Connector, connection structure, connection method, and fluid system

Abstract

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

Description

Connector, connection structure, connection method, and fluid system CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-125048, filed on July 31, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector, a connection structure, and a connection method for connecting a fluid device to a liquid supply tube, and to a fluid system that connects a plurality of fluid devices using the connector and the connection structure.

[0003] A method for fluidly connecting multiple microfluidic devices to each other by connecting openings of the channels provided on the side of a substrate on which the channels are provided via liquid delivery tubes has been proposed. The tubes are connected to the openings of the microfluidic devices using connectors. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a connector into which multiple tubes are inserted, with the tips of the tubes arranged to penetrate a sealing material such as rubber. When connecting this connector to a microfluidic device, the tips of the tubes are butted against the inlet or outlet ports on the side of the microfluidic device so that the channels are connected, and the connector is screwed to the microfluidic device. At this time, the sealing material deforms and expands due to the pressure applied from the connector, sealing the connection between the channels of the microfluidic device and the channels of the tubes to prevent leakage.

[0004] The Dolomite Centre Ltd. (UK) / Dolomite Microfluidics (US), “Linear Connectors”, [online], MAR-000026 Revision 1.5, [Retrieved July 10, 2023], Internet <URL: https: / / go.blacktrace.com / l / 659183 / 2019-01-08 / l2s / 659183 / 3287 / Dolomite___LinearConnectorsDatasheet___pdf.pdf>

[0005] However, in the method of Non-Patent Document 1, there is a risk of liquid leakage when the pressure of the liquid in the channel is high. For example, in the method of Non-Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the sealing of the liquid between the sealant and the side surface of the substrate and between the sealant and the outer surface of the tube may be insufficient. Furthermore, in the method of Non-Patent Document 1, multiple tubes are connected together to the microfluidic device with a single connector, so it is not possible to individually adjust the pressing force at the connection between the tube and the microfluidic device.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of the present disclosure, which has been made with attention to these points in mind, is to provide a technology for connecting a fluidic device and a liquid delivery tube on the side of the fluidic device and preventing liquid leakage.

[0007] (1) A connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connector that connects the tip end of a tube for connecting a flow path to an opening of the flow path provided on the side of a plate-shaped fluidic device having an internal flow path, the connector comprising: a ferrule having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the ferrule having a first surface at a first end along the through hole that faces the side of the fluidic device and a tapered second surface whose outer diameter decreases toward a second end opposite the first end along the through hole; a cylindrical pressing member having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member having a recess that can abut against the second surface of the ferrule; and a sealing member that is disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device and through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member being configured so that the opening and the tip end are connected by pressing the ferrule toward the fluidic device.

[0008] (2) In the connector of (1) above, the pressing member may have a threaded portion configured to screw into a screw hole located at a position corresponding to the opening of a holder that fixes the fluidic device, and the pressing member may be configured to advance toward the fluidic device by rotating in a direction in which the threaded portion screws into the screw hole, thereby pressing the ferrule toward the fluidic device.

[0009] (3) In the connector of (1) or (2) above, the ferrule may be configured to be pressed against the fluidic device by the pressing member, so that the sealing member is pressed between the first surface and the side surface of the fluidic device, and the ferrule is deformed by the pressing force applied to the second surface to tighten and fix the tube.

[0010] (4) In the connector of (3) above, the ferrule may be configured to seal fluid between the ferrule and the tube when the tube is fixed.

[0011] (5) In the connectors described above in (1) to (4), the sealing member may be an O-ring.

[0012] (6) A connection structure that is one aspect of the present disclosure is a connection structure for connecting the tip end of a tube for connecting a flow path to a plate-shaped fluidic device having a flow path formed therein and an opening of the flow path on a side surface, and includes: a holder that fixes the fluidic device and has a screw hole arranged at a position corresponding to the opening; a ferrule that has a through hole formed therein through which the tube is inserted and has a first surface at a first end along the through hole that faces the side surface of the fluidic device and has a tapered second surface whose outer diameter decreases toward a second end opposite the first end along the through hole; a cylindrical pressing member that has a threaded portion that screws into the screw hole of the holder and has a through hole formed therein through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member having a recess that abuts the second surface of the ferrule; and a sealing member that is inserted into the tube and is arranged between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device.

