Stirring device and extraction device

Abstract

Provided is a technology for reducing contamination of a specimen with an aerosol present adjacently and generated during a stirring operation. A stirring device according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a stirring rod that has a space therein and has a vent hole connected to the space, and an air intake mechanism that suctions air into the space, and is characterized in that air containing an aerosol generated during a stirring operation is suctioned into the space through the vent hole by activation of the air intake mechanism, and is discharged.

Description

Stirring device and extraction device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stirring device and an extraction device.

[0002] In recent years, techniques for extracting and analyzing nucleic acids (mainly DNA) that store genetic information from biological samples such as human blood and animal and plant tissues have been widely used. Furthermore, techniques for amplifying specific regions of nucleic acids have improved, making it possible to detect specific regions by amplifying even minute amounts of nucleic acid molecules. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to extract nucleic acids accurately using minute amounts of biological samples.

[0003] In clinical diagnostics, multiple biological samples (specimens) must be processed simultaneously. Therefore, multiple extraction vessels, each for a different specimen, are arranged in a limited space within an automated device, and extraction processes are performed. However, the extraction process is performed without spatially shielding adjacent extraction vessels. Therefore, aerosols generated during agitation operations, such as the binding process between nucleic acids of adjacent biological samples and magnetic beads, and the washing / elution process between nucleic acids on magnetic beads and reagents, can contaminate adjacent extraction vessels for other biological samples. This type of contamination is a problem that requires the utmost attention in clinical diagnostics.

[0004] Patent Document 1 aims to "provide an automatic analyzer capable of preventing contamination by components evaporated from a test sample." Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology: "A fan 65 is disposed at the other end of the duct 64, and when the analytical unit cover 19 is closed, the fan 65 operates based on a control signal output from the control unit 32 of the analysis control unit 30 to draw air from outside the sampler unit 6 into the sampler unit 6 through the suction opening 68. Furthermore, the drawn-in air and air containing evaporated components of the sample evaporated from the specimen container 17 in the sampler unit 6 are drawn through the duct 64, and the drawn-in air and evaporated components are exhausted to the outside" (see the abstract of Patent Document 1).

[0005] JP 2008-82930 A

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the air flow in the same space where multiple specimens are placed is controlled, so if aerosols are generated by stirring or other operations, there is a risk that adjacent specimens may be contaminated depending on the air flow.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a device that does not pose a risk of aerosol contamination even when multiple samples are placed next to each other.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technique for reducing contamination of adjacent specimens with aerosols generated during a stirring operation.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the stirring device disclosed herein comprises a stirring rod having a space inside and an air vent communicating with the space, and an intake mechanism that draws air into the space, and is characterized in that air containing aerosols generated during stirring operation is sucked into the space through the air vent by operating the intake mechanism and then exhausted.

[0010] Further features related to the present disclosure will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. Also, aspects of the present disclosure are achieved and realized by the elements and combinations of various elements and the aspects of the following detailed description and the appended claims. The description of this specification is merely exemplary and does not limit the scope or application of the claims of the present disclosure in any way.

[0011] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce aerosol contamination of adjacent specimens. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments.

[0012] 4B 。 FIG. 4C is a schematic plan view showing the overall configuration of the extraction device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the agitator of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4E is a view for explaining the configuration of the agitator according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4F is a view showing a state in which the agitator according to the second embodiment has been moved upward. FIG. 4G is a view for explaining the configuration of the agitator according to the third embodiment. FIG. 4H is a view for explaining another configuration of the agitator according to the third embodiment. FIG. 4H is a view for explaining the agitator having a configuration in which a magnetic material is provided on the agitator shown in FIG. 4A . FIG. 4H is a view for explaining the agitator having a configuration in which a magnetic material is provided on the agitator shown in FIG. 4B . FIG. 4I is a view showing the configuration of the agitator according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 4J is a view showing the configuration of a agitator according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a container according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 4G is a plan view and a side view of the container according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 4H is a plan view and a side view showing another configuration of the ribs of the container according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 4I is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the container setting section according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 4H is a plan view for explaining an example of the shape of the ribs of the container setting section. FIG. 4I is a plan view for explaining an example of the shape of the ribs of the container setting section. FIG. 4J is a cross-sectional view of the agitator according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 4J is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a agitator combining the configuration shown in FIG. 8A with the configuration of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a stirring device in which the configuration shown in FIG. 9A and the configuration of the sixth embodiment are combined.

