JP6334371B2 - Filter assembly and tube assembly - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a filter assembly for preventing foreign matters from being sent to a sample analyzer when a liquid such as a diluent is sent to a sample analyzer used for analyzing a sample collected from a test animal, and the filter The present invention relates to a tube assembly including the assembly.

  Conventionally, in order to analyze components of a sample such as blood collected from a test animal including a human or various animals, a sample analyzer that performs analysis by diluting the sample has been used (Patent Document 1 and Patent Document below). 2).

  When this type of sample analyzer is used, a diluting solution for diluting the sample is prepared in a state of being stored in a predetermined container in advance. Then, by connecting a predetermined port (connector part) provided in the sample analyzer and the container with a tube through which the liquid can flow, and operating a suction mechanism such as a pump provided in the sample analyzer, The diluent is sent from the container to the sample analyzer.

  The operation of connecting the sample analyzer and the container with a tube is performed manually by a user or the like, but when the connection operation is performed, the tube is often handled in a state exposed to the surrounding environment. For this reason, foreign matter, such as hair of test animals, dust, and dust, may adhere to the tube. Also, since the container containing the diluent is replaced when the diluent in the container is empty, each time the container starts to be used for another container filled with the diluent, It is necessary to perform an operation of connecting the tubes (operation of inserting the tubes into the container). For this reason, the end side of the tube inserted into the container and taken out of the container is more frequently exposed to an environment in which foreign matter easily adheres than other parts.

  When the tube with the foreign matter attached is inserted into the container, the foreign matter is mixed into the diluent contained in the container. Furthermore, if the dilute solution mixed with foreign matter is sent to the sample analyzer, the foreign matter stays in the sample analyzer and the foreign matter is clogged. As a result, there arises a problem that normal measurement is not performed and a problem that the sample analyzer is broken.

JP 2010-223833 A JP 2011-95274 A

  However, until now, the above-mentioned problems caused by foreign matters mixed in a liquid such as a diluent contained in a container being sent to the sample analyzer depend on the user's attention.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and prevents foreign matter from being fed into the sample analyzer even when foreign matter is mixed in various liquids sent to the sample analyzer. It is an object to provide a filter assembly that can be used, and a tube assembly including the filter assembly.

A filter assembly according to the present invention that achieves the above object includes a main body that can be connected to a tube that feeds a liquid contained in a predetermined container to a sample analyzer, and is held in the main body and contained in the liquid. And a filter for capturing foreign matter. And, the one end side of the main body part has an opening through which liquid flows, the other end side of the main body part has a tube connecting part connected to the tube, and the inside of the main body part has one end side and the other end side. And a flow path through which a liquid can flow, and further includes a filter support member to which the filter is fixed, and the main body portion is configured to be connected to and separated from each other. The filter support member includes a distal end portion to which the filter is fixed, a proximal end side with respect to the distal end portion, and a smaller diameter than the distal end portion. And the second holding member has a space that can accommodate the base end of the filter support member, and the filter support member is disposed in the space of the second holding member. And the first holding member and the second holding member. By connecting the filter supporting the said first holding member member while sandwiching the second holding member by a timber, wherein the filter is held against the body.

  According to the filter assembly and the tube assembly of the present invention, even when foreign matter is mixed in the liquid stored in the container, the foreign matter can be captured by the filter held in the main body, It is possible to suitably prevent foreign matters from being fed into the sample analyzer through the tube. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from staying in the sample analyzer and causing clogging of foreign matter, and to prevent problems such as erroneous measurement and failure of the sample analyzer due to clogging of foreign matter. .

1A and 1B are views showing a filter assembly and a tube assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the filter assembly, and FIG. 1B is an overview showing the tube assembly. It is a perspective view. 2A and 2B are views showing a filter holder (first holding member) included in the filter assembly according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the filter holder, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the filter holder. FIG. 4C is a rear view of the filter holder. FIG. 3 is a view showing a filter holder (first holding member) included in the filter assembly according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a view of the filter holder as viewed from the direction of the arrow 3A shown in FIG. Side view (B) is a longitudinal sectional view of the filter holder along arrows 3B-3B shown in FIG. 2 (A). 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a filter joint (second holding member) included in the filter assembly according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the filter joint, and FIG. 4B is a front view of the filter joint. FIG. 4C is a rear view of the filter joint. FIG. 5 is a view showing a filter joint (second holding member) included in the filter assembly according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a view of the filter joint viewed from the direction of the arrow 5A shown in FIG. Side view (B) is a longitudinal sectional view of the filter joint taken along arrows 5B-5B shown in FIG. 5 (A). 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a filter support member included in the filter assembly according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the filter support member, and FIG. 6B is a front view of the filter support member. C) is a rear view of the filter support member. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a filter support member included in the filter assembly according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7A is a side view of the filter support member as viewed from the direction of an arrow 7A illustrated in FIG. FIG. 6B is a longitudinal sectional view of the filter support member along the arrow 7B-7B shown in FIG. 8A and 8B are views showing the state before and after the assembly of the filter assembly according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the filter assembly before assembling each member, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the filter assembly after having assembled | attached. It is a general-view perspective view which shows the mode at the time of use of the filter assembly and tube assembly which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the usage example and effect | action of a filter assembly and a tube assembly which concern on 1st Embodiment, (A) is related with the cover part provided in the container with the latching member with which a tube assembly is provided. The expanded sectional view which shows the mode at the time of stopping, (B) is an expanded sectional view which shows the filter assembly at the time of arrange | positioning in a container, (C) is an effect | action of the protrusion part with which a filter assembly is provided typically It is a perspective view for demonstrating. It is a general-view perspective view which shows the filter assembly and tube assembly which concern on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 12A and 12B are views showing a filter assembly according to the second embodiment, in which FIG. 12A is a schematic perspective view of the filter assembly, FIG. 12B is a front view of the filter assembly, and FIG. It is a rear view of an assembly. 13A and 13B are views showing the filter assembly according to the second embodiment, wherein FIG. 13A is a side view of the filter assembly viewed from the direction of the arrow 13A shown in FIG. 12A, and FIG. Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the filter assembly taken along arrows 13B-13B shown in Fig. 12 (A).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following description does not limit the meaning of the technical scope and terms described in the claims. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may differ from actual ratios.