[0013] (7) A connection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connection method for connecting a tip end of a tube for connecting a flow channel to a plate-shaped fluidic device having a flow channel formed therein and an opening of the flow channel on a side surface, the connection method comprising: fixing the fluidic device using a holder having a screw hole arranged at a position corresponding to the opening; inserting the tube through a pressing member, a ferrule, and a sealing member; the pressing member having a threaded portion that screws into the screw hole of the holder and being a cylindrical pressing member having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the ferrule having a recess on the side thereof; and the ferrule having a through hole through which the tube is inserted and a recess on the side thereof. The sealing member has a first surface facing the side of the device and a tapered second surface whose outer diameter decreases toward the end on the pressing member side, and the sealing member is positioned between the first surface of the ferrule and the side of the fluidic device, and the pressing member is rotated in a direction in which the screw portion screws into the screw hole, thereby causing the pressing member to advance toward the fluidic device and the recess to press the second surface of the ferrule toward the fluidic device, and with the first surface of the ferrule pressing the sealing member toward the side of the fluidic device, the ferrule is deformed by the pressing force applied to the second surface, thereby tightening and fixing the tube.

[0014] (8) One variety of the fluid system disclosed herein includes two or more fluid devices whose openings located on the sides of each other are connected using the connector and the tube described in (1), and the fluid devices are positioned at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the plane on which the fluid devices extend.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a fluidic device and a liquid-transport tube can be connected to the side of the fluidic device, and liquid leakage can be prevented.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a connection structure for connecting a channel of a fluidic device and a tube according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector portion of Fig. 1 in more detail; Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram of a connector before being connected to a fluidic device; Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for connecting a fluidic device and a tube; Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of a fluidic system in which fluidic devices are connected in series in a plane; Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram of a fluidic system in which fluidic devices are connected in series in a three-dimensional manner; Fig. 7 is a diagram explaining a connection form of fluidic devices according to prior art;

[0017] Techniques for mixing liquids and / or performing reactions using fluidic devices with microchannels up to about 500 μm wide offer various advantages not available with conventional fluidic devices with channel widths of several millimeters or more. For example, it is known that in mixing operations, reducing the channel width to 1 / 10 of that of conventional devices reduces the mixing time to approximately 1 / 100. Therefore, operations that required 1 hour with conventional technology can be completed in less than 1 minute. Furthermore, in reaction operations, the reaction is completed instantly, suppressing the generation of by-products and significantly improving reaction yields.

[0018] When fluidic devices are interconnected to perform multiple operations on a fluid, the liquid outlet of an upstream fluidic device is sequentially connected to the inlet of a downstream fluidic device. To connect the outlet and inlet, a tube made of PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) resin is relatively commonly used due to its chemical resistance, heat resistance, and pressure resistance. However, in a typical fluidic device, the inlet and outlet are provided on the upper surface of a horizontally placed substrate. For this reason, when connecting the inlet and outlet using a tube made of PEEK resin, which is highly rigid and difficult to bend, it is necessary to maintain a certain distance between the fluidic devices.

[0019] 7 illustrates a fluid system in which fluidic devices 110 are connected using conventional technology. In the example of FIG. 7, a plurality of fluidic devices 110, each having a channel 111 formed therein, are connected by connecting openings such as outlets and inlets provided on the upper portions of substrate surfaces 112 of the fluidic devices 110 with tubes 113. The lower limit of the spacing between adjacent microfluidic devices 110 is limited by the distance at which the tube 113 can be bent 180 degrees between the outlet 115 of the upstream microfluidic device 110 and the inlet 114 of the downstream microfluidic device 110.

[0020] Furthermore, if the intervals between the fluidic devices 110 are large, it becomes difficult to achieve high-density mounting even when serially connected fluidic devices 110 are further connected in parallel to ensure the yield of the reaction product. Furthermore, if the tubes 113 for connecting the flow paths become long, it becomes difficult to precisely control the temperature of the liquid to be treated.

[0021] Therefore, providing a liquid inlet and outlet on the side of a fluidic device and connecting them to each other is advantageous in constructing a compact fluidic system in which multiple fluidic devices are connected. Note that in this application, the side of a fluidic device refers to the four sides other than the two widest opposing sides of the substrate that constitutes the microfluidic device.

