Flow Channel Devices

Abstract

To solve the problem that an amount of liquid flowing out of a first reservoir may be equal to or greater than an amount of liquid flowing in when a thickness of a first flow channel is equal to or greater than that of a second flow channel, which may cause the liquid to flow out before reaching the inside of the first reservoir.SOLUTION: A flow channel device 1 is provided, comprising a first reservoir 43 for storing a liquid, a first flow channel 441 for allowing the liquid in the first reservoir 43 to pass, and a second flow channel 442 for allowing the liquid to flow to the first reservoir 43, the first flow channel 441 having a smaller thickness than the second flow channel 442.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid path device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that can be used to detect particles of viruses such as influenza viruses. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-038384 Summary of the Invention

[0004] A flow path device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a reservoir for storing a liquid; ,before a third flow path connected to the storage portion by a second connection portion and passing a liquid to the storage portion; and a first gas release path connected to the storage portion by the third connection portion and releasing gas inside the storage portion, The liquid supply system further includes a secondary reservoir that stores the liquid that has passed through the third flow path, and the first gas release path is connected to the secondary reservoir. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a specific internal configuration of the flow channel device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a flow of sample preparation. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a side view showing an example of the external shape of a flow channel device of Embodiment 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a side view showing an example of a schematic internal structure of a flow channel device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing a part of a first reservoir. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a check valve. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for forming the first to fourth flow paths. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific internal configuration of the flow channel device of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific internal configuration of the flow channel device of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific internal configuration of the flow channel device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing a part of a second storage section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] [Overview of virus detection using a flow channel device] The flow path device 1 of the present disclosure is used to detect viruses contained in a specimen (sample) collected from a user and to perform quantitative analysis of the viruses. When the specimen is introduced into the flow path device 1, the specimen and a reagent are mixed inside the flow path device 1, and the mixture is temporarily stored in a first storage section 43 (see FIG. 1) (described later).

[0007] The specimen may be, for example, a substance derived from a living organism. Examples of specimens include urine, blood, sweat, saliva, and nasal discharge. The reagent is a substance containing a substrate that reacts with a virus contained in the specimen. For example, the substrate reacts with an enzyme possessed by the virus. A reaction product is produced by the reaction between the enzyme and the substrate. For example, when detecting influenza virus, a reagent containing 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-D-neuraminic acid is used as a substrate that reacts with neuraminidase, an enzyme of influenza virus. The reaction between neuraminidase and 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-D-neuraminic acid produces 4-methylumbelliferone as a reaction product.

[0008] For example, the reaction product emits fluorescence having a specific peak wavelength in response to irradiation with light of a predetermined peak wavelength. This allows the virus to be detected if it is contained in the sample. Virus detection is performed by a detection device (not shown) that includes a light emitting unit that irradiates the light onto first reservoir 43 and a light receiving unit that receives fluorescence emitted from first reservoir 43.

[0009] A specific configuration of the flow channel device of the present disclosure will be described below. Before describing the specific configuration, the flow of sample preparation will be described.

[0010] [Sample preparation flow] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the flow of sample preparation. As shown in Fig. 2, a sample container 100 is prepared to store a sample collected from a user. The sample container 100 includes a container body 101, which may contain a buffer solution for diffusing the sample.

[0011] The bottom 102 of the container body 101 may be made of a material that breaks when physically pressurized. When the sample container 100 is inserted into the insertion section 24 (see FIG. 4) of the flow channel device 1 with the bottom 102 facing the flow channel device 1, the flow channel protrusion 49 (see FIG. 4) of the flow channel device 1 punctures the bottom 102. This allows communication between the container body 101 and the micro-channel substrate 4 (see FIG. 4) provided in the flow channel device 1.

[0012] A lid 103 or a sampler 104 can be attached to the container body 101. Before specimen collection, the specimen container 100 is configured with the lid 103 attached to the container body 101. The sampler 104 has a specimen collection part 106 at the tip of the lid part 105.

[0013] When collecting saliva as a specimen, for example, the user inserts specimen collection unit 106 into the user's mouth to cause saliva to adhere to specimen collection unit 106. After the saliva has adhered to specimen collection unit 106, sampler 104 is attached to container body 101 instead of lid 103.

[0014] The lid 103 and lid portion 105 may have a screw structure on the tip of the container body 101. In the case of a screw structure, when the sampler 104 is attached to the container body 101, the lid portion 105 can be fastened to the container body 101 while rotating the specimen collection portion 106 with the insertion direction of the sampler 104 as the rotation axis. This allows the buffer solution to be stirred, so that saliva (viruses contained in saliva) adhering to the specimen collection portion 106 can be mixed approximately uniformly into the buffer solution.

[0015] The specimen collection section 106 may be, for example, a pleated resin member. A pleated member allows viruses contained in saliva to be mixed with the buffer solution more efficiently than when the specimen collection section 106 is made of a cotton-like material such as a cotton swab. A pleated member reduces the adsorption of viruses contained in saliva to the specimen collection section 106 compared to when the specimen collection section 106 is made of a cotton-like material. Furthermore, when the specimen collection section 106 is immersed in a buffer solution, the amount of saliva remaining in the specimen collection section 106 due to capillary action can be reduced, improving the efficiency of discharging saliva into the buffer solution. Furthermore, the specimen collection section 106 may have a spatula structure to improve stirring efficiency. In the following description, the mixture of the specimen and buffer solution is referred to as the specimen solution.

