Patent Publication Number: US-2022226805-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for analyzing samples

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a sample analyzing apparatus and method for easily and quickly mounting and detaching a pipette tip. 
     RELATED ART 
     In biochemistry experiments, a pipetting instrument is used to dispense a liquid. Micropipettes were developed in 1957 in Germany and have since been used as a means for conveniently transporting or dispensing a liquid in biochemistry experiments. 
     In general, a pipetting instrument is used to transport a liquid sample having an accurately measured volume. A pipetting instrument includes a pipette body having a hollow and cylindrical shape and a piston movably installed in an axial direction in the pipette body. The pipetting instrument first moves the piston downward inside the pipette body by a certain distance and then moves the piston upward again so that a liquid sample is sucked into a tip inserted in a lower end of the pipette. Next, the pipetting instrument is moved to a desired position and the piston is moved downward again, thereby distributing the sucked liquid sample to the outside. 
     For pipetting, the pipette tip is to be inserted in the lower end of the pipette body. According to the related art, the lower end of the pipette body or the pipette tip is elastically deformed to couple the pipette device. However, since a relatively large force is needed to elastically deform the pipette body or the pipette tip, an additional assembly equipment to couple the pipette tip is required. 
     In addition, the pipette tip needs to have an elastic restoring force that provides durability to endure a large force applied during assembly, and to receive a force, a portion of the pipette tip to be coupled needs to be relatively long to some extent. As the pipette tip needs to have a certain length or volume, there is a limitation on storage or usability of the pipette tip. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Object 
     The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a sample analyzing apparatus and a sample analyzing method, whereby a pipette tip may be easily mounted and detached by controlling a temperature. However, the objective is an example, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereby. 
     Technical Solution 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sample analyzing apparatus including: a base; a connector arranged at an end of the base; a temperature controlling member mounted on the base and configured to adjust a temperature of the connector; and a controller configured to adjust heat generation of the temperature controlling member to adjust a bonding force of a pipette tip attached to a surface of the connector. 
     Effect of the Invention 
     According to a sample analyzing apparatus and a sample analyzing method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a pipette tip may be easily and quickly attached and detached. The pipette tip may be formed of a polymer having a relatively low melting temperature, and by controlling a temperature of a connector that contacts the pipette tip, the pipette tip may be attached to or detached from the sample analyzing apparatus. As the controller sets a temperature of the connector to a melting point or higher, the pipette tip is easily attached to the connector. Next, when the controller lowers the temperature of the connector, a bonding force between the connector and the pipette tip is reduced, and thus, the pipette tip may be removed easily and neatly. 
     According to the sample analyzing apparatus and the sample analyzing method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an inspection fluid may be stably sucked in and ejected. Even when the temperature of the connector is lowered, the bonding force between the pipette tip and the connector is set to a certain level or higher, and thus, despite a positive or negative pressure formed in the pipette tip, sealing may be maintained and thus stable pipetting may be performed. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the above-described effects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a sample analyzing apparatus and a cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the sample analyzing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a sample analyzing apparatus to which a pipette tip is attached. 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating portion A of  FIG. 3  according to a temperature change. 
         FIG. 6  is a graph showing a temperature control by a controller of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a sample analyzing method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sample analyzing apparatus including: a base; a connector arranged at an end of the base; a temperature controlling member mounted on the base and configured to adjust a temperature of the connector; and a controller configured to adjust heat generation of the temperature controlling member to adjust a bonding force of a pipette tip attached to a surface of the connector. 
     The temperature controlling member may increase the temperature of the connector to a preset first temperature or higher to attach the pipette tip to the connector, and lower the temperature of the connector to a preset second temperature which is lower than the first temperature to separate the pipette tip from the connector. 
     The sample analyzing apparatus may further include a driving unit connected to the base and configured to form a positive or negative pressure in the pipette tip when the temperature controlling member sets the connector to a temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature. 
