Connector and connection structure for microfluidic device

Abstract

A connector (1) is provided with: a connector body (2) having a tube insertion hole (13) which is provided so as to penetrate between a connector upper surface (2a) and a connector lower surface (2b) and into which a tube can be inserted and connected; a guide part (3) that is provided so as to protrude downward from the connector lower surface (2b) along the lower end periphery of the connector main body (2), and that can come into contact with a part of the microfluidic device; and a lip section (4) that surrounds a lower end opening section (13a) of a tube insertion hole (13) that opens in the connector lower surface (2b), is provided so as to protrude downward from the connector lower surface (2b), protrudes further than the guide section (3), and is capable of coming into contact with a part of the microfluidic device, the connector main body (2), the guide section (3), and the lip section (4) being integrally formed from an elastically deformable elastic rubber material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a connection structure of a microfluidic device, and in particular to a connector sandwiched between a tube and a microfluidic device, and a connection structure of a microfluidic device using the connector, wherein the tube is used to supply fluid to a microchannel formed inside the microfluidic device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, the following microfluidic devices are known: semiconductor microfabrication technology is applied to form a fine flow path called a microchannel with a flow path diameter of several microns to several hundred microns inside a resin material or a glass material, and the device is used to make various fluids such as liquids such as culture fluid and reaction fluid or powders flow through the microchannel while performing various operations and processes such as separation, concentration, reaction and analysis at the micron level.

[0003] By using such microfluidic devices, for example, the flow of blood in blood vessels can be reproduced in a microchannel, or biological experiments such as cell culture and tissue culture, medical examinations, etc. can be performed three-dimensionally under the condition of fluid flow, compared to the use of previous culture dishes, etc.

[0004] Thus, various experiments and inspections can be performed in a state close to the actual environment and conditions, and by performing the experiments at the micron level, the amount of fluids and chemicals used can be reduced, and reactions can be performed efficiently. Therefore, in recent years, in particular, opportunities for using microfluidic devices in various fields are increasing.

[0005] When using a microfluidic device to perform various operations, it is necessary to perform a supply operation (e.g., a liquid delivery operation) to stably supply a fluid such as a culture solution to a fine microchannel. For example, a method is known in which a predetermined quantitative amount of fluid is injected into a microchannel using a micropipette equipped with a pipette tip.

[0006] In addition, the following method is also known: using a conventionally known fluid supply unit such as a pump or a syringe, connecting the fluid supply unit to the microfluidic device using a resin tube formed of a resin material such as silicone rubber, and continuously supplying a certain amount of fluid into the microchannel through the tube.

[0007] In the case of such a method of continuously supplying fluid, it is necessary to connect the front end of a hollow tube to a flow path opening (supply port side) of the microfluidic path, so that a fluid such as a liquid flows into the microfluidic path at a predetermined flow rate, and it is necessary to prevent the fluid from leaking from the connection portion between the tube and the flow path opening. Therefore, a connector (resin connector) made of a resin material or the like is sometimes interposed between the tube and the microfluidic device (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0008] An example of a conventional connector interposed between a tube and a microfluidic device is described below. For example, there is known a connector having a so-called "stop thread" shape, which has a tube insertion hole that passes through a central portion and into which a tube can be inserted, and an external thread is formed on one end of the connector.

[0009] On the other hand, a connector receiving portion is provided in a device holder (holder clamp) supporting a microfluidic device connected to the above-mentioned connector. The connector receiving portion is formed with an internal thread that can be threadedly engaged with a portion of the external thread of the connector, and the connector receiving portion and the flow path opening portion of the microflow path of the fluid device are formed in a connected state.

[0010] When a tube made of resin or the like is connected to the tube insertion hole of the connector, the external thread on the connector side is screwed into the internal thread on the fluid device side, thereby enabling the connector and the fluid device to be connected. The screwing of the external thread and the internal thread can tighten and fix the connector, enabling the tube and the fluid device to be connected via the connector. The screwing of the external thread and the internal thread can prevent the fluid from leaking from the connection portion between the tube and the fluid device.

[0011] As a result, fluids such as culture solutions supplied from a resin tube via a fluid supply unit can be supplied through a connector and through a supply port to the internal space of a microchannel formed inside a microfluidic device, and various operations and processes such as cell culture can be performed using the fluid supplied and circulated in the microchannel.

