5) is provided in the middle of the first connecting flow path 51.

[0032] The second connecting flow path 52 connects the second pump 42 and the separation device 100. The second connecting flow path 52 connects the discharge portion of the syringe in the second pump 42 and the second liquid inlet 122 of the separation device 100. As shown in Fig. 3, a seal member 52A is provided at one end of the second connecting flow path 52 connected to the separation device 100, thereby improving airtightness with the second liquid inlet 122. An on-off valve V21 (see Fig. 5) is provided in the middle of the second connecting flow path 52.

[0033] The connecting arm 63 (see FIG. 5) is capable of moving each of the connecting channels 51, 52 and connecting each of the connecting channels 51, 52 to the separation device 100. More specifically, the connecting arm 63 is capable of holding the first connecting channel 51 and connecting the first connecting channel 51 to the first liquid inlet 121, and is capable of holding the second connecting channel 52 and connecting the second connecting channel 52 to the second liquid inlet 122. As described above, the connecting arm 63 is not shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] The liquid storage portion 64 stores the liquid B. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid storage portion 64 is disposed below the first pump 41 and the second pump .

[0035] The cleaning liquid storage section 66 stores a cleaning liquid. An example of the cleaning liquid is pure water. As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning liquid storage section 66 is disposed below the first pump 41 and the second pump 42 and adjacent to the liquid storage section 64.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid flow path 54 has a first flow path 54a branched from the first connecting flow path 51 and a second flow path 54b branched from the second connecting flow path 52. The first flow path 54a connects the first connecting flow path 51 and the liquid storage section 64, and one end of the first connecting flow path 51 side is connected to an on-off valve V11. The second flow path 54b connects the second connecting flow path 52 and the liquid storage section 64, and one end of the second connecting flow path 52 side is connected to an on-off valve V21. An on-off valve V12 is provided in the middle of the first flow path 54a, and an on-off valve V22 is provided in the middle of the second flow path 54b. As described above, the liquid flow path 54 is not shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] 5, the cleaning liquid flow path 56 has a first cleaning liquid flow path 56a branched from the first flow path 54a and a second cleaning liquid flow path 56b branched from the second flow path 54b. The first cleaning liquid flow path 56a connects the first flow path 54a to the cleaning liquid storage section 66, and one end of the first flow path 54a side is connected to the on-off valve V12. The second cleaning liquid flow path 56b connects the second flow path 54b to the cleaning liquid storage section 66, and one end of the second flow path 54b side is connected to the on-off valve V22. Note that the cleaning liquid flow path 56 is not shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] The first flow path 54a and the second flow path 54b are flow paths for liquid B. Of the first flow path 54a, the flow path connecting the on-off valve V11 and the on-off valve V12 is a common flow path for liquid B and the cleaning liquid. Of the second flow path 54b, the flow path connecting the on-off valve V21 and the on-off valve V22 is a common flow path for liquid B and the cleaning liquid.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the on-off valves V11, V12, V21, and V22 has a first port P1, a second port P2, and a third port P3. Each of the on-off valves V11, V12, V21, and V22 can be switched between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the first port P1 and the second port P2 are connected. The second state is a state in which the first port P1 and the third port P3 are connected. Each of the on-off valves V11, V12, V21, and V22 is configured with an electromagnetic valve. In FIG. 5, the path in the first state is shown by a solid line, and the path in the second state is shown by a dashed line. Also, in FIG. 5, it means that each of the pumps 41 and 42 and the separation device 100 are in communication with each other.

[0040] The imaging section 70 is capable of capturing an image of the separation device 100. The imaging section 70 is disposed above the separation device 100 placed on the device installation section 10, for example.

[0041] The control unit 80 controls the liquid A supply unit 30, the liquid B supply unit 40, the on-off valves V11, V12, V21, V22, and the imaging unit 70. The control unit 80 particularly controls the syringe arm 61 and the piston arm 62 of the liquid A supply unit 30, and the first pump 41, the second pump 42, and the connection arm 63 of the liquid B supply unit 40. The control unit 80 performs the following operations. Note that the following operations are an example of control by the control unit 80, and the control contents and order may be changed as appropriate.

