Automatic temperature control device for chromatograph

Abstract

The present invention discloses an automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph, and belongs to the technical field of polymer content analysis. The device comprises a column temperature box and a door, wherein a separation chamber is arranged in the column temperature box, a partition is arranged at the side wall of the separation chamber, a vent is arranged on the partition, and a temperature control mechanism connected to the vent is also arranged in the column temperature box, wherein the temperature control mechanism comprises: a temperature control plate, which is connected to the partition by sliding along the axial direction of the vent; and a heating wire, which is arranged on the surface of the temperature control plate. Through the present invention, in the process of continuous injection of carrier gas into the chromatographic column, the temperature control plate is driven by a driving mechanism to slide in a circular manner of centering, approaching and moving away, and when the heating wire is energized and heated, the heating wire can move close to or away from the vent, thereby intermittently adjusting the temperature in the separation chamber, so as to meet the optimal temperature when separating the components in some complex samples, and there is no need for the staff to adjust the temperature in the column temperature box all the time, and the operation is convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph, belonging to the field of polymer content analysis technology. Background Art

[0002] A chromatograph is a device used for chromatographic separation and analysis. It includes an injection system, detection system, recording and data processing system, temperature control system, and mobile phase control system. Modern chromatographs are characterized by stability, sensitivity, versatility, and a high degree of automation, and are widely used in the analysis of specific contents of chemical products and polymer materials.

[0003] Existing chromatographs typically include a column oven, which contains an injection tube, a chromatographic column, and a detection tube. The inner layer of the chromatographic column is filled with a stationary phase. When a component in the sample passes through the stationary phase, it is separated from the detection tube at different speeds due to the different affinities when it binds to the stationary phase, thus effectively analyzing the content of a certain component in the sample.

[0004] In actual use, each component has its own optimal temperature for separation, and some complex samples have a wide boiling range, resulting in different optimal temperatures for separation of each component in the sample. Therefore, staff need to constantly adjust the temperature inside the column oven, which is very inconvenient.

[0005] Therefore, a new solution is needed to address this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph, which solves the problem in the prior art that each component has its own optimal temperature for separation, and some complex samples have a wide boiling range, resulting in different optimal temperatures for separation of each component in the sample. Therefore, it is very inconvenient for operators to constantly adjust the temperature in the column oven.

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is achieved by the following technical solution: an automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph, comprising a column oven and a door, wherein a separation chamber is provided inside the column oven, a partition is provided on the side wall of the separation chamber, a vent is provided on the partition, and a temperature control mechanism communicating with the vent is also provided inside the column oven, the temperature control mechanism comprising:

[0008] Temperature regulating plate, which is slidably connected to the partition along the axial direction of the vent;

[0009] Heating wires are mounted on the surface of the temperature control plate;

[0010] The drive mechanism is located inside the column temperature chamber and is used to drive the temperature regulating plate to slide in a circular motion.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, during the continuous injection of carrier gas into the chromatographic column, the temperature control plate is driven by the drive mechanism to slide in a cyclic manner in a centered, near, and far manner. When the heating wire is energized and heated, the heating wire can move closer to or away from the vent, thereby intermittently adjusting the temperature in the separation chamber. This can meet the optimal temperature for the separation of components in some complex samples, eliminating the need for staff to constantly adjust the temperature in the column oven, making the operation convenient.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that the driving mechanism includes:

[0013] A rotating shaft is rotatably connected inside the column temperature chamber and has a drive source at one end;

[0014] There are two drive wheels, each fixed to one side of the shaft.

[0015] There are two push rods, which are fixed to both ends of the temperature regulating plate. One end of the push rod is slidably connected to the partition plate, and the other end abuts against the outer wall of the drive wheel.

[0016] An elastic element is sleeved on the outer side of the end of the top rod located between the partition plate and the temperature regulating plate;

[0017] The drive wheel is composed of a constant temperature section, a high temperature section, and a low temperature section, all of which are arc-shaped. The outer diameter of the high temperature section is larger than that of the constant temperature section, which is larger than that of the low temperature section. The constant temperature section, the high temperature section, and the low temperature section are all connected by a ramp.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, during specific temperature adjustment, the drive source drives the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby driving the two drive wheels to rotate, which in turn causes the push rod to slide on the outer peripheral wall of the drive wheels, thus adapting to components with different boiling points.

[0019] The present invention is further configured such that: a U-shaped hot bimetallic strip is also horizontally embedded in the side wall of the separation chamber; the bottom of the hot bimetallic strip is fixed and both ends extend into the interior of the separation chamber; the surface of the column temperature chamber is provided with temperature markings and a temperature indicator is slidably attached to the temperature markings; the hot bimetallic strip is used to deform under heat to drive the temperature indicator to slide up and down at the temperature markings.

