JP2006078225A - Fine passage structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fine passage structure having a large adjustment width of the ratio of the amount between two different samples for mixing the structure itself. <P>SOLUTION: This fine passage structure is equipped with a main passage substrate 20 having a main passage 21 having the width of several-ten μm to several mm, a sealing substrate 22 for sealing the main passage 21 by covering an upper part of the main passage 21, and a sub-passage structure 10 equipped with a sub-passage 11 inside. When the sub-passage structure 10 provided on the main passage substrate 20 and the sealing substrate 22, for example, which can be reciprocated in the direction crossing the main passage 21 in a cylindrical through hole and stopped at an optional position, is stopped on a position shown by figure 2(a), the second sample 101 flows out into the first sample 100 flowing in the main passage 21. When the position where the sub-passage structure 10 is stopped is changed, the flow of the first sample 100 is interrupted partially or wholly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fine flow channel structure including a fine flow channel used in μ-TAS or the like that performs a reaction or synthesis analysis of a trace amount of chemical substances.

  In order to perform a chemical reaction efficiently, a fine channel structure having a fine channel having a width of several tens of μm to several mm may be used.

  These fine channels are usually formed in a concave shape by etching or the like on a chip made of glass, silicon or the like. In addition, a fine channel structure that mixes two or more different chemical substances is usually constructed by combining multiple mixing sections that mix two different chemical substances in multiple stages.

The mixing portion of the conventional fine channel structure has a shape in which the fine channels for flowing two different chemical substances intersect each other in a Y shape, and the first sample and the second sample contact each other at the first interface. The sample and the second sample are diffused and mixed (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).
"Production Research" vol.52, no.7, July 2000, P304-311

  However, in such a conventional fine channel structure, the shape of the mixing portion is fixed. Since the width of the channel cannot be changed, it has been difficult to greatly change the ratio of the amount of the first sample and the second sample to be mixed. For example, using a mixing unit for mixing the first sample and the second sample at a ratio of 1: 1, the first sample and the second sample are mixed at a ratio of 100: 1. Had the problem of being difficult. If this is a case where the first sample and the second sample are mixed at an amount ratio close to 1: 1, the mixing ratio can be adjusted by changing the flow rate of the sample and the liquid feeding timing. On the other hand, when the ratio of the amount to be mixed is greatly changed, such as 100 to 1, even if the flow rate of the sample and the liquid feeding timing are changed, a small amount of the sample is moved to one side in the channel. . Therefore, the diffusion distance increases and the time until mixing increases.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a fine channel structure having a large adjustment width of the ratio of the amounts of two different samples to be mixed.

  The first feature of the present invention is that (b) a position where there is a gap between the main channel substrate having a main channel for flowing the first sample and (b) the inner wall surface of the main channel and the inner wall surface are in contact with each other. A sub-flow channel structure that is capable of reciprocating in a direction intersecting with the main flow channel and having a sub-flow channel for flowing the second sample therein, and (c) a sub-flow channel structure The gist of the present invention is to provide driving means for changing the position of the body.

  The second feature of the present invention is that: (a) a main channel substrate having a storage portion and a main channel for flowing the first sample; and (b) a sub channel for flowing the second sample inside. A sub-flow channel structure having a groove shape extending in a direction in which the main flow channel extends, the bottom surface facing the main flow channel substrate having a width equal to or smaller than the width of the main flow channel; The gist is to include a main flow path sealing member capable of reciprocating across the main flow path between a position in contact with the opening and a position stored in the storage section.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fine channel structure having a large adjustment width of the ratio of the amounts of two different samples to be mixed.

