Fluid rotary valve

Abstract

A fluid valve (90), particularly a fluid valve (90) for a sample separation device (10) for separating at least one sample component of a fluid sample, is described, wherein the fluid valve (90) includes: a plurality of external terminals (96) for fluidly connecting corresponding fluid component parts (20, 30, 40); a rotor (94) and a stator (92), wherein different fluid coupling states and / or decoupling states between the fluid component parts (20, 30, 40) connected to the fluid valve are adjustable by rotating the rotor (94) about a rotation axis (299); a plurality of ports (100) respectively fluidly coupled to or capable of fluidly coupling to at least one of the external terminals (96), wherein a first port (100A) of the plurality of ports (100) is located on a first circular path (300) about the rotation axis (299) of the rotor (94), and a second port (100B) of the plurality of ports (100) is located about the rotation axis (299) of the rotor (94). (94) on the second circular path (310) of the rotation axis (299); a first channel (320) formed at least partially along the first circular path (300); and a second channel (330) including or capable of including a first coupling point (330A) and a second coupling point (330B), wherein the first coupling point (330A) is located on the first circular path (300) and the second coupling point (330B) is located on the second circular path (310), wherein fluid coupling between the first port (100A) and the second port (100B) can be established by rotating the rotor (94) relative to the stator (92) by connecting the first channel (320) to the first port (100A) and at least via the first coupling point (330A) to the second channel (330), and by connecting the second channel (330) to the second port (100B) at least via the second coupling point (330B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fluid rotary valve, and more particularly to a fluid rotary valve for a sample separation device for separating sample components of a fluid sample. Background Technology

[0002] In liquid chromatography, particularly high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a liquid (mobile phase) typically moves through a stationary phase (e.g., a column) at a highly precisely controlled flow rate (e.g., in the range of microliters to milliliters per minute) and under high pressure (typically 20 to 1000 bar and above, currently up to 2000 bar) (where the compressibility of liquids is significant), in order to separate the individual components of the sample liquid introduced into the mobile phase from one another. Such an HPLC system is known, for example, from EP309596B1 of the same applicant.

[0003] For liquid chromatography, the fluid sample to be analyzed needs to be introduced into the system. Such systems for introducing (also known as injection or insertion) fluid samples are known from US 4,939,943, US 3,916,692 or US 3,376,694.

[0004] In this and other measuring devices, an injector including an injection circuit can be configured to introduce a fluid sample into the path between the high-pressure pump and the separation column. In this injector circuit, a needle can be arranged in a seat, extending out of the seat to receive the fluid sample, immersed in a sample container to draw in the fluid sample, and then retracting back into the seat. After switching a fluid valve configured as an injection valve, this received fluid sample enters the high-pressure path between the high-pressure pump and the separation column. Fluid valves are also used in other locations within this measuring device.

[0005] Therefore, for example, in this and other systems, fluid flow can be controlled by one or more fluid valves, which can be fluidly connected to one or more separation columns and can control and / or switch the liquid supplied to one or more separation columns. Such fluid valves may include a stator with connection ports and a rotor with channels, wherein the connection ports may be statically connected to a fluid conduit, and the channels may be rotated by the rotor, thereby fluidly coupling different components of the connection ports through corresponding channels at different switching positions, and fluidly decoupling other components of the connection ports.

[0006] In this type of rotary fluid valve, the channel has a length spanning a desired angular range to form a connection between two connection ports. The ends of this channel can be formed with blind holes, within which a flow-stopping region can be created that can be filled with stagnant liquid. This can lead to undesirable residues of previous solvent material and / or sample material when the flow changes or when analyzing different samples.

[0007] In this and other fluid systems, the operation of fluid valves with said channels may therefore be subject to the risk of fluid stagnation in the fluid system for a long period of time due to unclean channel areas in the fluid system, thus hindering the error-free operation of the fluid system.

[0008] A fluid valve with improved operability achieved through an annular channel structure is known from DE 10 2013 215 065 A1 of the same applicant. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of this invention is to provide a fluid valve for a fluid system, wherein stagnant or unfluidized fluid areas are avoided. This object is achieved by the independent claim. Other embodiments are illustrated by the dependent claims.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid valve, particularly a fluid valve in a sample separation apparatus for separating at least one fluid component of a fluid sample. The fluid valve includes a plurality of external terminals for fluidly connecting respective fluid component portions, as well as a rotor and a stator, wherein different fluid coupling and / or decoupling states between the fluid component portions connected to the fluid valve are adjustable by rotating the rotor about a rotation axis. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of external terminals are located at or within the stator. The fluid valve includes a plurality of ports respectively fluidly connected to or potentially fluidly connected to at least one of the external terminals, wherein a first port of the plurality of ports is located on a first circular path about the rotation axis of the rotor, and a second port of the plurality of ports is located on a second circular path about the rotation axis of the rotor. The fluid valve also includes a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being formed at least partially along the first circular path, and the second channel including or potentially including a first coupling point and a second coupling point, wherein the first coupling point is located on the first circular path, and the second coupling point is located on the second circular path. The first channel is formed by the stator and the second channel is formed by the rotor, or vice versa. By rotating the rotor relative to the stator, fluid coupling between the first port and the second port can be established by connecting the first channel to the first port and at least via the first coupling point to the second channel, and by connecting the second channel to the second port at least via the second coupling point. This fluid valve avoids stagnant or unfluidized fluid areas.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first coupling point constitutes a first end of the second channel. Alternatively or additionally, the first coupling point may constitute a point or region through which the second channel is fluidly coupled to the first channel.

[0012] In an embodiment, the second coupling point constitutes a point or region, through which the second channel is fluidly connected to the second port.

[0013] It should be understood that the coupling points described above and below do not have, or need not have, a fixed position or fixed extension relative to a certain circular path, but constitute fluid coupling resulting from the relative position or location between channels and / or ports. For example, a first coupling point may, at one location, constitute a point (more or less spatially apparent) between a first channel and a second channel, where the corresponding ends of the first and second channels abut or (slightly) overlap. At another location, for example, a first coupling point between a first channel and a second channel may be formed on portions of the first channel and the second channel, respectively, where the two channels overlap each other. In other words, these "features," such as a channel including a portion and / or a channel including a coupling point, are preferably capabilities to achieve the stated state, but are not mandatory, permanent features.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second channel includes a third coupling point located on a third circular path about the rotation axis of the rotor, wherein the third circular path, as well as the second and first circular paths, preferably have the same radius about the rotation axis. Alternatively, the third circular path may have the same radius as the second circular path or may have a different radius than the first and second circular paths.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second channel includes a first portion located on the first circular path, wherein the first coupling point is located in the first portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second channel includes a second portion located on a second circular path, wherein the second portion extends between at least two ports located on the second circular path. This allows coupling in the sense of "open-then-closed," i.e., during the transition period, the two ports located on the second circular path are fluidly connected to each other, wherein before and after the transition period, only one of the two ports is fluidly coupled.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second channel includes a fourth coupling point located on a second circular path and a second portion extending between the second coupling point and the fourth coupling point, wherein the second coupling point is connected to a second port and the fourth coupling point is connected to a third port located on the second circular path.

