Gas chromatography apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a gas chromatograph device capable of directing at least a portion of air from a cooling fan toward an air inlet of a column oven. The gas chromatograph device includes a column oven, an opening / closing mechanism, a cooling fan, a control chamber, and a switching mechanism. The column oven has an air inlet and an air outlet. The opening / closing mechanism opens and closes the air inlet and the air outlet. The control chamber is provided outside the column oven, and the control chamber communicates with the column oven via the air inlet in a state in which the air inlet is opened by the opening / closing mechanism. The control chamber is provided inside the control chamber. The switching mechanism directs at least a portion of air from the cooling fan toward the air inlet by switching the direction of the air from the cooling fan in a state in which the air inlet is opened by the opening / closing mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a gas chromatography apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] For example, a column oven is provided inside the housing of a gas chromatograph apparatus as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. Furthermore, a control board or similar component is provided inside the housing, on the outside of the column oven.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-002049 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] A stirring fan is installed inside the column oven of a gas chromatography apparatus to agitate the air inside the oven. Using this stirring fan, when the air inlet of the column oven is open, the air entering through the inlet absorbs heat from the column oven, and the air is discharged from the exhaust port of the column oven. In other words, the column oven is cooled.

[0008] In addition, various circuit boards and power supplies are arranged in the control room adjacent to the column temperature chamber, and they are cooled by cooling fans that are different from the stirring fans.

[0009] In other words, in a gas chromatography apparatus, the substrate and other components in the control chamber are cooled independently from those in the column oven.

[0010] Furthermore, such gas chromatography apparatuses sometimes include a supply fan for supplying air to the column oven inlet. In this case, the column oven can be rapidly cooled by using both the supply fan and the stirring fan together.

[0011] On the other hand, when a separate supply fan is installed, the number of components increases, thus increasing the cost beyond what is required.

[0012] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and its object is to provide a gas chromatography apparatus capable of directing at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan to the air inlet of the column oven.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The present invention includes a column temperature chamber, a stirring fan, an opening and closing mechanism, a control unit, a cooling fan, a control chamber, and a switching mechanism. The column temperature chamber has an air inlet and an exhaust outlet. The stirring fan stirs the air inside the column temperature chamber. The opening and closing mechanism opens and closes the air inlet and the exhaust outlet. The cooling fan cools the control unit. The control chamber is located outside the column temperature chamber, and when the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism, the control chamber communicates with the interior of the column temperature chamber via the air inlet. The control unit is located inside the control chamber. When the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism, the switching mechanism directs at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan to the air inlet by switching the airflow direction of the cooling fan.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan can be directed to the air inlet of the temperature chamber by switching the airflow direction of the cooling fan. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the gas chromatography apparatus of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the gas chromatography apparatus of this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the gas chromatography apparatus of this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the gas chromatography apparatus of this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the structure of the switching mechanism of this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another variation of the structure of the switching mechanism of this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another variation of the structure of the switching mechanism of this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical structure of the gas chromatography apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the specific electrical structure of the gas chromatography apparatus of this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cooling process of the gas chromatography apparatus of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 1. Structure of a gas chromatography apparatus

[0028] Figures 1-4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the gas chromatography apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1 The gas chromatograph apparatus 10 is shown with the inlet 14a and outlet 14b closed, as described later. Specifically, Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas chromatograph 10 when cut along the X-plane. Specifically, Figure 3 The gas chromatograph 10 is shown with the inlet 14a and outlet 14b open. Specifically, Figure 4 It is Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas chromatograph apparatus 10 when cut along the X-plane. Below, refer to... Figures 1-4 To illustrate the gas chromatography apparatus 10.

[0029] A column oven 14 is installed inside the housing 12 of the gas chromatograph 10. The column oven 14 has an air inlet 14a and an exhaust outlet 14b. A stirring fan 16 for stirring the air inside the column oven 14 is also installed inside the column oven 14. A column 18 is installed inside the column oven 14.

