Tube connection system and tube connector set

Abstract

Provided is a tube connection system that is suitable for aseptically connecting various tubes. The tube connection system A1 comprises: first and second holders 2A, 2B for holding first and second tube connectors 1A, 1B; a movement means 3 for moving the first and second holders 2A, 2B toward and away from each other; a heating means 4; and a withdrawal means 5. Each of the first and second tube connectors 1A, 1B includes a tube attachment section arranged on one side in a first direction x, a heat-weldable flange section 12 arranged on the other side in the first direction x, and a sealing body 16 that has higher thermal conductivity than the flange section 12 and covers the flange section 12. The first and second holders 2A, 2B are capable of holding the first and second tube connectors 1A, 1B with the sealing bodies 16 of the first and second tube connectors 1A, 1B facing each other. The heating means 4 is capable of heating each of the sealing bodies 16 of the first and second tube connectors 1A, 1B. The withdrawal means 5 makes it possible to withdraw each of the sealing bodies 16 of the first and second tube connectors 1A, 1B in a second direction y orthogonal to the first direction x.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tube connection system for aseptically connecting tubes and a tube connector set.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device for aseptically joining tubes has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tube joining device for joining two tubes. The tube joining device disclosed in this document includes a pair of clamps that hold two tubes at two locations with a gap therebetween, a cutting plate that cuts the two tubes, and moving means for appropriately moving the clamps. When joining tubes, first, the two tubes are cut between the pair of clamps by a heated cutting plate, and the clamps are rotationally moved so that the cut surfaces of the two tubes face each other. Next, the cutting plate is retracted, and the cut surfaces in the high-temperature state are pressed against each other in the axial direction, whereby the cut surfaces are welded to form one tube. The above tube joining device is used for aseptically joining tubes, for example, when replacing a dialysate bag and a waste liquid bag.

[0003] In the above conventional tube joining device, it is necessary to appropriately move the clamps with high precision, which has led to complication and enlargement of the overall configuration of the device. Further, when the diameters and materials of the two tubes to be joined are different, the tubes cannot be appropriately joined.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This disclosure was conceived under these circumstances and aims to provide a tube connection system suitable for aseptically connecting various tubes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To address the above challenges, this disclosure employs the following technical measures.

[0007] A tube connection system provided by a first aspect of this disclosure comprises a first holder for holding a first tube connector and a second holder for holding a second tube connector, a moving means for moving the first holder and the second holder toward and toward each other, a heating means, and a pulling means, wherein the first tube connector and the second tube connector each comprises a tube mounting portion located on one side in a first direction, a heat-weldable flange portion located on the other side in the first direction, and an internal flow path penetrating in the first direction from the tube mounting portion to the flange portion, and The device includes a sealing body having higher thermal conductivity than the flange portion and covering the flange portion, wherein the first holder and the second holder are capable of holding the first tube connector and the second tube connector in a position where the respective sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector face each other, the heating means are capable of heating the respective sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector, and the extraction means are capable of extracting the respective sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first tube connector and the second tube connector are further provided.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the moving means has a first position in which the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector are positioned facing each other and spaced apart, a second position in which the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector are brought into contact with each other, and a third position in which the flange portions of the first tube connector and the second tube connector are pressed together. The heating means heats the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector when in the second position, and the pulling means pulls out the heated sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector in the second direction when in the second position.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the flange portion has an annular first end face facing the other side in the first direction, and a flange recess located radially inward of the first end face and recessed from the first end face toward one side in the first direction, wherein the flange recess surrounds the internal flow path when viewed in the first direction.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, each of the first tube connector and the second tube connector is fitted into the flange recess and comprises an annular elastic body having a higher heat resistance temperature than the first end face, the annular elastic body having a first through hole leading to the internal flow path and a second end face that is located on the other side in the first direction from the first end face in its natural state and faces the other side in the first direction, and the sealant covers the first end face and the second end face.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, each of the first tube connector and the second tube connector is fitted into the flange recess and comprises an annular body having a higher heat resistance temperature than the first end face, the annular body having a second through hole leading to the internal flow path and a third end face facing the other side in the first direction, and the sealing body covers the first end face and the third end face.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, each of the first holder and the second holder has a first mating shape, each of the first tube connector and the second tube connector has a second mating shape, and the first mating shape and the second mating shape can be mated in a positioning state.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the system further includes a sealant retrieval unit for retrieving the sealant that has been extracted by the extraction means.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the sealant includes a thin metal plate or a thin metal film.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing body has a first portion that overlaps with the flange portion when viewed in the first direction, and a second portion that extends from the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first surface of the second part facing one side in the first direction is provided with an anti-slip structure.

[0018] A tube connector set provided by a second aspect of this disclosure is a tube connector set comprising a tube connection system according to a first aspect of this disclosure, comprising the first tube connector and the second tube connector.

