Connector, connection structure, connection method, and fluid system

Abstract

To connect a fluid device and a liquid delivery tube at a side surface of the fluid device while preventing liquid leakage.SOLUTION: A connector of the present disclosure connects a tip portion of a tube to a flow path opening provided in a side surface of a fluid device in which a flow path is formed. The connector includes a ferrule, a pressing member, and a seal member. The ferrule has: a first surface facing the side surface of the fluid device at a first end along a through-hole through which the tube is passed; and a tapered second surface at a second end. The pressing member is a cylindrical member in which the through-hole through which the tube is passed is formed, and has a recessed portion capable of abutting the second surface of the ferrule. The seal member is disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluid device, and the tube is passed through the seal member. The flow path opening and the tip portion of the tube are connected as the pressing member presses the ferrule toward the fluid device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector, a connection structure, and a connection method for connecting a fluid device to a liquid delivery tube, and to a fluid system that connects a plurality of fluid devices using the connector and the connection structure. [Background technology]

[0002] A method has been proposed in which multiple microfluidic devices are fluidically connected to each other by connecting the openings of the flow paths provided on the side of a substrate on which the flow paths are provided via liquid delivery tubes. The tubes are connected to the openings of the microfluidic devices using connectors. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a connector into which multiple tubes are inserted, the tips of the tubes being arranged to penetrate a seal material such as rubber. When this connector is connected to a microfluidic device, it is screwed to the microfluidic device in a state in which the tips of the tubes are butted against an inlet or outlet on the side of the microfluidic device so that the flow paths are connected. At this time, the seal material is deformed and expanded by the pressing force applied from the connector, and seals the connection between the flow paths of the microfluidic device and the flow paths of the tubes so that there is no leakage. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] The Dolomite Centre Ltd. (UK) / Dolomite Microfluidics (US), “Linear Connectors”, [online], MAR-000026 Revision 1.5, [Retrieved July 10, 2023], Internet <URL:https: / / go.blacktrace.com / l / 659183 / 2019-01-08 / l2s / 659183 / 3287 / Dolomite___LinearConnectorsDatasheet___pdf.pdf> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the method of Non-Patent Document 1, when the pressure of the liquid in the flow channel is high, there is a risk of liquid leakage. For example, in the method of Non-Patent Document 1, sealing of the liquid between the sealant and the side surface of the substrate, and between the sealant and the outer peripheral surface of the tube may be insufficient. In addition, in the method of Non-Patent Document 1, since multiple tubes are collectively connected to the microfluidic device with one connector, it is not possible to individually adjust the pressing force at the connection portion between the tube and the microfluidic device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure, which has been made in light of these points, is to provide a technique for connecting a fluidic device and a liquid delivery tube on the side of the fluidic device while preventing leakage of liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connector for connecting a tip end of a tube for connecting a flow channel to an opening of the flow channel provided on a side surface of a plate-shaped fluidic device having an internal flow channel, the connector comprising: a ferrule having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the ferrule having a first surface at a first end along the through hole that faces the side surface of the fluidic device, and a tapered second surface having an outer diameter that decreases toward a second end opposite the first end along the through hole; a cylindrical pressing member having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member having a recess that can come into contact with the second surface of the ferrule; and a seal member that is disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device and through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member pressing the ferrule toward the fluidic device. The opening and the tip are thereby connected.

[0007] (2) In the connector of (1) above, the pressing member may have a threaded portion configured to screw into a screw hole located at a position corresponding to the opening of a holder that fixes the fluidic device, and the pressing member may be configured to advance toward the fluidic device by rotating in a direction in which the threaded portion screws into the screw hole, thereby pressing the ferrule against the fluidic device.

[0008] (3) In the connector of (1) or (2) above, the ferrule may be configured to be pressed against the fluidic device by the pressing member, so that the sealing member is pressed between the first surface and the side surface of the fluidic device, and the ferrule is deformed by a pressing force applied to the second surface to tighten and secure the tube.

[0009] (4) In the connector of (3) above, the ferrule may be configured to seal a fluid between the ferrule and the tube when the tube is fixed.

[0010] (5) In the connectors according to (1) to (4) above, the sealing member may be an O-ring.

