Abstract:
A sample preparation kit is described, a representative one of which includes: a tissue container for containing tissue from a living body and comprising a convex part on an inner bottom of the container; and a crushing tool for crushing the tissue contained in the tissue container by using the convex part.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to sample preparation kits and sample preparation containers, in particular, to a sample preparation kit and a sample preparation container including an accommodation chamber for crushing the body tissue. The present invention further relates to sample processing devices, in particular, to a sample processing device for processing the sample of the body tissue and the like.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     A sample machining device for thinly cutting the body tissue in the container by rotating a machining body, having a rough surface part formed with grooves on the surface and a machining body front end portion of convex shape complying with the shape of the tapered portion of the container, within the container formed with the tapered portion of concave shape having a shape in which the front end is pointed towards the lower part (bottom surface part) side is conventionally known (see e.g., JP-A No. 63-112974). Since the convex shape of the machining body front end portion of the machining body is formed into a shape that complies with the inner shape of the concave shape of the tapered portion of the container in this sample machining device, the body tissue is crushed with the groove of the rough surface part of the machining body functioning to cut the body tissue when the machining body is rotated.  
         [0003]     However, in the sample machining device disclosed in JP-A No. 63-112974, it is difficult to completely match the convex shape of the machining body front end portion to the internal shape of concave shape of the tapered portion in terms of machining precision even if the convex shape of the machining body front end portion of the machining body is formed into a shape complying with the internal shape of concave shape of the tapered portion of the container. Thus, a space (dead space) where it is difficult to be reached by the machining body front end may form between the inner surface portion of concave shape of the front end of the tapered portion of the container and the machining body front end portion of convex shape of the machining body. As a result, it becomes difficult for the machining body front end portion of convex shape of the machining body to reach the body tissue that has entered the space formed at the front end of the container, and thus becomes difficult to crush the body tissue.  
         [0004]     In a typical sample processing device (sample machining device), the sample is prepared by crushing the body tissue in a crushing solution for crushing the body tissue when crushing the body tissue in the container. However, in the sample machining device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 63-112974, the crushing solution obtained from a predetermined region must be injected into the container where the body tissue is accommodated and then the machining body must be arranged in the relevant container to crush the body tissue accommodated in the container. The task of crushing the body tissue thus becomes complicated.  
         [0005]     Although not disclosed in the sample machining device of JP-A No. 63-112974, normally, the crushing tool performed with heat killing for each time crushing of the body tissue is performed is obtained from a predetermined region, and the crushing tool must be mounted on a mechanism for rotatably supporting the crushing tool in order to crush the body tissue accommodated in the container. The task of crushing the body tissue thus becomes complicated.  
         [0006]     Furthermore, although in JP-A No. 63-112974, extracting the filtrate from the sample obtained by crushing the body tissue is not disclosed, normally, after the sample obtained by crushing the body tissue is aliquoted, filtration is performed using the aliquot sample, and the filtrate is extracted. Thus, after aliquoting the sample obtained by crushing the body tissue, it must be dispensed to a filter device and the like capable of performing filtration in order to extract the filtrate in the sample machining device of JP-A No. 63-112974. As a consequence, the task of filtering the sample obtained form the body tissue thus becomes complicated.  
         [0007]     Conventionally, a filter device including a filtering tool, a homogenizer (device for homogenizing the sample) including a crushing tool and the like are known as a sample processing device for processing the sample of the body tissue and the like (see e.g., U.S. Publication No. 5,282,978 and JP-A No. 2000-333669).  
         [0008]     A filter device for filtering the tissue solution (suspension) including cell particles obtained by crushing the body tissue to collect only the cell particles larger than a predetermined size thereby manufacturing a specimen slide glass attached on the surface with cell particles larger than the predetermined size is disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 5,282,978. The filtering tool of U.S. Publication No. 5,282,978 is configured by a cylindrical body having one end opened and the other end arranged with a filter. In U.S. Publication No. 5,282,978, first, the filtering tool is inserted into the container where the tissue solution is stored and then the internal part of the filtering tool is made to negative pressure to suction the tissue solution, in manufacturing the specimen slide glass. The filtrate is then extracted to the internal part of the filtering tool. The cell particles smaller than the predetermined size pass through the filter and move to the internal part of the filtering tool, whereas the cell particles larger than the predetermined size do not pass the filter and remain at the outer surface of the filter. Thereafter, the cell particles remaining at the outer surface of the filter are attached to the surface of the slide glass by contacting the outer surface of the filter of the filtering tool and the surface of the slide glass. The specimen slide glass is thereby manufactured.  
         [0009]     A homogenizer for manufacturing the tissue solution containing the homogenized body tissue by performing homogenization on the body tissue with a crushing tool (passel) is disclosed in JP-A No. 2000-333669. Only homogenization of the body tissue is performed in the homogenizer disclosed in JP-A No. 2000-333669.  
         [0010]     However, in the filter device of U.S. Publication No. 5282978, it becomes difficult to collect the filtrate when performing analysis and the like of the filtrate since the filtrate is extracted to the internal part of the filtering tool made of a cylindrical body having one end opened and the other end arranged with a filter.  
         [0011]     Furthermore, in the homogenizer of JP-A No. 2000-333669, a filter device must be separately prepared when filtering the tissue solution since a mechanism for filtering the tissue solution is not arranged.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary.  
         [0013]     The sample preparation kit according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: (a) a tissue container for containing tissue from a living body and comprising a convex part on an inner bottom of the container; and (b) a crushing tool for crushing the tissue contained in the tissue container by using the convex part.  
         [0014]     The sample preparation kit according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: (a) a tissue container for containing tissue from a living body; and (b) a solution, for forming tissue homogenate, contained in the tissue container, wherein the tissue is crushed in the solution.  
         [0015]     The sample preparation kit according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: (a) a filtering container for containing a tissue solution obtained by crushing tissue from a living body in a solution for forming tissue homogenate; and (b) a filtering tool for filtering the tissue solution in the filtering container  
         [0016]     The sample preparation kit according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes: (a) a tissue container for containing tissue from a living body; (b) a solution, for forming tissue homogenate, contained in the tissue container, (c) a crushing tool holder for holding a crushing tool; (d) the crushing tool, for crushing the tissue in the solution, hold in the crushing tool holder; (e) a filtering container for filtering a tissue solution obtained by crushing the tissue in the tissue container; (f) a dilution, for diluting the tissue solution, contained in the filtering container; (g) a filtering toll holder for holding a filtering toll; (h) the filtering toll, for filtering the tissue solution in the filtering container, hold in the filtering toll holder; (i) a dispensing toll holder for holding a filtering toll; (j) the dispensing toll, for dispensing the tissue solution to the filtering container, hold in the dispensing toll holder; and (k) a joining part for joining the tissue container, the crushing tool holder, the filtering container, the filtering tool holder and the dispensing tool holder  
         [0017]     The sample preparation container according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes: (a) a container for containing tissue from a living body and comprising a convex part on an inner bottom of the container for crushing the tissue.  