[0030] Furthermore, the gas chromatograph apparatus 10 includes an opening / closing mechanism 20 for opening and closing the inlet 14a and the outlet 14b of the column oven 14. The opening / closing mechanism 20 includes an opening / closing door 20a for opening and closing the inlet 14a and an opening / closing door 20b for opening and closing the outlet 14b. Additionally, the opening / closing mechanism 20 includes a drive unit 20c for actuating the opening / closing doors 20a and 20b. Moreover, the drive unit 20c is a general-purpose motor.

[0031] exist Figures 1-4 In the example shown, the driving force of the drive unit 20c is transmitted to the opening and closing doors 20a and 20b via the shaft-shaped member, so the opening and closing doors 20a and 20b rotate around the shaft-shaped member.

[0032] In this embodiment, a control chamber 22 is provided inside the housing 12 and outside the column temperature chamber 14. The control chamber 22 is connected to the inside of the column temperature chamber 14 via the air inlet 14a when the air inlet 14a is open by the opening and closing mechanism 20, and a control unit 24 and the like are arranged inside the control chamber 22.

[0033] The control unit 24 refers to the board and power supply related to the control of the gas chromatograph apparatus 10. Specifically, the control unit 24 includes a control board for controlling the temperature inside the column oven 14, and a switching power supply. However, boards used for some of the control of the gas chromatograph apparatus 10, such as an operation board for processing signals based on the operation of the operation unit (not shown) or a display board for controlling the display unit (not shown), may not be included in the control unit 24 and may be located outside the control chamber 22. Inside the control chamber 22, in addition to the control unit 24, a drive unit 26 for driving the stirring fan 16 is also provided. Furthermore, the drive unit 26 is a general-purpose motor.

[0034] An air inlet 12a is provided in the housing 12 to allow air to enter the control chamber 22. Additionally, an air outlet 12b is provided in the housing 12 to exhaust air from the control chamber 22. Both the air inlet 12a and the air outlet 12b are always open.

[0035] Furthermore, the gas chromatograph apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a cooling fan 28 for cooling the control unit 24 and the like. The cooling fan 28 overlaps with the air inlet 14a of the column oven 14 in the air inlet direction. That is, the cooling fan 28 is located on the extension line of the centerline of the air inlet 14a. The cooling fan 28 is inclined at an angle of 30° to 60° relative to the centerline of the air inlet 14a, more specifically, at an angle of approximately 45°. In addition, the straight line connecting the control unit 24 and the cooling fan 28 is inclined relative to the straight line connecting the cooling fan 28 and the air inlet 14a.

[0036] Figures 1-4 The cooling fan 28 shown is installed inside the control room 22, oriented at an angle relative to the air intake direction of the air inlet 14a, specifically towards the control unit 24. Additionally, in Figures 1-4 In the example shown, the cooling fan 28 is disposed within the housing 12, and the cooling fan 28 also overlaps with the air inlet 12a in the air intake direction of the housing 12. That is, the cooling fan 28 is located on the extension line of the center line of the air inlet 12a. Alternatively, it can be said that the cooling fan 28 is located on the straight line connecting the air inlet 12a and the air inlet 14a.

[0037] In this embodiment, an exhaust chamber 30 is provided separately from the control chamber 22 outside the column temperature chamber 14 inside the housing 12. Furthermore, an exhaust port 12c for discharging air from the exhaust chamber 30 is provided in the housing 12, and this exhaust port 12c is always open.

[0038] A pipe 32 is installed inside the exhaust chamber 30. The pipe 32 connects the inside of the column oven 14 to the outside of the housing 12. Air discharged from the exhaust port 14b is discharged to the outside of the housing 12 via the pipe 32.

[0039] In such Figure 1 and Figure 2 With the air inlet 14a and exhaust outlet 14b closed by the opening and closing mechanism 20 as shown, the temperature unevenness inside the column temperature chamber 14 is improved when the stirring fan 16 rotates.

[0040] In addition, in such Figure 1 and Figure 2 With the air inlet 14a and exhaust outlet 14b closed by the opening and closing mechanism 20 as shown, the control unit 24 and the like are exposed to the airflow from the cooling fan 28 when the cooling fan 28 rotates.

