Dispensing apparatus, mixing apparatus, and analytical apparatus

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a dispensing device capable of improving the dispensing accuracy of a liquid-phase sample. [Solution] A dispensing device 1 according to an embodiment comprises: a cylindrical first flow passage 11 which has a cylindrical main body part 14, an opening 15 formed in the main body part 14, and a lid part 16 which closes the opening 15 and has greater flexibility than the main body part 14, and is for causing a liquid-phase sample 7 to flow downward; a pressing part 12 for pressing the lid part 16; and a pressing control part 13 which controls the pressing of the lid part 16 by means of the pressing part 12. The first flow passage 11 has an injection part 19 in which a sample injection port 11a is formed on the upstream side from the lid part 16, and is for injecting a gas between the sample injection port 11a and the lid part 16.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0002] , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

[0006] , , , , , ,

[0005] ,<000001​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The dispensing device according to the present invention is a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid sample, and comprises a cylindrical body, an opening formed in the body, and a lid that closes the opening and is more flexible than the body, and a cylindrical first flow path for flowing a liquid first sample down, a pressing part for pressing the lid, and a pressing control unit for controlling the pressing of the lid by the pressing part, wherein the first flow path has a sample inlet formed upstream of the lid, and has an injection part for injecting gas between the sample inlet and the lid.

[0008] The mixing apparatus according to the present invention is a mixing apparatus for mixing a first sample and a second sample, comprising: a second channel connected downstream of the lid portion of the first channel; a cylindrical third channel for the second sample to flow down; a confluence portion where the second channel and the third channel merge; and a mixing channel downstream of the confluence portion for generating a mixed sample obtained by mixing the first sample and the second sample, wherein at least one of the first sample and the second sample contains a magnetic insulator, and the mixing channel is provided with an electromagnet inside.

[0009] The analytical apparatus according to the present invention is equipped with a mixing apparatus of the present invention and is an analytical apparatus for analyzing the mixed sample, characterized by comprising: an irradiation unit for irradiating the mixed sample attached to the electromagnet with light; a measurement unit for measuring the reflected light of the light irradiated by the irradiation unit; and a quantitative unit for quantifying the mixed sample based on the results measured by the measurement unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that can improve the dispensing accuracy of liquid samples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an analytical apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows an example of a dispensing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a dispensing method using the dispensing device in the first embodiment. Figure 3(a) shows the state before dispensing by the injection unit, and Figure 3(b) shows the state after dispensing by the injection unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a dispensing method using the dispensing device in the first embodiment. Figure 4(a) shows the state in which the lid is pressed by the pressing part, and Figure 4(b) shows the state after the lid has been pressed by the pressing part. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a dispensing method using the dispensing device in the first modified example. Figure 5(a) shows the state before the lid is pressed by the pressing part, and Figure 5(b) shows the state after the lid has been pressed by the pressing part. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a dispensing device in the second modified example. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a mixing apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates a method for dispensing a liquid sample using a third channel. Figure 8(a) shows the sample before dispensing by the injection port, and Figure 8(b) shows the sample after dispensing by the injection port. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a method for mixing samples using a mixing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a method for mixing samples using a mixing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a method for mixing samples using a mixing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a mixing apparatus in the first modified example. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for mixing samples using the mixing device in the first modification. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing the state before attaching the sample to the electromagnet, and FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing the state after attaching the sample to the electromagnet. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a method for mixing samples using the mixing device in the first modification. FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing the state before mixing the samples, and FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing the state after mixing the samples. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an analyzer provided with an irradiation unit and a measurement unit in the mixing device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a method for measuring a mixed sample using the analyzer in the first embodiment. FIG. 16(a) is a diagram showing the state before attaching the sample to the electromagnet, and FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing the state after attaching the sample to the electromagnet. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a method for measuring a mixed sample using the analyzer in the first embodiment. FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing the state before mixing the reagent, and FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing the state after mixing the reagent. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a method for measuring a mixed sample using the analyzer in the first embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing a dispensing device, a mixing device, and an analyzer to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <First Embodiment: Analyzer 100> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the analyzer 100 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 100 includes a dispensing device 1, a mixing device 2, an information processing device 4, an imaging device 51, an irradiation unit 52, and a measurement unit 53. The analyzer 100 analyzes samples such as liquid specimens.