[0018] In an embodiment, the fourth coupling point constitutes a point or region, through which the second channel is fluidly connected to the third port.

[0019] In this embodiment, the third coupling point constitutes the second end of the second channel.

[0020] In an embodiment, the third coupling point constitutes a point or region, through which the second channel is fluidly connected to the first channel.

[0021] In this embodiment, the third coupling point coincides with the first coupling point.

[0022] In this embodiment, the third coupling point overlaps with the first coupling point.

[0023] In this embodiment, the third coupling point and the first coupling point are located at different positions in the second channel.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second channel includes a third portion located on a third circular path, wherein a third coupling point is located within the third portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, in the fluid coupling between a first port and a second port established by rotating the rotor relative to the stator, the first port is connected to a first channel, wherein the first channel is connected to the second channel at least via a first coupling point, and the second channel is connected to the second port at least via a second coupling point.

[0026] In an embodiment, in the fluid coupling between a first port and a second port established by rotating the rotor relative to the stator, the first port is connected to a first channel, wherein the first channel is connected to the second channel at least via a first coupling point and at least via a third coupling point, and the second channel is connected to the second port at least via a second coupling point.

[0027] In one embodiment, the fluid coupling established between the first ports by rotating the rotor relative to the stator includes an annular closed channel; that is, the fluid coupling may include an annular closed channel. In this embodiment, it is sufficient for the sub-section to be formed as an annular channel.

[0028] In an embodiment, in the fluid coupling between the first port and the second port established by the rotor rotating relative to the stator, the first port and the second port are connected by an annular closed channel, such that the first port is connected to the second port via both a first fluid path and a second fluid path of the annular closed channel.

[0029] In an embodiment, in the fluid coupling between a first port and a second port established by rotating the rotor relative to the stator, the first port is connected to the second port via both a first fluid path and a second fluid path.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first fluid path is composed of a first sub-region of a first channel and a first sub-region of a second channel. The first sub-region of the first channel extends between a first port and a first coupling point, and the first sub-region of the second channel extends between the first coupling point and a second port.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second fluid path is composed of a second sub-region of the first channel and a second sub-region of the second channel. The second sub-region of the first channel extends between the first port and the third coupling point, and the second sub-region of the second channel extends between the third coupling point and the second port.

[0032] In this embodiment, the fluid valve is a shear valve.

[0033] In an embodiment, the first channel is formed by the stator, preferably by a recess (such as a groove) in the surface of the stator opposite to the rotor.

[0034] In an embodiment, the second channel is formed by the rotor, preferably by a recess (such as a groove) in the surface of the rotor opposite to the stator.

[0035] In one embodiment, the stator includes a plurality of external terminals.

[0036] In an embodiment, the stator includes multiple ports, which are preferably recesses in the surface of the stator opposite to the rotor.

[0037] In one embodiment, the stator includes a plurality of fluid connections that respectively connect one or more of a plurality of external terminals to one or more of a plurality of ports.

[0038] A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a fluid valve, particularly a fluid valve in a sample separation apparatus for separating at least one sample component of a fluid sample. The fluid valve includes a plurality of external terminals for fluidly connecting respective fluid component portions, as well as a rotor and a stator. Different fluid coupling and / or decoupling states between the fluid component portions connected to the fluid valve are adjustable by rotating the rotor about a rotation axis. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of external terminals are located at or within the stator. The fluid valve includes a plurality of ports respectively fluidly connected to at least one of the external terminals, wherein a first port of the plurality of ports is located on a first circular path about the rotation axis of the rotor, and a second port of the plurality of ports is located on a second circular path about the rotation axis of the rotor. The fluid valve includes a first channel formed annularly along the first circular path, and a second channel. The second channel includes a first coupling point, a second coupling point, and a third coupling point. The first and third coupling points are located on the first circular path, and the second coupling point is located on the second circular path, such that the second channel, together with the region of the first channel located between the first and third coupling points, forms an annular closed channel. By rotating the rotor relative to the stator, fluid coupling between the first port and the second port can be established by connecting the first channel to the first port, connecting the first channel to the second channel via a first coupling point and via a third coupling point, and connecting the second channel to the second port at least via a second coupling point. With this fluid valve, stagnant or unfluidized fluid areas can be avoided through an annular closed channel. A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a fluid valve, particularly a sample separation device for separating at least one sample component of a fluid sample. The fluid valve includes a plurality of external terminals for fluidly connecting corresponding fluid component parts, as well as a rotor and a stator, wherein different fluid coupling and / or decoupling states between the component parts fluidly connected to the fluid valve are adjustable by rotating the rotor about a rotation axis. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of external terminals are located at or within the stator. The fluid valve includes a first port and a second port respectively fluidly connected to at least one of the external terminals. The fluid valve also includes a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being formed by the stator, preferably by a recess in the surface of the stator opposite to the rotor, and the second channel being formed by the rotor, preferably by a recess in the surface of the rotor opposite to the stator. By rotating the rotor relative to the stator, the first channel and the second channel can be fluidly coupled, thereby establishing an annular closed channel between the first port and the second port, and connecting the first channel to the first port and the second channel to the second port. This fluid valve, particularly through the annular closed channel, avoids stagnant or unfluidized fluid areas.

[0039] In this embodiment, the annular closed channel is not entirely located on a circular path around the rotation axis of the rotor.

[0040] In an embodiment, the annular closed channel includes different radii of distance from the rotation axis of the rotor.

[0041] In the embodiments, the annular closed channels are not entirely located in the same plane; preferably, portions of the annular closed channels are located on different sides of the boundary plane between the rotor and the stator.

[0042] In one embodiment, the fluid valve is configured to connect a first terminal of a first subset of terminals to a port of a second subset of terminals. Preferably, the fluid valve is configured to connect a second terminal of the first subset of terminals to another port of the second subset of terminals.