     The pipette tip may include a low melting point polymer including at least one of polycaprolactone (PLC), polytetramethylene oxide (PMTO), and polyethylene oxide (PEG). 
     The pipette tip may include polycaprolactone (PLC). 
     The temperature controlling member may lower a temperature as a polarity of electricity applied by the controller is converted. 
     In addition to the aforesaid details, other aspects, features, and advantages will be clear from the detailed description, claims, and drawings below. 
     MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in association with the attached drawings. As the present disclosure allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. However, this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to particular modes of practice, and it is to be appreciated that all changes and/or equivalents or substitutes that do not depart from the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure are encompassed in the present disclosure. Like reference numerals in the description of the drawings denote like elements. 
     The terms used in the present disclosure are merely used to describe particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The singular forms include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Unless defined differently, all terms used in the description including technical and scientific terms have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the various embodiments of the present disclosure pertains. 
     Terms as defined in a commonly used dictionary should be construed as having the same meaning as in an associated technical context, and unless defined apparently in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms are not ideally or excessively construed as having formal meaning. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a sample analyzing apparatus  100  and a cartridge  10 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2  illustrates the sample analyzing apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the sample analyzing apparatus  100  may collect a sample or specimen which is an analysis object and perform various analyses such as chemical analysis, gene analysis, or immunity analysis. For example, the sample analyzing apparatus  100  may suck in or discharge an inspection liquid from the cartridge  10  through a pipette tip  200  to conduct an analysis. 
     The cartridge  10  may store the pipette tip  200 , and collect a sample by using the pipette tip  200 . A plurality of pipette tips  200  are arranged in storage grooves  11  in one side of the cartridge  10 . As the cartridge  10  and the pipette tip  200  are configured as a single set, in order to collect a sample or a sample, a user may immediately collect and analyze a specimen by attach the pipette tip  200  to the sample analyzing apparatus  100 . 
     A plurality of collection grooves  12  may be arranged in the other side of the cartridge  10 . When an inspection fluid is injected into the collection grooves  12 , the user may attach the pipette tip  200  to the sample analyzing apparatus  100  and collect the inspection fluid. 
     For pipetting, the cartridge  10  may be opened, and the sample analyzing apparatus  100  and the pipette tip  200  are bonded to each other as described below. An inspection fluid to be pipetted is stored in the collection grooves  12 , and as the sample analyzing apparatus  100  adjusts a pneumatic pressure, the inspection fluid may be sucked in or discharged using the pipette tip  200 . 
     The sample analyzing apparatus  100 , to which the pipette tip  200  is mounted, may include a base  110 , a temperature controlling member  120 , a connector  130 , a heat dissipation member  140 , a driving unit  150 , and a controller  160 . 
     The sample analyzing apparatus  100  may include the pipette tip  200  that is selectively attached to the connector  130 . For example, according to an embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the pipette tip  200  may be configured as a set with the cartridge  10  in the cartridge  10 , and the sample analyzing apparatus  100  may be included separately from the cartridge  10 , and when the sample analyzing apparatus  100  is used for sample analysis, the pipette tip  200  may be attached to the sample analyzing apparatus  100 . According to another embodiment, the sample analyzing apparatus  100  may be configured as a set including the pipette tip  200 . However, for convenience of description, an embodiment in which the pipette tip  200  is separately included in the cartridge  10  will be described below. 
     The base  110  forms the exterior of the sample analyzing apparatus  100 , and may have therein a passage through which a fluid moves. The controller  160  may be mounted in the base  110  to control the sample analyzing apparatus  100 . While an embodiment in which the base  110  has a cylindrical shape is illustrated, the base  110  is not limited thereto and may have various shapes. 
     A channel (not shown) through which a gas may move may be arranged in the base  110 . The channel may be connected to the driving unit  150  via a tube  155  to form a positive or negative pressure in the pipette tip  200 . 
