Connection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device between two microchannels or two millichannels of two fluidic elements, comprising complementary means for holding the device together with at least one of the two fluidic elements. The invention also relates to a microfluidic chip or millifluidic chip comprising a connection device between a microchannel or millichannel of the chip and a microchannel or millichannel of a fluidic element. Finally, the invention relates to a connection device between two microchannels or two millichannels of two fluidic elements, comprising complementary means for holding the device together with at least one of the two fluidic elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of connection devices between two microchannels or millichannels of two fluidic elements. The invention also relates to a fluidic element comprising such a device. Background Art

[0002] Fluid elements compatible with the present invention include open channels, thereby defining an inlet and / or outlet capable of receiving another fluid element. This then involves connecting the two fluid elements while maintaining sufficient flow between their respective channels. The flow involves a fluid that can be a liquid and / or a gas.

[0003] The technical field of microfluidics or millifluidics relates to the flow of liquids and / or gases in micrometer or millimeter channels. The size of the channels involved in microfluidics is about tens and hundreds of micrometers, and for millifluids, the size is about one millimeter. This channel size requires specific flow rules, particularly in the case of laminar flow, where it is important not to disrupt the flow. In addition, such channel sizes may involve a small amount of available liquid, and it is important to limit its loss in a microfluidic device (i.e. in the dead space).

[0004] In the above-mentioned field, it is known that two fluid elements are connected by pressure, by forcibly inserting the first fluid element into the second fluid element.For example, pipe is forced to be introduced in the entrance of microfluidic chip.In order to ensure connection, adhesive can be placed on pipe / entrance assembly in advance or subsequently.But this practice has some shortcomings, such as the risk of leakage, low pressure resistance, the risk of part or complete obstruction of passage and pollutants are released into the fluid of flow from glue.

[0005] Another strategy consists in manufacturing the fluidic device with a standard male or female connector already included in the design (pitch, Luer, etc.). Besides the complexity of manufacturing this type of connector on the fluidic device itself, this represents a non-negligible form factor of about one centimeter, which can be problematic for the compactness of the device. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a simple connection device that can be fixed without the use of additional materials such as adhesives.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a connection device between two microchannels or two millichannels of two fluid elements, the connection device comprising a complementary member for holding the device together with a dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluid elements. The complementary member is implemented between the device and the outer surface of one of the two fluid elements so that the connection between the two channels can be ensured. The outer surface dedicated to the fluid element corresponds to its end surface intended to be connected to the second fluid element. In addition, with such a device, the connection between the two fluid elements is easier to achieve.

[0008] Advantageously, the connection device is arranged so that the connection between the microchannels or millichannels of two fluid elements is sealed relative to the external environment of these fluid elements. Preferably, the connection device is arranged so that it prevents solids, liquids and / or gases from penetrating from the outside of the fluid element through the connection into one and / or the other of the microchannels or millichannels; and solids, liquids and / or gases leak from one and / or the other of the microchannels or millichannels through the connection to the outside of the fluid element. Therefore, the connection device is used to ensure that no contaminants can be introduced into the components of the fluid element, that the components are sterile, and that their processing can be carried out under sterile conditions and environment. Therefore, the components have particularly advantageous applications in the fields of health, pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology.

[0009] According to a feature of the invention, the complementary retaining member comprises at least one continuous barbed connector in a dedicated cavity of the fluid element, the barbed connector being supported on the dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluid elements. The specific implementation of at least one continuous barbed connector ensures the sealing of the two connected fluid elements. Thus, the device is present on the inlet or outlet of the fluid element directly involved in the connection of the channel, or the device is an external fluid element that ensures the connection of two other fluid elements. In addition, the barbed shape makes it possible not only to facilitate the insertion of the fluid element, but also to prevent the fluid element from being easily removed, particularly in the case of increased pressure. Finally, the barbed connector makes it possible to ensure sealing and pressure resistance.

[0010] According to another feature of the invention, the complementary retaining member comprises at least two connectors parallel to each other, which bear on the dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluid elements. The implementation of two barbed connectors makes it possible to increase the resistance to leakage and tearing, and also makes it possible to design devices comprising discontinuous barbed connectors.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device or the first fluid element comprises at least one barbed connector entering the cavity, and the second fluid element comprises a dedicated outer surface. Therefore, the device can be integrated into the fluid element, or is the third element that allows the connection of the first two elements. The barbed connector according to the present invention is therefore arranged in the cavity of the fluid element. The realization of the barbed connector in the cavity minimizes the dead space between the two fluid elements. Therefore, compared with the existing connection devices of the "Luer", "Luer lock" or "Luer slip" types, the device according to the present invention allows a better compactness of the connection itself. And, contrary to some existing devices that require two fluid elements to be nested in each other, the diameter of one of the fluid elements does not change. The fluid element that cooperates with the device can actually be a standard tube.

