JP6734042B2 - Liquid transfer system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to liquid transfer systems .

A diaphragm pump (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2) is an example of a device that transfers liquid.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-63878 Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-62475

Since the devices described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 use the diaphragm structure, shear stress is easily applied to the liquid. Therefore, for example, it has been difficult to apply in the field of biotechnology that handles cell cultures and the like.
Since the device has a complicated structure and a large size, it is not easy to sterilize and it is difficult to maintain a sterile environment. Another problem was that the device was expensive. In addition, the pulsation of the liquid transfer amount is likely to occur, and the stability of the flow rate may be reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a liquid transfer system in which a shear stress applied to a liquid is small, a sterile environment can be secured, the cost is low, and the flow rate can be stabilized. Is an issue.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention comprises: a plurality of liquid chambers formed of a flexible material, the volume of which can be increased or decreased; and a liquid supply flow path for guiding the liquid introduced from a liquid supply port to the liquid chambers, A liquid discharge flow channel for guiding the liquid in the liquid chamber to a liquid discharge port, wherein the liquid supply flow channel includes a first introduction flow channel connected to a first liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers, A plurality of liquid chambers, a second introduction flow passage connected to a second liquid chamber, and the liquid discharge flow passage includes a first discharge flow passage connected to the first liquid chamber; A second lead-out channel connected to a liquid chamber, wherein the first liquid chamber has a volume when the volume increases when the first lead-in channel is open and the first lead-out channel is closed. When the liquid is transferred from the liquid supply port through the first introduction channel into the first liquid chamber due to a decrease in pressure with an increase, and the first introduction channel is closed and the first outlet channel is open. When the volume decreases, the liquid in the first liquid chamber is configured to be transferred to the liquid discharge port through the first outlet channel by the pressure increase due to the decrease in volume, and the second liquid chamber is When the volume increases when the second introduction flow path is open and the second discharge flow path is closed, the liquid is decompressed due to the increase in the volume and the liquid flows from the liquid supply port through the second introduction flow path to the second introduction flow path. When the volume of the liquid in the second liquid chamber is reduced when the volume is decreased when the liquid is transferred into the liquid chamber and the second introduction flow channel is closed and the second discharge flow channel is open. A liquid transfer device configured to be transferred to the liquid outlet through the second outlet flow path.
It is preferable that the liquid chamber is formed in the non-sealing portion of the laminated structure in which two films are bonded to each other leaving the non-sealing portion.
The first introduction flow path and the second introduction flow path are connected to a supply-side common flow path having the liquid supply port, and the first discharge flow path and the second discharge flow path are the liquid discharge channels. It is preferably connected to a common channel on the discharge side having an outlet.
It is preferable that the volumes of the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber change according to an external pressure.
The liquid supply channel and the liquid discharge channel are preferably formed in the non-sealing portion of the laminated structure.
The liquid supply flow path and the liquid discharge flow path may be configured by flexible tubes.
It is preferable that the liquid chamber, the liquid supply flow path, and the liquid discharge flow path are sterilized.

The present invention provides the liquid transfer device, a pressing portion that opens and closes the first introduction channel, the second introduction channel, the first outlet channel, and the second outlet channel, respectively. A liquid transfer system having a volume adjusting unit for adjusting the volumes of the first and second liquid chambers, respectively.

According to the present invention, the liquid can be transferred by increasing or decreasing the volume of the liquid chamber formed by the flexible material. In the present invention, the shearing force applied to the liquid can be suppressed as compared with a device using an actuating member such as a diaphragm. Therefore, the present invention can be preferably applied to the field of biotechnology that handles cell cultures and the like.
Since the present invention has a simple structure, it is easy to sterilize and it is easy to secure a sterile environment. In addition, since it is easily manufactured, it can be provided at a low cost. Further, since the fluctuation (pulsation) of the liquid feed amount becomes small, the liquid flow rate can be stabilized.

