Device for attaching pinch clamp and method for attaching pinch clamp

Abstract

A device for attaching a pinch clamp includes: a clamp holding mechanism for detachably holding a pinch clamp that is capable of clamping and squeezing a flexible tube to adjust the flow rate of fluid flowing through the tube and that has two insertion holes through which the tube is to be inserted; a moving mechanism for moving the tube relative to the pinch clamp; and a course changing mechanism for changing the course of a tip of the tube to the other side after the tip of the tube is inserted into one of the two insertion holes by the relative movement of the tube and before the tip is inserted into the other insertion hole.

Description

Pinch Clamp Mounting Device and Pinch Clamp Mounting Method

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a pinch clamp mounting device and a pinch clamp mounting method.

[0002] As a tool for adjusting the flow rate of a fluid by crushing a tube from the outside to narrow the cross-sectional area of the internal flow path through which the fluid flows, a pinch clamp is known (see, for example, International Publication No. 2020 / 072204). The pinch clamp described in International Publication No. 2020 / 072204 has two arm portions with one end being a free end, and the two arm portions are connected at their respective other ends, forming a substantially U-shaped overall. Such a pinch clamp can adjust the opening degree of the two arm portions by elastic deformation of the connecting portion where the two arm portions are connected. Convex portions are formed on the surfaces of the two arm portions facing each other. By deforming the pinch clamp in a direction to narrow the opening degree of the two arm portions, the pinch clamp sandwiches the tube between the convex portions and crushes the tube. The free ends of the two arm portions can be engaged, and by this engagement, the distance between the two arm portions is fixed at a desired opening degree. By adjusting the opening degree, the degree of crushing the tube changes, and accordingly, the cross-sectional area of the flow path changes. Thereby, the flow rate is adjusted.

[0003] Such a pinch clamp has insertion holes for inserting the tube formed in each of the two arm portions, and by inserting the tube into the two insertion holes, the pinch clamp is attached to the tube.

[0004] As a tool for adjusting the flow rate of a tube, in addition to a pinch clamp, for example, there is a ring clip having a ring into which the tube is inserted. The ring clip adjusts the flow rate of the fluid by crushing the tube by reducing the diameter of the ring. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-154021 describes a clip mounting device for attaching such a ring clip to a tubular member such as a tube. The clip mounting device inserts the tubular member into the ring of the ring clip by relatively linearly moving the ring clip and the tubular member.

[0005] To automate the attachment of pinch clamps to tubes, the development of a pinch clamp attachment device for attaching pinch clamps to tubes is being considered, such as the clip attachment device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-154021.

[0006] However, unlike ring-shaped clips, pinch clamps require the tube to be inserted into two insertion holes. These two insertion holes are often not aligned in a straight line, and their orientations are often different. Therefore, there was a problem in that the pinch clamp could not be attached simply by moving the tube and the pinch clamp in a straight line relative to each other.

[0007] The technology disclosed herein provides a pinch clamp mounting device and a pinch clamp mounting method that enable the pinch clamp to be attached to a tube even when the orientations of the two insertion holes are different.

[0008] The pinch clamp mounting device according to the technology disclosed herein is a pinch clamp capable of adjusting the flow rate of fluid flowing inside a flexible tube by clamping and compressing the tube, and comprises a clamp holding mechanism for detachably holding a pinch clamp having two insertion holes for inserting a tube, a moving mechanism for moving the tube relative to the pinch clamp, and a path changing mechanism for changing the path of the tip of the tube toward the other after the tip of the tube has been inserted into one of the two insertion holes by the relative movement of the tube, but before it is inserted into the other.

[0009] The direction-changing mechanism may have a contact portion that bends the tube and changes the direction of its tip by contacting the tube moving along the axial direction of the tube from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the tube.

[0010] The contact portion may be a roller that can rotate when in contact with the tube.

[0011] The contact portion is movable between a retracted position, where it is moved away from the path of the tube, and a contact position, where it is in contact with the tube as it moves along the path. The tip of the tube may move to a predetermined position while the contact portion is in the retracted position, and the contact portion may move to the contact position after the tip reaches the predetermined position.

[0012] A support mechanism may be provided, positioned opposite the contact point across the tube's path, to support the tube against the pressing force of the contact point.

[0013] The support mechanism may be a roller that can rotate when in contact with the tube.

[0014] Along the path of the tube, a restricting mechanism may be positioned upstream or downstream of at least one of the two insertion holes to restrict the direction of travel of the tip of the tube.

[0015] The regulatory mechanism may be located either upstream or downstream of each of the two insertion holes.

[0016] The regulating mechanism may be a pair of rollers that are spaced apart and facing each other in the radial direction of the tube.

[0017] A compression mechanism that compresses the tube radially may be positioned upstream of at least one of the two insertion holes along the tube's path.

[0018] The pressing mechanism may be located upstream of each of the two insertion holes.

[0019] The pressing mechanism may be a pair of rollers that press the tube from both radial sides.

[0020] It may also be equipped with a measuring mechanism for measuring the amount of tube inserted into the pinch clamp.

[0021] The pinch clamp has two arms whose opening angle can be adjusted, and each of the two arms may have one insertion hole.

[0022] A pinch clamp mounting method according to the technology of this disclosure is a pinch clamp capable of adjusting the flow rate of fluid flowing inside a flexible tube by clamping and compressing the tube, and includes detachably holding a pinch clamp having two insertion holes into which a tube is inserted, moving the tube relative to the pinch clamp, and changing the direction of the tip of the tube toward the other after it has been inserted into one of the two insertion holes by the relative movement of the tube, but before it is inserted into the other.

[0023] According to the technology of this disclosure, a pinch clamp can be attached to a tube even if the orientation of the two insertion holes is different.

