Liquid delivery mechanism, liquid control device, and liquid control method

Abstract

This liquid control device comprises a flow path unit, and a retention unit and pressurization unit that are configured to be mutually separate units. The flow path unit includes a placement surface, a supply opening formed in the placement surface, and a flow path that communicates with the supply opening. The retention unit includes a first surface joined to the placement surface, a second surface on the side opposite from the first surface, a retention chamber for retaining a liquid between the first and second surfaces, a first communication path that is formed in the first surface and communicates with the supply opening and the retention chamber, and a second communication path that is formed in the second surface and communicates with the retention chamber. The pressurization unit includes a tubular support part in which a third surface joined to the second surface serves as an end surface, and a movable part that is installed inside the support part and is capable of moving in the axial direction of the support part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for controlling a liquid such as a reagent. [Background technology]

[0002] Microfluidic devices that control the flow of a liquid in a minute flow channel to realize a reaction or analysis of the liquid have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid delivery mechanism that includes a liquid reservoir filled with a liquid and a capillary that communicates with the liquid reservoir. A diaphragm membrane is installed at the opening of the liquid reservoir. By pressing the diaphragm membrane, the liquid in the liquid reservoir is supplied to the capillary. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-166910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the flow of the liquid pre-filled in the liquid reservoir is controlled. In other words, the user cannot fill the liquid reservoir with the desired liquid at any time. In consideration of the above, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to enable the user to store the desired liquid in the reservoir at any time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A liquid delivery mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid delivery mechanism for supplying liquid to a flow path unit including an installation surface, a supply port formed on the installation surface, and a flow path communicating with the supply port, and is equipped with a storage unit and a pressurizing unit that are configured as separate entities, wherein the storage unit includes a first surface joined to the installation surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a storage chamber for storing liquid between the first surface and the second surface, a first communication passage formed on the first surface and communicating with the supply port and the storage chamber, and a second communication passage formed on the second surface and communicating with the storage chamber, and the pressurizing unit includes a tubular support portion having a third surface joined to the second surface as an end face, and a movable portion installed inside the support portion and movable in the axial direction of the support portion.

[0006] A liquid control device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a flow path unit, a storage unit and a pressurizing unit which are separate from each other, wherein the flow path unit includes an installation surface, a supply port formed on the installation surface, and a flow path communicating with the supply port, the storage unit includes a first surface joined to the installation surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a storage chamber for storing liquid between the first surface and the second surface, a first communication passage formed on the first surface and communicating with the supply port and the storage chamber, and a second communication passage formed on the second surface and communicating with the storage chamber, and the pressurizing unit includes a tubular support part whose end face is a third surface joined to the second surface, and a movable part installed inside the support part and movable in the axial direction of the support part.

[0007] A liquid control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a preparation step of preparing a flow path unit including an installation surface, a supply port formed on the installation surface, and a flow path communicating with the supply port, a storage unit including a first surface joined to the installation surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a storage chamber for storing liquid between the first surface and the second surface, a first communication path formed on the first surface and communicating with the supply port and the storage chamber, and a second communication path formed on the second surface and communicating with the storage chamber, and after the preparation step, The method includes a storage step of supplying liquid from a device to a second communication passage to store the liquid in the storage chamber; a joining step of joining, after the storage step has been performed, the third surface of a pressurizing unit, which includes a tubular support part having a third surface as an end face and a movable part that is installed inside the support part and is movable in the axial direction of the support part, to the second surface; and a liquid delivery step of supplying the liquid in the storage chamber to the flow path of the flow path unit through the first communication passage and the supply port by pressing the movable part toward the storage unit after the joining step has been performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a user can store a desired liquid in the storage chamber at any time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the liquid control device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the storage unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pressurizing unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a preparation step in a method of using the liquid control device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a storage step in the method of using the liquid control device. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a first peeling step in the method of using the liquid control device. [Figure 8]10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a bonding step in a method of using the liquid control device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second peeling step in the method of using the liquid control device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid delivery process in a method of using the liquid control device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a storage unit according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pressurizing unit according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pressurizing unit according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pressurizing unit according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A. Fluid Control Device 100 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a liquid control device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid control device 100. The liquid control device 100 is a mechanism for controlling the flow of various liquids, such as reagents. In the following description, the Z axis is assumed. The Z axis is, for example, an axis along the vertical direction. In the following description, one direction along the Z axis is referred to as the "Z1 direction," and the other direction is referred to as the "Z2 direction." The Z1 direction corresponds to the downward vertical direction, and the Z2 direction corresponds to the upward vertical direction. In addition, observing an object from a line of sight along the Z axis is referred to as a "planar view" below.