     One end of the channel is connected to the tube  155  of the driving unit  150 , and the other end thereof is connected to the pipette tip  200 . As the driving unit  150  is driven to suck in a gas from the base  110 , a negative pressure may be formed in the pipette tip  200  such that the pipette tip  200  sucks in an inspection fluid. In addition, when the driving unit  150  is driven and gas is discharged to the base  110 , a positive pressure may be formed in the pipette tip  200  and an inspection fluid may be discharged from the pipette tip  200 . 
     The temperature controlling member  120  may be mounted on the base  110  and adjust a temperature of the connector  130 . The temperature controlling member  120  may be arranged between the connector  130  and the base  110 , and heat generated in the temperature controlling member  120  may be transferred to the connector  130 . In addition, the temperature controlling member  120  may cool the connector  130 . 
     The temperature controlling member  120  may be configured with various components that are heated and cooled. For example, the temperature controlling member  120  may increase or decrease a temperature of the connector  130  by using electricity. In addition, the temperature controlling member  120  may increase or decrease a temperature of the connector  130  by using a heat transfer medium. 
     According to an embodiment, the temperature controlling member  120  may include a thermoelectric element, and may control a temperature by an electrical signal applied by the controller  160 . When direct current power is applied to the temperature controlling member  120 , the temperature controlling member  120  may be heated, and the temperature of the connector  130  may be increased, accordingly. 
     In an embodiment, when a supply direction of a direct current power supply  125  applied to the temperature controlling member  120  is changed, the temperature controlling member  120  may be cooled to lower the temperature of the connector  130 . In the temperature controlling member  120 , which is a thermoelectric element, a polarity of direct current power may be adjusted by the controller  160  to increase or decrease the temperature of the connector  130 . 
     The temperature controlling member  120  is electrically connected to the direct current power supply  125  by a first wire  121  and a second wire  122 . When a signal for increasing the temperature of the connector  130  is applied by the controller  160 , the direct current power supply  125  forms a circuit in which a current is supplied from the first wire  121  to the temperature controlling member  120  and then the current returns to the second wire  122 . On the other hand, when a signal for lowering the temperature of the connector  130  is applied by the controller  160 , the direct current power supply  125  forms a circuit in which a current is supplied from the second wire  122  to the temperature controlling member  120  and the current returns to the first wire  121 . 
     In another embodiment, the temperature controlling member  120  may include a heating part (not shown) and a cooling part (not shown). The heating part and the cooling part are not limited to specific parts, and may be defined as a configuration having a heating function and a configuration having a cooling function, respectively. In order to increase the temperature of the connector  130 , the controller  160  may drive the heating part of the temperature controlling member  120 , and in order to decrease the temperature of the connector  130 , the controller  160  may drive the cooling part of the temperature controlling member  120 . 
     The connector  130  may be arranged at an end of the base  110 , and the pipette tip  200  may be attached thereto. The connector  130  may contact the temperature controlling member  120 , and when the temperature controlling member  120  is heated, the temperature of the connector  130  is increased, and when the temperature controlling member  120  is cooled, the temperature of the connector  130  is lowered. 
     The connector  130  may be formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and for example, the connector  130  may be formed of a metal or an alloy. 
     As one surface of the connector  130  is in contact with the temperature controlling member  120  and the other surface thereof is in contact with the pipette tip  200 , a thickness of the connector  130  is set to be thin in order to increase a heat transfer speed. For example, the thickness of the connector  130  may be set to be smaller than a thickness of the temperature controlling member  120 , and may be set to be smaller than a thickness of the heat dissipation member  140 . 
     The connector  130  may be detachably assembled to the temperature controlling member  120 . When a foreign material is adhered to a surface of the connector  130  after using the sample analyzing apparatus  100  a plurality of times, the connector  130  may be replaced. 