[0012] According to one feature of the invention, at least the fluid element carrying the barbed connector comprises a material that is more rigid than the second fluid element. According to an embodiment, the second fluid element comprises an elastomeric material and the dedicated surface of the mating fluid element deforms when inserted into the cavity carrying at least one barbed connector.

[0013] According to a feature of the invention, at least one barbed connector comprises a substantially polygonal profile. The polygonal shape enables effective confinement of the pressure of the inserted fluid element. This embodiment increases the sealing of the connection between the two fluid elements.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one barbed connector comprises a substantially right triangle profile. This profile shape is best suited for maintaining a connection.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the fluid elements comprises a flexible tube or a semi-flexible tube or a rigid tube or a nozzle provided with a tip. These embodiments are the most common embodiments of the fluid elements used.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, one of the fluidic elements comprises a microfluidic chip or a millifluidic chip.The device fits particularly well into an inlet or an outlet of a fluidic chip.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the device also comprises an additional external retaining system. The specific implementation of the additional retaining system makes it possible to ensure the connection over time, in particular when the fluidic elements are intended to remain connected.

[0018] The invention also relates to a microfluidic chip or millifluidic chip comprising connection means between microchannels or millichannels of the chip and microchannels or millichannels of a fluidic element.

[0019] The invention also relates to a connecting bridge between two microchannels or two millichannels of two fluidic elements, comprising complementary retaining means of the device relative to the two fluidic elements.

[0020] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other according to various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Furthermore, various other features of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the present invention and in which:

[0022] [ Figure 1 ] is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention,

[0023] [ Figure 2 ] is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention,

[0024] [ Figure 3 ] is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention,

[0025] [ Figure 4 ] is a perspective view of a fluidic chip comprising three devices according to the present invention,

[0026] [ Figure 5 ] is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, and

[0027] [ Figure 6 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a detail of an apparatus according to the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to different variants may have the same reference numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention aims to propose a simple and sealed connection device between two microchannels or two millichannels of two fluidic elements. The fluids involved are liquids, gases or mixtures.

[0030] For these purposes, Figure 1 The device according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 and generally designated by reference numeral 1 is used to connect two microchannels or millichannels 2 of two fluidic elements 3 a , 3 b .

[0031] Fluidic elements 3a, 3b compatible with the invention may be flexible or semi-flexible tubes, rigid tubes capable of directing a flow, or nozzles provided with a tip for the flow to pass through, or microfluidic or millifluidic chips intended for different functions related to the flow passing through, or bridges capable of connecting two fluidic elements. This list is not exhaustive with regard to the use of the device 1 according to the invention.

[0032] According to one embodiment, specifically Figure 1 As shown, the device 1 allows the connection between two channels 2a, 2b of two fluidic elements 3a, 3b, respectively. For elements related to microfluidic devices, the channels are microchannels comprising a diameter of about one micrometer, and for elements related to millifluidics, the channels are millichannels having a diameter of about one millimeter. Subsequently, the flow of the fluidic element moves along the direction Z.

[0033] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, a first fluidic element 3a, for example a fluidic chip, carries the device 1 according to the invention, and a second fluidic element 3b is for example a semi-rigid tube intended to be connected to an inlet of the fluidic chip 3a.

[0034] The fluid element 3, 3a carrying the barbed connector 10 may comprise various materials, such as glass, plastic or composite materials or metallic materials, to name a few examples. Furthermore, according to certain embodiments of the fluid element 3, 3a supporting the device 1, the barbed connector 10 may comprise a material different from the material of the fluid element 3, 3a under consideration.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the barbed connector 10 comprises a more rigid material than the fluid element 3b mating with the barbed connector 10. The fluid element 3b intended to engage with the barbed connector may in fact comprise a more elastic material than the material constituting the barbed connector 10, such as an elastomer or a composite mixture.

[0036] according to Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the device 1 comprises a barbed connector 10 located in a cavity defining an inlet or outlet of the fluidic chip 3a.

[0037] The inlet of the fluid chip 3a and the tube 3b have a substantially cylindrical shape and substantially include diameters of the same length. The tube 3b is intended to be introduced into the inlet of the fluid chip 3a. Therefore, the barbed connector 10 in the form of an extra thickness is pressed against the dedicated outer end surface of the tube 3b. The barbed connector 10 has a continuous extra thickness. An exemplary embodiment of the barbed connector 10 is described below.

[0038] According to other embodiments, the device 1 is intended to connect two fluid chips 3a, 3b, and one of the chips 3b then comprises a dedicated part having a substantially through-tube shape comprising a dedicated outer surface capable of cooperating with a dedicated inner surface of a cavity defining an inlet or an outlet of the other chip 3a.