(A) It is a plan view showing a first embodiment of a liquid transfer device of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the II cross section of (B) and (A). It is a figure which shows the II-II cross section of (C) and (A). It is a schematic diagram which shows operation|movement of the liquid transfer apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of an external pressure adjusting mechanism that can be used in the liquid transfer device shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the liquid transfer apparatus of this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the operation of the liquid transfer device shown in FIG. 4. It is a top view which shows the other example of a liquid transfer apparatus.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.
[Liquid transfer device (first embodiment)]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a liquid transfer device 1 which is a first embodiment of the liquid transfer device of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a plan view showing the entire liquid transfer apparatus 1. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line I-I of FIG. FIG. 1C is a view showing a II-II cross section of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the liquid transfer device 1 includes a laminated structure 4 in which two flexible films 2 and 2 (flexible materials) are laminated.
The films 2 and 2 are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a single layer film made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyolefin, thermoplastic elastomer, polyamide, polyester, polystyrene, and the like, and a laminate (laminated film) thereof.

Examples of the laminated film include a structure in which a base material and a sealant layer are laminated. The laminated film may be composed of a base material and a sealant layer, or may have a structure having one or more other intermediate layers.
Examples of the material of the base material include thermoplastic resins such as polyolefin, thermoplastic elastomer, polyamide, polyester and polystyrene. In particular, polyolefin and thermoplastic elastomer, which are excellent in flexibility, are suitable.

The material of the sealant layer is preferably a thermoplastic resin such as polyolefin, and examples thereof include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The sealant layer is formed on one outermost surface of the film 2. The films 2 and 2 are used with the sealant layer facing inward.

The intermediate layer is, for example, a gas barrier layer, a reinforcing layer, a light shielding layer, a printed layer, or the like, and the number and stacking order thereof are not particularly limited.
The gas barrier layer has a function of imparting a gas barrier property because it blocks a gas such as oxygen or water vapor from passing through the laminated film. Examples of the gas barrier layer include a layer made of a gas barrier resin such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and vinylidene chloride; a metal foil; a vapor deposition layer of aluminum, an inorganic oxide and the like.
The reinforcing layer has a function of increasing the strength of the laminated film. As the material of the reinforcing layer, polyolefin resin such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (O-PET), biaxially oriented nylon (O-Ny), biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) Etc.
The base material or other intermediate layer and the sealant layer may be laminated via an adhesive layer or the like, or may be laminated directly. The film 2 may be transparent or opaque.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the films 2 and 2 are, for example, rectangular in a plan view and have a non-sealing portion 3 (the liquid chamber 10, the liquid supply passage 20, the liquid discharge passage 30). It is pasted together except. Heat sealing (heat sealing), ultrasonic sealing, high frequency sealing, or the like can be used for bonding the films 2 and 2.
Of the two facing edges of the laminated structure 4, one is called a first edge 4a and the other is called a second edge 4b. The first side edge 4a and the second side edge 4b correspond to long sides. Hereinafter, the direction along the long side of the rectangular laminated structure 4 is referred to as the X direction, and the direction along the short side of the laminated structure 4 is referred to as the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the liquid transfer device 1 has liquid chambers 10, 10, a liquid supply flow path 20, and a liquid discharge flow path 30.
The liquid chamber 10 is a space formed by the non-sealing portion 3 where the two films 2 and 2 are non-adhesive, and the entire inner surface of the liquid chamber 10 is the inner surface of the films 2 and 2 (FIG. 1(B)). reference).
The liquid chamber 10 can be, for example, substantially circular in a plan view. The two liquid chambers 10, 10 are formed separated from each other in the X direction. The shape of the liquid chamber in plan view is not particularly limited, and may be a polygon such as a rectangle or a triangle, an ellipse, or an irregular shape.
One of the liquid chambers 10, 10 is called a first liquid chamber 10A, and the other is called a second liquid chamber 10B.

The liquid chamber 10 may be formed using the films 2 and 2 having no unevenness, or may be formed using the films 2 and 2 in which a portion corresponding to the liquid chamber 10 is formed in a concave shape (deep drawing shape). May be.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the liquid chamber 10 is formed by two flexible films 2 and 2. Therefore, the volume of the liquid chamber 10 can be increased or decreased by displacing the films 2 and 2 in the directions in which the films 2 and 2 approach and separate from each other. If the films 2 and 2 are displaced in the direction of separating from each other, the volumes of the liquid chambers 10 and 10 increase, and if the films 2 and 2 are displaced in the direction of approaching each other, the volume of the liquid chamber 10 decreases.
The volume of the liquid chamber 10 preferably changes according to the external pressure.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the liquid supply flow channel 20 includes a supply side common flow channel 22 having a liquid supply port 21, an introduction flow channel 23 branched at a tip 22b of the supply side common flow channel 22, 24 and.
The common channel 22 on the supply side and the introduction channels 23, 24 are formed by the non-sealing portion 3.

