Temperature Control Device

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device (1) capable of changing the temperature of a temperature regulating block (2) rapidly and with high accuracy. A temperature control device (1) according to the present invention is provided with: the temperature regulating block (2), on which a container (5) accommodating a solution (6) can be placed; and a temperature regulating part (3) that is installed so as to contact the temperature regulating block (2) and that changes the temperature of the solution (6), wherein the temperature regulating block (2) is provided with, on the inside thereof, one or a plurality of hollow parts (7).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a temperature control device.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, genetic testing has come to be used not only in research applications but also in a wide range of applications such as personalized medical care and identification to identify an individual, and it is desired not only to improve the accuracy but also to shorten a test time. In the genetic testing, a sample containing DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is acquired, and then a trace amount of DNA in the sample is amplified and then analyzed. In this manner, a highly accurate test is performed. As a method for amplifying DNA, a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method is widely used. In the PCR method, a sample solution containing DNA and a solution containing a reagent for amplifying DNA are mixed, and for example, DNA is denatured into a single strand at 94° C., and a complementary strand is synthesized at 60° C. By repeating such temperature changes, DNA can be amplified exponentially by the PCR method.

In genetic testing, it is required to shorten the time required for the reaction and shorten the time required for the test, by changing the temperature of a reaction solution containing the sample and the reagent at a high speed. The temperature of the reaction solution is changed by using a temperature control device such as a thermal cycler. A general temperature control device includes a temperature regulating element such as a Peltier element that controls a temperature change, and a temperature regulating block (also referred to as a “temperature regulating block” below) provided to be in contact with the temperature regulating element. Such a temperature control device performs the PCR method by holding a reaction container accommodating a reaction solution in the temperature regulating block, and controlling the temperature of the temperature regulating block with the temperature regulating element.

The thermal conductivity and the heat capacity of the temperature regulating block affect the speed-up of the temperature change of the reaction solution in the temperature control device. In the general temperature control device, a material having a high thermal conductivity, for example, metal such as aluminum or copper is used for the temperature regulating block. By using the material having a high thermal conductivity for the temperature regulating block, it is possible to efficiently transfer heat generated by the temperature regulating element to the reaction container, and to change the temperature of the reaction solution at a high speed. The heat capacity is a value obtained from the specific heat, density, and volume of the material. When the heat capacity of the temperature regulating block is large, it takes time to change the temperature of the temperature regulating block, and the temperature change of the reaction solution becomes slow.

Examples of conventional temperature control devices are disclosed in PTL 1 and PTL 2. The thermocycling device disclosed in PTL 1 includes a sample holder, a thermal reference, and a heat sink, and one or a plurality of the sample holder, the thermal reference, and the heat sink has a material having a high thermal conductivity. The multiple sample support disclosed in PTL 2 includes a block having a single structure, a series of sample wells in the block, and a series of hollow parts in the block, which are provided between the sample wells. The mass of the block is reduced by the hollow part, and the temperature change is transferred to the sample quickly.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

When the temperature control device performs the genetic testing, if the temperature of the temperature regulating block is not appropriately controlled and the reaction solution containing the sample and the reagent is not controlled to an appropriate temperature, it is not possible to stably amplify DNA, and the reliability of the genetic testing is lowered. In the temperature regulating block, generally, if the thermal conductivity is small even though the heat capacity is small, it is not possible to uniformly transfer the heat of the temperature regulating element to the reaction solution, and it is difficult to control the reaction solution to a temperature obtained by the PCR method. On the other hand, since the temperature regulating block having small dimensions has a small internal temperature difference, the heat of the temperature regulating element can be uniformly transferred to the reaction solution even if the thermal conductivity is small, and a large thermal conductivity is not necessarily required in some cases.

In the temperature regulating block in the conventional temperature control device, values related to the temperature change, such as thermal conductivity, specific heat, and density, are determined by a material to be used. Therefore, it is difficult to appropriately adjust the thermal conductivity and the heat capacity, and there is a problem in changing the temperature of the reaction solution containing the sample and the reagent rapidly and with high accuracy. Therefore, the temperature control device is required to change the temperature of the temperature regulating block rapidly and with high accuracy.

An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device capable of changing the temperature of a temperature regulating block rapidly and with high accuracy.

