Connectors and containers with connectors

Abstract

To provide a connector for joining the end faces of tubes, which can further reduce the risk of leakage at the joint between the end faces of the tubes. [Solution] A connector comprising a first connector 1A having a first connecting tube 12 and a second connector 1B having a second connecting tube 12, wherein the first connector 1A comprises a first holding structure 11 for holding the first connecting tube 12 and a first engaging member for engaging with the second connector, and the second connector 1B comprises a second holding structure 11 for holding the second connecting tube 12 and a second engaged portion for engaging with the first engaging member, and the connector is configured such that when the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are engaged, the ends of the first connecting tube 12 and the ends of the second connecting tube 12 come into contact with each other, and the contact force between the ends is increased by the pressure received from the fluid flowing inside the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for connecting tubes (pipes for fluid circulation) to each other and a container using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Biopharmaceuticals are produced through various steps, such as culturing cells or microorganisms, purifying the culture solution, inactivating cells, etc., concentrating the culture solution, and storing the produced drug substance. Since containers optimized for each step are used in each step, it is necessary to transfer liquid between containers. By the way, in the field of biopharmaceuticals, it is required to carry out the manufacturing process aseptically, and the transfer of liquid between containers also needs to be carried out aseptically. In order to meet such requirements, a technique for aseptically connecting two containers has been developed in a general environment, and various connectors have been proposed. As such a connector, a connector with a simpler configuration and capable of achieving high asepticity is disclosed by Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the connector of Patent Document 1, since it is a connector that directly joins the end faces of the tubes, the members intervening between the tubes to be connected can be reduced. Therefore, factors causing problems in airtightness (asepticity) etc. can be reduced as much as possible, and it can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. Such superior connectors can be used in a wider range of applications, not just as sterile connectors. By further reducing the risk of leakage at the joint between the ends of tubes, their usefulness as sterile connectors is enhanced (for example, they can accommodate larger diameters), and it is also expected that the potential for using these connectors in other applications will increase.

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide a connector for joining the end faces of tubes, which can further reduce the risk of leakage at the joint between the end faces of tubes (and a container using the same). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (Composition 1) A connector comprising a first connector having a first connecting tube and a second connector having a second connecting tube, wherein the first connector comprises a first holding structure for holding the first connecting tube and a first engaging member for engaging with the second connector, and the second connector comprises a second holding structure for holding the second connecting tube and a second engaged portion for engaging with the first engaging member, and is configured such that when the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the end of the first connecting tube and the end of the second connecting tube come into contact with each other, and the contact force between the ends is increased by the pressure received from the fluid flowing inside the connector.

[0007] (Configuration 2) The connector according to configuration 1, comprising a first pressure-receiving surface that receives pressure from the fluid, formed on the back side of at least a portion of the first contact surface of the first connecting tube that contacts the second connecting tube, or a second pressure-receiving surface that receives pressure from the fluid, formed on the back side of at least a portion of the second contact surface of the second connecting tube that contacts the first connecting tube.

[0008] (Composition 3) The connector according to configuration 2, wherein the first contact surface is provided with a first pressure-receiving surface on the back side of at least a portion of the first contact surface, and the second contact surface is provided with a second pressure-receiving surface on the back side of at least a portion of the second contact surface.

[0009] (Composition 4) The connector according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the first connecting tube has a first overhang portion that extends outwards from the outside of the tube and has a first contact surface and a first pressure-receiving surface, or the second connecting tube has a second overhang portion that extends outwards from the outside of the tube and has a second contact surface and a second pressure-receiving surface.

[0010] (Composition 5) A connector according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first connecting tube is flexible, or the second connecting tube is flexible.

[0011] (Composition 6) A connector according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein when the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the end of the first connecting tube and the end of the second connecting tube are pressed together, and the end of the first connecting tube and the end of the second connecting tube are displaced in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction by said pressing.

[0012] (Composition 7) The connector according to configuration 6, wherein the first connector and the second connector have recesses formed therein to receive the displaced end of the first connecting tube and the end of the second connecting tube.

[0013] (Composition 8) The first retaining structure comprises a first main body portion having the first engaging member, and a first retaining member joined to the first main body portion and holding the first connecting tube between itself and the first main body portion. The connector according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the second retaining structure comprises a second main body having the second engaged portion, and a second retaining member joined to the second main body and holding the second connecting tube between itself and the second main body.