[0016] [Embodiment 1] <Schematic configuration of flow path device> The flow channel device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a plan view and a side view showing an example of the external shape of the flow channel device 1. Reference numeral 301 in FIG. 3 indicates a plan view of the flow channel device 1 as viewed from the front surface 21 side (a plan view as viewed from the +Z direction to the -Z direction). Reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3 indicates a side view of the flow channel device 1 as viewed from the second side surface 232 side (a side view as viewed from the -Y direction to the +Y direction). Reference numeral 303 indicates a plan view of the flow channel device 1 as viewed from the rear surface 22 side (a plan view as viewed from the -Z direction to the +Z direction).

[0017] 3, the flow path device 1 is covered with a housing 2. The housing 2 has a front surface 21, a back surface 22 opposite to the front surface 21, and a first side surface 231, a second side surface 232, a third side surface 233, and a fourth side surface 234 standing up from the front surface 21 and the back surface 22.

[0018] As indicated by reference numerals 301 and 302, a pressure switch 8 may be provided on the surface 21. The pressure switch 8 will be described later. In addition, an identification code 27 for identifying the flow path device 1 may be provided on the surface 21.

[0019] As indicated by reference numerals 301 and 303, a first window 25 may be provided on the front surface 21, and a second window 26 may be provided on the back surface 22. When the flow channel device 1 is inserted into a detection device, the first storage section 43 is located between the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the detection device. In this case, the first storage section 43 may be located, for example, on a line virtually connecting the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the detection device, or on a line optically connecting the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the detection device. The first window 25 is located opposite the first storage section 43 and is a section that passes light emitted from the light emitting section and guides it to the first storage section 43. The second window 26 is located opposite the first storage section 43 and is a section that passes fluorescence emitted from the first storage section 43 and guides it to the light receiving section.

[0020] As indicated by reference numerals 301 and 303, an insertion section 24 that allows the specimen container 100 to be inserted into the flow path device 1 may be provided on the first side surface 231 side. When introducing a specimen solution into the flow path device 1, the flow path device 1 is used with the specimen container 100 inserted into the insertion section 24 and with the first side surface 231 facing vertically upward (-X direction).

[0021] 4 is a plan view and a side view showing an example of a schematic internal structure of the flow channel device 1. Reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4 is a plan view corresponding to reference numeral 301, with the surface 21 removed. Reference numeral 402 is a plan view corresponding to reference numeral 302, with the second side surface 232 removed. Reference numeral 403 is a side view as seen from the first side surface 231 (a side view as seen from the -X direction to the +X direction), with the first side surface 231 removed. Reference numeral 404 is a side view as seen from the third side surface 233 (a side view as seen from the +X direction to the -X direction), with the third side surface 233 removed.

[0022] As indicated by reference numerals 401 and 402, the flow channel device 1 may include a microchannel substrate 4, a third lower reservoir 6, a fourth reservoir 7, and a pressure switch 8 inside the housing 2. The third lower reservoir 6, together with a third upper reservoir 45 (see FIG. 1 ) described below, may function as a third reservoir that stores unnecessary liquid. That is, in this embodiment, the third reservoir may include the third lower reservoir 6 and the third upper reservoir 45.

[0023] The micro-channel substrate 4 may be a channel substrate into which a sample solution is introduced from a sample container 100 inserted into the insertion portion 24. The micro-channel substrate 4 may include a first reservoir 43 and a channel protrusion 49.

[0024] First reservoir 43 may temporarily store a mixed solution (liquid) obtained by mixing a specimen solution and a reagent, thereby enabling the detection device to irradiate the mixed solution stored in first reservoir 43 with light and receive fluorescence emitted from reaction products contained in the mixed solution.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating a portion of first reservoir 43. As shown in FIG. 5, first reservoir 43 may have a plurality of minute recesses 432 therein. The plurality of minute recesses 432 may be two-dimensionally arranged across the entire bottom surface 431 of first reservoir 43. In other words, first reservoir 43 may function as a microchamber array. The size of each recess 432 may be determined to be large enough to accommodate a single virus particle. First reservoir 43 may have a flat shape whose area in a plan view is larger than its area in a side view. This can increase the efficiency with which each recess 432 is filled with the mixed liquid even when the amount of specimen solution is small.

[0026] The flow channel protrusion 49 protrudes from the micro-flow channel substrate 4 towards the insertion section 24, and may puncture the bottom 102 of the specimen container 100 inserted into the insertion section 24. The micro-flow channel substrate 4 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The third lower reservoir 6 may be connected to the first reservoir 43 and may store the mixed liquid that is no longer needed in the first reservoir 43. The third lower reservoir 6 may be a vertically lower portion of the third reservoir when the flow channel device 1 is in use. The third lower reservoir 6 is disposed vertically below the microchannel substrate 4 when the flow channel device 1 is in use. This reduces the possibility that the mixed liquid stored in the third lower reservoir 6 will flow back into the first reservoir 43.

