Patent ID: 7939032

Claim:
A microchip processing apparatus for processing a microchip with at least one main separation channel, said microchip processing apparatus comprising: a microchip holding part for holding the microchip; a container containing a sample or a reagent; a hollow dispensing probe having a needle integrally formed on a tip of the dispensing probe, the needle of the dispensing probe being configured to be inserted into the container from above the container, to draw the sample or reagent, and to inject the sample or reagent to a prescribed position on the held microchip; and a dispensing probe driving mechanism configured to move the dispensing probe between prescribed positions of the microchip and the container; wherein the dispensing probe driving mechanism includes a dispensing probe holder for holding the dispensing probe and moving in a vertical direction; a drive system for driving the dispensing probe and the dispensing probe holder in the vertical direction; a restraining mechanism slidably attached to the dispensing probe holder and having a restraining member which is arranged to contact an upper surface of the container; and a forcing unit disposed between the restraining mechanism and the dispensing probe holder for urging the restraining mechanism downward relative to the dispending probe holder, and wherein when the dispensing probe holder is moved down, the dispensing probe and the restraining mechanism move down toward the container; after the restraining member contacts the container, when the dispensing probe holder is moved further down, the dispensing probe enters the container while the dispensing probe holder does not move and the forcing unit is pulled; and when the dispensing probe holder is moved up, the dispensing probe is removed from the container while the restraining member holds the upper surface of the container by a pulled force of the forcing unit.