  Next, first to fifth embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the fine channel structure according to the first embodiment covers a main channel substrate 20 having a main channel 21 having a width of several tens of μm to several mm, and an upper part of the main channel 21. A sealing substrate 22 that seals the passage 21 and a sub-flow channel structure 10 that includes the sub-flow channel 11 therein are provided. The material of the main flow path substrate 20 and the sealing substrate 22 may be a glass material such as quartz, silicon rubber such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), or an acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Furthermore, a glass epoxy resin, a fluorine resin such as polypropylene (PP) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a semiconductor material such as silicon, a metal, or the like may be used. The cross-sectional shape of the main channel 21 is not limited to a rectangle as shown in FIG. 1, and may be a square, a circle, a semicircle, or the like, for example.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main flow path substrate 20 and the sealing substrate 22 are provided with, for example, a cylindrical through hole for passing the sub flow path structure 10 so as to intersect the main flow path 21. A stopper 30 is provided in the through hole provided in the main flow path substrate 20, and a support member 31 for supporting the sub flow path structure 10 is provided in the through hole provided in the sealing substrate 22. The inside of the stopper 30 forms a concave fitting portion that fits the sub-flow channel structure 10.

  The support member 31 is made of a material having high water tightness. The support member 31 is made of a highly elastic material such as rubber or has a structure that can slide such as a rail. For this reason, the subchannel structure 10 can reciprocate while being supported by the support member 31, and the leakage of the sample from between the sealing substrate 22 and the subchannel structure 10 can be suppressed. In the present embodiment, the first sample 100 flowing in the main flow channel 21 is used as a solvent, and the second sample 101 flowing in the sub flow channel 11 is described as a solute.

  FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the fine channel structure shown in FIG. 1 along the main channel. The sub-flow channel structure 10 is supported by a support member 31 and can reciprocate in cylindrical through holes provided in the main flow channel substrate 20 and the sealing substrate 22. The sub-flow channel structure 10 can reciprocate in a direction intersecting the main flow channel 21 between a position where there is a gap between the main flow channel 21 and the inner wall surface and a position where the sub flow channel structure 10 contacts the inner wall surface. That is, the sub-flow channel structure 10 is disposed so as to intersect the main flow channel 21, can reciprocate in the direction intersecting the main flow channel 21, and can be stopped at an arbitrary position. In addition, an inner wall surface means the whole wall in the main flow path 21, and when the fitting part 30a like FIG. 2 is provided, the surface of a fitting part is also contained in an inner wall surface.

  There is a gap between the subchannel structure 10 in the position shown in FIG. 2A, that is, between the subchannel structure 10 and the inner wall surface of the main channel 21, and the second sample 101 flows out into the main channel 21. When the outflow hole 14 (opening) is stopped at a position where it is opened, the second sample 101 flows out into the first sample 100 flowing through the main channel 21. In addition, since the flow of the first sample 100 can be partially or completely blocked by changing the position at which the sub-flow channel structure 10 is stopped, the amount of the first sample 100 to be mixed with the second sample 101 Can be changed, that is, the throttle amount of the main flow path 21 can be adjusted. Here, the entire blocking means that a minute gap generated between the main flow path substrate 20 and the sub flow path structure 10, for example, a clearance required during processing, a dimensional error of each member, a distortion caused by material distortion, It means blocking except minute leakage through a gap or the like necessary for providing the flow path structure 10 so as to be capable of reciprocating.

  Further, when the sub-flow channel structure 10 is stopped so that the outflow hole 14 (opening) through which the second sample 101 flows into the main flow channel 21 is located at the center of the main flow channel 21, FIG. A sheath flow (a flow in which the first sample 100 surrounds the second sample 101) can be generated. Furthermore, the second sample 101 flows out into the first sample 100 in the form of droplets by intermittently applying pressure to the sub-channel 11 by a liquid feed mechanism such as a pump. For this reason, it is possible to increase the specific surface area, and therefore it is possible to shorten the time until the diffusion is completed, that is, the time from the start of mixing to the completion.

  On the other hand, when the sub-flow channel structure 10 is in contact with the position shown in FIG. 2B, that is, the inner wall surface, and the outflow hole 14 is stopped at the position covered with the inner wall surface, the flow of the first sample 100 is performed. Is blocked by the sub-flow channel structure 10. Further, the flow of the second sample 101 is blocked by the stopper 30. Therefore, an unnecessary sample flows into the mixed sample 102, that is, contamination can be reduced.

  Further, it is possible to prevent the second sample 101 from flowing out. For this reason, for example, it is possible to wash the sub-channel 11 inside the sub-channel structure 10. Here, the blocking, inflow, and outflow are caused by a minute gap generated between the main flow path substrate 20 and the sub flow path structure 10, for example, clearance required for processing, dimensional error of each member, and distortion of the material. This means a gap excluding a minute leak, inflow, and outflow through a gap generated and a gap necessary for providing the sub-flow channel structure 10 so as to be able to reciprocate, and so on.