[0028] The fourth reservoir 7 may be connected to the first reservoir 43 and may store oil (liquid) for introducing the mixed liquid into each recess 432. The connection portion of the fourth reservoir 7 with the first reservoir 43 may be made of a material that breaks when physical pressure is applied. The fourth reservoir 7 is disposed vertically above the microchannel substrate 4 when the flow channel device 1 is in use. This reduces the possibility of air bubbles being mixed into the microchannel substrate 4 even if air is contained inside the fourth reservoir 7. The oil may be any liquid that is not easily mixed with aqueous solutions such as the sample and the sample solution. For example, an organic solvent may be used as the oil, or it may be an aprotic solvent. For example, a hydrocarbon solvent or a fluorine-based solvent may be used as the aprotic solvent, and one example of such a solvent is a perfluorocarbon solvent.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, after the mixed liquid is inserted into first reservoir 43, the connection between fourth reservoir 7 and first reservoir 43 is broken by applying pressure, and oil is introduced into first reservoir 43, thereby forcing the mixed liquid into each recess 432. Furthermore, the remaining mixed liquid located on bottom surface 431 that has not been introduced into each recess 432 can be swept into third lower reservoir 6. The detection device can detect the number of virus particles based on the presence or absence of light emitted from recess 432. Therefore, if the mixed liquid is present in an area other than recess 432, there is a possibility that the number of particles cannot be detected accurately. The introduction of oil into first reservoir 43 reduces the occurrence of this possibility.

[0030] The pressure switch 8 may apply pressure to the specimen container 100 inserted into the insertion section 24. The pressure switch 8 may include an operation section 81 operated by a user, and a pressure section 82 that applies pressure to the specimen container 100. The operation section 81 is connected to the pressure section 82, and the pressure section 82 may move in accordance with the movement of the operation section 81.

[0031] In this embodiment, the pressurizing unit 82 is disposed adjacent to the insertion unit 24 and at a position where it can apply pressure to the side of the specimen container 100 (specifically, the container body 101). When the operation unit 81 is moved toward the insertion unit 24 (-Y direction; the direction of the arrows indicated by symbols 401 and 403), the pressurizing unit 82 also moves in the same direction, and as a result, the pressurizing unit 82 applies pressure to the side of the specimen container 100. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of specimen solution introduced into the microchannel substrate 4.

[0032] The amount of pressure applied by pressurizing unit 82 (the amount of movement of pressurizing unit 82) may be adjusted to an extent that allows the mixed liquid to be distributed throughout the interior of first reservoir 43 in one virus detection.

[0033] <Configuration of the microchannel substrate> 1 is a diagram showing an example of a specific internal configuration of the flow channel device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the micro-channel substrate 4 may include a second reservoir 42, a first reservoir 43, and a third upper reservoir 45. The micro-channel substrate 4 may also include a first flow channel 441, a second flow channel 442, a third flow channel 443, a fourth flow channel 444, a first gas release channel 461, a second gas release channel 462, and a third gas release channel 463.

[0034] In the following description, the vertical upper side when the flow channel device 1 is in use may be simply referred to as the vertical upper side, and the vertical lower side when the flow channel device 1 is in use may be simply referred to as the vertical lower side.

[0035] Second reservoir 42 may temporarily store the liquid introduced into first reservoir 43. The liquid may be a mixture of a sample solution and a reagent introduced from third flow path 443. In second reservoir 42, the mixture may be stirred while being temporarily stored, as described below. The volume of second reservoir 42 may be larger than the volume of first reservoir 43.

[0036] The third flow path 443 may be a flow path that passes a mixture of the specimen solution introduced from the specimen container 100 and a reagent disposed inside the third flow path 443 to the second reservoir 42. The third flow path 443 may be connected to the insertion section 24 and the second reservoir 42. In the present embodiment, the third flow path 443 is connected to a region vertically below the insertion section 24 and a region vertically above the second reservoir 42. A mesh filter may be provided at an inlet En1 of the third flow path 443, through which the specimen solution is introduced.

[0037] The reagent is dissolved in the specimen solution and is introduced into second reservoir 42 together with the specimen solution. In this embodiment, third flow path 443 may include multiple branch flow paths, and reagents may be disposed in the branch flow paths. This allows the specimen solution to efficiently come into contact with the reagents. Third flow path 443 may also be a single flow path.

[0038] The reagent dissolved by the specimen solution in third flow path 443 may be introduced in a highly concentrated state into second reservoir 42. Since the specimen solution is introduced sequentially from specimen container 100, the reagent in second reservoir 42 may be diluted by the specimen solution.

[0039] Second flow path 442 may be a flow path that passes the mixed liquid to first reservoir 43. Second flow path 442 may be connected to second reservoir 42 and first reservoir 43. In this embodiment, second flow path 442 is connected to a region vertically below second reservoir 42 and a region vertically above first reservoir 43.

