FLUID HANDLING DEVICE AND FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fluid handling device and a fluid handling system.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, a microchannel chip or the like has been used to analyze cells, proteins, and nucleic acids. The microchannel chip has the advantage of requiring only a small amount of reagents and samples for analysis, and are expected to be used in a variety of applications such as clinical tests, food tests and environment tests. In case the microchannel chip is used for analysis, it is necessary to connect a pump such as a peristaltic pump to the channel for flowing fluid to the channel.

For example, PTL 1 discloses a transfusion device which has a peristaltic pump (rotary membrane pump) including an arc-shaped pump channel.

CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
PTL 1
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0028751
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem

FIG. 1A is a plan view schematically illustrating a rotary membrane pump 24 disclosed in PTL 1. Left view of FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along B1-B1 line in FIG. 1A. Right view of FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along B2-B2 line in FIG. 1A. As shown in the left view of FIG. 1B, there are spaces (grooves 23 closed by a film 22; pump channel) disposed symmetrically with respect to a center of an arc, in which fluid can flow. On the other hand, as shown in the right view of FIG. 1B, there is a space disposed one side with respect to the center of the arc, in which fluid can flow.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a rotary membrane pump 24 is composed of a groove 23 disposed on a substrate 21 and a film 22 (diaphragm) disposed on the substrate 21 so as to close the groove 23. Further, as can be seen from the right view of FIG. 1B, the height of the area between both ends of the arc-shaped groove 23 is the same as the height of the surface of the substrate 21, and the area is a protrusion 25 with respect to the groove 23.

As shown in FIG. 1C, pressing protrusions 11 of a rotary member 10 press the film 22 and the groove 23 is closed, and the rotary membrane pump 24 exerts a pumping function.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1C, two pressing protrusions 11 of the rotary member 10 press the film 22 to the bottom of the groove 23 and the rotary member 10 rotates to exert a pumping function.

Here, as shown in the left view of FIG. 1C, when both of the two pressing protrusions 11 are on the groove 23 and move while pressing the film 22 to the bottom of the grooves 23, the rotary member 10 rotates without problems, and the pumping function is appropriately exhibited.

However, as shown in the right view of FIG. 1C, when one of the pressing protrusions 11 is on the protrusion 25 between the ends of the arc-shaped groove 23, the pressing protrusion 11 rides on the protrusion 25, and the rotary member 10 may be inclined. Thus, the other pressing protrusion 11 cannot properly press the film 22 to the bottom of the groove 23. Consequently, the rotary membrane pump 24 may not be able to exert an appropriate pumping function.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid handling device capable of preventing an inclination of the rotary member for pressing the rotary membrane pump. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a fluid handling system having this fluid handling device.

Solution to Problem

A fluid handling device according to an embodiment of the present invention including: a substrate; an arc-shaped groove having a central angle more than 180° disposed on the substrate; a first protrusion located between both ends of the groove in the same circumference as the arc-shaped groove; a second protrusion disposed in the groove; and a film joined on the substrate so as to cover the groove, the first protrusion and the second protrusion, wherein the groove closed by the film functions as a rotary membrane pump.

A fluid handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the fluid handling device described above and a rotary member for pressing the rotary membrane pump of the fluid handling device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluid handling device capable of preventing the inclination of the rotary member for pressing the rotary membrane pump. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluid handling system having the fluid handling device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a plan view schematically illustrating a conventional rotary membrane pump, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a B1-B1 line and a B2-B2 line in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating operation of a fluid handling system including the conventional rotary membrane pump; 1

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a fluid handling system according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a fluid handling device; 2

FIG. 3A is a partially enlarged sectional view of FIG. 2A, and a cross-sectional view of an arc-shaped groove having a second protrusion, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an arcuate groove having no second protrusion; 3

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a rotary member, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the rotary member; and

FIG. 5A is a diagram schematically illustrating the operation of a fluid handling system according to a comparative example, and FIG. 5B is a diagram schematically illustrating the operation of the fluid handling system according to the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Configurations of Fluid Handling System