[0013] [First embodiment] <Configuration example of extraction apparatus> Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the overall configuration of an extraction apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. The extraction apparatus 1 is an apparatus that performs an operation for extracting a component to be extracted (e.g., nucleic acid) from a specimen (e.g., a biological sample). The extraction apparatus 1 includes a stirring device 1001, a container installation unit 1002, a dispensing / transportation device 1005, a consumable installation unit 1008, a reagent installation unit 1009, a control device 1010, and an input / output unit 1011.

[0014] The stirring device 1001 is configured to be capable of stirring the inside of a container 1003 placed in a container setting unit 1002. The stirring device 1001 has a plurality of stirring rods that are moved up and down by a drive mechanism (not shown). The container setting unit 1002 is configured to be capable of setting a plurality of containers 1003 that contain specimens 1004. The container setting unit 1002 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction of the drawing by a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0015] The dispensing / transporting device 1005 has a consumables transport mechanism 1006 and a dispensing mechanism 1007. The dispensing / transporting device 1005 is configured to be movable horizontally (horizontally and vertically on the page) by a drive mechanism (not shown). The consumables transport mechanism 1006 transports consumables placed in a consumables placement unit 1008. The dispensing mechanism 1007 dispenses reagents placed in a reagent placement unit 1009 into containers 1003.

[0016] The consumables installation section 1008 is a place where various consumables (e.g., dispensing tips, stirring rod covers, containers 1003, etc.) necessary for extraction operations by the extraction device are installed. Although not shown in the figure, the consumables installation section 1008 has an installation area for installing new consumables and a disposal area for disposing of used consumables.

[0017] The reagent installation section 1009 is a place where various reagents (e.g., bead-containing solution, elution solution, cleaning solution, etc.) necessary for the extraction operation by the extraction device are installed. Examples of types of beads that can be used include, but are not limited to, magnetic beads, silica beads, SPRI beads, and Dynabeads (registered trademark). Examples of cleaning solutions that can be used include, but are not limited to, lower alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol, and low-molecular-weight ketones. In particular, ethanol with a concentration of 70% or higher can be used.

[0018] The control device 1010 is configured to control the overall operation of the extraction device 1. The functions of the control device 1010 are realized by a control device such as a CPU or GPU executing a program.

[0019] The input / output unit 1011 is realized by an input device and an output device. The input device is operated by a user. Examples of the input device include a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, microphone, and various switches. Examples of the output device include a display, touch panel, and speaker.

[0020] The following describes an example of an extraction operation performed by the extraction device 1. In reality, the control device 1010 of the extraction device 1 controls the operation of each part during the extraction operation, but for the sake of simplicity, the description will be given assuming that each part of the extraction device 1 is the subject of the operation.

[0021] First, the user places a container 1003 containing a sample 1004 in the container placement unit 1002, places consumables in the consumables placement unit 1008, and places a reagent in the reagent placement unit 1009. After placing the necessary items in each placement unit, the user inputs the mixing conditions from the input / output unit 1011 and inputs an instruction to start operation of the extraction device 1.

[0022] When an instruction to start operation is input, the dispensing / transporting device 1005 moves to the consumables installation section 1008, and after holding the stirring rod cover with the consumables transport mechanism 1006, it moves it to the stirring rod cover installation section (not shown) of the container installation section 1002.

[0023] Next, the dispensing mechanism 1007 of the dispensing / transport device 1005 mounts a dispensing tip in the consumables installation section 1008. Thereafter, the dispensing mechanism 1007 aspirates a solution containing magnetic beads from the reagent installation section 1009 and dispenses it into the specimen 1004 on the container installation section 1002. The dispensing mechanism 1007 then discards the used dispensing tip in a disposal location in the consumables installation section 1008.