[0024] This figure shows a pinch clamp attached to a tube. This figure shows an overview of a pinch clamp. This is a perspective view showing an overview of a pinch clamp mounting device. This is a plan view showing an overview of a pinch clamp mounting device. This is a flowchart showing the pinch clamp mounting procedure. This figure shows the state of the pinch clamp mounting device in steps ST12 and ST13 of Figure 5. This figure shows the state of the pinch clamp mounting device in steps ST14 and ST15 of Figure 5. This figure shows the state of the pinch clamp mounting device in steps ST16 and ST17 of Figure 5. This figure shows the state of the pinch clamp mounting device in steps ST18 and ST19 of Figure 5. This figure shows a modified example of the path changing mechanism.

[0025] An example of a pinch clamp attachment device 30 according to the technology of this disclosure, shown in Figures 3 and 4, is a device for attaching a pinch clamp 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, to a tube 11. As shown in Figure 1, the tube 11 is used, for example, together with a plastic bag 10 in bioprocess applications such as the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines. The plastic bag 10 contains process solutions used in each step of the bioprocess. Process solutions are examples of fluids, such as cell suspensions used in cell culture, culture media, culture medium additives, and buffers. In bioprocesses, it is important to prevent contamination in order to ensure the quality of the product, so the plastic bag 10 and tube 11 are single-use.

[0026] The plastic bag 10 is provided with a port 12, which is an opening for supplying and discharging process solution. The tube 11 is connected to such a port 12, for example. The tube 11 functions as a conduit connecting the plastic bag 10 to a device that supplies the process solution to the plastic bag 10 or a device that discharges the process solution from the plastic bag 10. The tube 11 is flexible and is made of silicone, for example. Silicone includes materials such as silicone reinforced with polyester fibers. The material of the tube 11 is not limited to silicone; it may also be a thermoplastic elastomer, etc. The pinch clamp 20 is attached to such a tube 11 and adjusts the flow rate of liquid, which is an example of a fluid flowing inside the tube 11. The pinch clamp 20 has two arms, a first arm 21 and a second arm 22, whose opening degree can be adjusted, and each of the two arms is provided with one insertion hole into which the tube 11 is inserted.

[0027] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2(A), the first arm portion 21 is provided with a first insertion hole 23, and the second arm portion 22 is provided with a second insertion hole 24. The pinch clamp 20 is made of, for example, plastic, and the first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22 are integrally molded. The base ends of the first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22 are connected, and the other ends are open ends. As shown in Figure 2(B), the pinch clamp 20 is attached to the tube 11 by inserting the tube 11 into the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24. The open ends of the first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22 are engageable with each other, and as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2(B), the first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22 engage when the second arm portion 22 is bent toward the first arm portion 21 with the base end as the pivot point. The first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22 engage through elastic deformation, and can therefore be released. When released, the pinch clamp 20 has a generally arc shape as shown by the solid lines in Figures 2(A) and 2(B). Multiple engaging claws (not shown) are formed on the inner surface 21A of the first arm portion 21, which engages with the tip of the second arm portion 22, and the engagement position of the tip of the second arm portion 22 in the engaged state can be changed in multiple stages. This adjustment adjusts the opening degree of the first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22.

[0028] For example, the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24 are roughly elliptical in shape. Also, for example, in the case of a pinch clamp 20 that is attached to a tube 11 with a diameter of about 20 mm, the major axis of the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24 is about 22 mm, which is slightly larger than the diameter of the tube 11, and the minor axis is about 19 mm, which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the tube 11.

[0029] The first arm portion 21 is provided with a first projection 25 that protrudes inward in an arc shape, and the second arm portion 22 is also provided with a second projection 26 that protrudes inward in an arc shape. When the first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22 are engaged, the first projection 25 and the second projection 26 are positioned opposite each other with the tube 11 in between, crushing the outer circumference of the tube 11 from both sides. As a result, the diameter of the tube 11 is reduced, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tube 11 is narrowed, and the flow rate is adjusted. The amount of diameter reduction of the tube 11 is adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the pinch clamp 20 through changing the engagement position of the second arm portion 22.

[0030] When attaching the pinch clamp 20 to the tube 11, it is inserted with the engagement between the first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22 released. In the released state, the pinch clamp 20 as a whole is roughly arc-shaped, so the orientation of the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24 is different. Therefore, simply moving the tube 11 in a straight line makes it difficult to insert the tube 11 into both the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24 of the pinch clamp 20.

[0031] An example of a pinch clamp mounting device 30 according to the present disclosure, shown in Figures 3 and 4, is a device for attaching such a pinch clamp 20 to a tube 11. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an overview of each part of the pinch clamp mounting device 30, and Figure 4 is a plan view showing an overview of each part. The pinch clamp mounting device 30 includes a clamp holding mechanism 31, a moving mechanism 32, a first regulating mechanism 36, a first pressing mechanism 37, a second pressing mechanism 38, a second regulating mechanism 39, a course changing mechanism 41, a support mechanism 42, and a processor 51.

[0032] The clamp holding mechanism 31 is a mechanism for holding the pinch clamp 20 and functions as a fixing part that fixes the pinch clamp 20 to a predetermined position set in advance within the pinch clamp mounting device 30. The clamp holding mechanism 31 has a first holding part 31A and a second holding part 31B. For example, the first holding part 31A has a fitting part that fits with the open end of the first arm part 21, and the second holding part 31B has a fitting part that fits with the open end of the second arm part 22. The first holding part 31A and the second holding part 31B are positioned so as to be able to fit with the respective open ends of the first arm part 21 and the second arm part 22 when they are in an expanded state. With this clamp holding mechanism 31, the pinch clamp 20 is set in the pinch clamp mounting device 30 with the first arm part 21 and the second arm part 22 in a wide open state. Note that the configuration of the clamp holding mechanism 31 is just one example; for example, instead of fitting together, it may be held by gripping the first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22 separately.

[0033] When the pinch clamp 20 is held by the clamp holding mechanism 31, for example, the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24 are positioned such that their major axis direction aligns with the left-right direction of the tube 11, and their minor axis direction aligns with the up-down direction perpendicular to the left-right direction. Here, the left-right direction and up-down direction of the tube 11 are directions relative to the insertion direction of the tube 11, and the insertion direction of the tube 11 is the direction along the tube axis of the tube 11. The direction along the tube axis can also be rephrased as the longitudinal direction of the tube 11.