[0011] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid control device 100 includes a channel unit 10, a storage unit 20, and a pressurizing unit 30. The channel unit 10 is a flat plate-like structure having minute channels 11 formed therein through which liquid flows. The channel unit 10 is also referred to as a microfluidic device. A supply port 12 is formed on a surface 13 of the channel unit 10 facing the Z2 direction (hereinafter referred to as the "installation surface"). The supply port 12 is a small circular hole that communicates with the channel 11. The channel unit 10 is configured, for example, by stacking a plurality of plate-like members.

[0012] The storage unit 20 and the pressurizing unit 30 constitute a liquid delivery mechanism 200 for supplying liquid to the flow path unit 10. That is, the liquid control device 100 includes the flow path unit 10 and the liquid delivery mechanism 200. The storage unit 20 and the pressurizing unit 30 are configured separately from each other. When the liquid control device 100 is actually used, the storage unit 20 is installed on the installation surface 13 of the flow path unit 10, and the pressurizing unit 30 is installed on the storage unit 20. That is, the storage unit 20 is located between the flow path unit 10 and the pressurizing unit 30. The storage unit 20 stores the liquid to be supplied to the flow path unit 10. The pressurizing unit 30 pressurizes the liquid stored in the storage unit 20. The liquid stored in the storage unit 20 is supplied to the supply port 12 of the flow path unit 10 by the pressure applied by the pressurizing unit 30. The storage unit 20 and the pressurizing unit 30 are each described in detail below.

[0013] [Storage Unit 20] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the storage unit 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the storage unit 20 is a cylindrical structure including a first surface F1 and a second surface F2. The first surface F1 and the second surface F2 are end surfaces of the storage unit 20 in the direction of the Z axis. The first surface F1 and the second surface F2 are located on opposite sides of each other along the Z axis. Specifically, the first surface F1 is an end surface of the storage unit 20 facing the Z1 direction. The second surface F2 is an end surface of the storage unit 20 facing the Z2 direction. The central axis of the storage unit 20 is parallel to the Z axis. Therefore, the direction of the Z axis (Z1, Z2) can also be said to be the axial direction of the storage unit 20.

[0014] The storage unit 20 is configured by laminating a first member 21 and a second member 22. Each of the first member 21 and the second member 22 is a light-transmitting plate-like member formed by injection molding of a resin material such as an acrylic resin. However, the material of the first member 21 and the second member 22 is not limited to the above examples. For example, one or both of the first member 21 and the second member 22 may be formed from a material such as glass or polydimethylsiloxane (silicone rubber). The surface of the first member 21 opposite to the second member 22 (Z1 direction) is the first surface F1, and the surface of the second member 22 opposite to the first member 21 (Z2 direction) is the second surface F2.

[0015] The first member 21 is a disk-shaped member including a first surface F1 and a bonding surface Q1. The bonding surface Q1 is the surface of the first member 21 opposite to the first surface F1. The second member 22 is a disk-shaped member including a second surface F2 and a bonding surface Q2. The bonding surface Q2 is the surface of the second member 22 opposite to the second surface F2. The bonding surface Q1 of the first member 21 and the bonding surface Q2 of the second member 22 are bonded to each other via an adhesive layer 23. The adhesive layer 23 is formed from various adhesives, such as epoxy-based or acrylic-based adhesives.

[0016] A recess 24 is formed on the joining surface Q1 of the first member 21. A storage chamber 25 corresponding to the recess 24 is formed inside the storage unit 20. The storage chamber 25 is a space surrounded by the inner wall surface 25a of the recess 24 in the first member 21 and the joining surface Q2 of the second member 22. The storage chamber 25 stores a liquid. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the storage chamber 25 is located between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 in the Z-axis direction. The adhesive layer 23 is formed in an annular shape with an opening corresponding to the storage chamber 25. From the viewpoint of preventing leakage of the liquid stored in the storage chamber 25, a hard resin material such as an acrylic resin is suitable as the material for the first member 21 and the second member 22.

[0017] A first communication passage 26 is formed in the first member 21. Specifically, the first communication passage 26 is formed in the center of the first member 21 in a plan view. The first communication passage 26 is a circular through-hole that opens to the first surface F1. Specifically, the first communication passage 26 penetrates the first member 21 from the first surface F1 to the bottom of the recess 24. Therefore, the first communication passage 26 communicates with the storage chamber 25. The first communication passage 26 can also be expressed as a flow path that extends in the Z1 direction from the storage chamber 25 to the first surface F1.

