Column housing, column oven, and chromatograph

Abstract

This utility model relates to a column housing device for housing a chromatographic column within a column oven. The device includes: a housing with a base having a first side and an opposite second side, wherein the first side has a groove; a first sidewall and a second sidewall extending from the first side of the base, wherein the second sidewall is arranged opposite to the first sidewall; and a support member including a bracket disposed in the groove, such that the support member is detachably fixed to the first side of the base via the bracket between the first and second sidewalls, thereby forming a heat exchange channel between the base, the support member, and the first and / or second sidewalls for placing the chromatographic column. This column housing device detachably connects the support member to the housing, providing a flexible and adjustable thermal structure that balances column placement stability and heat transfer efficiency. This utility model also relates to a column oven and a chromatogram.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of liquid chromatography instrument technology, and more specifically, relates to a chromatographic column housing device. In addition, this utility model also relates to a column oven and a chromatographic instrument. Background Technology

[0002] Chromatographic analysis is one of the core technologies in the modern analytical testing field. As a core component of the chromatograph, the column oven's ability to precisely control the temperature of the chromatographic column directly determines the efficiency and precision of chromatographic analysis.

[0003] The column housing is a key component for achieving temperature control in a column oven. It not only needs to ensure the stable fixation of the column within the oven, but also needs to provide a heat transfer path between the column and the heating module to ensure uniform and stable overall temperature control of the column, thus meeting the stringent temperature control requirements of chromatographic analyses such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0004] In practical applications of liquid chromatography, the use of chromatographic columns is diverse: gel permeation chromatography (GPC) typically requires large-diameter columns (e.g., 9–12 mm and above), while multidimensional liquid chromatography (e.g., 2D-LC) may require the use of two or more columns in series. In processes such as chromatographic method development and batch sample screening, operators may need to place multiple columns simultaneously in a column oven, using switching valves to flexibly switch and couple the columns. This places higher demands on the spatial adaptability, structural flexibility, and heat transfer stability of the column housing.

[0005] However, existing column housing devices are ill-suited to the diverse application requirements described above. For example, some traditional column ovens use heat-conducting blocks or walls of fixed height to maintain contact with the heating module and ensure temperature uniformity. However, such thermal structures cannot accommodate different column diameters or numbers of columns. Furthermore, traditional column ovens typically only support fixed column configurations or a small number of columns, and are incompatible with arrangements such as large-bore GPC columns and multidimensional liquid chromatography tandem. Moreover, existing HPLC / GPC column ovens cannot meet the space requirements of different column sizes, nor can they optimize the available space in the temperature control chamber by rearranging the thermal structure.

[0006] While existing technologies have made some improvements to column housings, none have fundamentally solved the core problems of poor spatial adaptability and insufficient structural flexibility. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an improved column housing and matching column oven to effectively overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved column housing and heat exchange device that can accommodate columns of different sizes and arrangements, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technologies in terms of space and heat management.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a chromatographic column housing device is provided, which can be used to house a chromatographic column in a column oven. The chromatographic column housing device may include: a housing, the housing being provided with: a base having a first side and an opposite second side, wherein the first side is provided with a groove; a first sidewall and a second sidewall extending from the first side of the base, wherein the second sidewall is arranged opposite to the first sidewall; and a support member including a pedestal disposed in the groove, such that the support member is detachably fixed to the first side of the base between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, thereby forming a heat exchange channel between the base, the support member and the first sidewall and / or the second sidewall for placing the chromatographic column.

[0009] This column housing device detachably connects the support to the housing, enabling flexible adjustment of the heat exchange channel (thermal structure). This ensures the stability of the column placement, optimizes the heat transfer efficiency within the heat exchange channel, and improves the temperature control consistency of the column.

[0010] In addition, the detachable fixing of the support and the base by the support can increase the contact area between the support and the base, improve the tightness of the contact between the two, enhance the structural support stability of the support, and optimize the heat transfer foundation.

[0011] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the support can be fixed to the base by at least one of the following connection methods: threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, magnetic connection, and slide rail insertion connection.

[0012] This allows for multiple detachable connection methods to adapt to the disassembly and assembly needs of different operating scenarios, making it easy for users to quickly disassemble, replace, or upgrade the support components. It can also flexibly adapt to chromatographic columns of different specifications to meet diverse chromatographic detection application scenarios.

[0013] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the support may include a plurality of mounting holes for fixing to the base via fasteners.