[0014] (Composition 9) The connector according to configuration 8, wherein the first main body is made of a material with higher strength than the first retaining member, the first retaining member is made of a material that can be heat-welded to a protective sheet and is formed to surround the end of the first connecting tube, and the second main body is made of a material with higher strength than the second retaining member, the second retaining member is made of a material that can be heat-welded to a protective sheet and is formed to surround the end of the second connecting tube.

[0015] (Composition 10) The connector according to configuration 8 or 9, wherein the first main body and the second main body are made of polycarbonate, the protective sheet is made of polyethylene, and the first retaining member and the second retaining member are made of polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0016] (Composition 11) A connector according to any one of configurations 8 to 10, wherein a ring-shaped projection is formed on the surface of the first retaining member facing the second retaining member, and a ring-shaped projection is formed on the surface of the second retaining member facing the first retaining member.

[0017] (Composition 12) A container with a connector, comprising: the first connector or the second connector of the connector described in any of configurations 1 to 11; and a container connected directly or via other connecting members to the end of the first connecting tube opposite to the end of the second connecting tube opposite to the end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining end faces of tubes, which can further reduce the risk of leakage at the joint between the end faces of the tubes (and a container using the same).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] The figure showing the first connector (one of a pair of connectors having the same male and female shape) of the embodiment according to the present invention [Figure 2] The figure showing the first main body part [Figure 3] The figure showing the first holding member [Figure 4] The figure showing the first connection tube [Figure 5] The figure for explaining the connection of the connector of the embodiment [Figure 6] The figure for explaining the connection of the connector of the embodiment [Figure 7] The figure for explaining the connection of the connector of the embodiment [Figure 8] The figure for explaining the operation of the connector of the embodiment [Figure 9] The conceptual diagram showing an example of another configuration of the pressure receiving surface

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are one form when embodying the present invention, and do not limit the present invention within its scope.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a view showing the first connector (the first connector 1A which is one of a pair of connectors having the same shape) of the embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view seen from the joint surface side, FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view seen from the back side, FIG. 1(c) is a plan view seen from the joint surface side, and FIG. 1(d) is a cross-sectional view. Note that, except for FIG. 1(c), it is a view in which the first protective sheet 13 is omitted. The connector 1 of this embodiment is a sterile connector configured to connect fluid passages to each other and to prevent the intrusion of bacteria and other contaminants from the joint. Specifically, the first connector having one fluid passage (first connecting tube) and the second connector having the other fluid passage (second connecting tube) are engaged to aseptically connect the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube. As will become clear from the following description, the connector of this embodiment is configured such that when the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the ends of the first connecting tube and the ends of the second connecting tube come into contact with each other, and the contact force between these ends is increased by the pressure received from the fluid flowing inside the connector. The first connector (including the first connecting tube) and the second connector (including the second connecting tube) of the sterile connector in this embodiment are identical in shape (male and female are identical). The configuration of one connector (first connector 1A) will be described below, and a further explanation of the other connector (second connector 1B), which is identical in shape, will be omitted.

[0022] The first connector 1A is as shown in Figure 1. First connecting tube 12 and A first retaining structure 11 that holds the first connecting tube 12, It is equipped with, The first holding structure 11 comprises a first main body portion 111 and a first holding member 112 that is joined to the first main body portion 111 and holds the first connecting tube 12 between itself and the first main body portion 111. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1(c), the first connector 1A is equipped with a first protective sheet 13 that covers the end face of the first connecting tube 12. The first protective sheet 13 is removed after the first connector and the second connector are engaged with each other. In the following explanation, the side of each connector facing the other connector will be referred to as the "front" side, and the opposite side as the "rear" side. The direction from the rear to the front (or vice versa) will be referred to as the "connection direction." In addition, the side with the locking portion 1119 will be referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side as the lower side. These designations are for the convenience of explanation, and the designation of which side is the front, upper, etc., can be determined arbitrarily.

