EP1483046A1

EP1483046A1 - Microcomponent connection system

Info

Publication number: EP1483046A1
Application number: EP03708088A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Renate Bender; Günter BRENNER; Thomas Greve; Matthias Joehnck; Bernd Stanislawski; Michael Schmelz; Sigrid Sturmfels
Original assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
Current assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
Priority date: 2002-03-08
Filing date: 2003-02-10
Publication date: 2004-12-08
Also published as: AU2003212237A1; TW200401666A; DE10209897A1; WO2003076063A1; JP2005518936A; US20050158209A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a microcomponent connection system (1) comprising a device for receiving plate-shaped microcomponents (7), a connection block (2), and a lifting device (6) by means of which the microcomponent (7) and the connection block (2) can be pressed against each other. The connection block (2) is provided with electrical and fluidic line terminals (8, 9) and optical line terminals (16), each of which projects in a springy or spring-mounted manner from the lower face of the connection block (2). In order to connect the microcomponent (7) to the assigned line terminals (8, 9, 16), the microcomponent (7) is pressed by the lifting device (6) against the electrical line terminals (8) or fluidic line terminals (9) or optical line terminals (16), which are embodied as electrically conducting spring tongues or as hollow stamps (10), in the direction of the connection block (2).

Description

Micro Components Connection System

The invention relates to a microcomponent connection system with a receiving device for plate-shaped microcomponents and with a plurality of line connections which can be connected to the microcomponent.

In the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, miniaturized components are increasingly used for research and production purposes. With the development and use of microcomponents, reactions and analyzes with small amounts of substances can be carried out quickly and effectively. This is particularly advantageous if a large number of reactions or analyzes are carried out with different substances or under different conditions for research purposes. The use of microreactors also enables controlled reaction control or sample analysis, in which parameters such as pressure or temperature can be specified in much larger ranges.

Plate-shaped microcomponents such as, for example, micromixers or micropumps are known which are used for carrying out reactions or analyzes with the lowest mass flows. Microcomponents of this type usually have a plurality of openings for the supply and discharge of the substances involved. Electrical heating elements or other current consumers in and on the microcomponent can be supplied with energy and operated via electrical line connections. Before a reaction or analysis is carried out, the microcomponents used for the reaction must be connected to all assigned line connections. Establishing a tight connection with liquid-flowed line connections is, however, cumbersome and time-consuming, in particular because of the small dimensions and the resulting difficult handling of the line connections and microcomponents involved.

A micro component connection system (DE 198 54 096 AI) is known in which a plate-shaped micro component is inserted into a carrier rail fastened on a connection carrier. Line connections are provided in at least one side wall of the insertion slot of the carrier rail, which line connections can be connected to associated connections on an outside of the plate-shaped microcomponent. Even if the handling of the microcomponents and the associated line connections is made considerably easier by using such a microcomponent connection system, each individual feed or discharge line for the substances involved in the reaction must nevertheless be individually connected to the carrier rail and the microcomponent inserted therein. This requires a lot of time, especially if the microcomponents are changed frequently.

Any negligent, not completely sealing manual connection of a line connection with the microcomponent plugged into the carrier rail leads to the fact that substances involved during the reaction can escape, which however can hardly be discovered as long as that from the Microcomponent escaping liquid is also not visibly emerging from the insertion slot of the carrier rail.

A miniaturized analysis unit for sample preparation is described in the published patent application WO 00/77511 A1. The essentially plate-shaped flow unit with a microstructured channel system has electrical and fluidic connections, so that complex analyzes or separations of an introduced sample can be carried out within the miniaturized analysis unit. The exemplary embodiment described is particularly suitable for isotachophoretic separation of a sample.

The published patent application also describes a microcomponent connection system of the type mentioned at the outset, which is provided for the reversible reception of a miniaturized analysis unit, the microcomponent. The microcomponent connection system consists of a locking device holding the flow unit and a holder arranged above it, which has connection elements for electrical and fluidic connecting lines. In order to carry out an analysis, the intended analysis unit must first be inserted into the locking device and then the locking device must be connected to the holder arranged above it. A reliably tight connection of a fluid connection to the microcomponent can and must only take place after the locking device has been joined to the holder by means of a pressure screw assigned to a fluid connection. This is also time consuming and labor intensive due to the necessary care. The object of the invention is accordingly to design a microcomponent connection system in such a way that a microcomponent can be connected quickly and reliably to the assigned line connections. The microcomponent connection system should be as simple to manufacture as possible and should allow safe storage and contacting of the microcomponent.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the microcomponent and the line connections can be pressed against one another by means of a lifting device. By actuating the lifting device, the microcomponent is securely and tightly connected to all line connections at the same time. The contact pressure of the microcomponent on the line connections can be specified by an adapted design of the lifting device. The manual connection of the individual line connections to the microcomponent. omitted, so that a microcomponent can be connected very quickly and with great reliability to the assigned line connections.

