JP2013032976A - Liquid sending tube connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid sending tube connector which facilitates connection of a liquid sending tube with a flow channel.SOLUTION: A liquid sending tube connector 1 comprises: a tube holder 2 in which a through hole 7 into which a liquid sending tube 5 is inserted is formed in the longitudinal direction; a ring-shaped elastic member 3 into which the liquid sending tube is inserted and which has a diameter approximately equal to that of the liquid sending tube; and a connector body 4 having a hollow structure which accommodates the tube holder such that a part of the tube holder protrudes outside. When the protruding tube holder is pressed into the connector body, the ring-shaped elastic member is pressed and deformed by the tube holder which is pressed in so that the ring-shaped elastic member comes into tight contact with the inserted liquid sending tube.

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a liquid feeding tube connector and a microchip holder using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid feeding tube connector used in a fractionation analyzer, for example, a fine particle fractionator.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to discriminate the characteristics of microparticles, an apparatus that introduces a dispersion of microparticles into a channel and optically measures the characteristics of the microparticles introduced into the channel has been used. Examples of the fine particles include biologically relevant fine particles such as cells, microorganisms, and liposomes, or synthetic particles such as latex particles, gel particles, and industrial particles.

  Among these, especially for biologically relevant microparticles, an apparatus called a flow cytometer (flow cytometer) is widely used (see Non-Patent Document 1). Some flow cytometry is intended only for measuring the characteristics of microparticles, and further is configured so that only microparticles having desired characteristics can be sorted based on the measurement results. Among the latter, a device that specifically targets cells is called a “cell sorter”. Currently, commercially available cell sorters can measure and sort cell characteristics at a high speed of several thousand to several tens of thousands per second.

  In conventional flow cytometry, characteristics such as size and structure of microparticles such as cells and microbeads are measured as follows. First, a sample solution containing microparticles to be measured in the flow cell is caused to flow in the center of the laminar flow of the sheath liquid, and the microparticles are arranged in a row in the flow cell. Next, the optical detection unit irradiates measurement light to the fine particles arranged and flowing in the flow cell, and detects scattered light and fluorescence generated from the fine particles to measure the characteristics of the fine particles. Subsequently, when fractionating fine particles, the sample liquid is discharged as a droplet containing fine particles to a space outside the flow cell, and the moving direction of the droplet is controlled to provide a fine particle having desired characteristics. Sort the particles.

The preparative analyzer such as the flow cytometry as described above, the microchip and the microchip module that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus have a flow path. A liquid feeding tube connector is used to connect such a flow path and a liquid feeding tube for feeding a liquid.
This liquid supply tube connector is disposed at a connection portion between the liquid supply tube and the substrate, and is required to have high liquid tightness without liquid leakage.
For this reason, the liquid feeding tube connector that is commercially available mainly has a structure that prevents the liquid leakage by deforming and fixing the tip of the connector by screwing the connector. For this reason, the tip of the liquid feeding tube is greatly deformed, and it is difficult to reuse the liquid feeding tube. And when reusing, the method of cutting | disconnecting a front-end | tip and reusing is taken.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector that is highly liquid-tight and can be easily detached. Specifically, a ferrule having at least one slit provided at the end at the end, a sleeve having a through hole through which a liquid feeding tube is inserted in the center in the longitudinal direction, and a cap locked to the substrate holder It is a connector provided with a body. Here, the sleeve is formed with a mortar-like recess that engages with the second end of the ferrule at the end on the substrate side. The cap body is locked to the substrate holder to which the substrate is fixed while the ferrule and the sleeve are stored in the hollow portion and pressed toward the substrate.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a connector that can be easily replaced or discarded. Specifically, a liquid feed tube, a connector part that connects the flow path and one end of the liquid feed tube, and a tube holding part that holds the other end of the liquid feed tube are provided. Here, the portion in contact with the liquid sample is a liquid feeding tube, and this liquid feeding tube is replaceable. The connector portion has a cylindrical shape having a through hole into which the liquid feeding tube is inserted. The tube holding part has a tube holding hole for holding the liquid feeding tube and another tube holding hole for holding another tube.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a connector that can easily connect a chip and a liquid feeding tube. Specifically, it is a connector having a connector part and a tube part for connecting a liquid feeding tube to the flow path. The connector part is brought into contact with the microchemical chip, and the through hole formed in the connector part is connected to the opening of the microchemical chip. The liquid feeding tube is inserted into a through-hole formed in the connector part in contact with the microchemical chip, and the liquid feeding tube and the flow path of the microchemical chip are connected.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a microconnector that is easy to attach and detach, which can improve pressure resistance and reduce dead volume. The microchemical system includes a microchemical connector that connects a microchemical chip having a flow path and a liquid feeding tube inserted into an introduction port of the flow path to fix the micro chemical chip in order to send the liquid to the flow path. The microconnector includes a housing disposed on the microchemical chip and a substantially conical ferrule to hold the outer peripheral surface of the liquid feeding tube. The substantially conical ferrule is disposed between the housing and the microchemical chip so as to be deformed by the pressure from the housing and simultaneously press the surface of the microchemical chip and the outer peripheral surface of the liquid feeding tube.

  In this technical field, there is a demand for a liquid supply tube connector that allows easy connection between the liquid supply tube and the flow path.

JP 2010-137143 A JP 2003-107099 A JP 2007-152151 A

"Cell engineering separate volume experiment protocol series flow cytometry freedom", Hiromitsu Nakauchi, Shujunsha, 2nd edition, issued on August 31, 2006

  Accordingly, the main object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid feeding tube connector in which the liquid feeding tube and the flow path are easily connected, and a microchip holder using the same.

In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure is in close contact with the inserted liquid feeding tube by being pressed and deformed by the tube holder into which the annular elastic member is pressed in a state where the protruding tube holder is pressed into the connector body. A liquid feeding tube connector is provided.
That is, the present disclosure includes (1) a tube holder in which a through-hole through which a liquid feeding tube is inserted is formed along the longitudinal direction, and (2) a diameter approximately the same as the liquid feeding tube through which the liquid feeding tube is inserted. And (3) a hollow connector main body that accommodates the annular elastic member therein and accommodates the tube holder in a state in which the tube holder partially protrudes to the outside. In the state which pushed in the inside of the said connector main body, the liquid feeding tube connector closely_contact | adhered to the inserted said liquid feeding tube is provided by the said tube holder in which the said ring-shaped elastic member was pushed and deformed.