[0018] A second communication passage 27 is formed in the second member 22. Specifically, the second communication passage 27 is formed in the center of the second member 22 in a plan view. The second communication passage 27 is a circular through-hole that opens to the second surface F2. Specifically, the second communication passage 27 penetrates the second member 22 from the second surface F2 to the joint surface Q2. Therefore, the second communication passage 27 communicates with the storage chamber 25. The second communication passage 27 can also be expressed as a flow path that extends in the Z2 direction from the storage chamber 25 to the second surface F2. The storage chamber 25 is located between the first communication passage 26 and the second communication passage 27.

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 2 , when the liquid control device 100 is in use, the first surface F1 is bonded to the installation surface 13 of the flow path unit 10. The storage unit 20 is fixed to the flow path unit 10 by bonding the installation surface 13 to the first surface F1. The installation surface 13 and the first surface F1 are bonded to each other via an adhesive layer 28. The adhesive layer 28 is formed of various adhesives, such as epoxy or acrylic adhesives. Openings corresponding to the first communication passage 26 and the supply port 12 are formed in the adhesive layer 28. When the installation surface 13 and the first surface F1 are bonded to each other, the supply port 12 of the installation surface 13 and the first communication passage 26 of the first surface F1 are mutually communicated. That is, the storage chamber 25 inside the storage unit 20 is communicated with the flow path 11 inside the flow path unit 10 via the first communication passage 26 and the supply port 12.

[0020] The inner wall surface 25a of the storage chamber 25 is an inclined surface inclined with respect to the Z axis. Specifically, the inner wall surface 25a of the storage chamber 25 is a tapered curved surface whose inner diameter continuously expands in the Z2 direction. FIG. 2 illustrates positions P1 and P2 on the Z axis. Position P2 is closer to the second surface F2 on the Z axis than position P1. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the inner wall surface 25a of the storage chamber 25 is inclined with respect to the Z axis so that the cross-sectional area C1 at position P1 is less than the cross-sectional area C2 at position P2. As can be seen from the above explanation, the storage chamber 25 can also be expressed as an inverted cone-shaped or inverted truncated cone-shaped space.

[0021] It is required that when liquid is stored in the storage chamber 25, the liquid in the storage chamber 25 does not leak into the flow path 11 in the flow path unit 10 via the first communication path 26. In this embodiment, the diameter of the first communication path 26 is selected so that the liquid in the storage chamber 25 does not leak into the flow path 11.

[0022] In order to select the optimal diameter of first communication passage 26, the inventors of the present application formed through-holes of different diameters in a rubber sheet and conducted tests to determine whether a predetermined amount (e.g., 100 μL) of pure water supplied onto the rubber sheet would pass through each through-hole. As a result of the above tests, most of the pure water passed through through-holes with a diameter of 4 mm, while the entire amount remained on the rubber sheet through through-holes with a diameter of 1.5 mm. Considering the results of the above tests, it is preferable that the diameter of first communication passage 26 be approximately 1.5 mm.

[0023] The relationship between the diameter of the first communication passage 26 and the diameter of the second communication passage 27 is arbitrary. That is, a configuration in which the first communication passage 26 has a larger diameter than the second communication passage 27, a configuration in which the second communication passage 27 has a larger diameter than the first communication passage 26, or a configuration in which the first communication passage 26 and the second communication passage 27 have the same diameter is conceivable.

[0024] [Pressure unit 30] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pressurizing unit 30. Fig. 4 shows the pressurizing unit 30 in a state before it is installed in the storage unit 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "separated state").

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the pressure unit 30 is an elastic body including a support portion 31, a movable portion 32, and a connecting portion 33. The support portion 31, the movable portion 32, and the connecting portion 33 are integrally formed by injection molding of a resin material. The pressure unit 30 is formed from a resin material such as polydimethylsiloxane (silicone rubber). However, the material of the pressure unit 30 is not limited to the above examples and is appropriately selected depending on the properties of the liquid or the required specifications. For example, if it is required to suppress the volatilization of the liquid stored in the storage chamber 25, a resin material with high gas barrier properties is suitable as the material for the pressure unit 30. On the other hand, if it is required to ensure the respiration of cells in the liquid, a resin material with high gas permeability is suitable as the material for the pressure unit 30.