         [0018]     The sample processing device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes: (a) a filtering toll mover assembly for moving a filtering toll for filtering a tissue solution obtained by crushing tissue from a living body in a solution for forming tissue homogenate, into a filtering container; and (b) a tissue solution suction assembly for suctioning a filtered tissue solution obtained by filtering the tissue solution by the filtering toll in the filtering container. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of a sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a state in which the lid of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  is removed;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the sample preparation container of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a plane view showing the sample preparation container of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged front view showing a convex part of a crushing solution storing chamber of the sample preparation container of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged plan view showing a convex part of a crushing solution storing chamber of the sample preparation container of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of a crushing tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is a front view of an inner side crushing member of the crushing tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of an outer side crushing member of the crushing tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  is a front view of a filtering tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of the filtering tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 14  is a plan view of the filtering tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the main body part of the sample processing device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 16  is a plan view of the main body part of the sample processing device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing a state in which the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  is installed in the installation part of the sample processing device;  
         [0037]      FIG. 18  is a plan view of the installation part of the sample processing device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a holding part of the sample processing device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view showing a state in which the crushing tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  is mounted to a blade mounting part of the holding part;  
         [0040]      FIG. 21  is a front view of a syringe part of the sample processing device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 22  is a front view showing a state in which the dispensing chips of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  are mounted to a nozzle part of the syringe part;  
         [0042]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a dismounting mechanism section of the sample processing device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of a dismounting member of the dismounting mechanism section of the sample processing device shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 25  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 26  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 27  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 28  is a cross sectional view for explaining the operation of crushing the lymph node by means of the crushing tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0048]      FIG. 29  is a cross sectional view for explaining the operation of crushing the lymph node by means of the crushing tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0049]      FIG. 30  is a cross sectional view for explaining the operation of crushing the lymph node by means of the crushing tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 31  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0051]      FIG. 32  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0052]      FIG. 33  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0053]      FIG. 34  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 35  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 36  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0056]      FIG. 37  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0057]      FIG. 38  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0058]      FIG. 39  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0059]      FIG. 40  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0060]      FIG. 41  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0061]      FIG. 42  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0062]      FIG. 43  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0063]      FIG. 44  is a cross sectional view showing a state in which the filtrate is extracted by the filtering tool of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0064]      FIG. 45  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0065]      FIG. 46  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0066]      FIG. 47  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0067]      FIG. 48  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0068]      FIG. 49  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ; and  
         [0069]      FIG. 50  is a view for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0070]     The embodiments of the present invention will now be described based on the drawings.  
         [0071]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of a sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . FIGS.  4  to  14  are views for explaining the detailed configuration of the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0072]     The sample processing device  100  employing the sample preparation kit  1  according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for obtaining the filtrate by crushing the body tissue and then filtering the tissue solution obtained from the crushed body tissue, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The lymph node is used for the body tissue. The lymph node cut in advance is accommodated in the sample preparation container  10  of the sample preparation kit  1  and then installed in the sample processing device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . The configuration of the sample preparation kit  1  according to one embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS.  2  to  14 .  
         [0073]     The sample preparation kit  1  according to the present embodiment includes a sample preparation container  10 , a lid  20  fitted into the sample preparation container  10 , a crushing tool  30  for crushing the cut lymph node, a filtering tool  40  for filtering the tissue solution obtained from the lymph node, and two dispensing chips  50  and  60  for suctioning and discharging the filtrate filtered by the filtering tool  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Crushing solution  70  and diluted solution  80  are accommodated in the sample preparation container  10  of the sample preparation kit  1  in advance. The crushing solution  70  and the diluted solution  80  contain nonionic surface-active agent for breaking the membrane protein contained in the lymph node. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a film  90  made of aluminum is adhered to the upper surface part  17  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of the sample preparation container  10  to prevent dust and the like from entering the crushing solution  70 , the diluted solution  80  and the like from the outside. The sample preparation kit  1  is a disposable kit that is disposed after each use.  
         [0074]     As shown in FIGS.  3  to  6 , the sample preparation kit  10  includes a filtering tool accommodating chamber  11  for accommodating the filtering tool  40 , a crushing tool accommodating chamber  12  for accommodating the crushing tool  30 , a crushing process accommodating chamber  13  for accommodating the crushing solution  70 , a filter process accommodating chamber  14  for accommodating the diluted solution  80 , and a dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  for accommodating the two dispensing chips  50  and  60 . Each accommodating chamber  11  to  15  is integrally formed by way of a reinforcing rib  16  and the upper surface part  17 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The filtering tool accommodating chamber  11 , the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12 , the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , the filter process accommodating chamber  14 , and the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  each has an opening  11   a ,  12   a ,  13 ,  14   a , and  15   a  on one end, and a bottom surface part  11   b ,  12   b ,  13   b ,  14   b , and  15   b  on the other end. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the side surface part  18  formed so as to surround the periphery of each accommodating chamber  11  to  15 , and the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12 , the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , the filter process accommodating chamber  14 , as well as the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  are coupled by the reinforcing rib  16  mentioned above. The reinforcing rib  16  is also arranged between the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11  and the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12 , between the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12  and the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , between the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  and the filter process accommodating chamber  14 , and between the filter process accommodating chamber  14  and the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15 . A rim part  19  that extends upward in the vertical direction is arranged at the top surface part  17  so as to surround the periphery of the top surface part  17 , and projections  19   a  and  19   b  are respectively arranged on the outer surface of the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11  side and the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  side of the rim part  19 .  
         [0075]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11  is arranged to accommodate the filtering tool  40  of the sample preparation kit  1 , and the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12  is arranged to accommodate the crushing tool  30 . The filtering tool accommodating chamber  11  and the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12  are respectively provided with a supporting surface part  11   c  and  12   c  having an oval shape when seen in a plane view that is depressed by a predetermined depth from the top surface part  17 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Notches lid and lie are formed in the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11 . Notches  12   d  and  12   e  are formed in the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12 . The notch lie on the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12  side of the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11  and the notch  12   e  on the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11  side of the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12  are formed so as to be communicated.  
         [0076]     In the present embodiment, the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  is arranged to crush the lymph node by means of the crushing tool  30  received from the opening  13   a , and the lymph node that is cut in advance is accommodated in the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  along with the crushing solution  70 . In the sample preparation kit  1  according to the present embodiment, the lymph node is crushed in the crushing solution  70  and the tissue solution is obtained in the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 . A convex part  13   c  of semicircular shape corresponding to the concave part  13   a  (see  FIG. 9 ) of semicircular shape of the inner side crushing member  31  of flat plate shape of the crushing tool  30  to be hereinafter described is formed in the inner bottom surface of the bottom surface part  13   b  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The convex part  13   c  has a rib shape of cross form when seen in a plane view. The convex part  13   c  and the concave part  31   a  of the inner side crushing member  31  sandwich and crush the lymph node of a predetermined size. The curvature radius of the surface of the convex part  13   c  is formed so as to have substantially the same curvature radius as the surface of the concave part  31   a  of the inner side crushing member  31  of the crushing tool  30 . Furthermore, a gap  13   d  is formed between the concave part  31   a  arranged at the flat plate shaped front end part of the inner side crushing member  31  and the portion other than the convex part  13   c  of rib shape of cross form when the concave part  31   a  arranged at the flat plate shaped front end part of the inner side crushing member  31  of the crushing tool  30  is rotated with respect to the convex part  13   c  of rib shape of cross form, as shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0077]     In the present embodiment, the filter process accommodating chamber  14  is arranged to receive the tissue solution obtained by crushing the lymph node and filtering the received tissue solution. In the sample preparation kit  1  according to the present embodiment, the tissue solution obtained in the crushing tool accommodating chamber  13  is aliquoted, and the aliquot tissue solution is diluted with the diluted solution  80  accommodated in advance, in the filter process accommodating chamber  14 . The filtrate is obtained by filtering the diluted tissue solution. The filter process accommodating chamber  14  is formed so that the cross sectional area of the opening gradually decreases from the opening  14   a  side towards the bottom surface part  14   b  side, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 .  
         [0078]     The dispensing chip accommodating parts  15   c  and  15   d  are formed in the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  so as to accommodate the dispensing chip  50  and  60 , respectively.  
