Vial container and test cartridge including same
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024551919
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-08
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-03-08
Smart Images

Figure 2025508512000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a vial container and a test cartridge including the same, and more particularly to a vial container and a test cartridge that prevent the vial container from shaking and allow a dissolving solution stored in the vial container to flow into each chamber containing a test reagent. [Background technology]
[0002] In general, with the development of medicine and various related technologies, tests are being conducted on substances such as blood cells, nucleic acids, proteins, and antigens contained in a specific biological sample such as blood. After collecting such a sample, the collected sample is reacted with a specific reagent, and the changes that occur after the reaction are analyzed and observed, thereby testing the presence or absence, ratio, and amount of various substances contained in the sample, and thereby obtaining information on the presence or absence of a disease, the state of the disease, and the like.
[0003] In the process of testing such samples, it is very important to obtain reproducible and accurate results that the samples and reagents used in testing the samples are not affected by external factors and that accurate amounts are used each time. Since the samples and reagents may be exposed to the outside during the testing process, it is necessary to effectively prevent contamination due to such exposure of the samples and reagents and to use accurate amounts to ensure the accuracy of the testing.
[0004] It is also necessary to enable tests for detecting and reading / analyzing the reaction results after the reaction between the reagent and the sample to be performed accurately and quickly under one integrated system, thereby reducing test time and costs, and reducing the steps involved in the entire test and the costs involved. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] The present invention aims to provide a vial container and a test cartridge including the same, which can prevent the vial container from shaking when a dissolving solution stored in the vial container flows into each chamber containing a test reagent, and can allow the dissolving solution to flow evenly into each chamber.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vial container and a test cartridge including the same, which are provided with a residue receiving groove in the vial container in which foreign matter can settle, thereby preventing the flow of foreign matter into a chamber.
[0007] The present invention aims to provide a vial container in which a lid vent hole is provided in the container lid of the vial container, so that when the vial container is connected to a test cartridge and a punching layer is punched, a dissolving liquid flows into the test cartridge by gravity without any power.
[0008] The present invention aims to provide a vial container whose lower end is made with a funnel structure, which can guide the flow of dissolving liquid in the direction of gravity, allowing the dissolving liquid to flow smoothly from the vial container to a reagent reaction section. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a vial container according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a container body in which a dissolving liquid is contained, and a container lid that is detachably connected to an upper portion of the container body and has a plurality of lid vent holes.
[0010] The container body also includes a solution storage section in which the dissolution liquid is stored, a punched layer that blocks the lower part of the solution storage section, a residue storage groove that is arranged to surround the edge of the punched layer, and an entry groove section that is arranged to face the solution storage section across the punched layer.
[0011] The container body may further include a bottom having the entry groove portion and a diameter larger than the diameter of the lower end of the solution storage portion, a plurality of ribs provided on the outer peripheral surface of the solution storage portion so as to be spaced apart from the bottom, and an attachment groove provided along the circumferential direction of the lower end of the solution storage portion between the plurality of ribs and the bottom.
[0012] In addition, the container body may have a bottom, a plurality of ribs, and a mounting groove integrally formed therewith.
[0013] The container body may also have a guide groove on the bottom that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the entrance groove portion.
[0014] The plurality of ribs may be spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the solution containing portion.
[0015] The container lid may also include an air permeable membrane on an inner surface thereof that covers the plurality of lid vents.
[0016] The solution storage portion may be provided so that its diameter decreases toward its lower end.
[0017] The residue-receiving groove may be formed to protrude downward from the solution-receiving portion and to have a step with respect to the punching layer.
[0018] In addition, the test cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned vial container, a dissolution liquid distribution section having an inlet portion penetrating the punching layer of the vial container, a reagent reaction section having a plurality of chambers containing test reagents, a container insertion space into which the vial container is inserted, and a container mounting section provided in the container insertion space and having a hook that engages with the mounting groove of the vial container, the container mounting section being fitted into the test cartridge so that the inlet is positioned in the container insertion space.
[0019] The container mounting portion may be configured to support a side surface of the vial container by engaging the hook with the mounting groove when the vial container is inserted into the container insertion space.
[0020] The inlet portion may have a pointed tip end and an inlet passage extending vertically through the tip end.
[0021] The inflow portion may have an inflow guide groove at the tip.