Moreover, in the liquid delivery tube connector according to the present disclosure, it is preferable that the annular elastic member is interposed between the tube holder and the tube holder.
The plurality of tube holders preferably have a joint structure.
It is preferable to provide an elastic body that urges the tube holder protruding outward in the longitudinal direction.
It is preferable that the tube holder urged by the elastic body is locked, and the annular elastic member is not pressed and deformed when the tube holder is not in contact.
It is preferable that the joint structure also serves as a locking structure.
It is preferable that the connection port of the tube holder is provided in the board surface direction, and the tube holder is pushed into the connector main body by abutting against the board surface at the time of connection.
It is preferable that the connector main body has an engagement piece from which a tube holder having a connection port does not come off.
It is preferable that the portion protruding to the outside of the tube holder is at least polytetrafluoroethylene.
It is preferable that a portion protruding to the outside of the tube holder is curved.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a holding portion for holding a microchip, and a port portion into which a liquid feeding tube connector having a liquid feeding tube for transferring a fluid to the microchip is screwed,
The liquid feeding tube connector includes: (1) a tube holder in which a through hole through which the liquid feeding tube is inserted is formed along the longitudinal direction; and (2) substantially the same diameter as the liquid feeding tube through which the liquid feeding tube is inserted. A ring-shaped elastic member, and (3) a hollow connector main body that accommodates the ring-shaped elastic member inside and accommodates the tube holder in a state in which the tube holder partially protrudes to the outside. In the state where the connection port of the liquid feeding connector is in contact with the substrate surface of the microchip and (b) the protruding tube holder is pressed into the connector body, the ring-shaped elastic member is pressed and deformed by the tube holder. As a result, a microchip holder is provided that is in close contact with the inserted liquid feeding tube.

  The present disclosure also includes (1) a sample flow path, (2) a liquid supply path to the sample flow path, (3) a liquid supply path containing microparticles to the microtubules, and (4) a suction flow. A microchip holder having a path; and (5) a vibration element that is disposed on the microchip and that causes liquid to be discharged in a liquid droplet at an orifice provided in the microchip. A sheath port portion to which a liquid supply path to the sample flow path is connected; (b) a sample port section to which a liquid supply path containing microparticles to the microtubule is connected; and (c) a suction flow path. There is provided a microchip module having a port portion composed of a suction port portion connected to a negative pressure source and disposed integrally with the microchip holder.

  In the present invention, “microparticles” widely include living body-related microparticles such as cells, microorganisms, and liposomes, or synthetic particles such as latex particles, gel particles, and industrial particles.

  Biologically relevant microparticles include chromosomes, liposomes, mitochondria, organelles (organelles) that constitute various cells. The cells include animal cells (such as blood cells) and plant cells. Microorganisms include bacteria such as Escherichia coli, viruses such as tobacco mosaic virus, and fungi such as yeast. Furthermore, biologically relevant microparticles may include biologically relevant polymers such as nucleic acids, proteins, and complexes thereof. The industrial particles may be, for example, an organic or inorganic polymer material, a metal, or the like. Organic polymer materials include polystyrene, styrene / divinylbenzene, polymethyl methacrylate, and the like. Inorganic polymer materials include glass, silica, magnetic materials, and the like. Metals include gold colloid, aluminum and the like. The shape of these fine particles is generally spherical, but may be non-spherical, and the size and mass are not particularly limited.

  According to the present invention, a liquid supply tube connector in which connection between a liquid supply tube and a flow path is easy, and a microchip holder using the same are provided.

It is the (a) top view of the schematic structure of the liquid feeding tube connector concerning this indication, the (b) side view, and a partial section schematic diagram. (A) The cross section of schematic structure of the liquid feeding tube connector of 1st embodiment concerning this indication, and (B) The cross-sectional schematic diagram of 2nd embodiment concerning this indication. It is these cross-sectional schematic diagrams when the liquid feeding tube connector of 1st embodiment concerning this indication joins to the port part of a microchip and a microchip holder. (A) These are the cross-sectional schematic diagrams when the liquid feeding tube connector of 1st embodiment concerning this indication is screwed in the port part of a microchip and a microchip holder. (B) The liquid feeding tube connector of the first embodiment according to the present disclosure is screwed into the port portion of the microchip and the microchip holder, and the protruding tip portion of the liquid feeding tube connector is in contact with the substrate. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram. It is an illustration of these cross-sectional schematic diagrams, when the liquid feeding tube connector concerning this indication is screwed in the port part of a microchip and a microchip holder. It is a figure explaining schematic structure of fine particle sorter A concerning this indication. It is a figure explaining the composition of the microchip module concerning this indication. It is a figure showing a schematic structure of a microchip concerning this indication. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram explaining the structure of the sample flow path in the vicinity of the microtube and the narrowing flow path of the microchip according to the present disclosure, and the state of the sample liquid laminar flow and the sheath liquid laminar flow. It is a figure which shows typically fractionation of the microparticles by the microparticle sorting apparatus A.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment described below shows an example of typical embodiment of this invention, and, thereby, the range of this invention is not interpreted narrowly. The description will be given in the following order.

1. Liquid-feeding tube connector (1) First embodiment (1-1) Tube holder (1-2) Ring-shaped elastic member (1-3) Connector body (2) Second embodiment 2. Fine particle sorting device Microchip holder and microchip module

<1. Liquid feed tube connector>
In the present disclosure, that is, the liquid delivery tube connector 1 according to the present disclosure accommodates the tube holder 2, the ring-shaped elastic member 3, and the ring-shaped elastic member 3 inside, and part of the tube holder 2 protrudes to the outside. A hollow connector main body 4 accommodated in a state.

In a state where the protruding tube holder 2 is pushed into the connector main body 4, the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is pressed and deformed by the pushed tube holder 2. The pressed and deformed ring-shaped elastic member 3 is in close contact with the liquid feeding tube 5 inserted through the through hole (see FIGS. 1 to 5).
Although there was a gap between the ring-shaped elastic member and the liquid supply tube when not pushed in (see FIG. 4A), the liquid supply tube and the ring-shaped elastic member that was pressed and deformed closely contact each other (see FIGS. 3 and 4B). ). For this reason, the liquid leakage of the fluid (liquid, gas) transferred by a liquid feeding tube and a flow path can be suppressed, and even if the dimension of a liquid feeding tube varies, it can also stick to a liquid feeding tube. As a result, the liquid pressure of the preparative analyzer is stabilized, so that accurate preparative analysis is possible.
In addition, a special tool may be used when connecting the liquid feeding tube and the flow path. However, the liquid feeding tube and the flow path can be easily connected without using such a tool. Thereby, since the troublesome confirmation work of liquid leakage is reduced, workability is also improved.

