Connection device

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connection devices between two microchannels or millichannels of two fluid elements. The present invention also relates to fluid elements comprising such devices.

[0002] Fluid elements compatible with the present invention comprise open channels and thus define an inlet and / or an outlet capable of receiving another fluid element. The present fluid element then involves connecting two fluid elements while maintaining sufficient flow between their respective channels. The flow relates to fluids that can be liquid and / or gaseous.

[0003] The technical field of microfluidics or millifluidics involves the flow of liquids and / or gases in channels on the order of micrometers or millimeters. The dimensions of the channels related to microfluidics are on the order of about tens to hundreds of microns, and in the case of millifluidics, about 1 millimeter. This channel size involves specific flow rules, especially in the case of laminar flow where it is important not to interrupt the flow. In addition, such channel sizes can involve small amounts of liquid available, and it is important to limit the loss of liquid in microfluidic devices (i.e., dead space).

[0004] In the field described above, it is known to connect two fluid elements by pressure by press-fitting a first fluid element into a second fluid element. For example, a tube is forced into the inlet of a microfluidic chip. To fix the connection, an adhesive can be placed on the tube / inlet assembly either before or after. However, this practice has several drawbacks such as the risk of leakage, low pressure resistance, the risk of partial or total blockage of the channel, and the release of contaminants from the adhesive into the fluid.

[0005] Another strategy consists of manufacturing fluid devices in which standard male or female connectors (thread pitch, luer, etc.) are already included in the design. Regardless of the complexity of manufacturing this type of connector into the fluid device itself, this represents a non-negligible form factor of about 1 centimeter, which can be a problem for the compactness of the device.

[0006] The present invention intends to overcome these disadvantages by proposing a simple connection device that can be fixed without using additional materials such as adhesives.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a connection device between two microchannels or two millichannels of two fluid elements, comprising complementary means for holding the device, having a dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluid elements. The implementation form of the complementary means between the device and the outer surface of one of the two fluid elements enables fixing the connection between the two channels. The dedicated outer surface of the fluid element corresponds to the end surface thereof that is intended to be connected to the second fluid element. In addition, such a device enables easier implementation of the connection between the two fluid elements.

[0008] Advantageously, the connection device is arranged such that the connection between the microchannels or millichannels of two fluid elements is sealed against the external environment of these fluid elements. Preferably, the connection device is arranged to counteract the penetration of solids, liquids, and / or gases through this connection from the outside of the fluid element into one and / or the other of the microchannels or millichannels, and to counteract the leakage of solids, liquids, and / or gases through this connection from one and / or the other of the microchannels or millichannels to the outside of the fluid element. Thus, by using this connection device, it is ensured that no contaminants can be introduced into the assembly of fluid elements, that the assembly is sterile, and that its handling can be carried out under sterile conditions and environments. Therefore, this assembly finds advantageous applications particularly in the fields of health, the pharmaceutical industry, and biotechnology.

[0009] According to a feature of the invention, the complementary retaining means comprise at least one continuous barbed connector located within a dedicated cavity of the fluid element, the barbed connector being supported on a dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluid elements. The mounting configuration of the at least one continuous barbed connector ensures sealing of the two connected fluid elements. Thus, this device is present at the inlet or outlet of the fluid element directly related to the connection of the channels, or this device is an external fluid element that ensures the connection of two other fluid elements. In addition, the barbed shape not only facilitates the insertion of the fluid element but also makes it possible to prevent the fluid element from easily coming off, especially when a pressure increase occurs. Finally, the barbed connector makes it possible to ensure sealing and pressure resistance.

[0010] According to another feature of the invention, the complementary retaining means comprise at least two connectors that are parallel to each other and are supported on a dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluid elements. The mounting configuration of the two barbed connectors makes it possible to increase leak tightness and tear resistance, and further makes it possible to design a device with 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 in the cavity, and the second fluid element comprises a dedicated outer surface. Thus, this device can be incorporated into the fluid element or can be a third element enabling the first two connections. Thus, the barbed connector according to the present invention is disposed within the cavity of the fluid element. The mounting form of the barbed connector within the cavity minimizes the dead space between the two fluid elements. Thus, the device according to the present invention enables better compactness of the connection itself as compared to existing connection devices of, for example, the "Luer", "Luer lock", or "Luer slip" type. Also, contrary to certain existing devices that require nesting two fluid elements within each other, the diameter of one of the fluid elements does not change. The fluid element that meshes with the device can actually be a standard tube.