(First embodiment)
1 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of each part of the filter assembly 100 and the tube assembly 200 according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating the filter assembly 100 and the tube assembly 200. It is a figure where it uses for description of the usage example and effect | action of. The X axis given in each figure indicates the longitudinal direction of the filter assembly 100, the Y axis indicates the depth direction (width direction), and the Z axis indicates the height direction. In the description of the specification, one end side (left side in FIG. 8) in the longitudinal direction of the filter assembly 100 is referred to as a distal end side, and the other end side (right side in FIG. 8) is referred to as a proximal end side.

  The filter assembly 100 and the tube assembly 200 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the description of the present embodiment, an example in which the filter assembly 100 and the tube assembly 200 shown in FIG. 1A are applied to the sample analyzer 310 shown in FIG. 9 is shown. The sample analyzer 310 is an apparatus for analyzing blood collected from a test animal such as a person or animal (eg, dog, cat, cow, horse, rat, pig, etc.), and the blood is diluted with a predetermined diluent. The analysis result of many items is configured to be displayed and output based on the sample.

  The dilution liquid is prepared in a state of being filled in a predetermined container 320 shown in FIG. The diluent is sent to the sample analyzer 310 through a predetermined tube. If foreign matter or the like adheres to the tube, the foreign matter may be mixed in the diluted solution. When the foreign matter is sent to the sample analyzer 310 together with the diluent, the foreign matter stays in the sample analyzer 310 and the foreign matter is clogged. The filter assembly 100 and the tube assembly 200 according to the present embodiment prevent foreign matters from being fed into the sample analyzer 310 through the tube, and prevent clogging of foreign matters in the sample analyzer 310 in advance. Makes it possible to prevent.

  Referring to FIG. 1, in general, the filter assembly 100 includes a main body 10 that can be connected to a tube 80 that feeds a diluent contained in a container 320, and a main body 10 that is held in the main body and is contained in the diluent. And a filter 62 that captures the contained foreign matter.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the main body 10 of the filter assembly 100 includes a filter holder (corresponding to a “first holding member”) 20 and a filter joint (“second”, which are configured to be connected and separated from each other. 40) corresponding to “holding member”. The filter 62 is fixed to a filter support member 60 formed of a member different from the main body 10. The filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 can be freely assembled (assembled) and disassembled. When using the filter assembly 100, the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are prepared in an assembled state.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, when using the filter assembly 100, the filter assembly 100 is inserted into the container 320. Then, the diluent is caused to flow into the filter assembly 100 through the tip opening 21a of the filter holder 20 disposed on the tip end side of the filter assembly 100 (in FIG. 10B, the diluent is denoted by reference sign d). And the flow of diluent is indicated by arrow f). The diluted solution is sent to the sample analyzer 310 through tubes 80 and 130 connected to the filter assembly 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the tube assembly 200 includes a filter assembly 100, a tube 80, and a predetermined locking member 90. The locking member 90 is used to connect the filter assembly 100 and the tube 80 to the container 320 when the filter assembly 100 and the tube 80 are used. Details of the locking member 90 will be described later.

  The filter holder 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3B, the filter holder 20 is configured by a hollow member having a substantially cylindrical outer shape and having a space portion 27 formed therein. Yes. A tip opening 21 a communicating with the space 27 is formed on the tip surface 21 of the filter holder 20.

  The tip surface 21 of the filter holder 20 is formed with a pair of projecting portions 25a and 25b that project to the tip side from the tip opening 21a. The end surfaces of the protrusions 25a and 25b are formed flat. The protrusions 25a and 25b are arranged at both ends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the tip surface 21 so as to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance so as not to reduce the opening area of the tip opening 21a. .