  Moreover, the subchannel structure 10 of the microchannel structure according to the present embodiment is detachable. For this reason, for example, when changing the solute flowing through the sub-channel 11 from the first solute to the second solute without changing the solvent flowing through the main channel 21, the sub-channel structure 10 is changed. By exchanging or the like, the first solute is mixed into the second solute, that is, contamination can be easily reduced.

  Various shapes of the fine channel structure can be considered. As an example, FIG. 3 shows a fine channel structure in which the fitting portion 30 a is not provided on the main channel substrate 20.

  FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the fine channel structure when the first sample 100 and the second sample 101 are mixed using the beads 104 to which the second sample 101 is fixed. . When the sub-flow channel structure 10 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 3A, that is, the position where the beads 104 cannot pass through the gap between the sub-flow channel structure 10 and the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 21. The channel structure 10 serves as a bank-like portion that holds the beads 104. Moreover, if the by-product 105 obtained by making the 1st sample 100 and the 2nd sample 101 react is a magnitude | size which can pass the clearance gap between the subchannel structure 10 and the inner wall surface of the main channel 21. The by-product 105 can be obtained downstream of the main channel 21.

  On the other hand, since the sub-flow channel structure 10 shown in FIG. 3B is stopped at a position where the flow of the first sample 100 is not blocked, the mixing cross section becomes the cross section of the main flow channel 21 itself. Accordingly, in the state shown in FIG. 3 (a), the beads 104, to which the first sample 100 and the second sample 101 are fixed, are caused to flow through the main channel 21 to perform a chemical reaction, and then the sub-channel structure 10 is illustrated. The beads 104 can be recovered downstream of the main flow path 21 by stopping at the position shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the sub-flow channel structure 10 is formed with a small size of the bottom surface provided with the outflow hole 14. Here, the bottom surface refers to a surface other than the side surface of the columnar object. For this reason, the cross-sectional dimension of the concave fitting part 30a which fits the subchannel structure 10 can also be made small. Therefore, when the auxiliary flow path structure 10 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 4A, that is, at a position where there is a gap between the auxiliary flow path structure 10 and the inner wall surface of the main flow path 21, the fitting portion 30a. Since the amount of the sample flowing into the chamber becomes small, the amount of the sample to be mixed can be controlled more accurately. Moreover, since the fitting part 30a is provided by forming the main flow path board | substrate 20 in concave shape, other members, such as a stopper, are not required, and a structure is comparatively simple.

  Various driving means for driving the sub-flow channel structure 10 can be considered. Examples thereof are shown in FIGS. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the minute rotation motor 40 is in contact with the sub-flow channel structure 10, and the rotational force transmitted to the sub-flow channel structure 10 drives the sub-flow channel structure 10. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the piezoelectric element 41 is in contact with the sub-channel structure 10, and the frictional force obtained by the traveling wave generated by the piezoelectric element 41 drives the sub-channel structure 10.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the attraction force or the repulsive force generated by electromagnetism drives the sub-flow channel structure 10. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the sub-flow channel structure 10 is provided with a low-resistance member 10a made of a material having low electrical resistance, and the sub-flow channel is separated from the main flow channel substrate 20. An electromagnetic field generator 42 is provided at a position facing the structure 10. Since the electromagnetic field generator 42 generates a magnetic field that rapidly increases as shown in FIG. 6B, an eddy current that generates a magnetic field that repels a change in the magnetic field is generated in the low resistance member 10a. The subchannel structure 10 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. On the contrary, the electromagnetic field generating unit 42 generates a magnetic field that suddenly weakens as shown in FIG. 6D, thereby generating a magnetic field that repels the change of the magnetic field in the low resistance member 10a. Since an eddy current is generated, the sub-channel structure 10 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. In addition, all the subchannel structures 10 may be made of a material having a low electrical resistance. The low resistance member 10a may be formed by forming a material having a low electrical resistance into a film by plating or the like.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the attraction force or repulsive force generated by electromagnetic indirectly drives the sub-flow channel structure 10. That is, the attractive force or the repulsive force generated by the electromagnetic field based on the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generators 42 a and 42 b drives the power transmission unit 35, and the power transmission unit 35 attracts the sub-flow channel structure 10 via the arm 32. By transmitting a force or a repulsive force, the sub-flow channel structure 10 is driven. The displacement sensor 34 is a sensor for measuring the position of the power transmission unit 35.