[0022] (Connection Structure Between Fluidic Device and Tube) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] The connection structure between a fluidic device 10 and a liquid delivery tube 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a holder 30 for fixing the fluidic device 10 and a connector 40 for connecting the fluidic device 10 held by the holder 30 to the tube 20, as shown in FIG.

[0024] The fluidic device 10 includes a substrate 11 and a flow path 12 formed inside the substrate 11. In FIG. 1 , the substrate 11 is a rectangular plate-like member in a plan view. However, the shape of the substrate 11 is not limited to this. The size of the substrate 11 can be set arbitrarily. For example, the size of the substrate can be on the order of several centimeters to several tens of centimeters in a plan view. The thickness of the substrate can be on the order of several millimeters to several centimeters. The material of the substrate 11 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include glass, silicon, silica, quartz, resin, and silicon carbide.

[0025] The flow channel 12 is, for example, a minute micro-channel with a flow channel width on the order of μm. However, the width of the flow channel 12 is not limited to this range. The flow channel 12 allows a fluid to pass from the upstream side to the downstream side. In FIG. 1 , the flow channel 12 between the upstream side and the downstream side of the fluidic device 10 is not shown. An inlet 14 is provided on the side surface 13 of the substrate 11 at the upstream end of the flow channel 12. An outlet 15 is provided on the side surface 13 of the substrate 11 at the downstream end of the flow channel 12. The inlet 14 is an opening that receives liquid supplied from the outside to the fluidic device 10. The outlet 15 is an opening that discharges the fluid that has flowed through the flow channel 12 of the fluidic device 10 to the outside of the fluidic device 10.

[0026] 1 , for example, the flow paths 12 sequentially mix liquids flowing in from three upstream inlets 14, react the reaction components, and discharge the product from the discharge port 15. For this reason, the flow paths 12 connected to the three inlets 14 may be configured to sequentially merge into one flow path that snakes through the substrate 11 and connects to the discharge port 15. However, the shape of the flow paths 12 and the number and arrangement of the inlets 14 and discharge ports 15 are not limited to this and can be freely designed depending on the operation, such as mixing and chemical reaction, performed by the fluidic device 10.

[0027] The fluidic device 10 can be fabricated, for example, by heat-sealing a glass plate onto a glass substrate having a groove-shaped flow channel 12 formed thereon to form an enclosed space, and then cutting the glass substrate to a predetermined size using a dicer or the like. An inlet 14 and an outlet 15 of the flow channel 12 are formed on the end surface cut by the dicer. Various processing methods can be selected to form the flow channel 12 on the glass substrate, depending on the shape of the flow channel 12, i.e., its width, depth, and length. For example, when the fluidic device 10 is made of glass and the flow channel width is 100 μm or less, an etching method is used. On the other hand, when the flow channel width is 200 μm or more, a mechanical processing method or a laser processing and embossing method is used.

[0028] 2 and 3 , the tube 20 has a flow path 22 that transports a liquid supplied to the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 and / or a liquid discharged from the flow path 12. The tube 20 connects one fluidic device 10 to another, or connects the fluidic device 10 to a liquid supply apparatus that supplies a liquid raw material to the fluidic device 10, or to a tank that stores a product produced in the fluidic device 10. The diameter of the flow path 22 of the tube 20 may be larger than the width of the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10. The tip 21 of the tube 20 may have a flat surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the tube.

[0029] The material of the tube 20 can be selected taking into consideration various conditions such as the type of liquid used, the temperature of the liquid, and the pressure applied to the internal flow path 22. Materials that are often used for the tube 20 include PEEK resin, which has excellent chemical resistance, heat resistance, and pressure resistance, as well as fluororesins such as PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane) and PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene).

[0030] 1 , the holder 30 has two holding members 31 a and 31 b, each of which accommodates one of two opposing side surfaces 13 of the substrate 11 of the fluidic device 10 and holds the substrate 11 by sandwiching it between them. The holding members 31 a and 31 b may be made of a high-strength material such as PEEK resin. The holding members 31 a and 31 b each have a groove formed therein that accommodates an end portion of the substrate 11, including one of the side surfaces 13, and are configured so that the substrate 11 can be accurately positioned relative to the holding members 31 a and 31 b when the substrate 11 is fixed to the holder 30.