Moreover, when the connection port of the tube holder is separated from the surface of the substrate or the like, the adhesion of the annular elastic member to the inserted liquid feeding tube is reduced. As a result, the liquid feeding tube is detachable (see FIG. 4A). At this time, since the ring-shaped elastic member has almost returned to the shape before deformation, plastic deformation due to caulking or the like does not occur even if the attachment / detachment is repeated. For this reason, when removing the used liquid feeding tube, it is not necessary to cut or to damage.
Moreover, since the attachment / detachment of the liquid feeding tube is simplified, it is easy to change to another liquid feeding tube as necessary. For example, it is possible to reduce the contamination due to the liquid feeding tube and the liquid feeding, and it is possible to easily change the liquid feeding such as the buffer solution and the diameter of the liquid feeding tube.

  Although the said liquid feeding tube is not specifically limited, The tube for sending solutions, such as a buffer solution and a reaction solution, to a fractionation analyzer (liquid chromatography etc.) etc. is contained. This liquid feeding tube includes, for example, metal (stainless steel, etc.), natural resin, synthetic resin (plastic, etc.) and the like. Generally, a liquid feeding tube made of a synthetic resin having characteristics such as pressure resistance, inertness, heat resistance and chemical resistance is used. For example, a fluororesin (ETFE, PFA, PTFE, FEP, etc.) tube, a peak (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) tube, or the like is suitable as the synthetic resin-made liquid feeding tube. The outer diameter is 0.5 to 2.0 mm.

By the way, the conventional general liquid feeding tube connector employs a structure that prevents the liquid leakage by deforming and fixing the tip of the connector by screwing. However, when the liquid feeding tube is deformed and fixed, the tip of the liquid feeding tube is deformed, so that it is difficult to reuse the connector and the liquid feeding tube. A method of cutting and reusing the tip of the liquid feeding tube is also used, but this requires a special tool, takes time and is inefficient.
On the other hand, the liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure has high liquid-tightness and can be in close contact with the liquid feeding tube repeatedly, which is advantageous in terms of operation and reuse.

In addition, some of the conventional liquid feeding tube connectors have a sealing property on the outer diameter of the liquid feeding tube, but there are, for example, variations in the outer diameter of the tube in the actual production of the liquid feeding tube. The inner diameter alone cannot be sealed, causing problems such as liquid leakage. Further, as a countermeasure of this type, there is a case in which a liquid feeding tube connector corresponding to each liquid feeding tube diameter is prepared, and connector parts that do not leak are selected and used as needed. That is, it is necessary to prepare a connector part corresponding to each liquid feeding tube diameter, and to check at any time whether it actually fits, and workability is poor.
On the other hand, before pushing the protruding part into the tube holder of the liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure, the annular elastic member into which the liquid feeding tube is inserted has an inner diameter between the outer diameter portion of the liquid feeding tube and the annular elastic member. There is a gap in the portion (see FIG. 4A). On the other hand, when it is pushed in, the ring-shaped elastic member is pressed and deformed in the direction of the liquid feeding tube, and the inner diameter portion of the ring-shaped elastic member that has been pressed and deformed closely contacts the outer diameter portion of the liquid feeding tube. Thereby, liquid tightness increases and the liquid leakage of a liquid feeding tube can be prevented. Moreover, since the liquid tightness is effectively increased by pushing the protruding portion, it is advantageous in terms of workability.

Therefore, the liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure can be easily connected to the liquid feeding tube and the flow path, and can be handled more easily than the conventional one. For example, the liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure can be repeatedly attached and detached. It is also possible to deal with various liquid feeding tubes having different diameters and materials. Furthermore, the liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure has an advantage of high liquid tightness because no liquid leakage of liquid feeding is observed.
Moreover, the liquid feeding tube connector of this indication can also be set as the structure which can replace a ring-shaped elastic member as needed. For this reason, the liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure can widely correspond to various liquid feeding tubes having different diameters. Moreover, the liquid feeding tube connector of this indication can also attach or detach a liquid feeding tube repeatedly as above-mentioned. That is, by using the liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the running cost of the apparatus and the like.

  Moreover, the liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure can be used in various fractionation analyzers such as a microparticle fractionator such as flow cytometry. As described above, when the liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure is used in a preparative analyzer, the workability at the time of connecting the liquid feeding tube is improved. Moreover, since the liquid-tightness is high, the operation stability can be improved. For this reason, it is suitable to use the liquid feeding tube connector of this indication for the apparatus using a disposable type part, the apparatus for which high stability and high sensitivity are calculated | required. For example, it is suitable to use for a microparticle acquisition device (for example, a flow cytometer), a microchip holder or a microchip module which is a component thereof.

(1) 1st embodiment of the liquid feeding tube connector concerning this indication The liquid feeding tube connector 1 of 1st embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. The description of the configuration described above may be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid feeding tube connector 1 includes a tube holder 2 composed of a first tube holder 21, a second tube holder 22, and a third tube holder 23, an annular elastic member 3, and a hollow structure. And a connector main body 4. The connector body 4 accommodates the ring-shaped elastic member 3, the first tube holder 21, the second tube holder 22, and the third tube holder 23 therein. At this time, a part of the first tube holder 21 is accommodated in a state protruding outward.
In the state where the protruding first tube holder 21 is pushed into the connector body 4, the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is pressed and deformed. This pressing deformation occurs due to the pushed first tube holder 21 and the second tube holder 22 biased by the elastic body 9. The pressed and deformed ring-shaped elastic member 3 eliminates the outer diameter gap of the inserted liquid feeding tube 5 and closely contacts the liquid feeding tube 5 (see FIGS. 1 to 5).

(1-1) Tube Holder The tube holder 2 of the present disclosure includes a first tube holder 21, a second tube holder 22, and a third tube holder 23. These tube holders 21, 22 and 23 preferably have a joint structure, and more preferably also serve as a locking structure. For example, the joint structure includes a pipe joint structure in which the end of one tube holder has a male shape and the end of the other tube holder has a female shape. As an example, a pipe joint structure in which the annular convex portion at the end of the tube holder 22 is inserted into the annular concave portion at the end of the tube holder 22 may be used.
These tube holders 21, 22, and 23 are formed with through holes 7 through which the liquid feeding tube 5 is inserted. These tube holders 21, 22, and 23 are accommodated inside the connector body 4 having a hollow structure (see FIGS. 1 and 2A).

