A quick connect device for connecting a chromatography apparatus to a quick connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a quick joint device for connecting chromatography equipment and quick joint belongs to fluid connection device technical field, the utility model discloses to solve the compatibility of the poor of the liquid inlet connection structure of existing chromatography equipment and quick joint, inconvenient to replace etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fluid connection device technology, specifically relating to a quick-connect device for connecting chromatography equipment and quick connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Chromatography equipment is widely used in large-scale protein purification processes and typically includes multiple functional modules such as a sample pump, tubing, chromatography column, detection cell, and collection port. To allow for the switching and supply of various solutions, the equipment generally has 4 to 8 inlets. During the equipment's startup self-test, all inlets will open sequentially to check the patency of the tubing. However, this process can easily introduce external contaminants, posing a certain risk of contamination.

[0003] To reduce the risk of contamination, operators must clean the relevant pipelines before use. In existing technology, the inlet interfaces of chromatography equipment are generally threaded connections, used with dedicated original tubing. Since the original tubing material typically lacks high-temperature resistance, it cannot be sterilized at high temperatures and often requires soaking in sodium hydroxide solution and rinsing with water for injection, a cumbersome cleaning process. Furthermore, when multiple devices are used in parallel, if the tubing is not replaced, all inlets of each device must be connected, resulting in a large number of connections and inconvenience for cleaning and storage. If tubing needs to be replaced, the threaded connection method makes installation and disassembly time-consuming and laborious, affecting operational efficiency. Therefore, the existing inlet connection structure of chromatography equipment suffers from poor compatibility with quick-connect fittings and inconvenient replacement, leading to deficiencies in sealing reliability, cleaning convenience, and sterilization adaptability, which urgently require improvement. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of poor compatibility and inconvenient replacement of existing chromatography equipment inlet connection structures with quick connectors. It proposes a quick-connect device for connecting chromatography equipment and quick connectors, so as to achieve compatibility with various quick connectors and realize the effects of quick connection and convenient replacement.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A quick-connect device for connecting chromatography equipment and quick-connect couplings, comprising:

[0007] A through channel, a first end and a second end located at both ends of the channel, an external thread arranged sequentially from the first end to the second end, a first annular boss, a first annular groove, a second annular boss, and a second annular groove;

[0008] The external thread is located on the outside of the first end and is used to match the internal thread of the liquid inlet of the chromatography equipment to achieve a threaded connection.

[0009] The diameter of the first annular boss is larger than the diameter of the external thread, and it is provided with a pair of symmetrical wrench slots.

[0010] The diameter of the first annular groove is smaller than the diameter of the first annular boss, and it is used to engage with the quick connector.

[0011] The diameter of the second annular boss is larger than the diameter of the first annular groove and the second annular groove;

[0012] The diameter of the second annular groove is smaller than the diameter of the second end, and an O-ring is fitted onto it to form a seal with the quick connector.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a first tube body portion, which is located between the external thread and the first annular boss, and has a diameter equal to that of the external thread.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a second tube body portion, which is located between the first annular boss and the first annular groove, and its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the first annular boss but larger than the diameter of the first annular groove.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a third tube body portion, which is located between the second annular boss and the second annular groove, and its diameter is greater than the diameter of the second annular groove and equal to or less than the diameter of the second end.

[0016] Furthermore, the second annular boss has a sloping structure. The diameter of the sloping surface adjacent to the third tube body is equal to the diameter of the third tube body and smaller than the diameter of the other side, which is used to guide and lock the quick connector.

[0017] Furthermore, the first annular boss is made of stainless steel to enhance corrosion resistance and suitability for sterilization.

[0018] Furthermore, the first end is equipped with an O-ring to form a sealing fit with the liquid inlet of the chromatography equipment.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. This quick-connect device can be used with various CPC quick-connect couplings of the same size and specifications and their matching connectors, and has good adaptability and versatility, making it suitable for various experimental and production scenarios.

[0021] 2. This quick-connect device, with its quick-connect structure and matching O-rings, enables rapid connection and disconnection with quick-connect couplings, simplifying the installation and replacement process of the chromatography equipment's inlet pipeline and significantly reducing operation time.

[0022] 3. This quick-connect device can be used for the standard interfaces of multiple chromatography devices. By changing the quick-connect, the devices can be flexibly switched, avoiding the need to configure independent pipelines for each device, thus saving costs and space;

[0023] 4. This quick-connect device can be used with high-temperature sterilizable silicone tubing. After use, it can be disassembled as a whole and subjected to moist heat sterilization or other disinfection methods, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

[0024] 5. This quick-connect device is equipped with a first annular boss and symmetrical wrench slots, which facilitates assembly and disassembly operations with the aid of tools, improving ease of use and safety;

[0025] 6. The external thread of this quick-connect device fits tightly with the liquid inlet of the chromatography equipment and is sealed with an O-ring gasket to ensure a reliable seal at the interface and prevent liquid leakage or air from entering the system; Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the quick-connect device of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of the quick-connect device of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a front half-sectional view of the quick-connect device of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a side view of the quick-connect device of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a front view of the quick-connect device of this utility model connecting the quick connector.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a front half-sectional view of the quick-connect device of this utility model connecting the quick connector.