[0042] [(1) Installation of needle] When a start instruction for the separation process is input, the control unit 80 controls the liquid A supply unit 30 to attach the needle 400 to the discharge unit 210 of the syringe 200 before generating a mixed liquid in the syringe 200. Specifically, the control unit 80 moves the syringe 200 to the needle holding unit 23 by moving the syringe arm 61, and further moves the syringe 200 so that the needle 400 held by the needle holding unit 23 is attached to the discharge unit 210 of the syringe 200. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 first horizontally moves the syringe 200 to position the discharge unit 210 of the syringe 200 above the needle 400 held by the needle holding unit 23, and then moves the syringe 200 downward from there to fit the discharge unit 210 to the base end of the needle 400. As a result, the needle 400 is connected to the syringe 200. Then, the syringe 200 with the needle is moved upward. When the needle 400 is already connected to the syringe 200, the operation of attaching the needle 400 is omitted.

[0043] [(2) Preparation of mixed liquid] After attaching the needle 400 to the syringe 200, the control unit 80 controls the liquid A supply unit 30 to draw in the liquid A and liquid C into the syringe 200, thereby generating a mixed liquid in the syringe 200. Specifically, the control unit 80 moves the syringe arm 61 and the piston arm 62 to move the syringe 200 to the liquid C container installation unit 22 to draw in the liquid C into the syringe, and moves the syringe 200 to the liquid A container installation unit 21 to draw in the liquid A into the syringe. Furthermore, the control unit 80 may discharge the mixed liquid generated in the syringe 200 out of the syringe 200, and may aspirate the mixed liquid discharged out of the syringe 200 into the syringe 200, thereby stirring the mixed liquid generated in the syringe 200. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 moves the syringe 200 horizontally to position the tip of the needle 400 above the liquid container 600 installed in the liquid C container installation unit 22, then moves the syringe 200 downward from there to position the tip of the needle 400 inside the liquid container 600. Then, the control unit 80 moves (pulls up) the piston arm 62 to aspirate the liquid C into the syringe 200 through the needle 400. When the amount of liquid C required for diluting the liquid A is aspirated into the syringe 200, the control unit 80 moves the syringe 200 upward to position the needle 400 above the liquid container 600 (outside the liquid container 600). Next, the control unit 80 moves the syringe 200 horizontally to position the tip of the needle 400 above the liquid container 500 installed in the liquid A container installation unit 21, then moves the syringe 200 downward from there to position the tip of the needle 400 inside the liquid container 500. Then, the control unit 80 moves (pulls up) the piston arm 62 to draw liquid A into the syringe 200 through the needle 400, thereby generating a mixed liquid in the syringe 200. Next, when stirring the mixed liquid generated in the syringe 200, the control unit 80 discharges the mixed liquid in the syringe 200 into the liquid container 500, and draws the mixed liquid discharged into the liquid container 500 into the syringe 200, thereby generating a mixed liquid with high homogeneity. The operation of moving the piston arm 62 so that the discharge and drawing of the mixed liquid are repeated may be repeated a predetermined number of times to generate a mixed liquid with high homogeneity.Then, the control unit 80 moves the syringe 200 upward so that the needle 400 is positioned above the liquid container 500 (outside the liquid container 500).

[0044] (3) Removing the needle After generating the mixed liquid in the syringe 200, the control unit 80 removes the needle 400 from the discharge part 210 of the syringe 200 by controlling the liquid A supply unit 30. Specifically, the control unit 80 moves the syringe 200 so that the needle 400 attached to the discharge part 210 of the syringe 200 engages with the needle engagement part 24, and further moves the syringe 200 so that the needle 400 is removed from the discharge part 210 while the needle 400 is engaged with the needle engagement part 24. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 moves the syringe 200 so that the base end of the needle 400 connected to the discharge part 210 engages with the engagement piece 24a of the needle engagement part 24, and then moves the syringe 200 upward so that the needle 400 is removed from the discharge part 210. The needle engagement part 24 restricts the needle 400 from moving upward together with the syringe 200. As a result, the needle 400 is removed from the discharge portion 210. The removed needle 400 is collected below the needle engagement portion 24.