  And the 1st tube holder 21 is arrange | positioned so that one part may protrude outside the connector main body 4. FIG. The second tube holder 22 is arranged so that the annular elastic member 3 is interposed between the second tube holder 22 and the first tube holder 21. The third tube holder 23 is disposed so as to support the first tube holder 21 and the second tube holder 22 when they are pushed into the connector body 4.

The first tube holder 21 is arranged in a state in which a part protrudes outside the connector body 4. The protruding portion has a connection port 10 that comes into contact with the surface of a substrate or the like. For example, it is preferable that the surfaces that contact both the surface of the substrate or the like and the connection port that contacts the surface are flat surfaces.
The shape of the connection port 10 is preferably a shape with a small pressing area at the tip of the connection port 10. As such a shape, for example, the cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal direction may be a curved shape, a tapered shape, or the like. In addition, as for the shape of the cross section along a transversal direction, substantially hollow circular shape etc. are mentioned.
In addition, when the pressing area of the connection port 10 in contact with the surface of the substrate or the like is large, the total pressing force tends to be strong if an attempt is made to secure the pressure per unit area. For this reason, by making the pressing area smaller, it is possible to avoid the risk of bending the surface (for example, the substrate surface) that contacts the tip of the connection port 10, and the risk of requiring a material to be supported on the back side. Can be avoided.
Therefore, it is preferable that the front end portion of the connection port 10 and the surface of the substrate or the like are in contact with the line rather than in contact with the surface. For example, it is preferable to provide a curvature at one end of the connection port or the microchip. If it becomes sharper toward the tip of the connection port 10, it can be in close contact even when the surface of the substrate or the like is distorted.

Further, the length of the protruding portion is preferably such that the connection between the liquid supply tube 5 and the flow path 6 can be made favorable by connecting the liquid supply tube connector 1 to the port portion 17. Specifically, the length of the protruding portion may be about 0.5 to 1.5 mm.
Here, the length of the protruding portion is the length from the tip of the portion protruding outside the connector body 4 to the tip of the connector body 4 when the port portion is not loaded (for example, K0 in FIG. 5). , J0, L0).
The material of the protruding portion of the second tube holder 21 (particularly the tip of the connection port 10) is preferably a fluororesin (ETFE, PFA, PTFE, FEP, etc.). Of these fluororesins, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is preferable because it does not damage the substrate when it comes into contact with the substrate and has high liquid-tightness.

  The inner diameter of the through hole 7 is preferably larger than the outer diameter of the liquid feeding tube 5. At this time, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the connection port 10 is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the liquid feeding tube 5. For example, the inner diameter of the through hole 7 may be substantially the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the tube. Further, the inner diameter of the connection port 10 may be substantially the same as or smaller than the outer diameter of the tube.

The second tube holder 22 is preferably provided with an urging elastic body 9 in the longitudinal direction opposite to the connection port 10, and the elastic body 9 is accommodated in the connector body 4. You may arrange.
The elastic body 9 is preferably arranged in the direction opposite to the flow path 6 connected to the liquid feeding tube 5.
Thereby, the tube co-holder 2 is urged toward the connection port 10 by the elastic body 9. Furthermore, when the connection port 10 is not pushed into the connector main body 4, it is preferable that the elastic force is such that the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is not pressed and deformed. At this time, it is preferable that the elastic body 9 is disposed between the second tube holder 22 and the third tube holder 23 capable of supporting the elastic body 9.
The shape of the elastic body 9 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a coil shape (spiral shape) and a leaf spring shape. Moreover, this material is not specifically limited, For example, a metal, rubber | gum, a synthetic resin, a fluid (air, liquid) etc. are mentioned, What has chemical resistance is preferable.

  Further, it is preferable that the first tube holder 21 and the connector body 4 have an engaging structure. For example, you may provide the part corresponding to the engagement piece 19 (for example, shoulder part etc.) inside the connector main body 4 in the outer peripheral part of the 1st tube holder 21. FIG. Examples of the portion corresponding to the engagement piece 19 include a protrusion provided on the outer periphery of the first tube holder 21 or a diameter difference portion wider than the outer periphery. Thereby, it can prevent that the 1st tube holder which exists in the connector main body of a hollow structure falls from a connector main body. Moreover, the length of the part which the 1st tube holder protruded can be adjusted with the position of an engagement structure.

In addition, it is preferable that the second tube holder 22 and the connector body 4 have a locking structure. For example, you may provide the part corresponding to the locking piece 18 (for example, shoulder part etc.) inside the connector main body 4 in the outer peripheral part of the 2nd tube holder 22. FIG. Examples of the portion corresponding to the locking piece 18 include an outer peripheral end of the second tube holder 22 or a protrusion provided on the outer periphery.
Thereby, it can prevent that the 2nd tube holder falls off from a connector main part. Furthermore, the second tube holder urged by the elastic body can be locked by this locking structure. By locking the urging force of the elastic body halfway, when the second tube holder is not pushed into the connector main body, the ring-shaped elastic member is not pressed and deformed. Since the annular elastic member is not pressed and deformed, the liquid feeding tube can be freely inserted into the annular elastic member.

  The third tube holder 23 is preferably provided with a threaded portion on the outer peripheral portion thereof. Thereby, the connector main body 4 and the 3rd tube holder 23 can be firmly fixed. And when the 1st tube holder 21 and the 2nd tube holder are pushed in, these can be supported stably.

(1-2) Ring-shaped elastic member The ring-shaped elastic member 3 of the present disclosure has substantially the same diameter as the liquid-feeding tube 5 through which the liquid-feeding tube 5 is inserted.
When the tube holder 2 is composed of a plurality, the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is preferably interposed between the tube holder and the tube holder (see FIG. 2 and the like). For example, the annular elastic member 3 is preferably disposed between the first tube holder 21 and the second tube holder 22 that are in contact with the surface of the substrate or the like when the liquid feeding tube 5 is connected to the flow path 6.
Further, when the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is pressed and deformed, in order to prevent the ring-shaped elastic member 3 from escaping to the outside, the outer side of the insertion space of the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is the inner wall of the connector body 4 or the support member 8. It is desirable to be regulated.
Moreover, it is preferable to arrange | position the supporting member 8 for supporting the ring-shaped elastic member 3 between a 1st tube holder and / or a 2nd tube holder. The support member 8 facilitates the uniform pressing of the annular elastic member, thereby reducing the distortion of the annular elastic member during pressure deformation. And it becomes possible for the internal diameter part of a ring-shaped elastic pressure member to adhere | attach the outer peripheral part of a liquid feeding tube uniformly, and liquid-tightness improves.
The material of the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is not particularly limited, but a material having a high sealing property is preferable. For example, nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber, and those whose surface is coated with a fluororesin (PTFE or the like) are preferable.