[0034] The moving mechanism 32 is a mechanism that moves the tube 11 in the insertion direction to insert it into the pinch clamp 20. For example, the moving mechanism 32 consists of a gripping mechanism 32A that grips the tube 11 and an electric slider 32B. The gripping mechanism 32A has two blocks that can be divided vertically in Figure 3, and grips the tube 11 by clamping it from above and below. The electric slider 32B has a carriage (not shown) that is movable relative to a base (not shown), and the carriage is slidable by an actuator. The gripping mechanism 32A is attached to the carriage, and the gripping mechanism 32A moves as the carriage moves. This movement of the gripping mechanism 32A moves the tube 11 in the insertion direction. When inserting the tube 11 into the pinch clamp 20, there is insertion resistance due to friction. Therefore, the gripping force of the gripping mechanism 32A and the driving force of the electric slider 32B are determined taking this insertion resistance into consideration.

[0035] Since the carriage stroke is finite, when moving the tube 11 beyond the carriage stroke, the moving mechanism 32 performs the following operation. First, with the gripping mechanism 32A gripping the tube 11, it moves the tube 11 a predetermined amount in the insertion direction to insert it into the pinch clamp 20. After moving the predetermined amount, the gripping mechanism 32A releases the tube 11 and returns in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. Then, the gripping mechanism 32A grips the tube 11 again at that position and moves the tube 11 in the insertion direction. The gripping mechanism 32A moves the tube 11 in the insertion direction by repeating this reciprocating motion. The electric slider 32B also has a linear encoder for measuring the amount of carriage movement, and the amount of insertion of the tube 11 into the pinch clamp 20 can be measured using the linear encoder. The electric slider 32B having a linear encoder is an example of a "measuring mechanism" related to the technology of this disclosure.

[0036] The configuration of the moving mechanism 32 is just one example; for example, two gripping mechanisms 32A may be provided. For example, by providing two gripping mechanisms 32A, the other gripping mechanism 32A can grip the tube 11 while one gripping mechanism 32A is releasing the tube 11. This makes it possible to hold the tube 11 in a stable state even when one gripping mechanism 32A returns in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, and enables stable movement of the tube 11.

[0037] The first restricting mechanism 36 restricts the direction of travel of the tip 11A of the tube 11 before it is inserted into the first insertion hole 23. When the tube 11 is moved in the insertion direction by the moving mechanism 32, the tip 11A of the tube 11 is first inserted into the first insertion hole 23 of the pinch clamp 20, which is held by the clamp holding mechanism 31. The first restricting mechanism 36 is positioned upstream of the first insertion hole 23 on the path of the tube 11 and restricts the direction of travel of the tip 11A of the tube 11 so that it is inserted into the first insertion hole 23. The first restricting mechanism 36 consists of a pair of rollers 36A and 36B that are spaced apart and facing each other in the radial direction of the tube 11. As described above, the pinch clamp 20 is positioned so that the long axis direction of the first insertion hole 23 is aligned with the left-right direction. Rollers 36A and 36B are arranged such that the distance between them is narrower than the major axis of the first insertion hole 23. This allows the tube 11 to pass between the pair of rollers 36A and 36B, thereby restricting the direction of travel of the tip 11A to within the range of the major axis in the left-right direction of the first insertion hole 23.

[0038] The pair of rollers 36A and 36B are rotatable around their axis and rotate due to the frictional force with the tube 11 when they come into contact with it. This reduces the insertion resistance of the tube 11. The rollers 36A and 36B are preferably made of stainless steel and aluminum, respectively, considering mechanical strength, hygiene, and frictional resistance.

[0039] The first pressing mechanism 37 compresses the tube 11 radially by pressing it before the tip 11A of the tube 11 is inserted into the first insertion hole 23. The first pressing mechanism 37 is also positioned upstream of the first insertion hole 23 in the path of the tube 11. In this example, the first pressing mechanism 37 is positioned downstream of the first regulating mechanism 36. The first pressing mechanism 37 consists of a pair of rollers 37A and 37B that press the tube 11 from both radial sides. The pair of rollers 37A and 37B are rotatably supported at both axial ends by holding members.

[0040] Furthermore, the pair of rollers 37A and 37B are movable so as to change the distance between them in the vertical direction, and the tube 11 can be reduced in diameter by being compressed from above and below when it enters between the pair of rollers 37A and 37B. As described above, the pinch clamp 20 is positioned so that the minor axis direction of the first insertion hole 23 is aligned with the vertical direction. The first pressing mechanism 37 compresses the tube 11, for example, so that the vertical diameter of the tip 11A of the tube 11 becomes smaller than the minor axis of the first insertion hole 23. For example, if the minor axis of the first insertion hole 23 is 19 mm, the tube 11 is compressed to 15 mm or less.

[0041] The vertical movement of the pair of rollers 37A and 37B is driven by an actuator 46. The actuator 46 is, for example, an electric cylinder or a linear guide. The actuator 46 used has sufficient driving force to move the tube 11 against the insertion resistance of the tube 11. Like the rollers 36A and 36B, the rollers 37A and 37B are preferably made of stainless steel and aluminum, taking into consideration mechanical strength, hygiene, and frictional resistance.

[0042] In this example, the spacing between the pair of rollers 37A and 37B in the first pressing mechanism 37 is described as being changed. However, depending on the difference between the diameter of the tube 11 and the diameter of the first insertion hole 23, the spacing may be fixed without being changed. Even in this case, as the tube 11 enters the first pressing mechanism 37 while undergoing elastic deformation, it is possible to crush the tube 11 with the pair of rollers 37A and 37B. Furthermore, while the spacing between the pair of rollers 37A and 37B may be fixed when the tube 11 enters the first pressing mechanism 37, the spacing between the pair of rollers 37A and 37B may be widened when the rear end of the tube 11 passes through the first pressing mechanism 37. This makes it possible to smoothly discharge the tube 11 from the first pressing mechanism 37. In other words, the spacing between the pair of rollers 37 and 37B may be fixed or changed depending on various conditions.