Solution to Problem

A temperature control device according to the present invention is provided with a temperature regulating block on which a container accommodating a solution can be placed, and a temperature regulating part that is installed to contact the temperature regulating block and that changes a temperature of the solution. The temperature regulating block includes one or a plurality of hollow parts therein.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a temperature control device capable of changing the temperature of a temperature regulating block rapidly and with high accuracy.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A temperature control device according to the present invention is provided with a temperature regulating part (temperature regulating part) and a temperature regulating block (temperature regulating block), and the temperature regulating block has a hollow part. In the temperature regulating block, the hollow part reduces the density and the heat capacity, and the temperature can be changed rapidly. In addition, by controlling the heat conduction on the inside of the temperature regulating block by the arrangement of the hollow part, it is possible to change the temperature of the temperature regulating block with high accuracy. Thus, the temperature control device according to the present invention can appropriately control the temperature of the temperature regulating block to control a reaction solution containing a sample and a reagent to an appropriate temperature rapidly and with high accuracy.

Hereinafter, a temperature control device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the present specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description of these components may be omitted.

A temperature control device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

FIG.1is a perspective view schematically illustrating the temperature control device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. A temperature control device1is provided with a temperature regulating block2(hereinafter, referred to as a “temperature regulating block2”) and a temperature regulating part3(hereinafter, referred to as a “temperature regulating part3”), and changes the temperature of a reaction solution containing a sample and a reagent.

The temperature regulating block2is made of a metal or non-metal material, and can place a reaction container accommodating a reaction solution thereon. The temperature regulating block2is placed on the temperature regulating part3to contact the temperature regulating part3. In the temperature regulating block2, the temperature of the reaction solution in the placed reaction container is controlled by the temperature regulating part3. In the temperature regulating block2, for example, the reaction container is placed on an upper surface2c, or the reaction container is placed in a recess provided in the upper portion.FIG.1illustrates the temperature regulating block2in which the reaction container is placed on the upper surface2c. The upper surface2cof the temperature regulating block2is a surface opposite to a surface (lower surface) in contact with the temperature regulating part3. The schematic shape of the temperature regulating block2is not limited to a quadrangular prism shape as illustrated inFIG.1, and may be any shape such as a polygonal prism shape, a columnar shape, or a cylindrical shape.

The temperature regulating part3is a temperature regulating device capable of performing one or both of heating and cooling. The temperature regulating part3is installed below the temperature regulating block2so as to contact the temperature regulating block2, and changes the temperature of the reaction solution in the reaction container placed on the temperature regulating block2. In the present embodiment, the temperature regulating part3includes a Peltier element which is a temperature regulating element. The temperature regulating part3provided with the Peltier element is provided with a heat dissipation part4on the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the temperature regulating block2. In the present embodiment, a heat dissipation fin is used as the heat dissipation part4. The temperature regulating part3may be provided with a heat pump, a heater heating device, and a cooling device using a cooling structure, in addition to the Peltier element, and may be configured by combining a plurality of these devices.

In order to reduce contact thermal resistance between the temperature regulating block2and the temperature regulating part3and promote heat transfer, a thermally conductive sheet having elasticity may be installed between the temperature regulating block2and the temperature regulating part3, or a thermally conductive grease may be applied on a portion between the temperature regulating block2and the temperature regulating part3.

The temperature control device1controls the temperature of the reaction solution by measuring the temperature of the temperature regulating block2with a temperature sensor (not illustrated) such as a thermocouple or a thermistor installed in the temperature regulating block2, and controlling the output of the temperature regulating part3so that the temperature of the temperature regulating block2becomes a desired temperature.

InFIG.1, a direction in which the temperature regulating block2and the temperature regulating part3are in contact with each other is defined as a Z-direction, and a plane perpendicular to the Z-direction is defined as an XY plane. The Z-direction is a vertical direction (vertical direction).

FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control device1taken along line A-A′ inFIG.1.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control device1taken along line B-B′ inFIG.1. The line A-A′ is a line parallel to an X-direction, and the line B-B′ is a line parallel to a Y-direction.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view taken along a ZX plane, andFIG.3is a cross-sectional view taken along a YZ plane.