[0045] [(4) Connecting the syringe to the separation device] When the control unit 80 removes the needle 400 from the discharge part 210 of the syringe 200, the control unit 80 controls the liquid A supply unit 30 to connect the syringe 200 to the separation device 100 installed in the device installation unit 10. Specifically, the control unit 80 moves the syringe arm 61 so that the discharge part 210 of the syringe 200 is connected to the mixed liquid inlet 110 of the separation device 100. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 first horizontally moves the syringe 200 to position the discharge part 210 of the syringe 200 above the mixed liquid inlet 110 of the separation device 100, and then moves the syringe 200 downward from there. As a result, the discharge part 210 is connected to the mixed liquid inlet 110.

[0046] [(5) Recovery of washing solution from each connecting channel] Before the particle separation device 1 is started, each of the connecting flow paths 51, 52 is filled with the cleaning liquid. Therefore, when the particle separation device 1 is started, the control unit 80 controls the liquid B supply unit 40 to recover the cleaning liquid in the first connecting flow path 51 and the second connecting flow path 52. Specifically, when each of the connecting flow paths 51, 52 is removed from the separation device 100, the control unit 80 sets the on-off valve V11 and the on-off valve V21 to the first state and raises the pistons of the pumps 41, 42 so that the cleaning liquid in each of the connecting flow paths 51, 52 is recovered. FIG. 6 shows a process of recovering the cleaning liquid from each of the connecting flow paths 51, 52 to each of the pumps 41, 42. In FIG. 6, the parts where the cleaning liquid flows are indicated by thick lines.

[0047] [(6) Storage of cleaning solution] After the cleaning liquid is collected in each pump 41, 42, the control unit 80 controls the liquid B supply unit 40 to return the cleaning liquid in each pump 41, 42 to the cleaning liquid storage unit 66. Specifically, the control unit 80 sets the on-off valves V11 and V21 to the second state and the on-off valves V12 and V22 to the first state, and pushes down the pistons of each pump 41, 42 so that the cleaning liquid in each pump 41, 42 is returned to the cleaning liquid storage unit 66. Figure 7 shows the process of returning the cleaning liquid from each pump 41, 42 to the cleaning liquid storage unit 66. Note that in Figure 7, the area where the cleaning liquid flows is indicated by a thick line.

[0048] [(7) Supplying Liquid B to each pump] The control unit 80 returns the cleaning liquid in each pump 41, 42 to the cleaning liquid storage unit 66, and then controls the liquid B supply unit 40 to supply the liquid B to each pump 41, 42. Specifically, the control unit 80 sets all the on-off valves V11, V12, V21, V22 to the second state, and raises the pistons of each pump 41, 42 so that the liquid B in the liquid storage unit 64 is supplied to each pump 41, 42. FIG. 8 shows a process of supplying the liquid B from the liquid storage unit 64 to each pump 41, 42. In FIG. 8, the part where the liquid B flows is indicated by a thick line. When the liquid B is supplied to each pump 41, 42, the control unit 80 accepts an input of a start instruction for the first separation process after the particle separation device 1 is started.

[0049] [(8) Connection of liquid supply B to the separation device] When the control unit 80 receives an input of an instruction to start the separation process, it connects the liquid B supply unit 40 to the separation device 100. Specifically, the control unit 80 moves the connection arm 63 so that the first connection flow path 51 is connected to the first liquid inlet 121 and the second connection flow path 52 is connected to the second liquid inlet 122. The connection of each of the connection flow paths 51, 52 to the separation device 100 is preferably performed simultaneously with the generation of the mixed liquid by the liquid A supply unit 30. Also, the connection may be performed simultaneously with the attachment or removal of the needle 400. Note that, in the case of a configuration in which the connection arm 63 is not provided, each of the connection flow paths 51, 52 is manually connected to the separation device 100.