[0014] <Dispensing device 1> Figure 2 shows an example of a dispensing device 1 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the dispensing device 1 dispenses a liquid sample 7. The dispensing device 1 has a first flow path 11, a pressing unit 12, and a pressing control unit 13.

[0015] The first channel 11 is through which the liquid sample 7 flows. The first channel 11 has a sample injection port 11a formed on the upstream side in the direction of flow of the sample 7. For example, a sample injection device (not shown) is provided at the sample injection port 11a, and the sample 7 can be injected into the first channel 11 by this sample injection device. The sample injection device is connected to the information processing device 4, and the timing of injection, flow rate, flow rate, etc. of the sample 7 injected into the first channel 11 can be controlled by the processing unit 49 of the information processing device 4.

[0016] The first flow channel 11 includes a cylindrical main body 14, an opening 15 formed in the side wall of the main body 14, and a lid 16 that closes the opening 15 and is more flexible than the main body 14.

[0017] The material of the main body 14 is, for example, glass. The opening 15 is an opening formed in a circular, rectangular, or other shape in a part of the side wall of the main body 14. The material of the lid 16 is more flexible than the main body 14, for example, a soft plastic such as polyethylene. Preferably, the inner surface of the lid 16 is formed flush with the inner surface of the main body 14.

[0018] The pressing part 12 presses the lid portion 16 from the outside of the first flow path 11. By pressing the lid portion 16 with the pressing part 12, the lid portion 16 can be bent toward the inside of the first flow path 11. The pressing part 12 has a plurality of vane portions 18 that are rotatable around the rotation axis 17.

[0019] The pressing control unit 13 controls the pressure applied by the pressing unit 12 to the lid 16. The pressing control unit 13 uses, for example, a motor that rotates the rotating shaft 17 of the pressing unit 12 at a constant speed. By rotating the rotating shaft 17 with the pressing control unit 13, the pressing of the lid 16 by the blades 18 and the separation of the blades 18 from the lid 16 can be performed alternately. The control of the pressing of the pressing unit 12 by the pressing control unit 13 can be controlled by the processing unit 49 of the information processing device 4.

[0020] The first channel 11 has an injection section 19 formed in its side wall between the sample inlet 11a and the lid 16 for injecting a gas such as air. By injecting gas from the injection section 19, the sample flowing down from the sample inlet 11a can be dispensed in a predetermined amount. The injection section 19 is provided with, for example, a gas injection device (not shown), which can inject gas into the first channel 11. The gas injection device is connected to the information processing device 4, and the timing and amount of gas injected into the first channel 11 can be controlled, for example, by the processing unit 49 of the information processing device 4. The first channel 11 is connected to the mixing device 2 downstream of the lid 16.

[0021] <Method for dispensing liquid samples using dispensing device 1> Next, we will explain the method for dispensing liquid samples using the dispensing device 1.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3(a), in the sample dispensing method using the dispensing device 1, the sample 7 is continuously injected from the sample injection port 11a into the first channel 11.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3(b), a predetermined amount of air S is injected from the injection unit 19. The air S separates the sample 7 injected into the first channel 11 into sample 7a downstream of the injection unit 19 and sample 7b upstream of the injection unit 19. When air S is injected from the injection unit 19, some sample 7c may remain in the air S between sample 7a downstream of the injection unit 19 and sample 7b upstream of the injection unit 19. In this case, the dispensing accuracy of sample 7a downstream of the injection unit 19 is reduced by the amount of sample 7c remaining in the air S.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4(a), when the sample 7 is allowed to flow down and the air S flows down the lid 16, the pressing part 12 presses the lid 16. Specifically, the pressing control unit 13 rotates the rotating shaft 17, and the vane part 18 provided on the rotating shaft 17 presses the lid 16. This allows the lid 16 to bend inward into the first flow path 11. By bending the lid 16, the sample 7c remaining in the air S is pushed downstream and becomes one with the sample 7a downstream. Therefore, the dispensing accuracy of the sample 7a downstream can be improved.

