阅读说明：本技术 试样容器及帽 (Sample container and cap ) 是由 千田刚 小池洋毅 于 2020-03-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的样本容器(100)能够抑制试样容器产生漏液。本试样容器(100)具备：容器主体(20),具有开口(21)；帽(10),配置为塞住容器主体(20)的开口(21),并且形成有能使得吸移管(30)通过的狭缝(111)。帽(10)包括：狭缝形成部(11),形成有狭缝(111)；弹性部(12),设为围住狭缝形成部(11),并支撑狭缝形成部(11)并通过弹性变形使狭缝形成部(11)能移动。(The sample container (100) of the present invention can suppress the occurrence of leakage in a sample container. The sample container (100) is provided with: a container body (20) having an opening (21); a cap (10) configured to plug the opening (21) of the container body (20) and formed with a slit (111) through which the pipette (30) can pass. The cap (10) comprises: a slit forming section (11) in which a slit (111) is formed; and an elastic part (12) which is arranged to surround the slit forming part (11), supports the slit forming part (11), and enables the slit forming part (11) to move through elastic deformation.)

1. A sample container characterized by comprising:

a container body having an opening;

a cap configured to plug the opening of the container body and formed with a slit through which a pipette can pass,

wherein the cap comprises: a slit forming part in which the slit is formed; an elastic part surrounding the slit forming part and supporting the slit forming part and enabling the slit forming part to move by elastic deformation.

2. The sample container of claim 1, wherein:

the elastic portion is formed integrally with the slit forming portion and is thinner in thickness than the slit forming portion.

3. Sample container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

the elastic part is arranged around the slit forming part in a circumferential shape.

4. A sample vessel as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

the elastic portion is formed in an annular shape.

5. Sample container according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that:

the cap includes a container abutment portion that abuts an inner periphery of the container main body;

the elastic portion connects the container abutting portion and the slit forming portion.

6. The sample vessel of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein:

the slit forming part is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the center of the cap.

7. The sample vessel of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein:

the elastic portion is formed of a material having a lower elastic modulus than the slit forming portion.

8. The sample vessel of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein:

the slit forming portion is connected to the elastic portion so as to protrude toward the bottom side of the container body.

9. The sample container of claim 8, wherein:

the elastic portion is formed to be inclined from an outer peripheral portion of the cap toward the slit forming portion.

10. The sample vessel of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein:

the cap includes a plurality of protrusions surrounding the slit and protruding from the slit forming part to a side of the bottom of the container body.

11. The sample vessel of any 1 of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

a cap cover disposed on the container body so as to cover the cap;

wherein the cap includes a peripheral wall portion configured to surround an outer periphery of the container body.

12. The sample container of claim 11, wherein:

the cap further comprises a top connected to the peripheral wall;

the top portion is provided with an opening smaller than the opening of the container body.

13. The sample container according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising:

a piston disposed within the container body and sliding within the container body; a piston rod connected with the piston and protruding from the bottom of the container body,

wherein a cutting groove for breaking off and removing the piston rod from the piston is provided in the vicinity of the piston rod,

the cap is capable of mounting a cylindrical portion inserted into the slit of the cap.

14. A cap for a sample container, which is configured to plug an opening of a container body and is formed with a slit through which a pipette can pass, the cap comprising:

a slit forming part in which the slit is formed;

an elastic part surrounding the slit forming part and supporting the slit forming part and enabling the slit forming part to move by elastic deformation.

15. The cap of claim 14, wherein:

the elastic portion is formed integrally with the slit forming portion and is thinner in thickness than the slit forming portion.

16. The cap of claim 14 or 15, wherein:

the elastic part is arranged around the slit forming part in a circumferential shape.

17. The cap of claim 16, wherein:

the elastic portion is formed in an annular shape.

18. The cap of claim 16 or 17, comprising:

a container contact portion that contacts an inner periphery of the container body;

wherein the elastic portion connects the container abutting portion and the slit forming portion.

19. The cap of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein:

the slit forming part is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the center of the cap.

20. The cap of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein:

the elastic portion is formed of a material having a lower elastic modulus than the slit forming portion.

21. The cap of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein:

the slit forming portion is connected to the elastic portion so as to protrude toward the bottom side of the container body.

22. The cap of claim 21, wherein:

the elastic portion is formed to be inclined from an outer peripheral portion of the cap toward the slit forming portion.

23. The cap of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein:

includes a plurality of protrusions surrounding the slit and protruding from the slit forming part to a side of the bottom of the container body.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a sample container and a cap.