[0011] (6) A connection structure that is one aspect of the present disclosure is a connection structure for connecting a tip end of a tube for connecting a flow path to a plate-shaped fluidic device having a flow path formed therein and an opening of the flow path on a side surface, the connection structure comprising: a holder for fixing the fluidic device and having a screw hole arranged at a position corresponding to the opening; a ferrule having a through hole formed therein through which the tube is inserted and having a first surface facing the side surface of the fluidic device at a first end along the through hole and having a tapered second surface whose outer diameter decreases toward a second end opposite the first end along the through hole; a cylindrical pressing member having a threaded portion that screws into the screw hole of the holder and having a through hole formed therein through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member having a recess that abuts the second surface of the ferrule; and a sealing member that is inserted into the tube and is arranged between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device.

[0012] (7) A connection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connection method for connecting a tip end of a tube for connecting a flow channel to a plate-shaped fluidic device having a flow channel formed therein and an opening of the flow channel on a side surface, the connection method comprising: fixing the fluidic device using a holder having a screw hole arranged at a position corresponding to the opening; and inserting the tube through a pressing member, a ferrule, and a sealing member; the pressing member has a threaded portion that screws into the screw hole of the holder, and is a cylindrical pressing member having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member having a recess on the side of the ferrule, the ferrule having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, and a recess on the side of the sealing member. a sealing member disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side of the fluidic device, and rotating the pressing member in a direction in which the screw portion screws into the screw hole, whereby the pressing member advances toward the fluidic device and the recess presses the second surface of the ferrule toward the fluidic device, and with the first surface of the ferrule pressing the sealing member toward the side of the fluidic device, the ferrule is deformed by the pressing force applied to the second surface, thereby tightening and fixing the tube.

[0013] (8) One embodiment of a fluid system of the present disclosure includes two or more fluid devices whose openings located on each side are connected using the connector and tube described in (1), and the fluid devices are positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the plane on which the fluid devices extend. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to connect a fluidic device and a liquid delivery tube on a side surface of the fluidic device, and prevent leakage of liquid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a connection structure that connects a flow path and a tube of a fluidic device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector portion of FIG. 1 in more detail. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a connector before being connected to a fluidic device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for connecting a fluid device and a tube. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a fluid system in which fluid devices are connected in series in a plane. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fluid system in which fluid devices are connected in series three-dimensionally. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a connection form of a fluidic device according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The technology of mixing liquids and / or performing reactions and other operations using a fluidic device with a microchannel with a channel width of up to about 500 μm has various advantages that could not be obtained with conventional fluidic devices with a channel width of several mm or more. For example, it is known that in a mixing operation, if the channel width is made 1 / 10 of that of the conventional technology, the mixing time becomes about 1 / 100. Therefore, an operation that required 1 hour with the conventional technology can be completed in less than 1 minute. In addition, in a reaction operation, the reaction is completed instantly, suppressing the generation of by-products and significantly improving the reaction yield.

[0017] When fluidic devices are connected to each other to perform multiple-stage operations on a fluid, the liquid outlet of the upstream fluidic device is sequentially connected to the inlet of the downstream fluidic device. Tubes made of PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) resin are relatively often used to connect the outlet and inlet from the viewpoints of chemical resistance, heat resistance, and pressure resistance. However, in a typical fluidic device, the inlet and outlet are provided on the upper surface of the substrate surface of a horizontally placed substrate. For this reason, when connecting the inlet and outlet using a tube made of PEEK resin, which has high rigidity and is difficult to bend, it is necessary to maintain a certain distance between the fluidic devices.

[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates a fluid system in which fluid devices 110 are connected by a conventional technique. In the example of Fig. 7, a plurality of fluid devices 110 each having a flow channel 111 formed therein are connected by connecting openings such as an outlet and an inlet provided on the upper part of a substrate surface 112 of the fluid devices 110 using a tube 113. The lower limit of the interval between adjacent microfluidic devices 110 is limited by the distance at which the tube 113 can be bent 180 degrees between the outlet 115 of the upstream microfluidic device 110 and the inlet 114 of the downstream fluidic device 110.

[0019] In addition, if the intervals between the fluidic devices 110 are large, it becomes difficult to achieve high-density mounting even when the fluidic devices 110 connected in series are further connected in parallel for numbering up in order to ensure the yield of the reaction product. Furthermore, if the tubes 113 for connecting the flow paths become long, there is also the problem that it becomes difficult to precisely control the temperature of the liquid to be treated.

[0020] Therefore, providing a liquid inlet and outlet on the side of a fluidic device and connecting them to each other is advantageous in constructing a compact fluidic system in which multiple fluidic devices are connected. Note that in this application, the side of a fluidic device refers to the four sides other than the two widest opposing sides of a substrate constituting a microfluidic device.