     The connector  130  may contact a flange end  220  of the pipette tip  200  and may be set to correspond to a shape of the flange end  220 . As illustrated in the drawing, the flange end  220  may have an annular shape, and the connector  130  may also have an annular shape to correspond to the shape of the flange end  220 . 
     The connector  130  may be set to have a diameter d 1  greater than a diameter d 2  of the temperature controlling member  120 . The connector  130  may be set to completely cover the temperature controlling member  120 , and thus, heat generated in the temperature controlling member  120  may be completely transferred to the connector  130 . 
     The diameter d 1  of the connector  130  may be set to be greater than a diameter d 3  of the pipette tip  200 . When attaching the pipette tip  200 , the sample analyzing apparatus  100  may move the base  110  such that the connector  130  is aligned above the flange end  220 . By setting a slightly larger size of the connector  130  than the flange end  220 , the pipette tip  200  may be attached to the sample analyzing apparatus  100  even when the sample analyzing apparatus  100  does not accurately align the pipette tip  200 . 
     The heat dissipation member  140  may be arranged between the temperature controlling member  120  and the base  110  to prevent transfer of heat generated in the temperature controlling member  120 , to the base  110 . The heat dissipation member  140  may be formed of a material having a heat dissipation function, and may have a heat dissipation protrusion  141 . 
     A plurality of heat dissipation protrusions  141  are arranged on an outer portion of the heat dissipation member  140  and are spaced apart from each other at preset distances. The heat dissipation protrusions  141  may increase a surface area of the heat dissipation member  140  to increase heat dissipation efficiency. 
     The driving unit  150  may be connected to the base  110 , and when driven, may generate a positive or negative pressure in the pipette tip  200 . The driving unit  150  may include a pump for sucking or discharging air to or from the tube  155 , and may be driven by a driving signal of the controller  160 . According to another embodiment, the driving unit  150  may include a syringe unit (not shown) and move a piston to form a positive or negative pressure in the pipette tip  200 . 
     The driving unit  150  is driven by the controller  160 , and when the temperature of the connector  130  is set to a third temperature T 3  which is a temperature between the first temperature T 1  and the second temperature T 2 , the driving unit  150  may receive a driving signal from the controller  160 . That is, the driving unit  150  has a bonding force that is sufficient to maintain a state in which the pipette tip  200  is attached to the connector  130 , and at the same time, the driving unit  150  is driven only after the connector  130  is set to the third temperature T 3  at which sealing between the pipette tip  200  and the connector  130  is maintained, and sucks in or discharges an inspection fluid through the pipette tip  200 . 
     The controller  160  may adjust heat generation and/or cooling of the temperature controlling member  120  to adjust a bonding force of the pipette tip  200  attached to a surface of the connector  130 . The controller  160  may set a surface temperature of the connector  130  by controlling an amount of heat generation or an amount of cooling of the temperature controlling member  120 . 
     To set the temperature of the connector  130  to the first temperature T 1 , which is a melting temperature of the pipette tip  200 , the controller  160  may apply a driving signal of the temperature controlling member  120 . The controller  160  may control an amount of heat generation or a time of heat generation of the temperature controlling member  120  or the like such to the connector  130  to the first temperature T 1  and maintain the temperature. 
     To separate the pipette tip  200 , the controller  160  may lower the temperature of the connector  130  to the second temperature T 2 . When the temperature of the connector  130  is changed to the second temperature T 2  by the controller  160 , the bonding force of the pipette tip  200  is reduced. The user may use another instrument or apply an external force directly to the pipette tip  200  to remove the pipette tip  200  from the connector  130 . 
     According to another embodiment, after setting the temperature of the connector  130  to the second temperature (T 2 ), the controller  160  may drive the driving unit  150  and remove the pipette tip  200  from the connector  130 . When the driving unit  150  forms a positive or negative pressure in the pipette tip  200 , cracks may increase in a bonding portion between the flange end  220  and the connector  130 , thereby separating the pipette tip  200  from the connector  130 . 