[0012] According to one feature of the present 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 meshing fluid element deforms when inserted into the cavity carrying at least one barbed connector.

[0013] According to one feature of the present invention, at least one barbed connector comprises a substantially polygonal profile. The polygonal shape makes it possible to effectively suppress the pressure of the inserted fluid element. This embodiment increases the sealing of the coupler between the two fluid elements.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one barbed connector comprises a substantially right triangular profile. This profile shape is most suitable for maintaining the connection.

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

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, one of the fluid elements comprises a microfluidic or millifluidic chip. This device fits particularly well at the inlet or outlet of the fluid chip.

[0017] According to one feature of the present invention, the device further comprises an additional external holding system. The implementation of the additional holding system allows fixing the connection over time, particularly when it is intended to keep the fluid elements connected.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a microfluidic or millifluidic chip comprising a connecting device between the microchannels or millichannels of the chip and the microchannels or millichannels of the fluid element.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a connection bridge between two microchannels or two millichannels of two fluid elements, comprising complementary holding means of a device having the two fluid 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 mutually contradictory or exclusive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] In addition, various other features of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying description, which refers to the drawings illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0022] Note that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to different variants may have the same reference numerals.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The present invention aims to propose a simple and sealed connection device between two microchannels or two millichannels of two fluid elements. The fluids involved are liquids, gases, or mixtures.

[0024] For these purposes, the device according to the present invention, shown in FIG. 1 and generally designated by reference numeral 1, is used to connect two microchannels or millichannels 2 of two fluid elements 3a, 3b.

[0025] Fluid elements 3a, 3b compatible with the present invention can be flexible or semi-flexible tubes, rigid tubes that can direct the flow, or nozzles provided with tips for the flow to pass through, or microfluidic or millifluidic chips intended for different functions with respect to the passing flow, or bridges that can connect two fluid elements. This list is not exhaustive with respect to the use of the device 1 according to the present invention.

[0026] According to one embodiment particularly shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 enables the connection between two channels 2a, 2b of each of the two fluid elements 3a, 3b. In the case of elements related to microfluidic devices, the channels are microchannels having a diameter of about 1 micrometer, and in the case of elements related to millifluidics, the channels are millichannels having a diameter of about 1 millimeter. Subsequently, the flow of the fluid element moves along the direction Z.

[0027] In FIG. 1, a first fluid element 3a, for example a fluid chip, carries the device 1 according to the invention, and a second fluid element 3b is, for example, a semi-rigid tube intended to be connected to the inlet of the fluid chip 3a.

[0028] The fluid elements 3, 3a carrying the barb connector 10 can include various materials such as, by way of example only, glass, plastic, or composite materials, or metallic materials. Additionally, according to a particular embodiment of the fluid elements 3, 3a supporting the device 1, the barb connector 10 can include a material different from the material of the related fluid elements 3, 3a.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the barb connector 10 includes a material that is more rigid than the fluid element 3b with which the barb connector 10 meshes. The fluid element 3b intended to engage with the barb connector can actually include a more elastic material such as an elastomeric or composite mixture that is more elastic than the material comprising the barb connector 10.

[0030] According to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 includes a barb connector 10 located in a cavity that defines an inlet or outlet of the fluid chip 3a.

[0031] The inlet of the fluid chip 3a and the tube 3b are substantially cylindrical in shape and have diameters of substantially the same length. The tube 3b is intended to be introduced into the inlet of the fluid chip 3a. Thus, the barb connector 10 in the form of an extra thickness is pressed against the dedicated outer end surface of the tube 3b. The barb connector 10 is a continuous extra thickness. Exemplary embodiments of the barb connector 10 will be described below.

[0032] 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 portion having a substantially through-tube shape with a dedicated outer surface that can mesh with the dedicated inner surface of the cavity that defines the inlet or outlet of the other chip 3a.