[0012] In addition, the fluid passing through the microchannel is discharged from another channel opening (discharge port side) of the microchannel to the outside of the microfluidic device. In addition, a connector connected to a tube is also provided at the channel opening on the discharge side, similarly to the supply side, so that the fluid is discharged while preventing the fluid from leaking between the microfluidic device and the tube.

[0013] In addition, the following device structure is also proposed in the above-mentioned patent document 1: the connection structure of the microfluidic device using a connector that utilizes the above-mentioned external thread and internal thread is further developed, and a gasket (sealing component) formed of a resin material is sandwiched between the tube and the fluid device, and the leakage of the fluid is prevented by the sealing component.

[0014] Prior art literature

[0015] Patent Literature

[0016] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-337032. Summary of the invention

[0017] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0018] However, the connection structure between the connector and the microfluidic device described above may cause the following inconveniences.

[0019] That is, in the case of a connector that uses a screw connection of an external thread and an internal thread, it is necessary to screw the connector with a tube connected to it in the connector receiving portion, and depending on the degree of tightening (the degree of screw connection) of the connector relative to the connector receiving portion, it is possible to block a portion of the tube insertion hole inside the connector or a portion of the microchannel connected to the connector receiving portion. Therefore, it is necessary to pay full attention to the installation operation of the connector relative to the connector receiving portion, and it is possible to impose an excessive workload, such as requiring time to install the connector or requiring the operator to perform complicated operations and complex adjustments.

[0020] In addition, complicated operations and adjustments may take a lot of time, and for operators (experiment leaders, operators, etc.) who conduct experiments such as cell culture, it sometimes takes a lot of time to prepare until the actual experiment begins. In addition, for operators who are not familiar with experimental preparation, sometimes deviations occur during the installation operation (fastening operation) of the connector relative to the connector receiving part, and the flow of the fluid in the microchannel becomes unstable, making it difficult to implement high-precision cell experiments.

[0021] On the other hand, even in the case of a conventional connection structure with a sealing member such as a gasket, there is a possibility of leakage of the fluid and other undesirable conditions. In addition, sometimes the sealing member is not sufficiently tightened, causing the sealing member to fall off from the device holder, or the sealing member is not sufficiently sealed. As a result, leakage of the fluid occurs in the same manner as described above, and sometimes the experimental accuracy cannot be fully ensured.

[0022] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, the present invention aims to provide a connector and a connection structure of a microfluidic device using the connector. The connector is formed with a relatively simple structure in order to connect a tube used for fluid supply or fluid discharge with a fluid device to supply fluid to a microchannel, and the connection operation between the tube and the microfluidic device can be easily performed.

[0023] Means for solving problems

[0024] According to the present invention, a connector and a connection structure of a microfluidic device that solve the above-mentioned problems are provided below.

[0025] [1] A connector, comprising: a connector body having a tube insertion hole, the tube insertion hole being through-set between an upper surface of the connector and a lower surface of the connector opposite to the upper surface of the connector, and capable of inserting and connecting a tube, the tube being used to supply a fluid to a microchannel formed inside a microfluidic device or to discharge the fluid from the microchannel; a guide portion protruding downward from the lower surface of the connector along the lower end periphery of the connector body, capable of abutting against a portion of the microfluidic device; and a lip portion surrounding a lower end opening of the tube insertion hole opened on the lower surface of the connector, and protruding downward from the lower surface of the connector, protruding more than the guide portion, capable of abutting against a portion of the microfluidic device, the connector body, the guide portion, and the lip portion being integrally formed of an elastic rubber material capable of elastic deformation.

[0026] [2] According to the connector described in [1] above, the connector body comprises: an upper connector body, including the connector upper surface, which is cylindrical; and a lower connector body, including the connector lower surface, and having a tapered portion, wherein the tapered portion extends in a manner of expanding the diameter from the lower end of the upper connector body toward the connector lower surface.

[0027] [3] The connector described in [1] or [2] above further includes: a flange protruding in the horizontal direction from the side peripheral surface of the connector along the upper end peripheral edge of the connector body.

[0028] [4] The connector according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the insertion hole diameter of the tube insertion hole is set smaller than the tube outer diameter of the tube to be inserted and connected.

[0029] [5] The connector according to [3] above, wherein the flange is set to have a flange outer diameter larger than a connector mounting hole of a device holder to which the connector can be mounted.

[0030] [6] The connector according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the elastic rubber material is silicone rubber.