     The controller  160  may heat or cool the connector  130  by adjusting a polarity of electricity applied to the temperature controlling member  120 . To increase the temperature of the connector  130 , the controller  160  applies direct current power in one direction to thereby cause heat generation from the temperature controlling member  120 . To lower the temperature of the connector  130 , the connector  130  may convert the direction of the direct current power and apply the direct current power, and the temperature controlling member  120  absorbs heat from the connector  130 , accordingly. 
     The controller  160  may include a processor (not shown) to control the sample analyzing apparatus  100  overall. In detail, the processor controls overall operations of the sample analyzing apparatus  100 . For example, the processor may include a CPU, RAM, and/or ROM. Here, ROM is a configuration in which a command set for system booting is stored, and the CPU copies an operating system stored in a memory of a sample analyzing apparatus to the RAM according to commands stored in the ROM, and executes O/S to boot a system. When booting is completed, the CPU may copy various applications stored in a storage unit to RAM and execute the applications to perform various operations. While it has been described above that the sample analyzing apparatus  100  includes only one CPU, it may be implemented with a plurality of CPUs (or DSPs, SoCs, etc.). 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) for processing a digital signal, a microprocessor, or a time controller (TCON) I. However, the processor is not limited thereto, and may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP), an ARM processor, or may be defined by corresponding terms. In addition, the processor may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) having a built-in processing algorithm, large scale integration (LSI), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). 
     The sample analyzing apparatus may include a storage unit (not shown) storing a program for processing or controlling the processor and/or various data for operation of the program. The storage unit may store a plurality of application programs (or applications) driven by the sample analyzing apparatus, data for operation of the sample analyzing apparatus, and instructions. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server and/or a cloud through wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the sample analyzing apparatus from the time of shipment for basic functions of the sample analyzing apparatus. The application programs may be stored in a storage medium and driven by a processor to perform an operation (or function) of the sample analyzing apparatus. In addition, the storage unit may include a DB storing data regarding a set temperature according to a material of the pipette tip  200 . Data stored in the DB may be input by the user, but is not limited thereto, and may be transmitted through an external server or cloud (not shown) and/or an external terminal (not shown). 
     To this end, the controller  160  may further include a communication unit (not shown) to transmit and receive data, and the communication unit may include a short range communication unit such as a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, and a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, or the like, a mobile communication network. 
     Hereinafter, the first temperature T 1  is defined as a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the pipette tip  200 . The second temperature T 2  is lower than the first temperature T 1 , and is defined as a temperature at which the pipette tip  200  may be separated as the bonding force between the pipette tip  200  and the connector  130  is reduced. The third temperature T 3  is a temperature between the first temperature T 1  and the second temperature T 2 , and is defined as a temperature at which sealing between the pipette tip  200  and the connector  130  is maintained and the pipette tip  200  has a significant bonding force with respect to the connector  130  when a positive or negative pressure is generated in the pipette tip  200 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the sample analyzing apparatus  100  to which the pipette tip  200  is attached.  FIGS. 4 and 5  are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating portion A of  FIG. 3  according to a temperature change. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , the pipette tip  200  may be coupled to the sample analyzing apparatus  100  during use of the sample analyzing apparatus  100 , and may be separated therefrom after the use. The pipette tip  200  may include a body  210 , into which an inspection fluid is sucked and which has a conical shape, and the flange end  220  mounted to the connector  130 . 
     While the body  210  having a conical shape is illustrated in the drawing, the body  210  is not limited thereto, and may have other various shapes according to a shape of the collection grooves  12  of the cartridge  10  or according to a size of the sample analyzing apparatus  100 . 
     An opening  211  may be formed in an end portion of the body  210 , and an inspection fluid may be flown into or discharged through the opening  211 . When a negative or positive pressure is formed in the pipette tip  200  by the driving unit  150 , an inspection fluid in the collection grooves  12  may be sucked in or discharged. 
