Switching valve for high performance liquid chromatography system

Abstract

The switching valve comprises a driving part, a valve body part and a control detection device, the driving part comprises a motor, the output end of the motor is connected with a coupler, the coupler is sleeved with a first deep groove ball bearing, the end, away from the motor, of the coupler is provided with a butt joint end, and the butt joint end is provided with a second deep groove ball bearing. The valve body part comprises a valve shell and a valve head, a valve rod is arranged in the valve shell in a penetrating mode, butt joint ends of the valve rod are correspondingly connected, the valve rod is sleeved with a spring assembly, the valve rod is detachably connected with a rotor through a first connecting piece, the rotor is provided with a plurality of flow channels, the valve head is detachably connected with a stator through a second connecting piece, and the stator is provided with a plurality of flow paths. According to the utility model, the stator and the rotor are designed to be detachably connected, so that the valve rod has the advantages of simplicity in maintenance and low maintenance cost, and the effect of prolonging the service life of a product and the effect of enhancing the competitiveness of the product are achieved by arranging the spring assembly between the coupler and the rotor on the valve rod correspondingly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical equipment technology, and in particular to a switching valve in a high-performance liquid chromatography system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development and widespread application of liquid chromatography (LC) technology, the requirements for its analytical accuracy, stability, and repeatability are becoming increasingly stringent. The switching valve is a crucial component of a LC instrument, and its performance directly affects the analytical results, having a significant impact on LC analysis. The switching valve is primarily used to control the switching between analytical reagents and samples entering the analytical system.

[0003] In existing technologies, the switching valve operates under dry friction and high usage, which can lead to problems such as easy wear and failure of the sliding friction sealing surface. This results in unstable switching performance, which cannot meet the stable and efficient operation requirements of the instrument. Furthermore, subsequent maintenance is difficult and costly.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a switching valve for high-performance liquid chromatography systems to solve the technical problems encountered in the existing technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system, which can solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system, comprising:

[0007] The drive unit includes a motor, the output end of which is connected to a coupling, a first deep groove ball bearing is fitted on the coupling, and a mating end is provided at the end of the coupling away from the motor.

[0008] The valve body includes a valve shell and a valve head, which are connected to each other. A valve stem is disposed through the valve shell, and one end of the valve stem is connected to the mating end. A spring assembly is sleeved on the valve stem near the mating end. A rotor is detachably connected to the valve stem away from the mating end via a first connector. The rotor has multiple flow channels. A stator is detachably connected to the side of the valve head near the valve shell via a second connector. The stator has multiple flow paths corresponding to the flow channels.

[0009] A control and detection device is disposed on the drive unit, and the control and detection device is used to detect, position and verify the motor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the stator has a plurality of first mating holes on the side near the valve head, and the valve head has a plurality of second mating holes and through holes correspondingly thereon. The first mating holes and the second mating holes are respectively provided with second cylindrical pins, and the through holes are correspondingly connected to the flow path.

[0011] In some embodiments, the spring assembly includes a plurality of butterfly springs, all of which are distributed along the axial direction of the valve stem.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drive unit includes a motor base with a connection port. The control and detection device includes two photoelectric sensors and two optical couplers. The control and detection device extends through the connection port into the motor base and has a detection end. The two photoelectric sensors are disposed at the detection end, and the two optical couplers are sleeved on the coupling. The two optical couplers are respectively disposed on the optical path of the photoelectric sensors.

[0013] In some embodiments, the valve housing is provided with a waste liquid port, which is connected to the outside.

[0014] In some embodiments, a second deep groove ball bearing, a planar thrust bearing, and a radial sealing ring are fitted on the valve stem, and are sequentially arranged on the valve stem at the end corresponding to the valve head along the axial direction of the valve stem.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the switching valve for high-performance liquid chromatography systems provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0016] 1. The switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system provided by this utility model provides power to the drive unit after being energized, controls the detection device to determine the rotation angle, and realizes the positioning of the stator and rotor; thereby realizing the function of switching and aligning the flow channel and flow path. When the valve body malfunctions, the various components can be checked step by step to see if they can operate normally. One component can be disassembled or replaced individually without disassembling the entire valve body, which improves the efficiency of maintenance and disassembly. It has the advantages of simple maintenance and low maintenance cost.