[0025] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 4(b), the pressing control unit 13 further rotates the rotating shaft 17, causing the vane portion 18 provided on the rotating shaft 17 to separate from the cover portion 16.

[0026] By repeating the above procedure, the sample 7 can be sequentially dispensed by the dispensing device 1.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the device includes a pressing unit 12 for pressing the lid 16, and a pressing control unit 13 for controlling the pressing of the lid 16 by the pressing unit 12. As a result, when air S flows down the lid 16, the pressing unit 12 can cause the lid 16 to bend inward into the first flow path 11. Therefore, any sample 7c remaining in the air S is pushed downstream and becomes one with the sample 7a downstream. Consequently, it is possible to improve the dispensing accuracy of the sample 7.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the pressing unit 12 has a plurality of vane portions 18 that can rotate around a rotation axis 17, and the pressing control unit 13 rotates the rotation axis 17. This makes it easy to control the timing at which the vane portions 18 press against the lid portion 16. As a result, it is possible to increase the efficiency of dispensing the sample 7.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the inner surface of the lid portion 16 is flush with the inner surface of the main body portion 14. As a result, even after air S is injected into the first channel 11 by the injection portion 19, the sample 7 can flow smoothly down within the first channel 11. Therefore, the sample 7c remaining in the air S is less likely to remain in the first channel 11. Consequently, by flexing the lid portion 16, the sample 7c remaining in the air S is smoothly pushed downstream and becomes one with the sample 7a downstream. Therefore, the dispensing accuracy of the sample 7 can be further improved.

[0030] <First modified example of dispensing device 1> Next, a first modified example of the dispensing device 1 will be described. Figure 5 shows the dispensing device 1 in the first modified example. As shown in Figure 5(a), in the dispensing device 1, the pressure control unit 13 moves the pressure unit 12 in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the sample 7 (direction of arrow A in the figure). As a result, when the air S flows down the lid 16, the pressure unit 12 can cause the lid 16 to bend inward into the first flow path 11. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5(b), the sample 7c remaining in the air S is pushed downstream and becomes one with the sample 7a downstream.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the pressing control unit 13 moves the pressing unit 12 in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the sample 7. This makes it easier to flex the lid 16 inward into the first flow path 11 when the pressing unit 12 presses the lid 16. By flexing the lid 16, the sample 7c remaining in the air S is pushed downstream and becomes one with the sample 7a downstream. Therefore, the dispensing accuracy of the sample 7a downstream can be improved.

[0032] <Second modified example of dispensing device 1> Next, a second modified example of the dispensing device 1 will be described. Figure 6 shows the dispensing device 1 in the second modified example. In the dispensing device 1, multiple first flow channels 11 are provided, and one pressing part 12 can simultaneously press the lids 16 provided in each of the first flow channels 11.

[0033] One pressing section 12 is positioned across multiple lid sections 16, allowing multiple lid sections 16 to be pressed simultaneously. This pressing section 12 is moved, for example, in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the sample 7 (the front direction and depth direction in the paper in Figure 6).

[0034] According to this embodiment, multiple first flow channels 11 are provided, and one pressing part 12 can press multiple lid parts 16 simultaneously. This allows for simultaneous dispensing of samples 7 flowing down multiple first flow channels 11. Therefore, it is possible to increase the efficiency of dispensing the sample 7.

[0035] <Mixing device 2> Figure 7 shows an example of the mixing device 2 in the first embodiment. The mixing device 2 includes a dispensing device 1 and mixes liquid sample 7 and liquid sample 8. The mixing device 2 is connected to the first flow path 11 of the dispensing device 1.

[0036] The mixing device 2 comprises a second flow path 22, a third flow path 23, a fourth flow path 24, a confluence section 26, and a mixing flow path 27. The fourth flow path 24 may be omitted. In the mixing device 2, the direction toward the mixing flow path 27 is defined as the downward flow direction.

[0037] <<Second channel 22>> The second channel 22 is connected downstream of the lid 16 of the first channel 11 of the dispensing device 1. The second channel 22 may be formed integrally with the first channel 11. The second channel 22 may be formed separately from the first channel 11 and connected via a connecting pipe. Multiple second channels 22 may be provided.