     The flange end  220  may be extended outward from the body  210  and bonded to the connector  130 . As the flange end  220  is attached to the connector  130 , sealing between the pipette tip  200  and the connector  130  may be maintained. The flange end  220  may increase an area of contact with the connector  130  to thereby increase the bonding force of the pipette tip  200  and stably attach the pipette tip  200  to the sample analyzing apparatus  100 . 
     The flange end  220  of the pipette tip  200  may be formed of a polymer material that is melted at a relatively low temperature. For example, the pipette tip  200  may be formed of a polymer material melted at a temperature lower than 100 degrees Celsius. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , when the pipette tip  200  is attached to the connector  130  set to the first temperature T 1 , the flange end  220  is pulled outward on the surface that is in contact with the pipette tip  200 . An upper surface of the flange end  220  is slightly melted to form a bonding area SA 1 . Here, a bonding surface of the connector  130  forms a certain bonding force with the bonding area SA 1  of the pipette tip  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , to remove the pipette tip  200 , when the connector  130  is set to the second temperature T 2 , a volume of the pipette tip  200  in an area in which the pipette tip  200  is bonded to the connector  130  is contracted according to a rapid temperature drop. As the upper surface of the flange end  220  is contracted inwards from both ends of the flange end  220 , the bonding force between the pipette tip  200  and the connector  130  is reduced. 
     In particular, an upper end of the flange end  220  is contracted downward, and thus, a coupling force between the upper surface of the flange end  220  and a surface of the connector  130  is reduced. A height of a bonding area SA 2  of the flange end  220  is reduced by a contracting force CF. As the bonding force between the connector  130  and the pipette tip  200  has been reduced, the user may easily remove the pipette tip  200  from the connector  130 . 
     At the third temperature T 3  between the first temperature T 1  and the second temperature T 2 , a positive or negative pressure is formed in an inner space of the pipette tip  200 . That is, as the driving unit  150  is driven at the third temperature T 3 , the sample analyzing apparatus  100  may suck in or discharge an inspection fluid. 
     When the temperature of the connector  130  is the first temperature T 1  or close to the first temperature T 1 , flowability in an area that is in contact with the connector  130  is high. Thus, when a positive or negative pressure is formed in the inner space of the pipette tip  200 , sealing is not maintained and an inspection fluid may leak out. 
     In addition, when the temperature of the connector  130  is the second temperature T 2  or close to the second temperature T 2 , the bonding force between the connector  130  and the pipette tip  200  is low. Accordingly, when a positive or negative pressure is formed in the inner space of the pipette tip  200 , due to the internal pressure, the pipette tip  200  may be separated from the connector  130 . 
     Therefore, in order for the pipette tip  200  to stably suck in or discharge an inspection fluid while maintaining sealing, the driving unit  150  of the sample analyzing apparatus  100  may be driven after the temperature controlling member  120  sets the connector  130  to the third temperature T 3  which is a temperature between the first temperature T 1  and the second temperature T 2 . 
     According to an embodiment, the third temperature T 3  may be set to be closer to the first temperature T 1  than to the second temperature T 2 . When a rather high level of negative or positive pressure is formed in the pipette tip  200 , and the flange end  220  is set to a low temperature, the pipette tip  200  may be separated from the connector  130 . However, when the flange end  220  is set to a rather high temperature, even when the flange end  220  has certain flowability, the pipette tip  200  is not separated due to the strong bonding force thereof. Accordingly, the third temperature T 3 , at which an inspection fluid is sucked in or discharged from the pipette tip  200 , may be set to be slightly closer to the first temperature T 1 , at which the pipette tip  200  is attached, than to the second temperature T 2 , at which the pipette tip  200  is separated. 
     The pipette tip  200  may be formed of a low melting point polymer. 
     In an embodiment, the pipette tip  200  may be formed of polycaprolactone (PCL) resin. 