         [0079]     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the lid  20  is configured so as to be fitted into the sample preparation container  10 . Specifically, an engagement hole  20   a  corresponding to the projection  19   a  arranged on the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11  side of the rim part  19  of the sample preparation container  10 , and an engagement hole  20   b  corresponding to the projection  19   b  arranged on the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  side are formed in the lid  20 . The lid  20  can be fitted into the sample preparation container  10  as the projections  19   a  and  19   b  of the sample preparation container  10  engage with the engagement holes  20   a  and  20   b  of the lid  20 . The lid  20  also includes a concave part  20   c  formed so as to correspond to the opening  13   a  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 . The concave part  20   c  corresponding to the opening  13   a  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  has a function of blocking the opening  13   a  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  when the lid  20  is fitted into the sample preparation container  10 . Thus, the residual tissue solution is suppressed from leaking from the opening  13   a  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  with the lid  20  fitted into the sample preparation container  10  after aliquoting the tissue solution.  
         [0080]     The crushing tool  30  is a housing configured by an inner side crushing member  31  and an outer side crushing member  32  made up of a cylindrical body capable of accommodating the inner side crushing member  31  therein, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The crushing tool  30  is arranged to crush the lymph node accommodated with the crushing solution  70 . Furthermore, the inner side crushing member  31  includes a concave part  31   a  formed at the front end part of flat plate shape so as to correspond to the convex part (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  of the sample preparation container  10 . The surface of the concave part  31   a  arranged at the front end part of flat plate shape is formed so as to have a curvature radius of substantially the same curvature radius as the surface of the convex part  13   c  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , as described above. A supporting part  31   b  to be gripped by the gripping part of the sample processing device  100 , to be hereinafter described, is arranged on the side opposite the front end part side formed with the concave part  31   a  of the inner side crushing member  31 . A plurality of blade parts  32   a , a rib part  32   b  formed so as to project to the outer side from the outer peripheral surface side, and a plurality of slits  32   c  formed between the plurality of blade parts  32   a  are arranged on the lower part side of the outer side crushing member  32 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . A collar part  32   d  having an oval shape corresponding to the supporting surface part  12   c  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of oval shape of the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12 , an opening  32   e  for accommodating the inner side crushing member  31  on the inside, two notches  32   f , and a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) engagement nails  32   g  that can be bent and deformed are formed on the upper part side of the outer side crushing member  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 . The two notches  32   f  are formed so as to correspond to the notches  12   d  and  12   e  formed in the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ).  
         [0081]     The filtering tool  40  is arranged to filter the tissue solution obtained from the crushed lymph node, and is used to obtain the filtrate filtered through two filters  41  and  42  (see  FIG. 13 ). The filtering tool  40  has a cylindrical shape, and is formed with a filter installation part  40 a for arranging the two filters  41  and  42 , and a sealing material installation part  40   b  on the lower part side. Although the sealing material is not arranged in the sealing material installation part  40   b  in the present embodiment, the sealing material can be arranged. As shown in  FIG. 14 , a filter supporting part  40   c  of cross form when seen in plan view is formed in the filter installation part  40   a . The tissue solution is extracted to the inside of the filtering tool  40  through the gap  43  other than the portion formed with the filter supporting part  40   c  of the filter installation part  40   a . As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the upper part side of the filtering tool  40  has a configuration similar to the upper part side of the outer side crushing member  32  described above, and is formed with a collar part  40   d  having an oval shape formed so as to correspond to the supporting surface part  11   c  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) of oval shape of the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11 , an opening  40   e , two notches  40   f , and a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) engagement nails  40   g  that can be bent and deformed. The notch  40   f  is formed so as to correspond to the notches  11   d  and  11   e  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) formed in the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11 .  
         [0082]     The dispensing chip  50  accommodated in the dispensing chip accommodating part  15   c  is arranged to suction and discharge the tissue solution obtained from the crushed lymph node. The dispensing chip  60  accommodated in the dispensing chip accommodating part  15   d  is arranged to suction and discharge the filtrate obtained by filtering the tissue solution. The dispensing chip  50  has an opening  50   a , and a front end part  50   b  on the side opposite the opening  50   a , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Similarly, the dispensing chip  60  has an opening  60   a , and a front end part  60   b  on the side opposite the opening  60   a.    
         [0083]      FIGS. 15 and 16  are perspective view and plan view, respectively, of the main body part of sample processing device shown in  FIG. 1 . FIGS.  17  to  24  are views showing a detailed configuration of each part of the sample processing device shown in  FIG. 1 . The configuration of the sample processing device  100  employing the sample preparation kit  1  of one embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1, 3 ,  6 ,  9 ,  10 ,  12 , and  14  to  24 . The sample processing device  100  is configured so that the filtrate can be obtained by performing a predetermined process on the accommodated lymph node after removing the lid  20  (see  FIG. 3 ) and the film  90  (see  FIG. 3 ), and installing the sample preparation kit  1  with the lymph node cut in advance accommodated therein. The sample processing device  100  is configured by a display part  110  for displaying predetermined information, and three main boy parts  120 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the main body part  120  is configured by a conveying mechanism section  130 , a sample processing mechanism section  140 , a suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150 , a removal mechanism section  160 , and a control section  170 . An eject button  180  is arranged on the sample process device  100 . The installation part  131  of the conveying mechanism section  130  is moved in the X 1  direction and conveyed to the outside from the door  190  by pushing the eject button  180 . The sample preparation kit  1  can thus be installed in the sample processing device  100 .  
         [0084]     The conveying mechanism section  130  is configured by an installation part  131  and a movement mechanism part  132 . The conveying mechanism section  130  has a function of installing the above described sample preparation kit  1  and also has a function of moving the sample preparation kit  1  in the X direction.  
         [0085]     The installation part  131  is arranged to install the sample preparation kit  1 , and to install a collection container  300  for accommodating the filtrate filtered by the filtering tool  40 . The installation part  131  is configured by a kit installation part  131   a  for installing the sample preparation kit  1 , a collection container installation part  131   b  for installing the collection container  300 , and a temperature controlling part  131   c  (see  FIG. 17 ) for controlling the tissue solution stored in the sample preparation kit  1  and the filtrate accommodated in the collection container  300  to a predetermined temperature, as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 .  
         [0086]     The kit installation part  131   a  is provided with inserting parts  131   d ,  131   e ,  131   f ,  131   g  and  131   h  for respectively accommodating the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11 , the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12 , the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , the filter process accommodating chamber  14 , and the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  of the sample preparation container  10 . The kit installation part  131   a  is further provided with a rib inserting groove  131   i  formed so as to correspond to the reinforcing rib  16  of the sample preparation container  10 .  
         [0087]     The collection container installation part  131   b  includes a container inserting hole  131   j  for installing the collection container  300  (see  FIG. 18 ) and a lid holding part  131   k  arranged to prevent the lid  301  attached to the collection container  300  from blocking the opening  300   a  of the collection container  300 . Two fans  1311  are arranged and a Peltier element (not shown) is incorporated in the temperature controlling part  131   c , where the two fans  1311  and the Peltier element are controlled based on the control signal transmitted from the controlling section  170  (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) to be hereinafter described.  
