Cartridges and liquid handling equipment

Abstract

To provide a cartridge which can supply liquid to a plurality of flow passage chips.SOLUTION: The cartridge includes: a body; a storage unit arranged in the body, the storage unit storing liquid; and a tube formed to cause the liquid drawn from one end of the tube leading to the storage unit to flow out of the other end. The tube has a pressing target unit for deforming the tube by pressing the tube or cancelling pressing on the tube and controlling the flow of the liquid. The pressing target unit is located outside the body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge used in combination with a flow channel chip having a flow channel through which a liquid flows, and a liquid handling device having the cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, flow channel chips and the like have been used for analyzing cells, proteins, nucleic acids, and the like. The flow channel chip has an advantage that the amounts of reagents and samples required for analysis are small, and it is expected to be used in various applications such as clinical tests, food tests, and environmental tests (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a device having a micro flow channel chip including a flow channel for performing analysis, and a cartridge in which a liquid such as a reagent or a buffer solution is stored inside a chamber and supplies the liquid to the micro flow channel chip. The cartridge described in Patent Document 1 has a chamber for storing a liquid, a plurality of nozzles communicating with the chamber and corresponding to a plurality of inlets of the micro flow channel chip, and a cap for sealing the nozzles.

[0004] In the device of Patent Document 1, the cap is removed from the nozzle, and the cartridge is connected to the micro flow channel chip. Then, if necessary, a reagent, a buffer solution, or the like is sent from the cartridge to the micro flow channel chip for analysis. Note that in Patent Document 1, one cartridge is used in a disposable manner for one micro flow channel chip.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Here, from the perspective of reducing the waste of liquid in the cartridge, it is conceivable to repeatedly use the cartridge described in Patent Document 1 for multiple microfluidic chips. However, the cartridge described in Patent Document 1 is not intended to be removed after being connected to a microfluidic chip. Therefore, when the cartridge described in Patent Document 1 is repeatedly used for multiple microfluidic chips, liquid will leak from the nozzle between the time the liquid is supplied to one microfluidic chip and the time it is connected to another microfluidic chip.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge capable of supplying liquid to multiple flow channel chips. Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid handling device having said cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The cartridge of the present invention is a cartridge for storing liquid, used in combination with a flow channel tip having a flow channel through which liquid flows, and comprises a main body, a storage section disposed inside the main body for storing liquid, and a tube configured such that liquid taken in from one end communicating with the storage section flows out from the other end, wherein the tube has a pressure-receiving section that deforms the tube by pressing on or releasing the pressure to control the flow of the liquid, and the pressure-receiving section is located outside the main body.

[0009] The liquid handling device of the present invention comprises a cartridge of the present invention, a flow channel tip having an inlet for introducing liquid from the storage section and a flow channel through which the liquid introduced from the inlet flows, and an interface for connecting the cartridge and the flow channel tip. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a cartridge and a liquid handling device capable of supplying liquid to multiple flow channel chips can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figures 1A and 1B show the configuration of the liquid handling device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid handling apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the flow channel chip and interface. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the configuration of a liquid handling device according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figures 5A-5C are cross-sectional views showing other forms of the cartridge. [Figure 6] Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views showing other forms of the cartridge. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The liquid handling apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] (Configuration of liquid handling equipment) Figures 1A, 1B, and 2 show the configuration of the liquid handling device 100. Figure 1A is a perspective view of the liquid handling device 100, and Figure 1B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the liquid handling device 100. Note that in Figure 1B, the hatching indicating the cross-section has been omitted. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the flow path tip 110 and the interface 120.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the liquid handling device 100 includes a flow path tip 110, an interface 120, and a cartridge 130.

[0015] The flow path chip 110 has a substrate 111 and a film 112. Grooves for forming the flow path 117 and through holes serving as the inlet 115 or the outlet 116 are formed in the substrate 111. The film 112 is joined to one surface of the substrate 111 so as to block the openings of the grooves and through holes formed in the substrate 111. A part of the region of the film 112 may function as a diaphragm of a valve or a pump. The groove of the substrate 111 blocked by the film 112 becomes the flow path 117 for flowing liquids such as reagents, liquid samples, and cleaning liquids.