[0043] In embodiments, the fluid valve is configured to select one of a plurality of elements. Preferably, the fluid valve is configured, for example, to switch between a plurality of chromatographic columns to select one of these columns and fluidly couple it. Alternatively, the fluid valve may be adapted, for example, to switch between a plurality of sample reservoirs to fluidly couple with one of the sample reservoirs. Such a sample reservoir may, for example, be a sample loop, a capture column, or any other space capable of temporarily storing a fluid sample for injection into a sample separation apparatus at a later time point for chromatographic separation of the sample. This can be used in one-dimensional and multi-dimensional chromatographic arrangements.

[0044] Preferred embodiments relate to a sample separation apparatus for separating at least one sample component from a fluid sample, wherein the sample separation apparatus includes a fluid valve according to any of the previously mentioned embodiments.

[0045] In one embodiment, the sample separation apparatus includes a sample injector for injecting a sample into a mobile phase in a separation path, the separation path being between a pump for moving the mobile phase and a separation column for separating different fractions of the sample in the mobile phase. A fluid valve can be switched by moving a first valve body and a second valve body relative to each other to inject the sample from the sample injector into the separation path.

[0046] A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method for switching a fluid valve, particularly a fluid valve in a sample separation apparatus for separating at least one sample component of a fluid sample. The fluid valve includes a plurality of external terminals for fluidly connecting corresponding fluid component portions, as well as a rotor and a stator, wherein different fluid coupling and / or decoupling states between the fluid component portions connected to the fluid valve are adjustable by rotating the rotor about a rotation axis. Preferably, one or more of the plurality of external terminals are located at or within the stator. The fluid valve includes a first port and a second port, respectively fluidly connected to at least one of the external terminals. The fluid valve also includes a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being formed by the stator, preferably by a recess in a surface of the stator opposite to the rotor, and the second channel being formed by the rotor, preferably by a recess in a surface of the rotor opposite to the stator. By rotating the rotor relative to the stator, the first channel and the second channel are fluidly coupled, such that an annular closed channel is established between the first port and the second port, and the first channel is connected to the first port, and the second channel is connected to the second port.

[0047] According to the present invention, by forming one or more channels with annular closed channel structures in the valve body of the fluid valve, it is possible to prevent the fluid (i.e., liquid and / or gas, optionally including solid components) flowing between two or more connection ports (i.e. fluid terminals) of the channel from being held in areas where the fluid is being delivered at a significantly reduced rate or even stopped, or where the fluid is decoupled or only weakly coupled to the flow (e.g., blind holes of the fluid valve).

[0048] By ensuring continuous flushing of all sections of the channel formed in a ring-shaped closure, it is possible to prevent the previous sample fluid and / or solvent fluid in the unconnected ends of the channel from being displaced by the fluid flow. Such previous fluid, which no longer corresponds to or need no longer correspond to the current target component of the fluid flowing between the terminal ports, can lead to undesirable fluid residue and thus interfere with fluid processes such as sample separation.

[0049] When the fluid is a sample liquid, it could be, for example, a sample separated in a previous sample separation method, which contaminates another sample to be separated. In the case of solvent compositions, such as during a gradient run of liquid chromatography sample separation, the current solvent composition may no longer be consistent with the actual desired solvent composition, but may differ from it. Both lead to a deterioration in separation performance. By forming the channel structure in a closed, annular manner, and thus ensuring that it has no unflushed areas, it is possible to ensure that at every point in time, the flow passes through or flushes the entire channel, thereby avoiding dead zones.

[0050] Therefore, at the fluid blind end of the fluid valve channel, fluid from the previous processing cycle may remain (e.g., fluid sample, solvent, etc.), or a portion of such fluid may diffuse into this blind end during fluid operation. In this case, over a long period, fluid can remain in this unrinsed corner region and slowly mix into the flowing fluid. In chromatographic applications, this can lead to undesirable peak broadening or even the formation of spurious peaks. The corresponding tailing (German: Nachschmieren) deteriorates the chromatographic separation results (“tailing”). This effect can be avoided by one or more annular closed channels according to the invention.

[0051] Further embodiments of the fluid valve, sample separation apparatus, and method will be described below.

[0052] For example, the fluid valve can be configured as a sample injection valve, a modulation valve for two-dimensional liquid chromatography, a separation column selection valve, or a solvent composition selection valve. However, many other fluid configurations of the fluid valve according to the invention are also possible.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the first valve body and the second valve body can be rotatable relative to each other. In such an embodiment, the first valve body can rotate relative to the second valve body to switch between different fluid coupling and / or decoupling states. Rotary-operated switching valves offer particularly high performance because many switching states are possible through adjustments of different angular states in rotary fluid valves. In particular, in this configuration, the first valve body, including terminal ports, can be configured as a stator, which is especially advantageous when components such as capillaries, sample detectors, sample injectors, pumps, or separation columns are connected to their respective terminal ports, since the corresponding components do not need to be moved by rotating the valve body. Correspondingly, advantageously, the second valve body, having channels, can be configured as a rotor, which can be moved by the user or in a machine-controlled manner, while the valve body configured as a stator can be stationary.

[0054] According to embodiments, at least one channel can be formed as a groove on the surface of the valve body, a cavity extending inside the valve body, and / or multiple channel portions extending and interconnected in different planes of the second valve body. Hereinafter, a surface recess introduced into the surface of the second valve body is referred to as a groove, and this surface recess is elongated, i.e., includes a length greater than its depth or width. By forming only a surface recess, it is possible with relatively little effort to form an annular channel of arbitrary shape, for example, by drilling, milling, etc. However, alternatively or additionally, the channel can be at least partially configured as a cavity or fluid conduit, circumferentially integrated entirely into the second valve body, which is advantageous in terms of sealing requirements between the two valve bodies. Alternatively or additionally, different channel portions can also be arranged at different distances from the surface of the second valve body adjacent to the first valve body, thereby forming a complex three-dimensional channel structure. Furthermore, it is also possible to form one or more channels in the first valve body and / or one or more terminal ports in the second valve body.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the extension direction of multiple terminal ports through the first valve body can be substantially perpendicular (or at an angle, i.e., an acute angle other than 90°) to the extension plane of at least one channel of the second valve body. Descriptively, the component portion is connected to the terminal ports via a capillary attached to them or through direct fluid connection, wherein the terminal ports extend perpendicular to the boundary surface between the first and second valve bodies. Conversely, the annular channel can extend in or parallel to this connection plane. This causes a fluid deflection at the boundary location, altering the direction of motion of the fluid to be delivered and redirecting it from a direction of motion perpendicular to the valve body extension to a circulating flow. The turbulence generated at the boundary surface facilitates complete flushing of the annular channel.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment, the flow rate through the fluid valve is preferably less than 100 ml / min, particularly less than 5 ml / min, and even more particularly less than 50 μl / min. The configuration of the exemplary embodiment becomes particularly advantageous in cases of low flow rates, low sample volumes, peaks arranged close to each other, and / or short retention times in chromatographic measurements. The smaller the fluid size, the greater the negative impact that unrinsed channel sections may have on fluid handling performance.