[0020] The top of the bimetallic strip is provided with a base, and one end of the base is rotatably connected to a drive rod. One end of the drive rod is rotatably connected to a drive rod 2 via a horizontally arranged connecting rod. The interior of the column temperature chamber is provided with a slide groove 1 for the drive rod 2 to slide in the vertical direction. The top of the drive rod 2 is connected to a temperature indicator plate via a connecting block. The surface of the column temperature chamber is also provided with a slide groove 2 for the connecting block to slide in the vertical direction.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when the temperature in the separation chamber changes, the top of the bimetallic strip will deform and bend accordingly, thereby driving the drive rod one to rotate and change its height, which in turn drives the connecting rod and the drive rod two to move. Under the limitation of the slide groove one, the drive rod two can only slide in the vertical direction, thereby driving the connecting block to slide in the slide groove two and driving the temperature indicator to slide at the temperature scale on the surface of the column temperature box, so that the temperature indicator can accurately reflect the temperature change in the separation chamber.

[0022] The present invention is further configured such that a transparent sealing cover is provided on the surface of the column temperature chamber corresponding to the temperature scale line position.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, temperature loss inside the column oven can be avoided.

[0024] The present invention is further configured such that: a third drive rod is rotatably connected to the end of the base away from the first drive rod, a fourth drive rod is rotatably connected to the end of the third drive rod away from the base, a connecting sleeve for the fourth drive rod to slide in the vertical direction is provided on the inner wall of the separation chamber, a fixing block is provided on the inner wall of the box door, and a slot for the top end of the fourth drive rod to be engaged is provided on the fixing block.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, when the temperature inside the separation chamber rises, the bimetallic strip deforms, causing the drive rod three to rotate and rise. This, in turn, causes the drive rod four to slide upward within the connecting sleeve. When the chamber door is closed, the upward movement of the drive rod four allows it to eventually engage with the slot in the fixing block. This effectively prevents injuries caused by workers accidentally opening the chamber door when the temperature inside the separation chamber is high.

[0026] The present invention is further configured such that a fan is rotatably connected to the center of the temperature regulating plate via a second drive source.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the temperature of the heating wire on the surface of the temperature regulating plate can be effectively transferred to the separation chamber by driving the fan through the second driving source, thereby making the temperature change in the separation chamber faster.

[0028] The invention is further configured such that the end of the push rod facing the drive wheel is hemispherical.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, friction between the wheels and the drive wheels can be reduced.

[0030] The invention is further configured such that a dust cover is provided at the ventilation opening of the partition.

[0031] By adopting the above technical solution, dust accumulation in the separation chamber is effectively prevented, thus ensuring the separation effect of the chromatographic column.

[0032] The beneficial effects of this invention are: during the continuous injection of carrier gas into the chromatographic column, the temperature control plate is driven by the drive mechanism to slide in a cyclic manner in a centered, near and far manner. When the heating wire is energized and heated, the heating wire can move closer to or away from the vent, thereby intermittently adjusting the temperature in the separation chamber. This can meet the optimal temperature for the separation of components in some complex samples, eliminating the need for staff to constantly adjust the temperature in the column oven, making the operation convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the partition and temperature control mechanism in this invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the drive wheel structure in this invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature regulating plate in this invention;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal bimetallic strip, the fixing block, the temperature indicator, the drive rod one, the drive rod two, the drive rod three, and the drive rod four in this invention;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0041] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified structural diagram at point B in the middle.

[0042] In the diagram: 1. Column oven; 2. Door; 3. Separation chamber; 4. Injection tube; 5. Chromatographic column; 6. Detection tube; 7. Partition; 8. Vent; 9. Temperature control chamber; 10. Temperature control mechanism; 101. Temperature control plate; 102. Connecting arm; 103. Heating wire; 104. Rotating shaft; 105. Drive source one; 106. Drive wheel; 1061. Constant temperature section; 1062. High temperature section; 1063. Low temperature section; 1064. Inclined ramp; 107 108. Top rod; 11. Elastic element; 12. U-shaped groove; 13. Bimetallic strip; 14. Temperature scale; 15. Temperature indicator; 16. Base; 17. Drive rod one; 18. Connecting rod; 19. Drive rod two; 20. Slide groove one; 21. Connecting block; 22. Slide groove two; 23. Drive rod three; 24. Drive rod four; 25. Connecting sleeve; 26. Fixing block; 27. Slot; 28. Drive source two; 29. ​​Fan; 20. Dust cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] To facilitate a clear understanding of the technical means, creative features, objectives, and effects of this invention, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific illustrations.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph includes a column oven 1 and a door 2 hinged to one side of the column oven 1. The column oven 1 and the door 2 are magnetically connected. A separation chamber 3 is located inside the column oven 1, containing an injection tube 4, a chromatographic column 5, and a detection tube 6. In use, the operator closes the door 2 and places the sample into the injection tube 4. Then, a carrier gas (mobile phase) is continuously injected into the injection tube 4 and the chromatographic column 5, causing different components in the sample to combine with the fixed components in the chromatographic column 5 and ultimately exit through the detection tube 6. Computer analysis then reveals the content of each component in the sample.