[0040] Furthermore, a check valve 47 may be provided inside second flow path 442 (i.e., between second reservoir 42 and first reservoir 43). FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of check valve 47. As shown in FIG. 6, check valve 47 may be a member protruding from the bottom surface of second flow path 442. When the mixed liquid flows from second reservoir 42 to first reservoir 43, check valve 47 may bend in the flow direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6). This allows second flow path 442 to flow the mixed liquid into first reservoir 43 even when check valve 47 is provided. On the other hand, the amount of the mixed liquid per unit time when flowing back from first reservoir 43 to second reservoir 42 is less than the amount of the mixed liquid per unit time when flowing from second reservoir 42 to first reservoir 43. Therefore, the amount of deflection of check valve 47 when the mixed liquid flows back is smaller than the amount of deflection of check valve 47 when the mixed liquid flows from second reservoir 42 to first reservoir 43. Therefore, by providing check valve 47, the possibility of the mixed liquid flowing back toward second reservoir 42 can be reduced.

[0041] The fourth flow path 444 may be a flow path that passes the oil introduced from the fourth reservoir 7 to the first reservoir 43. The fourth flow path 444 may be connected to the fourth reservoir 7 and the first reservoir 43. In this embodiment, the fourth flow path 444 is connected to a region vertically below the fourth reservoir 7 and a region vertically above the first reservoir 43. A check valve 47 may be provided inside the fourth flow path 444. This reduces the possibility of the oil flowing back toward the fourth reservoir 7. A mesh filter may be provided at the inlet En2 of the fourth flow path 444, through which the oil is introduced.

[0042] First flow path 441 may be a flow path through which the mixed liquid stored in first reservoir 43 passes. Also, first flow path 441 may be a flow path through which oil introduced into first reservoir 43 passes. In this embodiment, first flow path 441 is connected to a region vertically below first reservoir 43 and a region vertically above third lower reservoir 6, and the mixed liquid and oil are led to third lower reservoir 6.

[0043] The width of first flow path 441 may be smaller than the width of second flow path 442. The reason for this will be described later. For example, the ratio of the width of first flow path 441 to the width of second flow path 442 may be 0.5 or less. In this specification, the "width" may refer to the width in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the liquid or gas flows.

[0044] Furthermore, the width of first flow path 441 may be smaller than the width of fourth flow path 444. The amount of oil introduced into first reservoir 43 may be an amount sufficient to introduce the mixed liquid into each recess 432 and wash away the mixed liquid on bottom surface 431, and may be smaller than the amount of mixed liquid introduced into first reservoir 43. Furthermore, by specifying the width as described above, it is possible to reduce the size of flow path device 1.

[0045] When the mixed liquid leaks from the second storage section 42 through the first gas release path 461, the third upper storage section 45 can store the mixed liquid (the mixed liquid that is no longer needed in the second storage section 42). Furthermore, when oil leaks from the fourth flow path 444 through the second gas release path 462, the third upper storage section 45 can store the oil (the oil that is no longer needed in the fourth flow path 444). The third upper storage section 45 is a part of the third storage section and may be a vertically upper part of the third storage section. The third upper storage section 45 may be located vertically above the second storage section 42.

[0046] The first gas release channel 461 may be a gas release channel that releases gas inside the second storage section 42 to the outside of the second storage section 42. The first gas release channel 461 may be connected to the second storage section 42 and the third upper storage section 45. In the present embodiment, the first gas release channel 461 is connected to a region vertically above the second storage section 42 and the third upper storage section 45. By providing the first gas release channel 461, the gas inside the second storage section 42 can be released to the outside of the second storage section 42 when the mixed liquid is introduced into the second storage section 42. Furthermore, when the third upper storage section 45 is located vertically above the second storage section 42, the first gas release channel 461 can be connected to the third upper storage section 45 at a position vertically above the second storage section 42. Therefore, when the mixed liquid is introduced into second reservoir 42, the gas inside second reservoir 42 can be efficiently released.

[0047] The width of the first gas release path 461 may be smaller than the width of the second flow path 442. The ratio of the width of the first gas release path 461 to the width of the second flow path 442 may be 0.05 or less. This allows the mixed liquid to flow preferentially into the second flow path 442 when the mixed liquid comes into contact with the first gas release path 461.

[0048] The second gas release path 462 may be a gas release path that releases gas inside the fourth flow path 444 to the outside of the fourth flow path 444. The second gas release path 462 may be connected to the fourth flow path 444 and the third upper storage portion 45. In the present embodiment, the second gas release path 462 is connected to a region vertically below the fourth flow path 444 and the third upper storage portion 45. By providing the second gas release path 462, gas inside the fourth flow path 444 can be released to the outside of the fourth flow path 444 when oil is introduced into the first storage portion 43. Furthermore, when the third upper storage portion 45 is located vertically above the second storage portion 42, the second gas release path 462 can be connected to the third upper storage portion 45 at a position vertically above the second storage portion 42. Therefore, when oil is introduced into first reservoir 43, the gas inside fourth flow path 444 can be efficiently released.

[0049] The thickness of the second gas release path 462 may be smaller than the thickness of the fourth flow path 444. The ratio of the thickness of the second gas release path 462 to the thickness of the fourth flow path 444 may be 0.05 or less. This allows the oil to flow preferentially into the first reservoir 43 when it comes into contact with the second gas release path 462.