The temperature regulating block2is provided with a plurality of hollow parts7on the inside thereof. The hollow part7is a cavity provided at any position on the inside of the temperature regulating block2. Air exists in the hollow part7, and the hollow part7does not communicate with the outside of the temperature regulating block2. The hollow part7has an effect of reducing the mass of the temperature regulating block2and accelerating the temperature change of the temperature regulating block2. In the example illustrated inFIGS.2and3, the hollow parts7are arranged at equal intervals in an orthogonal lattice pattern inside the temperature regulating block2. The arrangement of the hollow parts7inside the temperature regulating block2may not be in an orthogonal lattice pattern and may not be at equal intervals. The size, number, and arrangement of the hollow parts7are not limited to the examples illustrated inFIGS.2and3, and can be randomly determined.

Since the temperature regulating block2is provided with the hollow part7, the density is small, the heat capacity is small, and the temperature change is fast as compared with a solid temperature regulating block2without the hollow part7.

The density of the temperature regulating block2decreases as the volume occupied by the hollow part7increases. For example, assuming that the ratio of the volume of the hollow part7to the temperature regulating block2is 50%, in the temperature regulating block2, the ratio of the volume of the material forming the temperature regulating block2is 50%, and the ratio of the volume of air existing in the hollow part7is the remaining 50%. The density of the temperature regulating block2is calculated from the density of the material forming the temperature regulating block2and the density of the air existing in the hollow part7. However, since the density of air is much smaller than the density of the material forming the temperature regulating block2, the density of the temperature regulating block2can be obtained only from the density of the material forming the temperature regulating block2. Therefore, the density of the temperature regulating block2decreases to 50% of the apparent density of the temperature regulating block2. The apparent density is the density of the temperature regulating block2when it is assumed that the hollow part7is not provided, and is the density calculated from the size of the outer shape of the temperature regulating block2and the mass of the solid temperature regulating block2not provided with the hollow part7.

The heat capacity of the temperature regulating block2decreases as the density of the temperature regulating block2decreases. The temperature change of the temperature regulating block2by the action of the temperature regulating part3is accelerated by the decrease in the heat capacity. When the ratio of the volume of the hollow part7to the temperature regulating block2is 50% and the density of the temperature regulating block2decreases to 50% of the apparent density, the heat capacity of the temperature regulating block2decreases to 50% being the ratio of the solid temperature regulating block2without the hollow part7. Then, the temperature change of the temperature regulating block2is 50% faster than the temperature change of the solid temperature regulating block2without the hollow part7.

In the present embodiment, the hollow part7does not communicate with the outside of the temperature regulating block2, and thus the surface area of the temperature regulating block2does not increase even if the hollow part7is provided. When the surface area of the temperature regulating block2increases, heat exchange with surrounding air is promoted, and the temperature change may be suppressed. However, in the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, since the temperature regulating block2is provided with the hollow part7without increasing the surface area, it is possible to suppress the heat exchange between the temperature regulating block2and the surrounding air, and it is possible to change the temperature of the temperature regulating block2rapidly.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating an example of a result of obtaining the temperature change of the temperature regulating block2by a heat conduction analysis.FIG.4illustrates a result obtained by calculating the temperature change at an upper surface measurement point2aof the temperature regulating block2when an amount of heat of 10 W is input from the bottom surface to the aluminum temperature regulating block2having a width of 10 mm, a depth of 10 mm, and a height of 20 mm. As illustrated inFIG.3, the upper surface measurement point2ais a center point of an upper surface2cof the temperature regulating block2(a surface opposite to a surface in contact with the temperature regulating part3). InFIG.4, the horizontal axis represents the ratio of the volume of the hollow part7to the temperature regulating block2, and the vertical axis represents the temperature at the upper surface measurement point2aafter 5 seconds from the input of the amount of heat to the temperature regulating block2.

As the ratio of the volume of the hollow part7increases, the temperature at the upper surface measurement point2aof the temperature regulating block2after 5 seconds increases until the ratio of the hollow part7reaches about 85%. However, when the ratio of the hollow part7exceeds 85%, the temperature of the upper surface measurement point2adecreases as the ratio of the hollow part7increases. This is because the ratio of the hollow part7is increased, so that the thermal conductivity of the temperature regulating block2is decreased, and the temperature of the upper surface measurement point2aof the temperature regulating block2is less likely to rise. Therefore, by setting the ratio of the volume of the hollow part7in the temperature regulating block2to an appropriate value in accordance with the dimensions and the material of the temperature regulating block2, it is possible to change the temperature of the temperature regulating block2rapidly.