[0031] [7] A connection structure for a microfluidic device, using the connector described in [1] or [2] above, the connection structure comprising: a connector having a connector body, a guide portion and a lip portion, the connector body having a tube insertion hole, the connector body, the guide portion and the lip portion being integrally formed of an elastic rubber material capable of elastic deformation, a tube being connected to the tube insertion hole; a microfluidic device having a microchannel formed inside the microfluidic device; and a device holder having an upper holder, a lower holder and a clamping portion, the clamping portion holding the connector and the microfluidic device in a state of being sandwiched between the upper holder and the lower holder, the connection structure aligning a lower end opening of the tube insertion hole opened on a connector lower surface of the connector with a position relative to a channel opening of the microchannel of the microfluidic device, and using the clamping portion to hold the lip portion in close contact with the microfluidic device in a state of sandwiching the connector and the microfluidic device from the upper and lower directions through the upper holder and the lower holder, the lip portion protruding from the connector lower surface of the connector.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] The connector of the present invention can be formed by a relatively simple structure, can connect the tube to the microfluidic device in a simple and short time, and can construct the connection structure of the microfluidic device of the present invention. The connection structure of the microfluidic device using the connector of the present invention can shorten the time required for preparation of various operations and treatments for culture experiments, reduce the working hours, and eliminate the complexity of the working process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a front view showing the connector according to this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing a fluid device and a lower retainer.

[0038] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing the upper retainer to which the connector is mounted.

[0039] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the upper retainer and the lower retainer are overlapped.

[0040] Figure 7 It is a schematic representation of Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a state where an upper retainer and a lower retainer overlap.

[0041] Figure 8 Yes Figure 7 The dotted area α is an enlarged cross-sectional view.

[0042] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram showing the clamping operation of the clamping portion.

[0043] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram showing the connection structure of the microfluidic device after the clamping operation.

[0044] Fig.11 It is schematically indicated Fig.10 Cross-sectional view of the connected configuration of the microfluidic device.

[0045] Fig.12 Yes Fig.11 The enlarged cross-sectional view is an enlarged view of the dotted area β.

[0046] Fig.13 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of supplying a fluid to a microchannel via a plurality of connectors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the connector and the connection structure of the microfluidic device of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "device connection structure") are described respectively with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the connector and the device connection structure of the present invention are not limited to the contents shown below, and various design changes, corrections and improvements can be applied as long as they do not deviate from the main purpose of the present invention.

[0048] 1. Connectors

[0049] Mainly as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a connector body 2, a guide portion 3, and a lip portion 4, and the connector body 2, the guide portion 3, and the lip portion 4 are integrally formed of an elastic rubber material that can be elastically deformed.

[0050] By using the connector 1 of the present embodiment, a tube 8 mainly made of resin, which is used to supply a fluid 7 such as a liquid to a microchannel 6 formed inside a microfluidic device 5 (hereinafter referred to as "fluid device 5") or discharge the fluid 7 from the microchannel 6, can be connected to the fluid device 5 without leaking the fluid 7, and a device connection structure 20 of the present invention can be constructed (see Figures 10 to 12 wait).

[0051] Here, Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a connector 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 21 is a front view showing a schematic structure of the connector 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the connector 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0052] also, Figure 4 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a fluid device 5 and a lower retainer 9. Figure 5 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an upper retainer 10 to which the connector 1 is mounted. Figure 6 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the upper retainer 10 and the lower retainer 9 are overlapped. Figure 7 It is a schematic representation of Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing a state where the upper retainer 10 and the lower retainer 9 overlap, Figure 8 Yes Figure 7 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the dotted area α is enlarged, Fig. 9 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the clamping operation of the clamping portion 11. Fig.10 is an explanatory diagram showing a device connection structure 20 after a clamping operation, Fig.11 It is schematically indicated Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of a device connection structure 20, Fig.12 Yes Fig.11 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the dotted area β is enlarged, Fig.13 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of supplying the fluid 7 to the microchannel 31 via a plurality of connectors 30 .

[0053] The elastic rubber material capable of elastic deformation used to form the connector 1 of this embodiment in which the connector body 2, the guide portion 3 and the lip portion 4 are integrally formed is not particularly limited, and for example, silicone rubber, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, vinyl-modified butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, fluororubber, acrylic rubber, or hydrogenated nitrile rubber can be used.

