Liquid discharging device storing a use history

According to one embodiment, a liquid discharging device includes a storage unit storing a use history indicating whether the liquid discharging device has been previously used, and a discharging device mounted on a liquid dispensing apparatus and configured to discharge a liquid when supplied a discharge voltage in response to a discharge signal received from the liquid dispensing apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-159482, filed Aug. 22, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a liquid dispensing apparatus and a liquid discharging device.

BACKGROUND

In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a liquid is dispensed through a liquid discharging device. The liquid discharging device can be detachable from the liquid dispensing apparatus so that it can be discarded after a single use to prevent contamination.

However, there is a problem in existing dispensing systems in that the discharging device might be reused or kept in service even though the discharging device is designed, or at least intended, only for single use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a liquid discharging device includes a storage unit storing a use history indicating whether the liquid discharging device has been previously used, and a discharging device mounted on a liquid dispensing apparatus and configured to discharge a liquid when supplied a discharge voltage in response to a discharge signal received from the liquid dispensing apparatus.

Hereinafter, liquid dispensing apparatuses and liquid discharging devices according to certain example embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted, that the particular embodiments explained below are some possible examples of liquid dispensing apparatuses and chemical liquid discharging devices according to the present disclosure and do not limit the possible configurations, specifications, or the like of liquid dispensing apparatuses and liquid discharging devices according to the present disclosure. The drawings are schematic and are in some instances drawn with exaggeration and omissions for purposes of explanatory convenience. In general, components are not drawn to scale. The number of components, the dimensional ratio between different components, or the like does not necessarily match between different drawings or to actual devices.

First Embodiment

A discharging system according to a first embodiment discharges a predetermined liquid using a piezo jet method. For example, the discharging system discharges several picoliters (pL) to several microliters (μL) of a liquid into a microplate, a multi-well plate, or the like according to a user operation. For example, the discharging system is used in a laboratory in a technical field such as biology, chemistry, or pharmacy research.

A configuration example of the discharging system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 5.FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view of the discharging system500.FIG. 2is a top view of a chemical liquid discharging device2.FIG. 3is a bottom view of a surface of the chemical liquid discharging device2from which a liquid is discharged.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F4-F4inFIG. 2.FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F5-F5inFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 1, the discharging system500includes a chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1, the chemical liquid discharging device2, a host computer18, and the like. The discharging system500may have more elements in addition to the elements depicted inFIG. 1, or some of the elements depicted inFIG. 1may be omitted in some embodiments.

The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus (also referred to as a host apparatus)1controls the chemical liquid discharging device2to dispense a liquid from the chemical liquid discharging device2.

The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1includes a base3of a rectangular flat plate shape, and a mounting module5(also referred to as a mounting portion) that mounts the chemical liquid discharging device2. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1dispenses the liquid into a microplate4having 1536 wells. Here, the front to rear direction of the base3is referred to as an X direction, and the right to left direction of the base3is referred to as a Y direction. The X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal.

The microplate4is fixed to the base3. The microplate4includes a plurality of wells300. Each well300of the microplate4holds a predetermined volume of a liquid. For example, the liquids in the microplate can be chemicals, reagents, solutions, solvents, or the like and/or may include cells, blood cells, bacteria, plasma, antibodies, DNA, nucleic acids or proteins.

The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1includes a pair of right and left X direction guide rails6aand6bextending in the X direction on both sides of the microplate4on the base3. Both ends each of the X direction guide rails6aand6bare fixed to fixing bases7aand7bprotruding on the base3.

A Y direction guide rail8extending in the Y direction is installed between the X direction guide rails6aand6b. Both ends of the Y direction guide rail8are fixed to an X direction moving base9that is slidable in the X direction along the X direction guide rails6aand6b, respectively.

The Y direction guide rail8includes a Y direction moving base10that allows a mounting module5to move in the Y direction along the Y direction guide rail8. The mounting module5is mounted on the Y direction moving base10. The chemical liquid discharging device2is fixed to the mounting module5.

The chemical liquid discharging device2is supported so as to be movable to an arbitrary position in the XY directions orthogonal to each other by a combination of an operation of a movement in the Y direction moving base10along the Y direction guide rail8in the Y direction and an operation of a movement in the X direction moving base9along the X direction guide rails6aand6bin the X direction.

In the mounting module5, a slit32for fixing the chemical liquid discharging device2is formed. When the chemical liquid discharging device2is inserted into the slit32from a front surface opening portion side of the slit32, the chemical liquid discharging device2is fixed to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1.

The mounting module5includes a driving circuit11, a reader-writer40and the like.

The driving circuit11drives the chemical liquid discharging device2based on a signal from the processor15. For example, the driving circuit11supplies a signal, electric power, or the like to the liquid discharging device2to discharge the liquid from the chemical liquid discharging device2.