Background

As shown in fig. 16, patent document 1 discloses a sample container 900 including: a container body 902 having an opening 901; a cap 903 configured to plug the opening 901 of the container body 902 and formed with a slit (slot hole) 904 through which the pipette 905 can pass. The sample container 900 of patent document 1 is configured such that the sample container 900 is blocked by inserting the pipette 905 into the sample container 900 through the slit 904 of the cap 903 to aspirate a sample, and then removing the pipette 905 from the slit 904 after aspiration to close the slit 904. Further, a slit 904 is provided in the center of the cap 903.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: international publication No. 2015/118076.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

However, in the sample container 900 of patent document 1, since the slit 904 into which the pipette 905 for aspirating a sample is inserted is provided in the center of the cap 903, when the pipette 905 is inserted into a position deviated from the center of the cap 903, the slit 904 is deformed in a skewed shape. In this case, when the pipette 905 is removed from the slit 904, the slit 904 may not return to the original position, and the slit may not be completely blocked. In this case, there is a problem that the sample container 900 may leak.

The invention aims to prevent a sample container from leaking.

Means for solving the problems

As shown in fig. 1, a sample container (100) according to claim 1 of the present invention includes: a container body (20) having an opening (21); a cap (10) configured to plug the opening (21) of the container body (20) and formed with a slit (111) through which the pipette (30) can pass; wherein the cap (10) comprises: a slit forming section (11) in which a slit (111) is formed; and an elastic part (12) which surrounds the slit forming part (11), supports the slit forming part (11), and enables the slit forming part (11) to move through elastic deformation. Further, "enclosing" means not only being continuously provided but also being intermittently provided.

As described above, in the sample container (100) according to claim 1 of the present invention, the elastic portion (12) is provided, and the elastic portion (12) is disposed so as to surround the slit forming portion (11), supports the slit forming portion (11), and allows the slit forming portion (11) to move by elastic deformation. Thus, even when the pipette (30) is inserted into a position deviated from the center of the slit (cut-out hole) (111), the elastic section (12) is elastically deformed so that the slit forming section (11) follows the position of the pipette (30) and moves so that the center of the slit (111) in a plan view is positioned at the axial center of the pipette (30). Therefore, the deformation of the slit (111) in a skew manner when the pipette (30) is inserted can be suppressed, and therefore, the slit (111) can be prevented from returning to the original position when the pipette (30) is removed from the slit (111). Further, when the pipette 30 is pulled out from the slit 111, the slit forming part 11 is pulled and moved in the moving direction of the pipette 30, and therefore, when the pipette 30 is pulled out, the slit forming part 11 returns to the original position by a restoring force due to a reaction and elastic deformation. At this time, the inertial force acts on the slit (111) of the slit forming section (11), and the slit (111) is easily returned to the original position. This effectively prevents the slit (111) from being completely blocked, thereby preventing the sample container (100) from leaking.

As shown in fig. 4, in the sample container (100) according to the above-mentioned 1 st aspect, the elastic portion (12) is preferably formed integrally with the slit-formed portion (11) and is thinner than the slit-formed portion (11). With the above configuration, the elastic portion (12) which surrounds the slit forming portion (11) and is easily elastically deformed can be easily formed.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, in the sample container (100) according to the above-described 1 st aspect, the elastic portion (12) is preferably provided circumferentially around the slit-forming portion (11). With the above arrangement, the slit forming section (11) can be supported in a balanced manner by the elastic section (12), and therefore the movement direction of the slit forming section (11) can be prevented from being limited to a certain direction. This improves the following ability of the slit forming section (11) to follow the pipette (30).

In this case, as shown in fig. 7, the elastic portion (12) is preferably formed in an annular shape. With the above arrangement, the slit forming section (11) can be supported more uniformly by the elastic section (12), and the following ability of the slit forming section (11) to follow the pipette (30) can be further improved.

As shown in fig. 4, in the case where the elastic portion (12) is circumferentially provided around the slit forming portion (11), it is preferable that the cap (10) includes a container contact portion (13) which contacts the inner periphery of the container body (20), and the elastic portion (12) connects the container contact portion (13) and the slit forming portion (11). With the above arrangement, the position of the slit forming section (11) can be moved relative to the container contact section (13) that is in contact with the container body (20), and therefore the position of the slit forming section (11) can be moved relative to the container so as to follow the position of the pipette (30).