[0045] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a partition 7 is provided on the inner wall of the separation chamber 3 away from the door 2. A vent 8 is provided on the partition 7. The column temperature chamber 1 is divided by the partition 7 to form a temperature regulating chamber 9 that communicates with the vent 8. The temperature regulating chamber 9 is provided with a temperature control mechanism 10 for regulating the temperature inside the separation chamber 3. The temperature control mechanism 10 includes:

[0046] The temperature regulating plate 101 is disc-shaped and has connecting arms 102 at both ends. The temperature regulating plate 101 is slidably connected to the partition plate 7 along the axial direction of the vent 8.

[0047] The heating wire 103 is externally powered and is disposed on the surface of the temperature regulating plate 101. Specifically, it is coiled around the surface of the temperature regulating plate 101, with one end connected to one pole of the power supply via a connecting arm 102 and the other end connected to the other pole of the power supply via another connecting arm 102 to form a circuit.

[0048] The driving mechanism is located inside the temperature control chamber 9 and is used to drive the temperature control plate 101 to slide cyclically along the axial direction of the vent 8 in a centered, near and far manner.

[0049] As carrier gas is continuously injected into the chromatographic column 5, the temperature control plate 101 is driven by the drive mechanism to slide in a cyclic manner, moving towards and away from the center. When the heating wire 103 is energized and heated, the heating wire 103 can move closer to or away from the vent 8, thereby intermittently adjusting the temperature in the separation chamber 3. This can meet the optimal temperature for the separation of components in some complex samples, eliminating the need for staff to constantly adjust the temperature in the column oven 1, making operation convenient.

[0050] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the drive mechanism includes:

[0051] The rotating shaft 104 is rotatably connected to the temperature control chamber 9 and has a drive source 105 at one end. In this embodiment, the drive source 105 is a servo motor.

[0052] There are two drive wheels 106, which are fixed on both sides of the rotating shaft 104 respectively;

[0053] There are two push rods 107, which are respectively fixed on two connecting arms 102. One end of the push rod 107 is slidably connected to the partition plate 7, and the other end abuts against the outer wall of the drive wheel 106. In addition, the end of the push rod 107 facing the drive wheel 106 is hemispherical to reduce the friction between it and the drive wheel 106.

[0054] Two elastic elements 108 are provided, each sleeved on the outer side of the end of the top rod 107 located between the partition 7 and the connecting arm 102. In this embodiment, the elastic element 108 is a compression spring.

[0055] The drive wheel 106 is composed of a constant temperature section 1061, a high temperature section 1062, and a low temperature section 1063, all of which are arc-shaped. The outer diameter of the high temperature section 1062 is larger than the outer diameter of the constant temperature section 1061, which is larger than the outer diameter of the low temperature section 1063. The constant temperature section 1061, the high temperature section 1062, and the low temperature section 1063 are all connected by a ramp 1064.

[0056] During specific temperature adjustment, the drive source 105 drives the rotating shaft 104 to rotate, which in turn drives the two drive wheels 106 to rotate, thereby causing the push rod 107 to slide on the outer peripheral wall of the drive wheels 106. Specifically:

[0057] When the push rod 107 slides to the constant temperature section 1061, the distance between the temperature regulating plate 101 and the vent 8 is centered. At this time, the temperature in the separation chamber 3 is normal, which is suitable for the separation of ordinary components in the sample.

[0058] When the push rod 107 passes through the ramp 1064 and slides to the high temperature section 1062, since the outer diameter of the high temperature section 1062 is larger than the outer diameter of the constant temperature section 1061, the push rod 107 retracts towards the partition 7. On the one hand, it drives the temperature regulating plate 101 to approach the vent 8. On the other hand, it causes the partition 7 and the connecting arm 102 to squeeze the elastic member 108 and make the elastic member 108 generate elastic force. At this time, since the distance between the temperature regulating plate 101 and the vent 8 is close, the temperature in the separation chamber 3 rises, which is suitable for the separation of high boiling point components in the sample.