[0041] The air that has absorbed heat from the control unit 24, etc., is discharged from the exhaust port 12b to the outside of the housing 12. Therefore, with the air inlet 14a and the exhaust port 14b closed, the control unit 24, etc., is cooled when the cooling fan 28 rotates.

[0042] On the other hand, in such Figure 3 and Figure 4 With the air inlet 14a and exhaust outlet 14b open as shown by the opening and closing mechanism 20, when the stirring fan 16 rotates, the air entering from the air inlet 14a is stirred, and the heat inside the column temperature chamber 14 is absorbed by the air.

[0043] The air that has absorbed heat from the column oven 14 is discharged to the outside of the housing 12 through the exhaust port 14b, etc. Therefore, with the air inlet 14a and the exhaust port 14b open, the inside of the column oven 14 is cooled when the stirring fan 16 rotates.

[0044] In addition, in such Figure 3 and Figure 4 With the air inlet 14a and exhaust outlet 14b open as shown by the opening and closing mechanism 20, when the cooling fan 28 rotates, the opening and closing door 20a blocks at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan 28. Furthermore, the air blocked by the opening and closing door 20a is directed towards the air inlet 14a.

[0045] With the air inlet 14a open, the opening / closing door 20a rotates to a position where it does not overlap with the air inlet 14a in the air intake direction. That is, the opening / closing door 20a opens the air inlet 14a by rotating more than 90° from its closed state. With the air inlet 14a open, a portion of the opening / closing door 20a faces the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28, at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan 28 is blocked, and the airflow direction of at least a portion of this airflow is redirected to the air inlet 14a side.

[0046] In other words, when the air inlet 14a and the exhaust outlet 14b are open by the opening and closing mechanism 20, the opening and closing door 20a directs at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a by blocking at least a portion of the airflow.

[0047] Furthermore, based on the above, when... Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the stirring fan 16 is rotated while directing air from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a as shown, the internal cooling chamber 14 can be cooled more efficiently than when the stirring fan 16 is rotated without directing air from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a.

[0048] For example, if only a portion of the air from the cooling fan 28 is directed to the air inlet 14a using the opening and closing door 20a, the remaining air from the cooling fan 28 can be used to cool the control unit 24 and the like while efficiently cooling the interior of the column temperature chamber 14.

[0049] On the other hand, if the air from the cooling fan 28 is directed to the air inlet 14a by using the opening and closing door 20a, the interior of the column temperature chamber 14 can be cooled more efficiently than if only a portion of the air from the cooling fan 28 is directed to the air inlet 14a.

[0050] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the switching mechanism 34 described later (see reference) may also be provided. Figures 5-7 When the air inlet 14a is open by the opening and closing mechanism 20, the switching mechanism 34 directs at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a by switching the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28.

[0051] Furthermore, the switching mechanism 34 may also include the rectifier 36 described later (see reference). Figures 6-7 The rectifier 36 is capable of displacement, directing at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a when the inlet 14a is open by the opening / closing mechanism 20. Furthermore, the displacement associated with the rectifier 36 includes movement or rotation of the rectifier 36 itself.

[0052] Furthermore, if such Figures 1-4 As shown, by using the opening and closing mechanism 20's door 20a to direct at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a, the opening and closing mechanism 20 functions as a switching mechanism 34, and the door 20a functions as a rectifier 36. In other words, in this case, the opening and closing mechanism 20 can also be called the switching mechanism 34. Furthermore, the door 20a can also be called the rectifier 36.

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, when the switching mechanism 34 is provided separately from the opening and closing mechanism 20, the opening and closing door 20a and the opening and closing door 20b may be sliding, for example.

[0054] In this embodiment, if the switching mechanism 34 does not include the rectifier 36, the switching mechanism 34 may cause the cooling fan 28 to be displaced. The displacement related to the cooling fan 28 includes the movement or rotation of the cooling fan 28 itself.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the structure of the switching mechanism 34 in this embodiment. Figure 5 In the example shown, the switching mechanism 34 causes the cooling fan 28 to rotate itself. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In the middle, the switching mechanism 34 is blocked by the cooling fan 28, so the switching mechanism 34 is represented by a dashed line.