  Each projecting portion 25a, 25b is formed integrally with the filter holder 20 by projecting a part of the front end surface 21 of the filter holder 20. For example, the projecting portion 25a, 25b is composed of a separate member from the filter holder 20. The protrusions 25a and 25b can be formed later on the filter holder 20. Further, the shape, size, number, and the like of the protrusions formed on the filter holder 20 are not particularly limited as long as the flowability of the diluent through the tip opening 21a of the filter holder 20 can be improved as will be described later. It can be changed as appropriate. However, each protrusion 25a, 25b has a size (area that does not reduce the opening area of the tip opening 21a so as not to reduce the inflow amount of the diluent from the tip opening 21a of the tip face 21). ) Is preferably formed on the tip surface 21.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a tapered portion 23 is formed on the distal end surface 21 of the filter holder 20 so as to extend the opening area toward the distal end side. The taper portion 23 has a function of improving the flowability of the diluent through the tip opening 21a.

  As shown in FIGS. 2C and 3B, the base end surface 22 of the filter holder 20 is formed with a base end opening 22 b communicating with the space 27.

  In the filter holder 20, a female thread portion 26 that can be engaged with a male thread portion 46 (see FIG. 5A) formed in the filter joint 40 is formed on an inner wall portion that divides the space portion 27. The pitch, length, and the like of the female screw portion 26 are not particularly limited as long as the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 can be connected by the male screw portion 46 formed on the female screw portion 26 and the filter joint 40. Absent.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the inner wall portion 28 located on the back side of the front end surface 21 of the filter holder 20 is formed in a shape protruding in a frame shape along the circumferential direction of the inner wall. The inner wall portion 28 functions as a seal forming portion 113 that forms a seal portion 115 around the filter 62 when the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are assembled (FIG. 8B). See).

  Next, the filter joint 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5B, the filter joint 40 protrudes from the base end surface 42 of the base end portion 43 to the base end side, with a male screw portion 46 formed on the outer peripheral surface on the front end side. It is comprised by the hollow member which has the tube connection part 47 which was made.

  A tip opening 41 a is formed in the tip face 41 of the filter joint 40. A space 44 having a predetermined volume communicating with the tip opening 41a is formed in the filter joint 40. The space 44 is a portion in which the filter support member 60 is accommodated when the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are assembled (see FIG. 8B). The bottom 44a of the inner wall located on the proximal end side of the space 44 is a seal forming portion that forms a seal portion 115 around the filter 62 when the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are assembled. 113 (see FIG. 8B).

  As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the base end portion 43 of the filter joint 40 is formed to have a larger diameter than the distal end portion where the male screw portion 46 is formed. The base end portion 43 of the filter joint 40 is formed with a pair of flat portions 48a and 48b formed by chamfering a part of the outer peripheral portion. Each of the flat portions 48a and 48b has a function as a finger hooking portion for easily grasping with a finger or the like when the filter joint 40 is handled.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B), the filter joint 40 includes a space 44 that penetrates the filter joint 40 along the longitudinal direction (X direction), and a first flow path forming portion 45a. A second flow path forming part 45b is formed. Each flow path forming part 45a, 45b constitutes a part of the flow path 110 for allowing the diluent to flow through the filter assembly 100 when the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are assembled. (See FIG. 8B).

  A proximal end opening 47 a is formed in the tube connecting portion 47 projecting from the proximal end surface 42 of the proximal end portion 43 of the filter joint 40. The proximal end opening 47a communicates with the second flow path forming portion 45b. The tube connecting portion 47 is a portion to which a tube 80 used with the filter assembly 100 is connected. As shown in FIG. 8B, the filter joint 40 and the tube connecting portion 47 can be connected by inserting and fitting the tube connecting portion 47 of the filter joint 40 into the tube 80. .

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B), a tapered portion 48 for improving the insertability in the tube 80 is formed at the end of the tube connecting portion 47.

  The outer diameter, length, and the like of the tube connecting portion 47 of the filter joint 40 may be such that the filter joint 40 and the tube 80 are connected by inserting the tube connecting portion 47 into the tube 80 and the connected state is maintained. There is no particular limitation as long as it is possible. For example, it can be appropriately changed according to the product specifications of the tube 80 used.

  Next, the filter support member 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 7B, the filter support member 60 has a distal end portion 65 to which the filter 62 is fixed, a proximal end side with respect to the distal end portion 65, and the distal end portion 65. It is comprised by the hollow-shaped member which has the base end part 75 formed in smaller diameter than.

  A tip opening 61 a that communicates the inside and outside of the filter support member 60 is formed on the tip surface 61 of the filter support member 60. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the filter 62 is fixed to a frame-shaped filter fixing portion 63 formed to be recessed from the distal end surface 61 to the proximal end side. The filter 62 is disposed so as to cover the tip opening 61a and to be located on the same plane as the tip surface 61 (on the XZ plane).

  The filter 62 has a substantially circular outer shape. Further, the filter 62 is formed with a lattice-like mesh that does not hinder the flow of the diluent and can capture foreign matter.