[0021] (Connection structure between fluid device and tube) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] A connection structure between a fluidic device 10 and a liquid delivery tube 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a holder 30 for fixing the fluidic device 10, and a connector 40 for connecting the fluidic device 10 held by the holder 30 to the tube 20, as shown in FIG.

[0023] The fluidic device 10 includes a substrate 11 and a flow path 12 formed inside the substrate 11. In FIG. 1, the substrate 11 is a rectangular plate-like member in a plan view. However, the shape of the substrate 11 is not limited to this. The size of the substrate 11 can be set arbitrarily. For example, the size of the substrate can be on the order of several centimeters to several tens of centimeters in a plan view. The thickness of the substrate can be on the order of several millimeters to several centimeters. The material of the substrate 11 is not particularly limited, and for example, glass, silicon, silica, quartz, resin, silicon carbide, or the like can be used.

[0024] The flow channel 12 is, for example, a minute micro-flow channel with a flow channel width on the order of μm. However, the width of the flow channel 12 is not limited to this range. The flow channel 12 passes a fluid from the upstream side to the downstream side. In FIG. 1, the flow channel 12 between the upstream side and the downstream side of the fluidic device 10 is not shown. An inlet 14 is provided on a side surface 13 of the substrate 11 at an upstream end of the flow channel 12. An outlet 15 is provided on a side surface 13 of the substrate 11 at a downstream end of the flow channel 12. The inlet 14 is an opening for receiving a liquid supplied from the outside to the fluidic device 10. The outlet 15 is an opening for discharging the fluid that has flowed through the flow channel 12 of the fluidic device 10 to the outside of the fluidic device 10.

[0025] 1, for example, sequentially mixes liquids flowing in from three inlets 14 on the upstream side, reacts reaction components, and discharges a product from a discharge outlet 15. For this reason, the flow channels 12 connected from the three inlets 14 may be configured to sequentially merge into one flow channel, which meanders through the substrate 11 and connects to the discharge outlet 15. However, the shape of the flow channel 12 and the number and arrangement of the inlets 14 and discharge outlets 15 are not limited to this, and can be freely designed depending on the operation content, such as mixing and chemical reaction, performed by the fluidic device 10.

[0026] The fluidic device 10 can be produced, for example, by heat-sealing a glass plate onto a glass substrate on which a groove-shaped flow channel 12 is formed, forming an enclosed space, and then cutting the glass substrate to a predetermined size with a dicer or the like. An inlet 14 and an outlet 15 of the flow channel 12 are formed on the end surface cut by the dicer. Various processing methods can be selected for forming the flow channel 12 on the glass substrate depending on the shape of the flow channel 12, that is, the width, depth, and length of the flow channel 12. For example, when the material of the fluidic device 10 is glass and the flow channel width is 100 μm or less, an etching processing method is used. On the other hand, when the flow channel width is 200 μm or more, a mechanical processing method or a laser processing and embossing method is used.

[0027] 2 and 3, the tube 20 has a flow path 22 for transporting liquid supplied to the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 and / or liquid discharged from the flow path 12. The tube 20 connects the fluidic devices 10 to each other, or connects the fluidic device 10 to a liquid supplying device that supplies liquid raw material to the fluidic device 10, or to a tank that stores a product produced in the fluidic device 10. The diameter of the flow path 22 of the tube 20 may be larger than the width of the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10. The tip portion 21 of the tube 20 may have a flat surface perpendicular to the central axis of the tube.

[0028] The material of the tube 20 can be selected in consideration of various conditions such as the type of liquid used, the temperature of the liquid, and the pressure applied to the internal flow path 22. As the material of the tube 20, PEEK resin, which has excellent chemical resistance, heat resistance, and pressure resistance, as well as fluororesins such as PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane) and PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene), are often used.

[0029] 1, the holder 30 has two holding members 31a and 31b, each of which accommodates one of two opposing side surfaces 13 of the substrate 11 of the fluidic device 10 and holds the substrate 11 by sandwiching it between them. The holding members 31a and 31b may be made of a high-strength material such as PEEK resin. The holding members 31a and 31b each have a groove formed therein for accommodating an end portion including one side surface 13 of the substrate 11, and are configured so that the substrate 11 is accurately positioned with respect to the holding members 31a and 31b when the substrate 11 is fixed to the holder 30.