[0056] With the air inlet 14a closed by the opening and closing mechanism 20, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cooling fan 28 faces the direction where the control unit 24 is located. In this case, the control unit 24 and the like are cooled by the air from the cooling fan 28.

[0057] With the air inlet 14a open by the opening and closing mechanism 20, the cooling fan 28 faces, for example, the air inlet 14a. That is, when the air inlet 14a is open by the opening and closing mechanism 20, compared to when the air inlet 14a is closed by the opening and closing mechanism 20, the cooling fan 28 faces the air inlet 14a, thereby directing more airflow to the air inlet 14a.

[0058] Thus, by changing the orientation of the cooling fan 28 itself to switch the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28, the amount of air directed to the air intake 14a can be adjusted simply by adjusting the orientation of the cooling fan 28 itself.

[0059] Alternatively, the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28 can be switched by moving the cooling fan 28 itself. It is also possible to adjust the location of the air supply destination by moving the cooling fan 28 itself, thereby adjusting the amount of air directed to the air intake 14a. Furthermore, the movement and rotation of the cooling fan 28 itself can also be combined.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another variation of the structure of the switching mechanism 34 in this embodiment. The switching mechanism 34 includes a rectifier member 36. Additionally, in Figure 6 In the example shown, the cooling fan 28 faces the direction of the air inlet 14a.

[0061] exist Figure 6In the example shown, the switching mechanism 34 includes not only the rectifier 36 but also a structure capable of moving the rectifier 36. For example, the switching mechanism 34 includes a guide in addition to the rectifier 36. The guide is located between the cooling fan 28 and the air inlet 14a and extends in a direction intersecting the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28, specifically in a direction substantially orthogonal to the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28.

[0062] Furthermore, the switching mechanism 34 includes a displacement member that can move along the aforementioned guide and is connected to the rectifier member 36. That is, the rectifier member 36 can move appropriately along the aforementioned guide. The rectifier member 36 is inclined relative to the air intake direction of the air inlet 14a.

[0063] With the air inlet 14a closed by the opening / closing mechanism 20, the rectifier 36 blocks at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan 28. In this case, at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan 28 is directed to the control unit 24, etc. Preferably, with the air inlet 14a closed by the opening / closing mechanism 20, all the airflow from the cooling fan 28 is blocked by the rectifier 36, thereby directing all of the airflow to the control unit 24, etc.

[0064] With the air inlet 14a open by the opening and closing mechanism 20, the rectifier 36 can block part of the airflow from the cooling fan 28, or it can leave it open.

[0065] In this way, when the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28 is switched simply by moving the rectifier 36, the amount of airflow from the guide control unit 24 and the like can be adjusted according to the position of the rectifier 36.

[0066] In addition, Figure 6 In the example shown, the cooling fan 28 is oriented towards the air inlet 14a, so adjusting the amount of airflow from the guide control unit 24, etc., also means adjusting the amount of airflow directed to the air inlet 14a.

[0067] Furthermore, as long as it can be like Figure 6 As shown, the position of the rectifier 36 relative to the cooling fan 28 is switched by moving the rectifier 36, thereby directing at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a. The shape and movement path of the rectifier 36 are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the structure used to move the rectifier 36 is the same.

[0068] Alternatively, the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28 can be switched by rotating the rectifier member 36. When the rectifier member 36 is rotated, it is positioned between the cooling fan 28 and the air inlet 14a, overlapping the air inlet 14a in the air intake direction. In other words, the rectifier member 36 is positioned between the cooling fan 28 and the air inlet 14a. Figure 6 The position is indicated by the solid line.

[0069] In this case, the airflow of the guide control unit 24 and the like can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the rectifier member 36 relative to the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28. That is, the airflow of the guide air inlet 14a is also adjusted. Furthermore, the movement and rotation of the rectifier member 36 can also be combined.

[0070] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another variation of the structure of the switching mechanism 34 in this embodiment. Figure 7 The switching mechanism 34 shown includes a switch with Figure 6 The switching mechanism 34 shown is similarly capable of moving the rectifier component 36.