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a fluid handling system 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a fluid handling device 200 of a fluid handling system 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3A is a partially enlarged sectional view of the circumference of a rotary membrane pump 240 in FIG. 2A (a groove 234, a first protrusion 251, a second protrusion 252). FIG. 3B is a partially enlarged sectional view, when it is assumed that there is no second protrusion 252 in FIG. 3A. In FIG. 2B, the groove 234 which serves as a channel 233 and other components are illustrated for explanation, although they are not seen originally since they are covered by the film 220. The cross-section of fluid handling system 100 in FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of A-A line in FIG. 2B.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the fluid handling system 100 has a fluid handling device 200, a first rotary member 110 for pressing a valve 232 of a rotary membrane valve of the fluid handling device 200, and a second rotary member 120 for pressing the rotary membrane pump 240 of the fluid handling device 200.

The first rotary member 110 is rotated about the first central axis CA1 by an external drive mechanism (not shown). The second rotary member 120 is rotated about a second central axis CA2 by an external drive mechanism (not shown). The fluid handling device 200 has a substrate 210 and a film 220 and is installed so that the film 220 contacts with the first rotary member 110 and the second rotary member 120. Note that, in FIG. 2A, for clarity of the configuration of the fluid handling system 100, each components are illustrated in condition of apart from each other.

As mentioned above, the fluid handling device 200 has a substrate 210 and a film 220 (see FIG. 2A). In the substrate 210, the groove 234 to from the flow path 233, an arc-shaped groove 241 to form an arc-shaped rotary membrane pump 240, and through holes 231 to serve as an inlets or outlets are formed. Further, the substrate 210 has a first protrusion 251 located between both ends of the arc-shaped groove 241, and at least one second protrusion 252 disposed in the arc-shaped groove 241.

Film 220 is joined to one surface of the substrate 210 so as to cover the groove 234, the first protrusion 251, the second protrusion 252 and the through hole 231 formed on the substrate 210. The groove 234 on the substrate 210 closed by the film 220 serves as a channel 233 for flowing a fluid such as a reagent or a liquid sample, a cleaning liquid, a gas, or a powder. The arc-shaped groove 241 closed by the film 220 becomes a rotary membrane pump 240 for moving the fluid. Incidentally, the film 220 which closes the arc-shaped groove 241 functions as a diaphragm of the rotary membrane pump 240. Further, the through hole 231 closed by the film 220 becomes a well 230. Incidentally, the well 230 is used as an inlet for introducing the fluid, or an outlet for taking out the fluid.

The thickness of the substrate 210 is not particularly limited. For example, the thickness of the substrate 210 is 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The substrate 210 may be in the form of a film having a thickness of less than 1 mm. Also, the material of the substrate 210 is not particularly limited. For example, the material of the substrate 210 may be appropriately selected from known resins and glasses. The material of the substrate 210 may be an elastic body. Examples of materials of the substrate 210 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin-based resins, silicone resins and elastomers.

The thickness of the film 220 is not particularly limited as long as it can function as a diaphragm. For example, the thickness of the film 220 is 30 μm or more and 300 μm or less. In this embodiment, the thickness of the film 220 is 200 μm. Also, the material of the film 220 is not particularly limited as long as it can function as a diaphragm. For example, the material of the film 220 may be appropriately selected from known resins.

Examples of materials of film 220 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin-based resins, silicone resins and elastomers. Examples of elastomers include olefinic elastomers and cycloolefin-based elastomers (cycloolefin-based elastomers). The film 220 is joined to the substrate 210 by, for example, thermal welding or laser welding, an adhesive or the like. Note that the material of the film 220 may be the same as or different from the material of the substrate 210.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fluid handling device 200 has wells 230, valves 232, channels 233, a rotary membrane pump 240, and a vent hole 242. The fluid introduced into the well 230 is sent to the channel 233 by driving the rotary membrane pump 240 while being controlled by the opening and closing of the valves 232. Hereinafter, these components will be described.