[0050] [(9) Filling the separation device with liquid B] After connecting the liquid B supply unit 40 to the separation device 100, the control unit 80 controls the liquid B supply unit 40 to supply the liquid B from the liquid B supply unit 40 to the separation device 100 so that the separation device 100 (the flow path of the separation device 100) is filled with the liquid B, thereby filling the separation device 100 with the liquid B. Specifically, the control unit 80 sets the on-off valves V11 and V21 to the first state and pushes down the pistons of the pumps 41 and 42 so that an amount of liquid B sufficient to fill the separation device 100 is supplied. The liquid B flowing in from the first liquid inlet 121 and the second liquid inlet 122 reaches the mixed liquid inlet 110, the drainage port 130, and the recovery port 131. As a result, air is pushed out from the separation device 100, and the separation device 100 is filled with the liquid B. FIG. 9 shows a process of filling the separation device 100 with the liquid B from the pumps 41 and 42. 9, the area where Liquid B is flowing is indicated by a thick line. The filling of Liquid B into the separation device 100 is preferably performed simultaneously with at least one of the generation of the mixed liquid by the Liquid A supply unit 30 and the connection of the syringe 200 to the separation device 100. It is also preferable to connect each of the connecting channels 51 and 52 to the separation device 100 and start filling the separation device 100 with Liquid B so that the filling of the separation device 100 with Liquid B is completed before the generation of the mixed liquid or the connection of the syringe 200 to the separation device 100 is completed.

[0051] [(10) Suction of Liquid B from within the separation device] After filling the separation device 100 with Liquid B, the control unit 80 controls the Liquid A supply unit 30 to aspirate Liquid B from within the separation device 100 into the syringe 200. Specifically, the control unit 80 lifts the piston arm 62 so that Liquid B within the separation device 100 is aspirated into the syringe 200 through the mixed liquid inlet 110. As a result, air present between the discharge unit 210 of the syringe 200 and each of the liquid inlets 121 and 122 of the separation device 100 moves to the gas phase within the syringe 200, and therefore, residual air within the separation device 100 is suppressed.

[0052] [(11) Supply of mixed liquid to separation device] The control unit 80 aspirates the liquid B in the separation device 100 into the syringe 200, and then controls the liquid A supply unit 30 to supply the liquid A as a mixed liquid from the syringe 200 into the separation device 100. Specifically, the control unit 80 presses down the piston arm 62 so that the mixed liquid is supplied from the syringe 200 into the separation device 100 in a state in which the discharge unit 210 of the syringe 200 is connected to the mixed liquid inlet 110.

[0053] [(12) Supply of Liquid B to the Separation Device] The control unit 80 aspirates the liquid B in the separation device 100 into the syringe 200, and then supplies the liquid A from the syringe 200 into the separation device 100, and controls the liquid B supply unit 40 to supply the liquid B from each of the pumps 41, 42 into the separation device 100. Specifically, the control unit 80 sets the on-off valves V11, V21 to the first state, and pushes down the pistons of the pumps 41, 42 so that the liquid B is supplied. As a result, the liquid B is supplied together with the mixed liquid into the separation device 100. FIG. 9 also shows a process of supplying and filling the liquid B from each of the pumps 41, 42 into the separation device 100.

[0054] (13) Separation of particles in a separation device When liquid A and liquid B are supplied into the separation device 100, specific particles are separated from liquid A in the separation section 140 of the separation device 100, and are discharged together with liquid B from the collection port 131. Furthermore, liquid A from which the specific particles have been separated is discharged together with liquid B from the drainage port 130. If blood is used as liquid A, white blood cells separated from liquid A are discharged from the collection port 131, and red blood cells and the like are discharged from the drainage port 130. At this time, the control unit 80 controls the imaging unit 70 to image the separation device 100 and to image the liquid flowing to the drainage port 130 or the collection port 131.

[0055] [(14) Removal of Liquid Supply Section B] After the separation of particles in the separation device 100 is completed, the control unit 80 controls the liquid A supply unit 30 to remove the liquid A supply unit 30 from the separation device 100. Specifically, the control unit 80 moves the syringe arm 61 so that the discharge unit 210 of the syringe 200 is removed from the mixed liquid inlet 110 of the separation device 100. In addition, the control unit 80 removes the liquid B supply unit 40 from the separation device 100 manually or by controlling the liquid B supply unit 40. When controlling the liquid B supply unit 40, specifically, the control unit 80 moves the connection arm 63 so that the connecting channels 51, 52 are removed from the liquid inlets 121, 122 of the separation device 100.

[0056] [(15) Recovery of Liquid B from each connecting channel] After removing the liquid B supply unit 40 from the separation device 100, the control unit 80 controls the liquid B supply unit 40 to recover the liquid B in the first connecting flow path 51 and the second connecting flow path 52. Specifically, in a state in which the connecting flow paths 51 and 52 are removed from the separation device 100, the control unit 80 sets the on-off valve V11 and the on-off valve V21 to the first state and raises the pistons of the pumps 41 and 42 so that the liquid B in the connecting flow paths 51 and 52 is recovered. FIG. 10 shows a process of recovering the liquid B from the connecting flow paths 51 and 52. In FIG. 10, the part where the liquid B is flowing is indicated by a thick line. Then, when the liquid B is recovered by the pumps 41 and 42, the control unit 80 accepts input of a start instruction for the next separation process.