The reader-writer40(also referred to as a communication unit) is an interface device for communicating data to and from an IC module50of the chemical liquid discharging device2in accordance with a communication protocol of the IC module50. For example, when the IC module50is a contact type module, the reader-writer40physically and electrically connects to a contact unit of the IC module50, and the like.

When the IC module50is a non-contact type module, the reader-writer40is an antenna, a communication control unit, or the like, for wirelessly communicating with the IC module50. The reader-writer40supplies power to activate the IC module50, supplies clocks to the IC module50, controls a reset operation of the IC module50, transmits/receives data to/from the IC module50, and the like.

The reader-writer40further transmits various commands to the IC module50, receives a response for the transmitted command from the IC module, and the like, based on a control from the processor15.

The reader-writer40is installed at a position corresponding to the position of the IC module50of the chemical liquid discharging device2. That is, the reader-writer40is at a position where the reader-writer40can communicate with the IC module50when the chemical liquid discharging device2is set in the mounting module5.

The chemical liquid discharging device2discharges the liquid based on a control of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1.

The chemical liquid discharging device2includes a base member21of a flat planar shape that is a plate of a rectangular plate shape. As shown inFIG. 2, a plurality of chemical liquid holding containers22is arranged in a row in the Y direction, on a surface side of the base member21. In the first embodiment, eight chemical liquid holding containers22are included. However, the number is not limited to eight. As shown inFIG. 4, the chemical liquid holding container22is a container of a cylindrical shape having a bottom, of which a top surface is opened. A chemical liquid holding container recessed portion21aof a cylindrical shape is formed at a position corresponding to each chemical liquid holding container22, on the surface side of the base member21.

The bottom portion of the chemical liquid holding container22is adhered and fixed to the recessed portion21a. A bottom surface opening portion22aserving as a liquid outlet port is formed at the center position on the bottom portion of the chemical liquid holding container22. The opening area of a top surface opening portion22bis larger than the opening area of the bottom surface opening portion22aof the liquid outlet port.

At both ends of the base member21, mount fixing notches28for mounting and fixing the mounting module5are formed respectively. The mount fixing notch28is engaged with the mounting module5. Two notches28of the base member21are formed in a notch shape of a semi-length cylindrical shape. The mount fixing notch28may be a notch shape of a semi-circular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, a triangular shape, or the like. In the first embodiment, the shapes of the two notches28are different from each other. Therefore, the left and right shapes of the base member21are different, and it is easy to identify the posture of the base member21.

The chemical liquid discharging device2includes the IC module50on the base member21. When the chemical liquid discharging device2is set in the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1, the chemical liquid discharging device2includes the IC module50at a position capable of communicating with the reader-writer40. InFIG. 2, the chemical liquid discharging device2includes the IC module50at a center in Y axis direction.

The IC module50stores the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device2. The IC module50transmits a response including the use history for a command transmitted from the reader-writer40. The IC module50updates the use history in accordance with the command transmitted from the reader-writer40.

As shown inFIG. 3, the same number of electrical substrate23as the chemical liquid holding container22are arranged in row in the Y direction, on a rear surface side of the base member21. The electrical substrate23is a flat plate member of a rectangular shape. As shown inFIG. 4, an electrical substrate recessed portion21bfor mounting the electrical substrate23and a chemical liquid discharge array portion opening21dconnected with the electrical substrate recessed portion21bare formed, on the rear surface side of the base member21. A base end portion of the electrical substrate recessed portion21bextends to the vicinity of an upper end portion of the base member21inFIG. 3(the position in the vicinity of the right end portion inFIG. 4). As shown inFIG. 4, a distal end portion of the electrical substrate recessed portion21bextends to a position overlapping a portion of the chemical liquid holding container22. The electrical substrate23is adhered and fixed to the electrical substrate recessed portion21b.

An electrical substrate wiring24is patterned and formed on a surface opposite to an adhesive fixing surface of the electrical substrate recessed portion21b, on the electrical substrate23. Wiring patterns24aand24brespectively connected to a driving element130are formed on the electrical substrate wiring24.

A control signal input terminal25for inputting an electrical signal (also referred to as a driving signal) from the driving circuit11is formed at one end portion of the electrical substrate wiring24. An electrode terminal connection portion26is provided at the other end portion of the electrical substrate wiring24.

The base member21includes the chemical liquid discharge array portion opening21d. As shown inFIG. 3, the chemical liquid discharge array portion opening21dis an opening portion of a rectangular shape and is formed at a position overlapping with the chemical liquid holding container recessed portion21aon the rear surface side of the base member21.