The temperature regulating block2provided with the hollow part7is desirably made of a material having a high thermal conductivity. For example, by forming the temperature regulating block2with metal such as aluminum, copper, or magnesium, or an alloy thereof, it is possible to increase the thermal conductivity while reducing the heat capacity of the temperature regulating block2. The material of the temperature regulating block2is not limited to metal, and may be a nonmetallic material having a high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum nitride or carbon fiber.

The hollow part7provided in the temperature regulating block2can have any shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a polygonal columnar shape, a columnar shape, or a spherical shape. All of the plurality of hollow parts7may not be isolated, and all or some of the plurality of hollow parts7may communicate with each other. In addition, the hollow part7may communicate with the outside of the temperature regulating block2from an opening provided on the surface of the temperature regulating block2. The hollow part7communicating with the outside of the temperature regulating block2can be easily formed.

The fluid existing in the hollow part7may not be air, and may be a fluid other than air, for example, an inert gas such as nitrogen or a liquid (for example, oil or water). A heat insulating material made of a resin material or a porous material may be disposed in the hollow part7. The inside of the hollow part7may be a vacuum. When the inside of the hollow part7is filled with an inert gas, it is possible to prevent oxidation of the surface of the hollow part7. When the hollow part7is filled with a liquid, it is possible to adjust the heat capacity of the temperature regulating block2by the liquid, and it is possible to efficiently perform the heat exchange to accelerate the temperature change of the temperature regulating block2. When the inside of the hollow part7is filled with a heat insulating material or evacuated, it is possible to suppress the heat conduction to the outside of the temperature regulating block2and to accelerate the temperature change of the temperature regulating block2.

As described above, the size, number, and arrangement of the hollow parts7can be randomly determined. Therefore, in the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, by changing the density (arrangement density) at which the hollow part7is arranged in accordance with the position inside the temperature regulating block2, it is possible to control the heat conduction inside the temperature regulating block2and control the temperature change of the temperature regulating block2in accordance with the position inside the temperature regulating block2. Accordingly, it is possible to change the temperature of the temperature regulating block2with high accuracy.

The hollow part7can be formed by any method. For example, the hollow part7can be formed by making a hole in a lump of material forming the temperature regulating block2or by installing a partition member (partition wall) in a space inside a box-shaped member constituting the temperature regulating block2. As the partition member, a member having any shape such as a plate-like member having a lattice shape or a columnar member having a prismatic shape or a cylindrical shape can be used. Note that the temperature regulating block2provided with the hollow part7that does not communicate with the outside can be formed by any method such as a method of joining a plurality of portions of the temperature regulating block2, which have depressions that constitute the hollow part7, to each other.

In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, since the temperature regulating block2is provided with the hollow part7on the inside thereof, it is possible to change the temperature of the temperature regulating block2rapidly and with high accuracy.

A temperature control device1according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, a plurality of hollow parts7provided in the temperature regulating block2form a honeycomb structure.

FIG.5is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the temperature control device1according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view at the same position as that inFIG.2. The plurality of hollow parts7provided inside the temperature regulating block2have a regular hexagonal column shape and are arranged so as to form a honeycomb structure.

When the hollow part7forms a honeycomb structure inside the temperature regulating block2, the density decreases, the heat capacity decreases, and the strength can be maintained against the pressing pressure in the Z-direction. The temperature regulating block2may be pressed in the Z-direction toward the temperature regulating part3with a fastener or the like in order to reduce contact thermal resistance with the temperature regulating part3. When the hollow part7forms the honeycomb structure, even if the temperature regulating block2is pressed in the Z-direction toward the temperature regulating part3, the temperature regulating block2can maintain the strength without being crushed.

In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, it is possible to change the temperature of the temperature regulating block2rapidly and with high accuracy, and to reduce the contact thermal resistance between the temperature regulating block2and the temperature regulating part3.