[0019] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a tube connection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a tube connection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the first tube connector. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the second tube connector. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a schematic perspective view for explaining the holding structure of the first and second tube connectors by the first and second holders. [Figure 10] It is a schematic perspective view for explaining the holding structure of the first and second tube connectors by the first and second holders. [Figure 11] It is a front view for explaining the procedure of connecting the first and second tube connectors. [Figure 12] It is a front view for explaining the procedure of connecting the first and second tube connectors. [Figure 13] It is a front view for explaining the procedure of connecting the first and second tube connectors. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the first and second tube connectors. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification example of the first and second tube connectors. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the first and second tube connectors according to the first modification example. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification example of the first and second tube connectors. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the first and second tube connectors according to the second modification example. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view showing a third modification example of the first and second tube connectors. [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the first and second tube connectors according to the third modification example. [Figure 21]This is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the first and second tube connectors. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the first and second tube connectors according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view showing a fifth modified example of the first and second tube connectors. [Figure 24] This is a front view showing the connection procedure for the first and second tube connectors according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 25] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tube connector set related to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] The terms "First," "Second," "Third," etc., used in this disclosure are merely labels and are not necessarily intended to assign a sequence to the objects.

[0023] Figures 1 and 2 show a tube connection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The tube connection system A1 of this embodiment comprises a first tube connector 1A, a second tube connector 1B, a first holder 2A, a second holder 2B, a moving means 3, a heating means 4, a pulling means 5, and a sealing body recovery unit 6. The tube connection system A1 connects a pair of tubes 7 attached to the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B via the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B. The application of the tube connection system A1 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is used in the field of cell culture to connect a culture medium bag and a cell culture bag. In this case, one end of the pair of tubes 7 is connected to the culture medium bag, and the other end is connected to the cell culture bag.

[0024] The tube connection system A1 is configured, for example, with a connection device body 9, and the first holder 2A, second holder 2B, moving means 3, heating means 4, and pulling means 5 are arranged appropriately on the connection device body 9. In the illustrated example, the connection device body 9 includes a fixed housing 91 and a movable housing 92. The fixed housing 91 is located on the left side in the figure and is roughly U-shaped. The movable housing 92 is located on the right side in the figure and is roughly L-shaped.

[0025] The first holder 2A is fixed to the upper part of the fixed housing 91. In the illustrated example, the first holder 2A is located at the upper right end of the fixed housing 91. The second holder 2B is fixed to the upper part of the movable housing 92. In the illustrated example, the second holder 2B is located at the upper left end of the movable housing 92. The first holder 2A and the second holder 2B are provided projecting upward from the upper parts of the fixed housing 91 and the movable housing 92. As shown in Figure 1, the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction x (left-right direction in the figure).

[0026] The first tube connector 1A is held in the first holder 2A. The second tube connector 1B is held in the second holder 2B. The first tube connector 1A held in the first holder 2A and the second tube connector 1B held in the second holder 2B are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction x. Details of the first tube connector 1A, the second tube connector 1B, the first holder 2A, and the second holder 2B will be described later.

[0027] The moving means 3 moves the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B toward and toward each other (in the illustrated example, in the first direction x). In the illustrated example, the moving means 3 is configured with a slide mechanism 31. The slide mechanism 31 includes a drive gear 32 (pinion gear portion) and a movable shaft 33 (rack gear portion), and is a rack and pinion mechanism that moves the movable shaft 33 in the first direction x. The drive gear 32 is located inside the fixed housing 91 and is rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown). The movable shaft 33 has a rack gear portion that meshes with the drive gear 32 (pinion gear portion). The left portion of the movable shaft 33 in the figure is supported so as to be slidable along the first direction x relative to the fixed housing 91. The right end of the movable shaft 33 in the figure is fixed to the movable housing 92. When the drive gear 32 rotates due to the drive source (not shown) described above, the movable shaft 33 moves along the first direction x, thereby making it possible to move the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B closer to or further apart from each other in the first direction x. Figure 1 shows the state in which the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B are close to each other, and Figure 2 shows the state in which the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B are separated from each other. Note that the specific configuration of the moving means 3 is not limited to the above. In addition to the gear mechanism described above, the moving means 3 may be configured by an actuator using a power cylinder, for example.

[0028] An operating switch 93 is provided at an appropriate location on the fixed housing 91. For example, by operating the operating switch 93, the moving means 3 is activated, changing the state in which the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B are separated from each other (see Figure 2) to a state in which the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B are close to each other (see Figure 1). In addition, by operating the operating switch 93, the heating means 4 and the extraction means 5, which will be described later, are activated.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first tube connector 1A has a tube mounting portion 11, a flange portion 12, a body portion 13, an internal flow path 14, a locking flange 15, and a sealing body 16. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the second tube connector 1B has a tube mounting portion 11, a flange portion 12, a body portion 13, an internal flow path 14, a locking flange 15, and a sealing body 16. In this embodiment, the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B have the same structure. Details of the structure of the first tube connector 1A (second tube connector 1B) will be explained mainly with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0030] The tube mounting portion 11 is located on one side in the first direction x (hereinafter referred to as "one side in the first direction x1" as appropriate). In the illustrated example, the tube mounting portion 11 is configured as a barb joint, and the flexible tube 7 can be attached by externally fitting and press-fitting the tube 7 into this tube mounting portion 11. Note that the shape of the tube mounting portion 11 is not limited to the illustrated example, and for example, the tube 7 may be internally fitted into the tube mounting portion 11. Alternatively, the tube 7 may be adhesively fixed in place while externally or internally fitted into the tube mounting portion 11.