[0038] <<Third channel 23>> The third channel 23 is through which sample 8, which is different from sample 7, flows. The third channel 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The third channel 23 is transparent. The third channel 23 has a sample injection port 23a into which sample 8 is injected. A sample injection device (not shown) is provided at the sample injection port 23a, and the sample can be injected into the third channel 23 by this sample injection device. The sample injection device is connected to the information processing device 4, and the timing of injection, flow rate, flow rate, etc. of the sample injected into the third channel 23 can be controlled by, for example, the processing unit 49 of the information processing device 4.

[0039] The third channel 23 has an injection section 29 formed in its side wall downstream of the sample inlet 23a for injecting a gas such as air. By injecting gas from the injection section 29, the sample 8 flowing down from the sample inlet 23a can be dispensed in a predetermined amount. The injection section 29 is equipped with, for example, a gas injection device (not shown), which can inject gas into the third channel 23. The gas injection device is connected to the information processing device 4, and the timing and amount of gas injected into the third channel 23 can be controlled, for example, by the processing unit 49 of the information processing device 4.

[0040] The third channel 23 has a junction 26 formed at the end opposite to the sample injection port 23a, where it merges with the second channel 22. Multiple third channels 23 may be provided.

[0041] The third flow channel 23 has multiple frustoconical sections 28, each formed by a pair of widening sections 281 that widen from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow direction, and narrowing sections 282 that are provided downstream of the widening section 281 and narrow from the upstream side to the downstream side. The multiple frustoconical sections 28 are provided in a series. The internal volume of one frustoconical section 28 is known to be, for example, 1 mm.

[0042] <<Mixing channel 27>> The mixing channel 27 generates sample 9 by mixing sample 7 and sample 8. The mixing channel 27 is located downstream of the confluence section 26 in the flow direction. The mixing channel 27 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0043] The mixing channel 27 has a plurality of protrusions 271 on its inner surface. The protrusions 271 are formed at an inclination toward the upstream side. The protrusions 271 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the mixing channel 27. The protrusions 271 are alternately provided on the inner surfaces on both sides of the central axis along the flow direction. The sample 7 and sample 8 flowing down the mixing channel 27 are disturbed by the plurality of protrusions 271 to meander within the channel, allowing the sample 7 and sample 8 to be efficiently mixed to produce sample 9.

[0044] <<Fourth channel 24>> A different fluid flows through the fourth channel 24 than that flowing through samples 7 and 8. The fluid flowing through the fourth channel 24 may be a gas such as air, oil, cleaning solution, or reagent. The fourth channel 24 merges with the second channel 22. The fourth channel 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The fourth channel 24 is transparent.

[0045] The fourth channel 24 has an inlet 24a for injecting fluid. An injection device (not shown) is provided at the inlet 24a, and the fluid can be injected into the fourth channel 24 by this injection device. The injection device is connected to the information processing device 4, and the timing of the fluid injection into the fourth channel 24, the flow velocity, the flow volume, etc., can be controlled by the processing unit 49 of the information processing device 4, for example.

[0046] The fourth channel 24 has a junction 26 formed at the end opposite to the inlet 24a, where it merges with the second channel 22.

[0047] The fourth flow channel 24 has multiple frustoconical sections 28, each formed by a pair of widening sections 281 that widen from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow direction, and narrowing sections 282 that are provided downstream of the widening section 281 and narrow from the upstream side to the downstream side. The multiple frustoconical sections 28 are provided in a series. The internal volume of one frustoconical section 28 is known to be, for example, 1 mm.

[0048] The fourth channel 24 has a fourth channel 241 through which an inert fluid flows to the samples 7 and 8. Examples of inert fluids include air and oil. This allows an inert fluid to be interposed between the mixed samples 9. This prevents the mixed samples 9 on either side of the inert fluid from mixing.

[0049] (Method for dispensing liquid samples using the third channel 23) Next, a method for dispensing liquid samples using the third channel 23 will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the method for dispensing liquid samples using the third channel 23.

[0050] As shown in Figure 8(a), in the sample dispensing method using the third channel 23, the sample 8 is continuously injected into the third channel 23 from the sample injection port 23a. Then, by injecting a predetermined amount of air S from the injection section 29, the sample 8 injected into the third channel 23 is dispensed into a predetermined amount by the air S.