         [0088]     The movement mechanism part  132  is arranged to move the installation part  131  arranged with the sample preparation kit  1  in the X direction, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The movement mechanism part  132  is configured by a motor  132   a , a pulley  132   b  connected to the motor  132   a , a pulley  132   c  arranged at a predetermined interval from the pulley  132   b , a drive transmission belt  132   d  mounted to the pulley  132   b  and the pulley  132   c , a direct acting guide  132   e  arranged so as to extend in the X direction, and a moving member  132   f  attached so as to be movable along the direct acting guide  132   e  and coupled to the drive transmission belt  132   d . When the motor  132   a  is driven, the drive transmission belt  132   d  is driven by way of the pulley  132   b , whereby the moving member  132   f  coupled to the drive transmission belt  132   d  moves in the X direction. The installation part  131  attached to the moving member  132   f  moves along the direct acting guide  132   e  with the moving member  132   f.    
         [0089]     The sample processing mechanism section  140  has a function of crushing the lymph node accommodated in the sample preparation kit  1  and filtering the tissue solution obtained through crushing using the crushing tool  30  (see  FIG. 9 ) and the filtering tool  40  (see  FIG. 12 ) accommodated in the sample preparation kit  1 . The sample processing mechanism section  140  is configured by a holding part  141  and a movement mechanism part  142 .  
         [0090]     The holding part  141  has a function of holding the crushing tool  30  and the filtering tool  40  of the sample preparation kit  1 . The holding part  141  includes a mounting part  141   a  for mounting the crushing tool  30  and the filtering tool  40 , a motor  141   b  arranged on the upper part side of the mounting part  141   a , an installation part  141   c  for installing the motor  141   b  and the mounting part  141   a , a steel plate  141   d  attached to the installation part  141   c , a direct acting guide  141   e  attached to the steel plate  141   d , a moving member  141   f  attached so as to be movable along the direct acting guide  141   e , a hook member  141   g  attached to the moving member  141   f , and a spring  141   h , as shown in  FIG. 19 .  
         [0091]     As shown in  FIG. 20 , the mounting part  141   a  includes a press-fit part  141   i  press fitted from the opening  32   e  side of the outer side crushing member  32  of the crushing tool  30  and the opening  40   e  (see  FIG. 14 ) side of the filtering tool  40 , and a projection  141   j  for engaging the notch  32   f  of the outer side crushing member  32  of the crushing tool  30  and the notch  40   f  (see  FIG. 14 ) of the filtering tool  40 . The press-fit part  141   i  is provided with a groove  141   k  engaged with the engagement nail  32   g  of the outer side crushing member  32  of the crushing tool  30  and the engagement nail  40   g  (see  FIG. 12 ) of the filer tool  40 . The crushing tool  30  and the filtering tool  40  can be reliably held at the mounting part  141   a  since the press-fit part  141   i  of the mounting part  141   a  is press fitted to the opening  32   e  of the outer side crushing member  32  and the opening  40   e  of the filtering tool  40 , and the engagement nail  32   g  and the engagement nail  40   g  engage with the groove  141   k  of the press-fit part  141   i . Since the projection  141   j  of the mounting part  141   a  engages with the notch  32   f  of the outer side crushing member  32  and the notch  40   f  of the filtering tool  40 , the outer side crushing member  32  and the filtering tool  40  are suppressed from rotating with respect to the mounting part  141   a . Furthermore, a gripping part (not shown) that rotates with the drive of the motor  141   b  shown in  FIG. 19  is arranged inside the press-fit part  141   i , which gripping part has a function of rotatably gripping the supporting part  31   b  (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) of the inner side crushing member  31  of the crushing tool  30 . Therefore, the motor  141   b  functions as a driving source of rotating the inner side crushing member  31  of the crushing tool  30 .  
         [0092]     As shown in  FIG. 19 , a hook part  141   l  for attaching one end of the spring  141   h  is integrally formed in the steel plate  141   d  attached to the installation part  141   c . The other end of the spring  141   h  is attached to the hook member  141   g . Thus, the moving member  141   f  can be moved in the Z direction so as to follow the movement of the mounting part  141   a  in the Z direction. A abutting part  141   m  made of resin that contacts the release nail  161   a  of a dismounting member  161  of the dismounting mechanism section  160  to be hereinafter described is attached to the moving member  141   f . The abutting part  141   m  is attached to the moving member  141   f  so as to abut against the collar part  32   d  (see  FIG. 9 ) of the outer side crushing member  32  and the collar part  40   d  of the filtering tool  40  when the crushing tool  30  and the filtering tool  40  are mounted to the mounting part  141   a.    
         [0093]     The movement mechanism part  142  is arranged to move the holding part  141  in the Z direction, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The movement mechanism part  142  is configured by a motor  142   a , a pulley  142   b  connected to the motor  142   a , a pulley  142   c  arranged at a predetermined interval from the pulley  142   b , a drive transmission belt  142   d  mounted to the pulley  142   b  and the pulley  142   c , a ball screw  142   e  that rotates with the rotation of the pulley  142   c  and that is arranged so as to extend in the Z direction, a direct acting guide  142   f  arranged so as to extend in the Z direction, and a moving member  142   g  that moves with the rotation of the ball screw  142   e  and that is attached so as to be movable along the direct acting guide  142   f . With this configuration, when the motor  142   a  is driven, the drive transmission belt  142   d  is driven by way of the pulley  142   b , whereby the pulley  142   c  mounted with the drive transmission belt  142   d  rotates. Since the ball screw  142   e  is rotated with the rotation of the pulley  142   c , the moving member  142   g  that moves with the rotation of the ball screw  142   e  moves along the Z direction along which the direct acting guide  142   f  extends.  
         [0094]     A suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150  has a function of suctioning and dispensing the tissue solution and suctioning and dispensing the filtrate extracted from the tissue solution by mounting the dispensing chips  50  and  60  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the sample preparation kit  1 . The suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150  is configured by a syringe part  151  for suctioning and discharging the tissue solution or the filtrate, and a movement mechanism part  152  for moving the suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150  in the Z direction.  
         [0095]     As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the syringe part  151  includes a nozzle part  151   a  to be attached with the dispensing chips  50  and  60  (see  FIG. 3 ), a cap  151   b  made of resin attached to the nozzle part  151   a , a pump part  151   c  for performing suction and discharge, a motor  151   d  that acts as a driving source of the pump part  151   c , a liquid level detection sensor  151   e  for detecting whether or not the front end part  50   b  of the dispensing chip  50  and the front end part  60   b  of the dispensing chip  60  are contacting the liquid level, a pressure detection sensor  151   f  for detecting the pressure in time of suction and discharge by the pump part  151   c , and a control substrate  151   g  for controlling the liquid level detection sensor  151   e  and the pressure detection sensor  151   f . The dispensing chips  50  and  60  are mounted by press fitting the front end part  151   h  of the nozzle part  151   a  to the opening  50   a  of the dispensing chip  50  and the opening  60   a  of the dispensing chip  60  (see  FIG. 3 ). The cap  151   b  made of resin is attached so as to be movable in the Z direction with respect to the nozzle part  151   a . A rim part  151   i  contacted when the dispensing chips  50  and  60  are mounted is formed in the cap  151   b  made of resin.  
         [0096]     The movement mechanism part  152  is configured by a motor  152   a , a pulley  152   b  connected to the motor  152   a , a pulley  152   c  arranged at a predetermined interval from the pulley  152   b , a drive transmission belt  152   d  mounted to the pulley  152   b  and the pulley  152   c , a ball screw  152   d  that rotates with the rotation of the pulley  152   c  and that is arranged so as to extend in the Z direction, a direct acting guide  152   f  arranged so as to extend in the Z direction, and a moving member  152   g  that moves with the rotation of the ball screw  152   e  and that is attached so as to be movable along the direct acting guide  152   f , as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . With this configuration, when the motor  152   a  is driven, the drive transmission belt  152   d  is driven by way of the pulley  152   b , whereby the pulley  152   c  mounted with the drive transmission belt  152   d  rotates. Since the ball screw  152   e  is rotated with the rotation of the pulley  152   c , the moving member  152   g  that moves with the rotation of the ball screw  152   e  moves along the Z direction along which the direct acting guide  152   f  extends.  