[0016] The thickness of the substrate 111 is not particularly limited. For example, the thickness of the substrate 111 is 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Also, the material of the substrate 111 is not particularly limited. For example, the material of the substrate 111 can be appropriately selected from known resins and glass. Examples of the resin of the material of the substrate 111 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin-based resin, silicone resin, and elastomer.

[0017] The film 112 blocks the openings of the grooves or through holes formed in the substrate 111. For example, the thickness of the film 112 is 30 μm or more and 300 μm or less. Also, the material of the film 112 can be appropriately selected from known resins. Examples of the material of the film 112 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin-based resin, silicone resin, and elastomer. The film 112 is joined to the substrate 111 by, for example, thermal welding, laser welding, an adhesive, or the like.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the flow path chip 110 has an inlet 115 for introducing a liquid, an outlet 116 for discharging the liquid, and a flow path 117 through which the liquid flows. The numbers of the inlet 115, the outlet 116, and the flow path 117 are not particularly limited and are appropriately set according to the use of the flow path chip 110.

[0019] The introduction port 115 is a bottomed recess for introducing a liquid such as a specimen or a reagent stored inside the cartridge 130. The introduction port 115 is composed of a through hole formed in the substrate 111 and a film 112 that closes one opening of the through hole. The shape and size of the introduction port 115 are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the shape of the introduction port 115 is a frustum of an inverted cone. The length of the opening of the introduction port 115 is, for example, about 2 mm.

[0020] The discharge port 116 is a bottomed recess for discharging the liquid inside the flow path 117. The discharge port 116 is composed of a through hole formed in the substrate 111 and a film 112 that closes one opening of the through hole. The shape and size of the discharge port 116 are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the shape of the discharge port 116 is a frustum of an inverted cone. The length of the opening of the discharge port 116 is, for example, about 2 mm.

[0021] The flow path 117 is configured such that the liquid introduced from the introduction port 115 flows therethrough. The flow path 117 is, for example, a substantially rectangular shape with a side length (width and depth) of about several tens of μm. The cross-sectional area of the flow path 117 may be constant or not constant in the liquid flow direction. Here, the cross-sectional area of the flow path refers to the area of the cross-section of the flow path perpendicular to the liquid flow direction. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flow path 117 is constant in the liquid flow direction.

[0022] The interface 120 connects the flow path chip 110 and the cartridge 130. Note that the interface 120 in the present embodiment is also connected to a device (not shown) and the flow path chip 110. The interface 120 has a first member 121 and a plurality of second members 122. The first member 121 and the second members 122 are preferably formed by two-color molding or insert molding. Further, the interface 120 is disposed substantially parallel to the bottom surface and the top surface of the flow path chip 110.

[0023] The first member 121 has a first flow path member 125 and a second flow path member 126. The first flow path member 125 and the second flow path member 126 are connected. In this embodiment, the first flow path member 125 and the second flow path member 126 are integral. The first member 121 is preferably elastic. Examples of materials for the first member 121 include elastomers and resins. This prevents gaps from forming between the first flow path member 125 and the opening of the flow path tip 110, and prevents fluids (e.g., gas, liquid, etc.) passing through the flow path from leaking to the outside from between the first member 121 and the flow path tip 110.

[0024] The angle between the central axis of the first flow path member 125 and the central axis of the second flow path member 126 is not particularly limited. Preferably, the angle between the central axis of the first flow path member 125 and the central axis of the second flow path member 126 is less than 180°. The angle between the central axis of the first flow path member 125 and the central axis of the second flow path member 126 may be acute, obtuse, or right (90°). In this embodiment, the angle between the central axis of the first flow path member 125 and the central axis of the second flow path member 126 is 90°. In this embodiment, the first flow path member 125 is arranged along a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the flow path chip 110, and the second flow path member 126 is arranged along a direction substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the flow path chip 110. As a result, the first flow path member 125 and the second flow path member 126 form an L-shape as a whole, and the cartridge 130 connected to the second flow path member 126 can be placed to the side of the flow path chip 110 rather than on top of it. Furthermore, the first flow channel member 125 and the second flow channel member 126 form an L-shaped interface flow channel 127 as a whole. There may be multiple sets of interface flow channels 127. In this case, the angle between the flow channel formed by the first flow channel member 125 and the flow channel formed by the second flow channel member 126 should be less than 180°.