[0033] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the device 1 comprising three consecutive and mutually parallel barbed connectors 10.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device 1 comprises at least one continuous barbed connector 10, and may also comprise at least one other discontinuous connector 10 that is discontinuous and parallel to the continuous barbed connector 10. Such a discontinuous connector 10 is, for example, in the form of three continuous arcs.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention, particularly intended for the connection between two flexible or semi-flexible or rigid tubes 3b. For these purposes, the fluid element 3a is substantially a connecting bridge in the shape of a hollow cylinder carrying two devices 1 according to the present invention. Each device 1 is intended to be opposite to the fluid element 3b. As can be seen in Figure 4, the two mounted devices 1 pass through the center of the first fluid element 3a and are symmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the direction Z of the fluid flow. This embodiment does not limit the present invention, and the fluid connection bridge 3a can carry two devices 1 of different shapes.

[0036] Figure 4 shows a fluid chip comprising three devices 1 according to the present invention. Each of the three visible inputs or outputs of the fluid chip 3 can be connected to another fluid element 3b (not shown) by the device 1 to ensure continuity and guarantee the reliability of the flow between various elements.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an additional external holding system. This is, for example, an adhesive tape 20 disposed around the connection between the two fluid elements 3a, 3b. Other additional holding systems can increase the protection of the connection.

[0038] The barbed connector 10 compatible with the present invention has an extra thickness on the inner surface of the cavity that defines the inlet or outlet of the fluid elements 3, 3a.

[0039] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the barbed connector 10 is continuous, which has the shape of a continuous ring of excessive thickness on the inner surface of the inlet or outlet of the fluid chip 3.

[0040] FIG. 6 schematically shows the profile of the device 1 provided with several barbed connectors 10. This profile is substantially triangular in shape with a flat portion Lrim at its top. The first angle β defines the profile of the barbed connector 10. This angle β is present on the side intended to receive the fluid element 3b. The 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 diameter of the inlet or outlet of the fluid element 3a that supports the device 1 according to the present invention, which is half of the value of the diameter of the said inlet or outlet. Also, the angle γ defines the reduced angle between the direction formed by the continuous ridges of the barbed connector 10 when the height h of each barbed connector 10 increases and the direction Z corresponding to the insertion direction of the second fluid element 3b.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it comprises four intersecting connectors 10 located at the fluid element inlet 3a having a diameter of 1.48 to 1.58 mm. The angle α is 60 to 90°. The angle β is 135 to 140°. The height of each barbed connector is 0.15 to 0.31 mm. In this embodiment, these value ranges are compatible with the present invention.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the angle γ can be varied between 0 and 7.78°. Preferably, the angle γ is close to zero.

[0043] This embodiment does not limit the present invention. In fact, especially when connecting the two microchannels of two fluid elements, other quantities are also compatible with the present invention.

[0044] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the present invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connecting device (1) between two microchannels or two millichannels (2, 2a, 2b) of two fluid elements (3, 3a, 3b), comprising complementary holding means of the device (1) having a dedicated external surface of one of the two fluid elements (3, 3b).

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

3. The connecting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the complementary retaining means comprises at least two parallel connectors (10) that are supported on the dedicated outer surface of one of the two fluid elements (3b).

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

5. The connecting device (1) according to claim 4, wherein at least the fluid element (3, 3a) supporting the barbed connector (10) includes a material that is more rigid than the second fluid element (3a).

6. The connecting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein at least one barbed connector (10) includes a substantially polygonal profile.

7. The connecting device (1) according to claim 6, wherein at least one barbed connector (10) includes a substantially right-angled triangular profile.

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

9. The connecting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein one of the fluid elements (3, 3a, 3b) comprises a microfluidic or millifluidic tip.

10. The connecting device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising an additional external holding system (20).

11. A microfluidic chip or millifluidic chip (3, 3a), wherein the connection device (1) described in claim 1 is provided between the microchannel or millichannel of the chip and the microchannel or millichannel of the fluid element.

12. A connecting bridge (3, 3a) between two microchannels or two millichannels (2b) of two fluid elements (3b), comprising two devices (1) as described in claim 1, wherein each device (1) is connected to one of the two fluid elements (3b).

Images