[0071] In addition, Figure 7 In the example shown, the cooling fan 28 is tilted toward the direction of air intake relative to the air intake direction of the air intake 14a, specifically toward the control unit 24.

[0072] Furthermore, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the rectifier 36 extends along the intake direction of the air inlet 14a, allowing it to move along that intake direction.

[0073] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, with different Figure 6 The example shown blocks the airflow from the cooling fan 28 and directs that airflow to the air inlet 14a.

[0074] With the air inlet 14a closed by the opening and closing mechanism 20, the rectifier 36 does not interfere with the airflow from the cooling fan 28. In other words, all the airflow from the cooling fan 28 is directed to the control unit 24, etc.

[0075] With the air inlet 14a open by the opening / closing mechanism 20, the rectifier 36 blocks at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan 28 and directs at least a portion of that airflow to the air inlet 14a. Furthermore, the amount of air directed to the air inlet 14a varies depending on the position of the rectifier 36.

[0076] Furthermore, as long as the position of the rectifier 36 relative to the cooling fan 28 can be switched by moving the rectifier 36 as described above, thereby directing at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a, the shape and movement path of the rectifier 36 are not particularly limited. The same applies to the structure used to move the rectifier 36.

[0077] Alternatively, the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28 can be switched by rotating the rectifier member 36, as described above. When the rectifier member 36 is rotated, it is positioned to direct the airflow of the cooling fan 28. In other words, the rectifier member 36 is positioned to direct the airflow of the cooling fan 28. Figure 7 The position is indicated by the dashed line.

[0078] In this case, by adjusting the angle of the rectifier 36 relative to the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28, the amount of air directed to the air intake 14a is also adjusted. Furthermore, the movement and rotation of the rectifier 36 can also be combined.

[0079] Additionally, regarding the switching mechanism 34, it can also be as follows: Figures 4-7 The structures shown are appropriately combined.

[0080] 2. Electrical structure of a gas chromatography apparatus

[0081] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical structure of the gas chromatography apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The control unit 24 of the gas chromatography apparatus 10 includes a main control unit 50. The main control unit 50, the stirring fan 16, the opening and closing mechanism 20, the cooling fan 28, and the switching mechanism 34 are electrically connected to each other via wiring 58 such as a bus.

[0082] The main control unit 50 is responsible for the overall control of the gas chromatography apparatus 10. The main control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52. In addition, the main control unit 50 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 54 and a storage unit 56 that can be directly accessed by the CPU 52.

[0083] The CPU 52 controls the components of the gas chromatograph apparatus 10. The RAM 54 is used as the working area and buffer area of ​​the CPU 52. The storage unit 56 is a non-volatile memory, such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0084] The storage unit 56 stores control programs for controlling the various components of the gas chromatograph apparatus 10, as well as data (execution data) required to execute the control programs. Furthermore, the storage unit 56 may also include a RAM 54.

[0085] According to such a gas chromatograph apparatus 10, for example, the control unit 24 and the like can be cooled by controlling the cooling fan 28 with the main control unit 50 until the cooling inside the column oven 14 begins. When cooling inside the column oven 14, the opening and closing mechanism 20 and the switching mechanism 34 can be controlled by the main control unit 50, so that at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan 28 is directed to the air inlet 14a while the air inlet 14a and the exhaust port 14b are open.

[0086] Alternatively, when directing at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a to cool the interior of the column temperature chamber 14, the main control unit 50 can increase the rotational speed of the cooling fan 28 by controlling the cooling fan 28. This allows for more efficient cooling of the interior of the column temperature chamber 14 compared to the case where only a portion of the air from the cooling fan 28 is directed to the air inlet 14a.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stirring fan 16 and the cooling fan 28 start rotating when the power to the gas chromatograph apparatus 10 is turned on, and continue to rotate until the power is turned off.

[0088] 3. Specific electrical structure of the gas chromatography apparatus

[0089] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the specific electrical structure of the gas chromatography apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 9 The illustration of storage unit 56 is omitted.

[0090] The RAM 54 stores execution data that has been pre-read from the storage unit 56. In addition, when the acquired data obtained by the device and sensors is stored in the storage unit 56, the acquired data is temporarily stored in the RAM 54.