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, in the case where the elastic portion (12) is circumferentially provided around the slit-forming portion (11), the slit-forming portion (11) is preferably formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the center of the cap (10). With the above configuration, since the slit (111) can be prevented from being deformed obliquely when the pipette (30) is inserted into the slit (111), the slit (111) can be effectively prevented from returning to the original position when the pipette (30) is removed from the slit (111).

In the sample container (100) according to the above aspect 1, the elastic portion (12) is preferably formed of a material having a lower elastic modulus than the slit-forming portion (11). With the above configuration, the elastic portion (12) can be elastically deformed more easily than the slit forming portion (11).

As shown in fig. 4, in the sample container (100) according to the above-mentioned 1 st aspect, the slit-formed portion (11) is preferably connected to the elastic portion (12) so as to protrude toward the bottom side of the container body (20). With the above configuration, since the slit forming section (11) is supported by the elastic section (12) and suspended downward, the force applied to the bottom of the container body (20) acts on the slit forming section (11) to close the slit (111) of the slit forming section (11). This can more reliably block the slit (111).

As shown in fig. 4, in this case, the elastic portion (12) is preferably formed to be inclined from the outer peripheral portion of the cap (10) toward the slit forming portion (11). With the above arrangement, the length of the connection of the elastic section (12) can be increased as compared with the case where the outer peripheral section of the cap (10) and the slit forming section (11) are connected by the elastic section (12) at the shortest distance in the horizontal state, and therefore the range in which the slit forming section (11) can move in accordance with the movement of the pipette (30) can be increased. This effectively improves the following ability of the slit forming section (11) to follow the pipette (30).

As shown in fig. 10, in the sample container (100) according to the above-mentioned aspect 1, the cap (10) preferably includes a plurality of protrusions (112) that surround the slit (111) and protrude from the slit-formed portion (11) toward the bottom of the container body (20). With the above arrangement, when the pipette 30 is removed from the slit 111, the tips of the plurality of projections 112 formed on the periphery of the slit 111 can be respectively tilted inward, and therefore, the tips of the plurality of projections 112 can be closely attached to the pipette 30 while reducing the interval therebetween. Thus, a sample adhering to the outer periphery of the pipette (30) can be efficiently removed by the tips of the plurality of protrusions (112) when the pipette (30) is pulled out.

As shown in fig. 12, the sample container (100) according to the above-described 1 preferably further includes a cap (40) disposed on the container body (20) and covering the cap (10), and the cap (40) includes a peripheral wall portion (41) disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the container body (20). With the above arrangement, the cap (10) can be easily attached and detached by holding the peripheral wall portion (41) of the cap (40).

As shown in fig. 12, in this case, the cap (40) preferably further includes a top portion (42) connected to the peripheral wall portion (41), and the top portion (42) is provided with an opening (43) smaller than the opening (21) of the container body (20). With the above configuration, even if liquid leaks out of the slit (111), the liquid can be prevented from leaking out of the cap (40), and thus the occurrence of liquid leakage in the sample container (100) can be further prevented.

As shown in fig. 15, in the above-described aspect including the cap, it is preferable that the cap further includes: a piston (60) which is provided in the container body (20) and slides in the container body (20); a piston rod (61) connected to the piston (60) and protruding from the bottom of the container body (20); a slit (62) for breaking off the piston (60) and removing the piston rod (61) is provided in the vicinity of the piston (60) of the piston rod (61), and a cylindrical portion (80) of the slit (111) of the insertion cap (10) can be attached to the cap (70). With the above arrangement, the piston rod (61) is pulled to move the piston (60) toward the bottom of the container, so that the sample can be easily introduced into the container body (20) inside the slit (111) through the cylindrical portion. After the sample is introduced by pulling the piston rod (61), the piston rod (61) is broken off near the piston (60) and removed, thereby preventing the piston rod (61) from becoming an obstacle.

As shown in fig. 1, a cap (10) according to the 2 nd aspect of the present invention is a cap (10) for a sample container (100) arranged to close an opening (21) of a container body (20) and formed with a slit (111) through which a pipette (30) can pass, the cap including: a slit forming section (11) in which a slit (111) is formed; and an elastic part (12) which surrounds the slit forming part (11), supports the slit forming part (11), and enables the slit forming part (11) to move through elastic deformation.