[0031] The flange portion 12 is separated from the tube mounting portion 11 in a first direction x and is located on the other side of the first direction x (hereinafter referred to as "the other side of the first direction x2" as appropriate). The flange portion 12 is generally disc-shaped. The body portion 13 connects the tube mounting portion 11 and the flange portion 12 in the first direction x. In the illustrated example, the body portion 13 is a block shape with a generally rectangular cross-section. The internal flow path 14 is a through hole that penetrates from the tube mounting portion 11 to the flange portion 12 in the first direction x. The locking flange 15 is a part that locks into the appropriate place on the first holder 2A (second holder 2B). In the illustrated example, a pair of locking flanges 15 are provided that extend horizontally (in a direction perpendicular to the first direction x) from one end x1 of the body portion 13 in the first direction.

[0032] The flange portion 12 has an end face 120 facing the other side x2 in the first direction. The end face 120 is annular. At least the end face 120 of the flange portion 12 is made of a heat-weldable material. In this embodiment, the tube mounting portion 11, the flange portion 12, the body portion 13, and the pair of locking flanges 15 are integrally formed from a heat-weldable synthetic resin. Examples of heat-weldable resin materials include, but are not limited to, relatively low-melting-point thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene and polyolefin elastomer (POE). Unlike this embodiment, the portion including the end face 120 of the flange portion 12 may be made of a heat-weldable material, and other portions may be made of different materials (for example, a resin material with a higher heat resistance temperature, or a metal material). In the illustrated example, the body portion 13 is in the shape of a rectangular block, but from the viewpoint of preventing shrinkage during resin molding, the body portion 13 may be appropriately recessed and configured to make the thickness of each part of the body portion 13 uniform.

[0033] The sealant 16 is a member that covers the flange portion 12 and has higher thermal conductivity than the flange portion 12. The sealant 16 includes a thin metal plate or a thin metal film. In this embodiment, the sealant 16 is composed of a laminate including a thin metal film. The sealant 16 has a structure in which a resin film heat-seal layer is laminated onto an aluminum foil, which is a thin metal film. The heat-seal layer of the sealant 16 adheres closely to the end face 120 of the flange portion 12 by heat welding and covers the end face 120.

[0034] In contrast to this embodiment, the sealant 16 may be constructed by applying a thin metal film to a heat-sealable resin film, such as an aluminum vapor-deposited film, by means of coating, plating, or painting. Alternatively, the sealant 16 may be composed of a thin metal plate or a thin metal film alone. In this case, for example, the sealant 16 (a thin metal plate or a thin metal film alone) and the end face 120 of the flange portion 12 are joined by welding. The material of the thin metal plate is not particularly limited, and for example, a thin copper plate or a thin aluminum plate can be used. Furthermore, the sealant 16 may not include a thin metal plate or a thin metal film. The sealant 16 may be composed of a thin plate made of a ceramic material with high thermal conductivity, such as alumina.

[0035] The sealant 16 includes a first part 161 and a second part 162. The first part 161 is the portion that overlaps with the flange portion 12 when viewed in a first direction x. In this embodiment, this first part 161 is heat-welded to the end face 120 of the flange portion 12 and covers the end face 120. The second part 162 is connected to the first part 161 and extends from the first part 161 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction x (downward in Figures 4 and 7).

[0036] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views illustrating the holding structure of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B by the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B. As shown in Figure 9, the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B each have a connector receiving portion 21 and a cover portion 22. The connector receiving portion 21 is rectangular in shape with an open top. The cover portion 22 is rotatably connected to the appropriate location on the connector receiving portion 21. The cover portion 22 can rotate around an axis along a first direction x and close the top of the connector receiving portion 21.

[0037] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, each of the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B has a first mating shape F1. Each of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B has a second mating shape F2. The first mating shape F1 and the second mating shape F2 are matable with each other.

[0038] In this embodiment, the connector receiving portion 21 (a rectangular portion with an open top) in each of the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B is included in the first mating shape F1. In addition, the flange portion 12, body portion 13, and pair of locking flanges 15 in each of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are included in the second mating shape F2.

[0039] The dimensions of the body portion 13 in the first direction x (the gap between the flange portion 12 and the locking flange 15 in the first direction x) are approximately the same as the dimensions of the connector receiving portion 21 in the first direction x. The dimensions of the body portion 13 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction x are approximately the same as the gap of the connector receiving portion 21 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction x. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, when the first tube connector 1A (second tube connector 1B) is set in the first holder 2A (second holder 2B), the first mating shape F1 and the second mating shape F2 are mated in a positional state. Therefore, the first tube connector 1A (second tube connector 1B) is positioned relative to the first holder 2A (second holder 2B) in the direction perpendicular to the first direction x and in the rotational direction around the first direction x. As shown in Figure 10, the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B can hold the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B in a position where their respective sealing bodies 16 face each other. Note that the first mating shape F1 in the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B, and the second mating shape F2 in the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are not limited to the shapes shown in this embodiment, but can be changed as appropriate.