[0059] When the push rod 107 slides to the low temperature section 1063 via the ramp 1064, since the outer diameter of the low temperature section 1063 is smaller than the outer diameter of the constant temperature section 1061, under the elastic force of the elastic element 108, on the one hand, the connecting arm 102 and the temperature regulating plate 101 can move away from the vent 8, and on the other hand, the push rod can more stably abut against the drive wheel 106. Since the distance between the temperature regulating plate 101 and the vent 8 is relatively large at this time, the temperature in the separation chamber 3 drops to adapt to the separation of low boiling point components in the sample.

[0060] It should be noted that, in another embodiment, the drive wheel 106 is detachable, so that staff can replace the drive wheel 106 with different sizes according to different samples.

[0061] like Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, a U-shaped groove 11 is laterally opened on the side wall of the separation chamber 3. A U-shaped bimetallic strip 12 is embedded in the U-shaped groove 11. The bottom of the bimetallic strip 12 is fixed and both ends extend into the interior of the separation chamber 3. The surface of the column temperature chamber 1 is provided with temperature markings 13 and a temperature indicator 14 slides at the temperature markings 13. The bimetallic strip 12 is used to deform when heated to drive the temperature indicator 14 to slide up and down at the temperature markings 13. The top diameter of the U-shaped groove 11 is designed to be larger than the bottom diameter to accommodate the deformation of the top of the bimetallic strip 12.

[0062] Specifically, a base 15 is provided on the top of the bimetallic strip 12. One end of the base 15 is rotatably connected to a drive rod 16. The end of the drive rod 16 away from the base 15 extends into the U-shaped groove 11 and is rotatably connected to a drive rod 18 via a horizontally arranged connecting rod 17. The interior of the column temperature chamber 1 is provided with a slide groove 19 for the drive rod 18 to slide vertically. The top of the drive rod 18 is connected to the temperature indicator 14 via a connecting block 20. The surface of the column temperature chamber 1 is also provided with a slide groove 21 for the connecting block 20 to slide vertically. The temperature indicator 14 is a horizontally arranged rhombus to make the temperature indication of the temperature indicator 14 more accurate.

[0063] The thermal bimetallic strip 12 is composed of two layers of metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. When the temperature changes, the deformation of the active layer, i.e. the inner layer, is greater than that of the passive layer, i.e. the outer layer, causing the entire thermal bimetallic strip 12 to bend towards the passive layer side.

[0064] Therefore, when the temperature inside the separation chamber 3 changes, the top of the hot bimetallic strip 12 will deform and bend accordingly, thereby causing the drive rod 16 to rotate and change in height, which in turn causes the connecting rod 17 and the drive rod 18 to move. Under the limitation of the slide groove 19, the drive rod 18 can only slide in the vertical direction, thereby causing the connecting block 20 to slide in the slide groove 21 and causing the temperature indicator 14 to slide at the temperature scale 13 on the surface of the column temperature box 1, so that the temperature indicator 14 can accurately reflect the temperature change inside the separation chamber 3.

[0065] In addition, a transparent sealing cover (not shown in the figure) is provided on the surface of the column oven 1 at the position corresponding to the temperature scale 13, in order to prevent the temperature inside the column oven 1 from being lost.

[0066] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, a drive rod 22 is rotatably connected to the end of the base 15 away from the drive rod 16, and a drive rod 23 is rotatably connected to the end of the drive rod 22 away from the base 15. A connecting sleeve 24 is provided on the inner wall of the separation chamber 3 for the drive rod 23 to be inserted and slide in the vertical direction. A fixing block 25 is provided on the inner wall of the door 2. A slot 26 is provided on the fixing block 25 for the drive rod 23 to be inserted. When the door 2 is closed, the slot 26 is aligned with the inside of the connecting sleeve 24.

[0067] When the temperature inside the separation chamber 3 rises, the bimetallic strip 12 deforms, causing the drive rod 22 to rotate and rise. This, in turn, causes the drive rod 23 to slide upward within the connecting sleeve 24. With the door 2 closed, the drive rod 23, when moving upward, eventually engages with the slot 26 of the fixing block 25. This effectively prevents workers from accidentally opening the door 2 and getting injured when the temperature inside the separation chamber 3 is high.

[0068] As can be seen from the above, the operator can pre-set that when the top rod 107 slides in the low temperature section 1063, the temperature inside the separation chamber 3 is at its lowest. At this time, the drive rod 23 is located inside the connecting sleeve 24 and is not locked into the slot 26. Since the separation chamber 3 is at a low temperature, the operator will not be at risk of injury when opening it. However, when the temperature inside the separation chamber 3 rises, the drive rod 23 will be locked into the slot 26 and restrict the rotation of the door 2, thereby preventing the door 2 from opening and effectively protecting the operator.