  The filter 62 has a function of capturing foreign matter mixed in the container 320 described above. Although it does not specifically limit as a foreign material used as the capture | acquisition object of the filter 62, For example, the hair (human hair and animal hair) of a test animal is mentioned. Since the hair of the test animal has a relatively small diameter, it may be easily sent to the sample analyzer 310 via a tube or the like, and will not disappear naturally unless removed artificially, so it accumulates inside the apparatus. Cause clogging. From such a viewpoint, it is preferable that the filter 62 used in the present embodiment is configured such that the roughness of the eyes, the shape of the eyes, and the like of the filter 62 are configured so that at least the hair of the test animal can be captured. .

  The configuration of the filter 62 can be changed as appropriate according to the type of foreign matter to be captured, and includes an outer shape and dimensions, an eye structure (for example, a lattice shape, a hole shape, etc.), and a coarse eye shape. There is no particular limitation on the method.

  The filter 62 is made of polypropylene. However, the material constituting the filter 62 is not particularly limited as long as it does not denature the components of the diluted liquid that is the liquid feeding target. For example, the porous body, non-woven fabric, felt, woven fabric, knitted fabric, paper It is also possible to use what is comprised by this.

  For example, the filter 62 can be fixed to the filter fixing portion 63 of the filter support member 60 by a known method such as heat welding at several places on the outer peripheral edge of the filter 62. Although not shown in the drawing, the filter 62 is fixed at six positions in the circumferential direction at positions that are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals (intervals of 60 ° in the circumferential direction). By fixing at a plurality of positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the filter 62 can be firmly fixed so as not to be displaced. In addition, as a fixing method of the filter 62, it can select suitably according to the material of the filter 62, and it is also possible to employ | adopt methods, such as adhesion | attachment.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the filter support member 60 includes a first flow path forming portion 66a penetrating through the filter support member 60 along the longitudinal direction (X direction), A two flow path forming portion 66b and a third flow path forming portion 66c are formed. Each flow path forming portion 66 a, 66 b, 66 c is a part of the flow path 110 for allowing the diluent to flow through the filter assembly 100 when the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are assembled. (See FIG. 8B).

  The first flow path forming portion 66a is formed in a cross-sectional shape that decreases in diameter toward the base end side so that the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually decreases toward the base end side. By forming the first flow path forming portion 66a in such a cross-sectional shape, when the diluting liquid flowing in from the filter 62 side goes to the second flow path forming portion 66b, the flow path cross-sectional area is rapidly narrowed and diluted. It is possible to prevent the smooth flow of the liquid from being hindered.

  A proximal end opening 71 a that communicates with the third flow path forming portion 66 c is formed on the proximal end surface 71 of the proximal end portion 75 of the filter support member 60. A taper portion 73 is formed on the base end surface 71. The tapered portion 73 has a function as a guide for assisting insertion when the proximal end portion 75 of the filter support member 60 is inserted into the space portion 44 of the filter joint 40 (see FIG. 8B). ).

  Each of the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 is made of polypropylene. The material constituting each of these members is not particularly limited as long as it does not alter the components of the diluent to be fed, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, and ultraviolet curable resin. Resin materials, glass, ceramics and the like can also be used. Moreover, when the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are comprised using a resin material, these members can be manufactured by well-known methods, such as injection molding.

  Each of the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 is formed so as to be transparent so that the inside of the main body 10 can be visually recognized from the outside when the filter assembly 100 is configured. By forming it transparent in this way, it is possible to easily check visually whether foreign matter is captured by the filter 62, and thus it becomes easy to perform maintenance of the filter 62 and the like. In addition, when forming transparently, it is preferable that it is colorless and transparent, but if it can visually recognize the inside from the outside, it will not specifically limit, For example, it can also comprise colored transparent or translucent. Further, the portion that can be visually recognized from the outside may be at least the peripheral portion of the portion where the filter 62 is disposed, and the entire members of the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are not transparently configured. May be. For example, in the case of the filter assembly 100 shown in the present embodiment, a part of the filter holder 20 and the filter support member 60 that are parts that cover the filter 62 from the outside (see FIGS. 1A and 8B). By making it transparent, it becomes possible to visually recognize the filter 62 from the outside.

  Next, the procedure for assembling the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60, and the tube assembly 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the filter assembly 100 is assembled, the filter support member 60 is disposed between the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40. At this time, since the base end portion 75 of the filter support member 60 is inserted into the space 44 of the filter joint 40, the assembly work can be performed with the filter support member 60 temporarily disposed in the filter joint 40. It becomes possible to carry out the work even more easily. In addition, since the filter support member 60 is temporarily disposed in the filter joint 40, the filter support member 60 can be more reliably prevented from falling off by turning the tip of the filter joint 40 upward with fingers or the like. Workability can be further improved.

  Next, in a state where the filter support member 60 is sandwiched between the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40, the filter holder 20 is formed by the female screw portion 26 formed on the filter holder 20 and the male screw portion 46 formed on the filter joint 40. 20 and the filter joint 40. By this connection, as shown in FIG. 8B, the position of the filter support member 60 sandwiched between the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 is fixed. As a result, the filter 62 fixed to the filter support member 60 is held in a fixed position inside the filter assembly 100.