[0024] Next, the container installation unit 1002 moves to a position where the stirring rod cover mounting rod and the stirring rod cover (described later) are aligned vertically. The stirring device 1001 then moves downward and mounts the stirring rod cover on the stirring rod cover mounting rod. Details of the stirring rod, stirring rod cover mounting rod, and stirring rod cover will be described later.

[0025] Next, the container setting unit 1002 moves to a position where the stirring rod and the container 1003 containing the specimen 1004 are aligned vertically. The stirring device 1001 then drives the stirring rod up and down to stir the specimen, causing the components to be extracted (such as nucleic acids) to be adsorbed onto the magnetic beads.

[0026] Typically, a magnetic material is provided on the stirring rod, and after stirring, the magnetic beads are collected on the surface of the stirring rod cover and transferred to the next container 1003. A washing solution is dispensed into the next container 1003 from the reagent installation unit 1009 by the dispensing mechanism 1007. After releasing the magnetic beads into the washing solution, the stirring device 1001 repeats the stirring operation to wash away impurities adhering to the surface of the magnetic beads. After repeating this process several times, the magnetic beads are similarly released into the container 1003 into which the elution solution has been dispensed from the reagent installation unit 1009, and the stirring operation is performed to elute the component to be extracted (nucleic acid) into the solution.

[0027] <Configuration Example of Stirring Device> Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the stirring device 1001 taken along the line A-A in Fig. 1. The left side of Fig. 2 shows the state when the stirring device 1001 stirs the specimen 1004 inside the container 1003. The right side of Fig. 2 shows a diagram illustrating the air flow. As shown in Fig. 2, the stirring device 1001 has a stirring rod 2001, piping 2003, an exhaust device 2004, and a vertical drive mechanism (not shown).

[0028] Stirring rod 2001 has space 2006 inside, and a plurality of vent holes 2005 are provided on the side thereof, which communicate with space 2006. Pipe 2003 is connected to space 2006 inside stirring rod 2001. Exhaust device 2004 is provided midway along pipe 2003. Exhaust device 2004 can be, for example, but is not limited to, a pump or a fan, or both.

[0029] As the stirring rod 2001 moves up and down within the sample 1004, the magnetic beads 2002 within the sample 1004 and the sample 1004 are stirred. At this time, components within the sample 1004 are adsorbed to the surfaces of the magnetic beads 2002. During this stirring operation, aerosols are generated from the interface (liquid surface) of the sample 1004. The aerosols generated during the stirring operation pass through the space 2006 inside the stirring rod 2001 and the vent hole 2005 on the side, and are exhausted from the exhaust device 2004 to the outside of the extraction device 1 via the piping 2003. The exhaust device 2004 can be operated at all times during the stirring operation.

[0030] Furthermore, by designing the height of the ventilation hole 2005 of the stirring rod 2001 (L1: the distance from the tip of the stirring rod 2001 to the ventilation hole 2005) to be higher than the immersion height (L2) during stirring (L1 > L2), it is possible to prevent liquid from entering through the ventilation hole 2005.

[0031] Although not shown, a filter or the like may be provided downstream of the exhaust device 2004 to purify the exhaust. This prevents aerosols from being exhausted into an inspection room or the like where the extraction device 1 is installed, thereby preventing contamination. Examples of filters include pre-filters, coarse dust filters, medium-performance filters, HEPA filters, ULPA filters, chemical filters, deodorizing filters (including VOC-compliant and photocatalyst-compatible filters), activated carbon filters, and oil mist filters.

[0032] Summary of First Embodiment As described above, the stirring device 1001 of this embodiment includes a stirring rod 2001 having an internal space 2006 and an air vent 2005 communicating with the space 2006, and an exhaust device 2004 (intake mechanism) that draws air into the space 2006. Air containing aerosols generated during a stirring operation is drawn into the space 2006 through the air vent 2005 by operation of the exhaust device 2004, and then exhausted. In this way, by providing the stirring rod 2001 itself with a flow path for exhausting the air containing aerosols, it is possible to reduce the risk of the air containing aerosols generated during a stirring operation contaminating an adjacent specimen (a specimen to be stirred).