A chemical liquid discharge array27is adhered and fixed to the bottom surface of the chemical liquid holding container22with the chemical liquid discharge array27covering the bottom surface opening portion22aof the chemical liquid holding container22. The chemical liquid discharge array27is disposed at a position corresponding to the chemical liquid discharge array portion opening21dof the base member21.

As shown inFIG. 5, the chemical liquid discharge array27is formed by laminating a nozzle plate100and a pressure chamber structure200. The nozzle plate100includes a nozzle110that discharges the liquid, a diaphragm120, the driving element130that is a driving unit, an insulation film140that insulates the driving element130, a protection film150that is protection layer, a liquid repellant film160. An actuator170includes the diaphragm120and the driving element130. For example, a plurality of nozzles110is arranged in 3×3 rows. The plurality of nozzles110is positioned inside the bottom surface opening portion22aof the liquid outlet port of the chemical liquid holding container22. The chemical liquid holding container22, the pressure chamber structure200, the actuator170, and the like form a discharging portion that discharges the liquid.

For example, the diaphragm120is integrated with the pressure chamber structure200. When a heat treatment is performed on a silicon wafer201in an oxygen atmosphere, a SiO2(silicon oxide) film is formed on the surface of the silicon wafer201. The diaphragm120uses the SiO2film on the surface of the silicon wafer201formed by the heat treatment in the oxygen atmosphere. The diaphragm120may be formed by depositing the SiO2film on the surface of the silicon wafer201by a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method.

The film thickness of the diaphragm120is preferably in a range of 1 to 30 μm. The diaphragm120may use a semiconductor material such as SiN (silicon nitride), Al2O3(aluminum oxide), or the like, instead of the SiO2film.

The driving element130is formed in each nozzle110. The driving element130is an annular shape surrounding the nozzle110. The shape of the driving element130is not limited, and may be, for example, a C shape in which a portion of the circular ring is cut out.

The driving element130is electrically connected to the electrode terminal connection portion26. The driving element130is driven by electric power supplied from the electrode terminal connection portion26.

The driving element130includes a piezoelectric film that is a piezoelectric material, and uses PZT (Pb(Zr, Ti)O3:lead zirconate titanate). For example, a piezoelectric film included in the driving element130may use a piezoelectric material such as PTO (PbTiO3:lead titanate), PMNT (Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3—PbTiO3), PZNT (Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3—PbTiO3), KNN (a compound of KNbO3and NaNbO3), ZnO, and AlN may be used.

The piezoelectric film included in the driving element130generates a polarization in the thickness direction. When an electric field in the same direction as the polarization is applied to the driving element130, the driving element130extends or contracts in a direction orthogonal to the electric field direction. That is, the driving element130contracts or extends in a direction orthogonal to the film thickness direction.

The nozzle plate100includes the protection film150. The protection film150includes a chemical liquid passage portion141of a cylindrical shape that is connected to the nozzle110of the diaphragm120.

The nozzle plate100includes the liquid repellant film160that covers the protection film150. For example, the liquid repellant film160is formed by spin-coating, for example, a silicone resin having a characteristic of repelling a chemical liquid. The liquid repellant film160may also be formed by a fluorinated resin material or the like.

The pressure chamber structure200includes a warp reduction film220that is a warp reduction layer on a surface opposite to the diaphragm120. The pressure chamber structure200includes a pressure chamber210that penetrates the warp reduction film220, is positioned at the position of the diaphragm120, and is connected to the nozzle110. For example, the pressure chamber210is formed in a circular shape positioned in the same axis as the nozzle110.

The pressure chamber210includes an opening portion connected to the bottom surface opening portion22aof the chemical liquid holding container22. It is preferable that the size L in the depth direction of the opening portion of the pressure chamber210is larger than the size D in the width direction of the opening portion of the pressure chamber210. The size L in the depth direction is set to be larger than the size Din the width direction. Therefore, the pressure applied to the liquid in the pressure chamber210may delay an escape to the chemical liquid holding container22by a vibration of the diaphragm120of the nozzle plate100.

In the pressure chamber structure200, the side on which the diaphragm120of the pressure chamber210is disposed is referred to as a first surface200aand the side on which the warp reduction film220is disposed is referred to as a second surface200b. The chemical liquid holding container22is adhered to the side of the warp reduction film220of the pressure chamber structure200by, for example, an epoxy type adhesive. The pressure chamber210of the pressure chamber structure200is connected to the bottom surface opening portion22aof the chemical liquid holding container22by an opening portion of the side of the warp reduction film220.

The diaphragm120deforms in the thickness direction by an operation of the driving element130of a surface shape. The chemical liquid discharging device2discharges the liquid supplied to the nozzle110by a pressure change generated in the pressure chamber210of the pressure chamber structure200due to the deformation of the diaphragm120.

Next, a control system of the discharging system500will be described.

As described above, the discharging system500includes the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1, the chemical liquid discharging device2, the host computer18and the like.