[0043] The second pressing mechanism 38, like the first pressing mechanism 37, compresses the tube 11 radially by pressing it before the tip 11A of the tube 11 is inserted into the second insertion hole 24. The second pressing mechanism 38 is located upstream of the second insertion hole 24 in the path of the tube 11. The second pressing mechanism 38 consists of a pair of rollers 38A and 38B that press the tube 11 from both radial sides.

[0044] Although the configuration of the second pressing mechanism 38 is different from that of the first pressing mechanism 37, their functions are the same. Similar to the pair of rollers 37A and 37B of the first pressing mechanism 37, both ends of the pair of rollers 38A and 38B of the second pressing mechanism 38 in their respective axial directions are rotatably supported by holding members. Also, the pair of rollers 38A and 38B are movable so that the vertical distance therebetween changes, and by crushing the tube 11 that has entered between the pair of rollers 38A and 38B from above and below, the diameter of the tube 11 can be reduced. The vertical movement of the pair of rollers 38A and 38B is driven by an actuator 46. Similar to the rollers 36A and 36B, the rollers 38A and 38B are preferably made of stainless steel, aluminum, etc. considering mechanical strength, hygiene, and frictional resistance, etc.

[0045] The second regulating mechanism 39 regulates the advancing direction of the tip 11A of the tube 11 after the tip 11A of the tube 11 is inserted into the second insertion hole 24 and passes through the second insertion hole 24. The second regulating mechanism 39 is disposed on the downstream side of the second insertion hole 24 on the path of the tube 11 and regulates the advancing direction of the tip 11A of the tube 11 after it passes through the second insertion hole 24. Similar to the first regulating mechanism 36, the second regulating mechanism 39 is composed of a pair of rollers 39A and 39B that are arranged to face each other with a gap in the radial direction of the tube 11. When the tube 11 contacts the pair of rollers 39A and 39B, the advancing direction of the tube 11 in the left - right direction is regulated. The distance between the rollers 39A and 39B is the same as the distance between the rollers 36A and 36B of the first regulating mechanism 36. Also, the pair of rollers 39A and 39B are rotatable about their axes and rotate due to the frictional force with the tube 11 when they contact the tube 11. Similar to the rollers 36A and 36B, the rollers 39A and 39B are preferably made of stainless steel, aluminum, etc. for the same reasons.

[0046] The path changing mechanism 41 changes the path of the tip 11A of the tube 11 toward the second insertion hole 24 after the tip 11A of the tube 11 is inserted into the first insertion hole 23 by the movement of the tube 11 and before being inserted into the second insertion hole 24. As described above, the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24 of the pinch clamp 20 are not arranged linearly and have different orientations. Therefore, just moving the tube 11 linearly cannot insert the tip 11A of the tube 11 that has passed through the first insertion hole 23 into the second insertion hole 24. Thus, the path changing mechanism 41 changes the path of the tip 11A of the tube 11 after being inserted into the first insertion hole 23 toward the second insertion hole 24.

[0047] The path changing mechanism 41 has a contact portion 41A that contacts the tube 11. The contact portion 41A contacts the tube 11 moving along the tube axis direction from a direction intersecting the tube axis, thereby bending the tube 11 and changing the orientation of the tip 11A. The contact portion 41A is linearly movable along a direction intersecting the tube axis, and the contact portion 41A moves linearly to contact the tube 11. The movement of the contact portion 41A is realized by the actuator 46.

[0048] The contact portion 41A is, for example, composed of a roller that can rotate when contacting the tube 11. Similar to the rollers 36A and 36B, the contact portion 41A is preferably composed of stainless steel, aluminum, etc.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the contact portion 41A is movable between a retracted position (shown by a solid line in FIG. 4) where it retreats from the path of the tube 11 and a contact position (shown by a broken line in FIG. 4) where it contacts the tube 11 moving on the path. In a state where the contact portion 41A is in the retracted position, the tip 11A of the tube 11 moves to a preset predetermined position. Then, after the tip 11A of the tube 11 reaches the predetermined position, the contact portion 41A moves to the contact position.

[0050] Furthermore, the support mechanism 42 is positioned opposite the contact portion 41A across the path of the tube 11, and supports the tube 11 against the pressing force of the contact portion 41A. When the tube 11 is pressed by the contact portion 41A, the tube 11 moves toward the first protrusion 25 of the pinch clamp 20. The support mechanism 42 supports the tube 11 from a direction opposite to the contact portion 41A in order to prevent the tube 11 from deviating from a predetermined path.

[0051] Furthermore, the support mechanism 42 is positioned between the path of the tube 11 between the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24 and the pinch clamp 20, so as to suppress contact between the tube 11, which is pressed toward the pinch clamp 20 by the contact portion 41A, and the pinch clamp 20. This prevents the tube 11 from unintentionally coming into contact with the pinch clamp 20, even when the tube 11 is pressed toward the pinch clamp 20 by the contact portion 41A.

[0052] The support mechanism 42 is, for example, composed of a roller that can rotate when in contact with the tube 11. For the same reasons as rollers 36A and 36B, stainless steel and aluminum are preferred for the rollers constituting the support mechanism 42.

[0053] The processor 51 controls the overall operation of the pinch clamp mounting device 30. The processor 51 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory 51A. Memory 51A includes RAM (Random Access Memory) for loading programs executed by the CPU, and data storage for storing various types of data. The data storage consists of NVM (Non-volatile Memory) and hard disk drives. Memory 51A stores various types of data used to control the pinch clamp mounting device 30.