The supply-side common channel 22 extends from the base end 22a located at the first edge 4a in a direction approaching the second edge 4b along the Y direction. A liquid supply port 21 is formed at the base end 22a.

The first introduction flow path 23, which is one of the two introduction flow paths 23 and 24, is located closer to one side in the X direction (left side in FIG. 1A) from the tip 22b of the supply-side common flow path 22. It extends so as to be inclined so as to approach the two side edges 4b, and is connected to the first liquid chamber 10A at the extending end (tip 23a).
The second introduction flow passage 24, which is the other of the two introduction flow passages 23 and 24, is located closer to the other (rightward in FIG. 1A) in the X direction from the tip 22b of the supply-side common flow passage 22. It extends so as to be inclined so as to approach the two side edges 4b, and is connected to the second liquid chamber 10B at the extending end (tip 24a).

The liquid discharge flow path 30 has discharge flow paths 33 and 34 connected to the liquid chambers 10A and 10B, respectively, and a discharge-side common flow path 32.
The outlet channels 33, 34 and the discharge-side common channel 32 are formed by the non-sealing portion 3.

The first outflow passage 33, which is one of the two outflow passages 33 and 34, extends from the base end 33a connected to the first liquid chamber 10A to the other in the X direction (to the right in FIG. 1A). It extends so as to be closer to the second edge 4b as it goes, and is connected to the base end 32a of the discharge-side common flow channel 32.
The second outflow channel 34, which is the other of the two outflow channels 33 and 34, extends from the base end 34a connected to the second liquid chamber 10B to one side in the X direction (left side in FIG. 1A). It extends so as to be closer to the second edge 4b as it goes, and is connected to the base end 32a of the discharge-side common flow channel 32.

The discharge-side common flow channel 32 extends from the base end 32a where the outlet flow channels 33 and 34 join together and is connected to the second edge 4b along the Y direction, and the extension end (tip 32b). Is located at the second edge 4b. The discharge-side common flow channel 32 has the liquid discharge port 31 at the tip 32b.

The liquid transfer device 1 is preferably sterilized before use. The sterilization means can be appropriately selected according to the purpose and the like, and examples thereof include radiation such as γ-rays, heating with steam and the like, gas such as ethylene oxide, and the like.

The liquid transfer device 1 can be disposable (disposable, single-use). By using the liquid transfer device 1 supplied in an aseptic state, the liquid L can be kept in an aseptic state.

The liquid transfer apparatus 1 can be made into a liquid supply apparatus by connecting the liquid supply source 40 to the liquid supply port 21. The liquid supply source 40 is, for example, a container capable of storing a liquid.

[Liquid transfer system]
As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the liquid transfer device 1, the first pressing portion 51 that closes the first introduction flow path 23 in an openable and closable manner, and the second introduction flow path 24 can be opened and closed. A second pressing portion 52 that closes the first outlet passage 33, a third pressing portion 53 that opens and closes the first outlet passage 33, a fourth pressing portion 54 that opens and closes the second outlet passage 34, and a liquid chamber. The liquid transfer system 70 is configured with the volume adjusting units 61 and 62 for adjusting the volumes of 10 and 10, respectively.

The first pressing portion 51 is capable of pressing the first introduction flow path 23 against the receiving surface 55 (installation surface) by using a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor, and the film 2 of the first introduction flow path 23. , 2 can be switched between a closed state in which the flow of the liquid L is stopped by sandwiching them in close contact with each other, and an open state in which the pressure is released and free circulation of the liquid L is possible.
The second pressing portion 52 can press the second introduction flow path 24 against the receiving surface 55 (installation surface) by using a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor, and the film 2 of the second introduction flow path 24 can be pressed. , 2 can be switched between a closed state in which the flow of the liquid L is stopped by sandwiching them in close contact with each other, and an open state in which the pressure is released and free circulation of the liquid L is possible.
The third pressing portion 53 is capable of pressing the first outlet passage 33 against the receiving surface 55 (installation surface) using a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor, and the film 2 of the first outlet passage 33 is provided. , 2 can be switched between a closed state in which the flow of the liquid L is stopped by sandwiching them in close contact with each other, and an open state in which the pressure is released and free circulation of the liquid L is possible.
The fourth pressing portion 54 is capable of pressing the second outlet flow path 34 against the receiving surface 55 (installation surface) by using a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor, and the film 2 of the second outlet flow path 34. , 2 can be switched between a closed state in which the flow of the liquid L is stopped by sandwiching them in close contact with each other, and an open state in which the pressure is released and free circulation of the liquid L is possible.
The first to fourth pressing portions 51 to 54 can be operated independently of each other. Therefore, it is possible to selectively open and close any of the introduction channels 23 and 24 and the outflow channels 33 and 34. The pressing portions 51 to 54 are opening/closing mechanisms for opening/closing the flow paths 23, 24, 33, 34, respectively.