The host computer18controls the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1according to a user operation. The host computer18includes an operation unit18a, a display unit18b, and the like. The host computer18includes a processor, a RAM, a ROM, a non-volatile memory (NVM), and the like.

The operation unit18areceives an operation instruction from the user. For example, the operation unit18ais a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like.

The display unit18bdisplays various kinds of information by a control of the processor15. For example, the display unit18bincludes a liquid crystal display. When the operation unit18aincludes a touch panel or the like, the display unit18bmay be formed integrally with the operation unit18a.

The host computer18receives various inputs through the operation unit18a. For example, the host computer18receives an input indicating that the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with a liquid. The host computer18receives an input selection for discharging the liquid from the chemical liquid holding container22.

When the host computer18receives the input selection for discharging the liquid from the chemical liquid holding container22, the host computer18transmits a signal for discharging the liquid to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1.

The host computer18may receive inputs for each chemical liquid holding container22. For example, the host computer18may receive an input indicating that the filling has been completed or discharging has been instructed separately for each chemical liquid holding container22.

As shown inFIG. 6, the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1includes the X direction moving base control circuit9a, the X direction moving base motor9b, the Y direction moving base control circuit10a, the Y direction moving base motor10b, the driving circuit11, the processor15, the memory16, the interface17, the reader-writer40, and the like. Such units are connected to each other through a data bus. The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1may have more elements in addition to the elements depicted inFIG. 6, or some of the elements depicted inFIG. 6may be omitted in some embodiments.

The processor15has a function of controlling all operations of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1. The processor15may include an internal cache, various interfaces, and the like. The processor15realizes various processes by executing a program stored in advance in the internal cache, the memory16, or the like.

Some of the various functions realized by the execution of the program by the processor15may be realized by a hardware circuit. In this case, the processor15controls a function executed by the hardware circuit.

The memory16stores various data. For example, the memory16stores a control program, a control data, and the like. The control program and the control data are incorporated in advance according to a specification of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1. The control program is a program or the like supporting the function realized by the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1.

The memory16temporarily stores data or the like under processing of the processor15. The memory16may store data necessary for executing an application program, an execution result of the application program, and the like.

The interface17is an interface for communicating data to and from the host computer18. For example, the interface17is connected to the host computer18through a wired or wireless line. For example, the interface17may support a LAN connection, a USB connection, or a Bluetooth connection.

The X direction moving base control circuit9adrives the X direction moving base motor9bbased on a signal from the processor15. The X direction moving base control circuit9adrives the X direction moving base motor9bby supplying a signal or electric power to the X direction moving base motor9b.

The X direction moving base motor9bmoves the X direction moving base9in the X direction. For example, the X direction moving base motor9bis connected to the X direction moving base9through a gear or the like and moves the X direction moving base9in the X direction.

The Y direction moving base control circuit10adrives the Y direction moving base motor10bbased on a signal from the processor15. The Y direction moving base control circuit10adrives the Y direction moving base motor10bby supplying a signal or electric power to the Y direction moving base motor10b.

The Y direction moving base motor10bmoves the Y direction moving base10in the Y direction. For example, the Y direction moving base motor10bis connected to the Y direction moving base10through a gear or the like and moves the Y direction moving base10in the Y direction.

Next, the IC module50will be described.

FIG. 7shows a configuration example of the IC module50.

The IC module50includes an IC chip Ca and a communication unit55(also referred as an external interface).

The communication unit55and the IC chip Ca are integrated in the IC module50and connect to each other. The IC chip Ca includes a processor51, a ROM52, a RAM53, a NVM54, and the like. The processor51, the ROM52, the RAM53, the NVM54and the communication unit55are connected to each other through a data bus. The IC module50may have more elements in addition to the elements depicted inFIG. 7, or some of the elements depicted inFIG. 7may be omitted in some embodiments.

The processor51has a function of controlling all operations of the IC module50. The processor51realizes various processes based on a control program or control data, which is stored in advance in the ROM52or the NVM54. The processor51realizes controls and information processes for each unit of the IC module50by executing a program. For example, the processor51carries out operation controls for the IC module50or various processes in accordance with an operational state of the IC module50by executing a program stored in the ROM52.

Some of the various functions realized by the execution of the program by the processor51may be realized by a hardware circuit. In this case, the processor51controls a function executed by the hardware circuit.

The ROM52is a nonvolatile memory in which a control program, control data, and the like are stored in advance. The ROM52is incorporated into the IC module50in a state of storing the control program, the control data, and the like at a manufacturing stage. That is, the control program and the control data stored in the ROM52are incorporated in advance according to a specification of the IC module50and the like.