[0040] The heating means 4 heats the respective seals 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figures 1 and 11, the heating means 4 includes, for example, a heating source 41, a heating element 42, and a heat transfer section 43. The specific configuration of the heating source 41 is not particularly limited, but can appropriately use, for example, a heater using a resistor that generates heat when an electric current is passed through it (such as a nichrome wire heater or a ceramic heater), frictional heat due to ultrasonic vibration, or electromagnetic induction heating. The heating element 42 is, for example, a metal rod with excellent thermal conductivity, and the tip of the heating element 42 is in contact with the seal 16. The heat transfer section 43 is in contact with both the heating source 41 and the heating element 42 and is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity. As shown in Figure 1, when the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B are in close proximity to each other, the seals 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are in contact with each other. The sealing body 16 is heated up by the heat transferred from the heating source 41 through the heat transfer section 43 and the heating element 42.

[0041] The extraction means 5 is for extracting the respective seals 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B. In the illustrated example, the extraction means 5 comprises a drive gear 51, a first gear 52, a first roller 53, and a second roller 54. The drive gear 51 is located inside the fixed housing 91 and is rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown). The first gear 52 and the first roller 53 are integrally connected and located inside the fixed housing 91. The first gear 52 meshes with the drive gear 51, and when the drive gear 51 is rotationally driven, the first gear 52 and the first roller 53 rotate in the opposite direction to the drive gear 51. The second roller 54 is located inside the movable housing 92 and is rotatably supported by the movable housing 92. The first roller 53 and the second roller 54 extract the respective seals 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B. When the first tube connector 1A is held in the first holder 2A, the first roller 53 contacts the second portion 162 of the sealant 16 in the first tube connector 1A. Similarly, when the second tube connector 1B is held in the second holder 2B, the second roller 54 contacts the second portion 162 of the sealant 16 in the second tube connector 1B. As will be described in detail later, as shown in Figure 13, the extraction means 5 can extract the respective sealants 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B in a second direction y (downward in the figure) perpendicular to the first direction x.

[0042] The sealing body retrieval unit 6 retrieves the sealing body 16 that has been pulled out by the pulling means 5. As shown in Figure 1, the sealing body retrieval unit 6 is positioned in the second direction y (downward in the figure) relative to each of the sealing bodies 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B. In the illustrated example, the sealing body retrieval unit 6 is fixed to the fixed side housing 91 and is, for example, a transparent resin case body having an opening 61 at the top.

[0043] Next, the procedure for connecting the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B using the tube connection system A1 will be explained with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

[0044] As shown in Figure 11, the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are pre-set in the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B. In the state shown in Figure 11, the sealing bodies 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B face each other and are separated from each other in the first direction x. The arrangement of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B shown in Figure 11 corresponds to an example of the "first position" of this disclosure.

[0045] Next, the moving means 3 is activated to bring the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B closer together, as shown in Figure 12. In the state shown in Figure 12, the seals 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are in contact with each other. In the illustrated example, the first part 161 of the seal 16 sandwiched between the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B is pressed against each other. Also, the second part 162 of the seal 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B is sandwiched between the first roller 53 and the second roller 54 and is pressed against each other. At this point, the heating means 4 heats each seal 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B via the heating element 42. As a result, the seal 16 and each end face 120 of the flange portion 12 covered by the seal 16 are heated up, and each end face 120 is heated to a state where it can be heat-welded. The arrangement of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B shown in Figure 12 corresponds to an example of the “second position” of this disclosure.

[0046] In the illustrated example, a pair of heating elements 42 are provided that individually contact the respective sealing bodies 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, one heating element 42 may be provided that contacts the sealing body 16 of the first tube connector 1A, and this one heating element 42 may heat each of the sealing bodies 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B that are pressed against each other.

[0047] Next, the extraction mechanism 5 is activated to pull out the sealant 16. Specifically, in the state shown in Figure 12, the first roller 53 is driven to rotate clockwise. Here, the second roller 54 receives a reaction force from the pair of sealants 16 sandwiched between it and the first roller 53 and rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to the first roller 53. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the heated pair of sealants 16 are pulled out in the second direction y (downward in the figure). The pulled-out pair of sealants 16 are collected by the sealant recovery unit 6 shown in Figure 1. At the same time that the pair of sealants 16 are pulled out, the second holder 2B moves towards the first holder 2A due to the operation of the moving mechanism 3, and the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B press against each other. As explained with reference to Figure 12, each end face 120 of the flange portion 12 is heated to a state where it can be heat-welded, and the end faces 120 of the flange portions 12 to be pressed together are joined by heat welding. In this way, the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are connected. After that, the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are removed from the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B. Note that the arrangement of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B shown in Figure 13 corresponds to an example of the "third position" of this disclosure.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the first roller 53 and the second roller 54 are configured to pull out the pair of seals 16, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The pulling means 5 may be configured by an actuator such as a solenoid (electromagnetic valve), and the pair of seals 16 may be pulled out while being clamped.

[0049] Figure 14 shows the connection state of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B. As shown in Figure 14, the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are connected to each other, thereby creating communication between the internal flow path 14 of the first tube connector 1A and the internal flow path 14 of the second tube connector 1B. The pair of left and right tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portions 11 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are connected via the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B. In Figure 14, for the sake of drawing convenience, the end faces 120 of the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are clearly shown. As described above, the end faces 120 are integrally joined by heat welding, so it is thought that the thickness of the end faces 120 actually changes to a thinner shape. This is also true in the modified examples described later.