  When the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are connected, the flow path forming portions 66a, 66b, 66b of the filter support member 60 and the flow path forming portions 45a, 45b of the filter joint 40 are on the central axis. They are arranged side by side in a substantially straight line. Through these flow path forming portions 45 a, 45 b, 66 a, 66 b, 66 b, a flow path 110 that communicates with the distal end opening 21 a of the filter holder 20 and the proximal end opening 47 a of the filter joint 40 is formed inside the filter assembly 100. It is formed.

  When the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 are connected, the base end portion 75 of the filter support member 60 is pushed to the front end side by the bottom portion 44a of the inner wall of the filter joint 40 as shown in FIG. Then, the front end surface 61 of the filter support member 60 is pressed against the inner wall portion 28 of the filter holder 20. Along with the press contact, a mechanical seal 115 is formed between the filter holder 20 and the filter support member 60.

  By forming the seal portion 115, the diluted liquid that has flowed into the filter assembly 100 from the front end opening 21 a of the filter holder 20 passes between the filter holder 20 and the filter support member 60, and thus the filter assembly 100. It is possible to prevent leakage to the outside. In particular, in the filter assembly 100 according to the present embodiment, the connection between the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 is performed by screwing with the female screw portion 26 and the male screw portion 46. Since the filter support member 60 can be firmly sandwiched and brought into pressure contact by utilizing the relative approaching movement of the joint 40, a sufficient sealing property to prevent leakage can be ensured. In order to further improve the sealing performance, a sealing material such as an O-ring can be disposed on the seal portion 115.

  The assembled filter assembly 100 can be disassembled by releasing the connection between the female screw portion 26 formed on the filter holder 20 and the male screw portion 46 formed on the filter joint 40. For example, when the filter 62 is replaced when the filter 62 is damaged, it is only necessary to replace the filter support member 60, and the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 can be reused. Cost can be reduced. Similarly, when the filter holder 20 or the filter joint 40 is damaged, the filter holder 20 or the filter joint 40 can be used again only by replacing the damaged member. In addition, a plurality of filter support members 60 to which different types of filters 62 are fixed are prepared in advance, and the filter support member 60 is replaced according to the application, thereby providing the filter assembly 100 that can be adapted to various applications. can do.

  After the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are assembled to form the filter assembly 100, the tube 80 and the locking member 90 are attached to the filter assembly 100 as shown in FIG. The tube assembly 200 is configured.

  The tube 80 is configured by a known tube made of resin capable of circulating a liquid. Examples of the constituent material of the tube 80 include vinyl chloride, polyurethane elastomer, and polystyrene elastomer.

  The locking member 90 is connected to the other end side 82 located on the opposite side to the one end side 81 connected to the tube connecting portion 47 of the filter joint 40 in the tube 80. Further, the locking member 90 is configured to be locked to a lid portion 323 attached to the container 320 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the locking member 90 includes a first connecting portion 92 that is mechanically connected to the tube 80 by being inserted into the tube 80, and another different from the tube 80. A second connecting portion 93 that is mechanically connected to the tube 130 by being inserted into the tube 130, and a flange portion 91 that extends in a direction crossing the extending direction of the connecting portions 92, 93. doing.

  An opening 92 a is formed at the distal end of the first connecting portion 92 of the locking member 90, and similarly, an opening 93 a is formed at the base end of the second connecting portion 93 of the locking member 90. Yes. In addition, a channel 94 communicating with the opening 92 a of the first connecting portion 92 and the opening 93 a of the second connecting portion 93 is formed inside the locking member 90.

  The tube 130 is disposed between the locking member 90 and the sample analyzer 310. The tube 130 is an auxiliary tube used for communicating the inside of the container 320 and the sample analyzer 310 by extending the tube 80. When the diluent is introduced into the filter assembly 100 in a state where the filter assembly 100, the tube 80, the locking member 90, and the tube 130 are connected, the diluent passes through the flow path 110 of the filter assembly 100, the inside of the tube 80, The liquid is sent to the sample analyzer 310 through the flow path 94 of the locking member 90 and the inside of the tube 130. In addition, as the tube 130, the thing different from the tube 80 or the same material and structure can be used.

  Each of the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, the filter support member 60, the tube 80, and the locking member 90, which are constituent members of the tube assembly 200, may be prepared in a separated (disassembled) state during use. Any member among these members may be prepared in a pre-assembled state (connected state). For example, the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 are assembled to prepare the filter assembly 100, the tube 80 and the locking member 90 are connected, and these members are connected at the site of use. The tube assembly 200 may be provided.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the usage example and effect | action of the filter assembly 100 are demonstrated.

  FIG. 9 shows a state when the sample analyzer 310 is used.

  The sample analyzer 310 includes a plurality of switches 311, a display unit 312 that displays analysis results, a suction tube 313 that sucks a sample into the device, and a port 314 to which various tubes are connected. doing. When the sample analyzer 310 is used, a container 320 containing a diluent, containers 330 and 340 containing a cleaning liquid, a container 350 for drainage, and a container 360 containing a hemolytic agent are prepared. The Each of these containers 320, 330, 340, 350 is connected to a port 314 of the sample analyzer 310 by a predetermined tube.