[0031] The holding members 31a and 31b are fixed by fastening members 32 with the ends of the substrate 11 fitted into their respective grooves and sandwiching the substrate 11 from both sides. For example, the holding members 31a and 31b have two pairs of opposing through holes at both ends in the direction in which the groove extends, outside the portion where the substrate is housed. The holding members 31a and 31b are fixed by two pairs of long bolts 33a and 33b that pass through the respective through holes and nuts 34a and 34b. In this case, the long bolts 33a and 33b and the nuts 34a and 34b are fastening members 32.

[0032] Each of the two holding members 31 a, 31 b has a threaded hole 35 formed therein, which corresponds to the position of the inlet 14 and / or outlet 15 of the fluidic device 10. The threaded hole 35 extends in a direction perpendicular to the side surface 13 of the substrate 11 from the position where the inlet 14 or outlet 15 is located when the fluidic device 10 is fixed to the holder 30. As shown in FIG. 2 , by connecting a connector 40 to the threaded hole 35 of the holder 30, the flow path 22 of the tube 20 is fluidly connected to the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10. Although the threaded hole 35 is shown to be threaded around the entire inner periphery in FIG. 2 , the threaded hole 35 may have a threaded groove formed only in a portion thereof.

[0033] The configuration of the connector 40 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector 40 connected to the holder 30. Figure 3 shows the connector 40 in a state before it is connected to the holder 30. The connector 40 includes a ferrule 41, a pressing member 42, and an O-ring 43, which is a sealing member. The pressing member 42, ferrule 41, and O-ring 43 are inserted into the tube 20 toward the tip end 21 in this order. In this state, the connector 40 has a shape that is approximately rotationally symmetrical about the central axis of the tube 20.

[0034] The ferrule 41 has a generally conical or truncated conical shape, including a flat first surface 41a and a tapered second surface 41b whose outer diameter decreases toward the end opposite the first surface 41a. The ferrule 41 has a through-hole 41d formed along the central axis of the cone or truncated cone, through which the tube 20 is inserted. The inner diameter of the through-hole 41d is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 20. The ferrule 41 is slidable in the direction in which the tube 20 extends when the tube 20 is inserted. When the ferrule 41 is connected to the holder 30, the first surface 41a is located at the first end, which is one end of the through-hole 41d that faces the substrate 11 of the fluidic device 10. The second surface of the ferrule 41 has a shape in which the outer diameter gradually decreases toward the second end, which is the other end of the through-hole 41d. The ferrule 41 is formed of a material that is chemical-resistant and deformable by compression, such as a fluororesin such as Teflon (registered trademark), polyimide, or graphite. The first surface 41a of the ferrule 41 is not limited to a flat surface. For example, the first surface 41a may be provided with a circular groove or recess for partially accommodating the O-ring 43.

[0035] The pressing member 42 is a cylindrical member including a threaded portion 42a having a thread formed on its outer periphery and a manual rotation portion 42b having a knurled surface or the like. The threaded portion 42a is configured to thread into the threaded hole 35 of the holder 30. By manually rotating the manual rotation portion 42b, the pressing member 42 is coupled to the holder 30 by threading the threaded portion 42a into the threaded hole 35. In FIGS. 2 and 3 , the threaded portion 42a is shown to have a thread formed along the entire outer periphery, but the thread may be formed only on a portion of the portion of the pressing member 42 that fits into the threaded hole 35. The portion that fits into the threaded hole 35 is referred to as the threaded portion 42a, including the portion without a thread. The pressing member 42 has a through hole 42d along its central axis through which the tube 20 is inserted. The inner diameter of the through hole 42d is larger than the outer diameter of the tube 20 so that the pressing member 42 can rotate and slide relative to the tube 20.

[0036] A recess 42c is formed at the tip of the threaded portion 42a of the pressing member 42 on the side that is coupled to the holder 30, with the recess 42c recessed at the center at the position of the through-hole 42d. The recess 42c has a shape that at least partially abuts against the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41 when the connector 40 is connected to the holder 30. The recess 42c may have a shape that corresponds to the tapered shape of the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41 and that allows the second surface 41b to fit into it. However, the recess 42c does not need to have a tapered surface that exactly contacts the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41. The recess 42c may have a shape that takes into account the shape of the ferrule 41 after deformation. Furthermore, the recess 42c may have a shape that contacts the second surface 41b from all directions around the through-hole 41d. The shape of the recess 42 c may be any shape that allows a radially inward pressing force to be applied uniformly to the second surface 41 b of the ferrule 41 when the connector 40 is screwed into the holder 30 .