[0057] According to an embodiment, fluid can be guided between terminal ports that are fluidly coupled to at least a partially annular closed channel, thereby generating at least two separate (parallel, respectively, where parallelism should not be construed as fluid decoupling, nor necessarily as geometric parallelism) fluid flows between these terminal ports through at least one annular closed channel. Generating multiple (two, three, four, or more) parallel fluid flows through different annular portions of a closed annular channel can be considered a particularly effective method for avoiding or suppressing stagnant fluid regions in the channel structure. Parallel flows through such annular structures can be performed during normal operation of the fluid valve and / or sample separation device (i.e., during the separation process) or in a separate flushing mode for flushing the annular closed channel.

[0058] According to an embodiment, sub-sections allocated to the respective separate or parallel fluid flows within at least one annular closed channel can be configured such that at least partially compensating for the different flow times of the fluid flows within the sub-sections. These different flow times can be caused by the different lengths of the sub-sections. Specifically, to at least partially balance these different flow times, the fluid resistance of each sub-path can be adjusted (particularly adjusted differently) so that the separated flows re-re ...

[0059] According to embodiments, the sample separation device can be adapted to, for example, a microfluidic measurement device, a liquid chromatography device, or an HPLC device. Therefore, in particular, the sample separation device can be configured as an HPLC device (high-performance liquid chromatography), a life science device, or an SFC device (supercritical fluid chromatography). However, other applications are also possible.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the sample separation device can be configured in a pressure-sealed manner for operation at pressures up to about 100 bar, particularly for operation at pressures up to about 500 bar, and even more particularly for operation at pressures up to about 2000 bar.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the sample separation apparatus may include a sample injector for injecting a fluid sample into a mobile phase in a separation path between a pump for moving the mobile phase and a separation column for separating different fractions of the sample in the mobile phase. The fluid valve may be switchable to inject the sample from the sample injector into the separation path by moving a first valve body and a second valve body relative to each other. Such a fluid valve between the sample injector on one side and the separation path between the mobile phase pump and the sample separation unit on the other side includes multiple channels and terminal ports that must handle the sample fluid on one side and the mobile phase (e.g., a constant or variable solvent composition) on the other. This occurs relative to the sample liquid in a low-pressure path, while higher pressures predominate in the region of the pumped mobile phase. This pressure difference typically increases the risk of fluid being forced into blind holes in the coupling channel; according to the invention, this risk is suppressed or eliminated by providing at least partially a fully closed annular channel.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the sample separation device may include a separation column for separating different fractions of an injected fluid sample. This separation column may be filled with an adsorption medium, such as porous beads made of silica gel or activated carbon. Through chemical interaction with these porous beads, the fluid sample can thus be temporarily immobilized or absorbed at the separation column. For example, by adjusting the gradient of the solvent composition, individual fractions can be individually released or desorbed through the adsorption medium and subsequently detected.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the sample separation apparatus may include a pump for typically delivering an injected fluid sample via a mobile phase. The mobile phase may be a solvent composition that may be constant over time or can be adjusted for variation, and it is mixed with the fluid sample after the fluid sample has been inserted into the sample separation path via an injection valve. The mixture of the mobile phase and the fluid sample can then be pumped through the chromatographic separation path by a high-pressure pump. Therefore, the sample separation apparatus may include one or more pumps for delivering the injected fluid sample along with the mobile phase through at least a portion of the sample separation apparatus. For example, such a pump may be configured to pump the mobile phase through the system at high pressure, such as from approximately 100 bar to up to 1000 bar and higher.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the sample separation device may include a sample detector for detecting sample components separated in a fluid sample. Such a sample detector may be based on a detection principle that detects electromagnetic radiation (e.g., in the UV range or the visible range) originating from certain sample components of the fluid sample.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the measuring device may include a fractionator for separating sample components. For example, such a fractionator can direct different sample components into different sample containers. However, the fluid sample being analyzed may also be supplied to a waste container. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Other objects and numerous accompanying advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent and better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the embodiments. The same reference numerals will be used for features that are substantially or functionally identical or similar.

[0067] Figure 1 An HPLC measuring apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0068] Figure 2 A sample separation device with a sample injection apparatus having a sample injection valve is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figures 3 to 6 Different embodiments of the fluid valve 90 are shown as examples.

[0070] The illustrations in the attached diagram are schematic. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Before describing exemplary embodiments of the invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, some basic considerations will be explained, upon which exemplary embodiments of the invention have been developed.

[0072] In liquid separation equipment, the flow path is defined by small-sized or small-volume geometries, which are realized through channels, terminal ports, and capillaries. These form connecting elements between functional components or parts such as pumps, injectors, columns, and detectors. By reducing the overall volume of sample separation, the sensitivity of the sample separation equipment can be improved. However, the side effects resulting from this, as a thin or narrow fluid structure, also become more pronounced. Therefore, in modern HPLC, especially UHPLC, it is important to suppress dispersion effects (which can lead to peak broadening) and keep fluid residue as minimal as possible (to prevent artifacts in the chromatography caused by residues of previously analyzed samples in the separation path). Separation techniques involve sample injection, particularly through rotary fluid valves. As fluid valves, switchable valves can be used, having channels that establish fluid connection (e.g., grooves in the valve body) and associated terminal ports (in another valve body that cooperates with them). Switching channels can affect the connection status of the terminal ports. Typically, it is necessary to maintain some fluid connection not only in a single valve position but also over a range of extended angular positions of the valve rotor. For example, this may be necessary when the sequence of establishing a single fluid connection is important during a switch from an initial position to an ending position, or when at least two valve positions are defined, where the state of the first connection is different (closed or open), while the second connection should continue uninterrupted. Typically, this task is achieved by implementing elongated channels (which can also be represented as grooves) in the components of such switching elements, such as the rotor and / or stator of a rotary fluid valve, such that the channels bridge the required angular range of the connection states. A disadvantage of this conventional approach is that such channels may have unflushed ends, providing stagnant zones for the fluid.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, a fluid valve for switching between different flow paths is provided, which has no unflushed channel ends and / or the possibility of providing fewer channel ends. Specifically, a geometry is implemented that avoids blind ends in the flow paths. According to an exemplary embodiment, a transition between the channel and the terminal ports of the fluid valve is implemented, thereby avoiding unflushed channel portions. To avoid channel portions with fluid stagnation areas at the transition between the terminal ports and the channel, according to an exemplary embodiment, channels with potentially unflushed ends (e.g., grooves in the valve body) are reformed or supplemented into annular closed structures (i.e., according to the invention, their conventional free ends can be connected or short-circuited to each other). Therefore, the points to be fluidly connected can be connected by at least two parallel or separate flow paths that respectively bridge the distance between the terminal ports. Thus, the flow is separated such that the separated partial flows flush the entire groove together, so that in the connected state, no or only a few stagnation areas occur.