[0057] [(16) Storage of Liquid B] When the control unit 80 receives an input to turn off the power of the particle separation device 1, it controls the liquid B supply unit 40 to return the liquid B in each of the pumps 41, 42 to the liquid storage unit 64. Specifically, the control unit 80 sets all the on-off valves V11, V12, V21, V22 to the second state, and pushes down the pistons of each of the pumps 41, 42 so that the liquid B in each of the pumps 41, 42 is returned to the liquid storage unit 64. Fig. 11 shows the process of returning the liquid B from each of the pumps 41, 42 to the liquid storage unit 64. Note that in Fig. 11, the portion where the liquid B is flowing is indicated by a thick line.

[0058] [(17) Supply of cleaning fluid to each pump] The control unit 80 returns the liquid B in each pump 41, 42 to the liquid storage unit 64, and then controls the liquid B supply unit 40 to supply the cleaning liquid to each pump 41, 42. Specifically, the control unit 80 sets the on-off valves V11 and V21 to the second state and the on-off valves V12 and V22 to the first state, and raises the pistons of each pump 41, 42 so that the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage unit 66 is replenished to each pump 41, 42. FIG. 12 shows the process of replenishing the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid storage unit 66 to each pump 41, 42. In FIG. 12, the area where the cleaning liquid flows is indicated by a thick line.

[0059] [(18) Filling each connecting channel with cleaning solution] After replenishing each pump 41, 42 with the cleaning liquid, the control unit 80 controls the liquid B supply unit 40 to supply the cleaning liquid to each connecting flow path 51, 52. Specifically, the control unit 80 sets the on-off valve V11 and the on-off valve V21 to the first state, and pushes down the pistons of each pump 41, 42 so that the cleaning liquid is filled into each connecting flow path 51, 52. This causes the liquid B remaining in each connecting flow path 51, 52 to be washed away by the cleaning liquid, thereby preventing clogging of each connecting flow path 51, 52. FIG. 13 shows a process of filling the cleaning liquid from each pump 41, 42 into each connecting flow path 51, 52. Note that in FIG. 13, the parts where the cleaning liquid flows are indicated by thick lines.

[0060] As described above, in the particle separation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the time required to start supplying the mixed liquid to the separation device 100 is shortened.

[0061] The stirring of the mixed liquid in the syringe 200 may be performed by a method different from the above [(2) Generation of the mixed liquid]. For example, the control unit 80 may control the liquid A supply unit 30 in a state in which the liquid A and the liquid C are contained in the syringe 200 to suck air into the syringe 200. Specifically, the control unit 80 lifts the piston arm 62 so that air is sucked into the syringe 200. At this time, it is preferable that the control unit 80 sucks air into the syringe 200 at a speed higher than the suction speed when sucking the liquid A into the syringe 200. That is, when sucking air into the syringe 200, the control unit 80 lifts the piston arm 62 at a speed higher than the lifting speed of the piston arm 62 when sucking the liquid A into the syringe 200. Even in this manner, the mixed liquid of the liquid A and the liquid C is effectively generated in the syringe 200.

[0062] The control unit 80 may aspirate the liquid A and the liquid C into the syringe 200 in this order, or in the reverse order. Alternatively, a prefilled syringe filled with the liquid C may be used as the syringe 200, and the control unit 80 may aspirate the liquid A into the prefilled syringe. In this case, the step of aspirating the liquid C into the syringe 200 can be omitted, and the mixed liquid can be generated by simply aspirating the liquid A into the syringe 200.

[0063] In addition, in the particle separation device 1 in the above embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the syringe 200 is moved relative to the installation member 20 including the device installation section 10 and the liquid A container installation section 21, etc., by the syringe arm 61, but the configuration may also be such that the device installation section 10 and the installation member 20 move relative to the fixed syringe 200, or the device installation section 10, the installation member 20, the syringe 200, etc. move relative to each other.