[0054] For example, the processor 51 controls the movement of the tube 11 via the movement mechanism 32. The processor 51 acquires the amount of movement of the tube 11 measured by the electric slider 32B and controls the insertion amount of the tube 11 and the stopping position of the tube 11 based on the acquired amount of movement. The processor 51 also controls the first pressing mechanism 37, the second pressing mechanism 38, and the path changing mechanism 41 through the control of the actuator 46.

[0055] The operation of the above configuration will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 9. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for attaching the pinch clamp 20 to the tube 11 performed by the pinch clamp attachment device 30. Figures 6 to 9 show the state of the tube 11 and the pinch clamp attachment device 30 corresponding to each step shown in Figure 5.

[0056] First, when attaching the pinch clamp 20 to the tube 11, the tube 11 and the pinch clamp 20 are set in the pinch clamp mounting device 30, as shown in step ST11 of Figure 5. The pinch clamp 20 is set in the clamp holding mechanism 31 with the first arm portion 21 and the second arm portion 22 expanded, and the tube 11 is set in the moving mechanism 32. This state is shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0057] When an instruction to start installation is input to the processor 51 in this state, in step ST12, the processor 51 controls the moving mechanism 32 to move the tube 11 to just before the first insertion hole 23. As a result, the tube 11 moves from the position shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 6, and as shown in Figure 6, the tube 11 passes between the pair of rollers 36A and 36B of the first restricting mechanism 36. The direction of travel of the tip 11A of the tube 11 is restricted by passing between the pair of rollers 36A and 36B.

[0058] The tube 11 stops when its tip 11A has passed through the first regulating mechanism 36 and entered the first pressing mechanism 37. At this stopping position, the processor 51 activates the first pressing mechanism 37 to compress the tip 11A of the tube 11, thereby reducing its diameter (step ST13).

[0059] In this state, the processor 51 proceeds to step ST14. As shown in Figure 7, the processor 51 resumes moving the tube 11 in the insertion direction and inserts the tip 11A of the tube 11 into the first insertion hole 23. When inserting into the first insertion hole 23, the direction of movement of the tip 11A of the tube 11 is restricted by the first regulating mechanism 36 and its diameter is reduced by the first pressing mechanism 37. This provides the following effects.

[0060] In other words, the first regulating mechanism 36 reduces the chance of the tube 11 being misaligned in its insertion position into the first insertion hole 23, and in the worst case, the path of the tip 11A of the tube 11 deviating from the first insertion hole 23. As a result, the tube can be inserted into the first insertion hole 23 smoothly. Furthermore, the distance between the pair of rollers 36A and 36B is determined according to the size of the first insertion hole 23 in the left-right direction. As a result, the first regulating mechanism 36 can also be expected to reduce the frictional resistance between the tube 11 and the first insertion hole 23. This reduction in frictional resistance allows the tube 11 to be inserted into the first insertion hole 23 more smoothly. Moreover, since the first regulating mechanism 36 is composed of rollers 36A and 36B, it has a greater effect in reducing frictional resistance compared to a case without rollers. In addition, rollers 36A and 36B have the advantage of being relatively simple in construction.

[0061] Furthermore, the amount of diameter reduction of the tube 11 by the first pressing mechanism 37 is determined so that the diameter of the tube 11 becomes less than or equal to the size of the first insertion hole 23. As a result, interference between the tip 11A of the tube 11 and the first insertion hole 23 is reduced, and insertion resistance due to friction between the tube 11 and the first insertion hole 23 is also reduced. As a result, for example, even if the diameter of the tube 11 when no external force is applied is larger than the first insertion hole 23, the tube 11 can be smoothly inserted into the first insertion hole 23. Moreover, since the first pressing mechanism 37 is composed of rollers 37A and 37B, similar to the first regulating mechanism 36, it has the advantage of a higher frictional resistance reduction effect and a relatively simpler structure compared to a case without rollers.

[0062] In this state, the processor 51 moves to step ST15 and continues moving the tube 11 in the insertion direction even after the tip 11A has passed through the first insertion hole 23. The processor 51 then moves the tube 11 until the tip 11A of the tube 11 reaches a preset course change position. The processor 51 stops the tube 11 at this course change position and moves to step ST16.

[0063] In step ST16, the processor 51 changes the direction of the tip 11A of the tube 11 via the direction-changing mechanism 41. As shown in Figure 8, the contact portion 41A moves from the retracted position to the contact position, pushing the tube 11 so that the tip 11A of the tube 11 faces the second insertion hole 24. As a result, the tube 11 bends and the direction of the tip 11A changes. In this way, the direction-changing mechanism 41 allows the tube 11 to be inserted into the two insertion holes, the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24, even if their orientations are different.

[0064] Furthermore, at the contact position, a support mechanism 42 is positioned opposite the contact portion 41A, sandwiching the tube 11. The support mechanism 42 supports the tube 11 against the pressing force of the contact portion 41A, preventing it from moving towards the pinch clamp 20.

[0065] If the orientation of the tip 11A of the tube 11 is changed in step ST16, the process proceeds to step ST17. In step ST17, the processor 51 reduces the diameter of the tip 11A of the tube 11 via the second pressing mechanism 38. The diameter reduction by the second pressing mechanism 38 is performed so that it is less than or equal to the size of the second insertion hole 24.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, the processor 51 resumes moving the tube 11 in the insertion direction in this state, and in step ST18, inserts the tip 11A of the tube 11 into the second insertion hole 24. Since the tip 11A is compressed to a size smaller than or equal to the size of the second insertion hole 24 by the second pressing mechanism 38, the tip 11A can be smoothly inserted into the second insertion hole 24. The effect of this second pressing mechanism 38 is the same as the effect of the first pressing mechanism 37.