[0069] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a fan 28 is rotatably connected to the center of the temperature regulating plate 101 via a second drive source 27. In this embodiment, the second drive source 27 is a servo motor. By driving the fan 28 to rotate via the second drive source 27, the temperature of the heating wire 103 on the surface of the temperature regulating plate 101 can be effectively conducted to the separation chamber 3, thereby making the temperature change in the separation chamber 3 faster.

[0070] like Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the partition 7 is also equipped with a dust cover 29 at the ventilation opening 8, which effectively prevents dust accumulation in the separation chamber 3 and ensures the separation effect of the chromatographic column 5.

[0071] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A chromatograph automatic temperature control device, comprising a column temperature box (1) and a box door (2), characterized in that: The column temperature box (1) is provided with a separation chamber (3), a partition (7) is provided on the side wall of the separation chamber (3), a vent (8) is provided on the partition (7), and a temperature control mechanism (10) connected to the vent (8) is also provided in the column temperature box (1), and the temperature control mechanism (10) comprises: A temperature regulating plate (101) is slidably connected to the partition plate (7) along the axial direction of the vent (8); The electric heating wire (103) is arranged on the surface of the temperature regulating plate (101); A driving mechanism, disposed inside the column temperature box (1) and used to drive the temperature regulating plate (101) to slide cyclically; The driving mechanism comprises: A rotating shaft (104) is rotatably connected to the interior of the column temperature box (1) and has a driving source (105) disposed at one end; Two driving wheels (106) are provided and are respectively fixed on both sides of the rotating shaft (104); Two push rods (107) are provided and are respectively fixed at two ends of the temperature regulating plate (101), and one end of the push rod (107) is slidably connected to the partition (7), and the other end abuts against the outer wall of the driving wheel (106); An elastic member (108) is sleeved on the outer side of one end of the top rod (107) located between the partition plate (7) and the temperature regulating plate (101); The driving wheel (106) is composed of a constant temperature portion (1061), a high temperature portion (1062) and a low temperature portion (1063), all of which are arc-shaped; the outer diameter of the high temperature portion (1062) is larger than the outer diameter of the constant temperature portion (1061), which is larger than the outer diameter of the low temperature portion (1063); and the constant temperature portion (1061), the high temperature portion (1062) and the low temperature portion (1063) are transitioned by a slope (1064).

2. The automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph according to claim 1, characterized in that: A U-shaped thermal bimetallic strip (12) is also transversely embedded in the side wall of the separation chamber (3); the bottom of the thermal bimetallic strip (12) is fixed and both ends extend into the interior of the separation chamber (3); a temperature scale line (13) is provided on the surface of the column temperature box (1) and a temperature indicating strip (14) slides at the temperature scale line (13); the thermal bimetallic strip (12) is used to deform under heat to drive the temperature indicating strip (14) to slide up and down at the temperature scale line (13).

3. The automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph according to claim 2, characterized in that: A base (15) is arranged on the top of the thermal bimetallic strip (12); one end of the base (15) is rotatably connected to a driving rod (16); one end of the driving rod (16) is rotatably connected to a driving rod (18) via a transversely arranged connecting rod (17); a slide groove (19) for the driving rod (18) to slide in a vertical direction is provided inside the column temperature box (1); the top of the driving rod (18) is connected to the temperature indicating strip (14) via a connecting block (20); and a slide groove (21) for the connecting block (20) to slide is also provided on the surface of the column temperature box (1) in the vertical direction.

4. The automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph according to claim 3, characterized in that: A transparent sealing cover is provided on the surface of the column temperature box (1) at a position corresponding to the temperature mark (13).

5. The automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the base (15) away from the driving rod one (16) is rotatably connected to the driving rod three (22), and the end of the driving rod three (22) away from the base (15) is rotatably connected to the driving rod four (23). A connecting sleeve (24) for the driving rod four (23) to slide in a vertical direction is provided on the inner wall of the separation chamber (3), and a fixing block (25) is provided on the inner wall of the box door (2). The fixing block (25) is provided with a slot (26) for the top end of the driving rod four (23) to be inserted.

6. The automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph according to claim 1, characterized in that: The center of the temperature regulating plate (101) is also rotatably connected to a fan (28) via a second driving source (27).

7. The automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the push rod (107) facing the driving wheel (106) is hemispherical.

8. The automatic temperature control device for a chromatograph according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition plate (7) is also provided with a dust cover (29) at the ventilation opening (8).

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