[0064] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0065] [Aspect 1] A particle separation apparatus for separating particles from a liquid A containing particles using a separation device capable of separating the particles from the liquid A, A liquid supply unit A that supplies the liquid A to the separation device; A liquid supply unit B that supplies liquid B to the separation device; a control unit for controlling the liquid supply unit A and the liquid supply unit B, the liquid supply unit A generates a mixed liquid by mixing the liquid A and the liquid C, and supplies the liquid A as the mixed liquid to the separation device; The control unit controls the liquid supply unit A and the liquid supply unit B, While generating the mixed liquid by the liquid supply unit A, supplying the liquid B from the liquid supply unit B to the separation device so that the separation device is filled with the liquid B; A particle separation apparatus, wherein after the separation device is filled with the liquid B, the liquid A is supplied from the liquid supply part A to the separation device as the mixed liquid.

[0066] In this particle separator, the time required to start supplying Liquid A to the separation device is reduced.

[0067] [Aspect 2] The particle separation apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the control unit connects the liquid supply unit A to the separation device while supplying the liquid B from the liquid supply unit B to the separation device so that the separation device is filled with the liquid B.

[0068] In this embodiment, the time required to start supplying liquid A to the separation device is further reduced.

[0069] [Aspect 3] 3. The particle separation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit connects the liquid supply unit B to the separation device while the liquid supply unit A generates the mixed liquid.

[0070] In this embodiment, the time required to start supplying liquid A to the separation device is further reduced.

[0071] [Aspect 4] The liquid supply unit B is capable of delivering a cleaning liquid, The control unit is 2. The particle separation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid is delivered from liquid supply unit B while liquid supply unit B is detached from the separation device.

[0072] In this embodiment, the liquid B remaining in the liquid supply part B is discharged by sending out the cleaning liquid, so that the occurrence of clogging in the liquid supply part B due to the remaining liquid B is suppressed.

[0073] [Aspect 5] A particle separation apparatus for separating particles from a liquid A containing particles using a separation device capable of separating the particles from the liquid A, A liquid supply unit A that supplies the liquid A to the separation device; A control unit that controls the liquid supply unit A, the liquid supply unit A is provided with a syringe, and generates a mixed liquid by mixing the liquid A and the liquid C in the syringe, and supplies the liquid A as the mixed liquid from the syringe to the separation device; The control unit generates the mixed liquid in the syringe by aspirating the liquid A and the liquid C into the syringe.

[0074] In this particle separator, liquid A and liquid C are mixed in a syringe to effectively produce a mixed liquid.

[0075] [Aspect 6] A particle separation apparatus for separating particles from a liquid A containing particles using a separation device capable of separating the particles from the liquid A, A liquid supply unit A that supplies the liquid A to the separation device; A control unit that controls the liquid supply unit A, the liquid supply unit A is provided with a syringe, and generates a mixed liquid by mixing the liquid A and the liquid C in the syringe, and supplies the liquid A as the mixed liquid from the syringe to the separation device; The control unit generates the mixed liquid within the syringe by aspirating the liquid A into the syringe while the liquid C is contained within the syringe.

[0076] In this particle separator, liquid A and liquid C are mixed in a syringe to effectively produce a mixed liquid.

[0077] [Aspect 7] The particle separation device of embodiment 6, wherein the syringe is a pre-filled syringe pre-filled with liquid C.

[0078] [Aspect 8] A particle separation device according to any one of aspects 5 to 7, wherein the control unit ejects the mixed liquid produced in the syringe out of the syringe and aspirates the mixed liquid ejected out of the syringe into the syringe.

[0079] In this embodiment, Liquid A and Liquid C are effectively mixed.

[0080] [Aspect 9] Aspects 8. The particle separation device according to any one of aspects 5 to 7, wherein the control unit draws air into the syringe while the mixed liquid is contained in the syringe.

[0081] [Aspect 10] A particle separation device according to aspect 9, wherein, when air is aspirated into the syringe, the control unit aspirates the air into the syringe at a speed greater than a suction speed when the liquid A is aspirated into the syringe.

[0082] In this embodiment, Liquid A and Liquid C are mixed more effectively.

[0083] [Aspect 11] A particle separation apparatus according to any one of aspects 5 to 7, wherein the control unit connects the syringe to the separation device after generating the mixture in the syringe.