(1-3) Connector Main Body The connector main body 4 of the present disclosure has a hollow structure. The hollow elastic member 3 is accommodated in the hollow structure, and the first tube holder 21 is accommodated in a state in which a part protrudes to the outside. If necessary, it is preferable to accommodate an elastic body that is urged in the longitudinal direction toward the tube holder, because the ring-shaped elastic member easily adheres appropriately to the liquid feeding tube.
Further, it is preferable that an engagement piece 19 (for example, an inner shoulder portion) for engaging with the first tube holder 21 having the connection port 10 is provided inside the connector body 4. With this engagement structure, it is possible to prevent the first tube connector from falling off.
The connector main body 4 is provided with a locking piece 18 (for example, an inner shoulder) for locking the biased second tube holder 22 and the supported third tube holder 23. Is preferred. As a result, it is possible to prevent the ring-shaped elastic member from becoming distorted during pressure denaturation, and the liquid-feeding tube from becoming difficult to adhere suitably.
Further, it is preferable that the connector body 4 is provided with a portion for fixing the liquid feeding tube connector 1 to an apparatus or the like. For example, a seal portion or a screw portion (for example, a thread portion) 11 that does not come off even when a load is applied may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the connector body 4. Moreover, you may provide the annular member 12 for making identification easy in the outer peripheral part above a connector main body.

In addition, it is preferable that the connector body 4 is provided with a locking portion that regulates the insertion position of the liquid feeding tube connector (connector body) when the liquid feeding tube connector 1 is inserted into the port portion 17. is there. Thereby, a liquid feeding tube connector can be connected easily and liquid-tightness etc. become favorable.
As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the liquid supply tube connector is screwed in until the connector body 4 abuts against the substrate surface of the microchip 101 without providing a locking portion that restricts the insertion position of the connector body. Denseness is good. However, at this time, force adjustment such as abutment and insertion position restriction are left to the skill of each individual user.
Therefore, by providing the locking portion, the insertion position can be easily regulated when the liquid feeding tube connector 1 is inserted into the port portion 17 or the microchip holder 107 having the port portion 17. In addition, by adopting the above-mentioned locking structure, it is almost necessary to have a skill to adjust the force when the portion (connection port 10) protruding to the outside of the liquid feeding tube connector 1 contacts the substrate surface of the microchip 101. And not. In addition, by restricting the insertion position, a load is not applied to the microchip 101 such as a bonded substrate.

The structure of the locking portion that restricts the insertion position of the connector body is not particularly limited. Examples of the locking portion structure include the following examples, and these locking portion structures may be appropriately combined.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, it is preferable to provide a connector first locking portion 41 that can restrict the insertion of the connector body 4 outside the port portion 17 or the like. It is desirable to provide a holder first locking portion 1071 corresponding to this in the port portion or the microchip holder 107. Since the holder first locking portion 1071 can be provided outside the microchip holder as needed, there is an advantage that the insertion position of the connector body can be easily regulated.
As an example of use, the liquid feeding tube connector 1 is screwed into the port portion 17 (microchip holder 107). And the part which protruded the exterior of the liquid feeding tube connector 1 contacts the microchip 101, and the microchip 101 is pressed against the inner surface in a microchip holder. Further, the connector first locking portion 41 of the liquid feeding tube connector 1 is screwed in until it contacts the outside of the port portion 17 (microchip holder 107). Thereby, the connection port 10 and the substrate surface of the microchip 101 can be in close contact with each other. At this time, the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is in close contact with the liquid feeding tube inserted therethrough.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, it is preferable to provide a connector second locking portion 42 that can restrict the insertion of the connector body 4 with an internal structure such as the port portion 17. It is desirable to provide the holder second locking portion 1072 corresponding to this inside the port portion 17 or inside the holder 107.
As an example of use, the liquid feeding tube connector 1 is screwed into the port portion 17 (microchip holder 107). And the part which protruded the exterior of the liquid feeding tube connector 1 contacts the microchip 101, and the microchip 101 is pressed against the inner surface in a microchip holder. Furthermore, the liquid feeding tube connector 1 is screwed in until it hits the holder second locking portion 1072 inside the microchip holder 107. Thereby, the connection port 10 and the substrate surface of the microchip 101 can be in close contact with each other. At this time, the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is in close contact with the liquid feeding tube inserted therethrough.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4D, even when the space 14 is small, it is possible to adjust the liquid-feeding tube connector 1 against the microchip 101 with the holder second locking portion 1072. .

The material of each component of the liquid feeding tube connector described above is not particularly limited, and may be any material such as metal or plastic, or a combination thereof. What is necessary is just to select suitably for each component according to the intensity | strength, the softness | flexibility, chemical-resistance, etc. which are required. For example, it is preferable to use a chemical-resistant plastic material for parts that are in contact with the liquid feed. Examples of the chemical resistant material include a fluororesin.
The shape of these parts can be formed by a manufacturing method corresponding to each material, for example, injection molding or mold molding.

An example of a method of using the liquid delivery tube connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.
The liquid feeding tube 5 is inserted into the through hole 7 of the liquid feeding tube connector 1 to reach the vicinity of the connection port 10. At this time, the outer diameter of the liquid feeding tube 5 is only in contact with the inner diameter of the annular elastic member 3.
The liquid supply tube connector 1 in a state where the liquid supply tube 5 is inserted is connected to a terminal connection portion for inputting / outputting fluid (liquid, gas) to / from a flow path of the apparatus or the like (FIG. 4A). reference). When connected, the tip of the connection port 10 contacts the surface of the substrate 15.
More specifically, the (thread) screw portion 11 of the liquid feeding tube connector 1 is screwed into the port portion 17 provided in the microchip holder or the like. The tip of the connection port 10 contacts the surface of the substrate 15 while being screwed.
Then, the protruding first tube holder 21 is pushed into the connector body 4. At this time, the support member 8 presses the annular elastic member 3, and the annular elastic member 3 further presses the second tube holder 22 and the elastic body 9. These are supported by the third tube holder 23.
Furthermore, the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is deformed by the pressed first tube holder 21 pressed and the second tube holder 22 pressed by the elastic body 9. The ring-shaped elastic member 3 that has been pressed and deformed is pressed and deformed in the direction of the liquid feeding tube 5 in the through hole 7 and further presses the outer diameter of the liquid feeding tube 5. As a result, it is possible to make close contact so as to eliminate the gap between the ring-shaped elastic member and the liquid feeding tube (see FIG. 4B), and the liquid feeding from the liquid feeding tube does not leak into the flow path 6. Is done.