[0050] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0051] In the tube connection system A1 of this embodiment, the first holder 2A that holds the first tube connector 1A and the second holder 2B that holds the second tube connector 1B are movable toward and toward each other by a moving means 3. The first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B each have a tube mounting portion 11 located on one side x1 in the first direction, a flange portion 12 located on the other side x2 in the first direction, an internal flow path 14 that penetrates from the tube mounting portion 11 to the flange portion 12 in the first direction x, and a sealing body 16 that covers the flange portion 12. The flange portion 12 is heat-weldable, and the sealing body 16 has higher thermal conductivity than the flange portion 12. The sealing bodies 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B held by the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B are arranged in a position facing each other. Furthermore, each of the sealing bodies 16 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B can be heated by the heating means 4 and pulled out in the direction perpendicular to the first direction x (second direction y) by the pulling means 5. With this configuration, by appropriately operating the moving means 3, heating means 4, and pulling means 5, the heated flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B can be joined by heat welding, as described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. The flange portions 12 are joined at the same time as the sealing body 16 is pulled out. Therefore, the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are connected aseptically without bacteria or foreign matter being introduced from the outside air. As a result, a pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portions 11 of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B can be connected aseptically via the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B.

[0052] In the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B of the tube connection system A1, the pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portion 11 can be made of appropriately different materials. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a pair of tubes 7 made of different materials can be appropriately joined via the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B.

[0053] The first holder 2A, which holds the first tube connector 1A, and the second holder 2B, which holds the second tube connector 1B, move relative to each other only in the first direction x by the moving means 3. With a tube connection system A1 having such a configuration, the overall configuration can be simplified and miniaturized.

[0054] In this embodiment, unlike the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the design allows for the first holder 2A and the second holder 2B to protrude from the main body 9 of the connecting device, making it easy to set even short tubes 7. Therefore, it is possible to pre-set the length of the tube 7 to be short, thereby suppressing the loss of contents (such as culture medium in cell culture applications) from containers connected to the end of the tube 7.

[0055] Figure 15 shows a first modified example of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B shown in the above embodiment. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B according to the first modified example, and is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figures 4 and 7. In the drawings from Figure 15 onward, elements that are the same as or similar to those of the first tube connector 1A (second tube connector 1B) in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the configurations of each part in the modified examples from Figure 15 onward can be appropriately combined with each other to the extent that no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0056] In this modified example, the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B have the same structure. Each flange portion 12 of the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B has a first end face 121 and a flange recess 122. The first end face 121 faces the other side x2 in the first direction and is an annular plane. The flange recess 122 is recessed radially inward from the first end face 121 toward one side x1 in the first direction. In this modified example, the diameter of the tube mounting portion 11 and the diameter of the internal flow path 14 are smaller than those of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the diameter of the tube 7 attached to the tube mounting portion 11 is smaller than in the above embodiment.

[0057] The diameter of the flange recess 122 is larger than the diameter of the internal flow path 14, and the flange recess 122 surrounds the internal flow path 14 when viewed in the first direction x. The first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B of this modified example can be connected to each other using the same procedure as the connection procedure for the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B of the above embodiment described with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

[0058] Figure 16 shows the connection state of the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B. As shown in Figure 16, when the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B are connected to each other, the internal flow path 14 of the first tube connector 101A and the internal flow path 14 of the second tube connector 101B communicate with each other via the flange recess 122. The pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portion 11 of the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B are connected via the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B. The flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B are connected aseptically without contamination from bacteria or foreign matter from the outside air. As a result, the pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portions 11 of the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B can be aseptically connected via the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B.

[0059] In this modified example, the flange portion 12 has a first end face 121 and a flange recess 122. The flange recess 122 is recessed radially inward from the first end face 121 in one direction x1. The flange recess 122 surrounds the internal flow path 14 when viewed in the first direction x. With this configuration having a flange recess 122, when the sealing body 16 covering the first end face 121 of the flange portion 12 is pulled out, even if a film-like burr is formed on the first end face 121 by the melted resin, it is possible to prevent the burr from blocking the internal flow path 14. In addition, it provides the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0060] Figure 17 shows a second modified example of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B shown in the above embodiment. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B according to the second modified example, and is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figures 4 and 7.

[0061] In this modified example, the first tube connector 102A has the same structure as the first tube connector 1A in the above embodiment, and the second tube connector 102B has the same structure as the second tube connector 101B in the above modified example. The flange portion 12 of the second tube connector 102B has a first end face 121 and a flange recess 122. The diameter of the tube mounting portion 11 and the diameter of the internal flow path 14 in the second tube connector 102B are smaller than those of the first tube connector 102A. Furthermore, the diameter of the tube 7 attached to the tube mounting portion 11 of the second tube connector 102B is smaller than the diameter of the tube 7 attached to the tube mounting portion 11 of the first tube connector 102A. The first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B in this modified example can be connected to each other using the same procedure as the connection procedure for the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B in the above embodiment described with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

[0062] Figure 18 shows the connection state of the first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B. As shown in Figure 18, when the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B are connected to each other, the internal flow path 14 of the first tube connector 102A and the internal flow path 14 of the second tube connector 102B communicate with each other via the flange recess 122. The pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portions 11 of the first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B are connected via the first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B. The flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B are connected aseptically without contamination from bacteria or foreign matter from the outside air. As a result, the pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portions 11 of the first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B can be aseptically connected via the first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B.