[0050] Furthermore, a portion where the fourth flow path 444 and the second gas release path 462 are connected is referred to as a fourth connection portion P4, and a portion where the first storage portion 43 and the fourth flow path 444 are connected is referred to as a fifth connection portion P5. In this case, a first distance D1 (distance) between the fourth connection portion P4 and the inlet En2 of the fourth flow path 444 may be longer than a second distance D2 (distance) between the fourth connection portion P4 and the fifth connection portion P5. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of gas that may enter the first storage portion 43.

[0051] The third gas release path 463 may be a gas release path that releases gas inside the third upper storage section 45 to the outside of the flow path device 1. The third gas release path 463 may be connected to the third upper storage section 45 and the housing 2. This allows gas inside the second storage section 42 or the fourth flow path 444 to be released to the outside of the flow path device 1.

[0052] A region where the above-described components are not arranged may be provided in microchannel substrate 4. This region may be a spare region 48 where first channel 441 can be arranged when first channel 441 is extended. By extending first channel 441, it is possible to increase the internal pressure of first reservoir 43 even when the pressure loss of first channel 441 is small.

[0053] The third lower reservoir 6 may also include a vent 61. By providing the vent 61, it is possible to reduce the increase in internal pressure of the third lower reservoir 6 when the specimen solution, the mixed liquid, and the oil flow into the third lower reservoir 6.

[0054] <Flow path formation method> 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for forming the first flow path 441 to the fourth flow path 444. In addition to the flow paths, the second storage section 42, the first storage section 43, the third upper storage section 45, the check valve 47, and the first gas release path 461 to the third gas release path 463 may also be formed by a method similar to the method for forming the first flow path 441 to the fourth flow path 444 described below.

[0055] For example, a template 53 having the shapes of the first flow path 441 to the fourth flow path 444 patterned thereon is placed on the support 51, and then the resin 52 is poured in. After the resin 52 has hardened, the template 53 is removed. After the template 53 is removed, a lid 54 may be provided on the hardened resin 52, thereby forming the first flow path 441 to the fourth flow path 444 on the support 51.

[0056] <Mixing of liquids in the second reservoir> A line overlapping the inflow direction of the mixed liquid flowing from the third flow path 443 into the second reservoir 42 is defined as a first line L1, and a line overlapping the outflow direction of the mixed liquid flowing from the second reservoir 42 to the second flow path 442 is defined as a second line L2. In this case, the second flow path 442 and the third flow path 443 may be connected to the second reservoir 42 so that the first line L1 and the second line L2 have an intersection point In. In addition, a portion where the second reservoir 42 and the second flow path 442 are connected is defined as a first connection point P1. In this case, the second flow path 442 and the third flow path 443 may be connected to the second reservoir 42 so that the first line L1 passes through a point different from the first connection point P1.

[0057] This type of connection causes the flow direction of the mixed liquid near first connection part P1 to differ from the flow direction of the mixed liquid near second connection part P2 (described below), thereby generating turbulence in the flow of the mixed liquid in second reservoir 42. This allows the mixed liquid to be mixed efficiently, making the concentration of the mixed liquid (distribution of the specimen in the mixed liquid) approximately uniform. Therefore, the mixed liquid with approximately uniform concentration can be introduced into first reservoir 43.

[0058] Furthermore, the portion where second storage section 42 and third flow path 443 are connected is referred to as second connection section P2, and the portion where second storage section 42 and first gas release path 461 are connected is referred to as third connection section P3. In this case, the third distance (distance) between first connection section P1 and second connection section P2 may be longer than the fourth distance (distance) between second connection section P2 and third connection section P3.

[0059] Furthermore, the third distance may be longer than the fifth distance (distance) between the first connection portion P1 and the third connection portion P3.

[0060] Fig. 11 is a side view that schematically shows a portion of second reservoir 42. As shown in Fig. 11, second reservoir 42 may have a plurality of convex portions 421 therein. In this case, multiple convex portions 421 can disturb the flow of the mixed liquid in second reservoir 42, thereby generating turbulence in the flow of the mixed liquid in second reservoir 42.

[0061] <Storage principle of the second storage section> The pressure loss of the mixed liquid in the second flow path 442 is defined as ΔPS-aq, the pressure loss of the gas (air) in the first gas release path 461 is defined as ΔPN-air, and the pressure loss of the mixed liquid in the first gas release path 461 is defined as ΔPN-aq.

[0062] When the mixed liquid is introduced into second storage section 42, the viscosity of the mixed liquid is greater than the viscosity of the gas, so ΔPS-aq>ΔPN-air. Therefore, the mixed liquid does not flow out from second storage section 42 through second flow path 442, and the gas stored inside second storage section 42 is released from first gas release path 461. This allows the mixed liquid to be introduced into second storage section 42 and stored in second storage section 42 while maintaining the internal pressure of second storage section 42 approximately constant.