As described above, in the cap (10) according to claim 2 of the present invention, the elastic portion (12) is provided, and the elastic portion (12) is disposed so as to surround the slit forming portion (11), supports the slit forming portion (11), and elastically deforms so as to allow the slit forming portion (11) to move. Thus, even when the pipette (30) is inserted into a position deviated from the center of the slit (cut-out hole) (111), the elastic section (12) is elastically deformed so that the slit forming section (11) follows the position of the pipette (30) and moves so that the center of the slit (111) in a plan view is positioned at the axial center of the pipette (30). Therefore, the deformation of the slit (111) in a skew manner when the pipette (30) is inserted can be suppressed, and therefore, the slit (111) can be prevented from returning to the original position when the pipette (30) is removed from the slit (111). Further, when the pipette (30) is pulled out from the slit (111), the slit forming section (11) is pulled and moved in the moving direction of the pipette (30), and therefore, when the pipette (30) is pulled out, the slit forming section (11) returns to the original position by the restoring force due to the reaction and the elastic deformation. At this time, the inertial force acts on the slit (111) of the slit forming section (11), and the slit (111) is easily returned to the original position. Thus, the slit (111) can be effectively prevented from being completely blocked, and the occurrence of leakage of the sample container (100) can be prevented.

As shown in fig. 4, in the cap (10) according to the above-mentioned 2 nd aspect, the elastic portion (12) is preferably formed integrally with the slit-formed portion (11) and is thinner than the slit-formed portion (11). With the above configuration, the elastic portion (12) which is easily elastically deformed and surrounds the slit forming portion (11) can be easily formed.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, in the cap (10) according to the above-described 2 nd aspect, the elastic portion (12) is preferably provided circumferentially around the slit-forming portion (11). With the above arrangement, the slit forming section (11) can be supported in a balanced manner by the elastic section (12), and therefore the movement direction of the slit forming section (11) can be prevented from being limited to a certain direction. This improves the following ability of the slit forming section (11) to follow the pipette (30).

In this case, as shown in fig. 7, the elastic portion (12) is preferably formed in an annular shape. With the above arrangement, the slit forming section (11) can be supported more uniformly by the elastic section (12), and the following ability of the slit forming section (11) to follow the pipette (30) can be further improved.

As shown in fig. 4, in the technical proposal that the elastic part (12) is circumferentially arranged on the periphery of the slit forming part (11), the container contact part (13) is preferably arranged to contact with the inner periphery of the container main body (20); the elastic part (12) connects the container contact part (13) and the slit forming part (11). With the above arrangement, the position of the slit forming section (11) can be moved relative to the container contact section (13) that is in contact with the container body (20), and therefore the position of the slit forming section (11) can be moved relative to the container so as to follow the position of the pipette (30).

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, in the case where the elastic portion (12) is circumferentially provided around the slit-forming portion (11), the slit-forming portion (11) is preferably formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the center of the cap (10). With the above configuration, since the slit (111) can be prevented from being deformed obliquely when the pipette (30) is inserted into the slit (111), the slit (111) can be effectively prevented from returning to the original position when the pipette (30) is removed from the slit (111).

In the cap (10) according to the above-mentioned aspect 2, preferably, the elastic portion (12) is formed of a material having a lower elastic modulus than the slit-formed portion (11). With the above configuration, the elastic portion (12) can be elastically deformed more easily than the slit forming portion (11).

As shown in fig. 4, in the cap (10) according to the above-described 2 nd aspect, the slit-formed portion (11) is preferably connected to the elastic portion (12) so as to protrude toward the bottom side of the container body (20). With the above configuration, since the slit forming section (11) is supported by the elastic section (12) and suspended downward, the force applied to the bottom of the container body (20) acts on the slit forming section (11) to close the slit (111) of the slit forming section (11). This can more reliably block the slit (111).

As shown in fig. 4, in this case, the elastic portion (12) is preferably formed to be inclined from the outer peripheral portion of the cap (10) toward the slit forming portion (11). With the above arrangement, the length of the connection of the elastic section (12) can be increased as compared with the case where the outer peripheral section of the cap (10) and the slit forming section (11) are connected by the elastic section (12) at the shortest distance in the horizontal state, and therefore the range in which the slit forming section (11) can move in accordance with the movement of the pipette (30) can be increased. This effectively improves the following ability of the slit forming section (11) to follow the pipette (30).