         [0097]     The dismounting mechanism section  160  has a function of dismounting the crushing tool  30  (see  FIG. 9 ) and the filtering tool  40  (see  FIG. 12 ) held at the holding part  141 , and the dispensing chips  50  and  60  (see  FIG. 3 ) mounted to the suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150 . Furthermore, the dismounting mechanism section  160  also has a function of suppressing the tissue solution dripping from the used crushing tool  30  from attaching to the sample preparation container  10  and each section of the sample processing device  100 , and suppressing the tissue solution and the filtrate dripping from the used dispensing chips  50  and  60  from attaching to the sample preparation container  10  and each section of the sample processing device  100 . The dismounting mechanism section  160  includes a dismounting member  161  for dismounting the crushing tool  30  and the filtering tool  40  from the holding part  141 , and a movement mechanism part  162  for moving the dismounting member  161  in the X direction, as shown in  FIGS. 15, 16  and  23 .  
         [0098]     The dismounting member  161  includes a release nail  161   a  contacting the upper surface of the abutting part  141   m  of the holding part  141 , a dispensing chip releasing hole  161   b  abutting against the rim part  151   i  of the cap  151   b  of the suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150 , and a receiving part  161   c  made of resin for receiving the tissue solution and the filtrate.  
         [0099]     The movement mechanism part  162  is configured by a motor  162   a , a pulley  162   b  connected to the motor  162   a , a pulley  162   c  arranged at a predetermined interval from the pulley  162   b , a drive transmission belt  162   d  mounted to the pulley  162   b  and the pulley  162   c , a direct acting guide  162   e  arranged so as to extend in the X direction, and a moving member  162   f  attached so as to be movable along the direct acting guide  162   e . With this configuration, when the motor  162   a  is driven, the drive transmission belt  162   d  is driven by way of the pulley  162   b , whereby the moving member  162   f  coupled to the drive transmission belt  162   d  moves in the X direction. The dismounting member  161  attached to the moving member  162   f  thus moves in the X direction.  
         [0100]     The controlling section  170  is arranged to control each section of the sample processing device  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Specifically, the controlling section  170  is electrically connected to the motors  132   a ,  142   a ,  152   a , and  162   a  of each movement mechanism part  132 ,  142 ,  152 , and  162 , and has a function of transmitting the control signal for controlling the drive of each motor  132   a ,  142   a ,  152   a  and  162   a . The movement of the installation part  131 , the holding part  141 , the syringe part  151  and the dismounting member  161  is thus controlled. The controlling section  170  is electrically connected to the fans  1311  and the Peltier element (not shown) of the temperature controlling part  131   c  of the installation part  131 , and has a function of transmitting the control signal for controlling the rotation of the fan  1311  and the Peltier element. Thus, the tissue solution stored in the sample preparation kit  1  and the filtrate accommodated in the collection container  300  can be controlled to a predetermined temperature.  
         [0101]     FIGS.  25  to  50  are views for explaining the operation of obtaining the filtrate of the sample processing device employing the sample preparation kit according to one embodiment of the present invention. The obtaining operation of the filtrate of the sample processing device  100  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 3, 12 ,  14  to  16 , and  19  to  50 .  
         [0102]     The lid  20  (see  FIG. 3 ) and the film  90  (see FIG.  3 ) are dismounted from the sample preparation container  10  (see  FIG. 3 ), and the sample preparation kit  1  with the lymph node  200  cut in advance accommodated in the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 . The prepared sample preparation kit  1  is installed in the installation part  131  discharged to the outside by pushing the eject button  180  of the sample processing device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the installation part  131  is moved in the X 1  direction by driving the motor  132   a  (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) of the movement mechanism part  132  so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the mounting part  141   a  of the holding part  141  and the position in the horizontal direction of the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12  accommodating the crushing tool  30  to be matched therein. When the motor  142   a  (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) of the movement mechanism part  142  is driven in such state, the holding part  141  moves in the Z 1  direction (downward). The notch  32   f  of the outer side crushing member  32  engages with the projection  141   j  of the mounting part  141   a , and the engagement nail  32   g  engages with the groove  141   k  of the mounting part  141   a , so that the crushing tool  30  is press fitted mounted to the mounting part  141   a , as shown in  FIG. 20 . Thereafter, the state shown in  FIG. 26  is obtained by moving the holding part  141  in the Z 2  direction (upward).  
         [0103]     As shown in  FIG. 27 , the installation part  131  is moved in the X 1  direction so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the mounting part  141   a  mounted with the crushing tool  30  and the position in the horizontal direction of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  accommodating the lymph node  200  and the crushing solution  70  to be matched with each other. The lymph node  200  is crushed in the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  by moving the holding part  141  in the Z 1  direction (downward). Specifically, the lymph node  200  is crushed to a predetermined size by repeatedly moving the crushing tool  30  in the Z 1  direction (downward) and the Z 2  direction (upward), as shown in  FIG. 28 . Thereafter, the inner side crushing member  31  is rotated in the crushing solution  70  with the lymph node  200  of a predetermined size floating therein by driving the motor (see  FIG. 19 ) of the holding part  141 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . The lymph node  200  is thus further fined and homogenized tissue solution is obtained in the crushing solution  70 , as shown in  FIG. 30 .  
         [0104]     As shown in  FIG. 31 , the crushing tool  30  is pulled up from the tissue solution by moving the mounting part  141   a  attached with the crushing tool  30  in the Z 2  direction (upward). The dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 2  direction up to the position below the crushing tool  30  that has been pulled up by moving the motor  162   a  (see  FIGS. 15, 16 , and  23 ) of the movement mechanism part  162 . Even if the tissue solution dropped from the crushing tool  30  pulled up from the tissue solution, the tissue solution is received by the receiving part  161   c  (see  FIGS. 23 and 24 ) of the dismounting member  161 .  
         [0105]     As shown in  FIG. 32 , the installation part  131  is moved in the X 2  direction and the dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 1  direction so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the mounting part  141   a  mounted with the crushing tool  30  and the position in the horizontal direction of the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12  to be matched with each other. Thereafter, the holding part  141  is moved in the Z 1  direction (downward) to accommodate the crushing tool  30  in the crushing tool accommodating chamber  12 , as shown in  FIG. 33 . Specifically, the holding part  141  is moved in the Z 1  direction (downward), and the dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 2  direction so that the release nail  161   a  of the dismounting member  161  is positioned on the upper part of the abutting part  141   m  of the holding part  141  that has moved, as shown in  FIG. 33 . Furthermore, by moving the holding part  141  in the Z 2  direction (upward) in this state, and the collar part  32   d  of the crushing tool  30  is pressed against the lower part of the abutting part  141   m , whereby force is applied to the collar part  32   d  of the outer side crushing member  32  from the abutting part  141   m  in the Z 1  direction (downward) (direction of dismounting the crushing tool  30  from the mounting part  141   a ), and the outer side crushing member  32  (crushing tool  30 ) is separated from the mounting part  141   a.    
         [0106]     As shown in  FIG. 34 , the installation part  131  is moved in the X 1  direction so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the nozzle part  151   a  of the syringe part  151  and the position in the horizontal direction of the dispensing chip accommodating part  15   c  of the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  accommodating the dispensing chip  50  to be matched with each other. The syringe part  151  is moved in the Z 1  direction (downward) by driving the motor  152   a  (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) of the movement mechanism part  152  in this state. As shown in  FIG. 22 , the dispensing chip  50  is mounted to the nozzle part  151   a  as the opening  50   a  of the dispensing chip  50  is press fitted to the front end part  151   h  of the nozzle part  151   a . The state shown in  FIG. 35  is obtained by moving the syringe part  151  in the Z 2  direction (upward).  