[0063] When the mixed liquid accumulates in second reservoir 42 up to first gas release path 461, ΔPN-aq occurs. At this time, since the width of second flow path 442 is greater than the width of first gas release path 461, ΔPS-aq<ΔPN-aq. Therefore, the mixed liquid flows into second flow path 442.

[0064] Due to the above-described principle of pressure loss, the mixed liquid can be stored in the second storage section 42 until it reaches the third connecting section P3. As described above, turbulence can be generated in the flow of the mixed liquid in the second storage section 42, and the mixed liquid can be temporarily stored in the second storage section 42, which allows the mixed liquid to be efficiently mixed in the second storage section 42. As a result, the concentration of the mixed liquid can be made approximately uniform. Therefore, the mixed liquid with a substantially uniform concentration can be introduced into the first storage section 43.

[0065] Furthermore, because the mixed liquid can be stored in second storage section 42 until it reaches third connection section P3, the amount of mixed liquid stored in second storage section 42 is determined by the position at which first gas release channel 461 is connected to second storage section 42 (the position of third connection section P3). Therefore, by connecting first gas release channel 461 to an area vertically above second storage section 42, it is possible to increase the filling rate of the mixed liquid in second storage section 42. Furthermore, because the storage time of the mixed liquid in second storage section 42 can be extended, the mixed liquid can be mixed efficiently in second storage section 42.

[0066] Furthermore, by adjusting the position of third connecting part P3, it is possible to adjust the amount of the mixed liquid stored in second storing part 42. For example, third connecting part P3 may be positioned at a position that allows the mixed liquid to be stored in second storing part 42 to an extent that enables the mixed liquid to be distributed throughout first storing part 43 in one virus detection.

[0067] Furthermore, for example, when the volume of the second storage section 42 is equal to the volume of the first storage section 43, the first gas release path 461 may be connected to the top of the second storage section 42 when the flow path device 1 is in use.

[0068] <Connection and shape of the second flow path> As described above, when the mixed liquid reaches third connection portion P3 in second storage portion 42, the mixed liquid flows into second flow path 442. The internal pressure of second storage portion 42 decreases the moment the mixed liquid flows into second flow path 442, so the water level in second storage portion 42 temporarily decreases, and gas may flow back from first gas release path 461 to second storage portion 42.

[0069] When second flow path 442 is connected to a region vertically above second reservoir 42, there is a possibility that the gas may flow back into second flow path 442. If the gas flows into first reservoir 43, there is a possibility that the accuracy of virus detection may decrease. In other words, there is a possibility that the performance of first reservoir 43 may decrease.

[0070] 1, the second flow path 442 may have an inverted U-shape when the flow path device 1 is in use. The second flow path 442 may be connected to a region vertically below the second storage section 42. In this embodiment, the second flow path 442 extends vertically upward from the first connection part P1 in the vertically below region to near the position of the third connection part P3, curves at this position, extends vertically downward, and is connected to the first storage section 43.

[0071] <Issues and Effects of the First Storage Section> When the flow path device 1 is in use, the second flow path 442 is located vertically above the first flow path 441. If the width of the first flow path 441 is equal to or greater than the width of the second flow path 442, the amount of liquid flowing out of the first reservoir 43 may be greater than the amount of liquid flowing into the first reservoir 43. In this case, the liquid may flow out of the first reservoir 43 before spreading throughout the interior of the first reservoir 43.

[0072] By making the width of first flow path 441 smaller than the width of second flow path 442, the amount of liquid flowing out of first reservoir 43 can be made smaller than the amount of liquid flowing into first reservoir 43. Therefore, the internal pressure of first reservoir 43 can be increased, and the possibility that the liquid will spread throughout first reservoir 43 can be increased.

[0073] If there are areas in first reservoir 43 where the liquid does not reach all areas, the substance (e.g., a specimen) contained in the liquid cannot be detected at those areas. This may reduce the accuracy of measuring the substance. By increasing the likelihood that the liquid will reach all areas in first reservoir 43 as described above, the likelihood of such areas existing can be reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of measuring the substance. This effect can be obtained regardless of whether multiple recesses 432 are present or not.

[0074] In this embodiment, first reservoir 43 has therein a plurality of recesses 432. As described above, in flow path device 1, the internal pressure of first reservoir 43 can be increased, and therefore the mixed liquid can be introduced into each recess 432 with high precision.

[0075] Furthermore, as described above, the concentration of the mixed liquid is made substantially uniform by second reservoir 42. This increases the likelihood that the mixed liquid with a substantially uniform concentration will spread throughout first reservoir 43. This allows for more accurate detection of viruses.

[0076] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. For convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In other embodiments, components having the same functions as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0077] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a specific internal configuration of the flow path device 1A. As shown in Fig. 8, the flow path device 1A differs from the flow path device 1 in that it includes a third storage section 6A instead of the third lower storage section 6 and the third upper storage section 45. The flow path device 1A also differs from the flow path device 1 in that it does not include a third gas release path 463.

[0078] 8, third storage unit 6A may include, as a part thereof, extension units 62 and 63 extending vertically upward on both sides of micro-channel substrate 4. Since first gas release channel 461 is connected to extension unit 63, even if the mixed liquid inside second storage unit 42 leaks from first gas release channel 461, the mixed liquid can be stored in third storage unit 6A. Furthermore, since second gas release channel 462 is connected to extension unit 62, even if oil flowing through fourth flow channel 444 leaks from second gas release channel 462, the oil can be stored in third storage unit 6A.