[0033] Second Embodiment In the above-described first embodiment, the agitator 1001 is described as being configured to exhaust aerosol from the internal space 3004 of the agitator rod 2001 using the exhaust device 2004. In the second embodiment, a configuration is described in which the aerosol is exhausted by an exhaust mechanism different from that in the first embodiment.

[0034] 3A is a diagram illustrating a stirring device 1001 according to a second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, a syringe 3001, a check valve 3002, and a check valve 3003 are provided as an exhaust mechanism instead of the exhaust device 2004.

[0035] Syringe 3001 is inserted into space 3004 from the opening at the top end of stirring rod 2001. Syringe 3001 is fixed. Check valve 3002 is provided in space 2006 above vent hole 2005. Space 3004 is defined above check valve 3002 in space 2006. Check valve 3003 is provided on the side of stirring rod 2001 above check valve 3002, and communicates with piping 2003.

[0036] As the stirring rod 2001 moves downward, air containing the aerosol is drawn through the vent 2005 of the stirring rod 2001 and the check valve 3002 into the space 3004 .

[0037] 3B is a diagram showing a state in which the stirring rod 2001 has moved upward. When the stirring rod 2001 moves upward, the space 3004 is compressed, and the air containing the aerosol is exhausted to the outside of the extraction device 1 through the check valve 3003 and the piping 2003. By continuously performing the up and down movements shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, an intermittent exhaust operation is possible in which air is sucked in through the vent 2005 near the interface of the specimen 1004 and exhausted when the vent 2005 moves away from the interface.

[0038] Summary of Second Embodiment As described above, the agitator 1001 of this embodiment has, as an air intake mechanism, the syringe 3001 and the check valves 3002 and 3003 provided in the space 3004 of the agitator 2001. The up and down movement of the agitator 2001 causes air to be sucked in and the air in the space 3004 to be compressed and exhausted. With this configuration of this embodiment, there is no need to provide an exhaust device such as a pump or fan, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the agitator 1001 and also reduces the size of the device.

[0039] Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, the stirring device 1001 is described, which is configured so that the stirring rod 2001 directly stirs the specimen 1004. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the stirring device 1001 in which a stirring rod cover is attached to the stirring rod 2001 will be described.

[0040] 4A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an agitator 1001 according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4A, the agitator 1001 of the third embodiment further includes an agitator rod cover mounting rod 2101 and an agitator rod cover 2102 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (FIG. 2). Note that the exhaust device 2004 is not shown.

[0041] The stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101 has a drive mechanism (not shown) and can be driven up and down independently of the stirring rod 2001. After the stirring rod cover 2102 is attached, the stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101 descends into the sample 1004 and is driven up and down to stir the sample 1004 containing the magnetic beads 2002.

[0042] The stirring rod cover 2102 has multiple vents 2103 on its side. Aerosols generated during stirring are exhausted from the exhaust device 2004 to the outside of the extraction apparatus 1 via the vents 2103 of the stirring rod cover 2102, the vents 2005 of the stirring rod 2001, and the piping 2003. There are no particular limitations on the relative positions of the vents 2103 of the stirring rod cover 2102 and the vents 2005 of the stirring rod 2001. However, by designing the vents 2005 of the stirring rod 2001 to be located below the stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101, it is possible to prevent the vents 2005 from becoming clogged and reducing the exhaust port efficiency.

[0043] By designing the height of the ventilation hole 2103 of the stirring rod cover 2102 (L3: distance from the tip of the stirring rod cover 2102 to the ventilation hole 2103) to be higher than the immersion height (L2) during stirring (L3 > L2), it is possible to prevent liquid from entering through the ventilation hole 2103.

[0044] Because the stirring rod 2001 and the stirring rod cover mounting rod 2101 are driven independently, a gap exists between them. By making the flow resistance of the gap between the stirring rod 2001 and the stirring rod cover mounting rod 2101 greater than the flow resistance of the vent 2103 of the stirring rod cover 2102, the efficiency of exhausting the aerosol to the outside of the device can be improved. The flow resistance of the gap can be adjusted by adjusting the diameter of the stirring rod 2001, the diameter of the stirring rod cover mounting rod 2101, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap, the length of the gap, etc. The flow resistance of the vent 2103 can be adjusted by adjusting the diameter of the vent 2103 or the thickness of the stirring rod cover 2102, etc.