Moreover, when removing the connected liquid feeding tube 5 from the liquid feeding tube connector 1, the contact between the connection port 10 and the substrate 15 is eliminated by loosening the screw (see FIG. 4A). Thereby, the state which pushed the protruded 1st tube holder 21 into the inside of the connector main body 4 is relieved. Further, by loosening the screw, the close contact between the annular elastic member 3 and the liquid feeding tube 5 is eliminated. Thereby, the liquid feeding tube 5 can be pulled out from the liquid feeding tube connector 1.
Further, when the liquid feeding tube is replaced with another one or changed to another port portion, it is possible to easily attach and detach repeatedly by repeating the above.

(2) Second Embodiment The configuration in the first embodiment described above is omitted.
The liquid feeding tube connector 1a according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure has a configuration in which the tube holder 2 and the elastic body 9 in the first embodiment are different, and the elastic body 9 is not used. Specifically, the elastic body 9 and the second tube holder 22 are not provided, and the tube holder 2 is constituted by the third tube holder 23 a and the first tube holder 21.

The fourth tube holder 24 supports the first tube holder 21, the ring-shaped elastic member 3, and the like. When the fourth tube holder 24 is fixed to the connector body 4, for example, a screw-in type or a plug-in type may be used. It is possible to stop the fourth tube holder 24 by the tip surface of the fourth tube holder 24 in the direction of the connection port 10 being in contact with the locking piece 18 inside the connector body 4.
Further, it is preferable that the distal end surface of the fourth tube holder 24 and the portion corresponding to the engagement piece 19 inside the connector main body 4 provided in the first tube holder 21 have a locking structure. Thereby, it is possible to adjust the close_contact | adherence degree of a ring-shaped elastic member and a liquid feeding tube, and the pressure deformation degree of a ring-shaped elastic member.
The gap between the distal end surface of the fourth tube holder 24 and the portion corresponding to the locking piece 18 of the first tube holder 21 can be changed in consideration of the pushing state of the first tube holder 21.

An example of the method of using the liquid delivery tube connector 1a of the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.
The liquid feeding tube 5 is inserted into the through-hole 7 of the liquid feeding tube connector 1a to reach the vicinity of the protruding portion of the connection port 10. At this time, the outer diameter of the liquid feeding tube 5 is only in contact with the inner diameter of the annular elastic member 3. The liquid supply tube connector 1a in a state where the liquid supply tube 5 is inserted is screwed into a member (for example, the port portion 17) for connecting to the apparatus or the like (see FIG. 4A). While screwing, the tip of the protruding portion of the connection port 10 contacts the surface of the substrate 15. Then, the protruding first tube holder 21 is pushed into the connector body 4. At this time, the support member 8 presses the ring-shaped elastic member 3, and the fourth tube holder 24 supports it.
Thereby, the ring-shaped elastic member 3 is pressed and deformed by the pressed first tube holder 21 and the fourth tube holder 24. This pressing deformation is adjusted by locking a portion corresponding to the engagement piece 19 of the first tube holder 21 at a portion corresponding to the locking piece 18 of the fourth tube holder 24. The deformed annular elastic member 3 presses the outer diameter of the liquid feeding tube 5 in the through hole 7 and comes into close contact with the annular elastic member 3 and the liquid feeding tube 5 so as to eliminate the gap (FIG. 4B). reference). Thereby, the liquid feeding from the liquid feeding tube is fed to the flow path 6 without leaking.

  Moreover, when removing the liquid feeding tube 5 from the liquid feeding tube connector 1, the contact pressure of the connection port 10 and the board | substrate 15 becomes weak by loosening a screw | thread (refer FIG. 4 (A)). Thereby, the state which pushed the protruded 1st tube holder 21 into the inside of the connector main body 4 is relieved. Further, by loosening the screw, the close contact between the annular elastic member 3 and the liquid feeding tube 5 is eliminated. Thereby, it is possible to pull out the liquid feeding tube 5 from the liquid feeding tube connector 1a.

  The liquid feeding tube connector 1 of the present disclosure can be used for various types of fractionation analyzers and the like, but can be used for, for example, a microparticle fractionator such as flow cytometry.

<2. Fine particle fractionator>
5-10 is a figure explaining the microchip holder 107 and the microchip module 100 which use the liquid feeding tube connector 1 of this indication, and the microparticle fractionating apparatus A provided with the same.
FIGS. 6-10 is for demonstrating the schematic structure of all or one part of the microparticle fractionator A. FIG.
In FIG. 6, the microparticle sorting apparatus indicated by symbol A is provided with a microparticle sorting field that is further protected by the sorting cover A3 at a portion that is protected by the cover A2 of the main body A1. The fine particle sorting field includes a microchip 101 that is inserted into and attached to the upper opening of the sorting cover A3. In FIG. 6B, the block arrow indicates the insertion direction of the microchip module 100 including the microchip holder 107 including the microchip 101 into the sorting cover A3.

FIG. 7 shows a microchip holder 107 including the liquid feeding tube connector 1 and the microchip 101 of the present disclosure. A microchip module 100 including the microchip holder 107 and the vibration element 102 is shown.
FIG. 8 shows an example of the microchip 101.
9 and 10 schematically show a schematic configuration of the fine particle sorting apparatus A. FIG. In addition, a microchip 101, an optical detection unit 103 that irradiates light to a predetermined portion of the microchip 101 provided in the main body A1, a pair of electrodes 104 and 104, and a container 105 are illustrated. The container 105 (105a, b, c) is attached to the main body A1 in a detachable state. Reference numeral 102 denotes a vibration element disposed near the microchip 101. Reference numerals 106 and 106 denote ground electrodes which are grounded.