[0079] Furthermore, when the flow path device 1 is in use, the extension portion 63 may be located vertically above the second storage portion 42. In this case, the first gas release path 461 can be connected to the extension portion 63 at a position vertically above the second storage portion 42. Therefore, the gas inside the second storage portion 42 can be efficiently released.

[0080] [Embodiment 3] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a specific internal configuration of the flow path device 1B. As shown in Fig. 9, the flow path device 1B differs from the flow path device 1 in that it does not include the fourth storage section 7, the fourth flow path 444, and the second gas release path 462.

[0081] When oil is used in flow path device 1B, after introducing a sample solution from sample container 100, sample container 100 may be removed from insertion section 24, and a container containing oil may be inserted into insertion section 24. Therefore, in flow path device 1B, second flow path 442 and third flow path 443 may also function as flow paths for passing oil.

[0082] [Embodiment 4] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a specific internal configuration of a flow path device 1C. As shown in Fig. 10, the flow path device 1C differs from the flow path device 1B in that it includes a third storage section 6B instead of the third lower storage section 6 and the third upper storage section 45. The flow path device 1C also differs from the flow path device 1B in that it does not include a third gas release path 463.

[0083] 10 , third storage unit 6B may include, as a part thereof, extension unit 62 extending vertically upward on one side of micro-channel substrate 4. By connecting first gas release channel 461 to extension unit 62, even if the mixed liquid inside second storage unit 42 leaks out from first gas release channel 461, the mixed liquid can be stored in third storage unit 6B.

[0084] Furthermore, when the flow path device 1 is in use, the extension section 62 may be located vertically above the second storage section 42. In this case, the first gas release path 461 can be connected to the extension section 62 at a position vertically above the second storage section 42. Therefore, the gas inside the second storage section 42 can be efficiently released.

[0085] [Additional Notes] The invention according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the drawings and examples. However, the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, the invention according to the present disclosure can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present disclosure, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the invention according to the present disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that a person skilled in the art can easily make various modifications or corrections based on the present disclosure. It should also be noted that these modifications or corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] For example, in the flow path devices 1, 1A to 1C of embodiments 1 to 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 8 to 10), a specimen solution containing a specimen and a buffer solution is introduced into the flow path device 1, 1A to 1C, but this is not limiting, and only the specimen may be introduced into the flow path device 1, 1A to 1C. In this case, in the flow path device 1, 1A to 1C, a mixture of the specimen and the reagent is sent to the first reservoir 43.

[0087] The reagent may also be placed inside second reservoir 42. In this case, a specimen solution (or only the specimen) may be introduced into second reservoir 42, and the specimen solution (or only the specimen) and the reagent may be mixed in second reservoir 42.

[0088] Furthermore, the flow channel devices 1, 1A to 1C may be used not only for detecting viruses contained in a specimen but also for detecting various substances, and may be used for quantitative analysis of various substances.

[0089] Furthermore, first reservoir 43 does not have to have a plurality of recesses 432 therein, and bottom surface 431 may be a smooth surface. The smooth surface is intended to be a surface without visible irregularities, and does not necessarily have to be strictly smooth. In this case, flow path devices 1, 1A to 1C can also be applied to, for example, digital ELISA.

[0090] Even if first reservoir 43 does not have a plurality of recesses 432 therein, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the liquid will spread throughout first reservoir 43 by making the width of first flow path 441 smaller than the width of second flow path 442. Therefore, even in this configuration, it is possible to increase the measurement accuracy of a substance contained in the liquid, as described above.

[0091] Furthermore, the flow path device 1 may not include the third upper storage section 45 and the third gas release path 463. In this case, the first gas release path 461 and the second gas release path 462 may be directly connected to the housing 2. In the flow path devices 1A to 1C as well, the first gas release path 461 and / or the second gas release path 462 may be directly connected to the housing 2.

[0092] Furthermore, in the flow path device 1A, the third storage section 6A may be configured to include only one of the extension section 62 and the extension section 63. In this case, if the third upper storage section 45 is provided as part of the third storage section 6A and the extension section 62 is not present, the second gas release channel 462 may be connected to the third upper storage section 45. Furthermore, if the extension section 63 is not present, the first gas release channel 461 may be connected to the third upper storage section 45.

[0093] Furthermore, in the flow path device 1C of the fourth embodiment, the third storage section 6B may be configured to include an extension section 63 (see FIG. 8) instead of the extension section 62. In this case, the first gas release path 461 may be connected to the extension section 63 as shown in FIG.

[0094] Furthermore, the flow path devices 1, 1A to 1C may not be provided with the pressure switch 8. In this case, for example, the user may apply pressure to the sample container 100 with his or her finger.

[0095] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure may be expressed as follows.

[0096] A flow path device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first storage section for storing a liquid, a first flow path for passing the liquid in the first storage section, and a second flow path for passing the liquid to the first storage section, wherein the width of the first flow path is smaller than the width of the second flow path.