[0054] Here, various operations and treatments in the microchannel 6 of the fluid device 5 using the connector 1 are mostly carried out at the micrometer level, such as experiments in the biological field such as cell culture, and experiments in the chemical field using various chemicals. Therefore, among the elastic rubber materials listed above, silicone rubber with excellent biological adaptability and excellent chemical resistance is particularly preferably used. The elastic rubber material can be formed into the shape of the connector 1 of this embodiment using a molding mold constructed to match the shape of the pre-designed connector 1 by using known rubber molding processing techniques such as extrusion molding and injection molding.

[0055] Further describing each structure in detail, the connector body 2 has a tube insertion hole 13, and the tube insertion hole 13 is provided between the connector upper surface 2a and the connector lower surface 2b which is parallel to the connector upper surface 2a. The tube insertion hole 13 is formed so that a tube 8 can be inserted and connected, and the tube 8 is used to supply the fluid 7 to the microchannel 6 formed inside the fluid device 5 or discharge the fluid 7 from the microchannel 6 (refer to Fig. 9 or Fig.10 wait).

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the tube insertion hole 13 is formed to maintain a certain tube insertion hole diameter D1 in a manner that penetrates the connector center of the connector 1 of this embodiment in the up-down direction. Here, the material of the resin tube 8 inserted into the tube insertion hole 13 is not particularly limited, and various resin materials can be used in the same way as the connector 1 described above, and silicone rubber with excellent biocompatibility and excellent chemical resistance is particularly preferably used.

[0057] And, mainly Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, the connector body 2 comprises: an upper connector body 14, which includes a connector upper surface 2a, a part of the tube insertion hole 13 is formed in the center, and is cylindrical; and a lower connector body 16, which includes a connector lower surface 2b, a remaining part of the tube insertion hole 13 is formed in the center, and has a tapered portion 15 extending from the lower end 14a of the upper connector body 14 toward the connector lower surface 2b in a manner of increasing in diameter. That is, the connector body 2 is mainly composed of two parts: the upper connector body 14, which is substantially cylindrical, and the lower connector body 16, whose head section is tapered.

[0058] The connector body 2 is formed into the above-mentioned characteristic structure, especially the lower connector body has a tapered portion 15, and is formed into a substantially trapezoidal cross section, so that when it is pressed against the device holder 12 (see Figure 4 When a compressive load is applied from the top and bottom directions to the fluid device 5 supported by the connector 1, the excess compression applied to the tapered portion 15 of the connector 1 can be dispersed to move the lip 4 vertically downward toward the fluid device 5 (equivalent to Fig.11 The force pushing the tube 8 inserted into the tube insertion hole 13 toward the center direction of the tube insertion hole 13 (or the tube 8) is used.

[0059] Thus, the high sealing performance between the lip 4 and the device surface 5a of the fluid device 5 can be maintained, and the close contact between the connector 1 and the tube 8 can be made strong. Thus, the occurrence of problems such as leakage of the fluid 7 between the connector 1 and the fluid device 5 and between the connector 1 and the tube 8 can be suppressed.

[0060] In addition, the guide portion 3 in the connector 1 of the present embodiment is provided along the lower end periphery of the connector body 2 (lower connector body 16) to protrude downward from the connector lower surface 2b, and is formed to be able to abut against a portion of the fluid device 5. Since the connector 1 is provided with the guide portion 3, the connector 1 that can abut against a portion of the fluid device 5 abuts with a gap between the device surface 5a of the fluid device 5 and the connector lower surface 2b. That is, the connector lower surface 2b does not directly abut against the device surface 5a, and the connector lower surface 2b can be positioned above the device surface 5a at the guide portion protrusion height H1 of the guide portion 3 protruding from the connector lower surface 2b.

[0061] In addition, the lip portion 4 in the connector 1 of the present embodiment is circularly surrounded by the lower end opening 13a of the tube insertion hole 13 opened on the connector lower surface 2b, and is protruded downward from the connector lower surface 2b, and is protruded higher than the guide portion protrusion height H1 of the guide portion 3, so as to be able to abut against a part of the fluid device 5. That is, the lip portion 4 has a lip protrusion height H2 greater than the guide portion protrusion height H1 of the guide portion 3, for example, Figure 2 A side view of the connector 1 or Figure 3 As shown in the cross-sectional view of the connector 1 shown in FIG. 1 , the front end of the lip portion 4 is formed so as to protrude further than the front end of the guide portion 3 .