It is preferably provided that the microcomponent can be pressed onto the line connections by means of a lifting device. The microcomponent can be fixed on the lifting device and pressed onto the largely immovable line connections by actuating the lifting device. It is thereby achieved that the individual lead terminals ^"permanently arranged and are connected to associated supply devices. A single for each use again required consuming contacting of the individual lead terminals is omitted, thus particularly in the achievable miniaturization of microcomponents and the lead terminals a considerable work is saved and the risk of damage to the individual parts is reduced.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the line connections can be pressed against the microcomponent by means of a lifting device. In this embodiment, the microcomponent is positioned in an immobile holding device. The line connections are guided to the microcomponent and pressed using the lifting device. The positioning of the microcomponent in the holding device enables, for example, a temperature control and temperature control of the microcomponent by the holding device that is more complex and therefore more precise in terms of the space required, compared with the possibilities of temperature control of the microcomponent mounted on a movable lifting device.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the microcomponent

Connection system has a connection block with line connections and the microcomponent can be pressed in the direction of the connection block by means of the lifting device. The connection block protects the line connections through it from damage such as kinking of the line connections. Such a connection block offers enough space for receiving electrical and fluidic connection devices with which the microcomponent is connected when the lifting device is actuated. The individual supply or discharge lines can remain permanently connected to the line connections of the connection block, only the micro- component can be replaced depending on the reaction to be carried out.

It is preferably provided that the line connections carried out are each projecting on the underside of the connection block. If the microcomponent is pressed in the direction of the connection block when the lifting device is actuated, the individual line connections each form stops. The contact pressure of the microcomponent against these stops can be adjusted via the actuating mechanism of the lifting device in such a way that a permanent, tight and reliable connection of all line connections to the microcomponent is achieved.

It is also conceivable that the connection block represents a stable, flat, large-area stop, against which the microcomponent can be pressed firmly and firmly. In this case, the individual line connections are carried out in such a way that a tight and reliable connection of the line connections to the microcomponent is ensured as soon as the microcomponent is pressed flat against the connection block.

It is advantageously provided that the microcomponent accommodated in the accommodating device can be positioned by means of a frame adapted to the dimensions of the microcomponent. A tight connection of the line connections located in the connection block with the microcomponent pressed onto them can be ensured by simple means only for a certain predetermined position of the microcomponent relative to the line connections and thus the connection block. This unique positioning of the microcomponent is communicated to the microcomponent adjusted frame reached. At the same time, this simplifies the handling of the micro component connection system considerably and enables a secure and tight connection to the assigned line connections even when the micro component is changed frequently.

According to an embodiment of the concept of the invention, it is provided that the connection block, the frame and the lifting device form a slot which is open on one side and in which the microcomponent can be received. To hold the microcomponent in the microcomponent connection system and to securely connect the microcomponent to the assigned line connections, the microcomponent only has to be inserted completely into the slot that is open on one side and the lifting device is then actuated. In this way, the handling of the micro-component connection system is further simplified and at the same time the micro-component accommodated in the micro-component connection system is largely protected from external stress and possible damage.

It is advantageously provided that the orientation of the microcomponents adapted to it during the recording can be determined by coding the microcomponent connection system. In this way, an unambiguous orientation of the microcomponent in the microcomponent connection system can be specified, and it can thus be ensured that openings or contact surfaces of the microcomponent are connected to the assigned line connections during a reaction or analysis.

It is particularly advantageously provided that the microcomponent has a recess and the frame of the microcomponent. Connection system has a projection adapted to the recess. As a result, simple orientation of the microcomponent in the microcomponent connection system is forced. Incorrect use during a reaction or analysis is excluded.