[0067] Then, when the tip 11A of the tube 11 passes through the second insertion hole 24, the tip 11A enters the second restricting mechanism 39. In step ST19, the tube 11 moves in the insertion direction until the tip 11A reaches a predetermined final target position. During this movement, the path of the tip 11A of the tube 11 is restricted by the second restricting mechanism 39, allowing the tube 11 to move smoothly even after passing through the second insertion hole 24. Unlike the first restricting mechanism 36, which is located upstream of the first insertion hole 23, the second restricting mechanism 39 is located downstream of the second insertion hole 24. However, even if the path of the tube 11 is restricted downstream of the second insertion hole 24, the effects of reducing disturbances in the posture of the tube 11 passing through the second insertion hole 24 and reducing insertion resistance due to friction between the second insertion hole 24 and the tube 11 can be obtained. This is because, even after the tip 11A passes through the second insertion hole 24, the subsequent portion of the tube 11 connected to the tip 11A also passes through the second insertion hole 24. Furthermore, since the second regulating mechanism 39 is also composed of rollers 39A and 39B, the friction reduction effect is higher compared to a configuration without rollers.

[0068] As described above, the pinch clamp mounting device 30 according to the technology of this disclosure is a pinch clamp 20 capable of adjusting the flow rate of fluid flowing inside a flexible tube 11 by clamping the tube 11 and crushing the tube 11, and comprises a clamp holding mechanism 31 that detachably holds a pinch clamp having two insertion holes 23 and 24 into which the tube 11 is inserted, a moving mechanism 32 that moves the tube 11 relative to the pinch clamp 20, and a path changing mechanism 41 that changes the path of the tip 11A of the tube 11 toward the other after the tip 11A of the tube 11 has been inserted into one of the two insertion holes 23 and 24 by the relative movement of the tube 11, but before it is inserted into the other.

[0069] Therefore, the tube 11 can be attached to the pinch clamp 20 even if the orientation of the two insertion holes is different.

[0070] Furthermore, the pinch clamp 20 of the above embodiment has two first arm portions 21 and second arm portions 22 whose opening degree can be adjusted, and each of the two arm portions is provided with one insertion hole. Since the orientation of the insertion holes in such pinch clamps 20 is often different, the pinch clamp mounting device 30 of the present disclosure is particularly effective for such pinch clamps 20.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the path-changing mechanism 41 has a contact portion 41A that bends the tube 11 and changes the direction of its tip 11A by contacting the tube 11, which is moving along the tube axis, from a direction intersecting the tube axis. Therefore, the configuration is simpler compared to, for example, a case where the path-changing mechanism is configured with a robot arm that grips the tube 11 and changes the path of its tip 11A.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the contact portion 41A is a roller that can rotate when it comes into contact with the tube 11. Therefore, compared to a case where the contact portion 41A is not made of a roller, frictional resistance with the tube 11 can be reduced, and the tube 11 can move smoothly. In addition, by using a roller, there is less chance of damage to the tube 11.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the contact portion 41A is movable between a retracted position where it is moved away from the path of the tube 11 and a contact position where it contacts the tube moving along the path. With the contact portion 41A in the retracted position, the tip 11A of the tube 11 moves to a predetermined position (for example, the path change position described above), and after the tip 11A reaches the predetermined position, the contact portion 41A moves to the contact position.

[0074] Therefore, with the contact portion 41A in the retracted position, the tip 11A of the tube 11 can be received to a predetermined position, and then the contact portion 41A can move to the contact position to change the path of the tip 11A of the tube 11. This makes it possible to suppress insertion problems of the tube 11 compared to, for example, the case where the position of the contact portion 41A is fixed to the contact position. Insertion problems include, for example, the tube 11 deviating from its intended path due to interference between the tip 11A of the tube 11 and the contact portion 41A, or the tube 11 becoming immobile due to unexpected deformation of the tube 11.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a support mechanism 42 is provided, which is positioned opposite the contact portion 41A across the path of the tube 11 and supports the tube 11 against the pressing force of the contact portion 41A. This prevents the tube 11 from deviating from its intended path due to the pressing force of the contact portion 41A, and prevents the tube 11 from unintentionally coming into contact with parts of the pinch clamp 20 other than the first insertion hole 23 and the second insertion hole 24 (for example, the first protrusion 25). If the tube 11 deviates from its intended path, it may cause insertion problems, but by providing the support mechanism 42, the occurrence of such insertion problems can be suppressed. In addition, by suppressing unintentional contact with the pinch clamp 20, frictional resistance with the pinch clamp 20 can be reduced, enabling smooth movement of the tube 11. Moreover, since the support mechanism 42 is composed of rollers, it has a higher friction reduction effect compared to a case where it is not composed of rollers.

[0076] In addition, in the above embodiment, the first regulating mechanism 36, the first pressing mechanism 37, the second pressing mechanism 38, and the second regulating mechanism 39 can be provided with respect to the various effects described above.

[0077] The configuration of the above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate. For example, although two regulating mechanisms are provided, a first regulating mechanism 36 for the first insertion hole 23 and a second regulating mechanism 39 for the second insertion hole 24, either one may be used. For example, if the diameter of either the first insertion hole 23 or the second insertion hole 24 is larger than the diameter of the tube 11, it may be permissible to omit the regulating mechanism. Of course, from the viewpoint of further improving the insertability of the tube 11, it is preferable to provide both the first regulating mechanism 36 and the second regulating mechanism 39 as in the above embodiment.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first regulating mechanism 36 is positioned upstream of the first insertion hole 23, but it may also be positioned downstream of the first insertion hole 23. The second regulating mechanism 39 may also be positioned upstream of the second insertion hole 24.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, two pressing mechanisms are provided: a first pressing mechanism 37 for the first insertion hole 23 and a second pressing mechanism 38 for the second insertion hole 24. However, either one may be used. As with the regulating mechanism, for example, if the diameter of either the first insertion hole 23 or the second insertion hole 24 is larger than the diameter of the tube 11, it may be permissible to omit the pressing mechanism. Of course, from the viewpoint of further improving the insertability of the tube 11, it is preferable to provide both the first pressing mechanism 37 and the second pressing mechanism 38 as in the above embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, although the first regulating mechanism 36, the first pressing mechanism 37, the second pressing mechanism 38, the second regulating mechanism 39, the contact portion 41A, and the support mechanism 42 are each composed of rotatable rollers, the rollers do not necessarily have to rotate. Even without rotation, for example, a cylindrical shape can provide a friction reduction effect compared to a rectangular prism shape. Also, if a contact member is provided instead of a roller, it does not have to be cylindrical in shape, but it is preferable that the contact surface is formed as a curved surface so as not to damage the tube 11.