[0074] Figure 1The main structure of an HPLC system 10 is shown, which serves as an example of a sample separation device, for example, it can be used for liquid chromatography. A pump 20 drives a mobile phase through a separation device 30 (e.g., a chromatographic column) containing a stationary phase, which is supplied by a solvent container 25 and can be degassed by a degasser 27. A sample insertion unit 40 (also called a sample injector) is arranged between the pump 20 and the separation device 30 to introduce a fluid sample into the mobile phase via a fluid valve 90 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The stationary phase of the separation device 30 is provided to separate the sample components of the sample liquid. A detector 50 detects the separated sample components of the sample, and a fractionation device 60 may be provided to discharge the separated sample components of the sample liquid into a container or discharge device, for example, provided for this purpose. A control unit 70 controls the components of the HPLC system 10.

[0075] When the liquid path between pump 20 and separation unit 30 is normally under high pressure, the sample liquid is first introduced at normal pressure into the region separated from this liquid path, namely the so-called sample loop of sample insertion unit 40, which then introduces the sample liquid into the high-pressure liquid path. When the sample liquid in the sample loop, which is initially under normal pressure, is connected to the high-pressure liquid path, the contents of the sample loop suddenly (typically within milliseconds) reach the system pressure of HPLC-system 10. Fluid valve 90 is configured to introduce fluid sample from sample injector / sample insertion unit 40 into the analytical path between pump 20 and separation column 30.

[0076] Figure 2 A more detailed illustration is provided regarding the method for separating sample components in a fluid sample within a mobile phase according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 The sample injector 40 of the sample separation system 10.

[0077] Sample injector 40 via switchable fluid valve 90 (only when...) Figure 2 (Schematably shown) is fluidly coupled to pump 20 and separation device 30, as well as fractionator 60 connected downstream. Sample injector 40 includes sample circuit 204 in fluid communication with fluid valve 90. Sample circuit 204 is used to temporarily receive fluid sample to be aspirated from sample container 214 (e.g., vial or microtiter plate). Metering pump 210, schematically shown, is in fluid communication with sample circuit 204 and configured to aspirate a quantitative fluid sample into needle 202, which is coupled to sample circuit 204 via needle capillary 260.

[0078] The switchable fluid valve 90 includes two valve elements or valve bodies 92, 94, which in Figure 2The details are shown in a cross-sectional view and they are rotatable relative to each other. By rotating the two valve bodies 92, 94 relative to each other about a rotation axis 299, multiple terminal ports 96 and channels 98 formed in the valve bodies 92, 94 can be selectively made into fluid communication with each other, or fluid communication can be prevented therefrom. Due to the different terminal ports 96 and according to... Figure 2 The fluid system 10 is coupled to a specific fluid channel in the fluid channel 98, so switching the fluid valve 90 causes the fluid system 10 to operate in a different fluid connectivity configuration.

[0079] exist Figure 2 The illustrations show fluid valve 90 only schematically, i.e., in particular, terminal ports 96, 100 and channels and / or channels 98 shown are not fluidly coupled to each other and / or are illustrated as being in a switching position suitable for sample injection. Figures 3 to 6 A specific embodiment of the fluid valve 90 is shown in more detail.

[0080] The fluid communication between the high-pressure pump 20 and the separation column or separation device 30 can be caused by the relevant switching state of the fluid valve 90. In such a fluid path, for example, a high pressure of 100 MPa can exist, which can be generated by the high-pressure pump 20. Conversely, when a sample is drawn into the sample circuit 204, the pressure in the sample circuit 204 can be below 0.1 MPa. When the sample introduced into the sample circuit 204 is loaded onto the separation device 30, the pressure in the sample circuit 204 is also high, for example, 100 MPa.

[0081] To load the sample, the needle 202 extends from the correspondingly designed seat 208, allowing it to be immersed in the sample container 214, which contains a fluid sample to be received in the needle 202. When the metering pump 210 (while the needle 202 is immersed in the sample container 214) has drawn liquid into the adjacent area of ​​the needle 202 and the sample circuit 204 via the retracting piston, the needle 202 retracts into the seat 208, and the fluid valve 90 switches accordingly. Thus, the drawn sample is injected through the seat capillary 216 and the fluid valve 90 into the path between the pump 20 and the separation device 30. Furthermore, Figure 2 An optional flushing pump 212 and an optional flushing seat 223 are shown.

[0082] As mentioned above, Figure 2 The structure of a fluid valve 90 according to an exemplary embodiment is also schematically shown. Figure 2 A plan view showing the fluid valve 90 connected to the sample injector 40 in a switched state is shown, as well as a cross-sectional view thereof.

[0083] Fluid valve 90 serves as an injection valve for injecting a fluid sample from sample injector 40 into the separation path between pump 20 and the chromatographic separation column, which is the separation device 30. Fluid valve 90 includes a first disc-shaped valve body 92, which, in the illustrated embodiment, contains nine terminal ports 96. These ports are connected to various components 20, 30, and 40 of the sample separation device 10, such as… Figure 2 As shown. The first valve body 92 is configured as the stator of the fluid valve 90, which is configured as a rotary valve and is adjacent to two capillary tubes 99 in a fluid-sealed manner. These two capillary tubes are fluidly connected to various components 20, 30, 40, etc.

[0084] The second disc-shaped valve body 94 is configured as a rotatable rotor of the fluid valve 90 and includes a linear radial channel 98 and three annular closed groove channels 98, in which case the annular closed channels 98 are formed as circumferential recesses in the planar surface of the disc-shaped second valve body 94. When the channels 98 are arranged between the first valve body 92 and the second valve body 94 coupled thereto in a fluid-tight manner, an annular closed fluid conduit is formed between the first valve body 92 and the second valve body 94, through which a fluid sample and / or mobile phase can be guided.

[0085] The rotatably mounted second valve body 94 can rotate about the rotation axis 299 relative to the statically mounted first valve body 92 to establish different fluid coupling and / or decoupling states between individual terminal ports 96, facilitated by annular closed channel structures 98 arranged therebetween or in a bridging manner.