[0039] Figure 2 An embodiment of the device 1 is shown which comprises three consecutive and mutually parallel barbed connectors 10 .

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device 1 comprises at least one continuous barbed connector 10, and may further comprise at least one other discontinuous connector 10 that is discontinuous parallel to the continuous barbed connector 10. Such discontinuous connector 10 is in the form of a continuous arc, for example in three parts.

[0041] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown, specifically intended for the connection between two flexible or semi-flexible or rigid tubes 3b. For these purposes, the fluid element 3a is a connecting bridge carrying two devices 1 according to the invention, which has essentially the shape of a hollow cylinder. Each device 1 is intended to be opposite to a fluid element 3b. Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the two devices 1 realized are symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the center of the first fluid element 3 a and perpendicular to the fluid flow direction Z. This embodiment is not a limitation of the invention, and the fluid connection bridge 3 a may carry two devices 1 of different shapes.

[0042] Figure 4 A fluidic chip comprising three devices 1 according to the invention is shown. Each of the three visible inputs or outputs of the fluidic chip 3 can be connected with another fluidic element 3b (not shown) through a device 1 in order to ensure continuity and guarantee reliability of the flow between the various elements.

[0043] Figure 5 An additional external retaining system is shown in . This is, for example, an adhesive tape 20 arranged around the connection between the two fluid elements 3a, 3b. Other additional retaining systems can increase the security of the connection.

[0044] A barbed connector 10 compatible with the present invention has extra thickness in the inner surface of the cavity defining the inlet or outlet of the fluid element 3, 3a.

[0045] according to Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the barbed connector 10 is continuous, which means that it has the shape of a continuous ring with excess thickness on the inner surface of the inlet or outlet of the fluidic chip 3 .

[0046] Figure 6The profile of a device 1 including a plurality of barbed connectors 10 is schematically shown. The profile has a substantially triangular shape including a flat portion Lrim at its apex. A first angle β defines the profile of the barbed connector 10. The angle β exists on the side intended to receive the fluid element 3b. Angle α is opposite to the first angle β. The length h corresponds to the height of the barbed connector 10. The length b defines the spacing between two barbed connectors 10. The length r defines the inner radius of the inlet or outlet of the fluid element 3a supporting the device 1 according to the present invention, which is half the diameter value of the inlet or outlet. And the angle γ defines the contraction angle between the direction formed by the continuous ridges of the barbed connector 10 (when the height h of each of the barbed connectors 10 increases) and the direction Z corresponding to the insertion direction of the second fluid element 3b.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, four cross connectors 10 are included on the fluid element inlet 3a, and the fluid element inlet includes a diameter between 1.48 mm and 1.58 mm. The angle α is between 60° and 90°. The angle β is between 135° and 140°. The height of each barbed connector is between 0.15 mm and 0.31 mm. In this embodiment, these value ranges are compatible with the present invention.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the angle γ may vary between 0° and 7.78°. Preferably, the angle γ is close to zero.

[0049] This embodiment does not limit the invention. In practice, and in particular for two microchannels connecting two fluidic elements, other numbers are compatible with the invention.

[0050] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connection device (1) between two microchannels or two millichannels (2, 2a, 2b) of two fluidic elements (3, 3a, 3b), the connection device comprising complementary retaining means of the device (1) relative to an external dedicated surface of one of the two fluidic elements (3, 3b).

2. A connection device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the complementary retaining member comprises at least one continuous barbed connector (10) located in a dedicated cavity of the fluid element (3, 3a), the barbed connector (10) being supported on the dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluid elements (3b).

3. A connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the complementary retaining member comprises at least two connectors (10) parallel to each other, which are supported on the dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluid elements (3b).

4. The connection device (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first fluid element (3, 3a) comprises at least one barbed connector (10) in the cavity and the second fluid element (3b) comprises the dedicated outer surface.

5. Connection device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least the fluid element (3, 3a) carrying the barbed connector (10) comprises a more rigid material than the second fluid element (3a).

6. Connection device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one barbed connector (10) comprises a substantially polygonal profile.

7. The connection device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one barbed connector (10) comprises a substantially right-angled triangular profile.

8. Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the fluid elements (3, 3b) comprises a flexible tube or a semi-flexible tube or a rigid tube or a nozzle provided with a tip.

9. The connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the fluidic elements (3, 3a, 3b) comprises a microfluidic chip or a millifluidic chip.

10. Connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional external retaining system (20).

11. A microfluidic chip or millifluidic chip (3, 3a) comprising a connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 between a microchannel or millichannel of the chip and a microchannel or millichannel of a fluidic element.

12. A connecting bridge (3, 3a) between two microchannels or two millichannels (2b) of two fluidic elements (3b), the connecting bridge comprising two devices (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, each device (1) being connected to one of the two fluidic elements (3b).

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