[0022] Additionally, the inflow guide groove can guide the flow of the dissolving liquid from the lower end of the vial container to the inflow passage. Effect of the Invention
[0023] As described above, the vial container and the test cartridge including the same according to one embodiment of the present invention have the following advantages.
[0024] When the dissolving solution stored in the vial container flows into each chamber containing a test reagent, it is possible to prevent the vial container from shaking and to allow the dissolving solution to flow evenly into each chamber.
[0025] Furthermore, by providing the vial with a residue receiving groove in which foreign matter can settle, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the chamber, thereby improving the accuracy of specimen testing.
[0026] In addition, by providing a lid vent hole in the container lid of the vial container, when the punching layer is punched while the vial container is connected to the test cartridge, the dissolving liquid can flow into the test cartridge without any force due to gravity.
[0027] In addition, the bottom end of the vial container is made in a funnel structure, so that the flow of the dissolving liquid can be guided in the direction of gravity, and the dissolving liquid can flow smoothly from the vial container to the reagent reaction section. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0028] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating an installation state of a test cartridge installed in a sample testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a vial container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a vial container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a vial container according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a test cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a test cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a test cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an outline of the connection state between the heating section, reagent reaction section, gasket member and dissolution liquid distribution section, viewed from the front, with the container mounting section removed from the test cartridge of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a state in which a reagent reaction section, a gasket member and a dissolution liquid distribution section are joined together as viewed from behind in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of a reagent reaction unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] [Figure 11] 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a dissolution liquid distribution section according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a dissolution liquid distribution section according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
[0037] [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a dissolution solution is provided to each chamber in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, so that specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described below.
[0039] However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.
[0040] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.
[0041] The terms used in the present invention are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.
[0042] In the present invention, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0043] Therefore, the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them in the light of the present invention.
[0044] It should also be understood that the accompanying drawings of the present invention have been drawn to scale for convenience of illustration.
[0045] Hereinafter, the vial container and the test cartridge including the same of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and the scope of the vial container and the test cartridge of the present invention is not limited by the accompanying drawings.
[0046] 1, a sample testing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a vial container 200 and a testing cartridge 300. The sample testing device 100 is a device that tests the reaction of a sample with different types of test reagents.
[0047] A vial container 200 is coupled to the test cartridge 300. A lysis solution mixed with a specimen is stored in the vial container 200. The lysis solution is a solution for rupturing cells, viruses, etc., to extract nucleic acids.
[0048] 2 to 4, a vial container 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a container body 210 and a container lid 220. Specifically, the vial container 200 includes a container body 210 in which a dissolving liquid is accommodated, and a container lid 220 that is detachably coupled to an upper portion of the container body 210 and has a plurality of lid vent holes.
[0049] In addition, the container body 220 may include a solution storage section 211 in which the dissolution liquid is stored, a punched layer 213 that closes the lower part of the solution storage section, a residue storage groove 212 arranged to surround the edge of the punched layer 213, and an entry groove section 215 arranged to face the solution storage section across the punched layer 213.
[0050] A dissolving liquid is contained in the container body 210. Here, the dissolving liquid is a solution in which the collected specimen is diluted. The container body 210 is formed by integrally injection molding a solution storage section 211, a residue storage groove 212, a punching layer 213, an entrance groove section 215, a guide groove 216, and a plurality of ribs 217.
[0051] Here, the solution storage section 211 refers to a portion in which a dissolving liquid is stored. The solution storage section 211 is open at the top and closed at the bottom by a punching layer 213. The punching layer 213 is a thin film, and is provided so as to be penetrated by an inlet section 332 of the test cartridge 300 described later.
[0052] The solution receiving part 211 may have a cylindrical structure with a hollow interior as a whole. The solution receiving part 211 may be provided so that the diameter becomes smaller toward the lower end, for example, the lower end 211a may be provided in a funnel structure. Since the lower end 211a of the solution receiving part 211 has a funnel structure, the dissolving solution easily flows in the direction of gravity when holes are punched in the punching layer 213.
[0053] A residue-accommodating groove 212 is provided at the lower end 211a of the solution-accommodating part. The residue-accommodating groove 212 may be arranged to protrude from the lower part of the solution-accommodating part 211 and surround the edge of the punched layer 213. The residue-accommodating groove 212 is provided so as to have a step with respect to the punched layer 213.