[0086] The first valve body 92 and the second valve body 94 each include opposing surfaces, which together form an effective surface, and Figure 2 The coupling surface K is schematically shown in the cross-sectional view of the fluid valve 90 shown below. This coupling surface K is caused by a plurality of ports 100 that are fluidly connected to at least one of the terminal ports 96.

[0087] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the fluid valve 90 in the diagram illustrates an embodiment where the fluid flows vertically through the terminal port 96, while in the cross-sectional view, the fluid flows horizontally through the annular channel 98. This allows for a reduction in dead volume and / or appropriate executability. Other configurations are possible accordingly.

[0088] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the fluid valve 90 is shown as an example. The view is... Figure 2A schematic plan view of the coupling surface K between the first valve body 92 (e.g., stator) and the second valve body 94 (e.g., rotor). Only the elements acting on this coupling surface K are shown in the view selected here. The multiple external terminal ports 96 are not visible from this view.

[0089] The fluid valve 90 includes a plurality of ports 100, each of which can be connected to an external terminal port 96 (not shown here). A first port 100A is located on a first circular path 300 around a rotation axis 299, which is centrally located and schematically shown as a point. A second port 100B, together with other ports 100C to 100M, is located on a second circular path 310 around the rotation axis 299. For clarity, the second circular path 310 is not explicitly shown but is derived from the general outline of ports 100B to 100M.

[0090] The fluid valve 90 also includes a first channel 320 and a second channel 330. Channels 320 and 330 correspond to... Figure 2 Channel 98 is shown in the figure, but for clarity and better understanding, it will be represented by different reference numerals in the following figures.

[0091] The first channel 320 is an annular channel along the first circular path 300 and can be configured as an annular groove or another recess in the surface of the first valve body 92 facing the coupling surface K.

[0092] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the second channel 330 is U-shaped, with its two ends located on the first circular path 300. The second channel 330 forms a first (fluid) coupling point 330A on the first circular path 300 and thus with the first channel 320, a second (fluid) coupling point 330B on the second circular path 310 and thus with the port 100B, and a third (fluid) coupling point 330C on the first circular path 300 and thus with the first channel 320.

[0093] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the region of the second channel 330 that will fluidly couple with the second coupling point 330B is formed as a circular segment 330D located on the second circular path 310. (Shown here) Figure 3In one embodiment, the length of the circular segment 300D along the second circular path 310 is chosen to be the distance between two adjacent ports 100, such that the circular segment 300 can simultaneously cover (German: überschreiben) two adjacent ports 100 and can be fluidly coupled to them. Depending on the embodiment and application, the length of the circular segment 300D may also be chosen to be less than the distance between two adjacent ports 100, such that only one port 100 can always be fluidly coupled to the circular segment 300 and therefore to the second channel 330. Alternatively, the length of the circular segment 300D may also be chosen such that two or more adjacent ports can be fluidly coupled to each other through the circular segment 300.

[0094] The second channel 330 may be formed by a groove or another recess in the surface of the second valve body 94, which acts toward the coupling surface K.

[0095] By rotating the first valve body 92 relative to the second valve body 94, that is, by rotating the rotor 94 relative to the stator 92, fluid coupling can be established, for example, between the first port 100A (on the first circular path 300) and one or two adjacent ports of the plurality of ports 100B to 100M on the second circular path.

[0096] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, fluid coupling is performed between the first port 100A and the second port 100B. This is achieved by fluid coupling of port 100A to the first channel 320, and the second channel 330 being fluidly coupled to the first channel via the first coupling point 330A and the third coupling point 30C. Finally, the second port 100B is fluidly coupled to the second channel 330.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, the second channel 330, together with a segment 320A of the first channel 320 (between the first coupling point 330A and the third coupling point 30C), forms an annular closed channel 340. In contrast to the first channel 320, which is configured as an annular channel (which is present only in the first valve body 92 or the second valve body 94), the annular closed channel 340 is formed by at least one channel segment 320A located in the first valve body 92 and at least one channel segment 330 located in the second valve body 94. That is, the annular closed channel 340 is formed by the channel structure 320A of the stator 92 and the channel structure 330 of the rotor 94. This combination of stator and rotor channel structures to form an annular closed channel 340 provides additional freedom in the design of fluid connections, particularly in the design of the flushability of such fluid connections, compared to annular channels located only in the rotor or stator.

[0098] Clearly, the aforementioned coupling points do not have fixed locations or defined ranges of extension, but they represent fluid coupling resulting from the geometric coupling between the channels and ports. Correspondingly, the respective geometric couplings also define the spatial extension of the corresponding coupling points. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling point 330A is generated by the geometric combination of the ends of the first channel 320 and the second channel 330. Correspondingly, the third coupling point 330C is also generated by the geometric combination of the other ends of the first channel 320 and the second channel 330. The second coupling point 330B is generated by the geometric combination of a segment of the second channel 330 located on the second circular path and the second port 100B. Although in Figure 3 The coupling points shown are basically point shapes with extensions corresponding to the respective channel widths, but other embodiments are shown below, in which the coupling points can also be configured as planar regions, for example, through channel structures that overlap each other.

[0099] By rotating the second valve body 94 relative to the first valve body 92, other switching states of the fluid valve 90 can now be achieved. For example, by rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise, the first port 100A can be individually connected to any other port among ports 100B to 100M.

[0100] In addition, Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, segment 330D of the second channel 330 located on the second circular path 310 is configured such that through segment 330D, two adjacent ports 100B to 100M can also be connected to each other and simultaneously connected to the first port 100A. Figure 3 (Not specifically shown in the text). From Figure 3 Starting from the position where the second channel 330 is fluidly connected to the second port 100B, when the second valve body 94 is rotated (e.g., counterclockwise), the segment 330D of the second channel 330 located on the second circular path 310 will reach the port 100C at some point in time, thus establishing a fluid coupling to the port 100C, i.e., the port 100C then constitutes the fourth coupling point.

[0101] When the length of the section 330D is selected such that the coupling with the second port 100B still exists when reaching the port 100C, then (as long as the length of section 330D is sufficient to cover and make fluid contact with both ports 100B and 100C), both ports 100B and 100C are fluidly coupled with section 330D, and thus fluidly coupled with the second channel 330. For example, this can be performed in the sense of "make-before-break" coupling, that is, during the transition when the fluid coupling of the second channel 330 transitions from the second port 100B to the adjacent port 100C, both ports 100B and 100C are simultaneously coupled with the second channel 330, such that during this transition period, the fluid coupling with port 100C has been established while the fluid coupling with port 100B is still maintained. Conversely, with this configuration, it can be avoided that at a certain point in time the second channel 330 is not fluidly connected to any one of the ports 100, thereby resulting in fluid shut-off.