         [0107]     As shown in  FIG. 36 , the installation part  131  is moved in the X 1  direction so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  50  and the position in the horizontal direction of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  accommodating the tissue solution to be matched with each other. As shown in  FIG. 37 , the syringe part  151  is moved in the Z 1  direction (downward), and the tissue solution in the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  is suctioned. Specifically, the contact of the front end part  50   b  of the dispensing chip  50  to the liquid level of the tissue solution is detected by the liquid level detection sensor  151   e  (see  FIG. 21 ), and the tissue solution is suctioned by the pump part  151   c  (see  FIG. 21 ) using the driving force of the motor  151   d  (see  FIG. 21 ). Subsequently, the dispensing chip  50  is pulled up from the tissue solution by moving the nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  50  in the Z 2  direction (upward). The dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 2  direction to the position below the dispensing chip  50  that has been pulled up. Thereafter, the installation part  131  is moved in the X 1  direction and then the dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 1  direction so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  50  and the position in the horizontal direction of the filter process accommodating chamber  14  to be matched with each other.  
         [0108]     As shown in  FIG. 38 , the syringe part  151  is moved in the Z 1  direction (downward), and the tissue solution suctioned at the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  is discharged and stirred in the filter process accommodating chamber  14 . Specifically, the contact of the front end part  50   b  of the dispensing chip  50  with the liquid level of the diluted solution is detected by the liquid level detection sensor  151   e  (see  FIG. 21 ), and the tissue solution is discharged by the pump part  151   c  (see  FIG. 21 ) using the driving force of the motor  151   d . The tissue solution is stirred by repeatedly performing suction and discharge in the diluted solution discharged with the tissue solution using the pump part  151   c.    
         [0109]     The dispensing chip  50  is pulled up from the diluted tissue solution by moving the nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  50  in the Z 2  direction (upward). The dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 2  direction up to the position below the dispensing chip  50  that has been pulled up. The installation part  131  is moved in the X 1  direction and the dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 1  direction so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  50  and the position in the horizontal direction of the dispensing chip accommodating part  15   c  of the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  to be matched with each other.  
         [0110]     Subsequently, the dispensing chip  50  is accommodated in the dispensing chip accommodating part  15   c  by moving the syringe part  151  in the Z 1  direction (downward), as shown in  FIG. 39 . Specifically, the syringe part  151  is moved in the Z 1  direction (downward), and the dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 2  direction so that the dispensing chip releasing hole  161   b  (see  FIG. 24 ) of the dismounting member  161  is positioned on the upper part of the rime part  151   i  of the cap  151   b  of the syringe part  151  that has been moved. The dispensing chip  50  is pressed against the lower part of the rim part  151   i  of the cap  151   b  by moving the syringe part  151  in the Z 2  direction (upward) in this state, whereby force is applied to the dispensing chip  50  from the cap  151   b  in the Z 1  direction (downward) (direction of dismounting the dispensing chip  50  from the nozzle part  151   a ), and the dispensing chip  50  is separated from the nozzle part  151   a.    
         [0111]     As shown in  FIG. 40 , the installation part  131  is moved in the X 1  direction and then the holding part  141  is moved in the Z 1  direction (downward) so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the mounting part  141   a  of the holding part  141  and the position in the horizontal position of the filtering tool accommodating chamber  11  accommodating the filtering tool  40  to be matched with each other. The notch  40   f  (see  FIG. 14 ) of the filtering tool  40  then engages with the projection  141   j  of the mounting part  141   a , and the engagement nail  40   g  (see  FIGS. 12 and 14 ) engages with the groove  141   k  (see  FIG. 20 ) of the mounting part  141   a , so that the filtering tool  40  is press fitted mounted to the mounting part  141   a . The state shown in  FIG. 41  is then obtained by moving the holding part  141  in the Z 2  direction (upward).  
         [0112]     As shown in  FIG. 42 , the installation part  131  is moved in the X 1  direction so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the mounting part  141   a  mounted with the filtering tool  40  and the position in the horizontal direction of the filter process accommodating chamber  14  accommodating the diluted tissue solution to be matched with each other. The diluted tissue solution is filtered in the filter process accommodating chamber  14  by moving the holding part  141  in the Z 1  direction (downward). Specifically, the holding part  141  is first moved in the Z 1  direction (downward) to insert the filtering tool  40  into the filter process accommodating chamber  14 , as shown in  FIG. 43 . Since the opening cross sectional area of the filter process accommodating chamber  14  is formed so as to gradually reduce from the opening  14   a  side towards the bottom surface part  14   b  side, the diluted tissue solution is suppressed from leaking from the gap between the side surface of the filtering tool  40  and the filter process accommodating chamber  14 . As shown in  FIG. 44 , the diluted tissue solution stored between the filtering tool  40  and the filter processing accommodating chamber  14  passes through two filters  41  and  42 , and then extracted to the inside of the filtering tool  40  of cylindrical body.  
         [0113]     As shown in  FIG. 45 , the dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 2  direction so that the release nail  161 a of dismounting member  161  is positioned on the upper part of the abutting part  141   m  (see  FIG. 19 ) of the holding part  141 . Furthermore, the collar part  40   d  (see  FIG. 12 ) of the filtering tool  40  is pressed against the lower part of the abutting part  141   m  by moving the holding part  141  in the Z 2  direction (upward) in this state, whereby force is applied to the collar part  40   d  of the filtering tool  40  from the abutting part  141   m  in the Z 1  direction (downward) (direction of dismounting the filtering tool  40  from the mounting part  141   a ), the filtering tool  40  is separated from the mounting part  141   a  and the filtering tool  40  is fitted into the filter process accommodating chamber  14 .  
         [0114]     The installation part  131  is moved in the X 2  direction and the syringe part  151  is moved in the Z 1  direction (downward) so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the nozzle part  151   a  of the syringe part  151  and the position in the horizontal direction of the dispensing chip accommodating part  15   d  accommodating the dispensing chip  60  to be matched with each other. The opening  60   a  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the dispensing chip  60  is press fitted into the front end part  151   h  (see  FIG. 22 ) of the nozzle part  151   a , and the dispensing chip  60  is mounted to the nozzle part  151   a . Thereafter, the syringe part  151  is moved in the Z 2  direction (upward) and the installation part  131  is moved in the X 2  direction, so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  60  and the position in the horizontal direction of the filter process accommodating chamber  14  accommodating the filtrate match to obtain the state shown in  FIG. 46 .  
         [0115]     After the syringe part  151  is moved in the Z 1  direction (downward), the filtrate in the filter process accommodating chamber  14  is suctioned, as shown in  FIG. 47 . Subsequently, the dispensing chip  60  is pulled up from the filtrate by moving the nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  60  in the Z 2  direction (upward). The dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 2  direction up to the position below the dispensing chip  60  that has been pulled up. As shown in  FIG. 48 , the installation part  131  is then moved in the X 1  direction and then the dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 1  direction so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  60  and the position in the horizontal direction of the collection container  300  installed in the collection container installation part  131   b  of the installation part  131  to be matched with each other.  
         [0116]     As shown in  FIG. 49 , the syringe part  151  is then moved in the Z 1  direction (downward), and the filtrate suctioned in the filter process accommodating chamber  14  is discharged to the collection container  300 . Consequently, the filtrate obtained form the lymph node  200  can be obtained in the collection container  300 .  