[0062] Therefore, when no compressive load is applied to the connector 1, as described above, the front end of the lip 4 is in a state of protruding from the guide portion 3. On the other hand, when a compressive load is applied to the connector 1 from the top and bottom directions, the lip 4 formed integrally with the connector body 2 and the like and made of an elastic rubber material capable of elastic deformation is deformed in such a way that the front end portion of the lip 4 is flattened, and the guide protrusion height H1 of the guide portion 3 and the lip protrusion height H2 of the lip 4 temporarily become the same height. As a result, a force that strongly presses the device surface 5a that is in contact with the lip 4 is applied by the elastic repulsive force of the lip 4. As a result, a high sealing performance can be achieved between the lip 4 and the fluid device 5.

[0063] In addition to the above-mentioned structure, the connector 1 of this embodiment further includes a flange 17 that protrudes horizontally from the connector side peripheral surface 2d along the upper end peripheral edge 2c of the connector body 2 (upper connector body 14). Here, the first connector diameter D2 (equivalent to the flange outer diameter in the present invention) of the upper connector body 14 including the flange 17 is preferably formed in a manner that is increased by about 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm relative to the second connector diameter D3 (connector side peripheral surface 2d is equivalent to the outer surface) of the upper connector body 14 not including the flange 17 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0064] By providing the flange 17, which corresponds to a so-called "barb portion", the movement of the connector 1 can be restricted when the connector 1 is mounted in the connector mounting hole 18 of the upper retainer 10. As a result, the fall-off prevention function can be exerted to prevent the temporarily mounted connector 1 from easily falling off from the upper retainer 10.

[0065] On the other hand, the second connector diameter D3 excluding the flange 17 is formed to be substantially the same as the diameter of the narrowest portion of the connector mounting hole 18. As described above, the flange 17 is set so that the first connector diameter D2 (equivalent to the flange outer diameter) is larger than the diameter of the narrowest portion of the connector mounting hole 18.

[0066] In the connector 1 of the present embodiment, the tube insertion hole 13 penetrating the connector body 2 (upper connector body 14, lower connector body 16) has a tube insertion hole diameter D1 (see Figure 3 ) is set smaller than the outer diameter D4 of the tube 8 inserted into the tube insertion hole 13 and connected (refer to Figure 7 ).

[0067] Since the connector 1 is formed of an elastic rubber material that can be elastically deformed, even when the tube insertion hole diameter D1 is set to be smaller than the tube outer diameter D4 of the tube 8 as described above, the tube 8 can be directly inserted into the tube insertion hole 13, and the outer surface of the tube 8 is in close contact with the tube insertion hole 13. As a result, the tube 8 and the connector 1 can be connected with a simple operation, and the fluid 7 and the like will not leak from between the tube 8 and the tube insertion hole 13. It should be noted that the tube insertion hole diameter D1 and the tube outer diameter D4 can be set arbitrarily. For example, considering the installation work, it is preferred that the tube insertion hole diameter D1 is set to be about 0.05 to 0.10 mm smaller than the tube outer diameter D4.

[0068] 2. Device connection structure

[0069] Next, a connection structure 20 of a fluid device using the connector 1 of the present embodiment described in 1. above (equivalent to the connection structure of the microfluidic device of the present invention. Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as "device connection structure 20.") is described. In addition, in the device connection structure 20 of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the structures of the connector 1 and the like that have been described, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0070] The device connection structure 20 of this embodiment mainly comprises: a connector 1 formed of an elastic rubber material such as silicone resin; a fluid device 5 formed with a microchannel 6 inside; and a device holder that holds the connector 1 and the fluid device 5 in a sandwiched state.

[0071] like Figures 4 to 12As shown, the device holder 12 is mainly composed of: an upper holder 10, which has a connector mounting hole 18 capable of mounting the connector 1 and is arranged to cover the fluid device 5 from above; a lower holder 9, which mounts the fluid device 5 and supports the fluid device 5 from below; and a clamping portion 11, which fixes the connector 1 mounted on the upper holder 10 and the fluid device 5 mounted and supported on the lower holder 9 in a close contact state when the upper holder 10 and the lower holder 9 are overlapped up and down.

[0072] By having the above three structures, the device connection structure 20 can be constructed, the lower end opening 13a of the tube insertion hole 13 of the connector 1 is aligned with the position relative to the flow path openings 22a and 22b of the micro-flow path 6 of the fluid device 5, and the connector 1 and the fluid device 5 are tightly attached by the clamping part 11, and this state is maintained (refer to Figure 8 and Fig.11 ).

[0073] The following is mainly based on Figures 4 to 10 The details of the device connection structure 20 according to the present embodiment and the details of the effects of the device connection structure 20 on the connector 1 will be described.