  In this case, by adjusting the ratio of the length from the fulcrum 33 of the arm 32 to the power transmission unit 35 and the length from the fulcrum 33 to the sub-flow channel structure 10, the displacement amount of the power transmission unit 35 and the sub-flow channel are adjusted. The ratio of the displacement amount of the structure 10 can be adjusted. Therefore, the position of the fulcrum 33 is determined in consideration of the minimum amount of displacement by which the driving means can drive the power transmission unit 35, the resolution of the displacement sensor 34, and the like.

  For example, when the resolution of the displacement sensor 34 is low, the position of the fulcrum 33 is determined closer to the sub-flow channel structure 10 than the power transmission unit 35 as shown in FIG. Thereby, since the displacement amount of the power transmission part 35 becomes larger than the displacement amount of the sub-flow channel structure 10, the displacement amount of the sub-flow channel structure 10 is directly detected by detecting the displacement amount of the power transmission unit 35. Thus, the displacement amount of the sub flow channel structure 10 can be grasped more accurately.

  Further, it is possible to realize a fine channel structure having the same structure as that shown in FIG. 7 by using other driving means. For example, when a piezoelectric element as shown in FIG. 5B is used as the driving means, the displacement of the power transmission unit 35 is small, and therefore the position of the fulcrum 33 is set to the power transmission unit 35 from the sub-flow channel structure 10. It is preferable that the amount of displacement of the sub-flow channel structure 10 be larger than the amount of displacement of the power transmission unit 35. In addition, the subchannel structure 10 shown in FIG. 7A may be detachable as shown in FIG.

  Also in the example shown in FIG. 8, the attraction force or the repulsive force generated by electromagnetism drives the sub flow channel structure 10. The fine channel structure shown in FIG. 8 includes an electromagnetic field generator 42, 42c, a low resistance member 10a driven by a driving force based on the electromagnetic field generated by each of the electromagnetic field generator 42, 42c, and a high permeability material. And a support member 37. The high magnetic permeability material support member 37 is in contact with the outer periphery of the sub-flow channel structure 10 and is fixed to the sealing substrate 22 via the elastic member 36 made of a highly elastic material. Each of the electromagnetic field generators 42 and 42c is indirectly driven by a driving force based on the electromagnetic field generated.

  For example, the electromagnetic field generating unit 42c generates a magnetic field that exerts an attractive force on the high permeability material support member 37, and then the magnetic field generating unit 42 generates a magnetic field that exerts an attractive force on the low resistance member 10a. Is generated. In this way, the electromagnetic field generators 42 and 42c cooperate to repeat these processes, thereby reciprocating the sub-flow channel structure 10.

  In addition, since the high magnetic permeability material support member 37 is made of a material having high magnetic permeability, it can be easily magnetized. When the magnetized high permeability material support member 37 is used, a high permeability material support member is supported by a magnetic force that causes an electric current to flow through the electromagnetic field generator 42c and attracts the high permeability material support member 37, or the method described in FIG. A magnetic field that repels the member 37 can be generated to drive the sub-flow channel structure 10. In this case, the electromagnetic field generator 42 and the low resistance member 10a are not necessary.

  According to the fine channel structure according to the first embodiment, the secondary channel structure 10 that can reciprocate in the direction intersecting the main channel 21 blocks a part of the flow of the first sample 100. Therefore, the ratio of the quantities of two different samples to be mixed can be greatly adjusted without changing the structure of the fine channel structure itself. Further, the sub-flow channel structure 10 can also block the flow of the first sample 100 and the second sample 101. Therefore, the sub-flow channel structure 10 can control the ratio of the amount of two samples to be mixed, and at the same time, can serve as a valve that blocks or opens the flow of the first sample 100 and the second sample 101. Also works.