The RAM53is a volatile memory. The RAM53temporarily stores data or the like under processing of the processor51. For example, the RAM53functions as a calculation buffer, a receiving buffer and a transmitting buffer. The calculation buffer temporarily holds results of various calculation processes executed by the processor51or the like. The receiving buffer holds command data received by the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1via the communication unit55or the like. The transmitting buffer holds messages (referred to response data) transmitted to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1via the communication unit55or the like.

The NVM54includes a nonvolatile memory capable of writing and rewriting data, for example, an EEPROM®, a flash ROM, or the like. The NVM54stores a control program, an application, various data, and the like according to an operational application of the IC module50. For example, program files and data files are created in the NVM54. The control program, the various data, or the like is written in each of the created files.

The NVM54includes a storage area54athat stores the use history. The use history will be described in detail later.

The communication unit55is an interface for communicating data to and from the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1. That is, the communication unit55is an interface for communicating with the reader-writer40of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1. When the IC module50is implemented as a contact type IC card, the communication unit55includes a communication control unit and a contact unit for physically and electrically connecting to the reader-writer40of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1in order to transmit and receive a signal. For example, the IC module50is activated by receiving operating power and an operating clock from the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1thorough the contact unit.

When the IC module50is implemented as a non-contact type IC card, the communication unit55includes a communication control unit, such as a modulation/demodulation circuit, and an antenna for wirelessly communicating with the reader-writer40of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1. For example, the IC module50receives a radio wave from the reader-writer40of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1through the modulation/demodulation circuit or the like. The IC module50is activated by generating operating power and an operating clock from the radio wave using a power source unit that is not shown in the drawing.

Next, the use history stored in the storage area54awill be described.

The use history indicates whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used. For example, the use history indicates whether or not the liquid is discharged from the chemical liquid discharging device2. When the chemical liquid discharging device2discharges the liquid once (from at least one chemical liquid holding container22), the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used.

For example, the use history is a bit or the like indicating whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used. For example, in a case of “0”, the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has not been used (unused). In a case of “1”, the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used.

For example, at the time of manufacturing the chemical liquid discharging device2, the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has not been used (unused).

Next, a function realized by the processor51of the IC module50will be described. The following function is realized by the processor51executing the program stored in the NVM54or the like.

First, the processor51has a function of transmitting the use history to the reader-writer40through the communication unit55.

For example, the processor51receives a command requesting the use history from the processor15through the communication unit55. When the processor51receives the command, the processor51acquires the use history from the storage area54a. When the processor51acquires the use history, the processor51transmits a response including the use history to the processor15through the communication unit55.

The processor51has a function of rewriting the use history according to a command from the reader-writer40.

For example, the processor51receives a command instructing to write information indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used in the storage area54athrough the communication unit55. When the processor51receives the command, the processor51stores the information (for example, bit) indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2is used as the use history in the storage area54a. When the processor51stores the information indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used in the storage area54a, the processor51transmits a response indicating that the use history is successfully rewritten to the reader-writer40through the communication unit55.

When the processor51stores the information indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used as the use history, the processor51may lock the storage area54a.

Next, the function realized by the processor15of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1will be described. The following function is realized by the processor15executing the program stored in the memory16or the like.

First, the processor15has a function of acquiring the use history from the IC module50.

The processor15determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device2is set in the mounting module5. For example, the processor15determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device2is set in the mounting module5according to a signal from a sensor that is not shown in the drawing.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device2is set in the mounting module5, the processor15transmits a command requesting the use history to the IC module50through the reader-writer40. The processor15receives a response including the use history as a response for the command from the IC module50.

The processor15has a function of discharging the liquid from the chemical liquid discharging device2based on the acquired use history.

When the acquired use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has not been used, the processor15causes the chemical liquid discharging device2to discharge the chemical liquid.

For example, the operator supplies a predetermined amount of the liquid to the chemical liquid holding container22from the top surface opening portion22bof the chemical liquid holding container22by a pipette or the like. The liquid is inside the chemical liquid holding container22. The bottom surface opening portion22aof the bottom portion of the chemical liquid holding container22is connected to the chemical liquid discharge array27. The liquid in the chemical liquid holding container22is filled in each pressure chamber210of the chemical liquid discharge array27through the bottom surface opening portion22aof the bottom surface of the chemical liquid holding container22.

The liquid reagent in the chemical liquid discharging device2includes any of, for example, a low molecular weight compound, a fluorescent reagent, a protein, an antibody, a nucleic acid, a plasma, a bacteria, a blood cell or a cell. In general, a main solvent in the liquid (substance having the largest weight ratio or volume ratio) is water, glycerin, or dimethylsulfoxide.

The user inputs an operation instruction for discharging the liquid to the operation unit18aof the host computer18. The operator may input the operation instruction for discharging the liquid from a specific chemical liquid holding container22.