As shown in fig. 10, the cap (10) according to the above-mentioned 2 nd aspect preferably includes a plurality of projections (112) that surround the slit (111) and project from the slit-forming portion (11) toward the bottom of the container body (20). With the above arrangement, when the pipette 30 is removed from the slit 111, the tips of the plurality of projections 112 formed on the periphery of the slit 111 can be respectively tilted inward, and therefore, the tips of the plurality of projections 112 can be closely attached to the pipette 30 while reducing the interval therebetween. Thus, a sample adhering to the outer periphery of the pipette (30) can be efficiently removed by the tips of the plurality of protrusions (112) when the pipette (30) is pulled out.

Effects of the invention

The occurrence of leakage in the sample container can be suppressed.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a sample container;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a slit forming part of a sample container;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an assay device;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a sample vessel;

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining example 1 in which a pipette is inserted into a sample container;

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining example 2 in which a pipette is inserted into a sample container;

FIG. 7 is a top view of example 1 of a cap for a sample container;

FIG. 8 is a top view of example 2 of a cap for a sample container;

FIG. 9 is a top view of example 3 of a cap for a sample container;

fig. 10 is a side view of an example of a case where a protrusion is provided on a cap of a sample container;

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining an operation example when the pipette is inserted into the cap of FIG. 10;

fig. 12 is a side view of an example of a case where a cap is attached to a sample container;

FIG. 13 is a side view of example 1 in the case where a water-absorbing part is provided in a sample container;

FIG. 14 is a side view of example 2 in which a water-absorbing part is provided in a sample container;

fig. 15 is a side view of an example in which a piston is provided in a sample container;

fig. 16 is a side view of a conventional sample container.

Detailed Description

The following describes embodiments based on the drawings.

(Structure of sample Container)

A sample container 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in brief with reference to fig. 1 and 2.

The sample container 100 is a container for storing a sample. The sample container 100 stores therein a sample measured by the measuring apparatus. The sample is derived from a living body, and includes urine, blood, cells, and the like. Further, the sample container 100 stores a liquid as a sample. The sample container 100 may store powder as a sample.

As shown in fig. 1, the pipette 30 of the measurement apparatus is inserted into the sample container 100. Then, the pipette 30 suctions the sample in the sample container 100. Thereby, the sample is sucked into the measuring apparatus and measured.

The sample container 100 includes a cap 10 and a container body 20. The container body 20 has an opening 21. The cap 10 is configured to plug the opening 21 of the container body 20. Further, the cap 10 is formed with a slit 111 through which the pipette 30 can pass. Further, the cap 10 includes a slit forming portion 11 and an elastic portion 12. The slit forming portion 11 is formed with a slit 111.

That is, the elastic portion 12 is more easily deformed than the slit forming portion 11. Further, as shown in fig. 2, the elastic section 12 moves the slit forming section 11 to follow the pipette 30 even when the pipette 30 is not inserted into the center of the cap 10.

The slits 111 are formed in a cross shape in the slit forming portion 11, for example. The slit forming part 11 is formed of a rubber material such as silicone. The slit 111 of the slit forming section 11 seals the sample container 100 in a slit-closed state when the pipette 30 is not inserted.

The elastic portion 12 surrounds the slit forming portion 11. Further, the elastic portion 12 supports the slit forming portion 11 and enables the slit forming portion 11 to move by elastic deformation. The elastic portion 12 is formed of a rubber material such as silicone rubber. The elastic part 12 supports the slit forming part 11 with no external force such that the slit 111 is located at the center of the cap 10.

As described above, the elastic portion 12 is provided, and the elastic portion 12 is disposed so as to surround the slit forming portion 11, supports the slit forming portion 11, and allows the slit forming portion 11 to move by elastic deformation. Thus, even when the pipette 30 is inserted into a position deviated from the center of the slit 111, the elastic section 12 is elastically deformed so that the slit forming section 11 follows the position of the pipette 30 and moves so that the center of the slit 111 in a plan view is positioned at the axial center of the pipette 30. Therefore, the slit 111 can be prevented from being deformed obliquely when the pipette 30 is inserted, and therefore, the slit 111 can be prevented from returning to the original position when the pipette 30 is removed from the slit 111. Further, since the slit forming section 11 is pulled and moved in the moving direction of the pipette 30 when the pipette 30 is pulled out from the slit 111, the slit forming section 11 returns to the original position by the restoring force due to the reaction and the elastic deformation when the pipette 30 is pulled out. At this time, the inertial force acts on the slit 111 of the slit forming portion 11, and the slit 111 is easily returned to the original position. This effectively prevents the slit 111 from being completely blocked, thereby preventing the sample container 100 from leaking.

(construction of measuring apparatus)

The configuration of the measurement device 200 for measuring the sample stored in the sample container 100 will be described with reference to fig. 3.