[0025] The second member 122 supports the first member 121. The shape of the second member 122 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above function. In this embodiment, the shape of the second member 122 is plate-shaped. It is preferable that the second member 122 is harder than the first member 121. Examples of materials for the second member 122 include elastomers and resins. This allows the second member 122 to properly support the first member 121.

[0026] Furthermore, the first flow channel member 125 may have a needle insertion portion 128 (see Figures 1A and B). The needle insertion portion 128 is the part into which a hollow needle is inserted from the outside into the first flow channel member 125 or the second flow channel member 126, and liquid is introduced.

[0027] Cartridge 130 stores the liquid to be supplied to the flow path 117 of the flow path tip 110, and is used in connection with the flow path tip 110 via interface 120. Cartridge 130 has a main body 131, a storage section 132, and a tube 133.

[0028] The main body 131 has a storage section 132 for storing liquid located inside it, and supports a pipe 133 connected to the storage section 132. The external shape of the main body 131 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the external shape of the main body 131 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped. outside An exposed portion 141 is provided in which a part of the pipe 133 is exposed.

[0029] The material of the main body 131 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above functions. Examples of materials for the main body 131 include resins, glass, and metals. Examples of resins include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin resins, silicone resins, and elastomers.

[0030] The exposed portion 141 exposes a part of the pipe 133 in order to allow the pressing portion 134 to press the pipe 133 against it. The exposed portion 141 has a protruding portion 142 and an exposed hole 143 located in the protruding portion 142. The pipe 133 is located inside the protruding portion 142, and a part of the pipe 133 is exposed to the outside through the exposed hole 143. The position of the protruding portion 142 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 142 protrudes laterally from the lower side surface 118 of the main body 131. The exposed hole 143 may be a through hole that penetrates the protruding portion 142 in the vertical direction, a recess that opens on the upper surface of the protruding portion 142, or a recess that opens on the lower surface of the protruding portion 142. In this embodiment, the exposed hole 143 is a through hole that penetrates the protruding portion 142 in the vertical direction.

[0031] The storage section 132 is a recess for storing liquid to be introduced into the flow channel tip 110. A communication section 145 opens at the bottom surface 119 of the storage section 132. The bottom surface 119 may be a single surface or multiple surfaces. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 119 has a horizontal surface 119a and an inclined surface 119b. The number of horizontal surfaces 119a and inclined surfaces 119b is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, there is one horizontal surface 119a and one inclined surface 119b. The bottom surface 119 may consist of only one horizontal surface 119a or only an inclined surface 119b. The number of storage sections 132 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, there are seven storage sections 132. The capacity of the storage sections 132 is also not particularly limited. For example, the capacity of the storage sections 132 is in the range of 0.01 to 500 mL.

[0032] The connecting section 145 functions as part of the flow path for guiding the liquid in the storage section 132 to the flow path tip 110. In this embodiment, one end of the connecting section 145 opens at the lowest position on the bottom surface 119 of the storage section 132, from the viewpoint of facilitating the flow of liquid into the pipe 133. The opening of the connecting section 145 within the storage section 132 functions as an outlet for the liquid in the storage section 132. At least a portion of the connecting section 145 is connected to the pipe 133. part In this embodiment, the communication section 145 of An elastic tube was positioned from one end to the other.

[0033] In this embodiment, the connecting section 145 has a first connecting section 146 and a second connecting section 147. The angle between the central axis of the first connecting section 146 and the central axis of the second connecting section 147 is not particularly limited. The angle between the central axis of the first connecting section 146 and the central axis of the second connecting section 147 may be acute, obtuse, or right. In this embodiment, the angle between the central axis of the first connecting section 146 and the central axis of the second connecting section 147 is right. The arrangement direction of the connecting section 145 is the same as the arrangement direction of the pipe 133. In this embodiment, the first connecting section 146 is arranged along the height direction of the cartridge 130 (depth direction of the storage section 132). One end of the first connecting section 146 opens to the bottom surface of the main body 131. The other end of the first communication hole may or may not open to the bottom surface of the main body 131. That is, the first communication portion 146 may be a recess opening to the bottom surface of the storage portion 132, or it may be a through hole connecting the bottom surface of the storage portion 132 and the bottom surface of the main body 131. In this embodiment, the first communication portion 146 is a through hole connecting the bottom surface of the storage portion 132 and the bottom surface of the main body 131.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 147 is arranged horizontally. One end of the second connecting portion 147 opens into the first connecting portion 146, and the other end opens to the side surface of the protruding portion 142. At least the portion of the second connecting portion 147 that overlaps with the exposed hole 143 has a pipe 133. part It is positioned there.