[0102] Figures 4A to 4D shows two further embodiments of the fluid valve 90, wherein Figure 4A and Figure 4B and Figure 4C and Figure 4D respectively represent the same embodiment but in different switching states.

[0103] In Figure 4A and Figure 4B the embodiment, in addition to the first channel 320 and the second channel 330, the fluid valve 90 further comprises a third channel 400. Similar to that shown in Figure 3 , the second channel 330 is fluidly coupled to the first channel 320 which is also located on the first circular path 300 via a first coupling point 330A and a second coupling point 230B respectively located on the first circular path 300. In addition to the first port 100A located on the first circular path 300, the fluid valve 90 further comprises ports 100B to 100G located on a second circular path 310, a central port 100H located on the rotation axis 299, and ports 100I to 100N located in a third circular path. Herein, the third circular path should be located between the first circular path 300 and the rotation axis 299.

[0104] The third channel 400 shall be located within the same valve body as the second channel 330, that is, within the first valve body 92 or the second valve body 94, so that the third channel 400 and the second channel 330 can rotationally move relative to the ports 100 and the first channel 320 about the rotation axis 290.

[0105] The third channel 400 is fixedly fluid-coupled to the central port 100H, and also includes two radial channel segments 400A and 400B and a channel segment 400C located on the third circular path, wherein channel segments 400A to 400C form an annular closed channel. Channel segment 400C enables fluid coupling of one or two adjacent ports 100I to 100N located on the third circular path.

[0106] Corresponding to Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment is also in Figures 4A to 4B In the embodiments, the size of the circular segment 330D of the second channel 330 located on the second circular path 310 is such that one or two adjacent ports of ports 100B to 100G located on the second circular path can be fluidly coupled thereto. Figure 4A The following switching state is shown, where the second channel 330 fluidly couples ports 100B and 100C to each other, while Figure 4B The following switching state is shown, in which the second channel 330 is coupled to port 100C.

[0107] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the second channel 330 and the third channel 400 are positioned relative to each other such that both are fluidly coupled to one or both ports 100. However, other coupling modes can also be achieved by oriented at corresponding angles relative to each other, i.e., for example, one of channels 330 and 400 is fluidly coupled to port 100, while the other of channels 330 and 400 is coupled to both ports 100.

[0108] Figure 4C and Figure 4D It shows the relationship with Figure 4A and Figure 4B In a corresponding embodiment, the circular segment 330D of the second channel 313 is longer than the distance between adjacent ports 100 on the second circular path 310. Depending on the selected additional length, three or more ports can be connected to each other, for example, in a transition region.

[0109] Figures 5A to 5D Another embodiment of the fluid valve 90 in different switching positions is shown, wherein the second valve body 94 rotates relative to the first valve body 92 about the rotation axis 299.

[0110] The first lane 320 is not as described. Figure 3 Instead of the annular closed channel in the embodiment of Figure 4, it includes a first channel segment 320A and a second channel segment 220B located on or extending on the first circular path 300.

[0111] First ports 100A and 100F are located in the first circular path 300, wherein first port 100A is located on the first channel segment 320A, and port 100F is located on the second channel segment 220B. Ports 100B to 100E are located in the second circular path 310.

[0112] Ports 100A and 100F can be interconnected via suitable fluid connections 500, as shown in Figure 5. For example, the connection 500 can be implemented via a corresponding channel structure (e.g., within the first valve body 92) or externally via the corresponding terminal port 96.

[0113] For clarity, the second channel 330 is shown as reference numeral 530 in Figure 5. The second channel 530 includes five segments 530A to 530E that are connected to each other. The first segment 530A extends along the first circular path 300. The second segment 530B extends radially between the first circular path 300 and the second circular path 310. The third segment 530C extends along the second circular path 310. The fourth segment 530D extends radially between the second circular path 310 and the first circular path 300. The fifth segment 530E extends along the first circular path 300.

[0114] As shown in Figure 5, the fluid valve 90 can be operated such that the first segment 530A at least partially overlaps with the first channel segment 320A, and the fifth segment 530E at least partially overlaps with the second channel segment 320B. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0115] exist Figure 5A In the switching state shown, the first port 100A is connected to port 100C via the first channel segment 320A, the slightly overlapping first segment 530A, and the second segment 530B. Correspondingly, port 100F is connected to port 100B via the second channel segment 320B, the slightly overlapping fifth segment 530E, and the fourth segment 530D. Simultaneously, ports 100F and 100B are connected to each other via the third segment 530C.

[0116] When the fluid coupling between ports 100A and 100F is formed by connector 500, the same measure can be used to achieve annular closed-loop fluid coupling between ports 100A, 100C, 100B, and 100E. This allows for improved flushability of these fluid connectors.

[0117] exist Figure 5B In the switching state shown, the second channel 530 is relative to Figure 5A The switching state shown is rotated slightly counterclockwise so that only port 100C is connected to ports 100A and 100F.

[0118] exist Figure 5CIn the middle, the second channel 530 is rotated slightly counterclockwise again, so that ports 100A and 100F are now connected to ports 100C and 100D.

[0119] exist Figure 5D In the middle, the second channel 530 is rotated slightly further counterclockwise, so that ports 100A and 100F are now coupled only to port 100E.

[0120] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the fluid valve 90 is shown. The first channel 320 includes three sections 320A to 320C, each located on a circular path 600 around a rotation axis 299. According to... Figure 6 In this embodiment, the first circular path 300 and the second circular path 310 shown in the previous example overlap in the circular path 600, and a plurality of ports 100 (i.e., first port 100A, second port 100B, and ports 100C to 100H) are located on the circular path 600. In addition, port 100D is connected to the central port 100I via a radial channel 610.

[0121] Construction and basis of the second channel 330 Figure 3 Similar to the embodiment shown, where the first coupling point 330A and the second coupling point 230B are located on the circular path 600.

[0122] exist Figure 6 In the exemplary switching position of the fluid valve 90 shown, ports 100A and 100B are fluidly coupled to each other via segment 320A, wherein, further, the second channel 330 forms a closed annular channel with the portion of segment 320A located between coupling points 330A and 330B on segment 320A.

[0123] Similarly, when the embodiments of the fluid valve 90 described above are explained with reference to the sample separation apparatus 10, it becomes clear that the fluid valve can also be used in other applications and fields of application. Therefore, embodiments of the fluid valve 90 according to the invention can also be used in, for example, other valve applications requiring good flushability besides those for sample injection and sample separation. Likewise, within the sample separation apparatus 10, the fluid valve according to the invention can be used in other locations and for purposes other than sample injection.