The first volume adjusting unit 61 can decrease the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A by increasing the pressure applied to the first liquid chamber 10A from the outside, and can reduce the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A with respect to the first liquid chamber 10A. The volume of the first liquid chamber 10A can be increased by reducing the applied pressure.
The second volume adjusting section 62 can decrease the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B by increasing the pressure applied to the second liquid chamber 10B from the outside, and can reduce the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B. The volume of the second liquid chamber 10B can be increased by reducing the applied pressure.
The first volume adjusting section 61 and the second volume adjusting section 62 can be operated independently of each other.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are views showing an example of the first volume adjusting section 61. The first volume adjusting unit 61 has a housing 63 that houses the first liquid chamber 10A, and a pair of movable bodies 64 and 64 provided in the housing 63.
The movable bodies 64, 64 are formed in a flat plate shape and can move up and down while being parallel to each other. The first liquid chamber 10A is provided in the space (inner space 65) between the movable bodies 64, 64.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when the movable bodies 64 and 64 are close to each other and the films 2 and 2 in the first liquid chamber 10A are close to each other, the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A becomes small.
As shown in FIG. 3B, when the gas (for example, air) in the housing 63 is discharged through the vents 63a and 63a using the pump 66 (66A), the inside of the housing 63 is depressurized. As a result, the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A increases due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the first liquid chamber 10A, and the inside thereof is depressurized. At this time, the movable bodies 64, 64 are displaced in a direction in which they are separated from each other.

When the gas (for example, air) is introduced into the housing 63 through the vent holes 63a and 63a using the pump 66 (66A), the pressure inside the housing 63 is increased. As a result, the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A decreases due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the first liquid chamber 10A, and the pressure inside the first liquid chamber 10A increases. At this time, the movable bodies 64, 64 are displaced toward each other.
Since the liquid transfer device 1 is composed of the flexible films 2 and 2, the shape and the volume of the liquid chamber 10 and the flow paths 20 and 30 can change according to the pressure of the liquid L and the like. Therefore, when the volume of the liquid chamber 10 is reduced, a rapid pressure increase of the liquid L inside the liquid chamber 10 and the flow paths 20 and 30 is suppressed, and the shearing force applied to the liquid L is reduced.

The second volume adjusting section 62 may have the same configuration as the first volume adjusting section 61. When the second volume adjusting unit 62 uses the pump 66 (66B) to reduce the pressure inside the housing 63, the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B increases and the inside pressure decreases. When the pressure inside the housing 63 is increased by using the pump 66 (66B), the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B is decreased and the inside pressure is increased.
The pump 66 (66A) of the first volume adjusting section 61 and the pump 66 (66B) of the second volume adjusting section 62 can be driven independently of each other.

The structure of the volume adjusting unit is not limited to the structure of FIG. 3 as long as it can adjust the volumes of the first liquid chamber 10A and the second liquid chamber 10B. For example, it is possible to increase or decrease the volume of the liquid chamber 10 by displacing the films 2 and 2 toward and away from each other using movable bodies that are respectively joined to the films 2 and 2 of the liquid chamber 10.

[Liquid transfer method]
Next, a method of transferring a liquid using the liquid transfer device 1 will be described.
The liquid L to be transferred is not particularly limited, but may be water, oil, solution, solvent, dispersion liquid, emulsion, suspension or the like. The liquid L may contain powder, cells, solid medium, beads and the like. The liquid L is, for example, a liquid medium, a cell culture solution, or the like.