[0017] 2. The switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system provided by this utility model, by setting a spring assembly on the valve stem between the coupling and the rotor, can provide wear compensation for the rotor and stator by continuously pressing the spring assembly during actual use, thereby improving the product's service life and enhancing its competitiveness.

[0018] 3. The switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system provided by this utility model effectively reduces disturbances in the transmission process and effectively reduces stator and rotor wear by setting a first deep groove ball bearing on the side of the coupling corresponding to the valve stem, thereby further improving the product's service life.

[0019] 4. The switching valve for high-performance liquid chromatography systems provided by this utility model, by opening a waste liquid port, can promptly and actively discharge leaked liquid in the event of a leak, thereby preventing liquid from corroding the metal components or circuit boards of the downstream drive part, reducing the equipment failure rate, and thus reducing manual maintenance costs. This not only improves the reliability of equipment operation but also extends the service life of the downstream drive part. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The preferred embodiments will be described below in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, to further explain the above-mentioned characteristics, technical features, advantages and implementation methods of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0024] 10 Motor, 20 Motor mount, 21 First deep groove ball bearing, 22 Coupling, 23 Detection end, 24 Optical coupler baffle, 25 Second deep groove ball bearing, 30 Valve housing, 31 Stator, 32 Rotor, 33 Spring assembly, 34 Valve stem, 35 Planar thrust bearing, 40 Valve head, 50 Control and detection device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0026] To keep the drawings concise, each figure only schematically shows the parts relevant to the utility model, and these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some figures, only one of the components with the same structure or function is schematically depicted, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one."

[0027] It should also be further understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0028] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 1 and 2 The present invention provides a switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system, comprising a drive unit, a valve body, and a control and detection device 50. The drive unit includes a motor 10, the output end of which is connected to a coupling 22. A first deep groove ball bearing 21 is fitted onto the coupling 22, and a mating end is provided at the end of the coupling 22 furthest from the motor 10. The valve body includes a valve housing 30 and a valve head 40, which are correspondingly connected. A valve stem 34 is inserted through the valve housing 30, and one end of the valve stem 34 is connected to... The valve stem 34 is connected to the docking end. A spring assembly 33 is fitted on the end of the valve stem 34 near the docking end. The end of the valve stem 34 away from the docking end is detachably connected to a rotor 32 through a first connector. Multiple flow channels are opened on the rotor 32. The valve head 40 is detachably connected to a stator 31 on the side near the valve housing 30 through a second connector. Multiple flow paths corresponding to the flow channels are opened on the stator 31. The control and detection device 50 is set on the drive unit. The control and detection device 50 is used for motor detection, working positioning and positioning verification.

[0031] Specifically, the output end of the motor 10 in the drive unit is connected to one end of the coupling 22 via a flat-end set screw. The other end of the coupling 22 is provided with a mating end, on which a first pin hole is opened. The valve stem 34 has a corresponding second pin hole on the end near the coupling 22. By simultaneously inserting the cylindrical pin into the first and second pin holes, the coupling 22 and the valve stem 34 are connected accordingly. The rotor 32 is connected to the end face of the valve stem 34 via a cylindrical pin. The rotor 32 has multiple first micro-holes, which are evenly distributed on the rotor 32 to form flow channels. The stator 31 also has multiple second micro-holes, which are evenly distributed on the stator 31. To form a flow path, the second flow hole corresponds to the first flow hole, so that when the rotor 32 rotates to a preset angle, the flow channel and the flow path are connected to form a flow channel, thereby realizing the switching function of the switching valve. In addition, a first deep groove ball bearing 21 is sleeved on the coupling 22, which can significantly reduce the rotational friction of the coupling 22, thereby effectively improving the transmission efficiency and motor life. In addition, a spring is sleeved on the valve component, so that the clamping force between the rotor 32 and the stator 31 can be adjusted according to the actual situation during the actual operation of the switching valve, thereby effectively reducing the friction between the rotor 32 and the stator 31, significantly reducing the rotational friction of the coupling 22, and thus improving the transmission efficiency and motor life.