[0030] The holding members 31a and 31b are fixed by fastening members 32 with the ends of the substrate 11 fitted into the grooves and sandwiching the substrate 11 from both sides. For example, the holding members 31a and 31b are provided with two pairs of through holes facing each other at both ends in the direction in which the grooves extend, outside the portion in which the substrate is housed. The holding members 31a and 31b are fixed by two pairs of long bolts 33a, 33b that pass through the respective through holes, and nuts 34a, 34b. In this case, the long bolts 33a, 33b and the nuts 34a, 34b are the fastening members 32.

[0031] Each of the two holding members 31a, 31b is provided with a screw hole 35 having a thread formed thereon, corresponding to the position of the inlet 14 and / or the outlet 15 of the fluidic device 10. The screw hole 35 extends in a direction perpendicular to the side surface 13 of the substrate 11 from a position where the inlet 14 or the outlet 15 is located when the fluidic device 10 is fixed to the holder 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the flow path 22 of the tube 20 is fluidly connected to the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 by connecting a connector 40 to the screw hole 35 of the holder 30. In FIG. 2, the screw hole 35 has a thread formed around the entire inner circumference, but the thread may be formed only in a part of the screw hole 35.

[0032] The configuration of the connector 40 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector 40 connected to the holder 30. Figure 3 shows the connector 40 before being connected to the holder 30. The connector 40 includes a ferrule 41, a pressing member 42, and an O-ring 43 which is a sealing member. The pressing member 42, the ferrule 41, and the O-ring 43 are inserted in this order into the tube 20 toward the tip 21. In this state, the connector 40 has a shape which is approximately rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the tube 20.

[0033] The ferrule 41 has a substantially conical or truncated conical shape, and includes a flat first surface 41a and a tapered second surface 41b whose outer diameter decreases toward the end opposite to the first surface 41a. The ferrule 41 has a through hole 41d formed along the central axis of the cone or truncated cone shape, through which the tube 20 is inserted. The inner diameter of the through hole 41d is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 20. The ferrule 41 is slidable in the direction in which the tube 20 extends when the tube 20 is inserted. When the ferrule 41 is connected to the holder 30, the first surface 41a is located at the first end, which is one end of the through hole 41d that is on the substrate 11 side of the fluidic device 10. The second surface of the ferrule 41 has a shape in which the outer diameter gradually decreases toward the second end, which is the other end of the through hole 41d. The ferrule 41 is formed of a material that is chemical resistant and can be deformed by compression, such as fluororesin such as Teflon (registered trademark), polyimide, and graphite. The first surface 41a of the ferrule 41 is not limited to a flat surface. For example, the first surface 41a may be provided with a circular groove or recess for partially accommodating the O-ring 43. stomach.

[0034] The pressing member 42 is a cylindrical member including a threaded portion 42a having a thread formed on the outer periphery and a manual rotating portion 42b having a knurling process or the like. The threaded portion 42a is configured to screw into the threaded hole 35 of the holder 30. The pressing member 42 is coupled to the holder 30 by manually rotating the manual rotating portion 42b, whereby the threaded portion 42a screws into the threaded hole 35. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the threaded portion 42a is formed over the entire outer periphery, but the thread may be formed only on a part of the portion that fits into the threaded hole 35 of the pressing member 42. The portion that fits into the threaded hole 35 is called the threaded portion 42a, including the portion where the thread is not formed. The pressing member 42 has a through hole 42d through which the tube 20 is inserted along the central axis. The inner diameter of the through hole 42d is larger than the outer diameter of the tube 20 so that the pressing member 42 can rotate and slide relative to the tube 20.

[0035] A recess 42c is formed at the tip of the screw portion 42a of the pressing member 42 on the side coupled to the holder 30, recessed around the position of the through hole 42d. The recess 42c has a shape that at least partially abuts against the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41 when the connector 40 is connected to the holder 30. The recess 42c may have a shape that fits the second surface 41b in accordance with the tapered shape of the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41. However, the recess 42c does not need to have a tapered surface that exactly contacts the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41. The recess 42c may have a shape that takes into account the shape of the ferrule 41 after deformation. In addition, the recess 42c may have a shape that contacts the second surface 41b from all directions around the through hole 41d. The shape of the recess 42c may be any shape that allows a radially inward pressing force to be evenly applied to the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41 when the connector 40 is screwed into the holder 30.