It is expediently provided that the receiving device has electrical and fluidic line connections for connection to the microcomponent. The receiving device designed in this way has all the line connections that are usually necessary for carrying out reactions or analyzes with microcomponents. This eliminates the need for additional, manually made connections or other devices. The construction and implementation of a complex reaction or analysis with a plurality of microcomponents connected in series, with associated microcomponent connection systems being connected to one another, can be carried out quickly. Due to the large number of versatile line connections of the micro component connection system, the conditions and the course of the reaction in the micro component can be largely determined and controlled.

It is preferably provided that the fluidic line connections have hollow plungers and these have a concentrically arranged sealing ring at their opening facing the accommodated microcomponent. The connection of the hollow punches with the assigned openings of the microcomponent are securely sealed by the concentrically arranged, elastic sealing ring. For most purposes, a commercially available and semi-inexpensive O-ring can be used. The slight manufacturing-related unevenness of the microcomponent surface can thus be reliably compensated for with simple means and a tight connection of the openings of the microcomponent with the associated hollow punches can be achieved.

It is particularly advantageously provided that the fluid line connections each have an axially movable, spring-mounted hollow plunger. By pressing the microcomponent onto the fluidic line connections, a tight connection is established between the line connections and the assigned openings of the microcomponent. The line connections designed as spring-loaded hollow plungers can be deflected slightly depending on the spring force and the contact pressure exerted by the lifting device via the microcomponent. This ensures, on the one hand, a continuous and secure connection between the resilient line connections and the associated openings of the microcomponent, and on the other hand prevents damage to the microcomponents, which are expensive to produce but often fragile. >

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the electrical line connections have resilient or spring-mounted electrical contacts. As a result, a simple connection of the electrical line connections with associated contact areas on the accommodated microcomponent, which makes a reliable contact even during continuous operation, is established. It is preferably provided that the spring-mounted electrical contacts are designed as projecting, electrically conductive, spring-loaded telescopic contacts. Such electrically conductive telescope contacts can be produced with simple means and thus inexpensively. Even if the microcomponent is removed and reintroduced frequently, an electrically conductive connection of the electrical line connections to the assigned contact surfaces of the microcomponent can be reliably and permanently achieved. Even in the unlikely event that unwanted liquid escapes from the microcomponent before or during a reaction and that the microcomponent connection system needs to be cleaned, the electrical contacts designed as projecting spring-loaded telescopic contacts can be easily cleaned or even replaced.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the receiving device has optical line connections for connection to the microcomponent. In addition to the connections for supplying the microcomponent with the substances necessary for carrying out the reaction or measurement, as well as electrical connections, the connection of optical analysis systems is also useful for many applications. Each optical component connection, optical fiber or evaluation system is referred to as an optical cable connection. A large number of different measurements for checking or evaluating a reaction can be carried out by means of optical measuring devices which record the optical properties of the substances and reaction products involved in the reaction and prepare them for further analysis. An optical line connection can have extensive structural correspondences with a line connection, as has already been described in connection with fluidic line connections. For example, optical line connections can also have an axially movable and spring-loaded hollow stamp, in the center of which an optical waveguide is arranged. At its opening facing the microcomponent, the hollow punch has a concentrically arranged sealing ring, which also prevents or at least significantly reduces the undesired entry or exit of light into or out of the optical line at the transition of the line connections into the microcomponent.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the concept of the invention, it is provided that in addition to the hollow stamp or instead of the hollow stamp there is a cone at the end of the line connection facing the microcomponent. When the assigned opening of the microcomponent is adapted to this, such a cone facilitates the guiding and positioning of the line connection, which is pressed against the microcomponent.

It is preferably provided that the cone is made of elastic material. Due to the elastic configuration of the cone at the end of the line connection, the cone can also be used to achieve a tightly fitting connection of the microcomponent to the pressed-on line connection without additional sealing measures or additional sealing devices.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that an optical line connection finally overlaps a channel of the microcomponent on opposite sides. In this way, multiple arrangements of one or more light guides on the line connection are possible, which allow reliable and accurate detection of various optical properties.

According to one embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that a reflection layer is arranged in the region of a channel on the opposite side of an optical line connection. The light emitted by the light guide of the optical line connection is then reflected by the reflection layer after passing through the channel section and is reflected back into the light guide after passing through the channel section again and can be fed to an evaluation device by means of the same light guide. This can be a thin reflective layer produced using a known layer application method or a miniature mirror or the like.