[0035] The pipe 133 is positioned so as to be exposed in the exposed hole 143 within at least a portion of the communication section 145, and constitutes at least a portion of the flow path for directing the liquid stored in the storage section 132 toward the flow path tip 110 (interface 120). That is, the pipe 133 is configured so that liquid taken in from one end communicating with the storage section 132 flows out from the other end. The pipe 133 only needs to be positioned in a location corresponding to the exposed section 141. In this embodiment, the pipe 133 has a first pipe 151 and a second pipe 152. In this embodiment, the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 are formed as a single unit. The angle between the central axis of the first pipe 151 and the central axis of the second pipe 152 is not particularly limited. Preferably, the angle between the central axis of the first pipe 151 and the central axis of the second pipe 152 is less than 180°. The angle between the central axis of the first pipe 151 and the central axis of the second pipe 152 may be acute, obtuse, or right. In this embodiment, the angle between the central axis of the first pipe 151 and the central axis of the second pipe 152 is right (90°). The orientation of the pipe 133 is the same as the orientation of the connecting section 145.

[0036] The first tube 151 is positioned along the height direction of the cartridge 130. One end of the first tube 151 opens to the bottom surface of the main body 131. In this embodiment, the second tube 152 is positioned so that its central axis is aligned horizontally. The second tube 152 (tube 133) has a pressable portion 134a that controls the flow of liquid by deforming the second tube 152 (tube 133) through pressing or releasing the pressure on the second tube 152 (tube 133). In other words, in this embodiment, the pressable portion 134a is a part of the second tube 152. The pressable portion 134a is positioned outside the main body 131. One end of the second tube 152 is connected to the first tube 151, and the other end opens to the side surface of the protruding portion 142. Also, a part of the second tube 152 is exposed in the exposed hole 143. In this embodiment, the pipe 133 may or may not have a portion protruding from the bottom surface of the main body 131. In this embodiment, a portion of the pipe 133 protrudes slightly to the outside from the bottom surface of the main body 131. The portion protruding from the bottom surface of the main body 131 functions as a leg of the main body 131.

[0037] The material of the first tube 151 is not particularly limited. The material of the second tube 152 (pressed portion 134a) is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above-mentioned function. Preferably, the second tube 152 (pressed portion 134a) is made of an elastic material. In this embodiment, since the first tube 151 and the second tube 152 are formed integrally, the material of the first tube 151 and the material of the second tube 152 (pressed portion 134a) are the same. Examples of materials for tube 133 (first tube 151 and second tube 152 (pressed portion 134a)) include thermoplastic elastomers and thermosetting elastomers.

[0038] Here, we will explain how to use the liquid handling device. First, as shown in Figure 3, connect the flow path tip 110, the interface 120, and the cartridge 130. The flow path tip 110 and the interface 120 are positioned so that the inlet 115 and the opening of the first flow path member 125 face each other, and the outlet 116 and the opening of another first flow path member 125 face each other. Next, fix the flow path tip 110 and the interface 120 so that there is no gap between them. The method of fixing the flow path tip 110 and the interface 120 is not particularly limited and can be fixed by known methods.

[0039] The interface 120 and the cartridge 130 are positioned so that the opening of one of the second flow path members 126 and the opening of the tube 133 face each other. Then, the interface 120 and the cartridge 130 are fixed together so that there is no gap between them. The method of fixing the interface 120 and the cartridge 130 is not particularly limited and can be done by known methods. In addition, a tube connected to a negative pressure device for creating negative pressure in the interface flow path 127 is connected to the opening of the other second flow path member 126 (not shown).

[0040] While the flow path tip 110, interface 120, and cartridge 130 are connected, a portion of the tube 133 (the pressed portion 134a) is pressed, thereby controlling the flow of the liquid (the liquid flow path 135 is blocked).