[0026] The support portion 31 is a cylindrical structure formed with the same diameter as the outer diameter of the storage unit 20. The support portion 31 includes a third surface F3 and a fourth surface F4. The third surface F3 and the fourth surface F4 are end surfaces of the support portion 31 in the direction of the Z axis. The third surface F3 and the fourth surface F4 are located on opposite sides of each other along the Z axis. Specifically, the third surface F3 is an annular end surface of the pressurizing unit 30 facing the Z1 direction. The fourth surface F4 is an annular end surface of the pressurizing unit 30 facing the Z2 direction. The central axis of the support portion 31 is parallel to the Z axis. Therefore, the direction of the Z axis (Z1, Z2) can also be said to be the axial direction of the support portion 31.

[0027] The movable part 32 is a disk-shaped part including a pressure surface D1 and an operation surface D2. The pressure surface D1 and the operation surface D2 are located on opposite sides of each other along the Z axis. Specifically, the pressure surface D1 is the surface of the movable part 32 facing the Z1 direction. The operation surface D2 is the surface of the movable part 32 facing the Z2 direction.

[0028] The movable part 32 is installed inside the support part 31. The central axis of the movable part 32 is parallel to the Z axis. That is, the pressure surface D1 and the operation surface D2 are perpendicular to the Z axis. Specifically, the movable part 32 is installed concentrically with the support part 31. The outer diameter of the movable part 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the support part 31. The connecting part 33 is an annular part that connects the inner peripheral surface of the support part 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the movable part 32. As can be understood from the above explanation, the space inside the support part 31 is closed by the movable part 32 and the connecting part 33.

[0029] The thickness of the connecting portion 33 is less than the thickness of the movable portion 32. That is, the connecting portion 33 has lower rigidity than the movable portion 32 and is more likely to deform or expand and contract. Therefore, when an external force along the Z axis acts on the movable portion 32, the movable portion 32 moves in the direction of the Z axis due to the deformation or expansion of the connecting portion 33. Specifically, the movable portion 32 is movable in the Z1 direction or the Z2 direction inside the support portion 31. That is, the support portion 31 and the connecting portion 33 support the movable portion 32 so that it can move along the Z axis.

[0030] The movable portion 32 is located between the third surface F3 and the fourth surface F4 in the Z-axis direction. That is, in the Z-axis direction, the pressure surface D1 of the movable portion 32 is located in the Z2 direction relative to the third surface F3. Furthermore, in the Z-axis direction, the operation surface D2 of the movable portion 32 is located in the Z1 direction relative to the fourth surface F4. As can be understood from the above explanation, the movable portion 32 functions as a partition wall (diaphragm) that divides the space inside the support portion 31 into spaces R1 and R2 along the Z-axis. Space R1 is a cylindrical space located in the Z1 direction relative to the pressure surface D1. Space R2 is a cylindrical space located in the Z2 direction relative to the operation surface D2.

[0031] As mentioned above, Fig. 4 illustrates the pressure unit 30 in a separated state. The pressure unit 30 in a separated state includes an adhesive layer 34, a first protective film 35, and a second protective film 36 in addition to the elements exemplified above (the support part 31, the movable part 32, and the connecting part 33).

[0032] The adhesive layer 34 is formed on the third surface F3. The adhesive layer 34 is made of various adhesives, such as epoxy or acrylic adhesives, and covers the third surface F3. Therefore, the adhesive layer 34 is formed in the same annular shape as the third surface F3.

[0033] The first protective film 35 is a flexible film attached to the adhesive layer 34. That is, the adhesive layer 34 is interposed between the third surface F3 and the first protective film 35. The first protective film 35 is formed from a light-transmitting resin material, such as an acrylic or epoxy resin. The first protective film 35 is formed in an annular shape that is the same as the adhesive layer 34 and the third surface F3, and is in close contact with the adhesive layer 34 so as to cover the entire adhesive layer 34.

[0034] The first protective film 35 can be peeled off from the adhesive layer 34. As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the liquid control device 100 is used, the first protective film 35 is peeled off from the adhesive layer 34. That is, the adhesive layer 34 formed on the third surface F3 is exposed. The third surface F3 of the pressurizing unit 30 and the second surface F2 of the storage unit 20 are bonded to each other via the adhesive layer 34. The storage unit 20 and the pressurizing unit 30 are fixed to each other by bonding the second surface F2 to the third surface F3. Specifically, the storage unit 20 and the pressurizing unit 30 are fixed to each other so that the outer periphery of the second surface F2 and the outer periphery of the third surface F3 overlap in a plan view.

[0035] 2, when the pressurizing unit 30 is fixed to the storage unit 20, the opening (space R1) of the third surface F3 of the support part 31 is closed by the second surface F2. In other words, the space R1 is sealed. In this state, the pressurizing surface D1 and the second surface F2 of the movable part 32 face each other with a gap corresponding to the height of the space R1.