The measurement device 200 measures, for example, a urine sample as a sample. As shown in fig. 3, the measurement device 200 includes a control unit 210, a measurement unit 220, and a dispensing unit 230. The dispensing unit 230 is provided with a pipette 30 for aspirating a sample from the sample container 100.

The control unit 210 controls each unit of the measurement device 200. The control unit 210 controls the measurement process of the sample by the measurement device 200. The control unit 210 includes a Processing unit such as a cpu (central Processing unit) and a storage unit such as a memory. Further, the control unit 210 executes the measurement processing based on the program. The control unit 210 transmits the measurement result to the analysis device 240 connected to the measurement device 200.

The analyzer 240 analyzes information on the components of the sample measured by the measuring apparatus 200. The components in the urine sample analyzed by the analyzer 240 are, for example, urine-forming components. The urine contains visible components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, casts, bacteria, abnormal cells, and leukocyte aggregates. The analysis device 240 may be constituted by a general-purpose computer, for example.

The measurement unit 220 measures the sample dispensed from the sample container 100 by the dispensing unit 230. The measurement unit 220 includes, for example, a flow cytometer. Flow cytometry optically measures a sample according to the flow cytometry method. The measurement unit 220 irradiates light to the sample flowing in the cell, and detects and measures the light from the sample. The measurement unit 220 measures an adjusted sample prepared by adding a reagent to a sample.

The dispensing unit 230 aspirates a urine sample from the sample container 100 and dispenses the urine sample to the measuring unit 220. The pipette 30 of the sample container 100 may be integrally formed of 2 tubes. For example, the pipette 30 may be formed by integrally providing 2 tubes for pipetting and 2 tubes for stirring.

As shown in fig. 4, the sample container 100 is provided with a cap 10 at an opening 21 of a container body 20. The cap 10 seals the container body 20 and is provided with a slit 111 into which the pipette 30 is inserted. That is, in order to suppress the generation of rubber residue, the cap 10 inserts the pipette 30 through the slit 111 without inserting the pipette through puncturing.

The cap 10 is formed of a rubber material. The cap 10 is formed of a rubber material such as silicone rubber, for example. The cap 10 may be formed of a rubber material or a resin material other than a rubber material such as a silicone rubber, for example, an elastic fiber (elastomer) or an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Further, the cap 10 may be formed as a single body by 2-time molding. The cap 10 includes: a container contact part 13 inserted into the container body 20 and closely attached to the inner wall of the container; an elastic part 12 connected to a lower part of the container contact part 13; the slit forming part 11 is connected to the elastic part 12. An opening 131 is provided in an upper portion of the container contact portion 13. Further, an inner space is formed inside the container contact portion 13. The container contact portion 13 contacts the inner periphery of the container body 20.

The elastic portion 12 is formed integrally with the slit forming portion 11. Further, the thickness of the elastic portion 12 is thinner than the slit forming portion 11. This makes it possible to easily form the elastic portion 12 that surrounds the slit forming portion 11 and is easily elastically deformed.

For example, the thickness of the elastic portion 12 is 1/1.5 times or less the thickness of the slit forming portion 11. Further, the width of the elastic portion 12 is preferably 1/8 times or more and 1/1.5 times or less the width of the slit forming portion 11. For example, the thickness of the elastic portion 12 is about 1/2.5 times the thickness of the slit forming portion 11. The width of the elastic portion 12 is about 1/3 times the width of the slit forming portion 11.

In addition, the elastic portion 12 may be formed of a material having a lower elastic modulus than the slit forming portion 11. This allows elastic portion 12 to be more easily elastically deformed than slit-formed portion 11.

The elastic portion 12 connects the container contact portion 13 and the slit forming portion 11. Thus, the position of the slit forming section 11 can be moved relative to the container contact section 13 that is in contact with the container body 20, and therefore the position of the slit forming section 11 can be moved relative to the container so as to follow the position of the pipette 30.

The slit forming portion 11 is connected to the elastic portion 12 so as to protrude toward the bottom side of the container body 20. Accordingly, since the slit forming part 11 is supported by the elastic part 12 and suspended downward, a force acts on the bottom of the container body 20 to close the slit 111 of the slit forming part 11. This can more reliably block the slit 111. That is, since the portion where the slit 111 is provided has a downwardly convex shape, the slit 111 is displaced in the closing direction, and thus leakage of liquid is effectively suppressed.