[0023] Figure 2 shows the first main body 111, with the following views: Figure 2(a): perspective view from the front, Figure 2(b): perspective view from the rear, Figure 2(c): plan view from the front (joint surface), Figure 2(d): plan view from the rear, Figure 2(e): bottom view, and Figure 2(f): side view. The first main body 111 is, A flange portion 1111 for engaging the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B (as mentioned above, the second connector has the same configuration as the first connector), A counterbore 1112 is formed on the surface of the flange portion 1111 facing the second connector 1B (i.e., the front side surface), A rear support 1113 holds the second flange 123 (see Figure 4) formed on the first connecting tube 12 from the rear side, The first engaging member, the engaging projection 1114, is for engaging with the second connector 1B, The engagement hole 1115 is a second engaged portion that engages with the first engaging member 1114 of the second connector 1B, A boss 1116 for aligning the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B when they are engaged, The boss hole 1117 that receives the boss 1116 of the second connector 1B, The engagement hole 1118 is the engaged portion that engages with the engagement projection 1124 (see Figure 3) of the first retaining member 112, A locking portion 1119 for securing the first protective sheet 13, It is equipped with.

[0024] The flange portion 1111 is a member that connects to the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B by butting them together (connected to each other by the engaging member 1114 and the engaging hole 1115), and a hole is formed in its center for inserting the first connecting tube 12. Around the central hole, a counterbore 1112 is formed on the front side, and a cylindrical rear support 1113 is formed on the rear side. The counterbore 1112 is formed as a stepped recess for receiving the first retaining member 112, which will be described below, and has an engagement hole 1118 which is an engaged portion for engaging the engaging projection 1124 of the first retaining member 112. The rear support 1113 protrudes cylindrically towards the rear of the flange portion 1111, and a reduced-diameter portion 11131 is formed at its rear end. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion of the rear support 1113 is formed to be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second flange 123 (see Figure 4) formed on the first connecting tube 12, and is configured to receive at least a part of the second flange 123. The reduced-diameter portion 11131 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second flange 123, and is formed to be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first connecting tube 12 on the rear side of the second flange 123, and is configured so that the rear side of the first connecting tube can be inserted through it, but the second flange 123 cannot. The flange portion 1111 has a boss 1116 (and a boss hole 1117 through which it is inserted) for alignment, an engagement projection 1114 (and an engagement hole 1115 for which it is engaged) for engaging the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B, and a locking portion 1119 for locking the first protective sheet 13. These structures may employ any structure or method that performs their respective functions, such as alignment and engagement. Furthermore, the outer diameter shape of the flange portion 1111 may be any shape, and reinforcing rib structures may be formed on the flange portion 1111 as appropriate.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the first retaining member 112, and the views are as follows: Figure 3(a): perspective view from the front, Figure 3(b): perspective view from the rear, Figure 3(c): plan view from the front (joint surface) side, Figure 3(d): plan view from the rear, Figure 3(e): side view, and Figure 3(f): cross-sectional view. The first retaining member 112 has a retaining member flange 1121, which is a generally disc-shaped member with a hole formed in the center through which the first connecting tube 12 is inserted. When assembled as the first connector 1A, the first retaining member 112 is formed to surround the end of the first connecting tube 12 (see Figure 1(a)). Around the central hole, a cylindrical portion 1122 is formed that protrudes to the rear side, and a tube fitting portion 1123 is formed at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 1122 so as to reduce the diameter of the cylindrical portion 1122. The cylindrical portion 1122 has an inner diameter that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tip portion of the first connecting tube 12 (first flange 122 (see Figure 4)), and is configured to receive the first flange 122 (see Figure 1(d)). The tube fitting portion 1123 is configured such that its rear end face is located on the front side of the second flange 123 of the first connecting tube 12. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the tube fitting portion 1123 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first flange 122, and as can be seen from Figure 1(d), etc., when the first main body portion 111, the first retaining member 112, and the first connecting tube 12 are assembled, the tube fitting portion 1123 is configured to be sandwiched between the first flange 122 and the second flange 123 of the first connecting tube 12. On the front side of the central hole of the first retaining member 112, a recess 1125 is formed by chamfering the corners of its inner circumference. As will be explained later, this recess 1125 functions to receive and support the ends of the first connecting tubes 12 that have been displaced by abutting against each other. A ring-shaped projection (a minute ring-shaped projection) 1126 is formed on the front surface of the first retaining member 112 (the surface facing the second retaining member 112 of the second connector 1B (which has the same configuration as the first retaining member)) to facilitate welding with the first protective sheet 13. Here, an example is given in which the ring-shaped projection 1126 is formed in a double layer, but it may also be a single layer or a triple or more layer. An engaging projection 1124 is formed on the periphery of the first retaining member 112 for engaging the first main body 111 and the first retaining member 112 with each other. The structure and method for engaging the first main body 111 and the first retaining member 112 with each other may be any structure or method that performs the function (the function of joining the two). In addition, although the first retaining member is generally disc-shaped as an example here, the outer diameter shape of the first retaining member may be any shape, and a rib structure for reinforcement may be formed as appropriate.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first main body portion 111 is made of polycarbonate, and the first retaining member 112 is made of polypropylene. Therefore, "the first main body portion is made of a material with higher strength than the first retaining member." Furthermore, the first protective sheet 13 is made of polyethylene, and the first retaining member 112, which is made of polypropylene, is "a member that can be heat-welded to the protective sheet and is formed to surround the end of the first connecting tube." The above configuration allows for a stronger connector while enabling the first protective sheet, made of polyethylene, to be attached by heat welding (in other words, without using adhesives or other dissimilar materials).