[0037] The O-ring 43 is an elastic, annular member made of, for example, rubber, that is disposed on the first surface side of the ferrule 41 when the tube 20 is inserted. When the connector 40 is connected to the holder 30, the O-ring 43 is pressed between the side surface 13 of the substrate 11 of the fluidic device 10 and the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41, causing it to deform and expand. This allows the O-ring 43 to seal the gap between the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 and the flow path 22 of the tube 20 so as to prevent leakage. Note that the sealing member is not limited to the O-ring 43. The connector 40 may use other types of sealing members, such as a gasket or rubber packing, to seal the gap between the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10 and the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41.

[0038] (Method of connecting a fluidic device and a tube) Next, referring to the flowchart of Figure 4, a method of connecting the opening of the flow path 12 of a fluidic device 10 using the connector 40 of the present disclosure, i.e., the inlet 14 or the outlet 15, to the tip 21 of the tube 20 will be described.

[0039] First, an operator fixes the fluidic device 10 to the holder 30 (step S1). In this state, each opening of the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 is aligned with the center of the end of the screw hole 35 of the holder 30 on the fluidic device 10 side.

[0040] The operator inserts the tube 20 through the pressing member 42, the ferrule 41, and the O-ring 43 (step S2). Step S2 may be performed before step S1. The order of steps S1 and S2 does not matter.

[0041] The operator holds the manual rotating portion 42b of the pressing member 42 and passes the tube 20 through the screw hole 35 of the holder 30 (step S3). The operator abuts the tip portion 21 of the tube 20 against the side surface 13 around the opening of the fluidic device 10. This connects the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 and the flow path 22 of the tube 20. The following steps S4 to S7 are performed with the tip portion 21 of the tube 20 abutting against the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10.

[0042] The worker moves the pressing member 42 toward the holder 30, aligns the screw portion 42a with the screw hole 35 of the holder 30, and rotates the manual rotation portion 42b to thread the screw portion 42a into the screw hole 35 of the holder 30 (step S4).

[0043] The operator rotates the pressing member 42 in a direction that engages the threaded portion 42a with the screw hole 35, thereby advancing the pressing member 42 toward the fluidic device 10 (step S5). As the pressing member 42 advances toward the tip end 21 of the tube 20, it abuts against the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41, and the ferrule 41 is also pushed by the pressing member 42 and advances toward the fluidic device 10. Furthermore, when the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41 abuts against the O-ring 43, the O-ring 43 is also pushed by the ferrule 41 and advances toward the fluidic device 10. Furthermore, when the operator rotates the manual rotation portion 42b, the O-ring 43 abuts against the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10.

[0044] The operator further rotates the manual rotation unit 42b, thereby pressing the O-ring 43 between the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41 pressed by the pressing member 42 and the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10 (step S6). The pressed O-ring 43 deforms as shown in FIG. 2. The pressing force of the O-ring 43 pressing against the side surface 13 prevents liquid leakage from the contact area between the O-ring 43 and the side surface 13. Similarly, liquid leakage from the contact area between the O-ring 43 and the first surface 41a of the ferrule 41 is prevented. As a result, liquid leakage to the outside of the O-ring 43 from the connection area between the flow path 12 of the fluidic device 10 and the flow path 22 of the tube 20 can be prevented. In addition, by pressing the outer periphery of the tube 20, the O-ring 43 can prevent liquid from leaking from the connection portion between the flow path 12 of the fluid device 10 and the flow path 22 of the tube 20 to between the outer periphery of the tube 20 and the inner periphery of the through hole 41c of the ferrule 41.

[0045] When the operator further rotates the manual rotation unit 42b, the ferrule 41 is pressed toward the fluidic device 10 by the pressing member 42. As a result, with the O-ring 43 pressed between the first surface 41a and the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10, a pressing force having an inward component acts on the second surface 41b of the ferrule 41. This deforms the ferrule 41 and fixes it in a state in which the tube 20 is tightened inward (step S7). As a result, leakage between the outer periphery of the tube 20 and the through-hole 42d of the ferrule 41 is prevented. Note that the pressing of the O-ring 43 in step S6 and the deformation of the ferrule in step S7 may be performed in parallel rather than sequentially.