The elastic portion 12 is formed to be inclined from the outer peripheral portion of the cap 10 toward the slit forming portion 11. Thus, compared with the case where the outer peripheral portion of the cap 10 and the slit forming portion 11 are connected to each other via the elastic portion 12 at the shortest distance in the horizontal state, the length of the connection of the elastic portion 12 can be increased, and therefore, the range in which the slit forming portion 11 can move along with the movement of the pipette 30 can be increased. This can effectively improve the following ability of the slit forming section 11 to follow the pipette 30.

Referring to fig. 5, a case where the pipette 30 is inserted into the vicinity of the center of the cap 10 will be described. As shown in fig. 5 (a), the pipette 30 is inserted into the container body 20 through the slit 111. At this time, the end surface of the slit 111 comes into contact with the pipette 30, and thus a frictional force acts. Thus, the slit forming part 11 moves in the bottom direction of the container body 20 as the pipette 30 moves in the bottom direction. In this case, the elastic portion 12 elastically deforms to support the slit forming portion 11.

As shown in fig. 5 (B), the pipette 30 having aspirated the sample moves upward and is pulled out from the slit 111. At this time, the slit forming part 11 moves upward as the pipette 30 moves upward. In this case, the elastic portion 12 elastically deforms to support the slit forming portion 11.

As shown in FIG. 5 (C), when the pipette 30 is completely removed from the slit 111, the slit forming part 11 returns to the original position by the elastic force of the elastic part 12. Thereby, the slit 111 returns to the sealed state.

Referring to fig. 6, a case where the pipette 30 is inserted into a position deviated from the center of the cap 10 will be described. As shown in fig. 6 (a), the pipette 30 is inserted into the container body 20 through the slit 111. At this time, the end surface of the slit 111 comes into contact with the pipette 30, and thus a frictional force acts. Thus, the slit forming part 11 moves in the bottom direction of the container body 20 as the pipette 30 moves in the bottom direction. The slit forming section 11 moves in the direction of the pipette 30 following the positional deviation of the pipette 30. In this case, the elastic portion 12 elastically deforms to support the slit forming portion 11.

As shown in fig. 6 (B), the pipette 30 having aspirated the sample moves upward and is pulled out from the slit 111. At this time, the slit forming part 11 moves upward as the pipette 30 moves upward. The slit forming section 11 moves in the direction of the pipette 30 following the positional deviation of the pipette 30. In this case, the elastic portion 12 elastically deforms to support the slit forming portion 11.

As shown in FIG. 6 (C), when the pipette 30 is completely removed from the slit 111, the slit forming part 11 returns to the original position by the elastic force of the elastic part 12. Thereby, the slit 111 returns to the sealed state.

As shown in fig. 7, the elastic portion 12 is circumferentially provided around the slit forming portion 11. This allows the elastic portion 12 to support the slit forming portion 11 in a balanced manner, and thus prevents the movement direction of the slit forming portion 11 from being limited to a certain direction. This improves the following ability of the slit forming section 11 to follow the pipette 30.

For example, the elastic portion 12 is formed in a circular ring shape. This enables the elastic section 12 to support the slit forming section 11 more uniformly, thereby further improving the following ability of the slit forming section 11 to follow the pipette 30.

Further, the slit forming part 11 is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the center of the cap 10. Thus, the slit 111 can be deformed in a balanced manner when the pipette 30 is inserted into the slit 111, and therefore, when the pipette 30 is removed from the slit 111, the slit 111 can be effectively prevented from returning to the original position.

For example, as shown in fig. 7, the slit forming part 11 is formed in a circular shape. In addition, the slit forming part 11 may be formed in a polygonal shape. For example, as shown in fig. 8, the slit forming part 11 may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

Further, as shown in fig. 9, the elastic portion 12 connected to the slit forming portion 11 may be discontinuous.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the cap 10 may be provided with a protrusion 112 for removing a sample from the exterior surface of the pipette 30.

Specifically, the cap 10 includes a plurality of protrusions 112 surrounding the slit 111 and protruding from the slit forming part 11 toward the bottom side of the container body 20. Thus, as shown in fig. 11, when the pipette 30 is removed from the slit 111, the tips of the plurality of projections 112 formed around the slit 111 can be tilted inward, and therefore, the tips of the plurality of projections 112 can be closely attached to the pipette 30 with the distance therebetween reduced. Thus, the sample adhering to the outer periphery of the pipette 30 can be efficiently removed by the tips of the plurality of protrusions 112 when the pipette 30 is pulled out.