[0027] Figure 4 shows the first connecting tube 12, with Figure 4(a) being a side view, Figure 4(b) being a cross-sectional view, and Figure 4(c) being an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front side. The first connecting tube 12 is a flexible, elastic, and pliable tube, such as a fluororesin tube or a silicone tube, and can be selected according to the object. On the front side of the first connecting tube 12, A ring-shaped first overhang portion 121 that protrudes with a component extending from the outside of the tube toward the inside, The first flange 122 protrudes in a ring shape from the outer circumference of the tube, A second flange 123 protrudes in a ring shape from the outer circumference of the tube, It is formed.

[0028] The front end of the first connecting tube 12 has a first contact surface 1211 formed on its end face that contacts the second connecting tube 12, and at least a portion of the back side of the first contact surface 1211 has a first pressure receiving surface 1212 formed that receives pressure from the fluid flowing inside the connector (pressure in a direction that increases the contact force between the contact surfaces of the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube). The first canopy-like portion 121 has the first contact surface 1211 on its front side and the first pressure receiving surface 1212 on its rear side. On the outer circumference of the front end of the first connecting tube 12, a first flange 122 and a second flange 123 are formed in order from the front side. A ring-shaped recess (groove) is formed between the first flange 122 and the second flange 123, into which the tube fitting portion 1123 of the first retaining member 112 is fitted. As described above, the second flange 123 is supported from behind by the rear support 1113 of the first main body portion 111. Therefore, the second flange 123 is held in place by being sandwiched between the tube fitting portion 1123 of the first retaining member 112 and the rear support 1113 of the first main body portion 111. As a result, the first connecting tube 12 is firmly held by the first retaining structure 11. In addition, the first canopy portion 121 is configured to be located inside the first flange 122, and the first flange 122 is supported from behind by the tube fitting portion 1123 of the first retaining member 112. This ensures that when the end of the first connecting tube 12 is pressed against the connector during joining, it is firmly supported from behind (support against the direction in which the tube end expands in diameter).

[0029] When the first connecting tube 12 is incorporated into the first connector 1A, it is configured such that the front end of the first connecting tube 12 protrudes beyond the front surface of the first main body 111 and the first retaining member 112, as shown in Figure 1(d), etc. This configuration ensures that when the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are engaged, the end of the first connecting tube and the end of the second connecting tube are pressed together. The first connecting tube 12, which is made of a flexible, elastic, and pliable material, is configured so that when pressed together, the ends of the first connecting tube 12 (and the ends of the second connecting tube 12) are displaced in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction (in this embodiment, outward in the radial direction of the tube), i.e., expanded in diameter (see Figures 5(c), 7(c), etc.). As can be seen from the change from Figure 5(c) to Figure 7(c), the recess 1125 formed in the first holding member 112 functions to receive and support the ends of the first connecting tube 12 and the ends of the second connecting tube 12 that have displaced by abutting against each other.