When the host computer18receives the operation instruction for discharging the liquid, the host computer18transmits a signal (discharge signal) instructing the discharge of the liquid with respect to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1. The discharge signal may be an instruction of the discharge of the liquid from a specific chemical liquid holding container22.

The processor15receives the discharge signal through the interface17. When the acquired use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has not been used, the processor15causes the chemical liquid discharging device2to discharge the liquid based on the discharge signal.

The processor15controls the X direction moving base motor9band the Y direction moving base motor10bto move the chemical liquid discharging device2set in the mounting module5to a predetermined position. For example, the processor15moves the chemical liquid discharging device2to a position where the plurality of nozzles110is inserted into a well300. The processor15may move the chemical liquid discharging device2to the predetermined position according to the discharge signal.

When the chemical liquid discharging device2is moved to the predetermined position, the processor15applies a discharge voltage to the driving element130using the driving circuit11for discharging the liquid.

The processor15transmits a signal to the driving circuit11, and a voltage control signal is input from the driving circuit11to the driving element130. In response to the application of the voltage control signal, the driving element130deforms the diaphragm120to change the volume of the pressure chamber210. Therefore, the liquid is discharged as a droplet from the nozzle110of the chemical liquid discharge array27. As a result, the chemical liquid discharging device2dispenses a predetermined amount of liquid from the nozzle110to the well300of the microplate4.

To dispense the predetermined amount of liquid to each well300of the microplate4, the processor15repeats an operation of transmitting a signal to the X direction moving base control circuit9a, the Y direction moving base control circuit10a, and the driving circuit11.

The number of times and the position at which the processor15causes the liquid to be discharged are not limited to a specific configuration.

When the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has not been used, the processor15may transmit a signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has not been used to the host computer18. The host computer18may display that the chemical liquid discharging device2has not been used on the display unit18bor the like, based on the corresponding signal.

When the acquired use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used, the processor15does not discharge the liquid from the chemical liquid discharging device2.

For example, when the acquired use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used, the processor15does not discharge the liquid even when the processor15receives the discharge signal. The processor15transmits a signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used to the host computer18through the interface17.

When the host computer18receives the corresponding signal, the host computer18displays a warning or the like indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used on the display unit18bor the like.

The processor15has a function of storing the use history indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used in the IC module50of the chemical liquid discharging device2when the liquid has been discharged.

When the discharge of the liquid has been completed, the processor15generates a command instructing to rewrite the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used. For example, the processor15generates a command instructing to rewrite the use history stored in the storage area54a. The processor15transmits the generated command to the IC module50through the reader-writer40.

The processor15receives a response indicating that the rewriting has been completed from the IC module50through the reader-writer40. When the processor15receives a response indicating that the rewriting has been failed or when the processor15has not receive the response, the processor15may re-transmit the generated command to the IC module50.

Next, an operation example of the processor15of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1will be described.

FIG. 8is a flowchart for describing the operation example of the processor15of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1.

First, the processor15determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device2is set in the mounting module5(ACT11). When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device2is not set in the mounting module5(ACT11, NO), the processor15returns to ACT11.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device2is set in the mounting module5(ACT11, YES), the processor15reads the use history from the IC module50(ACT12). According to the use history from IC module50, the processor15determines whether or not the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used (ACT13).

When it is determined that the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has not been used (is previously unused) (ACT13, NO), the processor15determines whether or not the discharge signal has been received through the interface17(ACT14). When it is determined that the discharge signal has not been received through the interface17(ACT14, NO), the processor15returns to ACT14.

When it is determined that the discharge signal has been received through the interface17(ACT14, YES), the processor15causes the chemical liquid discharging device2to discharge the liquid according to the discharge signal (ACT15).

When the chemical liquid discharging device2has been caused to discharge the liquid, the processor15rewrite the use history stored in the IC module50to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used (ACT16).

When it is determined that the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used (ACT13, YES), the processor15transmits the signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used to the host computer18through the interface17(ACT17).

When the used history stored in the IC module50indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used (ACT16), or when the signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used is transmitted to the host computer18(ACT17), the processor15ends the operation.

The chemical liquid discharging device2may include a memory for storing the use history instead of the IC module50. The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1may directly access to the memory to acquire the use history. The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1may directly access to the memory to rewrite the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used.

The host computer18may transmit a request to rewrite the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used to the processor15. The processor15may rewrite the use history stored in the IC module50to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used according to the request.

The IC module50may store the use history of each chemical liquid holding container22. That is, the IC module50stores the information indicating whether or not each chemical liquid holding container22has been used.