[0046] As described above, according to the connection method using the connector 40 of the present disclosure, when connecting the fluidic device 10 and the tube 20, the occurrence of liquid leakage can be further prevented by the sealing effect due to the deformation of the ferrule 41 in addition to the sealing by the O-ring 43, which is a sealing member. As a result, the connection method using the connector 40 of the present disclosure can be applied to a fluidic device 10 in which a higher pressure is applied to the flow path 12.

[0047] Furthermore, the connector 40 of the present disclosure is not a system in which a single connector is used to connect a plurality of tubes 20, but rather a connector 40 is provided for each connection between each opening, such as the inlet 14 and outlet 15, and the tube 20. This makes it possible to adjust and manage the torque applied to the pressing member 42 for each connection so as to prevent liquid leakage.

[0048] Furthermore, in the connector 40 of the present disclosure, the tube 20 is inserted through the O-ring 43, and the tip 21 of the tube 20 is fixed by abutting it against the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10. This prevents the O-ring 43 from moving or expanding, thereby narrowing the flow path and preventing the tip 21 of the tube 20 from moving.

[0049] (Fluid System) Next, a description will be given of fluid systems 50A and 50B in which a plurality of fluidic devices 10 are connected in series using a connection structure including a connector 40 according to the present disclosure. In the following FIGS. 5 and 6, the holder 30 and connector 40 are omitted, and only the fluidic devices 10 and the tubes 20 are primarily shown. To distinguish between the individual fluidic devices 10, they are referred to as fluidic devices 10A-10H. To distinguish between the individual tubes 20, they are referred to as tubes 20A-20O. The inlet 14 and outlet 15 are also omitted from the illustration. Hereinafter, two or more fluidic devices 10A-10H may be collectively referred to as a fluidic device 10. Two or more tubes 20A-20O may be collectively referred to as tubes 20.

[0050] The fluid system 50A of FIG. 5 includes multiple fluidic devices 10A-10D arranged on the same plane and tubes 20A-20I for delivering liquid to and / or from the fluidic devices 10A-10D. The tubes 20A and 20B are connected to an inlet 14 provided on the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10A and supply liquid from, for example, a liquid supply device to the fluidic device 10A. The tube 20C connects an outlet 15 provided on the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10A to an inlet 14 provided on the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10B and delivers liquid processed and discharged by the fluidic device 10A to the fluidic device 10B. The tube 20D is connected to an inlet 14 provided on the side surface 13 of the fluidic device 10B and supplies liquid from a liquid supply device or another fluidic device 10 to the fluidic device 10B. Fluidic devices 10B, 10C, and 10D are similar to fluidic device 10A, tubes 20E and 20G are similar to tube 20C, and tubes 20F and 20H are similar to tube 20D, so their description will be omitted. A tube 20I is connected to the outlet 15 of fluidic device 10D, and the liquid product after processing in fluidic device 10D is sent to a storage tank or the like.

[0051] In the fluid system 50A, the outlets 15 and inlets 14 on the opposing side surfaces 13 of adjacent fluidic devices 10A-10D are connected by tubes 20C, 20E, and 20G that are connected perpendicularly to the side surfaces 13. That is, the connectors 40 at both ends of the tubes 20C, 20E, and 20D are connected in a direction that follows the surface on which each fluidic device 10 is placed. Therefore, in the fluid system 50A, it is not necessary to significantly curve the tubes 20C, 20E, and 20G between the outlet 15 of the upstream fluidic device 10 and the inlet 14 of the downstream fluidic device 10. As a result, in the fluid system 50A, it is possible to set the distance between adjacent fluidic devices 10A-10D short. Furthermore, by arranging the outlets 15 and inlets 14 on the opposing side surfaces 13 of the adjacent fluidic devices 10A-10D, it is possible to arrange the tubes 20C, 20E, and 20G in a linear manner. This allows the fluidic devices 10A-10D to be spaced even closer together.