[0030] The first protective sheet 13 is heat-sealed to the first retaining member 112 so as to cover the entire end face of the first connecting tube 12. The first protective sheet 13 aseptically seals the inside and tip (first contact surface 1211) of the first connecting tube 12, allowing the inside of the sterile connector 1 to be maintained aseptically even in a general environment. The first protective sheet 13 in this embodiment is made of polyethylene. Specifically, the first protective sheet 13 can be made of Tyvek®. The first protective sheet 13 is configured to extend beyond the first main body portion 111 and is locked to the locking portion 1119 so that it can be removed after the connector is engaged (see Figure 1(c)). The first protective sheet 13 can be removed by pulling the portion that protrudes outward after the connector is joined. The first protective sheet 13, similar to the first protective sheet 3 described in Patent Document 1, has a sealing portion for aseptically sealing the first connecting tube, a tension portion for the user to pull and remove after the connectors are joined, and a folded portion that is folded back between the sealing portion and the tension portion. With this configuration, even when the connectors are joined and the protective sheet is tightly sandwiched between the end faces of the tubes, it is possible to remove the protective sheet by pulling the tension portion, making it possible to connect sterile connectors aseptically and liquid-tightly.

[0031] The assembly of the first connector 1A involves the following steps: Step 1: Fit the first retaining member 112 onto the first connecting tube 12 (by bending the front side of the first connecting tube 12 and inserting it into the central hole of the first retaining member 112). Step 1: Insert the rear end of the first connecting tube 12, to which the first retaining member 112 is attached, into the central hole of the first main body 111 from the front side of the first main body 111. Steps to join the first retaining member 112, which is attached to the first connecting tube 12, to the first main body portion 111. Step 1: Attach the first protective sheet 13 to the first retaining member 112 so as to cover the end face of the first connecting tube 12. By following the steps described above, the first connector 1A is assembled as shown in Figure 1 (the first protective sheet 13 is not shown except in Figure 1(c)). As can be seen from the above, the first connector 1A can be assembled through relatively simple and straightforward work.

[0032] The first connector 1A manufactured as described above is used with the rear end of the first connecting tube 12 connected to various containers, either directly or via other connecting members (used as a container with a connector). Examples of containers to which the first connector 1A is connected include, but are not limited to, culture containers, culture medium transport (supply) containers, purification / concentration containers, and storage containers. By sterilizing the container and the sterile connector while connected to these containers (e.g., gamma ray sterilization or electron beam sterilization), the container and the first connector 1A can be sterilized to the level required for their intended use (e.g., manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals). In particular, since the end face of the first connecting tube 12 of the first connector 1A is sealed with the first protective sheet 13, the internal sterile state is maintained even when placed in a general environment after sterilization. Furthermore, since the connectors are configured to be connected aseptically in a general environment, it becomes possible to aseptically transfer fluids from one container to another. As a specific example, by engaging (aseptically connecting) a first connector 1A connected to a culture container with a second connector 1B connected to a culture medium supply container, it is conceivable that this could be used to supply culture medium to a culture container in a general environment.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, the second connector 1B, which is the other connector to be connected, has the same configuration as the first connector 1A (in the description of this embodiment, the first connector and the second connector are distinguished by adding "second" to each configuration (the reference numerals are the same)). The following describes the procedure (and operation) for connecting the paired first connector 1A and second connector 1B. Figures 5 to 8 illustrate the connection of the connector 1 in this embodiment (however, the protective sheet is omitted). Figure 5 shows the state before the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B make contact, Figure 6 shows the state when the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B begin to make contact, and Figure 7 shows the state when the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are joined. In addition, in Figures 5 to 7, Figure (a) is a side view, Figure (b) is a cross-sectional view, Figure (c) is an enlarged view of the circled part in Figure (b), and Figure (d) is a perspective view of the connector 1 in cross-sectional shape. Figure 8 is a further enlarged view of Figure 7(c).