The well 230 is a bottomed recess. The number of wells 230 is not particularly limited and is appropriately set depending on the intended use. In this embodiment, the fluid handling device 200 has a plurality of wells 230 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In this embodiment, each of the wells (recesses) 230 is composed of a through hole 231 formed in the substrate 210 and a film 220 which closes one opening of the through hole 231. The shape and size of these recesses are not particularly limited, and appropriately set depending on the intended use. The shape of these recesses is, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape. The width of these recesses is, for example, about 2 mm.

The valves 232 control the flow of fluid in channel 233. In this embodiment, these valves 232 are rotary membrane valves (diaphragm valves) whose opening and closing are controlled by the rotation of the first rotary member 110. In this embodiment, a plurality of valves 232 is disposed on a circumference of a first circle centered on the first central axis CA1. Further, the valve 232 is disposed between the well 230 and the arc-shaped channel 233 (see FIG. 2B).

The valve 232 is closed, when the first pressing protrusion 111 of the first rotary member 110 which rotates about the first central axis CA1 presses the film 220 toward the bottom of the groove. Thus, the film 220 functions as a diaphragm for the valve 232.

The channel 233 is a flow path through which the fluid can move. One end of channel 233 is connected to a well 230 and the other end is connected to a rotary membrane pump 240

In this embodiment, each of the channels 233 is composed of a groove 234 formed in the substrate 210, and a film 220 which closes the opening of the groove. The cross-sectional area and the cross-sectional shape of the channel is not particularly limited. Examples of cross-sectional shape of the channel include rectangular and U-shape.

The rotary membrane pump 240 is composed of an arc-shaped groove 241 having a central angle a more than 180° disposed on the substrate and a film 220 disposed to cover the arc-shaped groove 241, as shown in FIG. 2B. Although the center angle a is not particularly limited as long as it exceeds 180°, the center angle a is preferably 270° or more, and more preferably 330° or more, in order to make the capacity of the rotary membrane pump 240 sufficient.

One end of the rotary membrane pump 240 is connected to the channel 233, and the other end of the rotary membrane pump 240 is connected to the vent hole 242 via the channel 233. The diaphragm of the rotary membrane pump 240 is a part of the flexible film 220. The diaphragm has an arc-shape centered on the second central axis CA2. The cross-sectional area and the cross-sectional shape of the arc-shaped groove 241 is not particularly limited. Examples of cross-sectional shapes of the arc-shaped grooves 241 include rectangular and U-shape.

As shown in FIG. 2B, there is the first protrusion 251 between both ends of the arc-shaped groove 241. The second pressing protrusion 122 passes on the first protrusion 251, while pressing the first protrusion 251. Therefore, the second rotary member 120 is easily subjected to a force such as tilting, if there is not the second protrusion 252 described later (see FIG. 5A).

As shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3A, the second protrusion 252 is disposed in the arc-shaped groove 241. The second protrusion 252 may be at least one (one or more). The second protrusion 252 is a protrusion with respect to the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 241. For example, in FIG. 3A, the second protrusion 252 is a concave portion with respect to the surface of the substrate 210, but a convex portion with respect to the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 241 (see and compare with FIG. 3B in which the arc-shaped groove 241 does not have a second protrusion 252).

The second protrusion 252 is for preventing inclination of the second rotary member 120 by the first protrusion 251 (see FIG. 5B).

The first protrusion 251 and the second protrusion 252 is preferably disposed so as to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of the second pressing protrusion 122 in the second rotary member 120. By being arranged so as to correspond in this way, the second rotary member 120 is prevented from being inclined. The number of the second protrusion 252 may be one or a plurality.

For example, in plan view of the second rotary member 120, the second pressing protrusions 122 are usually arranged at equal intervals around the rotational center of the second pressing protrusions (see FIG. 4A, which will be described later). Therefore, the first protrusion and at least one second protrusion are preferably arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the circle corresponding to the arc-shape.