  In addition, since the ratio of the amount of the sample to be mixed can be adjusted not only by the ratio of the width of the main channel 21 and the sub channel 11, but also by the position where the sub channel structure 10 is stopped, the first sample Even when the second sample 101 having a minute amount compared to the amount of 100 is mixed, it is not necessary to form a flow channel having a minute width that is difficult to process.

  Furthermore, it is not necessary to disassemble the microchannel structure in order to recover the beads 104 after mixing two different samples using the beads 104.

(Second Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 9, the fine channel structure according to the second embodiment is provided to store the second sample 101, and the gap between the sub-channel structure 10 and the main channel 21 is widened. A reservoir 12 is provided as a storage tank whose volume is reduced. The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  The reservoir 12 is supported by a support member 31 a provided between the sub-flow channel structure 10 and the reservoir 12. The support member 31a is made of a material having high water tightness. The support member 31 is made of a highly elastic material such as rubber or has a structure that can slide such as a rail.

  The reservoir 12 is provided such that the reservoir opening 13 is in contact with the inflow hole 15. Here, the inflow hole 15 is an opening of the sub-channel 11 through which the second sample 101 flows into the sub-channel 11, and is provided on the bottom surface of the sub-channel structure 10 as shown in FIG. . Further, the pressure in the reservoir 12 is maintained so that the second sample 101 does not flow out to the first sample 100. At this time, if the sub-flow channel structure 10 moves suddenly away from the main flow channel substrate 20, the pressure in the reservoir 12 temporarily increases, so that the second sample 101 passes through the sub-flow channel 11 from the inflow hole 15. And flows out from the outflow hole 14 into the first sample 100. The sub-channel structure 10 reciprocates when the electromagnetic field generator 42 generates a magnetic field that changes as shown in FIG. 9B.

  According to the fine channel structure according to the second embodiment, the second sample 101 stored in the reservoir 12 flows into the inflow hole 15 and flows out by reciprocating the subchannel structure 10. Since it flows out from the hole 14, a liquid feeding mechanism such as a pump for applying pressure to the sub-channel 11 becomes unnecessary.

  Further, if the ratio of changing the strength of the magnetic field is kept constant, the amount of the second sample 101 flowing out by one change becomes equal, so the first is based on the number of times the strength of the magnetic field is changed. The amount of the second sample 101 flowing out into the sample 100 can be controlled.

  Further, an elastic member or a resistance member is mounted between the reservoir 12 and the sub-flow channel structure 10 or between the sub-flow channel structure 10 and a separately provided attachment portion, so that an attractive force or repulsion caused by electromagnetics is provided. The force may be combined with the elastic force or the resistance force.

(Third embodiment)
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the fine channel structure according to the third embodiment is in a direction to switch between a state where the outflow hole 14 is sealed and a state where the outflow hole 14 is opened. Sub-channel sealing members 50a to 50c that can reciprocate are provided. The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted. In addition, here, sealing and opening are necessary for a minute gap generated between the outflow hole 14 provided in the sub-flow channel structure 10 and the sub-channel sealing members 50a to 50c, for example, during processing. This means a value that excludes a clearance, a gap caused by a dimensional error of each member, a material distortion, and the like.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, the fine channel structure includes a substantially spherical sub-channel sealing member 50 a having a planar brim. Further, the main flow path substrate 20 has a substantially spherical shape of the sub flow path sealing member 50a in order to prevent interference with a substantially spherical portion of the sub flow path sealing member 50a at a position facing the sub flow path structure 10. The corresponding part is provided with a recess. Furthermore, the outflow hole 14 of the subchannel structure 10 is also formed in a shape suitable for sealing the outflow hole 14 with the subchannel sealing member 50a in contact, for example, a shape having a mortar-shaped taper. .

  The sub-channel sealing member 50a is driven by a driving force based on the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generating unit 42d, and as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), the recesses on the main channel substrate 20 and the outflow holes 14 are provided. Reciprocate between the two. When the sub-channel sealing member 50a is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 10A, the outflow hole 14 is opened and the second sample 101 flows out into the first sample 100, and FIG. When stopping at the position shown in b), the outflow hole 14 is sealed and the flow of the second sample 101 is blocked.