[0052] The fluid system 50B of Fig. 6 includes four fluidic devices 10E-10H arranged three-dimensionally and tubes 20J-20P for transporting liquid supplied to and / or ejected from the fluidic devices 10E-10H. The tubes 20J and 20K are similar to the tubes 20A and 20B of the fluidic system 50A of Fig. 5 and supply liquid from a liquid supply device or the like to the fluidic device 10E. The tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O are similar to the tubes 20C, 20E, and 20G of the fluidic system 50A of Fig. 5 and are connected to outlets 15 located on the side surfaces 13 of the upstream fluidic devices 10E, 10F, and 10G, respectively, and to inlets 14 located on the side surfaces 13 of the downstream fluidic devices 10F, 10G, and 10H, respectively. That is, fluidic devices 10E and 10F, fluidic devices 10F and 10G, and fluidic devices 10G and 10H are connected at their openings located on their respective sides using tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O. Tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O deliver liquid processed and ejected by fluidic devices 10E, 10F, and 10G to fluidic devices 10F, 10G, and 10H, respectively. Tube 20N is similar to tubes 20D, 20F, and 20H in FIG. 5 , and tube 20P is similar to tube 20I in FIG. 5 , and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] In the fluidic system 50B, the fluidic devices 10E-10H may be arranged, for example, in a two-tiered rack having an upper and lower tier. That is, the fluidic devices 10E-10H may be arranged at different positions not only horizontally but also vertically relative to each other. The vertical direction is the direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 11 of the fluidic device 10 when the substrate 11 is arranged horizontally. For example, the fluidic devices 10E and 10G are arranged in the upper rack, and the fluidic devices 10F and 10H are arranged in the lower rack. Tubes 20L and 20O connect the outlets 15 of the fluidic devices 10E and 10G arranged in the upper rack to the inlets 14 of the fluidic devices 10F and 10H arranged in the lower rack, respectively. Tube 20M connects the outlet 15 of the fluidic device 10F arranged in the lower rack to the inlet 14 of the fluidic device 10G arranged in the upper rack.

[0054] The tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O are all connected perpendicularly to the side surface 13 of the fluidic devices 10E-10H. Therefore, the length of the tubes 20L, 20M, and 20O can be shorter than, for example, when one end is connected perpendicularly to the top surface of the upper fluidic device and the other end is connected perpendicularly to the top surface of the lower fluidic device and the tube is routed between them. According to prototypes conducted by the present inventors, it was confirmed that when the fluidic devices 10 are arranged in two tiers, upper and lower, using the connection structure of the present disclosure, the required space length can be reduced by approximately one-third compared to when the fluidic devices 10 are connected in series using conventional fluidic device connection methods. Furthermore, in conventional technology, the connectors are connected perpendicularly to the substrate surface of the substrate, which inevitably requires a large space above the substrate. On the other hand, in the fluidic system 50B of the present disclosure, the connectors 40 are connected in a direction along the substrate 11 of the fluidic device 10, allowing the upper fluidic device 10 and the lower fluidic device to be arranged with a narrower gap.

[0055] Furthermore, precise temperature control is required when performing chemical reaction operations in fluidic devices, particularly microfluidic devices. For example, to accelerate a chemical reaction in a short period of time, the temperature of the liquid may be heated to approximately 100°C to 150°C. However, if the tube 20 connecting the fluidic device 10 is long, the liquid may be affected by the ambient temperature as it is transported through the tube 20. In the fluidic system 50B disclosed herein, the length of the tube 20 can be made shorter than in conventional technology, thereby reducing temperature changes in the liquid being processed.

[0056] 5 and 6 illustrate the case where the number of fluidic devices 10 connected in series is four, but the number of fluidic devices 10 is not limited to four. A larger number of fluidic devices 10 can be connected in series. Furthermore, when the fluidic devices 10 are arranged three-dimensionally, the number of fluidic devices 10 in the height direction is not limited to two. The fluidic devices 10 can be arranged in even more tiers. Furthermore, the fluidic system 50 can increase the yield of the product by numbering up multiple sets of serially connected fluidic devices 10 in parallel. Thus, even when a large number of fluidic devices 10 are arranged, the fluidic system 50B of the present disclosure can be configured relatively compactly because the fluidic devices 10 can be arranged in the height direction and the spacing between the fluidic devices 10 can be narrowed.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and many modifications and variations are possible. The connector, fluid device, fluid device connection structure, and fluid system configurations of the above-described embodiments are merely examples. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configurations are possible as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0058] For example, in the above embodiment, the inlet 14 and outlet 15 of the fluidic device are arranged on two opposing side surfaces 13 of the rectangular fluidic device 10. However, the positions of the inlet 14 and outlet 15 are not limited to this. For example, the inlet 14 and outlet 15 may be arranged on two adjacent side surfaces, three adjacent side surfaces, or four adjacent side surfaces of the rectangular fluidic device 10. In each case, the holder 30 may be configured so that the connector 40 can be connected depending on the positions of the inlet 14 and outlet 15.