         [0117]     The nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  60  is moved in the Z 2  direction (upward), and the dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 2  direction up to the position below the dispensing chip  60  that has been pulled up. The installation part  131  is moved in the X 2  direction and the dismounting member  161  is moved in the X 1  direction so that the position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the nozzle part  151   a  mounted with the dispensing chip  60  and the position in the horizontal direction of the dispensing chip accommodating part  15   d  of the dispensing chip accommodating chamber  15  to be matched with each other.  
         [0118]     As shown in  FIG. 50 , the dispensing chip  50  is accommodated in the dispensing chip accommodating part  15   c  by moving the syringe part  151  in the Z 1  direction (downward) Thereafter, the dispensing chip  60  is separated from the nozzle part  151   a  through procedures similar to the separation of the dispensing chip  50 .  
         [0119]     The obtaining operation of the filtrate of the sample processing device  100  is thus performed in the above manner.  
         [0120]     In the present embodiment, since the crushing tool  30  received from the opening  13   a  easily reaches (abuts) the convex part  13   c  of the inner bottom surface of the bottom surface part  13   b  by forming a convex part  13   c  of semicircular shape corresponding to the concave part  31   a  of semicircular shape of the inner side crushing member  31  of the crushing tool  30  on the inner bottom surface of the bottom surface part  13   b  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , as described above, generation of the portion (dead space) where the crushing tool  30  received from the opening  13   a  does not reach the convex part  13   c  of the bottom surface part  13   b  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  is suppressed. As a result, the possibility of the lymph node  200  entering into the portion not reached by the crushing tool  30  does not occur, and thus the lymph node  200  is reliably crushed using the crushing tool  30  received from the opening  13   a.    
         [0121]     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lymph node  200  can be further fined since the small lymph node  200  crushed to a certain extent can be sandwiched between the concave part  31   a  of the inner side crushing member  31  and the convex part  13   c  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  by forming the surface of the convex part  13   c  of the bottom surface part  13   b  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  and the surface of the concave part  31   a  of the inner side crushing member  31  to substantially the same curvature radius.  
         [0122]     In the present embodiment, the convex part  13   c  having a rib shape of cross form is formed on the inner bottom surface of the bottom surface part  13   b  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , and the gap  13   d  is formed between the concave part  31   a  of the flat plate shaped front end part of the inner side crushing member  31  and the portion other than the convex part  13   c  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  when the concave part  31   a  of the flat plate shaped front end part of the inner side crushing member  31  is rotated with respect to the convex part  13   c  of rib shape of cross form, and thus the lymph node  200  that has entered the gap  13   d  can be taken in with the rotation of the inner side crushing member  31  when the inner side crushing member  31  is rotated with respect to the convex part  13   c  with the lymph node  200  entered in the gap  13   d  between the concave part  31   a  of the inner side crushing member  31  and the portion other than the convex part  13   c  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 . As a result, the lymph node  200  which has been taken in is sandwiched between the concave part  31   a  of the inner side crushing member  31  and the convex part  13   c  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , and thus the lymph node  200  is more reliably crushed.  
         [0123]     In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the filtering tool  40  and the inner peripheral surface of the filter process accommodating chamber  14  contact thereby suppressing the tissue solution from leaking upward from the side surface of the filtering tool  40  when the filtering tool  40  is inserted from the opening  14   a  side towards the bottom surface part  14   b  side and has reached a predetermined inserting amount by forming the filter process accommodating chamber  14  from the opening  14   a  side towards the bottom surface part  14   b  side so that the opening cross sectional area gradually decreases, and thus the filtrate is extracted through the two films  41  and  42  attached to the filter installation part  40   a  of the filtering tool  40 . The tissue solution between the filtering tool  40  and the bottom surface part  14   b  of the filter process accommodating chamber  14  can be readily extracted through the filters  41  and  42  of the filtering tool  40 , and the filtrate can be readily extracted from the tissue solution obtained by crushing the lymph node  200 .  
         [0124]     In the present embodiment, the crushing tool  30  is configured by the inner side crushing member  31  having a concave part  31  formed so as to correspond to the convex part  13   c  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  of the sample preparation container  10 , and the outer side crushing member  32  made of a cylindrical body that can accommodate the inner side crushing member  31  therein. The inner side crushing member  31  is configured to be relatively rotatable with respect to the outer side crushing member  32 , and thus the lymph node  200  that has entered between the inner side crushing member  31  and the outer side crushing member  32  is easily crushed since the inner side crushing member  31  relatively rotates with respect to the outer side crushing member  32 . Consequently, the lymph node  200  is reliably and rapidly crushed since the lymph node  200  is crushed by both between the concave part  31   a  of the inner side crushing member  31  and the convex part  13   c  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , and between the inner side crushing member  31  and the outer side crushing member  32 .  
         [0125]     In the present embodiment, by forming a plurality of slits  32   c  in the outer side crushing member  32 , the lymph node  200  crushed between the concave part  31   a  of the inner side crushing member  31  and the convex part  13   c  of the crushing process accommodating chamber  13 , and between the inner side crushing member  31  and the outer side crushing member  32  flows towards the outer side of the outer side crushing member  32  through the plurality of slits  32   c  from between the inner side crushing member  32  and the outer side crushing member  32 . Thus, the lymph node  200  is suppressed from retaining between the inner side crushing member  31  and the outer side crushing member  32 . As a result, the lymph node  200  can be circulated between the inner side and the outer side of the outer side crushing member  32  made of a cylindrical body, and thus the circulating lymph node  200  is more reliably crushed by the inner side crushing member  31  and the outer side crushing member  32 .  
         [0126]     In the present embodiment, the filtering tool  40  of cylindrical shape having the opening  40   e  formed on the upper part side and filters  41  and  42  arranged on the lower part side is held by the holding member  141  of the sample process mechanism section  140 , and the held filtering tool  40  is moved using the movement mechanism part  142 , so that the tissue solution stored in the filter process accommodating chamber  14  is filtered by means of the filtering tool  40  having the opening  40   e  on the upper part side by inserting the filtering tool  40  into the filter process accommodating chamber  14  of the sample preparation container  10  accommodating the tissue solution obtained by crushing the lymph node. In this case, by configuring so that the filtrate is extracted to the inside of the filtering tool  40 , the dispensing chip  60  can be inserted inside the filtering tool  60  through the opening  40   e  on the upper part side of the filtering tool  40 , and thus the filtrate can be suctioned by the dispensing chip  60 . As a result, the filtrate extracted by filtering the tissue solution obtained by crushing the lymph node can be collected.  
         [0127]     In the present embodiment, the suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150  mounted with the dispensing chip  60  for suctioning and dispensing the filtrate is arranged, as described above, so that the extracted filtrate is suctioned through the opening  40   e  of the filtering tool  40  and the suctioned filtrate is dispensed to the collection container  300  by the suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150  (dispensing chip  60 ). The filtrate can be thus easily collected by the suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150  (dispensing chip  60 ).  
         [0128]     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the suctioning and dispensing mechanism section  150  is configured so as to be mounted with the dispensing chip  50  for suctioning the tissue solution prepared in the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  of the sample preparation container  10  and dispensing the suctioned tissue solution to the filter process accommodating chamber  14  of the sample preparation container  10 , whereby a mechanism section for conveying the tissue solution prepared in the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  to the filter process accommodating chamber  14  does not need to be separately arranged, and thus the number of components is reduced and the device is miniaturized.  