[0074] First, the fluid device 5 having the microchannel 6 is placed on the lower holder 9 (see Figure 4 ). Here, the fluid device 5 is in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a microchannel 6 is formed inside the fluid device 5. The microchannel 6 is formed to have: a straight tube portion 23a in a straight tube shape, formed along the length direction of the fluid device 5; and a pair of vertical tube portions 23b, 23c, which are bent from each end of the straight tube portion 23a toward the upper side (device surface 5a) along the vertical direction and have channel openings 22a, 22b opening on the device surface 5a.

[0075] Through the microchannel 6 of this structure, the fluid 7 supplied from a channel opening 22a (equivalent to the supply port) abutting against the connector 1 connected to the tube 8 can pass through a vertical tube portion 23b, a straight tube portion 23a and another vertical tube portion 23c (equivalent to the discharge port) and be discharged to the outside of the fluid device 5 and the device connection structure 20 through another channel opening 22b.

[0076] Here, the lower retainer 9 is configured to include: a device mounting support portion 24 for mounting the fluid device 5 and supporting it from below; positioning protrusions 25a, 25b for aligning the overlapping position with the upper retainer 10; and clamping receiving portions 26a, 26b, which constitute a part of the clamping portion 11 for performing the clamping operation of the upper retainer 10 and the lower retainer 9. In addition, the device mounting support portion 24 is formed so that the device surface 5a of the mounted fluid device 5 and the retainer upper surface 9a of the lower retainer 9 are in a plane position (refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0077] On the other hand, Figure 5 As shown, the upper retainer 10 is provided with a connector mounting hole 18 through which the connector 1 can be mounted, and is constructed to have: positioning hole portions 27a, 27b, which are arranged to correspond to the positions of the positioning protrusions 25a, 25b of the lower retainer 9; clamping operation portions 28a, 28b, which constitute a part of the clamping portion 11 for performing the clamping operation; and an observation hole 21 for observing the situation inside the microchannel 6.

[0078] Here, a pair of connector mounting holes 18 are provided in parallel in the upper holder 10, and the positions where the connector mounting holes 18 are provided are opposite to the flow path openings 22a and 22b of the aforementioned micro flow path 6 when the upper holder 10 and the lower holder 9 are overlapped. That is, the lower end opening 13a of the tube insertion hole 13 of the connector 1 mounted in the connector mounting holes 18 is opposite to the flow path openings 22a and 22b of the micro flow path 6.

[0079] As already described, the flange 17 is provided on the upper portion of the connector 1 (see Figure 3 And, the first connector diameter D2 of the connector body 2 (upper connector body 14 ) including the flange 17 is formed larger than the hole diameter of the connector mounting hole 18 (= second connector diameter D3 ).

[0080] Therefore, when the connector 1 is mounted in the connector mounting hole 18 of the upper retainer 10, the connector 1 is mounted after the flange 17 near the connector 1 formed of an elastic rubber material (e.g., silicone) that can be elastically deformed is compressed and deformed to a size smaller than the hole diameter of the connector mounting hole 18. After the upper portion of the connector body 2 including the flange 17 passes through the connector mounting hole 18, the force compressing the connector 1 is released.

[0081] As a result, the connector body 2 near the deformed flange 17 is elastically restored, for example, Figure 7 As shown, the connector 1 is fitted into the connector mounting hole 18 of the upper retainer 10. The connector mounting hole 18 provided in the upper retainer 10 is provided with a hole shape substantially consistent with the external shape of the connector 1 having the tapered portion 15, and is set so that the front end of the guide portion 3 is consistent with the height of the retainer lower surface 10a of the upper retainer 10 when the guide portion 3 is fitted into the connector mounting hole 18.

[0082] In addition, due to the action of the flange 17 provided on the connector 1, the connector 1 mounted on the upper retainer 10 is Figure 7As a result, when the fluid 7 is supplied to the microchannel 6 or discharged from the microchannel 6, the connector 1 will not easily fall off from the upper retainer 10. That is, the flange 17 can function as a so-called "barb portion".

[0083] Then, if Figure 6 As shown, an upper holder 10 of a pair of connectors 1 is mounted on a lower holder 9 on which a fluid device 5 is mounted and supported. At this time, a pair of positioning protrusions 25a and 25b provided on the lower holder 9 are respectively inserted into a pair of positioning holes 27a and 27b provided on the upper holder 10. Thus, the upper holder 10 and the lower holder 9 can be overlapped with each other at the correct position.