[0051] When air S is injected from the injection section 29, the sample 8 fills the interior of one or more frustoconical sections 28 downstream of the injection section 29. Since the internal volume of the frustoconical sections 28 is known, the volume of the sample 8 inside the frustoconical sections 28 can be determined from its appearance without marking the third channel 23. This makes it possible to improve the dispensing efficiency of the sample 8.

[0052] By repeating the above procedure, the sample 8 can be sequentially dispensed through the third channel 23.

[0053] The mixing device 2 may further include an imaging device 51 and an information processing device 4. This makes it easy to estimate the volume of the sample 8 dispensed through the third channel 23.

[0054] <Imaging device 51> The imaging device 51 images the frustoconical section 28 located downstream of the injection section 29. The imaging device 51 is, for example, a camera.

[0055] <Information Processing Device 4> The information processing device 4 may be, for example, a personal computer. The information processing device 4 may include, for example, an estimation unit 41. The information processing device 4 may further include an input / output unit for inputting and outputting various types of information, and a storage unit for storing various types of information.

[0056] The information processing device 4 stores, for example, the relationship between an image previously captured by the imaging device 51 and the volume of the sample 8 filled in the frustoconical section 28.

[0057] <Estimation part 41> The estimation unit 41 estimates the volume of the sample inside the frustoconical section 28 based on the image captured by the imaging device 51. The estimation unit 41 refers to the relationship between the image captured by the imaging device 51 and the volume of the sample 8 inside the frustoconical section 28, which is stored in the information processing device 4, for example, and estimates the volume of the sample 8 inside the frustoconical section 28 based on the image from the imaging device 51. This makes it easy to estimate the volume of the sample 8 in the frustoconical section 28.

[0058] (An example of a method for mixing sample 7 and sample 8 using mixing device 2) Next, an example of a method for mixing sample 7 and sample 8 using the mixing device 2 will be described. Figures 9 to 11 show an example of a method for mixing sample 7 and sample 8 using the mixing device 2 in the first embodiment.

[0059] As shown in Figure 9, in the mixing method using the mixing device 2, the sample 8 is continuously injected from the sample inlet 23a into the third channel 23. Then, by injecting a predetermined amount of air from the injection section 29, the sample 8 injected into the third channel 23 is dispensed into predetermined amounts by the air. The dispensed sample 8 is then allowed to flow down to the confluence section 26.

[0060] As shown in Figure 10, the sample 7 dispensed by the dispensing device 1 is allowed to flow down from the first channel 11 through the second channel 22 to the confluence section 26. Then, the sample 7 and sample 8 are allowed to flow down into the mixing channel 27. After that, an inert fluid such as air is injected from the inlet 24a into the fourth channel 241, and the inert fluid such as air is allowed to flow down into the confluence section 26.

[0061] As shown in Figure 11, the samples 7 and 8 flowing down the mixing channel 27 are disturbed by the multiple protrusions 271, causing them to meander within the channel and mixing the samples 7 and 8. This produces a sample 9, which is a mixture of the samples 7 and 8.

[0062] The inert fluid that flows down into the confluence section 26 flows down the mixing channel 27. Then, the sample 8 dispensed into the confluence section 26 flows down, and the above procedure is repeated. In this way, the mixing device 2 can sequentially mix the sample 7 and the sample 8.

[0063] <First modified example of mixing device 2> A first modified example of the mixing apparatus 2 will be described. Figure 12 shows an example of the mixing apparatus 2 in the first modified example. At least one of the samples 7 and 8 contains a magnetic insulator.

[0064] The mixing channel 27 is equipped with an electromagnet 272. This allows, if at least one of the samples 7 and 8 contains a magnetic insulator, to adhere at least one of the samples 7 and 8 to the electromagnet 272 as they flow down the mixing channel 27. The electromagnet 272 provided inside the mixing channel 27 may be a magnet.

[0065] The electromagnet 272 is connected to a current control device (not shown). When current flows through the electromagnet 272, a sample containing a magnetic insulator can be attached to the electromagnet 272. When no current flows through the electromagnet 272, the attached sample can be detached from the electromagnet 272.