A temperature control device1according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with, on an inside thereof, a plurality of regions having different arrangement densities of the hollow parts7.

FIG.6is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the temperature control device1according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view at the same position as that inFIG.2. In the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with, on the inside thereof, two regions having different arrangement densities of the hollow parts7. That is, the temperature regulating block2is provided with, on the inside thereof, a region7ahaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7and a region7bhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7.

In the example illustrated inFIG.6, the arrangement density of the hollow parts7varies depending on the distance from the temperature regulating part3, that is, in the vertical direction (Z-direction) of the temperature regulating block2. The region7bhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at a position close to the temperature regulating part3in the temperature regulating block2, that is, a position adjacent to the temperature regulating part3. The region7ahaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at a position far from the temperature regulating part3in the temperature regulating block2, that is, a position between the region7bhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7and the upper surface2cof the temperature regulating block2(a position adjacent to the upper surface2cof the temperature regulating block2). Therefore, in the example illustrated inFIG.6, the region7bhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at the lower portion of the temperature regulating block2, and the region7ahaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at the upper portion of the temperature regulating block2.

In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, by changing the arrangement density of the hollow parts7inside the temperature regulating block2, it is possible to change the density (that is, the heat capacity) and the thermal conductivity of the temperature regulating block2depending on the position inside the temperature regulating block2.

For example, as in the example illustrated inFIG.6, in the temperature regulating block2, by changing the arrangement density of the hollow parts7between a region close to the temperature regulating part3and a region far from the temperature regulating part3, it is possible to accelerate the temperature change of the temperature regulating block2and to uniformly transfer the heat of the temperature regulating part3to the reaction solution in the reaction container placed on the temperature regulating block2.

In the region7bhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7, the temperature regulating block2has a smaller density and a smaller heat capacity than the region7ahaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7. Thus, the temperature change is faster. Therefore, it is possible to accelerate the temperature change at a central measurement point2bof the temperature regulating block2. The central measurement point2bis a central position inside the temperature regulating block2between the region7ahaving a low arrangement density of the hollow part7and the region7bhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow part7.

In the region7ahaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7, the temperature regulating block2has a larger density and a larger heat capacity than the region7bhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7, but the temperature regulating block2has a larger thermal conductivity because the ratio of the volume of the hollow parts7is low. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the temperature difference between the central measurement point2band the upper surface measurement point2aof the temperature regulating block2and to reduce the temperature difference inside the temperature regulating block2. Therefore, the temperature inside the temperature regulating block2becomes uniform, and it is possible to uniformly transfer the heat of the temperature regulating part3to the reaction solution in the reaction container placed on the temperature regulating block2.

Note that the region7bhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7may be located above the temperature regulating block2, and the region7ahaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7may be located below the temperature regulating block2. The arrangement density of the hollow parts7can be determined in accordance with the uniformity of the temperature and the rate of temperature change required for the temperature regulating block2. For example, the arrangement density of the hollow parts7can be determined in consideration of the balance between the uniformity of the temperature at the lower portion of the temperature regulating block2(position close to the temperature regulating part3) and the rate of temperature change in the entire temperature regulating block2.

Further, the arrangement density of the hollow parts7may vary in the horizontal plane direction (in the XY plane) of the temperature regulating block2. In the temperature regulating block2, a plurality of reaction containers may be placed in the XY plane. At this time, by changing the arrangement density of the hollow parts7in the XY plane, it is possible to prevent the temperatures of the reaction containers can be prevented from being different from each other.

Note that the number of regions having different arrangement densities of the hollow parts7is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, by changing the arrangement density of the hollow parts7inside the temperature regulating block2, it is possible to randomly change the density (that is, the heat capacity) and the thermal conductivity of the temperature regulating block2at the position inside the temperature regulating block2. Therefore, the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment can adjust the temperature distribution of the temperature regulating block2, and can change the temperature of the temperature regulating block2rapidly and with high accuracy.

A temperature control device1according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with one or a plurality of recesses at the upper portion. A reaction container accommodating a reaction solution is placed in the recess.