[0084] [Aspect 12] Further comprising a liquid supply unit B that supplies liquid B to the separation device; The control unit is Controlling the liquid supply unit A and the liquid supply unit B; The particle separation apparatus of claim 11, wherein the liquid B is supplied from the liquid supply unit B to the separation device so that the separation device is filled with the liquid B, the syringe is connected to the separation device, and then the liquid B is aspirated from within the separation device into the syringe.

[0085] In this embodiment, the air within the separation device is sucked into the syringe, thereby preventing air from remaining within the separation device.

[0086] [Aspect 13] 13. The particle separation apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control unit aspirates the Liquid B from within the separation device into the syringe, and then supplies the Liquid A from the syringe to the separation device as the mixed liquid.

[0087] In this embodiment, the air inside the separation device is removed before liquid A is supplied, which makes it easier to supply liquid A into the separation device.

[0088] [Aspect 14] A particle separation apparatus for separating particles from a liquid A containing particles using a separation device capable of separating the particles from the liquid A, A liquid supply unit A that supplies the liquid A to the separation device; A control unit that controls the liquid supply unit A, The liquid supply unit A is configured to have a syringe attached thereto and to be able to move the syringe; The control unit is The liquid A is drawn into the syringe through a needle attached to the discharge portion of the syringe; A particle separation apparatus comprising: a syringe having a first end connected to a first end of the syringe; a first end connected to a second end of the syringe;

[0089] [Aspect 15] The liquid supply unit A is configured to be able to remove the needle from the discharge unit of the syringe, 15. The particle separation apparatus of claim 14, wherein the control unit removes the needle from the syringe outlet before connecting the syringe outlet to the separation device.

[0090] [Aspect 16] The liquid supply unit A includes a needle engagement unit that engages with the needle, The control unit is The syringe is moved so that a needle attached to a discharge portion of the syringe engages with the needle engagement portion; 16. The particle separation device of claim 15, further moving the syringe such that the needle is removed from the discharge portion of the syringe while the needle is engaged with the needle engagement portion.

[0091] [Aspect 17] The liquid supply unit A is configured so that the needle can be attached to the discharge portion of the syringe, 16. The particle separation device according to claim 14, wherein the control unit attaches the needle to a discharge portion of the syringe before aspirating the liquid A into the syringe.

[0092] [Aspect 18] the liquid supply unit A includes a needle holder that holds the needle to be attached to the discharge unit of the syringe; The control unit is Moving the syringe to the needle holder; 20. The particle separator of claim 17, further moving the syringe such that the needle held by the needle holder is attached to a discharge portion of the syringe.

[0093] [Aspect 19] A particle separation apparatus for separating particles from a liquid A containing particles using a separation device capable of separating the particles from the liquid A, a device installation section in which the separation device is installed; a liquid container installation section A in which a liquid container A for containing the liquid A is installed; a syringe arm that holds a syringe and moves the syringe above the liquid container installation section A and the device installation section; The device installation unit, the liquid container installation unit A, and the syringe arm are disposed in a housing of the particle separation device, The particle separation device, wherein the liquid container installation section A and the device installation section are arranged in a housing of the particle separation device so as to be aligned in a horizontal direction.

[0094] In this particle separation device, the liquid container mounting section A and the device mounting section are arranged so as to be aligned horizontally, and the syringe moves above them, thereby reducing the dimensions of the housing of the device.

[0095] [Aspect 20] The liquid container installation unit C further includes a liquid container C for accommodating a liquid C to be mixed with the liquid A to generate a mixed liquid, The liquid container installation unit C is disposed within a housing of the particle separation device, A particle separation device according to aspect 19, wherein the liquid container mounting portion C, the liquid container mounting portion A, and the device mounting portion are arranged in this order in a horizontal direction.

[0096] [Aspect 21] The syringe further includes a needle engaging portion that engages with the needle in order to remove the needle from the syringe; the needle engagement portion is disposed within a housing of the particle separation device; A particle separation device according to aspect 20, wherein the needle engagement portion is disposed between the liquid container mounting portion A and the device mounting portion in the horizontal direction.