Instead of the reflection layer, it can also be provided that a light source is arranged in the region of a channel on the opposite side of an optical line connection. The light guide arranged on the channel side opposite the light source transmits the light of the light source passing through the channel section to an evaluation device. The light source can be chosen as desired and can also be changed during a measurement. The intensity of the light source is not limited by the maximum light output of the light guide, as would be the case if the light guide were used both to illuminate the channel section and to detect the light to be measured. It is preferably provided that an optical line connection overlaps a channel of the microcomponent on the opposite side such that an optical signal can be transmitted from one side of the optical line connection through the channel to the other side of the optical line connection. In this way, transmitted light measurements of the reagents and reaction products flowing through the channel can also be carried out in a simple manner.

It is advantageously provided that the lifting device has a support plate for the microcomponent and the temperature of the support plate can be controlled by means of heating and / or cooling devices. As a result, the temperature of the microcomponent which is usually flat on the support plate can be influenced while a reaction is being carried out. In many cases, it is therefore no longer necessary to carry out complex temperature control, for example with a heat bath surrounding the entire device.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that additional sensor elements, control elements or pneumatic connections are integrated in the microcomponent connection system. For example, connections for the optical detection of sample properties in the form of optical fibers for optical analysis systems or controllable outlets for direct connection to a mass spectrometer can be provided in the connection block. Pneumatic connections can either be used to equalize the pressure during the supply or to react the sample. The sample can be influenced by controlled or positive or negative pressure.

It is envisaged that frits or membranes are arranged in the fluid or pneumatic line connections. This enables chromatographic separations to be carried out in the microcomponent, for example.

According to one embodiment of the concept of the invention, it is provided that a plurality of microcomponents can be picked up at the same time and each can be connected to assigned line connections. It is conceivable that several microcomponents are pressed next to each other on a common lifting device against a common connection block. It is also possible and expedient for certain applications that, in particular in the case of more complex reaction sequences, a plurality of microcomponents arranged one above the other are introduced together into a microcomponent connection system, the dimensions of which are adapted to the dimensions of such a microcomponent stack.

It is preferably provided that a plurality of line connections are connected to one another by connecting lines. Both the micro-component and the micro-component connection system can be designed and constructed for versatile, general use, which also enables lower production costs because of the higher quantities. Special connections can be made by means of line connections which are subsequently connected to one another or are already connected to one another in an adapted connecting block

Analysis or reaction procedures can be specified. Various microcomponent connection systems prepared in this way can be stored in a prefabricated state and used for be kept ready for use. In this way, different, frequently used special analysis or reaction methods can be prefabricated from standard components and used immediately in laboratory operation, saving time and money. A retrofit and subsequent adaptation of a prefabricated micro component connection system to changed reaction or analysis conditions or further developments is possible at any time.

According to one embodiment of the concept of the invention, the use of a microcomponent connection system for performing microfluidically controlled chemical reactions is provided. Such syntheses or analyzes can be carried out quickly and reliably. Only very small amounts of the sample material are used for the synthesis or analysis. The dead space volume in the microcomponent and in the connecting lines can be minimized, so that unnecessary losses of sample material are largely reduced.

The use of a microcomponent connection system for carrying out polymerase chain reactions (PCR reactions), electrophoretic separations or electrochromatographic analyzes on samples is particularly advantageous. The microcomponent connected to the • micro component connection system forms a closed system during the reaction or analysis. The reaction or analysis can therefore not be affected by impurities or insufficiently determinable reaction conditions, for example undetectable changes in quantity. The microcomponent can be designed as a disposable article to be used only once, so that this results in the greatest possible purity during the reaction or analysis. is reachable. In this way, in particular, biochemical or diagnostic methods can be carried out with high precision. In addition, there are additional advantages when using the microcomponent connection system with a microcomponent as a closed system, such as, for example, the suppression of the electro-otic flow, which is why electrochromatography can be carried out with improved accuracy.

Further embodiments of the inventive concept are the subject of further claims.

An exemplary embodiment is illustrated below, which is shown in the drawing.