The number of the second pressing protrusion 122 may be a plurality. In this embodiment, the number of the second pressing convex portion 122 is two. The two second pressing protrusion 122 are disposed so as to face each other across the second central axis CA2 of the second rotary member 120 (the center of the rotary membrane pump) (see FIG. 4A which will be described later). Therefore, so as to correspond to this, the first protrusion 251 and the second protrusion 252 is disposed so as to face each other across the second central axis CA2 (They are arranged at 180° intervals on the circumference about the second central axis).

Similarly, when the number of the second pressing protrusion 122 is three and they are arranged evenly (at 120° intervals), the first protrusion 251 and each of the two second protrusions 252 are arranged on the circumference around the second central axis CA2 at 120° intervals, so as to correspond to the second pressing protrusions 122.

Similarly, when the number of the second pressing protrusion 122 is four and they are arranged evenly (at 90° intervals), the first protrusion 251 and each of the three second protrusions 252 are arranged on the circumference around the second central axis CA2 at 90° intervals, so as to correspond to the second pressing protrusions 122.

In the direction along the circumference, it is preferable that the length of the second protrusion 252 is substantially the same as the length of the first protrusion 251, or longer than the length of the first protrusion 251. From this, it is possible to avoid a state in which a certain second pressing protrusion 122 is riding on the first protrusion 251 and the other second pressing protrusion 122 is not riding on the second protrusion 252. And as a result, the inclination of the second rotary member 120 is prevented.

Specifically, in the direction along the circumference, the length of the second protrusion 252 is, for example, 90% or more, 100% or more, or 110% or more of the length of the first protrusion 251. The upper limit of the length of the second protrusion 252 is, for example, preferably 120% or less of the length of the first protrusion 251 in the direction along the circumference. When the length of the second protrusion 252 is within the above range with respect to the length of the first protrusion 251, the inclination of the second rotary member 120 is prevented.

The height of the second protrusion 252 from the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 241 is preferably equal to or less than the height of the first protrusion from the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 241. Specifically, the height of the second protrusion from the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 241 is preferably 50% to 100%, and more preferably 70% to 80% of the height of the first protrusion from the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 241.

In the present embodiment, the depth of the arc-shaped groove 241 is 200 μm, the height of the first protrusion 251 from the bottom of the groove is 200 μm, and the height of the second protrusion 252 from the bottom of the groove is 150 μm. That is, in this embodiment, the height of the second protrusion 252 is 75% of the height of the first protrusion 251.

Incidentally, in case the height of the second protrusion 252 from the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 241 is the same as the height of the first protrusion 251 from the bottom of the arcuate groove 241 (in case the above numerical value is 100%), the height of the second protrusion 252 becomes the same height as the surface of the substrate 210. Thus, there is no space between the second protrusion 252 and the film 220 disposed thereon. In this case, it is necessary that the second protrusion 252 and the film 220 are not bonded for allowing the fluid passing between the second protrusion 252 and the film. As both of them are not joined together, the film 220 having flexibility is swollen, and fluid can pass.

The vent hole 242 is a bottomed recess for discharging or introducing the fluid (e.g., air) in the rotary membrane pump, when the second protrusion 122 of the second rotary member 120 presses and slides on the diaphragm of the rotary membrane pump 240. In this embodiment, the vent hole 242 is composed of a through hole formed in the substrate 210, and the film 220 which closes one of the openings of the through hole. The shape and size of the vent hole 242 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set as necessary. The shape of the vent hole 242, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape. The width of the vent hole 242 is, for example, about 2 mm.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of the second rotary member 120, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a line B-B of FIG. 4A.

The second rotary member 120 includes a second body 121, and a second pressing protrusion 122 for pressing the diaphragm. The second rotary member 120 rotates about the second central axis CA2 to drive the rotary membrane pump 240.

The second body 121 has a cylindrical shape, and has the second pressing protrusion 122 disposed on its top surface. The second body 121 is rotatable about the second central axis CA2. The second body 121 is rotated by an external drive mechanism (not shown).