[0036] 4, the second protective film 36 is a flexible film attached to the fourth surface F4. The second protective film 36 is formed in a circular shape with the same diameter as the outer diameter of the support portion 31. The second protective film 36 is attached to the fourth surface F4 so that the outer periphery of the support portion 31 and the outer periphery of the second protective film 36 overlap in a plan view. Therefore, the opening (space R2) on the fourth surface F4 of the support portion 31 is closed by the second protective film 36. In other words, the space R2 is sealed.

[0037] The second protective film 36 is attached to the fourth surface F4 by being in close contact with the fourth surface F4. Therefore, the second protective film 36 can be peeled off from the fourth surface F4. As illustrated in Fig. 2, when the liquid control device 100 is in use, the second protective film 36 is peeled off from the fourth surface F4. Note that the second protective film 36 may be removably attached to the fourth surface F4 using a bonding material such as an adhesive.

[0038] 4, the movable part 32 and the second protective film 36 face each other with a gap therebetween that corresponds to the height of the space R2. The second protective film 36 is formed from a light-transmitting resin material, such as an acrylic or epoxy resin. Therefore, a user of the liquid control device 100 can see the movable part 32 through the second protective film 36.

[0039] B. How to Use the Fluid Control Device 100 A method of using the above-described liquid control device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 10. The method of use exemplified below is a method of controlling liquid using the liquid control device 100 (liquid control method).

[0040] First, in a preparation step P1 (FIG. 5), the flow path unit 10 and the storage unit 20 are prepared. Specifically, the first surface F1 of the storage unit 20 is bonded to the installation surface 13 of the flow path unit 10 via the adhesive layer 28. As described above, in a state in which the installation surface 13 and the first surface F1 are bonded, the storage chamber 25 inside the storage unit 20 communicates with the flow path 11 inside the flow path unit 10 via the first communication path 26 and the supply port 12.

[0041] In a storage step P2 (FIG. 6) after the preparation step P1, liquid is supplied from the supply device 300 to the second communication passage 27. The liquid that has passed through the second communication passage 27 is stored in the storage chamber 25. The supply device 300 is, for example, a syringe filled with liquid. In the storage step P2, the nozzle (nozzle) 301 of the supply device 300 is brought into close contact with the second surface F2, thereby connecting the internal space of the supply device 300 to the second communication passage 27. In this state, the liquid flowing out from the nozzle 301 of the supply device 300 is supplied to the storage chamber 25 via the second communication passage 27. As described above, the liquid supplied from the supply device 300 is stored in the storage chamber 25, thereby reducing the possibility that the liquid will inadvertently flow into the flow path unit 10 due to, for example, capillary action. As described above, the first member 21 and the second member 22 of the storage unit 20 are formed of an optically transparent resin material. 6, the nozzle 301 of the supply device 300 is brought into close contact with the second surface F2, but the liquid may be supplied from the supply device 300 to the storage chamber 25 with the nozzle 301 inserted into the second communication passage 27.

[0042] In a first peeling step P3 (FIG. 7) after the storage step P2, the first protective film 35 of the pressurizing unit 30 is peeled off. The peeling off of the first protective film 35 exposes the adhesive layer 34. The first peeling step P3 may be performed at any time before the bonding step P4. That is, the first peeling step P3 may be performed before the preparation step P1 or the storage step P2. The first peeling step P3 may also be performed in parallel with the preparation step P1 or the storage step P2.

[0043] In a bonding step P4 (FIG. 8) after the first peeling step P3, the third surface F3 of the pressurizing unit 30 is bonded to the second surface F2 of the storage unit 20 by the adhesive layer 34. Specifically, the pressurizing unit 30 is pressed in the Z1 direction with the adhesive layer 34 sandwiched between the second surface F2 and the third surface F3, thereby fixing the pressurizing unit 30 to the storage unit 20 by the adhesive layer 34. As described above, in this embodiment, the adhesive layer 34 exposed by peeling off the first protective film 35 is used to bond the second surface F2 and the third surface F3. This reduces the effort required to apply an adhesive to the second surface F2 or the third surface F3.

[0044] Incidentally, at the stage of the joining step P4, liquid is stored in the storage chamber 25 of the storage unit 20. Therefore, if various objects (hereinafter referred to as "external elements"), such as the user's body or work equipment, inadvertently come into contact with the movable part 32 during or after the joining step P4, the movable part 32 will be pressed in the Z1 direction, and as a result, there is a possibility that the liquid in the storage chamber 25 will be unintentionally supplied to the passage unit 10.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the second protective film 36 is attached to the fourth surface F4 of the pressurizing unit 30 at the bonding step P4. That is, the movable part 32 is protected by the second protective film 36. This reduces the possibility that the movable part 32 will move in the Z1 direction due to inadvertent contact with an external element. This reduces the possibility that the liquid in the storage chamber 25 will be unintentionally supplied to the flow path unit 10. Furthermore, because the second protective film 36 is attached to the fourth surface F4, there is also the advantage that it is easier to press the pressurizing unit 30 against the storage unit 20 in the bonding step P4.