[0014] With the help of mounting holes and fasteners, users can easily disassemble, replace or upgrade the components using simple tools such as screwdrivers. This not only makes the operation convenient but also greatly improves the stability of the connection structure between the support and the base.

[0015] According to the above aspects of this utility model, preferably, the support can be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the shell. In this way, the force and heat transfer of the support can be symmetrically distributed, improving the overall structural balance of the device, while ensuring the symmetry of temperature distribution in the heat exchange channel and optimizing the temperature control uniformity of the chromatographic column.

[0016] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the groove is a non-through groove, and the height of the support can be equal to the depth of the groove, so that the support is flush with the surface of the first side of the base.

[0017] The grooves enable precise positioning and limiting of the support, preventing the support from shifting during use. They also effectively increase the contact area and fit between the support and the base, enhancing connection reliability, optimizing heat transfer paths, and improving overall temperature uniformity.

[0018] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the support member may also be provided with a protrusion extending from the support, wherein the height of the protrusion is greater than 0 and does not exceed the height of the first sidewall or the second sidewall.

[0019] With adjustable protrusion height, the internal space of the temperature control chamber can be freely adjusted, making it compatible with chromatographic columns of different diameters and supporting diverse arrangements of multiple chromatographic columns to adapt to different application scenarios.

[0020] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the height of the protrusion can be configured to a plurality of predetermined values, including full height or half height, wherein the full height is equal to the height of the first sidewall or the second sidewall, and the half height is 20%-80% of the height of the first sidewall or the second sidewall.

[0021] By standardizing the height of the protrusion to multiple predetermined values, modular selection and replacement of the support height can be achieved without on-site adjustments, making disassembly and assembly more efficient. The standardized height design also ensures the consistency of temperature control chamber space and heat transfer effect, adapting to the standardized temperature control requirements of different chromatographic columns.

[0022] According to the above aspects of this utility model, preferably, the material of the support member may include at least one of the following: aluminum alloy, high thermal conductivity copper, stainless steel, and ceramic composite material.

[0023] Using high thermal conductivity alloys and ceramic composites as support materials can significantly improve the heat transfer efficiency of the support, accelerate temperature conduction and uniform distribution within the heat exchange channel, effectively increase the temperature uniformity around the chromatographic column, and improve the accuracy of chromatographic detection results.

[0024] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, the chromatographic column housing device may further include: a heat-conducting element disposed on the second side of the base for enhancing thermal contact with the heating module.

[0025] By setting a heat-conducting component on the second side of the base, the thermal contact effect with the heating module can be effectively enhanced, the heat conduction speed from the heating module to the inside of the device can be accelerated, and the overall temperature uniformity and temperature control response speed of the device can be improved.

[0026] According to the above aspects of the present invention, in order to better regulate the temperature of the chromatographic column, the chromatographic column housing device may preferably include: a temperature regulating device, which is arranged to be connected to the heat-conducting element in a heat transfer relationship.

[0027] According to the above aspects of the present invention, preferably, in order to facilitate the installation of the chromatographic column housing and its spatial adaptation within the cavity, the housing may further include a first end and an opposing second end, the first end and the second end forming an inclined end.

[0028] According to the above aspects of this utility model, preferably, the base and / or support member may also be provided with an interface for installing additional functional modules. These additional functional modules include, but are not limited to, accessories such as preheating modules. By matching the interface structure with the installation structure of existing accessories, flexible installation and expansion of additional functional modules can be achieved without changing the overall structure of the column temperature chamber.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a column oven is provided, which may include the chromatographic column housing device described in the first aspect.

[0030] By integrating a detachable column housing, the internal space and heat exchange structure of the temperature control chamber can be flexibly adjusted. It is compatible with different specifications of chromatographic columns and can meet diverse needs such as multi-column coupling. At the same time, it effectively improves the heat transfer efficiency and temperature uniformity inside the column oven, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of chromatographic detection results.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a chromatograph is provided, which may include the column oven described in the second aspect.

[0032] Therefore, the chromatographic column housing device and column oven of this invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and achieve the intended purpose. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To further describe the chromatographic column housing according to the present invention clearly, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a column temperature chamber according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2This is a schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a top view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the housing of a chromatographic column housing according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of a chromatographic column housing according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a column housing device according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing the column located therein;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a side view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a bottom view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a column housing device according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing the column located therein;

[0048] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 16 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a column housing device according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing the column located therein;

[0052] Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a fourth non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing a preheating module installed therein;

[0053] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A schematic exploded perspective view of the chromatographic column housing shown;

[0054] Figure 21 This is another schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device according to a fourth non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The above figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale.