[0041] In this example, the flow path chip 110 was connected to the interface 120, and then the interface 120 was connected to the cartridge 130. However, it is also possible to connect the interface 120 to the cartridge 130 first, and then connect the flow path chip 110 to the interface 120.

[0042] Next, by releasing the pressure on the pipe 133 and opening the liquid flow path 135, the negative pressure device is activated, causing the liquid stored inside the storage section 132 of the cartridge 130 to flow into the flow path 117 of the flow path tip 110 via the liquid flow path 135 and the interface flow path 127.

[0043] (effect) As described above, according to the cartridge 130 (liquid handling device 100) of this embodiment, the flow of liquid is controlled by deforming the pipe 133, making it easy to prevent the liquid inside the storage section 132 from leaking out of the storage section 132. This allows for the proper supply of liquid to multiple flow path tips.

[0044] (modified version) Next, a modified liquid handling device 700 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The only difference between the modified liquid handling device 700 according to Embodiment 1 and the liquid handling device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is that it has a pressing part 134. Therefore, components that are the same as those in the liquid handling device 100 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0045] Figure 4 shows the configuration of a liquid handling device 700 according to a modified example of Embodiment 1.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the liquid handling device 700 includes a flow path tip 110, an interface 120, and a cartridge 730.

[0047] The cartridge 730 comprises a main body 131, a storage section 132, a tube 133, and a pressing section 134.

[0048] The pressing part 134 controls the opening and closing of the liquid flow path 135 by deforming the pipe 133 through pressing or releasing the pressure on the pipe 133. In other words, the pressing part 134 and the pipe 133 function as a pinch valve. The configuration of the pressing part 134 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above function. For example, the pressing part 134 may be configured to clamp the pipe 133 from the left and right directions, or to clamp the pipe 133 from the top and bottom directions. In this embodiment, the pressing part 134 is configured to clamp the pipe 133 from the top and bottom directions. Examples of the pressing part 134 include a cantilever, a clip, a motor-driven pressing mechanism, and a spring-type pressing mechanism.

[0049] (effect) As described above, the liquid handling device 700 according to a modified example of Embodiment 1 has the same effects as the liquid handling device 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0050] [Embodiments 2-6] Next, liquid handling devices according to Embodiments 2 to 6 will be described. The liquid handling devices according to Embodiments 2 to 6 differ from the liquid handling device 100 according to Embodiment 1 only in the configuration of the cartridge. Therefore, components similar to those in the liquid handling device 100 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0051] Figures 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing the configurations of cartridges 230, 330, and 430 according to embodiments 2 to 4. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of cartridge 230 in embodiment 2, Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of cartridge 330 in embodiment 3, and Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of cartridge 430 in embodiment 4. Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views showing the configurations of cartridges 530 and 630 according to embodiments 5 and 6. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of cartridge 530 in embodiment 5, and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of cartridge 630 in embodiment 6.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5A, the cartridge 230 according to Embodiment 2 has a cartridge body 231, a storage section 132, a tube 133, and a pressing section 134. The storage section 132, the tube 133, and the pressing section 134 are the same as the storage section 132, the tube 133, and the pressing section 134 in the cartridge 130 according to Embodiment 1, so their description is omitted.

[0053] The cartridge body 231 of the cartridge 230 according to Embodiment 2 has an exposed portion 241. The exposed portion 241 has a protruding portion 142 and an exposed hole 243. The exposed hole 243 is a recess that opens on the lower surface of the protruding portion 142.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5B, the cartridge 330 according to Embodiment 3 has a cartridge body 331, a storage section 332, a tube 133, and a pressing section 134. The pressing section 134 is the same as the pressing section 134 in the cartridge 130 according to Embodiment 1, so its description is omitted.

[0055] The cartridge body 331 of the cartridge 330 according to Embodiment 3 has an exposed portion 241. The exposed portion 241 has a protruding portion 142 and an exposed hole 243. The exposed hole 243 is a recess that opens on the lower surface of the protruding portion 142. In addition, a communication portion 345 opens on the bottom surface of the storage portion 332. The communication portion 345 has a first communication portion 346 and a second communication portion 147. The first communication portion 346 does not open on the bottom surface of the cartridge body 331. That is, the first communication portion 346 in this embodiment is a recess.