         [0129]     In the present embodiment, the holding member  141  of the sample process mechanism section  140  is configured so as to hold the crushing tool  30  for crushing the lymph node, so that the crushing tool  30  is held by the holding member  141  when crushing the lymph node and preparing the tissue solution, and the filtering tool  40  is held by the holding member  141  when filtering the tissue solution, and thus preparation and filtration of the tissue solution are performed in one device. When performing preparation and filtration of the tissue solution in one device, the mechanism section for holding the crushing tool  30  and inserting the crushing tool  30  into the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  does not need to be separately arranged, and thus the number of components is reduced and the device is miniaturized.  
         [0130]     In the present embodiment, the holding member  141  is configured so as to be movable in the up and down direction by the movement mechanism part  142 , and thus when the holding member  141  is moved in the downward direction by the movement mechanism part  142  when the holding member  141  is arranged above the sample preparation container  10 , the lymph node is easily crushed and the tissue solution is easily prepared, and further, filtration of the tissue solution can be performed.  
         [0131]     In the present embodiment, by arranging the press-fit part  141   i  to where the filtering tool  40  and the crushing tool  30  are press fitted in the holding member  141  of the sample processing mechanism section  140 , the filtering tool  40  and the crushing tool  30  are easily held by the holding member  141  by press fitting the filtering tool  40  and the crushing tool  30  to the press-fit part  141   i . In this case, if the filtering tool  40  and the crushing tool  30  before use are accommodated in the sample preparation container  10 , the filtering tool  40  and the crushing tool  30  before use that are accommodated in the sample preparation container  10  may easily be press fitted and held at the press-fit part  141   i  of the holding member  141  by moving the holding member  141  downward by the movement mechanism part  142 .  
         [0132]     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by arranging the dismounting mechanism section  160  for dismounting at least one of either the filtering tool  40  or the crushing tool  30  held at the holding member  141  of the sample process mechanism section  140  from the holding member  141 , as described above, the crushing tool  30  is dismounted from the holding member  141  by the dismounting mechanism section  160  and the filtering tool  40  may be mounted when moving from the preparation step of the tissue solution to the filtration step of the tissue solution, and the filtering tool  40  is dismounted from the holding member  14  by the dismounting mechanism section  160  and the crushing tool  30  may be mounted when moving from the filtration step of the tissue solution to the preparation step of the tissue solution.  
         [0133]     In the present embodiment, by having at least the filtering tool  40  or the crushing tool  30  dismountable from the holding member  141  by moving the holding member  141  upward by the movement mechanism part  142  with the dismounting member  161  moved in the horizontal direction by the movement mechanism part  162  and arranged at the dismounting position, even if the holding member  141  for holding the filtering tool  40  and the crushing tool  30  is configured to be movable only in the up and down direction, at least the filtering tool  40  or the crushing tool  30  can be easily dismounted from the holding member  141  by the movement of the holding member  141  in the up and down direction and the movement of the dismounting member  161  in the horizontal direction.  
         [0134]     In the present embodiment, the installation part  131  for installing the sample preparation container  10  and the movement mechanism part  132  for moving the installation part  131  in the horizontal direction are arranged, as described above, so that the positions in the horizontal direction of the holding member  141  holding the filtering tool  40  and the filter process accommodating chamber  14  of the sample preparation container  10  match when filtering the tissue solution, and the positions in the horizontal direction of the holding member  141  holding the crushing tool  30  and the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  of the sample preparation container  10  match when preparing the tissue solution even if the holding member  141  is configured to be movable only in the up and down direction by moving the installation part  131  mounted with the sample preparation container  10  in the horizontal direction by means of the movement mechanism part  132 . Therefore, even if the holding member  14  is configured to be movable only in the up and down direction, the filtering tool  40  can be inserted to the filter process accommodating chamber  14  of the sample preparation container  10  when filtering the tissue solution, and the crushing tool  30  can be inserted into the crushing process accommodating chamber  13  of the sample preparation container  10  when preparing the tissue solution.  
         [0135]     The embodiment disclosed herein is merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting in all aspects. The scope of the present invention is not defined by the description of the embodiments but is defined by the appended claims and encompasses the definitions equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.  
         [0136]     For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the convex part of semicircular shape when seen from the front is arranged at the inner bottom surface of the bottom surface part of the crushing solution storing chamber is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the convex part having a shape other than the semicircular shape may be arranged. The convex shape of a square and the like may be arranged. In this case, the front end part of the inner side crushing member of the crushing tool must be formed into a concave part of square shape so as to correspond to the convex part of square shape.  
         [0137]     In the above embodiment, an example in which the convex part is formed so as to have a rib shape of cross form when seen in a plane view, so that a gap is formed between the concave part of the inner side crushing member and the portion other than the convex part of the crushing solution storing chamber when the inner side crushing member is rotated is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the gap does not need to be formed between the concave part of the inner side crushing member and the convex part of the crushing solution storing chamber.  
         [0138]     In the above embodiment, an example in which the crushing tool for crushing the body tissue is configured by the inner side crushing member and the outer side crushing member is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the body tissue may be crushed with one crushing member.  
         [0139]     In the above embodiment, the lymph node is fined by inserting the crushing tool to the crushing process accommodating chamber accommodating the lymph node and the crushing solution from above, crushing the lymph node to a predetermined size by moving the crushing tool up and down, and then rotating the inner side crushing member of the crushing tool, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lymph node may be fined by inserting the crushing tool to the crushing process accommodating chamber accommodating the lymph node and the crushing solution from above, and rotating the inner side crushing member of the crushing tool while moving the crushing tool up and down.  
         [0140]     In the present embodiment, only one collection container is installed, and the filtrate filtered in the filter process accommodating chamber is suctioned and then discharged into the one collection container by the dispensing chip, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and two collection containers may be installed, the diluted solution stored in the filter process accommodating chamber may be dispensed in advance into one of the collection containers by the dispensing chip, and the filtrate discharged to the other collection container may be suctioned and discharged to the former collection container by the dispensing chip to prepare the diluted sample.  
         [0141]     For example, in the above embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to the sample processing device capable of performing preparation of the tissue solution and filtration of the tissue solution has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and is also applicable to the sample processing device for performing only filtration of the tissue solution.  
         [0142]     In the above embodiment, the holding member capable of holding both the crushing tool and the filtering tool is used, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the holding member for holding the crushing tool, and the holding member for holding the filtering tool may be separately arranged.  
         [0143]     In the above embodiment, collection of the filtrate, and conveyance of the tissue solution from the crushing process accommodating chamber to the filter process accommodating chamber are performed with one suctioning and dispensing mechanism section, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the suctioning and dispensing mechanism section for collecting the filtrate, and the suctioning and dispensing mechanism section for conveying the tissue solution from the crushing process accommodating chamber to the filter process accommodating chamber may be separately arranged.  
         [0144]     In the above embodiment, the lymph node is fined by inserting the crushing tool to the crushing process accommodating chamber accommodating the lymph node and the crushing solution from above, crushing the lymph node to a predetermined size by moving the crushing tool up and down, and then rotating the inner side crushing member of the crushing tool, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lymph node may be fined by inserting the crushing tool to the crushing process accommodating chamber accommodating the lymph node and the crushing solution from above, and rotating the inner side crushing member of the crushing tool while moving the crushing tool up and down.  
         [0145]     In the above embodiment, only one collection container is installed, and the filtrate filtered in the filter process accommodating chamber is suctioned and then discharged into the one collection container by the dispensing chip, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and two collection containers may be installed, the diluted solution stored in the filter process accommodating chamber may be dispensed in advance into one of the collection containers by the dispensing chip, and the filtrate discharged to the other collection container may be suctioned and discharged to the former collection container by the dispensing chip to prepare the diluted sample.  
         [0146]     It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.