     As polycaprolactone is a thermoplastic polymer having a melting point of 60 degrees, the first temperature T 1  is set to a temperature higher than 60 degrees, and when heat generated in the temperature controlling member  120  heats the connector  130  to 60 degrees or higher, the flange end  220  of the pipette tip  200  is melted, and the pipette tip  200  is attached to the connector  130 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     In addition, when a temperature of the pipette tip  200  formed of procaprolactone is decreased to approximately 10 degrees, polycaprolactone is hardened and contracted, and the bonding force between the connector  130  and the flange end  220  is reduced. As a result, the pipette tip  200  may be separated from the connector  130 . 
     When the pipette tip  200  formed of polycaprolactone is lowered to the third temperature T 3 , which is a temperature between the first temperature T 1  and the second temperature T 2 , specifically, to about 40 degrees, the flange end  220  of the pipette tip  200  is slightly hardened, but sealing between the flange end  220  and the connector  130  is maintained, and a significant level of bonding force is obtained. 
     Here, even when the driving unit  150  is driven and a negative or positive pressure is set inside the pipette tip  200 , the pipette tip  200  is not separated from the connector  130  and may suck or discharge an inspection fluid. 
     According to another embodiment, the pipette tip  200  may be formed of polytetramethylene oxide (PMTO). According to another embodiment, the pipette tip  200  may be formed of polyethylene oxide (PEG). 
       FIG. 6  is a graph showing temperature control by the controller  160  of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a sample analyzing method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the controller  160  may control an amount of heat generation or an amount of cooling of the temperature controlling member  120  while driving the sample analyzing apparatus  100 . 
     The sample analyzing method may include setting a connector to a first temperature T 1  by driving a temperature controlling member (S 10 ), attaching a pipette tip to the connector (S 20 ), lowering a temperature of the connector by adjusting the temperature controlling member (S 30 ), sucking and/or ejecting a liquid by using the pipette tip (S 40 ), setting the connector to a second temperature (T 2 ) by adjusting the temperature controlling member (S 50 ), and separating the pipette tip from the connector (S 60 ). 
     In the setting of the connector to the first temperature (T 1 ) by driving the temperature controlling member (S 10 ), the temperature of the connector  130  is set to the first temperature T 1  that is higher than the melting point of the pipette tip  200 . When a signal for applying a current is generated by the controller  160 , the temperature controlling member  120  increases the temperature of the connector  130  to at least the first temperature T 1 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , as the temperature controlling member  120  is driven, the connector  130  is set to the first temperature T 1  at a time P 1 . 
     In the attaching of the pipette tip to the connector (S 20 ), the pipette tip  200  is coupled to the sample analyzing apparatus  100 . The flange end  220  of the pipette tip  200  is attached to the connector  130  while the sample analyzing apparatus  100   100  is aligned above the pipette tip  200 . The flange end  220  is attached to the connector  130  and forms a certain bonding force. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the pipette tip  200  is attached to the connector  130  between the time P 1  and a time P 2 . 
     In the lowering of the temperature of the connector by adjusting the temperature controlling member (S 30 ), the sealing of the pipette tip  200  and the connector  130  is maintained and a state in which they have a certain bonding force is set. As the temperature drops from the time P 2  to a time P 3  in  FIG. 6 , the temperature of the connector  130  is set to the third temperature T 3 . 
     That is, the controller  160  controls the temperature controlling member  120  to absorb heat to lower the temperature of the connector  130  and set the same to the third temperature T 3 . For example, the controller  160  may change a direction of direct current power to start a cooling function in the temperature controlling member  120  which is a thermoelectric element. 
     In the sucking and/or ejecting of a liquid by using the pipette tip (S 40 ), the driving unit  150  may be driven to suck in or discharge an inspection fluid by using the pipette tip  200 . The driving unit  150  is driven by the controller  160 , and a negative or positive pressure is formed in the inner space of the pipette tip  200 . 