[0124] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and "a" does not exclude multiple elements. Elements described in different embodiments can also be combined. It should also be noted that the reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A fluid valve (90) of a sample separation device (10) for separating at least one sample component of a fluid sample, wherein, The fluid valve (90) includes: Multiple external terminals (96) are used for fluid connection to the corresponding fluid component parts (20, 30, 40). The rotor (94) and stator (92) allow for adjustment of different fluid coupling and / or decoupling states between the fluid component portions (20, 30, 40) connected to the fluid valve by rotating the rotor (94) about the rotation axis (299). A plurality of ports (100), each fluidly connected to at least one of the external terminals (96), wherein a first port (100A) of the plurality of ports (100) is located on a first circular path (300) around the rotation axis (299) of the rotor (94), and a second port (100B) of the plurality of ports (100) is located on a second circular path (310) around the rotation axis (299) of the rotor (94). The first channel (320), which is formed at least partially along the first circular path (300), and The second channel (330) includes a first coupling point (330A), a second coupling point (330B), and a third coupling point (330C), wherein the first coupling point (330A) and the third coupling point (330C) are located on the first circular path (300), and the second coupling point (330B) is located on the second circular path (310), such that the second channel (330) and the region of the first channel (320) located between the first coupling point (330A) and the third coupling point (330C) together form an annular closed channel. Wherein, the first channel (320) is formed by the stator (92) and the second channel (330) is formed by the rotor (94), or vice versa, and By rotating the rotor (94) relative to the stator (92), fluid coupling between the first port (100A) and the second port (100B) can be established by connecting the first channel (320) to the first port (100A), connecting the first channel (320) to the second channel (330) via the first coupling point (330A) and via the third coupling point (330C), and connecting the second channel (330) to the second port (100B) at least via the second coupling point (330B).

2. The fluid valve (90) according to the preceding claim has at least one of the following features: The first coupling point (330A) constitutes a point or region, and the second channel (330) is fluidly connected to the first channel (320) via the point or region.

3. The fluid valve (90) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second coupling point (330B) constitutes a point or region, and the second channel (330) is fluidly connected to the second port (100B) via the point or region.

4. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second channel (330) includes a first portion located on the first circular path (300), wherein the first coupling point (330A) is located in the first portion.

5. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, having at least one of the following features: The second channel (330) includes a second portion located on the second circular path (310), wherein, The second portion extends at least between the two ports (100) located on the second circular path (310); The second channel (330) includes a fourth coupling point located on the second circular path (310) and a second portion extending between the second coupling point (330B) and the fourth coupling point, wherein the second coupling point (330B) is connected to the second port (100B) and the fourth coupling point is connected to a third port located on the second circular path (310); The fourth coupling point constitutes a point or region, and the second channel (330) is fluidly connected to the third port via the point or region.

6. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one of the following features: The third coupling point constitutes the second end of the second channel (330); The third coupling point constitutes a point or region, and the second channel (330) is fluidly connected to the first channel (320) via the point or region; The third coupling point coincides with the first coupling point (330A); The third coupling point and the first coupling point (330A) overlap with each other; The third coupling point and the first coupling point (330A) are located at different positions in the second channel (330).

7. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second channel (330) includes a third portion located on the first circular path, wherein the third coupling point is located in the third portion.

8. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the fluid coupling between the first port (100A) and the second port (100B) established by rotating the rotor (94) relative to the stator (92), the first port is connected to the first channel (320), the second channel (320) is connected to the second channel (330) at least via the first coupling point (330A), and the second channel (330) is connected to the second port (100B) at least via the second coupling point (330B).

9. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the fluid coupling between the first port (100A) and the second port (100B) established by rotating the rotor (94) relative to the stator (92), the first port is connected to the first channel (320), the first channel (320) is connected to the second channel (330) at least via the first coupling point (330A) and at least via the third coupling point (330C), and the second channel (330) is connected to the second port (100B) at least via the second coupling point (330B).

10. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The fluid coupling between the first ports (100A) established by rotating the rotor (94) relative to the stator (92) includes an annular closed channel.

11. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the fluid coupling between the first port (100A) and the second port (100B) established by rotating the rotor (94) relative to the stator (92), the first port and the second port are connected by an annular closed channel, such that the first port is connected to the second port (100B) via both a first fluid path and a second fluid path of the annular closed channel.

12. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the fluid coupling between the first port (100A) and the second port (100B) established by rotating the rotor (94) relative to the stator (92), the first port is connected to the second port (100B) via both a first fluid path and a second fluid path.

13. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 12, wherein: The first fluid path is composed of a first sub-region of the first channel (320) and a first sub-region of the second channel (330). The first sub-region of the first channel (320) extends between the first port (100A) and the first coupling point (330A), and The first sub-region of the second channel (330) extends between the first end coupling point (330A) and the second port (100B).

14. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 11, wherein: The second fluid path is composed of a second sub-region of the first channel (320) and a second sub-region of the second channel (330). The second sub-region of the first channel (320) extends between the first port (100A) and the third coupling point (330C), and The second sub-region of the second channel (330) extends between the third coupling point (330C) and the second port (100B).

15. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, having at least one of the following characteristics: The fluid valve is a shear valve; The first channel (320) is formed by a recess in the surface of the stator (92) opposite to the rotor (94); The second channel (330) is formed by a recess in the surface of the rotor (94) opposite to the stator (92); The stator (92) includes a plurality of external terminals (96); The stator (92) includes a plurality of ports (100), which are respectively recesses in the surface of the stator (92) opposite to the rotor (94); The stator (92) includes a plurality of fluid connectors for connecting one or more of the plurality of external terminals (96) to one or more of the plurality of ports (100).

16. The fluid valve (90) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one of the following features: The annular closed channel is not entirely located on a circular path around the rotation axis (299) of the rotor (94); The annular closed channel includes different radii of distance from the rotation axis (299) of the rotor (94); A portion of the annular closed channel is located on different sides of the boundary plane (K) between the rotor (94) and the stator (92).

17. A sample separation apparatus (10) for separating at least one sample component of a fluid sample, wherein, The sample separation device (10) includes the fluid valve (90) according to claim 1.

18. The sample separation apparatus (10) according to claim 17, comprising a sample injector (40) for injecting the sample into the mobile phase of a separation path, the separation path being between a pump (20) for moving the mobile phase and a separation column (30) for separating different fractions of the sample in the mobile phase, wherein, By moving the stator (92) and the rotor (94) relative to each other, the fluid valve (90) can be switched to inject the sample from the sample injector (40) into the separation path.

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