For example, the processor15acquires the use history of each chemical liquid holding container22from the IC module50. After the processor acquires the use history, the processor15receives the discharge signal from the host computer18for discharging the liquid from the chemical liquid holding container22. Once the discharge signal has been received, the processor15determines whether or not the use history indicates the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22has been previously used. When the use history indicates that the chemical liquid holding container22has not been used (that is unused), the processor15causes the chemical liquid holding container22to discharge the liquid according to the discharge signal. Once the discharge operation has been completed, the processor15rewrites the use history of the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22stored in the IC module50to indicate that the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22has been used.

When the use history of the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22indicates that the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22has been used, the processor15does not perform the discharge operation even after the processor15receives the discharge signal. In this case, the processor15may transmit a signal indicating that the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22has been previously used to the host computer18.

The discharging system can rewrite the use history of the corresponding liquid discharging device in the IC module. The discharging system can check the use history before discharging a liquid from the liquid discharging device. When the use history stored in the IC module indicates that the liquid discharging device has been used, the discharging system does not cause the liquid discharging device to discharge the liquid.

When the liquid discharging device discharges the liquid, the discharging system rewrites the use history stored in the IC module to indicate that the liquid discharging device has been used.

As a result, the discharging system can prevent the discharge of a liquid via the reuse of a liquid discharging device that has been previously used.

Second Embodiment

A chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1according to a second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1according to the second embodiment rewrites the use history stored in the IC module50to indicate that the chemical liquid holding container22has been used once the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with the liquid. The same reference numerals are used for the components that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of repeated components may be omitted.

The host computer18receives an input indicating that the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with a liquid through the operation unit18a. For example, when the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with the liquid, the user enters an input that indicating filling of the liquid has been completed to the operation unit18a.

When the host computer18receives the input indicating the filling of the chemical liquid holding container22has been completed, the host computer18transmits a filling signal indicating that the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with the liquid to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1through the interface17.

Next, the function realized by the processor15of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1will be described. The following function is realized by the processor15executing the program stored in the memory16or the like.

The processor15has a function of detecting that the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with the liquid.

For example, the processor15determines whether or not the filling signal has been received from the host computer18. When it is determined that the filling signal has been received from the host computer18, the processor15determines that the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with the liquid.

The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1or the chemical liquid discharging device2may include a sensor for detecting that the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with the liquid. The processor15may detect that the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with the chemical liquid using the corresponding sensor.

A method of detecting whether or not the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with the liquid by the processor15is not limited to any specific method.

The processor15has a function of rewriting the use history stored in the IC module50to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used when the processor15detects that the chemical liquid holding container22has been filled with the liquid.

The operation of rewriting the use history stored in the IC module50to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used by the processor15is the same as that of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

Next, an operation example of the processor15of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1will be described.

FIG. 9is a flowchart for describing the operation example of the processor15of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1.

First, the processor15determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device2is set in the mounting module5(ACT21). When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device2is not set in the mounting module5(ACT21, NO), the processor15returns to ACT21.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device2is set in the mounting module5(ACT21, YES), the processor15reads the use history from the IC module50(ACT22). According to the use history, the processor15determines whether or not the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been previously used (ACT23).

When the user history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has not been used (unused) (ACT23, NO), the processor15determines whether or not the filling signal has been received through the interface17(ACT24). When it is determined that the filling signal has not been received through the interface17(ACT24, NO), the processor15returns to ACT24.

When it is determined that the filling signal has been received through the interface17(ACT24, YES), the processor15rewrites the use history stored in the IC module50to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used (ACT25).

When the use history stored in the IC module50indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used, the processor15determines whether or not the discharge signal has been received through the interface17(ACT26). When it is determined that the discharge signal has not been received through the interface17(ACT26, NO), the processor15returns to ACT26.

When it is determined that the discharge signal has been received through the interface17(ACT26, YES), the processor15causes the chemical liquid discharging device2to discharge the liquid according to the discharge signal (ACT27).

When it is determined that the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used (ACT23, YES), the processor15transmits the signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used to the host computer18through the interface17(ACT28).

When the chemical liquid discharging device2has been caused to discharge the liquid (ACT27), or when the signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2has been used has been transmitted to the host computer18(ACT28), the processor15ends the operation.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the IC module50may store the use history of each chemical liquid holding container22. That is, the IC module50stores information indicating whether or not each chemical liquid holding container22has been used.

For example, the processor15acquires the use history of each chemical liquid holding container22from the IC module50. After the processor15acquires the use history, the processor15receives the filling signal from the host computer18indicating the chemical liquid holding container has been filled. When the processor15receives the filling signal, the processor15determines whether or not the use history of the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22has been used. When the use history stored in the IC module50indicates that the chemical liquid holding container22has not been used (unused), the processor15rewrites the use history of the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22to indicate that the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22has been used.