[0054] 3, the residue-receiving groove 212 is a space in which foreign matter that has come along when the specimen is collected settles. That is, the bottom surface of the residue-receiving groove 212 may be provided to be located lower than the punched layer 213, so that the foreign matter settles by gravity. That is, the foreign matter mixed with the dissolution liquid settles in the residue-receiving groove 212, and only the dissolution liquid mixed with the specimen can flow into the chamber through the inlet.
[0055] The vial container 200 according to this embodiment includes the residue receiving groove 212 provided at the lower end 211a of the solution receiving portion, thereby making it possible to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the testing cartridge 300 together with the dissolving liquid.
[0056] The entrance groove 215 is provided to face the solution storage section 211 across the punching layer 213. The entrance groove 215 is a portion into which an inlet section 332 of a testing cartridge, which will be described later, is inserted. The entrance groove 215 is provided in the bottom section 214.
[0057] The container body 210 may include a bottom 214 having the entry groove portion and a diameter larger than the diameter of the lower end of the solution storage portion, a plurality of ribs 217 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the solution storage portion so as to be spaced apart from the bottom, and an attachment groove 218 provided along the circumferential direction of the lower end of the solution storage portion between the plurality of ribs and the bottom.
[0058] The bottom 214 is connected to the lower end 211a of the solution containing portion 211. The bottom 214 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the lower end 211a of the solution containing portion 211. The bottom 214 is provided so that the container body 210 can stand upright. The bottom 214 is provided with an entrance groove 215 and a guide groove 216.
[0059] The guide groove 216 may be provided in the bottom of the container body so as to surround the outer circumferential surface of the entrance groove portion 215. A plurality of guide grooves 216 may be provided in the bottom 214 of the container body 210 along the circumferential direction with the entrance groove portion 215 as the center.
[0060] The guide groove 216 reduces the thickness of the entrance groove portion 215 and provides structural elasticity in the lateral direction of the entrance groove portion 215. When the inlet portion 332 penetrates the punching layer 213 and is inserted into the solution containing portion 211, the inlet portion 332 is tightly fitted into the entrance groove portion 215 to prevent leakage of the dissolving solution.
[0061] According to this structure, by providing guide groove 216 in bottom 214, when inlet portion 332 is inserted into entry groove 215, the interference fit force can be reduced and the inner surface of entry groove 215 can be tightly attached to the outer surface of inlet portion 332. In addition, even after inlet portion 332 is fitted into entry groove 215, leakage of the dissolving liquid can be prevented.
[0062] The mounting groove 218 is provided along the circumferential direction of the lower end portion 211a of the solution containing portion 211 between the multiple ribs 217 and the bottom portion 214. The mounting groove 218 is a portion where a hook 355 of the container mounting portion 350 described later is engaged.
[0063] The plurality of ribs 217 may be provided to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the solution accommodating portion 211. The plurality of ribs 217 are provided to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the solution accommodating portion 211 to be spaced apart from the bottom portion 214. The plurality of ribs 217 are located on the inclined surface of the funnel upper portion of the solution accommodating portion 211 to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the solution accommodating portion 211.
[0064] Specifically, the multiple ribs 217 may be formed in a plate shape having a triangular cross section, and the inclined surface of the rib 217 may be provided so as to contact the inclined surface of the upper part of the funnel of the solution containing portion 211 .
[0065] When the vial container 200 is inserted into the container mounting portion 350, the multiple ribs 217 may be wing-shaped and the hooks 355 may be engaged with the ribs 217, and when the vial container 200 is rotated at a predetermined angle, the hooks 355 are separated from the ribs 217, and the vial container 200 can be easily separated from the container mounting portion 350.
[0066] 3 and 4, the container lid 220 is detachably coupled to the upper part of the container body 210. The container lid 220 is provided with a plurality of lid vent holes 221. Air flows into the solution containing portion 211 through the lid vent holes 221.
[0067] That is, the solution storage section 211 is at atmospheric pressure due to the lid vent 211. As a result, when holes are punched in the punching layer 213, the dissolving solution flows in the direction of gravity, even without a separate driving device.
[0068] 4, an air permeable membrane 222 is installed on the inner surface of the container lid 220. Here, the air permeable membrane 222 is made of a material through which air can pass, and is installed on the inner surface of the container lid 220 to cover the multiple lid vent holes 221.
[0069] In this way, by providing the container lid of the vial container with a lid vent hole, when the punching layer is punched while the vial container is being connected to the test cartridge, the dissolving liquid can flow into the test cartridge by gravity without any power.