<3. Microchip holder and microchip module>
The microchip module 100 of the present disclosure includes a microchip holder 107 having one or a plurality of port portions (171 to 173) for connecting to the liquid feeding tube connector 1 (see FIGS. 7 and 3 to 5). ). The liquid feeding tube connector 1 can be in contact with the substrate surface of the microchip 101 by connecting to the port portions 171 to 173. And it becomes possible to connect easily the liquid supply tube (flow path) with which the ring-shaped elastic member inside a liquid supply tube connector is closely_contact | adhering, and the flow path of a microchip. By this connection, fluid leakage of the fluid moving between the liquid feeding tube and the microchip flow path is also reduced.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the microchip module 100 and FIG. 8 illustrates the microchip 101, but the components that use the liquid feeding tube connector 1 of the present disclosure are not limited.
As shown in FIG. 7, the microchip module 100 includes a detachable microchip 101, a microchip holder 107 having a holding portion for holding the microchip 101, and a vibration element disposed on a side surface of the microchip. 102. The holding portion has a hollow structure, and may be a slide type in which the microchip is slidably attached and detached as shown in FIG.
The above-described microchip holder 107 of the present disclosure includes the port portions 171, 172, and 173 that connect the liquid feeding tube connector 1 and the inlets 114, 115, and 119 that are the ends of the flow paths of the microchip 101. ing. Note that the number of port portions may be one or more as required, and is not particularly limited. The port portion may be accommodated or arranged in the microchip holder 107 substrate.

The microchip 101 is formed with a sample flow path 111 through which a liquid (sample liquid) containing fine particles to be sorted is passed (see FIG. 7).
Furthermore, a sample inlet 115 into which the sample liquid is introduced, a sheath inlet 114 into which the sheath liquid is introduced, and a charged electrode inlet 114 into which a charged electrode (charging means) immersed in the sheath liquid is inserted are formed.

  In addition, the microchip 101 may be formed with a suction channel 118 communicated with the sample channel 111. The suction channel 118 is connected to the sample channel 111 through the communication port 181. When clogging occurs in the channel 6 (sample channel 111 etc.), the inside of the channel 118 is made negative pressure from the suction outlet 119 and the channel 6 (sample channel 111 etc.) is sucked. Is possible. At this time, the suction outlet 119 may be provided in any one of the suction flow paths 118, but it is preferable to provide the suction outlet 119 at the opposite end of the communication port 181.

In addition, a microtube 116 for introducing the sample liquid introduced from the sample inlet 115 into the sheath liquid laminar flow is disposed at a portion where the sheath liquid of the sample flow path 111 joins. The laminar flow of the sample liquid flows through the microtube 116 and is introduced into the sheath liquid laminar flow introduced from the sheath inlet 114 and flowing through the sample flow path 111. As a result, liquid can be sent downstream of the sample channel 111.
In addition, it is preferable to arrange a narrowing channel in the sample channel 111. The narrowing channel 117 is formed so that the area of the vertical cross section with respect to the liquid feeding direction is gradually or gradually reduced from the upstream to the downstream in the liquid feeding direction.

  Light (measurement light) is irradiated to a predetermined portion 133 (light irradiation portion) of the sample channel 111, and light (measurement target light) generated from the microparticles is detected by this irradiation. Such light irradiation and detection can be performed by the optical detection unit 103, for example. The optical detection unit 103 can adopt a configuration used in conventional flow cytometry. Examples of the irradiation system include a laser light source, and examples of the detection system include a PMT, a CCD element, and a CMOS element. The irradiation system and the detection system can be configured by the same or different optical paths. Further, the measurement target light is light generated from the microparticles by irradiation of the measurement light, and can be, for example, forward scattered light, side scattered light, scattered light such as Rayleigh scattering or Mie scattering, fluorescence, and the like. . These measurement target lights are converted into electrical signals, and the optical characteristics of the microparticles are detected based on the electrical signals.

The sample liquid that has passed through the optical detection unit 103 is discharged to the space outside the chip from the orifice 112 provided at one end of the sample flow path 111 through the narrowed flow path 113 and then the fine tube 121.
The narrowing channel 113 is formed so that the area of the vertical cross section with respect to the liquid feeding direction is gradually or stepwise reduced from upstream to downstream in the liquid feeding direction. The fine tube 121 is preferably made of metal or ceramic, but may be made of quartz or resin. The length of the orifice part constituted by the fine wrinkles is preferably 100 to 300 μm or less.
The sample is discharged from an orifice 112 provided at one end of the sample channel 111 to a space outside the chip. At this time, by vibrating the microchip 101 by the vibration element 102, the sample liquid can be made into droplets and discharged to a space outside the chip.
7, 9, and 10 indicate a droplet ejected to a space outside the chip. There is a possibility that the droplet D contains fine particles to be sorted. At this time, the counter electrodes 104 and 104 are disposed along the moving direction of the liquid droplets discharged to the outside of the chip, and are disposed so as to face each other with the moving liquid droplet interposed therebetween. Charge is imparted to the discharged droplets by a charging unit (not shown), and the counter electrodes 104 and 104 are subjected to electrical repulsion (or suction force) with the charge imparted to the droplets. The moving direction is controlled, and the droplet is guided to one of the containers 105 (a, b, c).

Note that the microchip 101 can be formed of glass or various plastics (PP, PC, COP, PMDS, etc.). The material of the microchip is preferably a material that is transparent to the measurement light emitted from the optical detection unit 103, has less autofluorescence, and has small optical dispersion because of small wavelength dispersion.
The sample channel 111 can be formed on the microchip 101 by wet etching or dry etching of a glass substrate, or by nanoimprinting, injection molding, or machining of a plastic substrate. The microchip 101 can be formed by sealing a substrate on which the sample channel 111 and the like are formed with a substrate of the same material or a different material.

  The microchip module 100 is mounted on the microparticle sorting apparatus A, the light in the flow path 6 is detected by the optical detection unit 103, and the microparticles P in the plurality of droplets formed by the vibration element 102 are grounded. 106 and the counter electrode 104 can be divided into each container 105 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention in detail, this invention is not limited to these Examples.

A 1/32 peak tube with a variation in outer diameter tolerance width of 0.05 mm can be used. The component configuration to be used is a connector composed of components including the connector main body 4, the spring fixing 23, the spring 9, the tube holder 21, the tube holder 22, the O-ring 3, and the connector identification O-ring 12.
In the connector main body 4, the first tube holder 21, the O-ring 3, the second tube holder 21, and the spring 9 are arranged in this order. Finally, the component of the spring fixing 23 is screwed into the inner thread portion of the connector body 4 so that pressure is applied to the tube holder 2.
In this state, the tube holder 2 comes into contact with a step inside the connector body 4 and stops, and no pressure is applied to the O-ring 3 incorporated in the connector body 4.