[0036] The O-ring 43 is an annular member having elasticity, such as rubber, that is disposed on the first surface side of the ferrule 41 with the tube 20 inserted therethrough. When the connector 40 is connected to the holder 30, the O-ring 43 is pressed between the side surface 13 of the substrate 11 of the fluidic device 10 and the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41, and is deformed and expanded. As a result, the O-ring 43 seals the gap between the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 and the flow path 22 of the tube 20 so as not to leak. The sealing member is not limited to the O-ring 43. The connector 40 may use other types of sealing members, such as a gasket or a rubber packing, to seal the gap between the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10 and the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41.

[0037] (Method of connecting a fluid device and a tube) Next, with reference to the flowchart of Figure 4, a method of connecting the opening of the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 using the connector 40 of the present disclosure, i.e., the inlet 14 or the outlet 15, to the tip 21 of the tube 20 will be described.

[0038] First, an operator fixes the fluidic device 10 to the holder 30 (step S1). In this state, each opening of the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 approximately coincides with the center of the end of the screw hole 35 of the holder 30 on the fluidic device 10 side.

[0039] The operator inserts the tube 20 through the pressing member 42, the ferrule 41, and the O-ring 43 (step S2). Step S2 may be performed before step S1. The order of steps S1 and S2 does not matter.

[0040] The operator holds the manual rotating portion 42b of the pressing member 42 and passes the tube 20 through the screw hole 35 of the holder 30 (step S3). The operator abuts the tip portion 21 of the tube 20 against the side surface 13 around the opening of the fluidic device 10. This connects the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 and the flow path 22 of the tube 20. The following steps S4 to S7 are carried out by the operator when the tube 20 is inserted into the holder 30. This is performed in a state where the tip 21 of the fluid device 10 abuts against the side surface 13 of the fluid device 10.

[0041] 42 The worker moves the pressing member 42 toward the holder 30, aligns the screw portion 42a with the screw hole 35 of the holder 30, and rotates the manual rotation portion 42b to screw the screw portion 42a into the screw hole 35 of the holder 30 (step S4).

[0042] The operator rotates the pressing member 42 in a direction in which the screw portion 42a fits into the screw hole 35, thereby advancing the pressing member 42 toward the fluidic device 10 (step S5). When the pressing member 42 advances toward the tip portion 21 of the tube 20 and comes into contact with the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41, the ferrule 41 is also pushed by the pressing member 42 and advances toward the fluidic device 10. Furthermore, when the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41 comes into contact with the O-ring 43, the O-ring 43 is also pushed by the ferrule 41 and advances toward the fluidic device 10. Furthermore, when the operator rotates the manual rotation portion 42b, the O-ring 43 comes into contact with the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10.

[0043] When the operator further rotates the manual rotation part 42b, the O-ring 43 is pressed between the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41 pressed by the pressing member 42 and the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10 (step S6). The pressed O-ring 43 is deformed as shown in FIG. 2. The pressing force of the O-ring 43 pressing the side surface 13 prevents liquid leakage from the contact portion between the O-ring 43 and the side surface 13. Similarly, liquid leakage from the contact portion between the O-ring 43 and the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41 is prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent liquid leakage to the outside of the O-ring 43 from the connection portion between the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 and the flow path 22 of the tube 20. In addition, by pressing the outer periphery of the tube 20, the O-ring 43 can prevent liquid from leaking from the connection portion between the flow path 12 of the fluid device 10 and the flow path 22 of the tube 20 to between the outer periphery of the tube 20 and the inner periphery of the through hole 41c of the ferrule 41.

[0044] When the operator further rotates the manual rotation unit 42b, the ferrule 41 is pressed toward the fluidic device 10 by the pressing member 42. As a result, a pressing force having an inward component acts on the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41 while the O-ring 43 is pressed between the first surface 41a and the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10. As a result, the ferrule 41 is deformed and fixed in a state in which the tube 20 is tightened inward (step S7). As a result, leakage between the outer periphery of the tube 20 and the through hole 42d of the ferrule 41 is prevented. Note that the pressing of the O-ring 43 in step S6 and the deformation of the ferrule in step S7 may be performed in parallel, rather than sequentially.

[0045] As described above, according to the connection method using the connector 40 of the present disclosure, in connection between the fluidic device 10 and the tube 20, in addition to the sealing by the O-ring 43 which is a sealing member, the sealing effect due to the deformation of the ferrule 41 can further prevent the occurrence of liquid leakage. As a result, the connection method using the connector 40 of the present disclosure can be applied to a fluidic device 10 in which a higher pressure is applied to the flow path 12.