  Since the surface of the sub-channel sealing member 50a that is in contact with the outflow hole 14 is in contact with the second sample 101, the second sample 101 adheres to the surface, but the surface that faces the main channel substrate 20 Does not contact the second sample 101, the second sample 101 does not adhere to the surface. Therefore, when the sub-channel sealing member 50a stops at the position shown in FIG. 10B and the flow of the second sample 101 is interrupted, the second sample 101 of the sub-channel sealing member 50a Since the attached surface is not exposed to the flow of the first sample 100, it is possible to prevent the second sample 101 from being mixed into the first sample 100.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the fine channel structure includes a flat plate-like sub-channel sealing member 50 b. Further, the sealing substrate 22 is provided with a cavity for reciprocating in a direction to switch between the state in which the sub-channel sealing member 50b seals the outflow hole 14 and the state in which the outflow hole 14 is opened. It has been. The auxiliary flow path sealing member 50b is driven by a driving force based on an electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generating unit 42, for example.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12, the fine channel structure includes a spherical sub-channel sealing member 50c. Further, the sub-flow channel structure 10 has a cavity for reciprocating in a direction in which the sub-flow channel sealing member 50c switches between the state in which the outflow hole 14 is sealed and the state in which the outflow hole 14 is opened. Is provided. The sub-channel sealing member 50c is driven by a driving force based on the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generating unit 42.

  The sub-channel sealing members 50b and 50c shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are made of a material with low electrical resistance or are magnetized so that the sub-channel sealing members 50b and 50c reciprocate. Two electromagnetic field generators 42 are provided. For example, after one electromagnetic field generator 42 generates a magnetic field that attracts the sub-channel sealing members 50b and 50c, the other electromagnetic field generator 42 pulls the sub-channel sealing members 50b and 50c. Generate a magnetic field. In this way, the two electromagnetic field generating parts 42 cooperate to repeat these processes, and reciprocate the auxiliary flow path sealing members 50b and 50c. The electromagnetic field generating unit 42 may be provided not on the illustrated position but on the surface of the sealing substrate 22 that does not contact the main flow path 21 or inside the sealing substrate 22, for example.

  According to the microchannel structure according to the third embodiment, the subchannel sealing members 50a to 50c open or seal the subchannel 11, so that the structure of the microchannel structure is configured. The second sample 101 can be allowed to flow into the first sample 100 without being changed, or the flow of the second sample 101 can be blocked.

  Further, if the sub-channel structure 10 is detached from the fine channel structure while the sub-channel sealing members 50a to 50c seal the outflow hole 14, the second sample 101 is attached at the time of attachment / detachment. Can be prevented from leaking into the main flow path 21.

  Further, in the example shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the sub-flow channel structure 10 is reciprocated by the driving force based on the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator 42 as in the first embodiment. The same effect as the form can be obtained.

(Fourth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 13, the subchannel structure 10 of the microchannel structure according to the fourth embodiment has a bottom surface facing the main channel substrate 20 whose width is equal to or smaller than the width of the main channel 21. Thus, the groove shape extends in the direction in which the main channel 21 extends. The groove portion 16 is a portion formed in the groove shape of the sub-flow channel structure 10. On the main flow path substrate 20, a fitting portion 30b having a shape suitable for fitting the sub flow path structure 10 is provided. The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  When the sub-channel structure 10 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 13A, that is, at the position where the first sample 100 flows through the groove 16, the second channel structure 10 in the first sample 100 flowing through the main channel 21. Sample 101 flows out. On the other hand, when the sub-flow channel structure 10 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 13B, that is, the position where the bottom of the groove 16 and the inner wall surface of the main flow channel 21 are in contact with each other, The two sample 101 flows are blocked.

  FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the main flow path 21 of the fine flow path structure shown in FIG. When the sub-channel structure 10 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 14A, the outflow hole 14 is exposed to the flow of the first sample 100 flowing through the main channel 21. At this time, the flow of the first sample 100 is partially blocked by the sub-flow channel structure 10, and the first sample can flow in the mixing portion in the region surrounded by the main flow channel 21 and the groove 16. The mixed cross section 60 is a cross section of the flow path.