[0070] The test cartridge 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a vial container 200, a dissolution liquid distribution section 330 having an inlet portion penetrating the punched layer of the vial container, a reagent reaction section 310 having at least one chamber containing a test reagent, a container insertion space into which the vial container is inserted, and a container mounting section 350 provided in the container insertion space and having a hook that engages with the mounting groove of the vial container, and which is engaged with the test cartridge so that the inlet is positioned in the container insertion space.
[0071] 5 to 7, a test cartridge 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a reagent reaction section 310, a gasket member 320, a solution distribution section 330, a filter member 340, and a container mounting section 350. The reagent reaction section 310, the gasket member 320, the solution distribution section 330, the filter member 340, and the container mounting section 350 are stacked in order one above the other.
[0072] A vial container 200 is coupled to the testing cartridge 300. Here, the vial container 200 is a container that contains a dissolving solution mixed with a specimen.
[0073] When the vial container 200 inserted into the container mounting section 350 is punched by the inflow section 332 of the dissolving liquid distributing section 330, the dissolving liquid flows from the vial container 200 through the inflow section 332 down into the channel section 333 of the dissolving liquid distributing section 330, and then flows down along each of the guide pins 334a-334h provided in the channel section 333 into each of the chambers 311-318 and is stored in each of the chambers 311-318.
[0074] The reagent reaction section 310 includes a plurality of chambers 311 to 318. The plurality of chambers 311 to 318 are arranged in a line at a distance from each other. Here, each of the chambers 311 to 318 contains a different test reagent 10. The chamber is a space in which a reaction of a specimen with the test reagent 10 takes place.
[0075] The reagent reaction section 310 has a plurality of upper fitting grooves 319 a provided on the upper edge thereof, and is fitted onto a plurality of upper fitting protrusions of the distribution plate 331 .
[0076] 9, the reagent reaction unit 310 is provided with a plurality of side engaging grooves 319b arranged at a distance from each other along the longitudinal direction on both sides, and the side engaging grooves 319b are arranged offset from the arrangement of the chambers 311 to 318. Here, the side engaging grooves 319b are grooves into which the engaging protrusions 351 of the container mounting unit 350 are coupled.
[0077] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the multiple chambers 311 to 318 are divided and referred to as "first chamber 311 to eighth chamber 318." However, the number of chambers is variable and is not limited to those described in this specification and drawings.
[0078] The chambers 311 to 318 are provided with light source entrance portions 311a to 318a protruding in the lateral direction, respectively.
[0079] 7 and 8, between the reagent reaction section 310 and the container mounting section 350, a gasket member 320, a dissolution liquid distribution section 330, and a filter member 340 are laminated in this order.
[0080] The gasket member 320 is disposed on the upper part of the reagent reaction section 310 so as to cover each of the chambers 311 to 318. In this case, the gasket member 320 is preferably disposed on the reagent reaction section 310 so as not to restrict the flow of the dissolving solution to each of the chambers 311 to 318.
[0081] For this purpose, the gasket member 320 is provided with a plurality of pinholes 321 and a plurality of gasket air holes 323 in the direction in which the plurality of chambers are arranged.
[0082] Here, the multiple pinholes 321 are holes through which the respective guide pins 334a to 334h pass. The pinholes 321 are provided to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the guide pins 334a to 334h.
[0083] Gasket air hole 323 is a hole through which air passes. A plurality of gasket air holes 323 are provided corresponding to each of air holes 335a-335h. Gasket air holes 323 are provided to communicate with each of chambers 311-318. Each of gasket air holes 323 is provided coaxially with each of air holes 335a-335h and each of air grooves 331a-331h to form an air flow path.
[0084] 8, 9, 11 and 12, the dissolution liquid distributor 330 includes a distributor plate 331, an inlet portion 332, a channel portion 333, a plurality of guide pins 334a to 334h, and a plurality of air holes 335a to 335h.
[0085] 10 and 13, the dissolving liquid distributing unit 330 is inserted into the vial container 200 by penetrating the lower end of the vial container 200. The dissolving liquid distributing unit 330 is supplied with a dissolving liquid and distributes the dissolving liquid to each of the chambers 311-318. The dissolving liquid distributing unit 330 is stacked and coupled to the reagent reaction unit 310 such that each of the guide pins 334a-334h is inserted into each of the chambers 311-318 and each of the air holes is connected to each of the chambers 311-318.