[0081] Of course, constructing these components with rollers offers advantages beyond friction reduction. Specifically, multiple diameters for the tube 11 and the size of the insertion hole for the pinch clamp 20 can be considered. For example, if the first regulating mechanism 36 is constructed with a pair of rollers 36A and 36B, it becomes easy to accommodate tubes 11 of different diameters by adjusting the distance between rollers 36A and 36B. Therefore, when constructing the first regulating mechanism 36 with a pair of rollers, it is preferable to allow adjustment of the distance between the pair of rollers.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as exemplified by the electric slider 32B having a linear encoder, a mechanism for measuring the insertion amount of the tube 11 into the pinch clamp 20 is provided. By providing such a measuring mechanism, it becomes possible to easily control the insertion amount and stopping position of the tube 11. In addition, since it becomes possible to manage the insertion amount of the tube 11, it also becomes easier to manage the final mounting position of the pinch clamp 20 relative to the tube 11.

[0083] Furthermore, the coordinated operation of each part of the pinch clamp mounting device 30, such as the tube 11 movement mechanism 32, the first pressing mechanism 37, and the path change mechanism 41, as shown in the above embodiment, can be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiment, in step ST12 of Figure 5, the tip 11A of the tube 11 is stopped at the position where it enters the first pressing mechanism 37, and the first pressing mechanism 37 is activated at this stopping position. However, it is not necessary to stop the tube 11. If the timing of the tip 11A of the tube 11 reaching the position of the first pressing mechanism 37 is synchronized with the activation timing of the first pressing mechanism 37, it may be possible to insert the tube 11 into the first insertion hole 23 without stopping the tube 11. Also, in step ST15 of Figure 5, the tube 11 is temporarily stopped at the path change position, but it is not necessary to stop the tube 11. If the timing of the tube 11 reaching the direction change position is synchronized with the timing of the direction change mechanism 41's operation, it may be possible to change the direction without stopping the tube 11. Thus, the above embodiment of the coordinated operation of the pinch clamp mounting device 30 is just one example and may be modified as appropriate.

[0084] [Other] In the above embodiment, the path changing mechanism 41 is configured with a contact portion 41A that can move between a contact position and a retracted position, but a path changing mechanism 61 as shown in Figure 10 may also be used. The path changing mechanism 61 is a wall member that restricts both sides of the path of the tube 11 so that the path of the tip 11A of the tube 11 after passing through the first insertion hole 23 is toward the second insertion hole 24. The wall member may be composed of multiple plate members, or it may be formed of a tubular member through which the tube 11 can pass. As the path of the tube 11 curves, the shape of the path changing mechanism 61 is also curved accordingly. The path is changed as the tip 11A of the tube 11 moves while in contact with this wall member. This makes the configuration simpler compared to the case where the contact portion 41A is moved, as an actuator 46 and the like are not required. Of course, the path changing mechanism 41 is preferred because it is considered to have less concern about insertion problems.

[0085] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the tube 11 is moved while the position of the pinch clamp 20 is fixed, the tube 11 may be fixed and the pinch clamp 20 may be moved. Of course, it is preferable to move the tube 11 as in the above embodiment because it simplifies the configuration.

[0086] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described as an example in which the pinch clamp 20 is attached to a tube 11 used in a bioprocess, the technology of this disclosure may also be applied to applications other than bioprocesses, for example, it may be used to attach a pinch clamp to a medical tube.

[0087] The above embodiments further disclose the following: [Appendix 1] A pinch clamp capable of adjusting the flow rate of fluid flowing inside a flexible tube by clamping and crushing the tube, comprising: a clamp holding mechanism for detachably holding a pinch clamp having two insertion holes for inserting a tube; a moving mechanism for moving the tube relative to the pinch clamp; and a path changing mechanism for changing the path of the tip of the tube toward the other after the tip of the tube has been inserted into one of the two insertion holes by the relative movement of the tube, but before it is inserted into the other. [Appendix 2] The pinch clamp mounting device according to Appendix 1, wherein the path changing mechanism has a contact portion that bends the tube and changes the direction of the tip by contacting the tube moving along the tube axis from a direction intersecting the tube axis. [Appendix 3] The pinch clamp mounting device according to Appendix 2, wherein the contact portion is a roller that is rotatable when in contact with the tube. [Note 4] The pinch clamp mounting device according to Note 2 or Note 3, wherein the contact portion is movable between a retracted position where it is moved away from the path of the tube and a contact position where it contacts the tube moving along the path, and while the contact portion is in the retracted position, the tip of the tube moves to a predetermined position, and after the tip reaches the predetermined position, the contact portion moves to the contact position. [Note 5] The pinch clamp mounting device according to Note 2 to Note 3, further comprising a support mechanism positioned opposite the contact portion across the path of the tube and supporting the tube against the pressing force of the contact portion. [Note 6] The pinch clamp mounting device according to Note 5, wherein the support mechanism is a roller that can rotate when in contact with the tube. [Note 7] The pinch clamp mounting device according to any one of Note 1 to Note 6, wherein a restricting mechanism for restricting the direction of travel of the tip of the tube is provided on the upstream or downstream side of at least one of the two insertion holes on the path of the tube. [Appendix 8] The regulating mechanism is the pinch clamp mounting device described in Appendix 7, which is located on the upstream or downstream side of each of the two insertion holes.[Note 9] The pinch clamp mounting device according to Note 7 or Note 8, wherein the regulating mechanism is a pair of rollers positioned opposite each other with a gap between them in the radial direction of the tube. [Note 10] The pinch clamp mounting device according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, wherein a pressing mechanism for compressing the tube radially is positioned upstream of at least one of the two insertion holes in the path of the tube. [Note 11] The pinch clamp mounting device according to Note 10, wherein the pressing mechanism is positioned upstream of each of the two insertion holes. [Note 12] The pinch clamp mounting device according to Note 10 or Note 11, wherein the pressing mechanism is a pair of rollers for pressing the tube radially from both sides. [Note 13] The pinch clamp mounting device according to any one of Notes 1 to 12, further comprising a measuring mechanism for measuring the amount of tube inserted into the pinch clamp. [Note 14] A pinch clamp mounting device according to any one of Notes 1 to Notes 13, wherein the pinch clamp has two arms that can adjust the degree of opening, and each of the two arms has one insertion hole. [Note 15] A pinch clamp capable of adjusting the flow rate of fluid flowing inside a flexible tube by clamping the tube and crushing the tube, comprising: detachably holding a pinch clamp having two insertion holes into which a tube is inserted; moving the tube relative to the pinch clamp; and changing the direction of the tip of the tube toward the other after it has been inserted into one of the two insertion holes by the relative movement of the tube, but before it is inserted into the other.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the processing performed by the processor 51 of the pinch clamp mounting device 30 is performed on any computer. Alternatively, any computer may perform these processes using a hardware processor, a software program, or a combination thereof. In that case, the processor is configured to work in cooperation with the program to perform the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Furthermore, the execution order of the processor's processes is not limited to the order described and may be changed as appropriate.