It shows :

1 is a side view of a micro component connection system,

2 shows a section along the line II-II of the microcomponent connection system shown in FIG. 1,

3 shows a section along the line III-III of the microcomponent connection system shown in FIG. 1,

4 is an oblique plan view of the micro component connection system,

5 shows a view of the underside of the microcomponent connection system shown in FIG. 1, shown for better understanding without a base plate and spacer, 6 shows a side view of a differently designed micro-component connection system in a partially sectioned illustration,

7 shows a section along the line VII-VII of the microcomponent connection system shown in FIG. 6 with the lifting device lowered,

8 shows a section along the line VII-VII of the microcomponent connection system shown in FIG. 6 with the lifting device raised,

9 shows a section through a region of a microcomponent connection system with an optical line connection,

10 shows a section through a region of a microcomponent connection system with a differently designed optical line connection,

11 shows a section through a region of a micro-component connection system with an optical line connection which is again designed differently,

12 shows a section through a region of a microcomponent connection system with a differently designed optical line connection,

13 is a view of a microcomponent with an assigned optical line connection, 14 shows a section through the microcomponent shown in FIG. 13 with the optical line connection connected to it,

Fig. 15 is a section through the in Fig. Microcomponent shown with a 13 ^'associated deviating designed optical line terminal, and

16 shows a section through a microcomponent with an optical line connection connected to it.

A microcomponent connection system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 has a connection block 2 which is surrounded on its two side surfaces and on its rear side by a frame 3 which is connected to the connection block 2 in a form-fitting manner. The connection block 2 with the frame 3 partially surrounding it is mounted on a base plate 5 via spacers 4.

A lifting device 6 is arranged below the connection block 2. The lifting device 6 can have, for example, an eccentric, a spindle or a toggle mechanism. This leads to a robust, manually operated lifting device 6. It is also conceivable that the lifting device 6 can be operated by means of a controllable pneumatic cylinder, an electrically driven scissor lift table or an electric spindle drive. Such a design enables automated actuation of the lifting device 6, which is particularly advantageous when carrying out a large number of reactions, for example in the context of research or industrial production. The lifting device 6 has a support plate 6a on which a micro component 7 rests. The micro component 7 is pressed in the direction of the connection block 2 by the lifting device 6. By moving the lifting device 6 in the opposite direction, the microcomponent 7 can be lowered and then easily removed. The frame 3 forms on the underside of the connection block 2 lateral stops which specify the position of a microcomponent 7 pressed in the direction of the connection block 2 with sufficient accuracy.

The connection block 2 is connected to electrical line connections 8 and fluidic line connections 9. The fluidic line connections 9 each open into an axially movably mounted hollow stamp 10. The fluidic line connections 9 are arranged in such a way that the hollow stamp 10 is arranged directly above an assigned opening of the microcomponent 7 and when the microcomponent 7 is pressed in the direction of the connection block 2 , Establishes a continuous connection of the fluidic line connection 9 with the associated opening in the microcomponent 7. 2 shows that the transition from the hollow stamp 10 to the opening of the microcomponent 7 is reliably sealed by means of a sealing ring 11 arranged concentrically on the hollow stamp 10, in the example shown an O-ring.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrical line connections 8 are connected to electrical, spring-mounted telescopic contacts 12, which are designed as projecting, electrically conductive spring tongues. The electrical telescopic contacts 12 are arranged such that an electrically conductive contact with associated contact surfaces the micro component 7 is reached as soon as it is pressed in the direction of the connection block 2 by means of the lifting device 6.

The spring force of the projecting electrical telescopic contacts 12 and the helical spring 13 responsible for the resilient mounting of the hollow stamp 10 are dimensioned such that, on the one hand, a reliable, electrically conductive or tightly sealing contact between the line connections 8, 9 and the associated contact surfaces or openings the microcomponent 7 is guaranteed, on the other hand damage to the microcomponent 7 due to excessive stress or excessive pressure is excluded.

To replace the microcomponent 7, only the lifting device 6 has to be moved downward, thereby moving the microcomponent 7 ^~ away from the assigned line connections 8, 9 and thus releasing it. The micro component 7 can then simply be removed and replaced by another micro component. As soon as this newly introduced microcomponent is pressed against the line connections 8, 9 by means of the lifting device 6, the microcomponent connection system 1 with the new microcomponent is ready for use.

It is conceivable that the temperature of the support plate 6a can be controlled or regulated by means of, for example, electrically operated heating and / or cooling devices. In this way, the temperature of the microcomponent resting on the support plate 6a can be influenced or predetermined during a reaction using simple means. In the view of the underside of the connection block 2 shown in FIG. 5, it is clear that the hollow punches 10 and the spring-loaded telescopic contacts 12 each protrude. If the microcomponent 7, not shown, is pressed in the direction of the connection block 2, dense or electrically conductive ones become Connections of the microcomponent 7 with the respectively assigned, resiliently arranged hollow punches 10 or telescopic contacts 12 are established.