[0086] The distribution plate 331 has a size corresponding to the reagent reaction section 310. An inlet hole 332a penetrating vertically is provided in the center of the distribution plate 331. An inlet section 332 is provided on the upper surface of the distribution plate 331, and a channel section 333 and a plurality of guide pins 334a to 334h are provided on the lower surface.
[0087] 8 and 9, the distribution plate 331 is provided with a plurality of upper fitting protrusions 331i protruding from the upper surface edge to the upper part of the distribution plate 331. The upper part of the distribution plate 331 is fitted into the container mounting part 350 by the upper fitting protrusions 331i.
[0088] 11 and 12, the distribution plate 331 is provided with a plurality of lower fitting protrusions (not shown) protruding from the lower edge to the lower part of the distribution plate 331. The lower part of the distribution plate 331 is fitted into the reagent reaction part 310 by the lower fitting protrusions.
[0089] The inlet portion 332 is provided coaxially with the inlet hole 332a and protrudes vertically from the upper portion of the distribution plate 331. The inlet portion 332 is provided so as to be insertable into the vial container 200.
[0090] The inlet portion 332 has a pointed tip at its upper end, and is hollow inside.
[0091] The inflow section 332 is provided with an inflow passage 332b and an inflow guide groove 332c. The inflow passage 332b is coaxial with the center of the inflow hole 332a and vertically penetrates the tip section. The inflow passage 332b is a passage through which the dissolving liquid flows from the vial container 200 to the channel section 333.
[0092] The inlet guide groove 332c may be provided at the tip of the inlet 332. The inlet guide groove 332c guides the flow of the dissolving liquid to the inlet passage 332b. That is, the inlet guide groove 332c allows the dissolving liquid to flow into the inlet passage 332b along the inlet guide groove 332c that is provided with a narrow width at the tip, rather than over the entire area of the tip of the inlet.
[0093] The channel portion 333 is provided on the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. The channel portion 333 guides the flow of the dissolving liquid that has flowed into the inlet hole 332a.
[0094] The channel portion 333 is composed of a base channel 333a and a plurality of branch channels 333b1-333b8. Here, the base channel 333a has a groove structure connected to the inlet 332a on the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. The plurality of branch channels 333b1-333b8 have a groove structure branched into a plurality of channels from the base channel 333a.
[0095] 11 to 13, the branch channels 333b1 to 333b8 are branched from the reference channel 333a symmetrically with respect to the inlet hole 332a. The branch channels 333b1 to 333b8 are curved at a predetermined curvature in a direction away from the inlet hole 332a. Alternatively, the branch channels 333b1 to 333b8 may have an L-shaped structure gently bent in a direction away from the inlet hole 332a.
[0096] In this specification, the plurality of branch channels 333b1 to 333b8 are divided and referred to as "first branch channel 333b1 to eighth branch channel 333b8".
[0097] The guide pins 334a-334h are provided to protrude vertically from the ends of the branch channels 333b1-333b8 below the distribution plate 331 in correspondence with the arrangement of the chambers 311-318.
[0098] The guide pins 334a to 334h may have a pin groove 334a-1 formed along the longitudinal direction of the guide pin on one surface connected to the branch channels 333b1 to 333b8. Each guide pin guides the flow of the dissolving solution flowing in the branch channels 333b1 to 333b8.
[0099] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the multiple guide pins 334a to 334h are divided and referred to as "first guide pin 334a to eighth guide pin 334h." The first guide pin 334a to eighth guide pin 334h have the same structure.
[0100] Here, the first guide pin 334a is provided to protrude from an end of the first branch channel 333b1 to the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the first guide pin 334a is inserted into the first chamber 311 to guide the flow of the dissolving solution into the first chamber 311. At this time, the dissolving solution flows down into the first chamber 311 along the pin groove 334a-1 provided in the first guide pin 334a.
[0101] The second guide pin 334b is provided so as to protrude from the end of the second branch channel 333b2 to the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. The second guide pin 334b is inserted into the second chamber 312 to guide the flow of the dissolution liquid into the second chamber 312.
[0102] The third guide pin 334c is provided so as to protrude from the end of the third branch channel 333b3 to the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. The third guide pin 334c is inserted into the third chamber 313 to guide the flow of the dissolution liquid into the third chamber 313.
[0103] The fourth guide pin 334d is provided to protrude from the end of the fourth branch channel 333b4 to the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. The fourth guide pin 334d is inserted into the fourth chamber 314 to guide the flow of the dissolution liquid into the fourth chamber 314.