[0084] At this time, the clamping operation of the clamping portion 11 is not performed. Figure 7 and Figure 7 A part of the area is enlarged Figure 8 As shown, a gap S is formed between the upper retainer 10 and the lower retainer 9. That is, since the lip 4 protrudes from the connector lower surface 2b to a greater extent than the guide protrusion height H1 of the guide 3, the lip 4 is in contact with the device surface 5a of the fluid device 5. Here, Figure 8 Yes Figure 7 The dotted area α enclosed by the dotted line is enlarged in the figure. Figure 7 The state where the tube 8 is inserted into the tube insertion hole 13 is shown in FIG. Also, the tube 8 is shown only near the connector 1, and other parts are omitted (in FIG. Figures 9 to 11 (same as in ).

[0085] Afterwards, if Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, in a state where the resin tubes 8 are respectively inserted into the tube insertion holes 13 of the pair of connectors 1, a clamping operation is performed, and the clamping operation parts 28a and 28b of the clamping part 11 are respectively rotated clockwise (rotated in the clamping operation direction CL). By this clamping operation, a force is applied in a direction in which the upper retainer 10 and the lower retainer 9 are approached to each other, and the retainer lower surface 10a of the upper retainer 10 is brought into contact with the retainer upper surface 9a of the lower retainer 9. At this time, a compressive load is applied in the vertical direction to the connector 1 mounted on the upper retainer 10 and the fluid device 5 mounted and supported on the lower retainer 9 so that they are approached to each other.

[0086] That is, a force acts to eliminate the gap S between the lower surface 10a of the retainer and the upper surface 9a of the retainer. The connector 1 is integrally formed of silicone rubber as an elastic rubber material, and when the compressive load is applied, a part of the lip 4 provided in the connector 1 (particularly the front end part) is deformed by contact with the device surface 5a (see Figures 10 to 12). As a result, the gap S disappears, and the lower end opening 13a of the tube insertion hole 13 of the connector 1 and the flow path opening 22a (or flow path opening 22b) of the microchannel 6 are sealed by the lip 4 formed in a manner to surround the lower end opening 13a. And, as described above, since the connector 1 includes the lower connector body 16 having the tapered portion 15, the connection state between the tube 8 inserted into the tube insertion hole 13 and the connector 1 is stable. As a result, it is possible to limit the flow of the fluid 7 supplied via the tube 8 from the enclosed space to the microchannel 6. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Thus, the device connection structure 20 of this embodiment is completed.

[0087] In this way, the airtight state between the tube 8 and the connector 1 and between the connector 1 and the fluid device 5 is maintained. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the fluid 7 is supplied to the microchannel 6 via a connector 1 connected to the tube 8. Thus, the fluid 7 can be stably supplied to the microchannel 6 while maintaining sufficient sealing between the lip 4 and the device surface 5a and the sealing between the tube 8 and the connector 1 by using the lip 4, and various experiments such as cell culture can be operated and processed.

[0088] In particular, the connector 1 of the present embodiment has a lower connector body 16 having a tapered portion 15, whereby when a compressive load in the vertical direction is applied to the connector 1 and the fluid device 5 by a clamping operation, the close contact state between the tube 8 and the tube insertion hole 13 of the connector 1 and the close contact state between the lip 4 of the connector 1 and the device surface 5a of the fluid device 5 can be made firm. As a result, leakage of the fluid 7 does not occur at the connection portion between the tube 8 and the fluid device 5. In addition, by making the lip 4 protrude more than the guide portion 3, the elastic deformation force of the lip 4 can be enhanced, and the sealing performance of the fluid 7 can be further improved. In addition, the connector mounting hole 18 of the upper retainer 10 of the device retainer 12 is formed with a tapered portion corresponding to the tapered portion 15 of the connector 1. Thus, the close contact state between the tube 8 and the tube insertion hole 13 of the connector 1, and the close contact state between the lip 4 of the connector 1 and the device surface 5a of the fluid device 5 can be made firm. In addition, the upper retainer 10 and the connector 1 can be made to fit tightly together, and the sealing between the connector 1 and the device retainer 12 can be improved.

[0089] In the connector 1 and the device connection structure 20 of the present embodiment described above, a structure is provided in which one connector 1 is connected to each of the flow path openings 22a, 22b, etc. of the micro flow path 6, but it is not limited to this. For example, Fig.13As shown, as long as a sufficient compressive load can be applied by the device holder (not shown), two or more connectors 30 may be provided in accordance with the flow path opening on the fluid device side.