[0059] 5 and 6, multiple fluidic devices 10 having similar structures are connected in series. However, the fluidic devices 10 connected in series do not need to have the same or similar structures. Each fluidic device 10 may have a different structure.

[0060] Although the fluidic device 10 of the present disclosure has been described as a microfluidic device with flow channel widths on the order of μm, the dimensions of the flow channels of the fluidic device 10 of the present disclosure are not limited to this. The fluidic device 10 may have flow channels with widths of 1 mm or more, or flow channels with widths of less than 1 μm.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the operations performed by the fluidic device 10 include liquid mixing and reaction. However, the operations performed by the fluidic device 10 are not limited to these. Furthermore, the fluids passing through the flow paths of the fluidic device 10 are not limited to liquids and may include gases. The operations performed by the fluidic device 10 may include liquid-phase mixing, liquid-phase reaction, gas-liquid mixing, gas-liquid reaction, extraction, distillation, concentration, slurry mixing, solid-phase extraction, particle separation / liquid separation, crystallization, cell culture, and the like.

[0062] 10, 10A-10H Fluidic device 11 Substrate 12 Flow path 13 Side surface 14 Inlet (opening) 15 Discharge port (opening) 20, 20A-20P Tube 21 Tip 22 Flow path 30 Holder 31a, 31b Holding member 32 Fastening member 33a, 33b Long bolt 34a, 34b Nut 35 Screw hole 40 Connector 41 Ferrule 41a First surface 41b Second surface 41c: Through hole 42 Pressing member 42a Threaded portion 42b Manual rotation portion 42c Recess 42d Through hole 43 O-ring (sealing member) 50 Fluidic system 110 Fluidic device 111 Flow path 112 Substrate surface 113 Tube

Claims

1. A connector for connecting the tip of a tube for connecting a flow path to an opening of the flow path provided on a side of a plate-shaped fluidic device having a flow path formed therein, the connector comprising: a ferrule having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, and having a first surface at a first end along the through hole that faces the side of the fluidic device and having a tapered second surface whose outer diameter decreases toward a second end opposite the first end along the through hole; a cylindrical pressing member having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, the pressing member having a recess that can abut against the second surface of the ferrule; and a sealing member disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side of the fluidic device, and through which the tube is inserted; the connector is configured so that the opening and the tip are connected by the pressing member pressing the ferrule towards the fluidic device.

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

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

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

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

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

7. A connection method for connecting a tip end of a tube for connecting a flow channel to a plate-shaped fluidic device having a flow channel formed therein and an opening of the flow channel on a side surface, comprising the steps of: fixing the fluidic device with a holder having a screw hole arranged at a position corresponding to the opening; inserting the tube through a pressing member, a ferrule, and a sealing member; the pressing member has a threaded portion that screws into the screw hole of the holder, and is a cylindrical pressing member having a through hole through which the tube is inserted, and has a recess on the ferrule side; the ferrule has a through hole through which the tube is inserted, and has a first surface on the sealing member side that faces the side surface of the fluidic device, and a tapered second surface whose outer diameter becomes smaller towards the end on the pressing member side; the sealing member is disposed between the first surface of the ferrule and the side surface of the fluidic device; and rotating the pressing member in a direction in which the screw portion screws into the screw hole, thereby a connection method in which the pressing member advances toward the fluidic device, causing the recess to press the second surface of the ferrule toward the fluidic device, and with the first surface of the ferrule pressing the sealing member toward the side of the fluidic device, the ferrule is deformed by the pressing force applied to the second surface, thereby tightening and fixing the tube.

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

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