[0104] The fifth guide pin 334e is provided to protrude from the end of the fifth branch channel 333b5 to the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. The fifth guide pin 334e is inserted into the fifth chamber 315 to guide the flow of the dissolution liquid into the fifth chamber 315.
[0105] The sixth guide pin 334f is provided so as to protrude from the end of the sixth branch channel 333b6 to the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. The sixth guide pin 334f is inserted into the sixth chamber 316 to guide the flow of the dissolution liquid into the sixth chamber 316.
[0106] The seventh guide pin 334g is provided to protrude from the end of the seventh branch channel 333b7 to the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. The seventh guide pin 334g is inserted into the seventh chamber 317 to guide the flow of the dissolution liquid into the seventh chamber 317.
[0107] The eighth guide pin 334h is provided to protrude from the end of the eighth branch channel 333b8 to the lower surface of the distribution plate 331. The eighth guide pin 334h is inserted into the eighth chamber 318 to guide the flow of the dissolution liquid into the eighth chamber 318.
[0108] The plurality of air holes 335a-335h penetrate vertically through the distribution plate 331 and are provided to correspond to the arrangement of the respective guide pins 334a-334h. Each of the air holes 335a-335h is provided on the opposite side to the surface on which the pin groove 334a-1 is provided, and is provided so as to be spaced apart from the end of each of the branch channels 333b1-333b8 with each of the guide pins 334a-334h in between.
[0109] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the multiple air holes are divided and referred to as "first air hole 335a to eighth air hole 335h."
[0110] The first air hole 335a to the eighth air hole 335h are arranged in a row parallel to the arrangement of the first guide pin 334a to the eighth guide pin 334h.
[0111] The first air hole 335a is positioned on a straight line with the first guide pin 334a. Similarly, the second air hole 335b to the eighth air hole 335h are positioned on straight lines with the second guide pin 335b to the eighth guide pin 335h, respectively.
[0112] Here, the first air hole 335a communicates with the first chamber 311 and guides the flow of air to the first chamber 311. The first air hole 335a is disposed on the opposite side to the pin groove 334a-1 and spaced apart from the first guide pin 334a.
[0113] The second air hole 335b communicates with the second chamber 312 and guides the air flow to the second chamber 312. The third air hole 335c communicates with the third chamber 313 and guides the air flow to the third chamber 313. The fourth air hole 335d communicates with the fourth chamber 314 and guides the air flow to the fourth chamber 314.
[0114] The fifth air hole 335e communicates with the fifth chamber 315 and guides the air flow to the fifth chamber 315. The sixth air hole 335f communicates with the sixth chamber 316 and guides the air flow to the sixth chamber 316.
[0115] The seventh air hole 335g communicates with the seventh chamber 317 and guides the air flow to the seventh chamber 317. The eighth air hole 335h communicates with the eighth chamber 318 and guides the air flow to the eighth chamber 318.
[0116] The distribution plate 331 has a diameter larger than the diameter of each of the air holes, and has a plurality of air grooves 331a to 331h that are provided to correspond to the arrangement of each of the air holes.
[0117] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the multiple air grooves 331a to 331h are divided and referred to as "first air groove 331a to eighth air groove 331h." Filter protrusions 341 of filter member 340 are inserted into first air groove 331a to eighth air groove 331h, respectively.
[0118] First air groove 331a is provided with first air hole 335a. First air hole 335a is an opening that vertically penetrates the bottom surface of first air groove 331a. First air groove 331a is provided with a diameter larger than the diameter of first air hole 335a.
[0119] Similarly, second air hole 335b to eighth air hole 335h are provided in second air groove 331b to eighth air groove 331h, respectively.
[0120] The first air hole 335a to the eighth air hole 335h are covered by filter member 340 inserted into the first air groove 331a to the eighth air groove 331h. Filter member 340 allows air to pass through but filters out foreign matter from entering the air holes. Filter member 340 is provided with a plurality of filter protrusions 341 protruding from one surface.
[0121] The plurality of filter protrusions 341 are provided so as to be insertable into the first air groove 331a to the eighth air groove 331h, respectively. The plurality of filter protrusions 341 are inserted into the first air groove 331a to the eighth air groove 331h, respectively, and cover the respective air holes 335a to 335h.
[0122] A vial container 200 containing a dissolving solution mixed with a sample is inserted into the container mounting part 350. The container mounting part 350 may include a container insertion space 353, a plurality of hooks 355, a plurality of fitting protrusions 351, and a cartridge code 357.