[0063] In this modified example, the diameter of the tube attachment portion 11 in the second tube connector 102B is smaller than the diameter of the tube attachment portion 11 in the first tube connector 102A. With this configuration, a pair of tubes 7 with different diameters can be appropriately and aseptically connected via the first tube connector 102A and the second tube connector 102B. In addition, it provides the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0064] Figure 19 shows a third modified example of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B shown in the above embodiment. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B according to the third modified example, and is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figures 4 and 7.

[0065] As shown in Figure 19, the flange portion 12 of each of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B has a first end face 121 and a flange recess 122, similar to the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B of the first modified example described above. In this modified example, each of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B is provided with an annular elastic body 17 fitted into the flange recess 122. The annular elastic body 17 has a first through hole 171 and a second end face 172. The first through hole 171 leads to an internal flow path 14. The second end face 172 faces the other side x2 in the first direction and is located x2 in the other side x2 in the first direction relative to the first end face 121 of the flange portion 12 in its natural state. The sealant 16 (first part 161) covers the first end face 121 of the flange portion 12 and the second end face 172 of the annular elastic body 17. The annular elastic body 17 has a higher heat resistance temperature than the flange portion 12 (first end face 121). The annular elastic body 17 is made of an elastically deformable soft material. The constituent material of the annular elastic body 17 is not particularly limited, but silicone rubber is an example. The first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B of this modified example can be connected to each other using the same procedure as the connection procedure for the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B of the above embodiment described with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

[0066] Figure 20 shows the connection state of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B. As shown in Figure 20, when the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B are connected to each other, the internal flow path 14 of the first tube connector 103A and the internal flow path 14 of the second tube connector 103B communicate with each other through the first through hole 171. The pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portions 11 of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B are connected via the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B. The flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B are connected aseptically without contamination from bacteria or foreign matter from the outside air. As a result, the pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portions 11 of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B can be aseptically connected via the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B.

[0067] In this modified example, an annular elastic body 17 is fitted into the flange recess 122, and the second end face 172 of the annular elastic body 17 protrudes in the other direction x2 in the first direction from the first end face 121 of the flange portion 12 in its natural state. With this configuration, in the connection state of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B shown in Figure 20, the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B are joined together by heat welding (the first end faces 121 of each). The annular elastic bodies 17 of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B are compressed against each other, and their second end faces 172 are pressed together. With this modified example, the sealing performance of the connection portion of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B is improved by the annular elastic body 17, and leakage of fluids, etc., at the connection portion can be appropriately prevented. In addition, it provides the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0068] Figure 21 shows a fourth modified example of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B shown in the above embodiment. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B according to the fourth modified example, and is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figures 4 and 7.

[0069] As shown in Figure 21, the flange portion 12 of each of the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B has a first end face 121 and a flange recess 122, similar to the first tube connector 101A and the second tube connector 101B of the first modified example described above. In this modified example, each of the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B is provided with an annular body 18 fitted into the flange recess 122. The annular body 18 has a second through hole 181 and a third end face 182. The second through hole 181 leads to an internal flow path 14. The third end face 182 faces the other side x2 in the first direction. The sealant 16 (first part 161) covers the first end face 121 of the flange portion 12 and the third end face 182 of the annular body 18. The annular body 18 only needs to have a higher heat resistance temperature than the flange portion 12 (first end face 121), and the constituent material of the annular body 18 is not particularly limited. For example, if the constituent material of the flange portion 12 (first end face 121) is polyethylene, then polypropylene, which has a higher heat resistance temperature (higher melting point) than polyethylene, can be used as the constituent material of the annular body 18. The first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B of this modified example can be connected to each other using the same procedure as the connection procedure for the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B of the above embodiment described with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

[0070] Figure 22 shows the connection state of the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B. As shown in Figure 22, when the flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B are connected to each other, the internal flow path 14 of the first tube connector 104A and the internal flow path 14 of the second tube connector 104B communicate with each other through the second through hole 181. The pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portions 11 of the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B are connected via the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B. The flange portions 12 of the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B are connected aseptically without the intrusion of outside air or foreign matter. As a result, the pair of tubes 7 attached to the tube mounting portions 11 of the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B can be aseptically connected via the first tube connector 104A and the second tube connector 104B.

[0071] In this modified example, an annular body 18 is fitted into the flange recess 122, and the first end face 121 of the flange portion 12 and the third end face 182 of the annular body 18 are covered by the sealant 16 (first part 161). With this configuration, when the sealant 16 covering the first end face 121 of the flange portion 12 is pulled out, even if burrs are generated on the first end face 121 by the melted resin, the third end face 182 (annular body 18), which is radially inward from the first end face 121, prevents the burrs from extending into a film, thus preventing problems such as blocking the second through-hole 181 leading to the internal flow path 14. In addition, it provides the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0072] Figure 23 shows a fifth modified example of the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B shown in the above embodiment. Figure 23 is a perspective view of the first tube connector 105A and the second tube connector 105B according to the fifth modified example, and is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 9.

[0073] As shown in Figure 23, in each of the sealing bodies 16 of the first tube connector 103A and the second tube connector 103B, a plurality of protrusions 164 are provided on the first surface 163 of the second part 162 facing one side x1 in the first direction. The plurality of protrusions 164 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction y. Each of the plurality of protrusions 164 is a band-shaped projection extending in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction x and the second direction y.