[0091] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, the rotational speed data 60 is stored in RAM 54. Furthermore, although not illustrated, RAM 54 also stores data necessary for controlling various components. For example, RAM 54 stores data indicating the default rotational speed of the cooling fan 28.

[0092] The speed data 60 indicates the speed of the cooling fan 28. Specifically, speed data 60 indicates a speed higher than the default speed of the cooling fan 28.

[0093] The RAM 54 stores a control program (not shown) that has been read from the storage unit 56 in advance. When the CPU 52 executes the control program, the main control unit 50 functions as the cooling processing unit 62.

[0094] When the cooling treatment unit 62 cools the column temperature chamber 14, it opens the air inlet 14a using the opening and closing mechanism 20, and rotates the stirring fan 16 while directing at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan 28 to the air inlet 14a using the switching mechanism 34.

[0095] Furthermore, when the cooling unit 62 cools the column temperature chamber 14, the speed of the cooling fan 28 increases as the switching mechanism 34 switches the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28. In addition, when the cooling unit 62 increases the speed of the cooling fan 28, it uses speed data 60.

[0096] 4. Process

[0097] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the cooling process of the CPU 52 in this embodiment. For example, the cooling process begins in response to the completion of sample analysis (e.g., temperature-increasing analysis) in the gas chromatograph 10. Furthermore, the stirring fan 16 and the cooling fan 28 begin to rotate when the power to the gas chromatograph 10 is turned on.

[0098] In step S1, the air inlet 14a and the exhaust outlet 14b are opened. In step S2, the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28 is switched. In step S3, the speed of the cooling fan 28 is increased.

[0099] In step S4, it is determined whether cooling within the column oven 14 has ended. The time at which cooling within the column oven 14 ends is arbitrary; for example, it could be the time after a preset time has elapsed, or the time when the temperature inside the column oven 14 reaches a predetermined temperature as detected by a temperature sensor (not shown). If the result in step S4 is "No," meaning cooling within the column oven 14 has not ended, then the process returns to step S4. Conversely, if the result in step S4 is "Yes," meaning cooling within the column oven 14 has ended, then the process proceeds to step S5.

[0100] In step S5, the airflow direction of the cooling fan 28 is restored to its original state. In step S6, the rotational speed of the cooling fan 28 is restored to its original state. In step S6, when the rotational speed of the cooling fan 28 is restored to its original state, the cooling process ends. Furthermore, the order of processes can be appropriately changed as long as the same result is obtained in each step of the flowchart shown in the above embodiment.

[0101] Furthermore, the electrical structure shown in the above embodiments is only one example and can be appropriately modified in actual products. For example, the cooling fan 28 may also be installed outside the housing 12.

[0102] 5. Method

[0103] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following approaches.

[0104] (First item) The gas chromatograph apparatus involved in one method may have:

[0105] A column temperature chamber, which has an air inlet and an exhaust outlet;

[0106] A stirring fan that stirs the air inside the column oven;

[0107] An opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the air inlet and the exhaust outlet;

[0108] Control Department;

[0109] A cooling fan that cools the control unit;

[0110] A control room is located outside the column temperature chamber. The control room communicates with the inside of the column temperature chamber via the air inlet when the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism. The control unit is located inside the control room.

[0111] A switching mechanism, which, when the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism, directs at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan to the air inlet by switching the airflow direction of the cooling fan.

[0112] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in the first item, at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan can be directed to the column oven inlet by switching the airflow direction of the cooling fan. Furthermore, if only a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan is directed to the column oven inlet by switching the airflow direction, the remaining airflow from the cooling fan can be directed to the control unit. In other words, the control unit can be cooled efficiently while the column oven is being cooled. On the other hand, if all the airflow from the cooling fan is directed to the column oven inlet by switching the airflow direction, all the airflow from the cooling fan can be directed to the column oven inlet. In other words, the column oven can be cooled even more efficiently.

[0113] (Second item) In the gas chromatography apparatus described in the first item, it may also be,

[0114] The switching mechanism includes a rectifier component that is displaceable, directing at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan to the air inlet when the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism.