  According to the fine channel structure according to the fourth embodiment, not only the shape of the main channel 21 and the position at which the sub-channel structure 10 is stopped, but also the area of the mixing cross-section 60 depends on the width of the groove 16. Can be determined. The smaller the area of the mixing section 60, that is, in this case, the shorter the distance required for diffusion from the outlet of the secondary flow path, the shorter the time until the diffusion is completed. Therefore, the diffusion is completed by reducing the width of the groove 16. Can be shortened.

(Fifth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 15, the fine channel structure according to the fifth embodiment includes a sub-channel structure 10 having a groove portion 16 similar to that of the fourth embodiment, and a main channel sealing member. 51, a storage unit 52 provided on the main flow path substrate 20 for storing the main flow path sealing member 51, and an electromagnetic field generation unit 42. The subchannel structure 10 is slightly magnetized by an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, or the like. The main flow path sealing member 51 includes a region made of a material having a low electrical resistance and a region made of a material having a high magnetic permeability.

  The subchannel structure 10 according to the present embodiment is fixed and does not reciprocate. The main flow path sealing member 51 is driven by a driving force based on the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generation unit 42, and is stored in the position contacting the outflow hole 14 shown in FIG. 15A and the storage unit 52 shown in FIG. 15B. It is possible to reciprocate across the main flow path between the two positions.

  When the main channel sealing member 51 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 15A, the second sample 101 flows out into the first sample 100 flowing through the main channel 21. Further, the amount of the first sample 100 mixed with the second sample 101 is changed by changing the time for stopping the main channel sealing member 51 at the position shown in FIG. The aperture amount can be changed by 21.

  On the other hand, when the main flow path sealing member 51 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. 15B, the flow of the first sample 100 and the flow of the second sample 101 are both blocked by the main flow path sealing member 51. Is done. However, in the example shown in FIG. 15, since the main flow path sealing member 51 is spherical, even if the main flow path sealing member 51 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. The main flow path sealing member 51 cannot completely block the flow of the first sample 100. When it is necessary to completely block the flow of the first sample 100, the shape of the main channel sealing member 51 is brought close to the shape of the groove 16 provided in the sub channel structure 10, thereby It is also possible to completely block the flow of the sample 100.

  Here, the gap is a minute gap generated between the sub-flow channel structure 10 and the main flow path sealing member 51, for example, a clearance required for processing, a dimensional error of each member, or a gap generated from material distortion. , Means that the main flow path sealing member 51 is removed so as to be reciprocally movable, and means that it is completely blocked means that it is blocked except for minute leakage through such a gap. To do.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the groove portion 16 of the sub-channel structure 10 is formed close to the shape of the spherical main channel sealing member 51, but the groove portion 16 is formed in the sub-channel structure shown in FIG. 13. 10, the main channel sealing member 51 may have a width equal to or smaller than the width of the groove 16. According to this, processing becomes easier.

  When the electromagnetic field generator 42 does not generate an electromagnetic field, the main flow path sealing member 51 having a region made of a material having a high magnetic permeability is magnetized to such an extent that this member can be held. Is attracted by the attraction force based on the static magnetic field generated and stops at the position shown in FIG. The main channel sealing member 51 is preferably arranged coaxially with the sub-channel structure 10. When returning the main channel sealing member 51 to the position shown in FIG. 15A of the sub-channel structure 10, an electromagnetic induction repulsive force may be used as in the example shown in FIG. 6.

  According to the fine channel structure according to the fifth embodiment, the sub-channel structure 10 is fixed, but the main channel sealing member 51 that can reciprocate across the main channel 21 is the first. Since at least a part of the flow of the sample 100 can be blocked, the ratio of the amounts of two different samples to be mixed can be largely adjusted without changing the structure of the fine channel structure itself.

(Other embodiments)
Although the present invention has been described according to the above-described embodiments, it should not be understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, the sub-flow channel structure 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is driven by the electromagnetic field generation unit 42 provided at a position facing the sub-flow channel structure 10 with the main flow channel substrate 20 interposed therebetween. The flow path structure 10 may be driven by an electromagnetic field generator provided in parallel with the reciprocating direction. The electromagnetic field generators 42 to 42c generate an electromagnetic field by generating a magnetic field of varying strength and drive an object made of a material having a low resistance. However, by generating a static magnetic field, the electromagnetic field generators 42 to 42c are made of a material having a high magnetic permeability. May be driven.