  The container 320 containing the diluent is connected to the sample analyzer 310 via the tube 80 and the tube 130 described above. When an operation for starting analysis is performed by the user or the like, the sample analyzer 310 sucks a predetermined amount of diluent and holds it inside the apparatus prior to analysis. A specimen such as blood is prepared in a state of being accommodated in a container (not shown), and is sucked into the apparatus via the suction tube 313. The sample analyzer 310 performs analysis by mixing and stirring the sample and the diluent in the apparatus. The analysis result is displayed on the display.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the filter assembly 100 is disposed in a container 320 in which a diluent d is accommodated. An opening 321 is formed on the upper surface side of the container 320, and the filter assembly 100 and the tube 80 can be inserted into the container 320 through the opening 321. The container 320 is provided with a lid 323 that covers the opening 321. The lid portion 323 is formed with a screw portion to which a predetermined cap 370 can be screwed.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the locking member 90 connected to the tube 80 can be hooked and arranged on the upper surface of the lid portion 323 of the container 320. By hooking the locking member 90 on the lid 323, the filter assembly 100 can be held in the container 320 in a suspended state, and therefore the position of the filter assembly 100 in the height direction in the container 320 is adjusted. be able to. In order to prevent the locking member 90 from inadvertently moving and being displaced, etc., the cap 370 is put on the upper surface side of the locking member 90 and the locking member 90 is moved between the cap 370 and the lid portion 323. Fix by pinching.

  When the sample analyzer 310 starts aspiration in a state where the filter assembly 100 is accommodated in the container 320, as shown by the arrow f in FIG. 10B, the tip opening of the filter assembly 100 (filter holder 20). Diluent d is sucked into the filter assembly 100 through 21a. The diluent d passes through the flow path 110, the tube 80, and the tube 130 of the filter assembly 100, and is sent to the sample analyzer 310.

  As shown in FIG. 10C, when foreign matter m such as human hair or animal hair is mixed in the diluent d stored in the container 320, the foreign matter m is captured by the filter 62 provided in the filter assembly 100. The For this reason, it is possible to suitably prevent the foreign matter m from being sent to the sample analyzer 310 through the tube 80.

  The tube 80 may be reused for multiple types of different sized containers 320. For this reason, depending on the size of the container 320, the tube 80 may be inserted into the container 320 while being bent or wound. When the container 320 is made of a flexible material, the outer shape of the container 320 may be relatively easily deformed with a decrease in the remaining amount of the diluent d. Due to the influence of the product specifications of the tube 80 and the container 320, when the filter assembly 100 is used, it is difficult to always maintain the orientation of the distal end surface 21 of the filter assembly 100 in a certain direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 10C, the tip end surface 21 of the filter assembly 100 may be disposed in a state of facing the inner wall (side wall or bottom wall) 325 of the container 320 or the like. If suction is performed in such a state, the distal end opening 21a of the filter assembly 100 is blocked by the inner wall 325, and the suction of the diluent d may be hindered.

  However, in the filter assembly 100, a gap g can be defined between the filter assembly 100 and the inner wall 325 of the container 320 by the protruding portions 25 a and 25 b protruding from the distal end surface 21. Then, the diluent d can flow into the filter assembly 100 through the gap g. Accordingly, when the filter assembly 100 is used, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the suction amount due to the influence of the inner wall 325 and the like, and therefore, the diluent d can be almost completely used without remaining in the container 320. .

  As described above, according to the filter assembly 100 according to the present embodiment, even when foreign matter is mixed in the diluent contained in the container 320, the filter 62 held by the main body 10 is used. Since the foreign matter can be captured, the foreign matter can be suitably prevented from being fed into the sample analyzer 310 through the tube 80. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from staying in the sample analyzer 310 and causing the foreign matter to be clogged, and to prevent problems such as erroneous measurement and failure of the sample analyzer 310 from occurring due to the clogged foreign matter. Can do.

  The filter assembly 100 includes a filter support member 60 to which a filter 62 is fixed. The main body 10 includes a filter holder 20 and a filter joint 40 that are configured to be connected and separated from each other. . The filter 62 is held in a fixed position with respect to the main body 10 by connecting the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 with the filter support member 60 sandwiched between the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40. Thus, the filter assembly 100 is configured. For this reason, it is possible to provide the filter assembly 100 with excellent maintainability, in which the filter holder 20, the filter joint 40, and the filter support member 60 can be easily assembled and disassembled manually.

  Further, since the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 have a seal forming portion 113 that forms a seal portion 115 around the filter 62 by pressing against the filter support member 60 when the filter support member 60 is sandwiched, It is possible to suitably prevent the diluent from leaking from the surroundings. Since it is not necessary to provide a seal member separately, the number of parts of the filter assembly 100 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the manufacturing operation can be simplified.

  In addition, since the front end surface 21 of the main body 10 of the filter assembly 100 is formed with projecting portions 25 a and 25 b that protrude toward the front end side from the front end opening 21 a, the filter assembly 100 is attached to the container 320. Even in the case where it is arranged facing the inner wall 325, a gap g can be defined between the inner wall 325 and the diluent can flow into the filter assembly 100 through the gap g. . Therefore, when the filter assembly 100 is used, the diluent can be almost completely used without remaining in the container 320.