[0089] Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer designed for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of performing each process. A processor may consist of one or more pieces of hardware, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor may consist of programmable logic devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), dedicated circuits for performing specific processes such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Furthermore, the type of hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a processor, these components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Furthermore, in any embodiment, the order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. The hardware components are composed of electrical circuits (circuits) and the like, which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0090] Furthermore, the program may be firmware or software such as microcode. Alternatively, the program may be, for example, a set of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage). The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located in physically separate devices. Program code or code segments may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. Program code or code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0091] The technology of this disclosure can be appropriately combined with the various embodiments and / or variations described above. Furthermore, it is understood that various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In addition, the technology of this disclosure extends to storage media for storing programs non-temporarily. The storage media are computer-readable non-temporarily storage media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, flexible disks, and CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory). Programs may also be provided online via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the technology of this disclosure extends to program products in addition to programs. Program products include all forms of products for providing programs. Like programs, program products may be stored and provided on computer-readable non-temporarily storage media, or they may be provided online.

[0092] The descriptions and illustrations presented above are detailed explanations of the technical aspects of this disclosure and are merely examples of the technical aspects. For example, the above descriptions of the structure, function, operation, and effect are examples of the structure, function, operation, and effect of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that you may delete unnecessary parts, add new elements, or replace elements in the descriptions and illustrations presented above, as long as you do not deviate from the essence of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, in order to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the technical aspects of this disclosure, explanations of common technical knowledge and the like that do not require special explanation to enable the implementation of the technical aspects of this disclosure have been omitted from the descriptions and illustrations presented above.

[0093] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." That is, "A and / or B" means that it may be A alone, or B alone, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" applies when expressing three or more things linked by "and / or."

[0094] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-224535, filed on 19 December 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, all documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A pinch clamp capable of adjusting the flow rate of fluid flowing through a flexible tube by clamping the tube and compressing the tube, comprising: a clamp holding mechanism for detachably holding a pinch clamp having two insertion holes into which the tube is inserted; a moving mechanism for moving the tube relative to the pinch clamp; and a path changing mechanism for changing the path of the tip of the tube toward the other insertion hole after the tip of the tube has been inserted into one of the two insertion holes by the relative movement of the tube, but before it is inserted into the other insertion hole.

2. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the path changing mechanism has a contact portion that bends the tube and changes the orientation of the tip by contacting the tube moving along the axial direction of the tube from a direction intersecting the axial direction of the tube.

3. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 2, wherein the contact portion is a roller that can rotate when in contact with the tube.

4. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 2, wherein the contact portion is movable between a retracted position where it is moved away from the path of the tube and a contact position where it contacts the tube as it moves along the path, and while the contact portion is in the retracted position, the tip of the tube moves to a predetermined position, and after the tip reaches the predetermined position, the contact portion moves to the contact position.

5. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 2, further comprising a support mechanism positioned opposite the contact portion across the path of the tube, and supporting the tube against the pressing force of the contact portion.

6. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 5, wherein the support mechanism is a roller that can rotate when in contact with the tube.

7. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 1, wherein a restricting mechanism for restricting the direction of travel of the tip of the tube is provided on the path of the tube, either upstream or downstream of at least one of the two insertion holes.

8. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 7, wherein the regulating mechanism is located on the upstream or downstream side of each of the two insertion holes.

9. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 7, wherein the regulating mechanism is a pair of rollers that are spaced apart and facing each other in the radial direction of the tube.

10. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 1, wherein a pressing mechanism for compressing the tube radially is arranged upstream of at least one of the two insertion holes in the path of the tube.

11. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 10, wherein the pressing mechanism is located upstream of each of the two insertion holes.

12. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 10, wherein the pressing mechanism is a pair of rollers that press the tube from both radial sides.

13. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 1, further comprising a measuring mechanism for measuring the amount of insertion of the tube into the pinch clamp.

14. The pinch clamp mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the pinch clamp has two arm portions that can adjust the degree of opening, and each of the two arm portions is provided with one insertion hole.

15. A pinch clamp capable of adjusting the flow rate of fluid flowing through a flexible tube by clamping the tube and compressing the tube, comprising: detachably holding a pinch clamp having two insertion holes into which the tube is inserted; moving the tube relative to the pinch clamp; and changing the direction of the tip of the tube toward the other insertion hole after it has been inserted into one of the two insertion holes by the relative movement of the tube, but before it is inserted into the other insertion hole.

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