[0032] In the diagram: 1-channel, 2-first end, 3-external thread, 4-first tube body, 5-first annular boss, 6-wrench slot, 7-second tube body, 8-first annular groove, 9-second annular boss, 10-third tube body, 11-second annular groove, 12-second end, 13-quick connector. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the various technical features, advantages, or effects of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the following detailed description is provided through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] This embodiment discloses a quick-connect device for connecting chromatography equipment and a quick connector, the structure of which is as follows: Figures 1 to 4As shown, it includes a channel 1, a first end 2, an external thread 3, a first tube body 4, a first annular boss 5, a wrench slot 6, a second tube body 7, a first annular groove 8, a second annular boss 9, a third tube body 10, a second annular groove 11, and a second end 12.

[0035] Channel 1 runs through the entire device and is used for liquid flow. First end 2 and second end 12 are respectively located at both ends of channel 1. The diameter of channel 1 can be customized according to usage requirements. An O-ring can be installed at first end 2 to form a sealed connection between this quick-connect device and the chromatography equipment.

[0036] The external thread 3 is located on the outside of the first end 2 and is used to match the internal thread of the inlet of the chromatography equipment to achieve a threaded connection. The threaded connection can be used with an O-ring to improve the sealing performance. The pitch of the external thread 3 can be adjusted or replaced with different parts according to different equipment interfaces.

[0037] The first tube body 4 is disposed between the external thread 3 and the first annular boss 5. The diameter of the first tube body 4 is equal to the nominal diameter of the external thread 3, serving as a connection transition.

[0038] The diameter of the first annular boss 5 is larger than that of the first tube body 4. It has a pair of wrench slots 6 symmetrical about the central axis for operation with a wrench, facilitating the tightening and disassembly of the device. The first annular boss 5 is preferably made of stainless steel, which has good corrosion resistance and sterilization capabilities, making it suitable for repeated cleaning and high-temperature treatment.

[0039] The second tube body 7 is disposed between the first annular boss 5 and the first annular groove 8. Its diameter is smaller than that of the first annular boss 5 but larger than that of the first annular groove 8, forming a reasonable structural transition.

[0040] The first annular groove 8 is used to engage with the quick connector to prevent the quick connector from sliding axially and to achieve reliable locking.

[0041] The second annular boss 9 is located between the first annular groove 8 and the third tube body 10. Its average diameter is larger than that of the connecting parts at both ends. Its outer surface has a gradually tapering slope, with a larger diameter on the side closer to the first annular groove 8 and a smaller diameter on the side closer to the third tube body 10. The diameter on the side closer to the third tube body 10 is equal to the diameter of the third tube body 10. This structure facilitates the smooth insertion of the quick connector and gradually increases the clamping force during insertion, improving connection stability.

[0042] The third tube body 10 connects the second annular boss 9 and the second annular groove 11, serving as a transitional connection. Its diameter is equal to or less than the diameter of the second end 12 to avoid interference with the quick connector.

[0043] The second annular groove 11 is disposed between the third tube body 10 and the second end 12. Its diameter is smaller than that of the adjacent structure. It is used to mate with the quick connector and forms a sealed connection by setting an O-ring gasket. The second annular groove 11 and the second end 12 together constitute the quick interface of this quick connector, realizing the quick insertion and removal function of the quick connector.

[0044] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows the connection status of this quick-connect device and the quick-connect coupling. This quick-connect device can be used according to the following standard operating procedure (SOP):

[0045] 1. Install the O-ring on the first end 2. After aligning the external thread 3 with the liquid inlet of the chromatography equipment, tighten the connection and use a wrench to further tighten it through the wrench slot 6 to ensure a firm connection.

[0046] 2. Align the quick connector with the silicone tube with the quick-connect interface of the quick-connect device to complete the connection;

[0047] 3. Place the silica gel tube in the cleaning solution (water), start the chromatography equipment, open the inlet, and check for air bubbles in the tubing;

[0048] 4. If there are no air bubbles, it means that the quick-connect device and the quick-connect joint are tightly connected and well sealed, and can be used normally;

[0049] 5. If air bubbles appear, try using a wrench to further tighten the external thread connection, or replace the O-ring at the quick-connect to improve the sealing effect.

[0050] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any appropriate modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A quick-connect device for connecting chromatography equipment and a quick-connect coupling, characterized in that, include: A through channel, a first end and a second end located at both ends of the channel, an external thread arranged sequentially from the first end to the second end, a first annular boss, a first annular groove, a second annular boss, and a second annular groove; The external thread is located on the outside of the first end; The diameter of the first annular boss is larger than the diameter of the external thread, and it is provided with a pair of symmetrical wrench slots. The diameter of the first annular groove is smaller than the diameter of the first annular boss; The diameter of the second annular boss is larger than the diameter of the first annular groove and the second annular groove; The diameter of the second annular groove is smaller than the diameter of the second end, and an O-ring is fitted onto it.

2. The quick-connect device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first tube body portion, which is located between the external thread and the first annular boss, and has a diameter equal to that of the external thread.

3. The quick-connect device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second tube body portion, which is located between the first annular boss and the first annular groove, and its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the first annular boss but larger than the diameter of the first annular groove.

4. The quick-connect device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a third tube body portion, which is located between the second annular boss and the second annular groove, and whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the second annular groove and equal to or less than the diameter of the second end.

5. The quick-connect device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second annular boss has a sloping structure. The diameter of the sloping surface adjacent to the third tube body is equal to the diameter of the third tube body and smaller than the diameter of the other side.

6. The quick-connect device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first annular boss is made of stainless steel.

7. The quick-connect device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An O-ring is provided at the first end.

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