(First operation)
The first operation is an operation of increasing the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A and decreasing the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B. Hereinafter, the first operation will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 2(A), in the state where the first introduction channel 23 is opened and the first outlet channel 33 is closed by the third pressing section 53, the first volume adjustment section 61 is used to The volume of the liquid chamber 10A is increased. The liquid L is transferred from the liquid supply port 21 through the first introduction flow path 23 into the first liquid chamber 10A by the reduced pressure due to the increase in the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A.
At this time, the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B is reduced by using the second volume adjusting unit 62 with the second pressing channel 52 closing the second inlet channel 24 and the second outlet channel 34 being opened. Let The liquid L in the second liquid chamber 10B is transferred to the liquid discharge port 31 through the second outlet flow path 34 and discharged from the liquid discharge port 31 due to the pressure increase due to the decrease in the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B.

(Second operation)
The second operation is an operation of decreasing the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A and increasing the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B. Hereinafter, the second operation will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 2(B), the first pressing channel 51 closes the first introduction channel 23 and the first outlet channel 33 is opened, and the first volume adjusting section 61 is used to The volume of the liquid chamber 10A is reduced. The liquid L in the first liquid chamber 10A is transferred to the liquid discharge port 31 through the first outlet channel 33 and discharged from the liquid discharge port 31 due to the pressure increase due to the decrease in the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A.
At this time, the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B is increased by using the second volume adjusting section 62 in a state where the second introduction flow path 24 is opened and the second outlet flow path 34 is closed by the fourth pressing portion 54. Let The liquid L is transferred from the liquid supply port 21 through the second introduction flow path 24 into the second liquid chamber 10B by the pressure reduction due to the increase in the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B.

The liquid L can be transferred from the liquid supply port 21 toward the liquid discharge port 31 by alternately repeating the first operation and the second operation.

In the liquid transfer device 1, the liquid L can be transferred by increasing or decreasing the volumes of the liquid chambers 10A and 10B formed by the films 2 and 2. The liquid transfer device 1 can suppress the shearing force applied to the liquid L as compared with a device that uses an actuating member such as a diaphragm. Therefore, the liquid transfer device 1 can be suitably applied to the field of biotechnology that handles cell culture solutions and the like.
Since the liquid transfer device 1 has a simple structure composed of two films 2 and 2, it can be miniaturized. Therefore, sterilization is easy, and a sterile environment is easy to secure. Further, since the structure is simple, it can be easily manufactured and can be provided at a low cost.
The liquid transfer apparatus 1 can take in the liquid L from the liquid supply port 21 and discharge it from the liquid discharge port 31 in both the first operation and the second operation, so that the fluctuation (pulsation) of the liquid transfer amount becomes small. Therefore, the flow rate of the liquid L can be stabilized.

[Liquid Transfer Device (Second Embodiment)]
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a liquid transfer device 81 which is a second embodiment of the liquid transfer device of the present invention. The same components as those of the liquid transfer apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
The liquid transfer device 81 includes two laminated structures 84, 84 (84A, 84B) including films 82, 82 (flexible material) having the liquid chamber 10, a liquid supply flow channel 90, and a liquid discharge flow channel 100. Have and.

The films 82, 82 may have the same configuration as the films 2, 2 used in the liquid transfer device 1. The liquid chamber 10 (10A, 10B) is formed by a non-sealing portion 83 where the films 82, 82 are non-adhesive.
The two laminated structures 84, 84 (84A, 84B) are separate bodies. The first liquid chamber 10A is formed in one laminated structure 84 (84A), and the second liquid chamber 10B is formed in the other laminated structure 84 (84B).

The liquid supply channel 90 has a supply side common channel 92 having a liquid supply port 91 at a base end 92a (one end), and a connecting member 95 (connection joint) at a tip 92b (the other end) of the supply side common channel 92. Introductory flow paths 93 and 94 that are branched and connected via.
As the supply-side common channel 92 and the introduction channels 93, 94, for example, flexible tubes can be used. The tube is preferably elastically deformable. As the material of the tube, a material having excellent chemical resistance, weather resistance and the like such as silicone resin and thermoplastic elastomer is preferable.