[0097] A flow path device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first storage section for storing a liquid, a second storage section for storing a liquid to be introduced into the first storage section, a first flow path for passing the liquid in the first storage section, a second flow path connected to the second storage section for passing the liquid to the first storage section, and a first gas release path for releasing gas inside the second storage section from the second storage section, wherein the width of the first flow path is smaller than the width of the second flow path, and the width of the first gas release path is smaller than the width of the second flow path.

[0098] The flow path device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a third flow path that passes liquid to the second reservoir.

[0099] The flow path device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a third reservoir that stores unnecessary liquid, and the first gas release path may be connected to the third reservoir.

[0100] A flow path device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a fourth flow path separate from the second flow path that passes liquid to the first storage section, and the width of the first flow path may be smaller than the width of the fourth flow path.

[0101] A flow path device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second gas release path that releases gas inside the fourth flow path from the fourth flow path, and the distance between the portion where the fourth flow path and the second gas release path are connected and the inlet of the fourth flow path may be longer than the distance between the portion where the fourth flow path and the second gas release path are connected and the portion where the first storage section and the fourth flow path are connected.

[0102] The flow path device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a third storage section that stores unnecessary liquid, and the second gas release path may be connected to the third storage section.

[0103] The flow path device according to an aspect of the present disclosure may further include a check valve between the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

[0104] In the flow channel device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the first reservoir may have a plurality of minute recesses therein.

[0105] A flow path device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a third flow path that passes liquid to the second storage section, and a first straight line that overlaps with the inflow direction of liquid flowing from the third flow path to the second storage section and a second straight line that overlaps with the outflow direction of liquid flowing from the second storage section to the second flow path may have an intersection.

[0106] In a flow path device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the portion where the second storage section and the second flow path are connected is defined as a first connection section, the first straight line may pass through a point other than the first connection section.

[0107] In the flow path device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first gas release path may be connected to a region vertically above the second storage portion when the flow path device is in use.

[0108] In the flow path device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a part of the third reservoir may be located vertically above the second reservoir when the flow path device is in use.

[0109] In a flow path device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the portion connecting the second storage portion and the second flow path is defined as a first connection portion, the portion connecting the second storage portion and the third flow path is defined as a second connection portion, and the portion connecting the second storage portion and the first gas release path is defined as a third connection portion, the distance between the first connection portion and the second connection portion may be longer than the distance between the second connection portion and the third connection portion.

[0110] In the flow channel device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the distance between the first connection portion and the second connection portion may be longer than the distance between the first connection portion and the third connection portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. 1A-1C Flow path device 6. Third lower reservoir (third reservoir) 6A, 6B Third storage section 42 Second storage section 43 First Reservoir 45 Third upper reservoir (third reservoir) 47 Check valve 432 recess 441 First Channel 442 Second Channel 443 Third Channel 444 4th Channel 461 1st gas release path 462 Second gas release path D1 First distance (distance) D2 2nd distance (distance) En2 entrance In intersection L1 1st straight line L2 2nd straight line P1 First connection part P2 Second connection part P3 Third connection part P4: Fourth connection part (part where the fourth flow path and the second gas release path are connected) P5 Fifth connection part (part where the first storage part and the fourth flow path are connected)

Claims

1. a reservoir that stores a liquid; a third flow path connected to the reservoir at a second connection portion and configured to pass liquid through the reservoir; a first gas release path connected to the storage portion by a third connection portion and configured to release gas inside the storage portion; further comprising a secondary reservoir configured to store the liquid that has passed through the third flow path; A flow path device, wherein the first gas release path is connected to the secondary reservoir.

2. The liquid storage device further includes a second flow path connected to the storage portion by a first connection portion and through which the liquid in the storage portion passes; The flow channel device according to claim 1 , wherein a distance between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is longer than a distance between the second connection portion and the third connection portion.

3. The flow path device according to claim 2 , wherein a width of the first gas release path is smaller than a width of the second flow path.

4. The flow path device according to claim 2 , wherein a first straight line overlapping with an inflow direction of the liquid flowing from the third flow path into the storage portion passes through a location different from the first connection portion.

5. The flow path device according to claim 4 , wherein the first straight line and a second straight line that overlaps with an outflow direction of the liquid flowing from the storage portion to the second flow path have an intersection point.

6. Further comprising another reservoir for storing a liquid; The flow path device according to claim 2 , wherein the second flow path extends vertically downward when the flow path device is in use, and is connected to the other reservoir.

7. The flow path device according to claim 2 , wherein the second flow path is connected to a region vertically below the storage portion when the flow path device is in a used state.

8. a first flow path for passing the liquid in the other reservoir; The flow path device according to claim 6 , wherein a width of the first flow path is smaller than a width of the second flow path.

9. The flow path device according to claim 1 , wherein the first gas release path is connected to a housing.

10. The flow channel device according to claim 2 , wherein a distance between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is longer than a distance between the first connection portion and the third connection portion.

11. The flow path device according to claim 1 , wherein the first gas release path is connected to a region vertically above the storage portion when the flow path device is in a used state.

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