[0074] Figure 24 shows the connection procedure of the first tube connector 105A and the second tube connector 105B of this modified example, and is a front view similar to that of Figure 12. As shown in Figure 24, the surfaces of the first roller 53 and the second roller 54 are pressed against the protrusions 164 provided on each of the pair of sealants 16. With this configuration, the gripping force when pulling out the pair of sealants 16 is increased by the first roller 53 and the second roller 54, and the multiple protrusions 164 provided on the first surface 163 provide an anti-slip effect when pulling out the pair of sealants 16. The multiple protrusions 164 provided on the first surface 163 are an example of the "anti-slip structure" of this disclosure. Note that the specific configuration of the anti-slip structure is not limited to the above-mentioned protrusions 164. The anti-slip structure can take various forms, such as roughening the first surface 163 by texturing, embossing, blasting, etching, printing, painting, coating, bonding of different materials, welding of different materials, or insert molding of different materials.

[0075] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tube connector set constituting the tube connection system according to this disclosure. The tube connector set B1 shown in Figure 25 comprises a first tube connector 1A and a second tube connector 1B. In the illustrated example, in addition to the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B, the tube connector set B1 includes a pair of tubes 7, a culture medium bag 81 and a cell culture bag 82.

[0076] The culture medium storage bag 81 is connected to one end of tube 7 attached to the first tube connector 1A. Culture medium (culture solution) is contained inside the culture medium storage bag 81. Tube 71 is provided in the culture medium storage bag 81. The culture medium in the culture medium storage bag 81 is injected through tube 71 in a sterile environment, and a seal portion 711 is formed at the tip of tube 71, which is closed by heat welding after the culture medium is injected. A pump P is connected to the other end of tube 7 attached to the second tube connector 1B. The cell culture bag 82 is connected to the pump P via tube 72. Tube 72 is the inflow channel for the culture medium. Tube 73 is connected to the cell culture bag 82. Tube 73 is the discharge channel for the culture medium in the cell culture bag 82. A waste liquid bag, for example (not shown), is connected to the end of tube 73.

[0077] The first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B constituting the tube connector set B1 can be aseptically connected to each other using the same procedure as the connection procedure for the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B in the above embodiment described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. With the tube connector set B1, after the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B are aseptically connected, culture medium can be supplied from the culture medium bag 81 to the cell culture bag 82 via the first tube connector 1A, the second tube connector 1B, and the pump P, thereby enabling cell culture in the cell culture bag 82.

[0078] Although Figure 25 shows a specific example of the configuration of tube connector set B1, the configuration of the tube connector set of this disclosure is not limited to this. Various bags and containers can be appropriately selected and connected to the ends of the pair of tubes 7 attached to the first tube connector 1A and the second tube connector 1B.

[0079] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The specific configuration of each part of the tube connection system according to the present invention can be freely modified in various ways.

[0080] This disclosure includes the following annotations:

[0081] [Note 1] A first holder for holding the first tube connector, and a second holder for holding the second tube connector, A moving means for moving the first holder and the second holder in directions toward and toward each other, Heating method, Equipped with a means for extraction, The first tube connector and the second tube connector each include a tube mounting portion located on one side in a first direction, a heat-weldable flange portion located on the other side in the first direction, an internal flow path extending in the first direction from the tube mounting portion to the flange portion, and a sealing body having higher thermal conductivity than the flange portion and covering the flange portion. The first holder and the second holder are capable of holding the first tube connector and the second tube connector in a position where the respective sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector face each other. The heating means is capable of heating the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector, The withdrawal means enables the withdrawal of the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, in a tube connection system. [Note 2] The tube connection system according to Appendix 1, further comprising the first tube connector and the second tube connector. [Note 3] The moving means has a first position in which the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector are positioned facing each other and spaced apart, a second position in which the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector are brought into contact with each other, and a third position in which the flange portions of the first tube connector and the second tube connector are pressed together. The heating means heats the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector when it is in the second position. The tube connection system according to Appendix 2, wherein the withdrawal means withdraws the heated seals of the first tube connector and the second tube connector in the second direction when in the second position. [Note 4] The flange portion has an annular first end face facing the other side in the first direction, and a flange recess located radially inward of the first end face and recessed from the first end face toward one side in the first direction. The tube connection system according to Appendix 2 or 3, wherein the flange recess surrounds the internal flow path when viewed in the first direction. [Note 5] Each of the first tube connector and the second tube connector is fitted into the flange recess and comprises an annular elastic body with a higher heat resistance temperature than the first end face. The annular elastic body has a first through-hole leading to the internal flow path, and a second end face that is located on the other side in the first direction from the first end face in its natural state and faces the other side in the first direction. The sealing body covers the first end face and the second end face, and is part of the tube connection system as described in Appendix 4. [Note 6] Each of the first tube connector and the second tube connector is fitted into the flange recess and comprises an annular body with a higher heat resistance temperature than the first end face. The annular body has a second through-hole leading to the internal flow path and a third end face facing the other side in the first direction, The sealing body covers the first end face and the third end face, and is part of the tube connection system as described in Appendix 4. [Note 7] Each of the first holder and the second holder has a first fitting shape, Each of the first tube connector and the second tube connector has a second mating shape, The tube connection system according to any one of the appendices 2 to 6, wherein the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape can be fitted together in a positioning state. [Note 8] The tube connection system according to any one of appendices 2 to 7, further comprising a sealant retrieval unit for retrieving the sealant pulled out by the aforementioned pulling means. [Note 9] The tube connection system according to any one of appendices 2 to 8, wherein the sealing body includes a thin metal plate or a thin metal film. [Note 10] The tube connection system according to any one of appendices 2 to 9, wherein the sealing body has a first portion that overlaps with the flange portion when viewed in the first direction, and a second portion that extends from the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. [Note 11] The tube connection system according to Appendix 10, wherein a non-slip structure is provided on the first surface facing one side in the first direction in the second part. [Note 12] A tube connector set comprising a tube connection system as described in any of appendices 2 to 11, A tube connector set including the first tube connector and the second tube connector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] A1: Tube connection system, B1: Tube connector set, 1A, 101A, 102A, 103A, 104A, 105A: First tube connector, 1B, 101B, 102B, 103B, 104B, 105B: Second tube connector, 11: Tube mounting part, 12: Flange part, 120: End face, 121: First end face, 122: Flange recess, 13: Body part, 14: Internal flow path, 15: Locking flange, 16: Sealing body, 161: First part, 162: Second part, 163: First surface, 164: Protrusion (anti-slip structure), 17: Annular elastic body, 171: First through hole, 172: Second end face, 18: Annular body, 181: Second through hole, 182: Third end face, 2A: 1st holder, 2B: 2nd holder, 3: means of moving, 31: sliding mechanism, 32: drive gear, 33: movable shaft, 4: heating means, 41: heat source, 42: heating element, 43: heat transfer part, 5: withdrawal means, 51: drive gear, 52: 1st gear, 53: 1st roller, 54: 2nd roller, 6: seal recovery part, 61: opening, 7, 71, 72, 73: tube, 711: seal part, 81: culture medium bag, 82: cell culture bag, 9: connection device body, 91: fixed side housing, 92: movable side housing, 93: operation switch, F1: 1st fitting shape, F2: 2nd fitting shape, P: pump, x: 1st direction, x1: one side of the 1st direction, x2: the other side of the 1st direction, y: 2nd direction

Claims

1. A first holder for holding the first tube connector, and a second holder for holding the second tube connector, A moving means for moving the first holder and the second holder in directions toward and toward each other, Heating method, Equipped with a means for extraction, The first tube connector and the second tube connector each include a tube mounting portion located on one side in a first direction, a heat-weldable flange portion located on the other side in the first direction, an internal flow path extending in the first direction from the tube mounting portion to the flange portion, and a sealing body having higher thermal conductivity than the flange portion and covering the flange portion. The first holder and the second holder are capable of holding the first tube connector and the second tube connector in a position where the respective sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector face each other. The heating means is capable of heating the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector, The withdrawal means enables the withdrawal of the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, in a tube connection system.

2. The tube connection system according to claim 1, further comprising the first tube connector and the second tube connector.

3. The moving means has a first position in which the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector are positioned facing each other and spaced apart, a second position in which the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector are brought into contact with each other, and a third position in which the flange portions of the first tube connector and the second tube connector are pressed together. The heating means, when in the second position, heats the sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector, The tube connection system according to claim 2, wherein the withdrawal means withdraws the heated sealing bodies of the first tube connector and the second tube connector in the second direction when in the second position.

4. The flange portion has an annular first end face facing the other side in the first direction, and a flange recess located radially inward of the first end face and recessed from the first end face toward one side in the first direction. The tube connection system according to claim 2, wherein the flange recess surrounds the internal flow path when viewed in the first direction.

5. Each of the first tube connector and the second tube connector is fitted into the flange recess and is equipped with an annular elastic body with a higher heat resistance temperature than the first end face. The annular elastic body has a first through-hole leading to the internal flow path, and a second end face that is located on the other side in the first direction from the first end face in its natural state and faces the other side in the first direction. The tube connection system according to claim 4, wherein the sealing body covers the first end face and the second end face.

6. Each of the first tube connector and the second tube connector is fitted into the flange recess and comprises an annular body with a higher heat resistance temperature than the first end face. The annular body has a second through-hole leading to the internal flow path and a third end face facing the other side in the first direction. The tube connection system according to claim 4, wherein the sealing body covers the first end face and the third end face.

7. Each of the first holder and the second holder has a first fitting shape, Each of the first tube connector and the second tube connector has a second mating shape, The tube connection system according to claim 2, wherein the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape can be fitted together in a positioning state.

8. The tube connection system according to claim 2, further comprising a sealant retrieval unit for retrieving the sealant pulled out by the pulling means.

9. The tube connection system according to claim 2, wherein the sealing body includes a thin metal plate or a thin metal film.

10. The tube connection system according to claim 2, wherein the sealing body has a first portion that overlaps with the flange portion when viewed in the first direction, and a second portion that extends from the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. The tube connection system according to claim 10, wherein a non-slip structure is provided on the first surface facing one side in the first direction in the second part.

12. A tube connector set comprising a tube connection system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, A tube connector set including the first tube connector and the second tube connector.

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