[0090] Industrial Applicability

[0091] The connector and fluid connection structure of the present invention can be suitably used in various processes and operations within a microchannel based on a microfluidic device.

[0092] Description of Reference Numerals

[0093] 1.30: Connector

[0094] 2: Connector body

[0095] 2a: Connector top surface

[0096] 2b: Connector bottom surface

[0097] 2c: Upper periphery

[0098] 2d: Connector side surface

[0099] 3: Guidance

[0100] 4: Lips

[0101] 5: Fluid devices (microfluidic devices)

[0102] 5a: Device surface

[0103] 6.31: Microfluidics

[0104] 7: Fluid

[0105] 8: Tube

[0106] 9: Lower retainer

[0107] 9a: Upper surface of the retainer

[0108] 10: Upper retainer

[0109] 10a: Lower surface of the retainer

[0110] 11: Clamping part

[0111] 12: Device holder

[0112] 13: Tube insertion hole

[0113] 13a: Lower opening

[0114] 14: Upper connector body

[0115] 14a: Lower end

[0116] 15: Cone

[0117] 16: Lower connector body

[0118] 17: Flange

[0119] 18: Connector mounting hole

[0120] 20: Device connection structure (connection structure of microfluidic devices)

[0121] 21: Observation hole

[0122] 22a, 22b: flow path opening

[0123] 23a: Straight pipe

[0124] 23b, 23c: plumb pipe

[0125] 24: Device mounting support

[0126] 25a, 25b: Positioning protrusions

[0127] 26a, 26b: Clamp receiving part

[0128] 27a, 27b: Positioning hole

[0129] 28a, 28b: Clamping operation part

[0130] CL: Clamping operation direction

[0131] D1: Pipe insertion hole diameter

[0132] D2: First connector diameter

[0133] D3: Second connector diameter

[0134] D4: Pipe outer diameter

[0135] H1: Protruding height of guide part

[0136] H2: Lip protrusion height

[0137] S: Clearance

[0138] α, β: dotted area.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: A connector body having a tube insertion hole, the tube insertion hole being provided between an upper surface of the connector and a lower surface of the connector opposite to the upper surface of the connector, and capable of inserting and connecting a tube, the tube being used to supply a fluid to a microchannel formed inside the microfluidic device or to discharge the fluid from the microchannel; A guide portion, which is arranged to protrude downward from the lower surface of the connector along the lower end periphery of the connector body and can abut against a portion of the microfluidic device; as well as The lip portion surrounds the lower end opening of the tube insertion hole opened on the lower surface of the connector and is protruded downward from the lower surface of the connector, protruding larger than the guide portion and capable of abutting against a portion of the microfluidic device. The connector body, the guide portion, and the lip portion are integrally formed of an elastic rubber material that is elastically deformable.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The connector body comprises: an upper connector body, including the upper surface of the connector, in a cylindrical shape; and The lower connector body includes the connector lower surface and has a tapered portion extending from the lower end of the upper connector body toward the connector lower surface in a manner of increasing diameter.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The flange is protruded in a horizontal direction from a side peripheral surface of the connector along the upper peripheral edge of the connector body.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The insertion hole diameter of the tube insertion hole is set smaller than the tube outer diameter of the tube to be inserted and connected.

5. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The flange is set to have an outer diameter larger than a connector mounting hole of a device holder to which the connector can be mounted.

6. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The elastic rubber material is silicone rubber.

7. A connection structure of a microfluidic device, using the connector according to claim 1 or 2, the connection structure comprising: A connector having a connector body, a guide portion, and a lip portion, wherein the connector body has a tube insertion hole, the connector body, the guide portion, and the lip portion are integrally formed of an elastic rubber material capable of elastic deformation, and a tube is connected to the tube insertion hole; A microfluidic device having a microfluidic path formed inside the microfluidic device; as well as A device holder having an upper holder, a lower holder, and a clamping portion, wherein the clamping portion holds the connector and the microfluidic device in a state of being sandwiched between the upper holder and the lower holder, The connection structure aligns the lower end opening of the tube insertion hole opened on the connector lower surface of the connector with a position relative to the flow path opening of the microflow path of the microfluidic device, and utilizes the clamping portion to clamp the connector and the microfluidic device from the upper and lower directions through the upper retainer and the lower retainer to maintain a close contact state between the lip and the microfluidic device, and the lip protrudes from the connector lower surface of the connector.

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