  In addition, the periphery of the portion of the filter assembly 100 where the filter 62 is disposed is transparent so that the inside of the filter body 100 is visible from the outside. Since it can be easily confirmed visually whether it is trapped or not, it is possible to easily grasp the trapping status of the foreign matter during use.

  Further, the filter assembly 100 is connected to the tube 80, and the other end side of the tube 80 opposite to the one end side connected to the main body portion 10, and is related to the lid portion 323 attached to the container 320. By configuring the tube assembly 200 having the locking member 90 that can be stopped, it is possible to suitably prevent the foreign matter from being fed when the diluent is fed to the sample analyzer 310. It becomes possible to provide a simple instrument for use.

  In the present embodiment, the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 are connected to each other by screwing, but the mechanism for connecting the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 is limited to screwing only. It is not something. For example, a mechanism for performing mechanical connection by fitting a projection or the like formed on the other of the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 into a hole or a recess formed on one of the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40, or a filter It is also possible to employ a mechanism that uses a connecting member such as a screw that is formed of a separate member from the holder 20 and the filter joint 40.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a filter assembly 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that description of members that can be configured in the same manner as the members already described in the description of the filter assembly 100 described above, members that have the same functions, and the like will be omitted.

  The filter assembly 100 according to the first embodiment described above is assembled and disassembled with the filter holder 20 and the filter joint 40 constituting the main body 10 of the filter assembly 100 and the filter support member 60 to which the filter 62 is fixed. Each part was configured so that can be performed freely. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the filter assembly 400 according to the second embodiment does not have a configuration in which the main body 410 can be connected and separated, and the filter 62 is integrated with the main body 410 in advance. It is fixed. In this respect, the filter assembly 400 according to the present embodiment is different from the filter assembly 100 described above.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A and 13B, the main body portion 410 of the filter assembly 400 includes a distal end portion 420 located on the distal end side and an intermediate portion 430 located on the proximal end side relative to the distal end portion 420. And a base end portion 440 located on the base end side with respect to the intermediate portion 430. Each of the distal end portion 420, the intermediate portion 430, and the proximal end portion 440 has a substantially circular outer shape, and the inner diameter and the outer diameter of each portion are in order of the distal end portion 420, the intermediate portion 430, and the proximal end portion 440. It is formed to be smaller.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a channel 450 that communicates from the distal end side (one end side) to the proximal end side (the other end side) of the main body portion 410 is formed inside the main body portion 410. ing. The flow path 450 includes a first flow path forming part 451 composed of a space partitioned by the inner wall of the distal end part 420, a second flow path forming part 452 composed of a space partitioned by the inner wall of the intermediate part 430, and a base end part. The third flow path forming portion 453 includes a space partitioned by the inner wall of 440.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a tip opening 421 a communicating with the first flow path forming portion 451 is formed on the tip surface 421 of the tip 420. Further, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 13B, a base end opening 442 a communicating with the third flow path forming portion 453 is formed in the base end surface 442 of the base end portion 440.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the base end portion 440 has a function as a tube connecting portion that can be connected to the tube 80. As shown in FIG. 13A, the proximal end portion 440 is formed with a tapered portion 443 for improving the insertion property into the tube 80.

  As shown in FIGS. 12B and 13B, the filter 62 is fixed to a filter fixing portion 426 formed by protruding a part of the inner wall of the tip portion 420 inward. In the present embodiment, the filter 62 and the main body 410 are made of polypropylene. The filter 62 fixes six locations on the outer peripheral edge of the filter 62 to the filter fixing portion 426 of the main body 410. The fixing method is performed by heat welding.

  The peripheral part of the part where the filter 62 is disposed in the main body part 410 is formed to be transparent so that the inside of the main body part 410 can be visually recognized from the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, a plurality of projecting portions 425a, 425b, 435c, and 435d are formed on the distal end surface 421 of the main body portion 410 so as to project further toward the distal end side than the distal end opening portion 421a.

  The end surfaces of the protrusions 425a, 425b, 435c, and 435d are formed flat. In addition, the protrusions 425a, 425b, 435c, and 435d are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the distal end surface 421. Each of the protrusions 425a, 425b, 435c, and 435d is disposed in a state where the front end surface 421 of the main body 410 faces the inner wall 325 of the container 320, like the protrusions 25a and 25b described above. By having a gap g between the inner wall 325 and the inner wall 325, it has a function of allowing the diluent to be sucked through the tip opening 421a (see FIG. 10C). The number and shape of the protrusions are not limited to the illustrated example and can be changed as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the tube assembly 500 can be configured by connecting the tube 80 to which the locking member 90 is attached to the base end portion 440 of the filter assembly 400.

  When the filter assembly 400 is used when the sample analyzer 310 is used, the diluent contained in the container 320 passes through the tip opening 421a and the flow channel 450 formed in the main body 410 and is sent to the tube 80. Is done. Since the cross-sectional area of the channel 450 formed in the main body 410 is configured to gradually decrease from the distal end side toward the proximal end side (see FIG. 13B), the distal end opening 421a. Even when there is a relatively large difference between the opening area of the tube 80 and the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the tube 80, the diluent can be smoothly circulated from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the main body 410.