[0115] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in the second item, at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan can be directed to the inlet of the column oven using a rectifier.

[0116] (Third item) In the gas chromatography apparatus described in the second item, it may also be,

[0117] The opening and closing mechanism has an opening and closing door for opening and closing the air inlet.

[0118] The switching mechanism uses the opening and closing door as the rectifier component to switch the airflow direction of the cooling fan.

[0119] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in the third item, at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan can be directed to the air inlet of the column oven using an opening and closing door. Furthermore, the opening and closing door functions as a flow rectifier, thus eliminating the need for a separate flow rectifier. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of components.

[0120] (Fourth item) In the gas chromatography apparatus described in the second or third item, it may also be,

[0121] The cooling fan is configured to be tilted relative to the air intake direction of the air inlet.

[0122] The rectifier, when the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism, directs at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan to the air inlet.

[0123] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in the fourth item, at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan can be directed to the inlet of the column oven by using a rectifier member to block at least a portion of the airflow. Therefore, the amount of airflow at the inlet of the column oven can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of air blocked by the rectifier member.

[0124] (Fifth item) In any of the gas chromatograph apparatuses described in items one through four, it may also be,

[0125] It also includes a cooling treatment unit, which, when cooling the column temperature chamber, opens the air inlet using the opening and closing mechanism, and simultaneously uses the switching mechanism to guide at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan to the air inlet while rotating the stirring fan.

[0126] According to the gas chromatography apparatus described in item five, when cooling the column oven, at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan can be directed to the column oven inlet while the stirring fan is rotated. Furthermore, if only a portion of the air from the cooling fan is directed to the column oven inlet while the stirring fan is rotated, the column oven can be cooled efficiently while simultaneously cooling the control unit. On the other hand, if all the air from the cooling fan is directed to the column oven inlet while the stirring fan is rotated, the column oven can be cooled even more efficiently.

[0127] (Sixth item) In the gas chromatography apparatus described in the fifth item, it may also be,

[0128] When the cooling treatment unit cools the column temperature chamber, the speed of the cooling fan increases as the switching mechanism switches the airflow direction of the cooling fan.

[0129] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in item 6, the column oven can be cooled more efficiently than if the speed of the cooling fan is not increased.

[0130] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0131] 14: Column temperature chamber; 14a: Air inlet; 14b: Exhaust outlet; 16: Stirring fan; 20: Opening and closing mechanism; 20a: Opening and closing door; 22: Control room; 24: Control unit; 28: Cooling fan; 34: Switching mechanism; 36: Rectifying component; 62: Cooling treatment unit.

Claims

1. A gas chromatography apparatus, comprising: A column temperature chamber, which has an air inlet and an exhaust outlet; A stirring fan that stirs the air inside the column oven; An opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the air inlet and the exhaust outlet; Control Department; A cooling fan that cools the control unit; A control room is located outside the column temperature chamber. The control room communicates with the inside of the column temperature chamber via the air inlet when the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism. The control unit is located inside the control room. A switching mechanism, which, when the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism, directs at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan to the air inlet by switching the airflow direction of the cooling fan.

2. The gas chromatography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The switching mechanism includes a rectifier component that is displaceable, directing at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan to the air inlet when the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism.

3. The gas chromatography apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The opening and closing mechanism has an opening and closing door for opening and closing the air inlet. The switching mechanism uses the opening and closing door as the rectifier component to switch the airflow direction of the cooling fan.

4. The gas chromatography apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The cooling fan is configured to be tilted relative to the air intake direction of the air inlet. The rectifier, when the air inlet is open by the opening and closing mechanism, directs at least a portion of the airflow from the cooling fan to the air inlet.

5. The gas chromatography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, It also includes a cooling treatment unit, which, when cooling the column temperature chamber, opens the air inlet using the opening and closing mechanism, and simultaneously uses the switching mechanism to guide at least a portion of the air from the cooling fan to the air inlet while rotating the stirring fan.

6. The gas chromatography apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, When the cooling treatment unit cools the column temperature chamber, the speed of the cooling fan increases as the switching mechanism switches the airflow direction of the cooling fan.

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