In the microcomponent connection system 1 'shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a bridge-shaped microcomponent holder 14 is arranged above the lifting device 6. On the inside of the microcomponent holder 14 facing the lifting device 6, the microcomponent 7 can be immovably positioned in an insertion slot 15 such that the openings of the microcomponents face the lifting device 6. After the microcomponent 7 is positioned in the microcomponent holder 14, the connection block 2 containing the line connections 8, 9 can be moved towards the microcomponent 7 by means of the lifting device 6, so that the line connections 8, 9 are pressed against the microcomponent 7 and make contact with them create assigned openings of the microcomponent. In the area of the microcomponent 7, the microcomponent holder 14 can additionally have a device (not shown) for regulated temperature control of the microcomponent 7.

In principle, all technical materials can be used as materials for the micro component connection system. If, depending on the application, a high chemical resistance required, chemically resistant materials such as polyaryl ether ketones (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for the line connections and perfluoroelastomers for the sealing elements can be used. It is also possible to use microcomponents in which partial areas of the microcomponent or the entire microcomponent consist of transparent material, for example glass. This opens up further possibilities for the application and use of the micro-component connection system, also in connection with optical analysis systems.

9 to 16 differently designed optical line connections 16 are shown, each of which has an optical light guide 17, for example a glass fiber optic.

In the optical line connection shown in FIG. 9, the light guide 17 is located inside an axially movable hollow plunger 10 which is pressed in the direction of the microcomponent 7 by means of a spring. As in the previous embodiment of a hollow stamp, the transition from the hollow stamp 10 to the opening of the microcomponent 7 is reliably sealed by means of a sealing ring 11 arranged concentrically on the hollow stamp 10, in the example shown an O-ring. The opening of the light guide assigned to the optical line connection 16 is arranged directly at a channel section 16 of the microcomponent 7 such that the light guide 17 of the line connection 16 pressed against the microcomponent 7 is directed directly at the channel section 18 and is separated from it only by a window 19 , On the side of the channel section opposite the light guide 17 18 there is a reflection layer 20. In this way, the channel section 18 can be illuminated and the light re-entering the light guide 17 after double passage through the channel section 18 can be used for evaluation and analysis.

In the optical line connection 16 shown in FIG. 10, a cone 21 made of elastic material is used instead of the rigid hollow plunger with an additional sealing ring 11. When the assigned opening of the microcomponent 7 is adapted to this, the elastic cone 21 leads to simple and reliable positioning and sealing of the optical line connection 16.

11 and 12 show the optical line connections shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in respectively modified embodiments. In both cases, no window 19 is arranged between the channel section 18 and the light guide 17, so that an escape of the medium flowing through the channel section 18 is prevented only when the optical line connection 16 is tightly fitting. In certain cases, such embodiments can enable better and more precise measurement results, since a direct optical analysis of the flowing through the channel section 18

Medium can be done.

Various optical line connections 16 are shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, which overlap the channel section 18 at least on one side. The line connections 16 in this case have a connecting element 22 bridging the channel section 18, in which on one side or on both sides of the channel section 18 in each case one to the Channel section 18 approaching light guide 17 is arranged. In this way, as shown for example in FIG. 14, an optical transparency measurement of the medium flowing through the channel section 18 can be carried out. 15 and 16, designs are also possible in which a reflection layer 20, either on the connecting element 22 or already on the microcomponent 7, reflects the light emerging from an optical fiber 17 after a first passage through the channel section 18 and throws back into the light guide 17 after a second passage through the channel section 18. In the area of the channel section 18 used for the measurements, the microcomponent 7 has cutouts 23 on both sides of the channel section 18 for inserting the optical line connection.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s r u c h e

1. Micro component connection system with a receiving device for plate-shaped micro components and with several line connections connectable to the micro component, characterized in that the micro component (7) and the line connections (8, 9, 16) against each other by means of a lifting device (6) are pushable.

2. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the micro component (7) can be pressed onto the line connections (8, 9, 16) by means of a lifting device (6).

3. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the line connections (8, 9,

16) can be pressed against the microcomponent (7) by means of a lifting device (6).

4. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting device (6) can be operated manually by means of an eccentric, a spindle or a toggle lever mechanism.

5. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting device (6) can be actuated by means of a controllable pneumatic cylinder, an electrically driven scissor lifting table or an electric spindle drive.

6. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the micro component connection system (1) has a connection block (2) with lead connections (8, 9, 16) and the micro component (7) by means of the lifting device (6). can be pressed in the direction of the connection block (2).

7. Micro component connection system according to claim 4, characterized in that the micro component (7) accommodated in the receiving device can be positioned by means of a frame (3) adapted to the dimensions of the micro component (7).

8. Micro component connection system according to claim 5, characterized in that the connection block (2), the frame (3) and the lifting device (6) form a slot open on one side, in which the micro component (7) can be received.

9. The microcomponent connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the orientation of the microcomponents (7) adapted to it can be determined during the recording by means of coding the microcomponent connection system (1).

10. Micro component connection system according to claim 7, characterized in that the micro component (7) has a recess and the frame (3) of the micro component connection system (1) has a projection which is adapted to the recess.

11. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving device has electrical and fluidic line connections (8, 9) for connection to the micro component (7).

12. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluidic line connections (9) each have a hollow stamp (10).

13. Micro component connection system according to claim 10, characterized in that the hollow plunger (10) have a concentrically arranged sealing ring (11) on their opening facing the micro component (7).

14. Micro component connection system according to claim 10, characterized in that the hollow punch (10) is axially movable and resiliently mounted.

15. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical line connections (8) have resilient electrical contacts (12).

16. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical line connections (8) have spring-mounted electrical contacts (12).

17. Micro component connection system according to claim 14, characterized in that the spring-mounted electrical contacts (12) are designed as projecting, electrically conductive spring-loaded telescopic contacts.

18. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving device has optical line connections (16) for connection to the micro component (7).

19. Micro component connection system according to claim 18, characterized in that the optical line connections (16) each have a hollow stamp (10).

20. Micro component connection system according to claim 18, characterized in that the hollow plungers (10) have a concentrically arranged sealing ring (11) on their opening facing the accommodated micro component (7).

21. Micro component connection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow punch (10) is axially movable and resiliently mounted.

22. Micro component connection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow punch (10) has a cone (21) on its end facing the accommodated micro component (7).

23. Micro component connection system according to claim 22, characterized in that the hollow punch (10) has a cone (21) made of elastic material.

24. Micro component connection system according to claim 18, characterized in that an optical line connection (16) overlaps a channel section (18) of the micro component (7) on opposite sides.

25. Microcomponent connection system according to claim 18, characterized in that a reflection layer (20) is arranged in the region of a channel section (18) on the opposite side of an optical line connection (16).

26. Microcomponent connection system according to claim 18, characterized in that a light source is arranged in the region of a channel section (18) on the opposite side of an optical line connection (16).

27. Micro component connection system according to claim 18, characterized in that an optical line connection (16) overlaps a channel section (18) of the micro component (7) on opposite sides such that an optical signal from one side of the optical line connection (16) can be transmitted through the channel section (18) into the other side of the optical line connection (16).

28. Microcomponent connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting device (6) has a support plate (6a) for the microcomponent and the temperature of the support plate (6a) can be controlled by means of heating and / or cooling devices.

29. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that additional sensor elements, control elements or pneumatic line connections in the

Micro component connection system (1) are integrated. - SO -

l O. Microcomponent connection system according to claim 1 or 29, characterized in that frits or membranes are arranged in the fluidic (9) and / or pneumatic line connections.

31. Microcomponent connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of microcomponents (7) can be accommodated at the same time and can be connected in a parallel or series connection to associated line connections (8, 9, 16).

32. Micro component connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of line connections (8, 9, 16) are connected to one another by connecting lines.

33. Use of a microcomponent connection system according to one of claims 1 to 32 for carrying out microfluidically controlled chemical reactions.

34. Use of a microcomponent connection system according to one of claims 1 to 32 for carrying out electrophoretic separations and analysis of samples.

35. Use of a microcomponent connection system according to one of claims 1 to 32 for performing isotachophoretic separations and analysis of samples.

36. Use of a microcomponent connection system according to one of claims 1 to 32 for carrying out polymerase chain reactions (PCR reactions) on samples.

37. Use of a microcomponent connection system according to one of claims 1 to 32 for distributing sample material over several microcomponents.

38. Use of a microcomponent connection system according to one of claims 1 to 32 for collecting separate fractions of sample material after a chromatographic separation.