  The filter 62 fixed to the main body 410 captures foreign matter such as hairs in the diluted solution and prevents the foreign matter from being fed into the sample analyzer 310 via the tube 80. To do. Therefore, similar to the filter assembly 100 according to the first embodiment described above, the filter assembly 400 according to the present embodiment can prevent foreign matter from staying in the sample analyzer 310 and causing clogging of foreign matter, It is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as erroneous measurement due to clogging of foreign matter and failure of the sample analyzer 310.

  Further, since the structure in which the filter 62 is integrally fixed to the filter assembly 400 is adopted, the structure can be simplified as compared with the filter assembly 100 according to the first embodiment described above, and the parts can be combined. Since the number of points can be reduced, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

As described above, the filter assembly and the tube assembly according to the present invention have been described through a plurality of embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiments, and is described in the claims. It is possible to change appropriately based on this.

  For example, the number of filters provided in one filter assembly is not limited to one, and a plurality of filters can be provided in one filter assembly. In addition, when a plurality of filters are provided, it is possible to use filters of different types and structures in combination. In addition, the position where the filter assembly is held by the filter assembly is preferably disposed so as to face the front end opening of the filter assembly from the viewpoint of manufacturing. However, the position is not limited to such a position. It is possible to change as long as the foreign matter is captured by the assembly and the foreign matter is prevented from being fed into the sample analyzer.

  Moreover, the flow path formed in the main body is not limited to a shape extending linearly from one end side to the other end side. The flow path only needs to be formed in a shape that allows liquid to flow through the main body. For example, the cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction can be formed in an L shape, a wave shape, or the like. Similarly, the outer shape of the main body is not limited to a linear shape in appearance in the longitudinal direction, and can be arbitrarily changed according to product specifications and the like.

  In the description of the embodiment, an apparatus for analyzing a component of blood collected from a test animal has been described as an example of the sample analyzer. However, the sample analyzer to which the filter assembly according to the present invention is applied is as described above. The present invention is not limited to such devices, but can be widely applied to devices used for analyzing various specimens collected from test animals. For example, it can be applied to devices used for analyzing urine and various body fluids. Is possible. Further, the liquid to be captured by the filter assembly is not limited to the diluting liquid, and can be widely applied to various liquids used when using the sample analyzer, for example, for cleaning the inside of the apparatus. The present invention can be applied to trapping foreign substances contained in the cleaning liquid used.

10 Main body,
20 Filter holder (first holding member),
21 Front end surface (end surface on one end side),
21a Tip opening (opening),
25a, 25b protrusion,
28 inner wall part,
40 Filter joint (second holding member),
44a bottom,
47 Tube connection,
60 filter support members,
62 filters,
63 Filter fixing part,
80, 130 tubes,
90 locking member,
100 filter assembly,
110 flow path,
113 seal part,
115 seal forming part,
200 tube assembly,
310 sample analyzer,
320 Container (container) containing the diluent,
321 opening,
323 lid,
325 inner wall of the container,
370 cap,
400 filter assembly,
410 body,
421a tip opening (opening),
425a, 425b, 425c, 425d protrusion,
436 filter fixing part,
440 proximal end (tube connecting portion),
450 channels,
500 tube assembly,
d diluent,
m Foreign matter.

Claims (5)

A main body connectable to a tube for feeding a liquid contained in a predetermined container to the sample analyzer;
A filter that is held by the main body and captures foreign matter contained in the liquid,
On one end side of the main body, an opening through which the liquid flows,
On the other end side of the main body portion, a tube connecting portion connected to the tube,
In the inside of the main body portion, a flow path is formed which communicates with the one end side and the other end side and through which the liquid can flow .
A filter support member to which the filter is fixed;
The main body includes a first holding member and a second holding member configured to be connected and separated from each other,
The filter support member has a distal end portion to which the filter is fixed, and a proximal end portion that is located on the proximal end side with respect to the distal end portion and is formed with a smaller diameter than the distal end portion,
The second holding member has a space that can accommodate the base end of the filter support member,
The first end in a state where the base end portion of the filter support member is accommodated in the space portion of the second holding member and the filter support member is sandwiched between the first holding member and the second holding member. A filter assembly in which the filter is held against the main body by connecting a holding member and the second holding member . The said 1st holding member and the said 2nd holding member have a seal | sticker formation part which press-contacts to the said filter support member when the said filter support member is inserted | pinched, and forms a seal part around the said filter. The filter assembly as described. The filter assembly according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a projecting portion that projects toward one end side from the opening is formed on an end surface on one end side of the main body portion . Peripheral portion of said filter is disposed partially in the main body, the inside of the main body portion is transparent or translucent so formed so as to be visible from the outside, any one of claims 1 to 3 A filter assembly according to claim 1. The filter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The tube;
A tube assembly having a locking member connected to the other end located on the opposite side to the one end connected to the main body of the tube, and capable of being locked to a lid attached to the container. .