[0032] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 1 and 2 Based on the above embodiments, the valve stem 34 has a plurality of first positioning holes on the end face near the valve head 40, and the rotor 32 has a corresponding second positioning hole on the end near the valve stem 34. The first positioning holes and the second positioning holes are respectively provided with first cylindrical pins.

[0033] Specifically, there are three positioning holes arranged in a triangular pattern. By inserting the first cylindrical pin into the first and second positioning holes in sequence, an interference fit is formed through the three-point support structure to fix the hole, thereby creating a rigid constraint. By setting three positioning holes, the technical effect of precise positioning and alignment is achieved, thereby ensuring the complete alignment of the flow channel and flow path, reducing leakage problems, and also enabling quick disassembly, reducing maintenance costs and steps.

[0034] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 1 and 2 Based on the above embodiments, the stator 31 has a plurality of first mating holes on the side near the valve head 40, and the valve head 40 has a plurality of second mating holes and through holes respectively. The first mating holes and the second mating holes are respectively provided with second cylindrical pins, and the through holes are respectively connected to the flow path.

[0035] Specifically, the first and second mating holes are evenly distributed. By inserting the second cylindrical pin into the first and second mating holes respectively, and fixing them with an interference fit, a radial constraint is formed, thereby ensuring that the valve head 40 and the stator 31 are precisely aligned in the radial and axial directions. This further ensures that the through hole on the valve head 40 and the flow path on the stator 31 can be completely aligned, avoiding the risk of leakage and improving the reliability of the connection. In addition, the detachable design facilitates subsequent maintenance and repair, effectively reducing costs.

[0036] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 2 The spring assembly 33 includes multiple butterfly springs, which are distributed along the axial direction of the valve stem 34.

[0037] Specifically, the valve head 40 has several spiral holes at one end facing the valve housing 30. The valve head 40 is fixed to the valve housing 30 by several screws passing through the spiral holes. There are six butterfly springs, which are distributed sequentially along the axial direction of the valve stem 34. Adjacent butterfly springs are installed in opposite directions to form a multi-stage preload superposition structure, thereby ensuring the elastic space of the butterfly springs and ensuring the static stroke compensation capability of the valve stem 34. This allows the butterfly springs to provide wear compensation for the rotor 32 and stator 31 after continuous compression, thereby reducing wear and improving the service life of the product.

[0038] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 2 Based on the above embodiments, the drive unit includes a motor base with a connection port. The control and detection device includes two photoelectric sensors and two optical coupler baffles 24. The control and detection device extends through the connection port into the motor base and is provided with a detection end 23. The two photoelectric sensors are disposed at the detection end, and the two optical coupler baffles 24 are sleeved on the coupling 22. The two optical coupler baffles 24 are respectively disposed on the optical path of the photoelectric sensors.

[0039] Specifically, the motor base 20 is fastened to the valve housing 30 with screws. A connection port is provided on the side of the motor base 20 parallel to the valve stem 34. The control and detection device 50 is positioned and fixed to the motor base 20 by a cylindrical pin, and the detection end 23 extends into the motor base 20 to detect, position, and verify the rotation of the coupling 22. A photoelectric sensor on the detection end 23 is positioned perpendicular to the axial direction of the coupling 22. The photoelectric sensor includes an infrared emitting plate and an infrared receiving plate, and the optical path formed between the infrared emitting plate and the infrared receiving plate should be perpendicular to the axial direction of the coupling 22. The shaft 22 extends axially, and the optical coupler baffle 24 has several notches for light transmission. When power is connected, the optical coupler baffle 24 rotates together with the shaft 22. During the rotation, the optical coupler baffle 24 will intermittently block the infrared rays emitted from the infrared emitting plate to the infrared receiving plate. The optical coupler baffle can represent the rotation angle of the optical coupler baffle 24. The number and position of the slots correspond to the number of holes on the switching valve, thereby enabling the determination of the rotation angle of the linkage and valve stem 34 based on the number of times the infrared rays are blocked, achieving precise positioning and improving the stability and accuracy of valve body switching.