The peak tube 5 is inserted into the connector structure 1 as described above.
The diameter of the O-ring 3 in the connector body 4 is slightly larger than the diameter of the peak tube 5 so that the insertion resistance is eliminated.
By screwing the connector main body 4 in this state, the first tube holder 21 at the tip hits the surface of the chip substrate 15. Thereby, the first tube holder 21 enters the connector body 4 and deforms the O-ring 3. Further, when these are pushed in, the second tube holder 22 is pushed up and receives the force of the spring 9, and the deformation of the O-ring 3 eliminates the outer diameter gap of the peak tube 5 and prevents leakage.
When this pressing deformation state occurs, the grounding force between the first tube holder 21 and the chip substrate 15 is determined by the spring 9, and the sealing performance is ensured by the resin hardness of the first tube holder 21. This time, PTFE resin material is adopted.
The inner diameter tolerance of the first tube holder 21 is determined so that the pressure resistance of the peak tube 5 is maintained by the degree of combination of the inner diameter of the first tube holder 21 and the peak tube 5. At this time, the elasticity of the resin is used.
As a result, there are the following advantages. One connector can be used for each manufacturer's peak tube. The number of connectors can be reduced to one, and the cost can be reduced. There is no leakage of liquid. Handling becomes easy. Various preparations can be made by replacing the connector made of the same parts with the identification O-ring 12.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
[1] A tube holder in which a through-hole through which the liquid feeding tube is inserted is formed along the longitudinal direction, an annular elastic member having substantially the same diameter as the liquid feeding tube through which the liquid feeding tube is inserted, and the ring shape A hollow connector main body that accommodates an elastic member inside and accommodates the tube holder in a state in which the tube holder partially protrudes to the outside, and in a state where the protruding tube holder is pushed into the connector main body, A liquid feeding tube connector that is in close contact with the inserted liquid feeding tube by being pressed and deformed by the tube holder into which the annular elastic member is pushed.

[2] The liquid feeding tube connector according to [1], wherein the annular elastic member is interposed between the tube holder and the tube holder.
[3] The liquid feeding tube connector according to [1] or [2], wherein the plurality of tube holders have a joint structure.
[4] The liquid feeding tube connector according to any one of [1] to [3], further including an elastic body that urges another tube holder in a longitudinal direction toward the tube holder protruding to the outside.
[5] The structure according to any one of [1] to [4], which has a structure for locking a tube holder biased by the elastic body, and the annular elastic member is not pressed and deformed when not contacting the microchip holder. One liquid feeding tube connector.
[6] The liquid feeding tube connector according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the joint structure also serves as a locking structure.

[7] The liquid feeding tube connector according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the connection port of the tube holder is pushed into the connector body when the connection port contacts the substrate surface during connection.
[8] The liquid feeding tube connector according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the connector main body includes an engagement piece from which the tube holder does not come off.
[8] The liquid feeding tube connector according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein a portion where the tube holder abuts is at least polytetrafluoroethylene.
[9] The liquid feeding tube connector according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein a portion protruding to the outside of the tube holder is curved.

  A microchip holder comprising a holding part for holding a microchip and the liquid feeding tube connector according to any one of [1] to [9]; a microchip module comprising the same; a preparative analyzer comprising the same.

  The liquid feeding tube connector of the present disclosure can be used for a wide range of preparative analyzers. In particular, it is suitable for the use of a preparative analyzer such as flow cytometry.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid supply tube connector: 2 Tube holder: 21 1st tube holder: 22 2nd tube holder: 23 3rd tube holder: 24 4th tube holder: 3 Ring-shaped elastic member: 4 Connector main body: 5 Liquid supply tube: 6 flow Path: 8 Supporting member: 9 Elastic body: 11 Threaded part: 12 Ring member: 18 Locking piece: 19 Engaging piece: 17 Port part: 100 Microchip module: 107 Microchip holder: A Fine particle sorting device:

Claims (11)

A tube holder in which a through-hole through which the liquid feeding tube is inserted is formed along the longitudinal direction;
A ring-shaped elastic member having substantially the same diameter as the liquid-feeding tube through which the liquid-feeding tube is inserted;
A hollow connector main body that accommodates the annular elastic member inside and accommodates the tube holder in a state in which part of the tube holder protrudes to the outside,
In a state where the protruding tube holder is pushed into the connector body, the ring-shaped elastic member is pressed and deformed by the tube holder into which the ring-shaped elastic member is pushed, so that the liquid feeding tube is in close contact with the inserted liquid feeding tube. connector.   The liquid feeding tube connector according to claim 1, wherein the ring-shaped elastic member is interposed between the tube holder and the tube holder.   The liquid feeding tube connector according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of tube holders have a joint structure.   The liquid feeding tube connector according to claim 2, further comprising an elastic body that urges another tube holder in a longitudinal direction toward the tube holder protruding outward.   The liquid feeding tube connector according to claim 4, wherein the tube-like elastic member has a structure for locking the tube holder biased by the elastic body, and the ring-shaped elastic member is not pressed and deformed when not contacting the microchip holder.   The liquid supply tube connector according to claim 5, wherein the joint structure also serves as a locking structure.   The liquid feeding tube connector according to claim 5, wherein the connection port of the tube holder is pushed into the connector main body by being abutted against the substrate surface during connection.   The liquid feeding tube connector according to claim 5, wherein the connector main body has an engagement piece from which the tube holder does not come off.   The liquid feeding tube connector according to claim 5, wherein a portion where the tube holder abuts is at least polytetrafluoroethylene.   The liquid feeding tube connector according to claim 5, wherein a portion protruding to the outside of the tube holder is curved. A holding part for holding the microchip;
A port portion into which a liquid feeding tube connector having a liquid feeding tube for transferring a fluid to the microchip is screwed, and
The liquid feeding tube connector is
A tube holder in which a through-hole through which the liquid feeding tube is inserted is formed along the longitudinal direction;
A ring-shaped elastic member having substantially the same diameter as the liquid-feeding tube through which the liquid-feeding tube is inserted;
A hollow connector main body that accommodates the annular elastic member inside and accommodates the tube holder in a state in which part of the tube holder protrudes to the outside,
The connection port of the liquid connector contacts the substrate surface of the microchip,
In the state where the protruding tube holder is pushed into the connector main body, the ring-shaped elastic member is pressed and deformed by the pushed tube holder, thereby closely contacting the inserted liquid feeding tube.
Microchip holder.

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