[0056] The reference numerals in the figures are listed in the figures and embodiments:

[0057] 1000-Column Temperature Chamber, including:

[0058] 100 – Column housing, comprising:

[0059] 10 - Housing, comprising:

[0060] 11 – Base, including:

[0061] 11A – First side;

[0062] 11B – Second side;

[0063] 11C - Groove;

[0064] 11D – Through opening;

[0065] 12 – First sidewall;

[0066] 13 – Second sidewall;

[0067] 14 – First end;

[0068] 15 – Second end;

[0069] 20 - Supporting components, including:

[0070] 21 - Support;

[0071] 22 - Protrusion;

[0072] 23 - Fasteners;

[0073] 30 - Thermal conductive components;

[0074] 40 – Temperature control device;

[0075] 50 - Preheating module;

[0076] 100A – Heat exchange channel;

[0077] 200 – chromatographic column;

[0078] X – Longitudinal axis. Detailed Implementation

[0079] It should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the present invention may employ various alternative orientations and sequences of steps. It should also be understood that the specific devices shown in the drawings and described in the specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept disclosed and defined herein. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, the specific orientations, directions, or other features involved in the various disclosed embodiments should not be considered limiting.

[0080] Chromatographs (such as gas chromatographs or liquid chromatographs) are analytical instruments that separate and detect sample components. They are usually equipped with a column oven, which is used to fix and maintain the chromatographic column and can precisely maintain the column at the desired temperature, thereby controlling the sample components in the mobile phase within the chromatographic column to achieve efficient separation.

[0081] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a column oven 1000 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The column oven 1000 can be configured as a relatively independent box structure, which can house a column housing 100 and various functional interfaces, such as electrical interfaces for power supply and temperature control signal transmission, preheating module interfaces, and liquid flow path switching valve interfaces. The column housing 100 can be centrally located within the temperature control chamber of the column oven 1000. The column oven 1000 can also be equipped with a matching door or cover (not shown in the drawing), which, when closed, allows the column to be stably oriented in a generally vertical direction.

[0082] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of the chromatographic column housing 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a chromatographic column housing device 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] As shown in the figure and as an example, the column housing 100 can be a split structure and can mainly include a housing 10 and a support member 20. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the support member 20 can be detachably fixed to the housing 10. The column housing 100 can be used to operate in adiabatic and isothermal modes to adjust the temperature of the column and the fluid therein in a desired manner to achieve component separation.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the housing 10 of the chromatographic column housing 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing 10 of the chromatographic column housing 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] As shown in the figure, the housing 10 may have a generally U-shaped groove structure and may include a base 11 and two opposing sidewalls.

[0086] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be seen more clearly, the base 11 may have a first side 11A and an opposite second side 11B. Additionally, a groove 11C and a through opening 11D may be provided on the first side 11A of the base 11. Preferably, the through opening 11D may be centrally located along the longitudinal axis X of the housing 10, and the two grooves 11C may be arranged symmetrically about the through opening 11D.

[0087] As an example, the groove 11C is a non-through groove and may have a generally rectangular shape. Preferably, the height (or thickness) of the support 21 may be equal to the depth of the groove 11C, such that the support 21 is flush with the surface of the first side 11A of the base 11. Additionally, preferably, one or more fastener openings may be provided at the bottom of the groove 11C for mounting the support 20 via corresponding fasteners. The column housing through opening 11D can be used to connect with a temperature control device 40, such as a fan (e.g., a...). Figure 1 (Illustrated in the diagram) The combination is used to adjust the temperature of the chromatographic column 200 in isothermal mode.

[0088] Two opposing sidewalls may extend from the first side 11A of the base 11 to form a first sidewall 12 and a second sidewall 13, respectively. The second sidewall 13 and the first sidewall 12 can then be arranged opposite each other. Preferably, a transition fillet may be provided at the base of the first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13.

[0089] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a chromatographic column housing 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing the chromatographic column located therein; Figure 9 This is a side view of the chromatographic column housing 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 This is a bottom view of a chromatographic column housing 100 according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] like Figure 6 and Figure 9 As can be seen more clearly, the housing 10 may also include a first end 14 and an opposing second end 15. The first end 14 and the second end 15 may be formed as inclined ends to facilitate the installation of the column housing 100 and its spatial adaptation within the cavity.