FIG.7is a perspective view schematically illustrating the temperature control device1according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control device1taken along line C-C′ inFIG.7. The line C-C′ is a line parallel to the X-direction.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view taken along the ZX plane. In the example illustrated inFIGS.7and8, the temperature regulating block2is provided with one recess2dat the upper portion. The reaction container5accommodating the reaction solution6is placed in the recess2d. The temperature regulating block2is provided with, on the inside thereof, a plurality of hollow parts7, for example, similarly to Embodiment 1 (FIG.2).

In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with the recess2don which the reaction container5is placed and the hollow part7. Thus, it is possible to increase the temperature change on the inner wall surface of the recess2dby the hollow part7, and to effectively transfer the heat generated in the temperature regulating part3to the reaction solution6accommodated in the reaction container5.

A temperature control device1according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, a plurality of hollow parts7provided inside the temperature regulating block2communicate with each other.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the temperature control device1according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view at the same position as that inFIG.8. In the present embodiment, the plurality of hollow parts7provided inside the temperature regulating block2communicate with each other by a connection part7c. The connection part7cis a cavity that connects the plurality of hollow parts7to each other.FIG.9illustrates, as an example, the temperature regulating block2provided with the recess2d, which has been described in Embodiment 4 (FIG.8).

FIG.10is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control device1taken along line D-D′ inFIG.9. The line D-D′ is a line parallel to the Z-direction.FIG.10is a cross-sectional view taken along the YZ plane.

As illustrated inFIGS.9and10, the hollow parts7communicate with each other by connection parts7cin the X-direction, the Y-direction, and the Z-direction. The hollow parts7communicating with each other by the connection parts7care easily formed. In addition, when the hollow parts7communicate with each other by the connection part7c, it is possible to easily perform an operation of filling the inside of the hollow part7with a fluid (for example, air, inert gas, or liquid) or making a vacuum. Furthermore, when the inside of the hollow part7is filled with a fluid, it is possible to uniformly fill the hollow part7connected by the connection part7c. In the example illustrated inFIGS.9and10, the size (cross-sectional area) of the connection part7cis smaller than the size (cross-sectional area) of the hollow part7.

In the temperature regulating block2, all the hollow parts7may not communicate with each other by the connection part7c, and only specific parts among the hollow parts7may communicate with each other by the connection part7c. The size (cross-sectional area) of the connection part7ccan be freely determined, and may be equal to or different from the size (cross-sectional area) of the hollow part7. For example, a configuration in which the size of the connection part7cis set to be equal to the size of the hollow part7, and the hollow part7is set to communicate with the temperature regulating block2without changing the size of the hollow part7may be made.

A temperature control device1according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described. In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the plurality of hollow parts7provided inside the temperature regulating block2communicate with each other and communicate with the outside of the temperature regulating block2.

FIG.11is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the temperature control device1according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view at the same position as that inFIG.9. In the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with an opening7don the surface. Note thatFIG.11illustrates, as an example, the temperature regulating block2provided with a recess2d, which has been described in Embodiment 4 (FIG.8).

The plurality of hollow parts7provided inside the temperature regulating block2communicate with each other by the connection part7c, and communicate with the outside of the temperature regulating block2from the opening7d. The opening7dcan be provided at any position on the surface of the temperature regulating block2.

When the hollow part7communicates with the outside of the temperature regulating block2, it is possible to easily form the hollow part7as described in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, it is possible to easily fill the hollow part7with a fluid (for example, inert gas or liquid), dispose a heat insulating material, and perform an operation of vacuuming the inside of the hollow part7.

A temperature control device1according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described. In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with, on an inside thereof, a plurality of regions having different arrangement densities of the hollow parts7.

FIG.12is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the temperature control device1according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view at the same position as that inFIG.8. In the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with, on the inside thereof, two regions having different arrangement densities of the hollow parts7. That is, the temperature regulating block2is provided with, on the inside thereof, a region7ehaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7and a region7fhaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7. Note thatFIG.12illustrates, as an example, the temperature regulating block2provided with a recess2d, which has been described in Embodiment 4 (FIG.8).