[0097] [Aspect 22] A needle holder for holding a needle to be attached to the syringe is further provided. the needle holder is disposed within a housing of the particle separation device; A particle separation device according to aspect 21, wherein the needle holding portion is arranged on the opposite side of the liquid container installation portion A in the horizontal direction with respect to the liquid container installation portion C.

[0098] [Aspect 23] The liquid container installation unit C further includes a liquid container C for accommodating a liquid C to be mixed with the liquid A to generate a mixed liquid, The liquid container installation unit C is disposed within a housing of the particle separation device, A particle separation device according to aspect 19, wherein the liquid container mounting section A, the liquid container mounting section C, and the device mounting section are arranged in this order in a horizontal direction.

[0099] [Aspect 24] The syringe further includes a needle engaging portion that engages with the needle in order to remove the needle from the syringe; the needle engagement portion is disposed within a housing of the particle separation device; A particle separation device as described in aspect 23, wherein the needle engagement portion is positioned between the liquid container mounting portion C and the device mounting portion in the horizontal direction.

[0100] [Aspect 25] A needle holder for holding a needle to be attached to the syringe is further provided. A particle separation device as described in aspect 24, wherein the needle holding portion is arranged on the opposite side of the liquid container installation portion C in the horizontal direction with respect to the liquid container installation portion A as a reference.

[0101] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 Particle separation device, 10 Device installation section, 20 Installation member, 21 Liquid container installation section A, 22 Liquid container installation section C, 23 Needle holding section, 24 Needle engagement section, 30 Liquid supply section A, 40 Liquid supply section B, 41 First pump, 42 Second pump, 51 First connecting flow path, 52 Second connecting flow path, 54 Liquid flow path, 56 Cleaning liquid flow path, 61 Syringe arm, 62 Piston arm, 63 Connection arm, 64 Liquid storage section, 66 Cleaning liquid storage section, 70 Imaging section, 80 Control section, 90 Housing, 100 Separation device, 200 Syringe, 210 Discharge section, 300 Piston, 400 Needle, 500 Liquid container A, 600 Liquid container B, V11, V12, V21, V22 Opening and closing valves.

Claims

1. A particle separation apparatus for separating particles from a liquid A containing particles using a separation device capable of separating the particles from the liquid A, comprising: a liquid supply unit A that supplies the liquid A to the separation device; A control unit that controls the liquid supply unit A, the liquid supply unit A is provided with a syringe, and generates a mixed liquid by mixing the liquid A and the liquid C in the syringe, and supplies the liquid A as the mixed liquid from the syringe to the separation device; The control unit generates the mixed liquid in the syringe by aspirating the liquid A and the liquid C into the syringe.

2. A particle separation apparatus for separating particles from a liquid A containing particles using a separation device capable of separating the particles from the liquid A, comprising: a liquid supply unit A that supplies the liquid A to the separation device; A control unit that controls the liquid supply unit A, the liquid supply unit A is provided with a syringe, and generates a mixed liquid by mixing the liquid A and the liquid C in the syringe, and supplies the liquid A as the mixed liquid from the syringe to the separation device; The control unit generates the mixed liquid in the syringe by aspirating the liquid A into the syringe while the liquid C is contained in the syringe.

3. The particle separation device according to claim 2 , wherein the syringe is a pre-filled syringe pre-filled with the liquid C.

4. The particle separation device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit discharges the mixed liquid produced in the syringe out of the syringe, and aspirates the mixed liquid discharged out of the syringe into the syringe.

5. The particle separation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to suck air into the syringe while the mixed liquid is contained in the syringe.

6. The particle separation device according to claim 5 , wherein, when the control unit draws air into the syringe, the control unit draws the air into the syringe at a speed greater than a drawing speed when the liquid A is drawn into the syringe.

7. The particle separation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit connects the syringe to the separation device after generating the mixed liquid in the syringe.

8. Further comprising a liquid supply unit B that supplies liquid B to the separation device; The control unit is Controlling the liquid supply unit A and the liquid supply unit B; The particle separation apparatus of claim 7, wherein the liquid B is supplied from the liquid supply section B to the separation device so that the separation device is filled with the liquid B, the syringe is connected to the separation device, and then the liquid B is aspirated from within the separation device into the syringe.

9. The particle separation apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit aspirates the liquid B from within the separation device into the syringe, and then supplies the liquid A from the syringe to the separation device as the mixed liquid.

Images