The first introduction flow passage 93, which is one of the two introduction flow passages 93, 94, extends from the base end 93a (one end) connected to the connecting member 95, and at the extension end (the tip 93b, the other end), It is connected to the first liquid chamber 10A of the laminated structure 84A via the connector 96A.
The second introduction flow passage 94, which is the other of the two introduction flow passages 93 and 94, extends from the base end 94a (one end) connected to the connecting member 95, and at the extension end (tip 94b, the other end), It is connected to the second liquid chamber 10B of the laminated structure 84B via the connector 96B.

The liquid discharge flow channel 100 includes discharge flow channels 103 and 104, which are connected to the liquid chambers 10A and 10B of the laminated structures 84A and 84B, respectively, via connecting tools 106A and 106B, and a discharge-side common flow channel 102. ..
Flexible tubes can be used as the outlet channels 103, 104 and the discharge-side common channel 102, for example. The tube is preferably elastically deformable. As a material for the tube, an elastic material having excellent chemical resistance and weather resistance such as silicone resin and thermoplastic elastomer is preferable.

The first outlet channel 103 extends from the base end 103a (one end) connected to the connecting tool 106A provided in the laminated structure 84A, and the connecting member 105 (connection joint) at the extending end (tip 103b, other end). ) Is connected to the base end 102 a (one end) of the discharge-side common flow channel 102.
The second outlet channel 104 extends from the base end 104a (one end) connected to the connecting tool 106B provided in the laminated structure 84B, and at the extending end (the tip 104b, the other end) via the connecting member 105. It is connected to the base end 102a of the common channel 102 on the discharge side.
The discharge-side common flow channel 102 has a liquid discharge port 101 at the tip 102b (the other end).

The liquid transfer device 81 and the liquid supply source 40 connected to the liquid supply port 91 constitute a liquid supply device.

[Liquid transfer system]
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the liquid transfer device 81 can be applied with the first to fourth pressing parts 51 to 54 and the volume adjusting parts 61 and 62. The liquid transfer device 81, the first to fourth pressing parts 51 to 54, and the volume adjusting parts 61 and 62 form a liquid transfer system 110.
The 1st-4th press parts 51-54 use the drive parts (not shown), such as a motor, respectively, and the 1st introduction flow path 93, the 2nd introduction flow path 94, the 1st derivation flow path 103, and the 2nd derivation|leading-out. The flow path 104 can be pressed against the receiving surface 55 (installation surface). The first to fourth pressing portions 51 to 54 switch between a closed state in which the flow paths are crushed to stop the flow of the liquid L and an open state in which the pressure is released to allow the liquid L to freely flow. it can.
5A and 5B, the liquid supply flow channel 90 and the liquid discharge flow channel 100 are schematically shown.

[Liquid transfer method]
Next, a method of transferring a liquid using the liquid transfer device 81 will be described.
(First operation)
As shown in FIG. 5A, when the first introduction flow path 93 is opened and the first derivation flow path 103 is closed by the third pressing portion 53, the first volume adjustment portion 61 is used to make the first The volume of the liquid chamber 10A is increased. The liquid L is transferred from the liquid supply port 91 through the first introduction flow path 93 into the first liquid chamber 10A by the pressure reduction due to the increase in the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A.
At this time, the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B is reduced by using the second volume adjusting unit 62 with the second introduction channel 94 closed by the second pressing section 52 and the second outlet channel 104 being opened. Let The liquid L in the second liquid chamber 10B is transferred to the liquid discharge port 101 through the second outlet flow path 104 and discharged from the liquid discharge port 101 due to the pressure increase due to the decrease in the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B.

(Second operation)
As shown in FIG. 5B, the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A is reduced in a state in which the first pressing channel 51 closes the first introduction channel 93 and the first outlet channel 103 is opened. The liquid L in the first liquid chamber 10A is transferred to the liquid discharge port 101 through the first outlet channel 103 and discharged from the liquid discharge port 101 due to the pressure increase due to the decrease in the volume of the first liquid chamber 10A.
At this time, the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B is increased in a state where the second introduction flow path 94 is opened and the second outlet flow path 104 is closed by the fourth pressing portion 54. The liquid L is transferred from the liquid supply port 91 through the second introduction flow path 94 into the second liquid chamber 10B by the pressure reduction due to the increase in the volume of the second liquid chamber 10B.

By repeating the first operation and the second operation alternately, the liquid L can be transferred from the liquid supply port 91 toward the liquid discharge port 101.