[0123] The container insertion space 353 is a space into which the vial container 200 is inserted.
[0124] A plurality of hooks 355 are provided in the container insertion space 353 so as to protrude inwardly of the container insertion space 353 .
[0125] The hook 355 is inserted into the mounting groove 218 of the vial container 200 to prevent the vial container 200 from being removed from the container insertion space 353 .
[0126] The container mounting part 350 may be configured to support a side surface of the vial container 200 by engaging the hook 355 with the mounting groove 218 when the vial container 200 is inserted into the container insertion space 353 .
[0127] The cartridge code 375 is a section in which the code name of the test cartridge 300 in which the test reagent 10 is carried is written.
[0128] The multiple fitting protrusions 351 are protrusions that protrude vertically from the lower portion of the container mounting part 350. The multiple fitting protrusions 351 are fitted into the side fitting grooves 319b of the reagent reaction part 310. In this way, the container mounting part 350 is coupled to the reagent reaction part 310. The container mounting part 350 and the reagent reaction part 310 are coupled so as to be stacked vertically.
[0129] When the vial container 200 is inserted into the container insertion space 353, the container mounting portion 350 supports the side of the vial container 200 while the hook 355 engages with the mounting groove, thereby stably holding the vial container 200 so that the dissolving liquid in the vial container 200 flows in the direction of gravity.
[0130] When the dissolving liquid flows into the chambers, the container mounting part 350 stably holds the vial container 200 and prevents the vial container 200 from shaking, so that the dissolving liquid can flow evenly into each of the chambers 311-318.
[0131] The above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art having ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]
[0132] According to the vial container and the test cartridge including the same according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the dissolving solution stored in the vial container flows into each chamber containing the test reagent, the shaking of the vial container can be prevented, and the dissolving solution can be made to flow evenly into each chamber.
Claims
1. A container body in which a dissolving liquid is contained; a container lid removably connected to an upper portion of the container body and having a plurality of lid vents; The container body is a vial container including a solution storage section in which the dissolving liquid is stored, a punched layer that closes the lower part of the solution storage section, a residue storage groove arranged to surround the edge of the punched layer, and an entry groove portion provided facing the solution storage section across the punched layer.
2. 2. The vial container according to claim 1, wherein the container body includes a bottom portion in which the entry groove portion is provided and which has a diameter larger than a diameter of a lower end portion of the solution containing portion, a plurality of ribs provided on an outer peripheral surface of the solution containing portion so as to be spaced apart from the bottom portion, and a mounting groove provided along a circumferential direction of the lower end portion of the solution containing portion between the plurality of ribs and the bottom portion.
3. The vial container according to claim 2 , wherein the container body is integrally formed with a bottom, a plurality of ribs, and a mounting groove.
4. The vial container according to claim 2 , wherein the container body has a guide groove in the bottom portion, the guide groove surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the entrance groove portion.
5. The vial container according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of ribs are provided spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the solution containing portion.
6. 2. The vial container according to claim 1, wherein the container lid includes an air permeable membrane on an inner surface thereof covering the plurality of lid vents.
7. 2. The vial container according to claim 1, wherein the solution storage section is provided so that the diameter thereof decreases toward the lower end.
8. The vial container according to claim 1 , wherein the residue-receiving groove protrudes downward from the solution-receiving portion and is provided so as to have a step with respect to the punching layer.
9. A vial container according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a dissolution liquid dispensing section having an inlet penetrating the punched layer of the vial container; A reagent reaction section including a plurality of chambers each containing a test reagent; An inspection cartridge including a container insertion space into which the vial container is inserted, and a container mounting portion provided in the container insertion space and having a hook that engages with a mounting groove of the vial container, the container mounting portion being fitted into the inspection cartridge so that an inlet is positioned in the container insertion space.
10. The inspection cartridge according to claim 9 , wherein the container mounting portion supports a side surface of the vial container while the hook is engaged with the mounting groove when the vial container is inserted into the container insertion space.
11. The inspection cartridge according to claim 7 , wherein the inflow portion has a pointed tip end and an inflow passage that vertically passes through the tip end.
12. The inflow portion has an inflow guide groove at the tip portion, The test cartridge according to claim 11 , wherein the inflow guide groove guides a flow of the dissolving liquid from a lower end of the vial container to the inflow passage.
Citation Information
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