[0091] Return to reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Furthermore, as a non-limiting embodiment, the support 20 can be detachably fixed to the first side 11A of the base 11 between the first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13. This forms a heat exchange channel 100A between the base 11, the support 20, and the first sidewall 12 and / or the second sidewall 13 for placing the chromatographic column 200 (e.g., Figure 8 (Illustrated schematically). Additionally, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, a corresponding column clamp may be provided in the column housing 100 to hold the column 200 in place.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, the support member 20 may include a support 21 and a protrusion 22 extending from the support 21. Thus, the support member 20 can form a generally T-shaped cross-section. The support member 20 can be detachably fixed to the base 11 of the housing 10 via the support 21.

[0093] As an example, the support 21 and protrusion 22 of the support member 20 can be integrally formed as a single piece, and preferably, the support 21 can be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis X of the housing 10. The support member 20 can be made of various materials, and in particular, the material of the support member 20 can include at least one of the following: aluminum alloy, high thermal conductivity copper, stainless steel, ceramic composite material, etc.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, to achieve this detachable fixation, one or more mounting holes (e.g., fastener openings or threaded holes) may be provided on the support 21 of the support member 20 to secure it to the base 11 of the housing 10 via fasteners 23 such as bolts. In particular, the support 21 can be fixed into the groove 11C of the base 11. In this way, the user can disassemble, replace, or upgrade it with simple tools (such as screwdrivers), making the operation convenient and improving the connection stability.

[0095] It should be understood that although the support member 20 is fixed to the housing 10 via threaded fasteners in the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can employ various alternative detachable connection methods, including but not limited to snap-fit ​​connections, magnetic connections, and slide rail insertion connections. According to various embodiments of the present invention, preferably, the height of the protrusion 22 can be variable, such that the height of the protrusion 22 can be within a predetermined height range. For example, in one embodiment, the protrusion 22 may be absent, in which case the support member 20 may only include the support 21. In another embodiment, the height of the protrusion 22 may be greater than 0 and may be less than the height of the first sidewall 12 or the second sidewall 13. In yet another embodiment, the height of the protrusion 22 may be equal to the height of the first sidewall 12 or the second sidewall 13.

[0096] It should be understood that the height of the support 21 and the height of the protrusion 22 as described herein can refer to the height measured perpendicular to the surface of the first side 11A of the base 11 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and can also refer to the height of the protrusion 22 extending upward from the support 21.

[0097] In combination Figures 2 to 10 In the first non-limiting embodiment shown, the height of the protrusion 22 can be approximately equal to the height of the first sidewall 12 or the second sidewall 13. In this case, the protrusion 22 can form two heat exchange channels 100A with the first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13 on both sides to accommodate two chromatographic columns 200, such as... Figure 8 The diagram illustrates this. This configuration can be matched with existing thermal designs and column arrangements, and can be used with standard high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns.

[0098] In addition, although the protrusion 22 shown in the figures is a generally complete rectangular plate shape, in alternative embodiments, the protrusion 22 may include a multi-fin heat dissipation structure, a slotted or perforated structure, etc., to reduce the weight of the protrusion 22 and the column housing 100 or to improve it.

[0099] As a preferred embodiment, markings such as numbers can be set on the support member 20. For example, numbers can be set in an easily observable position on the protrusion 22 to facilitate operators to quickly select the appropriate support member 20.

[0100] like Figures 8 to 9 As schematically shown, the column housing 100 may further include a heat-conducting element 30. As an example, the heat-conducting element 30 may be disposed on the second side 11B of the base 11 to enhance thermal contact with a heating module (not shown). As an example, the heat-conducting element 30 may be configured as a ridge-shaped heat-conducting element, and additionally or alternatively, the heat-conducting element 30 may be thickened or its thermally conductive area increased to improve thermal conductivity. Furthermore, as shown, the heat-conducting element 30 may be segmented, and heating modules may be disposed between adjacent heat-conducting elements 30.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment (not shown), the column housing 100 may also be equipped with a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the thermally conductive support 20. Alternatively, a thermally conductive interface material (TIM) may be used between the support 20 and the heating surface to improve thermal coupling between them.

[0102] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device 100 according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device 100 according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a chromatographic column housing 100 according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a chromatographic column housing 100 according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing the chromatographic column 200 located therein.