When the use history indicates that the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22has been used, the processor15does not perform the discharge operation even after the processor15receives the discharge signal. In this case, the processor15may transmit a signal indicating that the corresponding chemical liquid holding container22has been used to the host computer18.

The discharging system can rewrite the use history stored in the IC module to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device has been used once the chemical liquid holding container has been filled with the liquid. As a result, the discharging system can store the information indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device has been used in the IC module of the chemical liquid discharging device and can prevent contamination after the chemical liquid holding container has filled with the liquid but has not discharged the liquid by the user.

Third Embodiment

A liquid discharging device according to a third embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the liquid discharging device according to the third embodiment discharges the liquid by a thermal jet method. The same reference numerals are used for the components that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of repeated components may be omitted.

The discharging system500′ according to the third embodiment includes a chemical liquid discharging device2′.

The chemical liquid discharging device2′ includes a chemical liquid discharge array27′ in place of the chemical liquid discharge array27.

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F10-F10ofFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 10, the chemical liquid discharge array27′ is formed by laminating a silicon substrate400and a photosensitive resin450. An inlet port411connected to the bottom surface opening portion22aof the liquid outlet port of the chemical liquid holding container22is formed on a surface side (referred to as a second surface400a) of the silicon substrate400. A thin film heat transfer heater432which is an actuator and a wiring (not specifically depicted) that is connected to the thin film heat transfer heater432are formed on a rear surface side (also referred to as a first surface400b) of the silicon substrate400. The thin film heat transfer heater432is electrically connected to the electrode terminal connection portion26.

The photosensitive resin450is a substrate on which a pressure chamber410is formed. A flow path451connected to the inlet port411, the pressure chamber410, and the nozzle110are formed on the photosensitive resin450. The pressure chamber410is an area where the thin film heat transfer heater432is formed in the flow path451. The thin film heat transfer heater432generates heat by electric power supplied from a wiring. The liquid in the pressure chamber410is heated and boiled by the thin film heat transfer heater432, and thus the liquid is discharged from the nozzle110.

For example, a plurality of nozzles110is arranged in six rows in the X direction and two rows in the Y direction. The plurality of nozzles110is positioned inside the bottom surface opening portion22aof the liquid outlet port of the chemical liquid holding container22.

Next, an operation of discharging the liquid will be described. The bottom surface opening portion22aof the lower portion of the chemical liquid holding container22is connected to the inlet port411and the flow path451of the chemical liquid discharge array27′. The liquid in the chemical liquid holding container22is filled from the bottom surface opening portion22aof the chemical liquid holding container22to each pressure chamber410in the flow path451formed on the photosensitive resin450through the inlet port411formed on the silicon substrate400.

The voltage control signal input to the control signal input terminal25of the electrical substrate wiring24from the driving circuit11is applied to a plurality of thin film heat transfer heater432of the chemical liquid discharge array27′. Therefore, the plurality of thin film heat transfer heater432generates heat, and the liquid in the pressure chamber410is heated and boiled. As a result, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle110as a chemical liquid droplet. A predetermined amount of liquid is dispensed from the nozzle110to the well300of the microplate4.

In the thermal jet method, the liquid is come into contact with the thin film heat transfer heater432having a temperature equal to or higher than 300° C. Therefore, in the thermal jet method, it is preferable that the chemical liquid with high heat resistance that is not deteriorated even when the liquid is come into contact with a heater having a temperature equal to or higher than 300° C. is discharged.

The discharging system configured as described above stores the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device in the IC module provided in the corresponding chemical liquid discharging device. The discharging system checks the use history when the liquid is discharged from the chemical liquid discharging device. When the use history stored in the IC module indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device has been used, the discharging system does not discharge the liquid from the chemical liquid discharging device.

The discharging system500′ may have a characteristic of Second Embodiment. That is, the processor15of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus1of the discharging system500′ stores the information indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device2′ has been used in the IC module50when the processor15detects that the chemical liquid holding container22of the chemical liquid discharging device2′ is filled with the chemical liquid.

The chemical liquid discharging device has a simple structure compared to a piezo jet method, and thus it is possible to miniaturize the actuator. Therefore, the chemical liquid discharging device can dispose the nozzles at high density compared to the piezo jet method.

In the example embodiments described above, the driving element130that is the driving unit has a circular shape. However, the shape of the driving unit is not limited. For example, the shape of the driving unit may be a diamond shape, an ellipse shape, or the like. The shape of the pressure chamber210is not limited to a circular shape, and the shape of the pressure chamber210may be a diamond shape, an ellipse shape, a rectangular shape, or the like.

In the example embodiment described above, the nozzle110is disposed at the center of the driving element130. However, as long as the liquid can be discharged from the pressure chamber210, the position of the nozzle110is not limited. For example, the nozzle110may be formed the outside of the driving element130rather than the inside of the area of the driving element130.