[0066] The fourth channel 24 further has a fourth channel 242 through which a cleaning liquid for cleaning the electromagnet 272 flows. For example, water can be used as the cleaning liquid. This allows for the cleaning of impurities and other substances adhering to the electromagnet 272. Upstream of the electromagnet 272, the fourth channel 242 may have a confluence section 26 that merges with the mixing channel 27.

[0067] (An example of a method for mixing sample 7 and sample 8 using mixing device 2) Next, an example of a method for mixing sample 7 and sample 8 using the mixing device 2 in the first modified example will be described. Figure 13 shows an example of a method for mixing sample 7 and sample 8 using the mixing device 2 in the first modified example. In the following example, sample 7 contains antigen 93. Sample 8 contains antibody 92 bound to magnetic insulator 91 via a binder. In this case, when sample 7 and sample 8 are mixed, sample 9 is produced in which antigen 93 and antibody 92 are bound. In this invention, for example, sample 7 may contain an enzyme and sample 8 may contain a substrate. In this case, when sample 7 and sample 8 are mixed, sample 9 is produced in which the enzyme and substrate are bound.

[0068] In the mixing method using the mixing device 2, the sample 8 is continuously injected from the sample injection port 23a into the third channel 23. Then, by injecting a predetermined amount of air from the injection section 29, the sample 8 injected into the third channel 23 is dispensed into predetermined amounts by the air. The dispensed sample 8 is then allowed to flow down to the confluence section 26 and into the mixing channel 27.

[0069] As shown in Figure 13(a), sample 8 contains antibody 92 bound to magnetic insulator 91 via a binder. The electromagnet 272 is subjected to an electric current and is magnetic. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13(b), when sample 8 passes through electromagnet 272, the magnetic insulator 91 contained in sample 8 adheres to electromagnet 272, while the sample 8 that does not adhere flows downstream from electromagnet 272.

[0070] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 14(a), the sample 7 dispensed by the dispensing device 1 is allowed to flow down from the first channel 11 through the second channel 22 to the confluence 26, and then down into the mixing channel 27. The sample 7 contains an antigen 93 that can bind to the antibody 92.

[0071] Therefore, as shown in Figure 14(b), when the sample 7 passes through the electromagnet 272, the antigen 93 contained in the sample 7 binds to the antibody 92 attached to the electromagnet 272, and the sample 7 that does not bind flows downstream from the electromagnet 272.

[0072] In this way, by attaching a sample 8 containing a magnetic insulator 91 using an electromagnet 272, and then allowing a sample 7 different from the attached sample 8 to flow down onto the electromagnet 272, a sample 9 can be produced by mixing sample 7 and sample 8.

[0073] After generating the mixed sample 9, the cleaning solution is allowed to flow from the injection port 24a into the fourth channel 242 and down to the confluence section 26. The cleaning solution that flows down to the confluence section 26 then flows down the mixing channel 27 to clean the electromagnet 272.

[0074] After cleaning with the cleaning solution, the mixed sample 9, as described later, may be measured by the measuring unit 53. After the measurement is completed, the current to the electromagnet 272 is released to detach the sample 9 from the electromagnet 272. Then, the cleaning solution can be flowed back into the mixing channel 27 to clean the electromagnet 272.

[0075] Subsequently, the sample 8 dispensed into the confluence section 26 is allowed to flow down, and the above procedure is repeated. This allows the mixing device 2 to sequentially mix the sample 7 and the sample 8.

[0076] According to this embodiment, a mixing channel 27 for generating a sample 9 by mixing sample 7 and sample 8 is provided downstream of the confluence section 26, at least one of sample 7 and sample 8 contains a magnetic insulator, and an electromagnet 272 is provided inside the mixing channel 27. As a result, for example, sample 8 containing a magnetic insulator 91 is attached by the electromagnet 272, and sample 7 different from the attached sample 8 is allowed to flow down the electromagnet 272 to generate a sample 9 by mixing sample 7 and sample 8.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the mixing channel 27 is equipped with an electromagnet 272. This makes it easy to collect the sample 9 that has adhered to the electromagnet 272 after mixing the sample 7 and sample 8 in the mixing channel 27 to produce the sample 9. Therefore, it is easy to repeatedly produce the sample 9.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the third channel 23 has multiple frustoconical sections 28, each formed by a pair of widening sections 281 that widen from the upstream side to the downstream side and narrowing sections 282 that are provided downstream of the widening sections 281 and narrow from the upstream side to the downstream side. As a result, the volume of the sample 8 inside the frustoconical sections 28 can be determined from the appearance without marking the third channel 23. Therefore, it is possible to improve the dispensing efficiency of the sample 8.