In the liquid transfer device 81, the liquid L can be transferred by increasing or decreasing the volumes of the liquid chambers 10A and 10B formed by the films 2 and 2. The liquid transfer device 81 can suppress the shearing force applied to the liquid L as compared with a device that uses an actuating member such as a diaphragm. Therefore, the liquid transfer device 81 can be preferably applied to the field of biotechnology that handles cell culture solutions and the like.
In addition, the liquid transfer device 81 has a simple structure and thus can be easily sterilized, and can easily secure an aseptic environment. Since the structure is simple, it is easy to manufacture and can be provided at a low price.
Since the liquid transfer device 81 can take in the liquid L from the liquid supply port 91 and discharge it from the liquid discharge port 101 in both the first operation and the second operation, the fluctuation (pulsation) of the liquid transfer amount becomes small. Therefore, the flow rate of the liquid L can be stabilized.
Since the liquid transfer device 81 uses tubes for the liquid supply flow channel 90 and the liquid discharge flow channel 100, it has high mechanical strength and is excellent in durability. Therefore, even if the pressing by the pressing portions 51 to 54 and the release thereof are repeated, the damage is unlikely to occur. In addition, the use of the tube can further stabilize the liquid transfer amount.

For comparison, as shown in FIG. 6, assume a liquid transfer device including a laminated structure 124 having only one liquid chamber 10, an introduction flow channel 94, and a discharge flow channel 104. In this liquid transfer device, the liquid L in the liquid chamber 10 can be discharged through the outlet flow path 104 in the first operation of reducing the volume of the liquid chamber 10, but in the second operation of increasing the volume of the liquid chamber 10. Since the liquid L is not discharged, the fluctuation (pulsation) of the liquid transfer amount becomes large.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
Although the number of the liquid chambers 10 is two in the liquid transfer devices 1 and 81, the number of the liquid chambers 10 may be any number of 3 or more.
For example, two liquid transfer devices 1 shown in FIG. 1 are arranged in parallel, and one common discharge side flow path is provided further on the discharge side of the two discharge side common flow paths 32, and two supply side common flow paths 22 are provided. Further, a structure in which one common supply-side flow path is provided on the supply side can be exemplified. The liquid transfer device having this structure has four liquid chambers.

The liquid transfer device may have three liquid chambers, that is, first to third liquid chambers, and may be configured to include a liquid supply flow channel and a liquid discharge flow channel. The liquid supply flow channel is, for example, a first introduction flow channel connected to the first liquid chamber, a second introduction flow channel connected to the second liquid chamber, and a third introduction flow channel connected to the third liquid chamber. And a road. The liquid discharge channel is, for example, a first outlet channel connected to the first liquid chamber, a second outlet channel connected to the second liquid chamber, and a third outlet stream connected to the third liquid chamber. And a road.
In this liquid transfer device, for example, in the first operation, the liquid is sucked from the first introduction channel into the first liquid chamber, and the liquid in the second liquid chamber is sent to the liquid discharge port through the second outlet channel to perform the second operation. Then sucks the liquid from the second introduction channel into the second liquid chamber and sends the liquid in the third liquid chamber to the liquid discharge port through the third outlet channel. In the third operation, the liquid is fed from the third introduction channel to the third chamber. The liquid in the first liquid chamber can be sucked into the liquid chamber and sent to the liquid discharge port through the first outlet channel.

In the liquid transfer apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the liquid supply flow path 20 includes a supply-side common flow path 22 and introduction flow paths 23 and 24, but the liquid supply flow path is composed of only the first and second introduction flow paths. It may have been done. Further, in the liquid transfer apparatus 1, the liquid discharge flow path 30 is composed of the discharge-side common flow path 32 and the discharge flow paths 33 and 34, but the liquid discharge flow path is composed of only the first and second discharge flow paths. May be.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The liquid transfer device of the present invention can be suitably used for biotechnology-related devices such as culture devices and column chromatography devices.