As shown in FIG. 11 (A), when the pipette 30 is inserted, the slit forming part 11 is pressed downward, and the plurality of projections 112 are opened. Thus, the movement of the pipette 30 is not hindered.

As shown in FIG. 11 (B), when the pipette 30 is pulled out, the slit forming part 11 is pushed upward, and therefore the plurality of protrusions 112 are closed. Thus, the plurality of projections 112 are brought into close contact with the pipette 30, and the sample adhering to the outer surface of the pipette 30 is removed. Further, the sample adhering to the outer surface of the pipette 30 is also removed at the end of the slit 111.

As illustrated in fig. 12, the sample container 100 may be provided with a cap 40 covering the cap 10.

Specifically, cap 40 is disposed on container body 20 so as to cover cap 10. Further, the cap 40 includes a peripheral wall portion 41 configured to surround the outer periphery of the container body 20. This allows the cap 10 to be easily attached and detached by holding the peripheral wall 41 of the cap 40.

The cap 40 is formed of a resin material such as polyethylene (polyethylene).

The cap 40 includes a top portion 42 connected to the peripheral wall portion 41. The top 42 is provided with an opening 43 that is smaller than the opening 21 of the container body 20. Thus, even if liquid leaks out of the slit 111, the liquid can be prevented from leaking out of the cap 40, and thus the occurrence of liquid leakage in the sample container 100 can be further prevented.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the sample container may be provided with a water-absorbing portion 50 for removing a sample from the outer surface of the pipette 30.

The water absorbing part 50 is provided above the slit forming part 11 and the elastic part 12 of the cap 10. The water absorbing portion 50 is provided inside the container contact portion 13 of the cap 10. The water suction unit 50 has a through hole 51 having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pipette 30. The water absorbing portion 50 is formed of a water absorbing material.

The water suction unit 50 is formed with a taper shape at an upper portion of the through hole 51 in consideration of the case where the pipette 30 is inserted off the center of the cap 10. Specifically, a taper shape is formed at an upper portion of the through hole 51 so as to widen upward. Further, a gap is provided between the water absorbing portion 50 and the inner wall of the container contact portion 13 of the cap 10.

The water absorbing portion 50 is formed of a foamable material such as polyurethane (polyurethane). Preferably, the water absorbing portion 50 is formed of polyurethane sponge (polyurethane sponge) of a type having a fine continuous pore structure. This enables the sample adhering to the outer surface of the pipette 30 to be efficiently absorbed and retained when the pipette 30 is pulled out.

As shown in fig. 14, the water absorption part 50 may be disposed separately from the cap 10. For example, the water absorption part 50 may be provided at the bottom side of the container body 20 with respect to the cap 10.

As illustrated in fig. 15, the sample container 100 may be provided with a piston 60 and a piston rod 61.

Specifically, the sample container 100 includes: a piston 60 provided in the container body 20 and sliding in the container body 20; and a piston rod 61 connected to the piston 60 and protruding from the bottom of the container body 20. Further, a notch 62 for breaking off and removing the piston rod 61 from the piston 60 is provided in the piston rod 61 near the piston 60. The cap 70 can be fitted with the cylindrical portion 80 inserted into the slit 111 of the cap 10. This makes it possible to pull the piston rod 61 to move the piston 60 toward the bottom of the container, and to easily introduce the sample into the container body 20 inside the slit 111 through the cylindrical portion 80. Further, after the sample is introduced by pulling the piston rod 61, the piston rod 61 can be broken off and removed near the piston 60, thereby preventing the piston rod 61 from becoming an obstacle.

The engaging portion 71 of the cap 70 engages with the engaging portion 81 of the cylindrical portion 80, whereby the cylindrical portion 80 is fixed to the container body 20. Further, when the cylindrical portion 80 is attached to the cap 70, the distal end of the cylindrical portion 80 is in a state of being inserted into the slit 111. When the cylindrical portion 80 is detached from the cap 70, the cylindrical portion 80 is removed from the slit 111, the slit 11a is closed, and the container body 20 is sealed.

In addition, the embodiments of the present application are exemplary in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and includes all modifications (variations) equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.

Description of the numbering

10: cap, 11: slit forming portion, 12: elastic portion, 20: container body, 21: opening, 30: pipette, 40: cap, 41: peripheral wall portion, 42: top, 43: opening, 60: piston, 61: piston rod, 62: grooving, 100: sample container, 111: slit, 112: and (4) a protrusion.