[0034] As shown in Figures 5-7, the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are butted together so that their front surfaces face each other, and one boss 1116 is inserted into the boss hole 1117 of the other to align them, while the engaging projection 1114 of the first connector 1A is engaged with the engaging hole 1115 of the other connector. This fixes the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B in place. Although not shown in the figures, after the connectors are engaged, the protruding portions of the first protective sheet 13 and the second protective sheet 13 are pulled together and removed simultaneously. This results in the connection state shown in Figure 7. The front end of the first (second) connecting tube 12 is configured to protrude beyond the front surface of the first (second) main body 111 and the first (second) retaining member 112. When the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are engaged, the end face of the first connecting tube 12 (first contact surface 1211) and the end face of the second connecting tube 12 (second contact surface 1211) are pressed together, resulting in a liquid-tight joint. In addition, in this embodiment, the connector 1 has a first (second) pressure-receiving surface 1212 formed on the back side of the first (second) contact surface 1211, which is the surface where the first connecting tube 12 and the second connecting tube 12 come into contact with each other. As can be seen from Figure 8, when fluid flows into the connector, pressure is applied to this first (second) pressure-receiving surface 1212 from the fluid. Since the first (second) pressure-receiving surface 1212 is formed on the back side of the first (second) contact surface 1211, the pressure from the fluid has the effect of strengthening the contact between the first (second) contact surfaces 1211. Normally, the higher the pressure of the fluid flowing inside a connector, the higher the risk of leakage from the joint. However, in the connector 1 of this embodiment, an effect is obtained that increases the contact force of the joint in response to the increase in pressure, thereby reducing the risk of leakage from the joint.

[0035] As described above, the connector 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to further reduce the risk of leakage at the joint between the end faces of tubes in a connector (and a container with a connector using the same) that joins the end faces of tubes. This makes it possible, for example, to increase the diameter (increase the flow rate), which is extremely useful.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first main body is made of polycarbonate as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first main body can be made of any material having the necessary strength. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first retaining member is shown as being made of polypropylene, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be made of any material having the necessary strength. In this case, by making the material weldable to the first protective sheet, such as polyethylene, the above-described effects can be obtained (conversely, in application fields where a protective sheet is not required, it is not necessary to make the material weldable to the protective sheet). Note that since the protective sheet is removed after the first connector and the second connector are engaged with each other, it is preferable that it be somewhat easy to peel off. Therefore, rather than making the first retaining member and the first protective sheet from the same material, it is preferable to use different materials (polypropylene and polyethylene) that are weldable, as in this embodiment, to prevent excessively strong welding.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first holding structure 11 is shown as being constructed by joining a first main body portion 111 and a first holding member 112, which are formed separately from a different material. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first holding structure may be any structure capable of holding the first connecting tube. For example, the first holding structure may be integrally constructed as a single component (it may be formed from any component having the necessary strength). In this case, it is not possible to obtain the additional effects described in the embodiment (making the first main body portion a strong component such as polycarbonate, while enabling the first protective sheet to be welded by the first holding member), but it is possible to obtain the basic effect of "reducing the risk of leakage at the joint between the end faces of the tubes due to the pressure received from the fluid flowing inside the connector," as understood from the above description.

[0038] In this embodiment, the second connector (including the second connecting tube) is given as an example in which it has the same configuration as the first connector (including the first connecting tube). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second connector may have a different configuration from the first connector, as long as it possesses the concept of the present invention as understood from the above description. For example, the engaging portion for engaging the first connector and the second connector may have an asymmetrical shape, so that the first connector and the second connector are not made of the same material.

[0039] In this embodiment, an example was given in which both the end face of the first connecting tube and the end face of the second connecting tube protrude beyond the front surface of the first (second) main body or the first (second) retaining member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, either the end face of the first connecting tube or the end face of the second connecting tube may protrude from the front surface of the first (second) main body or the first (second) retaining member, while the other may be flush with the front surface of the first (second) main body or the first (second) retaining member (as long as the end face of the first connecting tube and the end face of the second connecting tube are pressed together to some extent when the first connector and the second connector are engaged). Furthermore, while the embodiments show examples where both the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube are equipped with a first pressure-receiving surface (second pressure-receiving surface), the present invention is not limited to this. Even if only one of the first connecting tube or the second connecting tube is equipped with a pressure-receiving surface as described above, it is still possible to achieve the effect of "reducing the risk of leakage at the joint between the end faces of the tubes due to the pressure received from the fluid flowing inside the connector."