     When the driving unit  150  is driven, a negative pressure is first formed in the pipette tip  200 , and the inspection fluid flows into the inner space through the opening of the pipette tip  200 . Thereafter, the driving unit  150  is driven to discharge the inspection fluid to generate a positive pressure in the pipette tip  200 , and the inspection fluid may be discharged through the opening of the pipette tip  200 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the sample analyzing apparatus  100  may pipette a sample from the time P 3  to a time P 4 . 
     In the setting of the connector to the second temperature by adjusting the temperature controlling member (S 40 ), since pipetting is completed, the temperature of the connector  130  is lowered to remove the pipette tip  200 . As described above, when the temperature is lowered, the bonding force between the pipette tip  200  and the connector  130  is reduced due to the contraction of the pipette tip  200 . The controller  160  drives the temperature controlling member  120  to lower the temperature of the connector  130  to the second temperature T 2 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , from the time P 4  to a time P 5 , the temperature controlling member  120  absorbs heat and thus the temperature of the connector  130  is lowered to the second temperature T 2 , and the bonding force between the connector  130  and the pipette tip  200  is reduced. 
     In the separating of the pipette tip from the connector (S 60 ), the pipette tip  200  is separated from the connector  130 . As the bonding force between the pipette tip  200  and the connector  130  is very small, the user may easily separate the pipette tip  200 . 
     A pipette tip was manufactured using polycaprolactone, and the bonding force of the pipette tip was measured according to temperature. An outer diameter of an end of a flange end of the pipette tip was set to 11.8 mm, an inner diameter thereof to 6.8 mm, and a thickness thereof to 1.5 mm. 
     The pipette tip was attached to a connector by setting a temperature of the connector to 70 degrees, and the bonding force between the pipette tip and the connector was measured while lowering the temperature of the connector. The bonding force was measured by a weight required to separate the pipette tip from the connector. The weight was measured by using an electronic scale at a time when the pipette tip was separated from the connector. 
     The bonding force of the pipette tip  200  measured according to a change in the temperature of the connector  130  that is in contact with the pipette tip  200  is as shown in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Bonding 
               
               
                   
                 Temperature  
                 force  
               
               
                   
                 (Temp, ° C.) 
                 (g) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 50 
                 1700 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 506 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 317 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Referring to Table 1, when the temperature of the connector is 50 degrees, the pipette tip and the connector still maintain a strong bonding force. Here, even if the driving unit is driven to set a positive or negative pressure inside the pipette tip, a pipetting function the pipette tip may be stably performed while maintaining a sealed state. 
     According to the sample analyzing apparatus and the sample analyzing method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a pipette tip may be easily and quickly attached and detached. The pipette tip may be formed of a polymer having a relatively low melting temperature, and by controlling a temperature of a connector that contacts the pipette tip, the pipette tip may be attached to or detached from the sample analyzing apparatus. When a controller sets a temperature of the connector to a melting point or higher, the pipette tip is easily attached to the connector. Next, when the controller lowers the temperature of the connector, a bonding force between the connector and the pipette tip is reduced, thereby allowing to easily and neatly removing the pipette tip. 
     According to the sample analyzing apparatus and the sample analyzing method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an inspection fluid may be stably sucked and ejected. Even when the temperature of the connector is lowered, as the bonding force between the pipette tip and the connector is set to a certain level or higher, despite a positive or negative pressure formed in the pipette tip, sealing may be maintained and thus pipetting may be performed stably. 
     As described above, the present disclosure is described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but this is merely an example, and it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and other equivalent embodiments may be made therein. Therefore, the true technical scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure relates to a sample analyzing apparatus and a sample analyzing method, and more particularly, the sample analyzing apparatus and the sample analyzing method may be used in an apparatus and system including a pipette to analyze an industrially used analysis object and in a method of analyzing an analysis object by using a pipette.