1, 81... Liquid transfer device, 2, 82... Film (flexible material), 3... Non-sealing part, 4, 84, 84A, 84B... Laminated structure 10, 10, A, 10B... Liquid chamber, 10A... 1st liquid chamber, 10B... 2nd liquid chamber, 20, 90... Liquid supply channel, 21, 91... Liquid supply port, 22, 92... Supply side common channel, 23, 93... 1st introduction channel, 24, 94... Second introduction flow channel, 30, 100... Liquid discharge flow channel, 31, 101... Liquid discharge port, 32, 102... Discharge side common flow channel, 33, 103... First discharge flow channel, 34, 104... 2 Outflow channel.

Claims (3)

A liquid transfer device that is formed of a flexible material and has a plurality of liquid chambers whose volume can be increased and decreased, a pressing unit, and a plurality of volume adjusting units that respectively adjust the volumes of the plurality of liquid chambers,
The liquid transfer device has a liquid supply flow path for guiding the liquid introduced from the liquid supply port to the liquid chamber, and a liquid discharge flow path for guiding the liquid in the liquid chamber to the liquid discharge port,
The liquid chamber is formed in the non-sealing portion of a laminated structure in which two films, which are rectangular in a plan view, are attached to each other leaving a non-sealing portion,
The liquid supply channel and the liquid discharge channel are formed in the non-sealing portion of the laminated structure,
The liquid supply flow channel includes a first introduction flow channel connected to a first liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers and a second introduction flow channel connected to a second liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers. And the first introduction flow path and the second introduction flow path are connected to a supply-side common flow path having the liquid supply port,
Wherein the liquid discharge flow path, a first outlet channel connected to the first liquid chamber, and a second outlet channel connected to the second liquid chamber, and the first outlet passage The second outlet flow path is connected to the discharge-side common flow path having the liquid discharge port,
The laminated structure has a first edge on one of two edges facing each other and a second edge on the other edge, and the supply-side common flow path is formed on the first edge, and the second edge is formed. The discharge side common flow path is formed at the edge,
The first introduction flow channel extends obliquely from the supply-side common flow channel so as to be closer to the second side edge in one of the directions along the two side edges, and extends into the first liquid chamber. Connected,
The second introduction flow channel extends obliquely from the supply-side common flow channel so as to be closer to the second side edge toward the other side in the direction along the two side edges, and extends into the second liquid chamber. Connected,
The first outlet channel extends obliquely from the first liquid chamber so as to approach the second edge toward the other side in the direction along the two edges, and extends to the discharge-side common channel. Connected,
The second outlet flow channel extends obliquely from the second liquid chamber toward one of the directions along the two edges so as to be closer to the second edge, and then to the discharge-side common channel. Connected,
When the volume of the first liquid chamber increases when the first introduction flow channel is open and the first discharge flow channel is closed, the liquid is reduced in pressure from the liquid supply port by the first pressure due to the increase in volume. When the volume is decreased when the volume is transferred through the introduction flow path into the first liquid chamber, and the first introduction flow path is closed and the first discharge flow path is open, the first pressure flow is increased due to the decrease in the volume. The liquid in the one liquid chamber is configured to be transferred to the liquid discharge port through the first outlet channel,
When the volume of the second liquid chamber increases when the second introduction flow channel is open and the second discharge flow channel is closed, the liquid is decompressed from the liquid supply port due to the pressure reduction due to the increase in the volume. When the volume is decreased when the volume is transferred to the second liquid chamber through the introduction flow path, and the second introduction flow path is closed and the second discharge flow path is open, the first pressure is increased due to the decrease in the volume. The liquid in the two-liquid chamber is configured to be transferred to the liquid discharge port through the second outlet channel,
The pressing portion closes the first introduction flow path, the second introduction flow path, the first outlet flow path, and the second outlet flow path so as to be openable and closable,
The plurality of volume adjusting units,
A first volume adjusting section having a first housing for accommodating the first liquid chamber and a first pump;
A second housing for accommodating the second liquid chamber, and a second volume adjusting section having a second pump,
The first volume adjusting unit increases or decreases the volume of the first liquid chamber by the first pump introducing or discharging a gas with respect to the first housing,
The said 2nd volume adjustment part is a liquid transfer system which increases or decreases the volume of the said 2nd liquid chamber by the said 2nd pump introducing or exhausting gas with respect to the said 2nd housing|casing. The liquid transfer system according to claim 1 , wherein the volumes of the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber change according to external pressure. The liquid chamber and the liquid supply passage, wherein the liquid discharge flow path are sterile, liquid transfer system according to claim 1 or 2.

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