[0040] In this embodiment, when the ends of the first connecting tube 12 and the second connecting tube 12 are pressed against each other, the displacement is described as being outward in the radial direction of the tubes (in the direction perpendicular to the connection direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the displacement may be inward in the radial direction of the tubes, or there may be virtually no displacement along the radial direction of the tubes.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first (second) pressure-receiving surface is shown as being generally parallel to the first (second) contact surface as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first (second) pressure-receiving surface can be configured to receive pressure from the fluid with a directional component that increases the contact force of the first (second) contact surface. For example, even if the first (second) pressure-receiving surface 1212' is inclined with respect to the first (second) contact surface, as shown in the cross-sectional view of the first (second) connecting tube 12' in Figure 9 (a conceptual diagram for explaining the pressure-receiving surface, with other configurations omitted), it can still increase the contact force of the first (second) contact surface when subjected to pressure from the fluid.

[0042] In this embodiment, a sterile connector is described as an example of a "connector for joining the end faces of tubes," but the present invention is not limited to sterile connectors used in applications such as the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals, and can be used for any application as a means of connecting fluid channels (tubes) for fluid flow. Note that a protective sheet is not necessarily required when not used as a sterile connector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1... Connector 1A...First connector 1B...Second connector 11...First holding structure (second holding structure) 111...First main body (second main body) 1114...Engaging projection (first engaging member) 1115...Engagement hole (second engaged part) 112...First retaining member (second retaining member) 1125...recess 1126... Ring-shaped projection 12...First connecting tube (second connecting tube) 121...1st eave-shaped part (2nd eave-shaped part) 1211...First contact surface (second contact surface) 1212...First pressure-receiving surface (second pressure-receiving surface) 13...First protective sheet (second protective sheet)

Claims

1. A connector comprising a first connector having a first connecting tube and a second connector having a second connecting tube, The first connector is A first retaining structure for holding the first connecting tube, A first engaging member for engaging with the second connector, Equipped with, The second connector is A second retaining structure for holding the second connecting tube, The first engaging member is engaged with the second engaged portion, It is equipped with, The first connector and the second connector are configured to come into contact with each other when they are engaged, A connector configured such that the contact force between the ends is increased by the pressure received from the fluid flowing inside the connector.

2. The connector according to claim 1, comprising a first pressure-receiving surface formed on the back side of at least a portion of the first contact surface of the first connecting tube that contacts the second connecting tube, which receives pressure from the fluid, or a second pressure-receiving surface formed on the back side of at least a portion of the second contact surface of the second connecting tube that contacts the first connecting tube, which receives pressure from the fluid.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the first pressure-receiving surface is provided on the back side of at least a portion of the first contact surface, and the second pressure-receiving surface is provided on the back side of at least a portion of the second contact surface.

4. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first connecting tube has a first awning-like portion that extends outwards from the outside of the tube and has a first contact surface and a first pressure-receiving surface, or the second connecting tube has a second awning-like portion that extends outwards from the outside of the tube and has a second contact surface and a second pressure-receiving surface.

5. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first connecting tube is flexible, or the second connecting tube is flexible.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the end of the first connecting tube and the end of the second connecting tube are pressed together, and the end of the first connecting tube and the end of the second connecting tube are displaced in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction by said pressing together.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the first connector and the second connector have recesses formed therein to receive the displaced end of the first connecting tube and the end of the second connecting tube.

8. The first retaining structure comprises a first main body portion having the first engaging member, and a first retaining member joined to the first main body portion and holding the first connecting tube between itself and the first main body portion. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second retaining structure comprises a second main body having the second engaged portion, and a second retaining member joined to the second main body and holding the second connecting tube between itself and the second main body.

9. The first main body is formed of a material with higher strength than the first retaining member, and the first retaining member is formed of a material that can be heat-welded to a protective sheet, and is positioned to surround the end of the first connecting tube. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the second main body is formed of a material with higher strength than the second retaining member, and the second retaining member is formed of a material that can be heat-welded to a protective sheet and surrounds the end of the second connecting tube.

10. The first main body and the second main body are made of polycarbonate, The protective sheet is made of polyethylene, The connector according to claim 9, wherein the first retaining member and the second retaining member are made of polypropylene or polyethylene.

11. A ring-shaped projection is formed on the surface of the first retaining member that faces the second retaining member. The connector according to claim 8, wherein a ring-shaped projection is formed on the surface of the second retaining member facing the first retaining member.

12. The first connector or the second connector of the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A container connected directly or via other connecting members to the end of the first connecting tube opposite to the end, or to the end of the second connecting tube opposite to the end, A container with a connector, equipped with the necessary features.

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