  As described above, the present invention naturally includes various embodiments not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by the invention specifying matters according to the scope of claims reasonable from the above description.

It is a perspective view of the fine channel structure concerning a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing along the main channel of the fine channel structure concerning a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the microchannel structure based on 1st Embodiment at the time of mixing a sample using a bead. It is sectional drawing of the fine channel structure which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: The dimension of the subchannel structure surface is formed small. It is a figure explaining the drive means of the subchannel structure in the microchannel structure which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 1). It is a figure explaining the drive means of the subchannel structure in the microchannel structure which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 2). It is a figure explaining the drive means of the subchannel structure in the microchannel structure which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 3). It is a figure explaining the drive means of the subchannel structure in the microchannel structure which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 4). It is sectional drawing along the main channel of the fine channel structure concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing along the main flow path of the fine flow path structure which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 1). It is sectional drawing along the main flow path of the fine flow path structure which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 2). It is sectional drawing along the main flow path of the fine flow path structure which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 3). It is a perspective view of the fine channel structure concerning a 4th embodiment. It is sectional drawing orthogonal to the main flow path of the fine flow path structure which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the fine channel structure concerning a 5th embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Subchannel structure 10a ... Low resistance member 11 ... Subchannel 12 ... Reservoir 13 ... Reservoir opening part 14 ... Outflow hole 15 ... Inflow hole 16 ... Groove part 20 ... Main channel substrate 21 ... Main channel 22 ... Sealing Substrate 30 ... Stopper 30a, 30b ... Fitting part 31, 31a ... Support member 32 ... Arm 33 ... Support point 34 ... Displacement sensor 35 ... Power transmission part 36 ... Elastic member 37 ... High magnetic permeability material support member 40 ... Rotary motor 41 ... Piezoelectric element 42, 42a-42d ... Electromagnetic field generating part 50a-50c ... Sub-channel sealing member 51 ... Main channel sealing member 52 ... Storage part 60 ... Mixing section 100 ... First sample 101 ... Second sample 102 ... Mixed sample 104 ... Bead 105 ... By-product

Claims (7)

A main channel substrate having a main channel for flowing a first sample;
A sub-flow path for flowing a second sample therein, a position where there is a gap between the main flow path and the opening of the sub-flow path, and a contact with the inner wall surface; A sub-flow channel structure capable of reciprocating in a direction intersecting the main flow channel between a position where the opening is covered by the inner wall surface; and
And a driving means for changing the position of the sub-flow channel structure.   2. The fine channel structure according to claim 1, wherein the driving means is at least one of a rotary motor, a piezoelectric element, and an electromagnetic field generator.  The main flow path substrate further includes a concave fitting portion that fits the sub flow path structure at a position facing a bottom surface of the sub flow path structure that includes the opening of the sub flow path. The fine channel structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.   4. The storage tank according to claim 1, further comprising a storage tank provided to store the second sample and having a volume that decreases when a gap between the sub-flow channel structure and the main flow channel widens. 5. The fine channel structure according to any one of the preceding claims.   5. The auxiliary flow path sealing member capable of reciprocating in a direction of switching between a state in which the opening is sealed and a state in which the opening is opened is further provided. 2. The fine channel structure according to claim 1.   The sub-flow channel structure has a bottom surface facing the main flow channel substrate having a groove shape that has a width equal to or smaller than the width of the main flow channel and extends in a direction in which the main flow channel extends. The fine channel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A main flow path substrate having a storage section and a main flow path for flowing the first sample;
An auxiliary channel for flowing the second sample is provided inside, and the width of the bottom surface facing the main channel substrate is equal to or smaller than the width of the main channel and extends in the direction in which the main channel extends. A columnar sub-flow channel structure with a groove,
A main flow path sealing member capable of reciprocating across the main flow path between a position in contact with the opening of the sub flow path and a position accommodated in the storage section. Road structure.

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