The second pressing protrusion 122 is for pressing the diaphragm of the rotary membrane pump 240 (film 220). The second pressing protrusion 122 is preferably arranged at equal intervals on a circle around the second central axis CA2. The number of the second pressing protrusion 122 is not particularly limited as long as the number is a plurality. The number of the second pressing protrusion 122 is, for example, two, three, or four.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the two second pressing protrusion 122 are arranged at intervals of 180° on a circle centered on the second central axis CA2.

Next, it will be described below that the rotary membrane pump is driven by the second rotary member 120.

The second pressing protrusions 122 of the second rotary member 120 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B press the diaphragm (film 220) of the rotary membrane pump, and rotate. When pressed, the film 220 flexes and contacts with the bottom of the arc-shaped groove 241.

For example, when the second pressing protrusion 122 rotates toward the vent hole 242 (counterclockwise in 2B) while pressing the diaphragm of the rotary membrane pump 240, the channel 233 becomes negative pressure, and the fluid in the channel 233 is moved toward the rotary membrane pump 240. On the other hand, when the second pressing protrusion 122 rotates toward the valve 232 (clockwise in 2B) while pressing the diaphragm of the rotary membrane pump 240, the channel 233 becomes positive pressure, and the fluid in the rotary membrane pump 240 is moved toward the channel 233.

Operation of Fluid Handling System

Next, the operation of the fluid handling system will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The left-hand and right-hand views of FIG. 5A schematically illustrate the operating conditions of the fluid handling system 100 of the comparative example having no second protrusion 252. The left-hand view of FIG. 5A is a plan view of a rotary membrane pump, and the right-hand view of FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in the left-hand view.

On the other hand, the left-hand view and the right-hand view of FIG. 5B schematically illustrate the state during operation of the rotary membrane pump 240 in the fluid handling device 200 according to the embodiment having the second protrusion 252. The left view of the FIG. 5B is a plan view of the rotary membrane pump, the right view of FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the line A-A in the left view.

Incidentally, FIGS. 5A and B show that one of the second pressing protrusions 122 of the second rotary member 122 is on the first protrusion 251 between the ends of the rotary membrane pump 240 which is arc-shape.

As shown in FIG. 5A, in the conventional rotary membrane pump, when one of the second pressing protrusions 122 is moved on the first protrusion 251, the second pressing protrusion rides on the first protrusion 251. Thus, the second rotary member 120 is inclined. Then, the inclination of the second rotary member 120 causes that the other second pressing protrusion 122 cannot appropriately press the film 220 toward the bottom of the groove 241 and completely close the groove 241. This may cause the pump to fail to function properly.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 5B, the rotary membrane pump 240 according to this embodiment, at the same time one of the second protrusions 122 rides on the first convex portion 251, the other second pressing protrusion 122 rides on the second protrusion 252. Thus, the second rotary member 120 is prevented from being inclined, and the other second pressing protrusion 122 can continue to properly press the film 220 toward the bottom of the groove 241 and completely close the groove 241. This makes it easier for the pump function to be exerted properly.

Effect

According to the fluid handling system 100 of the present embodiment, the rotary membrane pump 240 of the fluid handling device 200 has a second protrusion 252 in the arc-shaped groove 241, and the second rotary member 120 is prevented from being inclined, and pumping function is exerted more appropriately.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The fluid handling device and the fluid handling system of the present invention are useful in various applications such as, for example, clinical examination, food inspection, and environmental inspection.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

10 Rotary member

11 Pressing protrusion

21, 210 Substrate

22, 220 Film

23 Groove

24, 240 Rotary membrane pump

25 Protrusion

100 Fluid handling system

110 First rotary member

111 First pressing protrusion

120 Second rotary member

121 Second body

122 Second pressing protrusion

200 Fluid handling device

230 Well

231 Through hole

232 Valve

233 Channel

234 Groove

241 Arc-shaped groove

242 Vent hole

251 First protrusion

252 Second protrusion

CA1 First central axis

CA2 Second central axis

FLUID HANDLING DEVICE AND FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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