[0046] In a second peeling step P5 (FIG. 9) after the bonding step P4, the second protective film 36 is peeled off. Peeling off the second protective film 36 exposes the movable portion 32 inside the support portion 31. As described above, in the first embodiment, the movable portion 32 is located between the third surface F3 and the fourth surface F4. That is, the movable portion 32 is recessed relative to the fourth surface F4. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the movable portion 32 is located at the same height as the fourth surface F4, the possibility of the movable portion 32 being pressed by inadvertent contact with an external element is reduced both before and after the second protective film 36 is peeled off.

[0047] In a liquid sending step P6 (FIG. 10) after the second peeling step P5, the liquid in the storage chamber 25 is supplied to the flow path 11 of the flow path unit 10 via the first communication path 26 and the supply port 12. Specifically, in the liquid sending step P6, the operation surface D2 of the movable part 32 is pressed in the Z1 direction (i.e., toward the storage unit 20). For example, the operation surface D2 is pressed in the Z1 direction by the fingers of the user of the liquid control device 100 or by various actuators. The space R1 is sealed by the joining of the second surface F2 and the third surface F3 in the joining step P4. Therefore, when the movable part 32 moves in the Z1 direction due to the pressing, the air in the space R1 is compressed by the pressurizing surface D1, and the liquid in the storage chamber 25 is pressurized via the second communication path 27. By the pressurization described above, the liquid in the storage chamber 25 is supplied to the flow path 11 through the first communication path 26 and the supply port 12. That is, the liquid sending step P6 is a step of supplying the liquid in the storage chamber 25 to the flow channel 11 by pressing the movable part 32.

[0048] Incidentally, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , a configuration in which a cylindrical storage chamber 25 is formed inside the storage unit 20 is also conceivable. However, in the configuration of FIG. 11 , there is a possibility that liquid may remain in a corner α of the storage chamber 25 located vertically downward during the liquid transfer step P6. In contrast to the configuration of FIG. 11 , in this embodiment, the inner wall surface 25a of the storage chamber 25 is an inclined surface, so that the liquid in the storage chamber 25 flows smoothly toward the first communication passage 26 during the liquid transfer step P6. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the liquid from remaining in the storage chamber 25 compared to the configuration of FIG. 11 .

[0049] As described above, in this embodiment, the storage unit 20 and the pressurizing unit 30 are configured separately from each other, so that the user can store the desired liquid in the storage chamber 25 at any time. That is, the user can supply the desired liquid to the flow path unit 10. Furthermore, because the liquid is stored in the storage chamber 25 of the storage unit 20, the possibility that the liquid supplied from the supply device 300 will unintentionally flow into the flow path unit 10 due to capillary action or the like can be reduced.

[0050] C: Modified Example Specific modified embodiments that can be added to each of the embodiments exemplified above are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not being mutually contradictory.

[0051] (1) The shape of the storage chamber 25 is not limited to the shape illustrated in Fig. 3. For example, if the remaining liquid in the storage chamber 25 is not a particular problem, the cylindrical storage chamber 25 illustrated in Fig. 11 may be formed in the storage unit 20. That is, the configuration of Fig. 11 is included in the scope of the present invention. The configuration of Fig. 11 has the advantage that it is easy to ensure the capacity of the storage chamber 25.

[0052] (2) In the above embodiment, the first member 21 and the second member 22 of the storage unit 20 are bonded together by the adhesive layer 23. However, the method for bonding the first member 21 and the second member 22 is not limited to the above example. The bonding surface Q1 and the bonding surface Q2 may be bonded together by performing a surface treatment on one or both of the bonding surface Q1 of the first member 21 and the bonding surface Q2 of the second member 22. An example of the surface treatment is plasma treatment. According to the embodiment in which the surface treatment is performed on the bonding surface Q1 or the bonding surface Q2, the first member 21 and the second member 22 can be bonded together without using an adhesive. Therefore, the adhesive layer 23 may be omitted.