[0079] Next, the analytical apparatus 100 will be described. The analytical apparatus 100 comprises a dispensing device 1 and a mixing device 2, and analyzes the mixed sample 9. Figure 15 shows the analytical apparatus 100 in which an irradiation unit 52 and a measuring unit 53 are provided in the mixing device 2. The mixing device 2 is equipped with an irradiation unit 52 and a measuring unit 53. The electromagnet 272 is positioned downstream of the projection 271.

[0080] <Irradiation section 52> The irradiation unit 52 irradiates light onto the sample 9 attached to the electromagnet 272. The irradiation unit 52 irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength, such as ultraviolet light, infrared light, or visible light.

[0081] <Measurement part 53> The measurement unit 53 uses a known wavelength measuring device to measure the wavelength of the reflected light from the light irradiated by the irradiation unit 52. Alternatively, the measurement unit 53 may use a known light intensity measuring device to measure the intensity of the reflected light from the light irradiated by the irradiation unit 52.

[0082] <Information Processing Device 4> The information processing device 4 includes, for example, a quantitative analysis unit 42. The information processing device 4 stores, for example, the relationship between the wavelength previously measured by the measurement unit 53 and the content of the mixed sample 9. The information processing device 4 can control the irradiation of light by the irradiation unit 52 and the measurement by the measurement unit 53, etc., via the processing unit 49.

[0083] <<Quantitative section 42>> The quantitative unit 42 quantifies the content of the mixed sample 9 based on the wavelength measured by the measurement unit 53. The quantitative unit 42 refers to the relationship between the wavelength measured by the measurement unit 53 and the content of the mixed sample 9, stored in, for example, the information processing device 4, and quantifies the content of the mixed sample 9 based on the wavelength measured by the measurement unit 53. This makes it easy to quantify the content of the mixed sample 9. For example, the content of antibodies, antigens, enzymes, substrates, etc., contained in the sample 9 can be quantified.

[0084] The fourth channel 24 may further include a fourth channel 243 through which a liquid reagent 95 that reacts with the mixed sample 9 flows. This allows the reagent 95 to be mixed with the mixed sample 9.

[0085] (An example of a method for measuring a mixed sample 9 using the analyzer 100) Next, an example of a method for measuring the mixed sample 9 using the analyzer 100 in the first embodiment will be described. Figures 16 and 17 show an example of a method for measuring the mixed sample 9 using the analyzer 100 in the first embodiment.

[0086] As shown in Figure 16(a), in the measurement method, the sample 7 and sample 8 flowing down the mixing channel 27 are disturbed by multiple protrusions 271, causing them to meander within the channel, and a sample 9 is generated by mixing the sample 7 and sample 8.

[0087] At least one of sample 7 and sample 8 contains a magnetic insulator 91. In this case, sample 9, which is obtained by mixing sample 7 and sample 8 via the mixing channel 27, also contains the magnetic insulator 91. For example, if sample 7 contains an antibody 92 bound to an antigen 93, and sample 8 contains a magnetic insulator 91 and a binder, when sample 7 and sample 8 are mixed via the projection 271, the antibody 92 and the magnetic insulator 91 can be bound together via the binder. For example, streptavidin can be used as the binder. For example, yttrium iron garnet can be used as the magnetic insulator 91.

[0088] An electromagnet 272 is provided on the inner surface of the mixing channel 27 downstream of the projection 271. As a result, when the sample 9 obtained by mixing sample 7 and sample 8 contains a magnetic insulator 91, when the sample 9 flows down the electromagnet 272, the sample 9 containing the magnetic insulator 91 adheres to the electromagnet 272, while the sample 9 that does not adhere flows downstream of the electromagnet 272.

[0089] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 17(a), the reagent 95 is allowed to flow down from the fourth channel 243 to the confluence section 26 and then into the mixing channel 27.