[0046] Furthermore, the connector 40 of the present disclosure is not a system in which a single connector is used to connect a plurality of tubes 20, but rather a connector 40 is provided for each connection between each opening, such as the inlet 14 and the outlet 15, and the tube 20. This makes it possible to adjust and manage the torque applied to the pressing member 42 for each connection so as not to cause liquid leakage.

[0047] Furthermore, in the connector 40 of the present disclosure, the tip 21 of the tube 20 is fixed by abutting it against the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10 with the tube 20 inserted through the O-ring 43. This prevents the O-ring 43 from moving or expanding, thereby narrowing the flow path and preventing the tip 21 of the tube 20 from moving.

[0048] (Fluid Systems) Next, a description will be given of fluid systems 50A and 50B in which a plurality of fluid devices 10 are connected in series using a connection structure including a connector 40 of the present disclosure. In the following Figs. 5 and 6, the holder 30 and the connector 40 are omitted, and only the fluid devices 10 and the tubes 20 are mainly shown. In addition, in order to distinguish between the individual fluid devices 10, they are represented as fluid devices 10A-10H. In addition, in order to distinguish between the individual tubes 20, they are represented as tubes 20A-20O. The inlet 14 and the outlet 15 are also omitted from the display. In the following, two or more fluid devices 10A-10H may be collectively referred to as a fluid device 10. Two or more tubes 20A-20O may be collectively referred to as a tube 20.

[0049] The fluid system 50A in FIG. 5 includes a plurality of fluidic devices 10A-10D arranged on the same plane, and tubes 20A-20I for feeding liquid to be introduced into and / or discharged from the fluidic devices 10A-10D. The tubes 20A and 20B are connected to an inlet 14 provided on a side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10A, and feed liquid from, for example, a liquid supply device to the fluidic device 10A. The tube 20C connects a discharge port 15 provided on the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10A to an inlet 14 provided on the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10B, and feeds liquid processed and discharged by the fluidic device 10A to the fluidic device 10B. The tube 20D is connected to an inlet 14 provided on the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10B, and feeds liquid from a liquid supply device or another fluidic device 10 to the fluidic device 10B. Fluidic devices 10B, 10C, and 10D are similar to fluidic device 10A, tubes 20E and 20G are similar to tube 20C, and tubes 20F and 20H are similar to tube 20D, so their explanations are omitted. A tube 20I is connected to the outlet 15 of fluidic device 10D, and sends the liquid product after processing in fluidic device 10D to a storage tank or the like.

[0050] In the fluid system 50A, the discharge port 15 and the inlet port 14 provided on the opposing side surfaces 13 of the adjacent fluidic devices 10A-10D are connected by the tubes 20C, 20E, and 20G connected perpendicularly to the side surfaces 13. That is, the connectors 40 at both ends of the tubes 20C, 20E, and 20D are connected in a direction along the surface on which each fluidic device 10 is placed. For this reason, in the fluidic system 50A, it is not necessary to greatly curve the tubes 20C, 20E, and 20G between the discharge port 15 of the upstream fluidic device 10 and the inlet port 14 of the downstream fluidic device 10. As a result, in the fluidic system 50A, it is possible to set the interval between the adjacent fluidic devices 10A-10D to be short. Furthermore, by arranging the discharge port 15 and the inlet port 14 at mutually opposing positions on the respective side surfaces 13 between the adjacent fluidic devices 10A-10D, it is possible to arrange the tubes 20C, 20E, and 20G in a straight line. This allows the spacing between the fluidic devices 10A-10D to be even shorter.

[0051] The fluid system 50B in Fig. 6 includes four fluidic devices 10E-10H arranged three-dimensionally, and tubes 20J-20P for delivering liquid supplied to these fluidic devices 10E-10H and / or liquid discharged from these fluidic devices 10E-10H. The tubes 20J and 20K are similar to the tubes 20A and 20B in the fluidic system 50A in Fig. 5, and supply liquid from a liquid supply device or the like to the fluidic device 10E. The tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O are similar to the tubes 20C, 20E, and 20G in the fluidic system 50A in Fig. 5, and are connected to the discharge port 15 located on the side surface 13 of the upstream fluidic devices 10E, 10F, and 10G, respectively, and the inlet port 14 located on the side surface 13 of the downstream fluidic devices 10F, 10G, and 10H. That is, the fluidic devices 10E and 10F, the fluidic devices 10F and 10G, and the fluidic devices 10G and 10H are respectively configured by using the tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O. , and openings located on the sides of each tube are connected to each other. Tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O send liquid that has been processed and discharged in fluidic devices 10E, 10F, and 10G, respectively, to fluidic devices 10F, 10G, and 10H. Tube 20N is similar to tubes 20D, 20F, and 20H in Fig. 5, and tube 20P is similar to tube 20I in Fig. 5, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] In the fluid system 50B, the fluidic devices 10E-10H may be arranged, for example, in two-tiered racks having an upper tier and a lower tier. That is, the fluidic devices 10E-10H may be arranged at different positions not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction relative to each other. The vertical direction is a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the substrate 11 of the fluidic device 10 extends when the substrate 11 is arranged horizontally. For example, the fluidic devices 10E and 10G are arranged in the upper tier rack, and the fluidic devices 10F and 10H are arranged in the lower tier rack. The tubes 20L and 20O connect between the outlets 15 of the fluidic devices 10E and 10G arranged in the upper tier rack and the inlets 14 of the fluidic devices 10F and 10H arranged in the lower tier rack, respectively. The tube 20M connects between the outlets 15 of the fluidic device 10F arranged in the lower tier rack and the inlet 14 of the fluidic device 10G arranged in the upper tier rack.