In the example illustrated inFIG.12, the arrangement density of the hollow parts7varies depending on the distance from the recess2d, that is, the distance from the reaction container5accommodating the reaction solution6. In other words, the arrangement density of the hollow parts7varies in the horizontal plane direction (in the XY plane) of the temperature regulating block2. The region7fhaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at a position close to the recess2d(or the reaction container5) in the temperature regulating block2, that is, a position adjacent to the recess2d(or the reaction container5). The region7ehaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7is high is located at a position far from the recess2d(or the reaction container5) in the temperature regulating block2, that is, a position adjacent to the region7fhaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7. Therefore, the region7fhaving a low arrangement density of the hollow part7is located closer to the recess2d(or the reaction container5) than the region7ehaving a high arrangement density of the hollow part7. In the example illustrated inFIG.12, the region7fhaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at the central portion of the temperature regulating block2, and the region7ehaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at the peripheral portion of the temperature regulating block2.

In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, by locating the region7fhaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7at the position close to the reaction containers, the thermal conductivity of the temperature regulating block2is large at the position close to the reaction container5. Thus, it is possible to uniformly maintain the temperature of the contact surface between the temperature regulating block2and the reaction container5and to uniformly transfer the heat of the temperature regulating part3to the reaction solution6accommodated in the reaction container5. In addition, since the region7ehaving a high arrangement density of the hollow part7is located far from the reaction container5, at a position far from the reaction container5, the density of the temperature regulating block2decreases, the heat capacity decreases, and the temperature change increases. Further, the region7ehaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at the peripheral portion of the temperature regulating block2, and to reduce the thermal conductivity of the temperature regulating block2at this position. Therefore, in the temperature regulating block2, since the thermal resistance from the region7fhaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7to the region7ehaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7increases, it is possible to suppress heat dissipation from the surface to the outside air, and the temperature change becomes faster.

A temperature control device1according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described. In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with, on an inside thereof, a plurality of regions having different arrangement densities of the hollow parts7.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the temperature control device1according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view at the same position as that inFIG.8. In the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with, on the inside thereof, two regions having different arrangement densities of the hollow parts7. That is, the temperature regulating block2is provided with, on the inside thereof, a region7ghaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7and a region7hhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7. Note thatFIG.12illustrates, as an example, the temperature regulating block2provided with a recess2d, which has been described in Embodiment 4 (FIG.8).

In the example illustrated inFIG.13, the arrangement density of the hollow parts7is different between portions above and below the position of the liquid level of the reaction solution6accommodated in the reaction container5placed in the recess2d. The region7ghaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located below the position of the liquid level of the reaction solution6accommodated in the reaction container5in the temperature regulating block2. The region7hhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located above the position of the liquid level of the reaction solution6in the temperature regulating block2. Therefore, in the example illustrated inFIG.13, the region7ghaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at the lower portion of the temperature regulating block2, and the region7hhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7is located at the upper portion of the temperature regulating block2.

Note that the position of the liquid level of the reaction solution6accommodated in the reaction container5varies depending on the reaction container5and the reaction solution6, but an approximate position can be determined in advance. Therefore, the position of a boundary in the vertical direction (Z-direction) between the region7ghaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts and the region7hhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts can be determined in advance as the approximate position of the liquid level of the reaction solution6based on information on the reaction container5and the reaction solution6.

In the present embodiment, the region7hhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7is a region in which the ratio of the volume of the hollow part7in the temperature regulating block2is large, the thermal conductivity of the temperature regulating block2decreases, and the temperature change of the temperature regulating block2is slow. For example, the region7hhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7is a region in which the ratio of the volume of the hollow part7in the temperature regulating block2exceeds 85% and the thermal conductivity of the temperature regulating block2decreases as illustrated inFIG.4.

In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2has the region7ghaving a low arrangement density of the hollow parts7below the position of the liquid level of the reaction solution6, and the thermal conductivity is large and the temperature change is fast. Thus, it is possible to transfer the heat of the temperature regulating part3quickly to the reaction solution6. On the other hand, since the temperature regulating block2has the region7hhaving a high arrangement density of the hollow parts7above the position of the liquid level of the reaction solution6, and the thermal conductivity is small and the temperature change is slow. Thus, it is possible to suppress the heat dissipation from the upper surface2cof the temperature regulating block2and to further accelerate the temperature change of the entire temperature regulating block2.

A temperature control device1according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described. In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with one or a plurality of hollow parts7on the inside thereof. The hollow part7has a tubular shape extending in the Z-direction (vertical direction), and can have any shape such as a rectangular cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape.