[0045] Examples of materials for the stirring rod cover 2102 include, but are not limited to, polyamide, polyacetal resin (POM), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and ABS resin.

[0046] 4A, the sample 1004 can be stirred by the stirring rod cover 2102 by moving the stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101 up and down, so it is possible to eliminate the drive mechanism for the stirring rod 2001. Also, the stirring rod 2001 and the stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101 may be configured to move up and down in unison. Although not shown, the stirring device 1001 has a mechanism for removing the stirring rod cover 2102 from the stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101.

[0047] 4B is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the agitator 1001 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4B, a stirring rod cover mounting rod 2101 and a stirring rod cover 2102 can be provided to the agitator 1001 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) according to the second embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating the stirrer 1001 configured with the stirring rod 2001 shown in FIG. 4A provided with a magnetic material 2201. As shown in FIG. 5A, the magnetic material 2201 can be provided at the tip of the stirring rod 2001. This allows magnetic beads 2002 floating or settling in the sample 1004 to be attracted to the surface of the stirring rod cover 2102 and moved to another container 1003. During stirring, the stirring rod 2001 with the magnetic material 2201 attached is retracted to the upper position, and the stirring rod cover 2102 stirs the sample 1004 and magnetic beads 2002. During magnetic attraction, the magnetic material 2201 is moved toward the tip of the stirring rod cover 2102, and then the stirring rod 2001 and the stirring rod cover mounting rod 2101 are driven synchronously.

[0049] 5B is a diagram illustrating the stirring device 1001 having a configuration in which a magnetic material 2201 is provided on the stirring rod 2001 shown in FIG. 5B. The configuration shown in FIG. 5B also allows for extraction operations using magnetic beads 2002.

[0050] Summary of Third Embodiment As described above, the stirring device 1001 of this embodiment includes the stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101 that is driven independently of the stirring rod 2001, and the stirring rod cover 2102 that has a plurality of ventilation holes 2103. By using the stirring rod cover 2102, which is a consumable item, as the member that comes into contact with the specimen 1004, contamination of the stirring rod 2001 itself is prevented, making maintenance such as cleaning easier.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the agitator 1001 is described, which has a configuration in which one exhaust device 2004 is connected to one agitator 2001. Generally, an agitator installed in an extraction device includes a plurality of agitators. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of agitators 2001 are connected to a single exhaust device 2004 will be described.

[0052] 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a stirring device 1001 according to a fourth embodiment. The stirring device 1001 of this embodiment has a plurality of stirring rods 2001 (three in FIG. 6). Each stirring rod 2001 is connected to a pipe 2003. These pipes 2003 are connected to a single exhaust device 2004. In this way, there is no need to connect the exhaust device 2004 to each of the plurality of stirring rods 2001, and aerosols generated during stirring in the plurality of containers 1003 are exhausted collectively. The stirring operation of each stirring rod 2001 can be controlled independently of each other.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of an agitation device 1001 according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, this configuration differs from that shown in FIG. 6 in that each pipe 2003 is provided with a solenoid valve 2301. The opening and closing of the solenoid valve 2301 is controlled by the control device 1010. By opening the solenoid valve 2301 of the pipe 2003 from which it is desired to exhaust the aerosol, it is possible to individually set the suction point. This prevents air from being sucked in from the vicinity of the agitation rod 2001 that is not performing the agitation operation. Therefore, exhaust efficiency can be improved compared to FIG. 6.

[0054] <Summary of Fourth Embodiment> As described above, the stirring device 1001 of this embodiment includes a plurality of stirring rods 2001, and the pipes 2003 connected to each stirring rod 2001 are connected to one exhaust device 2004. Air containing aerosols generated by the stirring action of each stirring rod 2001 is exhausted by the exhaust device 2004.