[0053] The tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O are all connected perpendicularly to the side surface 13 of the fluidic devices 10E-10H. Therefore, the length of the tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O can be shorter than, for example, a case where one end is connected perpendicularly to the upper surface of the upper fluidic device, the other end is connected perpendicularly to the upper surface of the lower fluidic device, and the tube is routed between them. According to a prototype performed by the present inventors, it was confirmed that the required space length can be reduced to about 1 / 3 when the fluidic devices 10 are arranged in two layers, upper and lower, by the connection structure of the present disclosure, compared to a case where the fluidic devices 10 are connected in series using a conventional connection method for fluidic devices. Furthermore, in the conventional technology, a large space was necessarily required above the substrate because the connector was connected perpendicularly to the substrate surface of the substrate. On the other hand, in the fluidic system 50B of the present disclosure, the connector 40 is connected in a direction along the substrate 11 of the fluidic device 10, so that the space between the upper fluidic device 10 and the lower fluidic device can be narrowed.

[0054] Furthermore, when performing a chemical reaction operation in a fluid device, particularly a microfluidic device, precise temperature control is required. For example, in order to promote a chemical reaction in a short time, the temperature of the liquid may be heated to about 100°C to 150°C. However, when the tube 20 connecting the fluid device 10 is long, the liquid may be affected by the outside air temperature when being transported through the tube 20. In the fluid system 50B of the present disclosure, the length of the tube 20 can be made shorter than in the prior art, so that the temperature change of the liquid to be processed can be reduced.

[0055] In addition, in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the number of fluidic devices 10 connected in series is described as four, but the number of fluidic devices 10 is not limited to four. A larger number of fluidic devices 10 can be connected in series. In addition, when the fluidic devices 10 are arranged three-dimensionally, the number of stages in the height direction of the fluidic devices 10 is not limited to two stages. The fluidic devices 10 can be arranged in a larger number of stages. In addition, the fluidic system 50 can increase the yield of the product by numbering up the sets of the plurality of fluidic devices 10 connected in series and arranging them in parallel in a plurality of sets. In this way, even when a large number of fluidic devices 10 are arranged, the fluidic system 50B of the present disclosure can be configured relatively compactly because the fluidic devices 10 can be arranged in the height direction and the intervals between the fluidic devices 10 can be narrowed.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and many modifications and variations are possible. The connector, the fluid device, the connection structure of the fluid device, and the configuration of the fluid system of the above-described embodiment are merely examples. The configuration may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. The composition may be modified in any manner, including additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes.

[0057] For example, in the above embodiment, the inlet 14 and outlet 15 of the fluidic device are disposed on two opposing side surfaces 13 of the rectangular fluidic device 10. However, the positions of the inlet 14 and outlet 15 are not limited thereto. For example, the inlet 14 and outlet 15 may be disposed on two, three, or four adjacent side surfaces of the rectangular fluidic device 10. In each case, the holder 30 may be configured so that the connector 40 can be connected depending on the positions of the inlet 14 and outlet 15.

[0058] 5 and 6, a plurality of fluidic devices 10 having similar structures are connected in series. However, the fluidic devices 10 connected in series do not need to have the same or similar structures. Each of the fluidic devices 10 may have a different structure.