[0103] It should be understood that, in addition to the differences described below, combined with Figures 11 to 14 The second non-limiting embodiment of the described column housing 100 is combined with the above. Figures 2 to 10 The first non-limiting embodiment of the chromatographic column housing 100 described herein is the same or similar, and therefore, the same or similar parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and for the sake of brevity, these same or similar parts will not be described again below.

[0104] exist Figures 11 to 14 In a second non-limiting embodiment of the described column housing 100, the height of the protrusion 22 can be half its height. For example, this height can be greater than 0 and can be less than the height of the first sidewall 12 or the second sidewall 13. As a preferred embodiment, the height of the protrusion 22 can range from 20% to 80% of the height of the first sidewall 12 or the second sidewall 13.

[0105] At this time, as Figure 14As schematically shown, the protrusion 22 can cooperate with the first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13 on both sides, so that the column housing device 100 can accommodate three columns 200, wherein the middle column 200 can be placed on top of the protrusion 22 to improve temperature uniformity.

[0106] The column housing 100 of the second non-limiting embodiment can increase the longitudinal clearance height, reserving sufficient installation space for large-diameter and tandem column arrangements, while ensuring reliable thermal contact between the column and the device and stable temperature control of the system, providing adaptation conditions for tandem column configurations. This column housing 100 is adaptable to gel permeation chromatography (GPC) applications, capable of accommodating large-diameter GPC columns, and effectively improving the space utilization rate inside the column oven.

[0107] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing 100 according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device 100 according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a chromatographic column housing 100 according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a chromatographic column housing 100 according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing the chromatographic column 200 located therein.

[0108] It should be understood that, in addition to the differences described below, combined with Figures 15 to 18 The third non-limiting embodiment of the chromatographic column housing 100 described herein is in conjunction with the foregoing. Figures 2 to 10 The first non-limiting embodiment of the chromatographic column housing 100 described herein is the same or similar, and therefore, the same or similar parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and for the sake of brevity, these same or similar parts will not be described again below.

[0109] exist Figures 15 to 18 In a third non-limiting embodiment of the described column housing 100, the support 20 does not have a protrusion 22, and the support 21 of the support 20 can be formed into a generally rectangular plate shape to fit into the groove 11C. In this case, as... Figure 15 As shown, when the support 20 is installed on the base 11 of the housing 10, the upper surface of the support 20 or the support 21 can be flush with the upper surface of the first side 11A of the base 11.

[0110] After the support component 20 is installed in place, as Figure 18As schematically shown, the receiving space formed by the support member 20 and the first sidewalls 12 and second sidewalls 13 on both sides can accommodate a larger number of chromatographic columns, such as the six chromatographic columns 200 shown in the figure. The chromatographic column receiving device 100 according to this embodiment can maximize the release of the effective available space inside the device and is compatible with up to 24 chromatographic columns of 4.6mm × 150mm size; this configuration is an ideal fit for method development and high-throughput screening experimental processes, especially suitable for applications such as high-throughput screening or multidimensional liquid chromatography (e.g., two-dimensional liquid chromatography, 2D-LC) applications.

[0111] Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing 100 according to a fourth non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing a preheating module 50 installed therein; Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A schematic exploded perspective view of the chromatographic column housing 100 shown; and Figure 21 This is another schematic perspective view of a chromatographic column housing device 100 according to a fourth non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] It should be understood that, in addition to the differences described below, combined with Figures 19 to 21 The fourth non-limiting embodiment of the chromatographic column housing 100 described herein is in conjunction with the foregoing. Figures 15 to 18 The third non-limiting embodiment of the chromatographic column housing 100 described herein is the same or similar, and therefore, the same or similar parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and for the sake of brevity, these same or similar parts will not be described again below.

[0113] exist Figures 19 to 21 In a fourth non-limiting embodiment of the described column housing 100, the column housing 100 may also be provided with additional functional modules such as a preheating module 50. For example, the space freed up by the recess 11C can be used to install these additional functional modules, including but not limited to the preheating module 50, thereby expanding the functionality of the device and improving its temperature control capabilities.

[0114] By matching the interface structure, such as the groove, with the existing accessory installation structure, it is possible to flexibly install and expand additional functional modules without changing the overall structure of the column temperature chamber.

[0115] In particular, such as Figure 21 As shown, by combining the interfaces such as threaded holes on the housing 10, the number of other accessory modules that can be installed can be increased, thereby achieving the function of accommodating more chromatographic columns.