[0040] In one embodiment, based on the above embodiment, a waste liquid port is provided on the valve housing 30, and the waste liquid port is connected to the outside.

[0041] Specifically, the waste liquid port is opened on the valve body 30. By opening the waste liquid port, the leaked liquid can be discharged in a timely and proactive manner when a leak occurs, thereby avoiding liquid corrosion of the metal components or circuit boards of the back-end drive part, reducing the equipment failure rate, and thus reducing manual maintenance costs. This not only improves the reliability of equipment operation, but also extends the service life of the back-end drive part.

[0042] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 2 Based on the above embodiments, a second deep groove ball bearing 25, a planar thrust bearing 35 and a radial sealing ring are sleeved on the valve stem 34, and are sequentially arranged on the valve stem 34 at the end corresponding to the valve head 40 along the axial direction of the valve stem 34.

[0043] Specifically, the valve body is also provided with a second deep groove ball bearing 25, a flat thrust bearing 35 and a radial sealing ring. The second deep groove ball bearing 25, the flat thrust bearing 35 and the radial sealing ring are all sleeved on the valve stem 34 and are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the valve stem 34 at the end of the valve stem 34 that is close to the valve head 40, so as to effectively increase the sealing performance and extend the service life by reducing friction.

[0044] The working principle of this application is as follows: After the motor 10 is powered on, the motor 10 drives the rotor 32 fixed on the valve stem 34 to rotate through the drive coupling 22. During the rotation, the two optical coupler baffles 24 on the coupling 22 stop at the first preset position after the sensor determines the position through the preset opening. At this time, the flow channel on the rotor 32 and the sample loading flow path of the stator 31 are correspondingly positioned and connected to form multiple sets of sample loading flow channels. At this time, the position is the sample loading position. When a work command is received, the motor 10 starts to rotate to drive the rotor 32 to rotate by a preset angle, so that the flow channel on the rotor 32 switches to the matching sample inlet on the stator 31 to form multiple sets of sample inlet flow channels. At this time, the position is the sample inlet position. When the work is completed, the motor 10 reverses the preset angle to return to the original position to complete one sample inlet operation.

[0045] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be freely combined as needed. The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A switching valve for a high performance liquid chromatography system, characterized by, include: The drive unit includes a motor, the output end of which is connected to a coupling, a first deep groove ball bearing is fitted on the coupling, and a mating end is provided at the end of the coupling away from the motor. The valve body includes a valve shell and a valve head, which are connected to each other. A valve stem is disposed through the valve shell, and one end of the valve stem is connected to the mating end. A spring assembly is sleeved on the valve stem near the mating end. A rotor is detachably connected to the valve stem away from the mating end via a first connector. The rotor has multiple flow channels. A stator is detachably connected to the side of the valve head near the valve shell via a second connector. The stator has multiple flow paths corresponding to the flow channels. A control and detection device is disposed on the drive unit, and the control and detection device is used to detect, position and verify the motor.

2. The switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve stem has a plurality of first positioning holes on its end face near the valve head, and the rotor has a corresponding second positioning hole on its end near the valve stem. The first positioning holes and the second positioning holes are respectively provided with first cylindrical pins.

3. The switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stator has a plurality of first mating holes on the side near the valve head, and the valve head has a plurality of second mating holes and through holes respectively. The first mating holes and the second mating holes are respectively provided with second cylindrical pins, and the through holes are respectively connected to the flow path.

4. The switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The spring assembly includes multiple butterfly springs, all of which are distributed along the axial direction of the valve stem.

5. The switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a motor base with a connection port. The control and detection device includes two photoelectric sensors and two optical couplers. The control and detection device extends through the connection port into the motor base and has a detection end. The two photoelectric sensors are located at the detection end, and the two optical couplers are sleeved on the coupling. The two optical couplers are respectively located on the optical path of the photoelectric sensors.

6. The switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The valve body is provided with a waste liquid port, which is connected to the outside.

7. The switching valve for a high-performance liquid chromatography system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The valve stem is fitted with a second deep groove ball bearing, a flat thrust bearing, and a radial sealing ring, which are sequentially arranged on the valve stem at the end closest to the valve head along the axial direction of the valve stem.

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