[0053] (3) In the above embodiment, the pressure unit 30 is exemplified as having the support portion 31, the movable portion 32, and the connecting portion 33 integrally formed therein, but the configuration of the pressure unit 30 is not limited to the above example. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12 , the movable portion 32 and the connecting portion 33 may be formed as separate elements from the support portion 31, and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 33 and the inner circumferential surface of the support portion 31 may be connected to each other. In the configuration of FIG. 12 , the support portion 31 may be formed of a material different from that of the movable portion 32 and the connecting portion 33. For example, the support portion 31 does not need to be made of an elastic material and may be made of a hard material.

[0054] 13, the pressure unit 30 may be configured by laminating a first layer L1, a second layer L2, and a third layer L3. The second layer L2 is located between the first layer L1 and the third layer L3. The support portion 31 is configured by laminating the first layer L1, the second layer L2, and the third layer L3. The movable portion 32 and the connecting portion 33 are configured by the second layer L2.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a connecting portion 33 is interposed between the support portion 31 and the movable portion 32. However, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the connecting portion 33 may be omitted. In the configuration of FIG. 14, the outer periphery of the disk-shaped movable portion 32 is directly connected to the inner periphery of the support portion 31. That is, the space inside the support portion 31 is closed by the movable portion 32. The configuration of FIG. 14 can also be said to be a configuration in which the step between the movable portion 32 and the connecting portion 33 in the above-described embodiment is omitted. In the liquid transfer step P6, the center of the operation surface D2 is pressed in the Z1 direction, causing the movable portion 32 to elastically deform as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 14. That is, the center of the movable portion 32 moves in the Z1 direction. As can be understood from the above description, the movement of the movable portion 32 in the liquid transfer step P6 may be the movement of the entire movable portion 32 as illustrated in the above-described embodiment, or may be the movement of only a portion of the movable portion 32. Similarly, in the configuration of FIG. 12 or 13, the connecting portion 33 may be omitted.

[0056] (4) The first protective film 35 may be omitted. In a configuration in which the first protective film 35 is omitted, an adhesive (adhesive layer 28) is applied to the second surface F2 or the third surface F3 in the bonding step P4. The second protective film 36 may also be omitted.

[0057] (5) As described above, the second protective film 36 is attached to the fourth surface F4 to seal the space R2. Therefore, when the second protective film 36 is pressed from the outside and deforms in the Z1 direction, the air in the space R2 is compressed, which may result in the movable portion 32 being pressed and moving in the Z1 direction. To prevent unintended movement of the movable portion 32, a through-hole that connects the space R2 to the atmosphere may be formed in the second protective film 36. With the above configuration, the movable portion 32 does not move even when the second protective film 36 deforms in the Z1 direction, thereby reducing the possibility that the liquid in the storage chamber 25 will be unintendedly supplied to the flow path unit 10. Note that in a configuration in which a gap is likely to form between the second protective film 36 and the fourth surface F4, movement of the movable portion 32 due to deformation of the second protective film 36 can be prevented without forming a through-hole in the second protective film 36. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 100...liquid control device, 200...liquid delivery mechanism, 10...flow path unit, 11...flow path, 12...supply port, 13...installation surface, 20...storage unit, 21...first member, 22...second member, 23...adhesive layer, 24...recess, 25...storage chamber, 25a...inner wall surface, 26...first communication passage, 27...second communication passage, 28...adhesive layer, 30...pressurizing unit, 31...support portion, 32...movable portion, 33...connecting portion, 34...adhesive layer, 35...first protective film, 36...second protective film.

Claims

1. A liquid delivery mechanism for supplying a liquid to a flow path unit including a mounting surface, a supply port formed on the mounting surface, and a flow path communicating with the supply port, The apparatus includes a storage unit and a pressurizing unit that are configured separately from each other, The storage unit comprises: a first surface joined to the installation surface; a plate-like portion having a second surface opposite to the first surface; a reservoir chamber for storing a liquid between the first surface and the second surface; a first communication passage formed in the first surface and communicating with the supply port and the storage chamber; a second communication passage that passes through the plate-like portion from the second surface to communicate with the storage chamber and supplies liquid to the storage chamber; The pressurizing unit is a tubular support portion having a third surface joined to the second surface as an end surface; a movable part disposed inside the support part and movable in the axial direction of the support part; Liquid delivery mechanism.

2. The inner wall surface of the storage chamber is an inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber at a first position in the axial direction is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber at a second position in the axial direction that is closer to the second surface than the first position. The liquid delivery mechanism according to claim 1.