[0116] As a non-limiting embodiment, the column housing 100 may include two or more recesses 11C, one or more of which may be fitted with a preheating module 50, for example via one or more fasteners 23, while another one or more of the recesses 11C may be fitted with a support member 20.

[0117] In another embodiment, one or more recesses 11C may selectively mount the support 20 and / or the preheating module 50. For example, one or more recesses 11C may first be entirely mounted with the preheating module 50, and then the support 20 may be entirely mounted after the preheating module 50 has been removed.

[0118] Of course, those skilled in the art can also conceive of other installation methods without departing from the scope of this utility model. Therefore, not only can the space utilization rate of the column temperature chamber be improved, but the system's temperature regulation capability and application flexibility can also be enhanced, making it suitable for high-throughput screening and multi-column applications.

[0119] Furthermore, it should be understood that although the groove 11C is used as an interface for mounting the preheating module 50 in the embodiment shown in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the groove 11C can also be used as an interface for other functional modules. Additionally, although the drawings show an interface located on the base 11, those skilled in the art will envision that similar interfaces could be provided on the support member 20.

[0120] The terms “bottom” and “top” used herein to indicate orientation or location, and “first” and “second” used to indicate sequence, are merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the concept of the present invention as shown in the preferred embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless otherwise stated, all sequences, orientations, or locations are used only to distinguish one element / component / structure from another, and do not indicate any particular order, sequence of operations, direction, or orientation unless otherwise stated. For example, in an alternative embodiment, “first end” could be “second end”, etc.

[0121] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms “approximately” and “about” are interpreted as indicating a value or range of values ​​plus or minus five percent, or a deviation of the shape and / or position from the value by plus or minus five percent.

[0122] In summary, the chromatographic column housing device 100 and column oven 1000 according to the embodiments of this utility model overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and achieve the intended purpose.

[0123] While the chromatographic column housing and column oven of this invention have been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above examples are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Therefore, various modifications and variations can be made to this invention within the spirit and scope of the claims, and all such modifications and variations will fall within the scope claimed by the claims.

Claims

1. A column housing device (100) for a column oven, the column housing device (100) being used to house a chromatographic column (200) within the column oven, characterized in that, The column housing (100) includes: Housing (10), the housing is provided with: A base (11) having a first side (11A) and an opposite second side (11B), wherein the first side (11A) is provided with a groove (11C); and A first sidewall (12) and a second sidewall (13) extending from the first side (11A) of the base (11), wherein the second sidewall (13) is arranged opposite to the first sidewall (12); and A support member (20) includes a support (21) disposed in the groove (11C) such that the support member (20) is detachably fixed to the first side (11A) of the base (11) between the first sidewall (12) and the second sidewall (13) via the support (21), thereby forming a heat exchange channel (100A) between the base (11), the support member (20) and the first sidewall (12) and / or the second sidewall (13) for placing the chromatographic column (200).

2. The chromatographic column housing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support (21) is fixed to the base (11) via at least one of the following connection methods: Threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, magnetic connection, slide rail insertion connection.

3. The chromatographic column housing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support (21) includes a plurality of mounting holes for securing to the base (11) via fasteners (23).

4. The chromatographic column housing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove (11C) is a non-through groove, and the height of the support (21) is equal to the depth of the groove (11C), such that the support (21) is flush with the surface of the first side (11A) of the base (11).

5. The chromatographic column housing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (20) is also provided with a protrusion (22) extending from the support (21), wherein the height of the protrusion (22) is greater than 0 and does not exceed the height of the first sidewall (12) or the second sidewall (13).

6. The chromatographic column housing device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The height of the protrusion (22) is configured for multiple predetermined values, including full height or half height, wherein the full height is equal to the height of the first sidewall (12) or the second sidewall (13), and the half height is 20%-80% of the height of the first sidewall (12) or the second sidewall (13).

7. The chromatographic column housing device (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The material of the support member (20) includes at least one of the following: aluminum alloy, high thermal conductivity copper, stainless steel, and ceramic composite material.

8. The chromatographic column housing device (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The column housing (100) further includes a heat-conducting element (30) disposed on the second side (11B) of the base (11) for enhancing thermal contact with the heating module.

9. The chromatographic column housing device (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The base and / or the support member are also provided with an interface for installing additional functional modules.

10. A column temperature chamber (1000), characterized in that, The column oven includes a column housing (100) according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. A chromatograph, characterized in that, The chromatograph includes the column oven (1000) according to claim 10.

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