[0056] The tube 333 has a first tube 351 and a second tube 152. The first tube 351 is positioned along the vertical direction of the cartridge 330. One end of the first tube 351 does not open to the bottom surface of the cartridge body 331.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5C, the cartridge 430 according to Embodiment 4 has a cartridge body 431, a storage section 432, a tube 433, and a pressing section 134. The pressing section 134 is the same as the pressing section 134 in the cartridge 130 according to Embodiment 1, so its description is omitted.

[0058] The cartridge body 431 of the cartridge 430 according to Embodiment 4 has an exposed portion 141. Furthermore, the first communication portion 446 is not open on the bottom surface of the cartridge body 431.

[0059] A communication section 445 opens at the bottom of the storage section 432. The communication section 445 has a first communication section 446 and a second communication section 447. The pipe 433 is not located in the first communication section 446. As a result, the first communication section 446 located at the bottom of the storage section 432 is smaller compared to other embodiments.

[0060] The tube 433 does not have the first tube 151, and only has the second tube 452. Furthermore, the tube 433 is positioned only between the vicinity of the side wall of the cartridge body 431 and the side surface of the protrusion 142.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6A, the cartridge 530 according to Embodiment 5 has a cartridge body 231, a storage section 132, and a pipe 533. The cartridge body 231 and the storage section 132 are the same as the storage section 132 and cartridge body 231 in the cartridge 130 according to Embodiment 1, so their description is omitted.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pipe 533 has a first pipe 551 and a second pipe 152. The angle between the central axis of the first pipe 551 and the central axis of the second pipe 152 is acute.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6B, the cartridge 630 according to Embodiment 6 has a cartridge body 231, a storage section 132, and a pipe 633. The cartridge body 231 and the storage section 132 are the same as the storage section 132 and cartridge body 231 in the cartridge 130 according to Embodiment 1, so their description is omitted.

[0064] In this embodiment, the pipe 633 has a first pipe 651 and a second pipe 152. The angle between the central axis of the first pipe 651 and the central axis of the second pipe 152 is obtuse.

[0065] (effect) As described above, the liquid handling devices according to Embodiments 2 to 6 have the same effects as the liquid handling device 100 of Embodiment 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0066] The cartridge according to the present invention is useful in a variety of applications, such as clinical testing, food testing, and environmental testing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 100, 700 Liquid handling equipment 110 flow path tips 111 circuit board 112 film 115 Inlet 116 Outlet 117 Flow channels 118 Side view 119 Bottom 119a horizontal plane 119b Slope 120 Interfaces 121 First Member 122 Second Member 125 First flow channel member 126 Second flow channel member 127 Interface channel 128 Needle insertion section 130, 230, 330, 430 cartridges 131, 231, 331, 431 cartridge body 132, 332, 432 Storage Units 133, 333, 433 tube 134 Pressing part 134a Pressed portion 135 Liquid channel 141, 241 Exposed part 142 Protrusion 143, 243 exposure hole 145, 345, 445 communication part 146, 346, 446 1st communication section 147, 447 2nd communication part 151, 351, 551, 651 1st tube 152, 452 2nd pipe

Claims

1. A cartridge for storing liquid, used in combination with a flow channel tip having a channel through which liquid flows, The main unit and A storage section for storing liquid is located inside the main body, A pipe configured such that liquid taken in from one end and flowing out from the other end communicates with the aforementioned storage section, It has, The tube has a pressed portion that deforms the tube by pressing or releasing the pressure on the tube, thereby controlling the flow of the liquid. The pressed portion is located outside the main body. cartridge.

2. The aforementioned pipe is A first pipe opening to the bottom surface of the storage section, A second tube communicating with the flow path of the flow path chip, It has, The angle between the central axis of the second pipe and the central axis of the first pipe is less than 180°. The cartridge according to claim 1.

3. The angle between the central axis of the second pipe and the central axis of the first pipe is 90°. The cartridge according to claim 2.

4. The second tube is positioned such that its central axis aligns horizontally. The cartridge according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressed portion is formed of an elastic material.

6. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A flow channel tip having an inlet for introducing liquid from the storage section and a flow channel through which the liquid introduced from the inlet flows, An interface for connecting the cartridge and the flow path chip, A liquid handling device having the following features.

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