[0055] Fifth Embodiment In the first to fourth embodiments, it has been described that the air containing aerosols generated by the stirring operation is exhausted to suppress contamination of adjacent containers 1003. In the fifth embodiment, a technique is proposed for further suppressing contamination of adjacent containers 1003 by changing the shape of the container 1003 or the container installation part 1002.

[0056] 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a container 1003 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8A, the container 1003 has a rib 2401. The rib 2401 is provided on the container 1003 so as to protrude upward from the top surface of the container installation section 1002. The diameter of the rib 2401 is larger than the diameter of the container 1003's storage section for the specimen 1004. The rib 2401 can be formed integrally with the container 1003. There are no particular limitations on the height of the rib 2401, but it can be set to a height that does not interfere with the stroke of the stirring rod 2001, for example.

[0057] 8B shows a top view and a side view of the container 1003 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8B, the rib 2401 is generally cylindrical, circular in top view, and rectangular in side view. The rib 2401 restricts the flow path of air from adjacent specimens, further reducing the risk of contamination.

[0058] 8C is a plan view and a side view showing another configuration of the rib 2401. As shown in FIG. 8C, a window 2402 may be provided on the side surface of the rib 2401. The number of windows 2402 may be one or more. However, when placing the container 1003 in the container placement section 1002, contamination can be prevented by placing the window 2402 so that it faces in a direction away from other specimens. Furthermore, if adjacent containers 1003 contain the same specimen, the window 2402 may face in the direction of the adjacent container 1003.

[0059] 9A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the container setting unit 1002 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9A, instead of providing the ribs 2401 on the container 1003, the container setting unit 1002 may be provided with ribs 2501. Providing the ribs 2501 on the container setting unit 1002 can also reduce the risk of aspirating air from adjacent samples. There are no particular limitations on the height of the ribs 2501, but for example, the height can be set so as not to interfere with the stroke of the stirring rod 2001.

[0060] 9B to 9D are top views of the container mounting portion 1002 to illustrate an example of the shape of the rib 2501. In the example of FIG. 9B, multiple linear ribs 2501 are provided along the vertical direction of the page to separate multiple containers 1003 into rows. In this case, for example, the same specimen can be contained in the containers 1003 in the same row. In FIG. 9B, the ribs 2501 are arranged along the vertical direction, but they may also be arranged along the horizontal direction. In the example of FIG. 9C, the ribs 2501 are lattice-shaped and are provided to separate the mounting portion for each container 1003. In the example of FIG. 9D, the ribs 2501 are circular and are provided to surround the periphery of each container 1003. Note that the shape of the ribs 2501 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 9B to 9D.

[0061] <Summary of Fifth Embodiment> As described above, in the extraction device 1 of this embodiment, the container 1003 is provided with the rib 2401, or the container installation part 1002 is provided with the rib 2501. This makes it possible to prevent contamination caused by the inhalation of air containing aerosols generated from an adjacent container 1003.

[0062] Sixth Embodiment In the fifth embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the flow path of air from adjacent specimens is blocked by providing a rib 2401 on the container 1003 or a rib 2501 on the container setting unit 1002. Instead, the sixth embodiment employs a configuration in which a mechanism for blocking the flow path of air from adjacent specimens is provided on the agitator 1001 side.

[0063] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a stirring device 1001 according to a sixth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, an aerosol guide 2601 is provided for the stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101. The aerosol guide 2601 opens downward. The aerosol guide 2601 restricts the flow path for sucking air, and can assist in the sucking of air containing aerosols near the surface of the container 1003.

[0064] The aerosol guide 2601 may also serve as a mechanism for removing the stirring rod cover 2102 from the stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101. In this case, a drive mechanism (not shown) is provided for driving the aerosol guide 2601 up and down. By driving the aerosol guide 2601 downward from the state shown in FIG. 10 , the stirring rod cover 2102 can be removed from the stirring rod cover attachment rod 2101.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an agitator 1001 that combines the configuration shown in FIG. 8A with the configuration of this embodiment. In this case, the air flow (flow path) is the gap between the aerosol guide 2601 and the rib 2401 of the container 1003. Even if a sample is present in an adjacent container 1003, the gap between the rib 2401 and the aerosol guide 2601 has high flow path resistance, and air is drawn in from the surrounding air with lower flow path resistance, eliminating the risk of drawing in air from the adjacent sample. Note that, although FIG. 11 shows the aerosol guide 2601 positioned inside the rib 2401 of the container 1003, the aerosol guide 2601 may also be positioned outside the rib 2401.