3. A liquid delivery mechanism for supplying a liquid to a flow path unit including a mounting surface, a supply port formed on the mounting surface, and a flow path communicating with the supply port, The apparatus includes a storage unit and a pressurizing unit that are configured separately from each other, The storage unit comprises: a first surface joined to the installation surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; a reservoir chamber for storing a liquid between the first surface and the second surface; a first communication passage formed in the first surface and communicating with the supply port and the storage chamber; a second communication passage formed in the second surface and communicating with the storage chamber; The pressurizing unit is a tubular support portion having a third surface joined to the second surface as an end surface; a movable part disposed inside the support part and movable in an axial direction of the support part, The pressurizing unit is an adhesive layer formed on the third surface; and a first protective film releasably attached to the adhesive layer. Liquid delivery mechanism.

4. A liquid delivery mechanism for supplying a liquid to a flow path unit including a mounting surface, a supply port formed on the mounting surface, and a flow path communicating with the supply port, The apparatus includes a storage unit and a pressurizing unit that are configured separately from each other, The storage unit comprises: a first surface joined to the installation surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; a reservoir chamber for storing a liquid between the first surface and the second surface; a first communication passage formed in the first surface and communicating with the supply port and the storage chamber; a second communication passage formed in the second surface and communicating with the storage chamber; The pressurizing unit is a tubular support portion having a third surface joined to the second surface as an end surface; a movable part disposed inside the support part and movable in an axial direction of the support part, the support portion includes a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the movable portion is located between the third surface and the fourth surface in the axial direction, The pressurizing unit is a second protective film releasably attached to the fourth surface; The movable portion and the second protective film face each other with a gap therebetween. Liquid delivery mechanism.

5. A flat channel unit; The apparatus includes a storage unit and a pressurizing unit that are configured separately from each other, The flow path unit includes: The installation surface and A supply port formed on the installation surface; a flow path communicating with the supply port, The storage unit comprises: a first surface joined to a partial region of the installation surface; a second surface opposite the first surface; a reservoir chamber for storing a liquid between the first surface and the second surface; a first communication passage formed in the first surface and communicating with the supply port and the storage chamber; a second communication passage formed in the second surface and communicating with the storage chamber; The pressurizing unit is a tubular support portion having a third surface joined to the second surface as an end surface; a movable part disposed inside the support part and movable in the axial direction of the support part; Fluid control device.

6. a flow path unit including an installation surface, a supply port formed on the installation surface, and a flow path communicating with the supply port; a storage unit including a first surface joined to the installation surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a storage chamber for storing a liquid between the first surface and the second surface, a first communication passage formed in the first surface and communicating with the supply port and the storage chamber, and a second communication passage formed in the second surface and communicating with the storage chamber; a preparation step of preparing the a storing step of storing the liquid in the storage chamber by supplying the liquid from a supply device to the second communication passage after the preparation step is performed; a joining step of joining the third surface of a pressurizing unit including a tubular support portion having a third surface as an end surface and a movable portion disposed inside the support portion and movable in an axial direction of the support portion to the second surface after the storage step is performed; a liquid supplying step of supplying the liquid in the storage chamber to the flow path of the flow path unit through the first communication path and the supply port by pressing the movable part toward the storage unit after the joining step is performed; A method of controlling a liquid, comprising: the pressure applying unit further includes an adhesive layer formed on the third surface and a first protective film releasably attached to the adhesive layer, The method further includes a first peeling step of peeling off the first protective film before the bonding step is performed, In the bonding step, the third surface is bonded to the second surface by utilizing the adhesive layer exposed by peeling off the first protective film. Liquid control methods.

7. a flow path unit including an installation surface, a supply port formed on the installation surface, and a flow path communicating with the supply port; a storage unit including a first surface joined to the installation surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a storage chamber for storing a liquid between the first surface and the second surface, a first communication passage formed in the first surface and communicating with the supply port and the storage chamber, and a second communication passage formed in the second surface and communicating with the storage chamber; a preparation step of preparing the a storing step of storing the liquid in the storage chamber by supplying the liquid from a supply device to the second communication passage after the preparation step is performed; a joining step of joining the third surface of a pressurizing unit including a tubular support portion having a third surface as an end surface and a movable portion disposed inside the support portion and movable in an axial direction of the support portion to the second surface after the storage step is performed; a liquid supplying step of supplying the liquid in the storage chamber to the flow path of the flow path unit through the first communication path and the supply port by pressing the movable part toward the storage unit after the joining step is performed; A method of controlling a liquid, comprising: the pressure applying unit includes a second protective film releasably attached to a fourth surface of the support portion opposite to the third surface, The method further includes a second peeling step of peeling off the second protective film between the joining step and the liquid feeding step. Liquid control methods.

Images