[0059] Although the fluidic device 10 of the present disclosure has been described as a microfluidic device with a flow channel width on the order of μm, the dimensions of the flow channels of the fluidic device 10 of the present disclosure are not limited to this. The fluidic device 10 may have a flow channel width of 1 mm or more, or a flow channel width of less than 1 μm.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the operations performed by the fluidic device 10 are liquid mixing, reaction, and the like. However, the operations performed by the fluidic device 10 are not limited to these. In addition, the fluid passing through the flow path of the fluidic device 10 is not limited to only liquids and may include gases. The operations performed by the fluidic device 10 may include liquid-phase mixing, liquid-phase reaction, gas-liquid mixing, gas-liquid reaction, extraction, distillation, concentration, slurry mixing, solid-phase extraction, particle separation / liquid separation, crystallization, cell culture, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10,10A-10H Fluid Devices 11 Substrate 12 Flow Path 13 Side 14 Inlet (opening) 15 Discharge port (opening) 20,20A-20P Tube 21 Tip 22 Flow Path 30 Holder 31a, 31b Holding member 32 Fastening members 33a, 33b Long bolt 34a, 34b Nut 35 screw hole 40 Connectors 41 Feral 41a 1st page 41b 2nd side 41c: Through hole 42 Pressing member 42a Threaded part 42b Manual Rotation Unit 42c Recess 42d Through hole 43 O-ring (sealing material) 50 Fluid Systems 110 Fluid Devices 111 Flow Path 112 Board surface 113 Tube

Claims

1. A connector for connecting a tip end of a tube for connecting a flow channel to an opening of the flow channel provided on a side surface of a plate-like fluidic device having the flow channel formed therein, a ferrule having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, a first surface facing the side surface of the fluidic device at a first end along the through hole, and a tapered second surface having an outer diameter decreasing toward a second end opposite the first end along the through hole; a cylindrical pressing member having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member having a recess capable of contacting the second surface of the ferrule; a seal member disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device, through which the tube is inserted; The connector is configured so that the opening and the tip portion are connected by the pressing member pressing the ferrule toward the fluid device.

2. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the pressing member has a threaded portion configured to screw into a screw hole located at a position corresponding to the opening of a holder that fixes the fluid device, and the pressing member is configured to advance toward the fluid device by rotating in a direction in which the threaded portion screws into the screw hole, thereby pressing the ferrule toward the fluid device.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the ferrule is configured to be deformed by a pressing force applied to the second surface while the sealing member is pressed between the first surface and the side surface of the fluidic device by the pressing member against the fluidic device, thereby tightening and fixing the tube.

4. The connector of claim 3 , wherein the ferrule is configured to provide a fluid seal between the ferrule and the tube when the tube is secured thereto.

5. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the sealing member is an O-ring.

6. A connection structure for connecting a tip end of a tube for connecting a flow channel to a plate-like fluidic device having an opening of the flow channel formed therein and on a side surface of the device, the connection structure comprising: a holder for fixing the fluidic device and having a screw hole disposed at a position corresponding to the opening; a ferrule having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, a first surface facing the side surface of the fluidic device at a first end along the through hole, and a tapered second surface having an outer diameter decreasing toward a second end opposite the first end along the through hole; a cylindrical pressing member having a threaded portion that is screwed into the screw hole of the holder and a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member having a recess that comes into contact with the second surface of the ferrule; a seal member that is inserted into the tube and that is disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device; A connection structure comprising:

7. 1. A method for connecting a tip end of a tube for connecting a flow channel to a plate-like fluidic device having a flow channel formed therein and an opening of the flow channel on a side surface, comprising the steps of: Fixing the fluidic device using a holder having a screw hole disposed at a position corresponding to the opening; The tube is inserted through a pressing member, a ferrule, and a sealing member; the pressing member is a cylindrical pressing member having a threaded portion that is screwed into the screw hole of the holder and a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member having a recess on the ferrule side, the ferrule has a through hole through which the tube is inserted, a first surface facing the side surface of the fluidic device on the sealing member side, and a tapered second surface having an outer diameter decreasing toward an end portion on the pressing member side, the sealing member is disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device; The pressing member is rotated in a direction in which the screw portion is screwed into the screw hole, thereby the pressing member advances toward the fluidic device, and the recess presses the second surface of the ferrule against the fluidic device; A connection method in which, with the first surface of the ferrule pressing the sealing member against the side surface of the fluidic device, the ferrule deforms due to a pressing force applied to the second surface, thereby tightening and fixing the tube.

8. A fluid system comprising two or more fluid devices whose openings located on the sides of each other are connected using the connector and tube described in claim 1, the fluid devices being positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the plane on which the fluid devices extend.

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