[0090] As shown in Figure 17(b), when reagent 95 passes through the electromagnet 272, it is mixed with the sample 9 attached to the electromagnet 272. The sample 9 mixed with reagent 95 then exhibits a color reaction, for example.

[0091] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 18, the sample 9 attached to the electromagnet 272 is irradiated with light by the irradiation unit 52. The measurement unit 53 then measures the wavelength of the reflected light from the light irradiated by the irradiation unit 52.

[0092] Subsequently, the quantitative unit 42 refers to the relationship between the wavelength measured by the measuring unit 53 and the content of the mixed sample 9, which is stored, for example, in the information processing device 4, and quantifies the content of the mixed sample 9 based on the wavelength measured by the measuring unit 53. This makes it easy to quantify the content of the mixed sample 9.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the system includes an irradiation unit 52 that irradiates light onto a sample 9 attached to an electromagnet 272, a measurement unit 53 that measures the wavelength of the reflected light from the irradiated light, and a quantification unit 42 that quantifies the mixed sample 9 based on the wavelength measured by the measurement unit 53. This makes it easy to quantify the content of the mixed sample 9. Therefore, it is possible to quantify the sample 9 quickly.

[0094] Although some embodiments of this invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments can be combined as appropriate. In addition, this invention can be implemented in various novel forms other than those described above. Therefore, each of the above embodiments can be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of this invention. Such novel forms and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of this invention, as well as in the claims and equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100: Analyzer 1: Dispensing device 11: First channel 11a: Sample inlet 12: Pressing part 13: Pressing control unit 14: Main body 15: Opening 16: Lid 17: Rotation axis 18: Feather part 19: Injection part 2: Mixing device 22: Second channel 23: Third channel 23a: Sample inlet 24: Fourth channel 24a: Inlet 241: Fourth channel 242: Fourth channel 243: Fourth channel 26: Confluence 27:Mixing channel 271 : Protrusion 272: Electromagnet 28: Bifrustum-shaped section 281: Widening section 282: Reduced width part 29: Injection part 4: Information Processing Device 41:Estimation part 42:Quantitative part 49: Processing Unit 51: Imaging device 52: Irradiation area 53: Measuring part 7: Sample 8: Sample 9: Sample 91: Magnetic insulator 92 :Antibody 93 :Antigen 95: Reagents

Claims

1. A dispensing device for dispensing liquid samples, It has a cylindrical body, an opening formed in the body, a lid that closes the opening and is more flexible than the body, and a cylindrical first channel for flowing a liquid first sample down, A pressing part for pressing the lid, The system includes a pressing control unit that controls the pressing of the pressing part onto the lid, The first channel is, A sample inlet is formed upstream of the aforementioned lid portion. The sample inlet and the lid have an injection port for injecting gas. A dispensing device characterized by the following.

2. The pressing portion has a plurality of blades that can rotate around a rotation axis, The pressing control unit rotates the rotating shaft The dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. Multiple first channels are provided, One of the pressing parts is capable of pressing multiple of the lids simultaneously. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

4. A mixing device comprising the dispensing device described in claim 1, and for mixing the first sample and the second sample, A second channel connected downstream of the cover portion of the first channel, A cylindrical third channel for the second sample to flow down, The confluence where the second channel and the third channel merge, A mixing channel for generating a mixed sample obtained by mixing the first sample and the second sample is provided downstream of the confluence section. At least one of the first sample and the second sample includes a magnetic insulator. The mixing channel is provided with an electromagnet inside. A mixing apparatus characterized by the following.

5. The third channel is, A widening section that widens from the upstream side to the downstream side, The system has multiple frustum-shaped sections, each formed by a pair of narrowing sections that are connected to the downstream side of the widening section and narrow from the upstream side to the downstream side. The mixing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by the following:

6. An analytical apparatus comprising the mixing apparatus described in claim 4, and for analyzing the mixed sample, An irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the mixed sample attached to the electromagnet, A measuring unit for measuring the reflected light of the light irradiated by the aforementioned irradiation unit, The system includes a quantitative unit that quantifies the mixed sample based on the results measured by the aforementioned measuring unit. An analytical instrument characterized by the following.

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