[0066] 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of agitator 1001 that combines the configuration shown in FIG. 9A with the configuration of this embodiment. In this case, the air flow (flow path) is the gap between aerosol guide 2601 and rib 2501 of container setting unit 1002. Even in this example, even if a sample is present in an adjacent container 1003, the gap between rib 2501 and aerosol guide 2601 has high flow path resistance, and air is drawn in from the surrounding air with lower flow path resistance, eliminating the risk of drawing in air from the adjacent sample.

[0067] [Modifications] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present disclosure, and it is not necessary to include all of the described configurations. Furthermore, a part of one embodiment can be replaced with a configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, a configuration of another embodiment can be added to a configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, a part of the configuration of each embodiment can be added to, deleted from, or substituted for a part of the configuration of another embodiment.

[0068] 1 Extraction device 1001 Stirring device 1002 Container installation section 1003 Container 1004 Specimen 1005 Dispensing / transporting device 1006 Consumables transport mechanism 1007 Dispensing mechanism 1008 Consumables installation section 1009 Reagent installation section 1010 Control device 1011 Input / output section 2001 Stirring rod 2002 Magnetic beads 2003 Piping 2004 Exhaust device (intake mechanism) 2005 Vent 3001 Syringe (intake mechanism) 3002 Check valve (intake mechanism) 3003 Check valve (intake mechanism) 3004 Space 2101 Stirring rod cover mounting rod 2102 Stirring rod cover 2201 Magnetic material 2301 Solenoid valve 2401 Rib 2402 Window 2501 Rib 2601 Aerosol guide

Claims

1. A stirring device comprising: a stirring rod having an internal space and an air vent communicating with said space; and an air suction mechanism for drawing air into said space, wherein air containing aerosols generated during stirring is drawn into said space through said air vent by operation of said air suction mechanism, and then exhausted.

2. The stirring device according to claim 1, further comprising a pipe connected to the space of the stirring rod, wherein the suction mechanism is one or more of a pump and a fan disposed in the pipe.

3. The stirring device according to claim 1, wherein the suction mechanism is a valve and syringe provided in the space of the stirring rod, and the up and down movement of the stirring rod causes the air to be sucked in and the air in the space to be compressed and exhausted.

4. The stirring device according to claim 1, further comprising: a stirrer cover mounting rod disposed around a portion of said stirrer; and a stirrer cover having an air vent and detachable from said stirrer cover mounting rod.

5. The stirring device of claim 4, wherein said stirring bar comprises a magnetic material.

6. The stirring device according to claim 4, wherein the flow resistance of the gap between said stirring rod and said stirring rod cover mounting rod is greater than the flow resistance of said vent hole of said stirring rod cover.

7. The stirring device according to claim 4, wherein said stirring rod cover mounting rod is configured to be drivable independently of said stirring rod.

8. The stirring device according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of said stirring rods; and a plurality of pipes connected to each of said plurality of stirring rods.

9. The stirring device described in claim 8, further comprising a plurality of solenoid valves provided in the flow path of each of the plurality of pipes, and a control device that controls the opening and closing of the plurality of solenoid valves, wherein the control device controls the plurality of solenoid valves so as to exhaust the aerosol from the flow path at a predetermined location.

10. The stirring device of claim 4, further comprising an aerosol guide disposed adjacent said stirring rod cover mounting rod.

11. An extraction device comprising: the stirring device according to claim 1; and a container installation section in which a container for containing an object to be stirred is installed.

12. The extraction device according to claim 11, wherein an upper portion of the container is provided with a wall that protrudes above an upper surface of the container mounting portion when the container is mounted on the container mounting portion.

13. The extraction device according to claim 11, wherein the container mounting portion has a wall protruding upward from the upper surface to separate the mounting area for the container.

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