FIG.14is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the temperature control device1according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view at the same position as that inFIG.8.FIG.14illustrates, as an example, the temperature regulating block2provided with one cylindrical hollow part7on the inside thereof. The cylindrical hollow part7is provided at the peripheral portion (outer peripheral portion) of the temperature regulating block2. Note thatFIG.14illustrates, as an example, the temperature regulating block2provided with the recess2d, which has been described in Embodiment 4 (FIG.8).

FIG.15is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control device1on the horizontal plane (XY plane) passing through a line F-F′ inFIG.14. The hollow part7has a rectangular tube shape and is provided at a peripheral portion of the temperature regulating block2. The cylindrical hollow part7surrounds the periphery of the recess2dand surrounds the periphery of the reaction container5placed in the recess2d.

In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, since the temperature regulating block2is provided with the cylindrical hollow part7surrounding the periphery of the recess2d(or the reaction container5), the thermal conductivity from the recess2dto the outside of the temperature regulating block2decreases, the thermal resistance increases, and it is possible to suppress the heat dissipation from the surface to the outside air. Therefore, the temperature regulating block2can suppress the amount of heat dissipation from the side surface, and can further accelerate the temperature change of the entire temperature regulating block2.

A temperature control device1according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described. In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with a plurality of hollow parts7at a lower portion in contact with the temperature regulating part3.

FIG.16is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the temperature control device1according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view at the same position as that inFIG.8. Note that,FIG.16illustrates, as an example, the temperature regulating block2also including the cylindrical hollow part7surrounding the periphery of the recess2d(or the reaction container5) described in Embodiment 9 (FIG.14).

In the temperature control device1according to the present embodiment, the temperature regulating block2is provided with the recess2ddescribed in Embodiment 4 (FIG.8). The reaction container5accommodating the reaction solution6is placed in the recess2d. The temperature regulating block2is provided with a plurality of hollow parts7(7n) at the lower portion in contact with the temperature regulating part3, more specifically, between the bottom surface2ein contact with the temperature regulating part3and the lower portion of the recess2d. The temperature regulating block2is provided with a heat conduction path8from the temperature regulating part3to the recess2d(that is, the reaction container5) between the plurality of hollow parts7n.

The plurality of hollow parts7nare located between the temperature regulating part3and the recess2din the temperature regulating block2and extend upward from a portion of the temperature regulating block2in contact with the temperature regulating part3toward the recess2d. A space between the hollow parts7nextends to connect the temperature regulating part3and the recess2dto form the heat conduction path8from the temperature regulating part3to the recess2d.

The heat conduction path8extends upward from the bottom surface2eof the temperature regulating block2in contact with the temperature regulating part3, reaches the lower portion of the recess2dof the temperature regulating block2, and conducts heat of the temperature regulating part3to the lower portion of the recess2d(that is, the lower portion of the reaction container5). The temperature regulating block2is preferably provided with a plurality of heat conduction paths8.

Note that the temperature regulating block2may or may not be provided with the cylindrical hollow part7surrounding the periphery of the recess2d(or the reaction container5).

The temperature regulating block2is provided with the plurality of hollow parts7nat the lower portion in contact with the temperature regulating part3, and is provided with the heat conduction path8extending upward from the bottom surface2e. Thus, it is possible to reduce the heat capacity of the temperature regulating block2and to shorten the heat conduction distance from the temperature regulating part3to the reaction container5. Therefore, the temperature regulating block2can efficiently transfer the heat generated in the temperature regulating part3to the reaction container5, and can make the temperature change of the reaction container5faster.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail in order to describe the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to an aspect including all the described configurations. Further, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. In addition, the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, a part of the configuration of each embodiment can be deleted, or another configuration can be added or replaced.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1temperature control device2temperature regulating block2aupper surface measurement point2bcentral measurement point2cupper surface2drecess2ebottom surface3temperature regulating part4heat dissipation part5reaction container6reaction solution7hollow part7aregion having low arrangement density of hollow parts7bregion having high arrangement density of hollow parts7cconnection part7dopening7eregion having high arrangement density of hollow parts7fregion having low arrangement density of hollow parts7gregion having low arrangement density of hollow parts7hregion having high arrangement density of hollow parts7nhollow part8heat conduction path