Column equipped with RF tags and RF tag attachment method

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) equipped with an RF tag, and a method for attaching the RF tag. The present invention provides an HPLC or GC column having an insertion recess provided at an arbitrary position on one side of a polygonal pillar having an end fitting, and an RF tag attached to the insertion recess.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article such as a column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) equipped with an RF tag, and a method for attaching an RF tag, and more particularly to a column for HPLC or GC equipped with an RF tag, and a method for attaching an RF tag. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when performing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), it is necessary to carry out and analyze based on parameters such as the analytical performance and packing material of each individual column, and HPLC practitioners have had to manually input and manage these parameters.

[0003] In view of this situation, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for attaching a contactless IC tag, on which analytical performance parameters for gradient operation in which the solvent mixing ratio is changed over time, are written, to the separation column of a high-performance liquid chromatograph, and for reading the information written on this contactless IC tag without contact.In addition to reading, it is also possible to write / rewrite information regarding individual differences in the separation column, which reduces the time required for creating and inputting parameters during analysis, and because the separation column and parameters can be managed together, it is also easy to move the separation column to another device and use it.

[0004] Conventionally, the column described in Patent Document 1 is described as having an IC tag embedded or attached thereto, and the technology discloses the convenience of attaching an IC tag to a column. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any specific attachment method for embedding or attaching an IC tag. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-107136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) equipped with an RF tag, and a method for attaching an RF tag.

[0007] After extensive research, the inventors discovered that the simplest method for manufacturing and using a column is to provide a recess on one side of the column's end fitting and press-fit the RF tag into this recess. Furthermore, they discovered that by chamfering the corner of the recess at a certain depth all the way to the edge of the side of the end fitting where the recess is provided, even inexpensive passive RF tags can be read and rewritten without contact when attached to a metal or synthetic resin column. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention of claim 1 relates to a column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), in which an insertion recess is provided at an arbitrary position on one side of a polygonal prism having an end fitting, and an RF tag is attached to the insertion recess.

[0009] The invention according to claim 2 relates to the HPLC or GC column according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the insertion recess is chamfered.

[0010] The invention according to claim 3 relates to the HPLC or GC column according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening of the insertion recess has two or more stages.

[0011] The invention according to claim 4 relates to the HPLC or GC column according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the RF tag attached to the end fitting is coated with a resin and potted.

[0012] The invention of claim 5 relates to a method for attaching an RF tag to an article made by molding metal or synthetic resin, which method comprises providing an insertion recess for attaching an RF tag at any position on one surface of the article, and attaching the RF tag into the insertion recess by press-fitting.

[0013] The invention according to claim 6 relates to the method according to claim 5, wherein the opening of the fitting recess is chamfered.

[0014] The invention according to claim 7 relates to the method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the opening of the fitting recess has two or more stages.

[0015] The invention according to claim 8 relates to the method according to claim 5, wherein the article is an end fitting for a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) column. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the invention of claim 1, a column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) is provided, in which an insertion recess is provided at any position on one side of a polygonal pillar having an end fitting, and an RF tag is attached to the insertion recess, thereby achieving the effect that information desired by the column user, such as column information, sample information, and usage history, can be stored, read, and rewritten in the RF tag.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 2, there is provided an HPLC or GC column as described in claim 1, in which the opening of the insertion recess is chamfered.Since the insertion recess is chamfered, even if the RF tag is attached to a metal column, a reader / writer can read and write information from a distance, thereby achieving the effect of allowing the RF tag to be used without removing the column from the chromatograph.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 3, there is provided an HPLC or GC column as described in claim 1 or 2, in which the opening of the insertion recess has two or more stages.Since the opening of the insertion recess has two or more stages, a reader / writer can read and write information from a distance even in the case of an RF tag attached to a metal column, which has the effect of allowing the RF tag to be used without removing the column from the chromatograph.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 4, the HPLC or GC column of claim 1 is characterized in that the surface of the RF tag attached to the end fitting is coated with a resin and potted, thereby achieving the effect of preventing the RF tag from becoming unusable due to infiltration by samples or the like.

[0020] According to the invention of claim 5, there is provided a method for attaching an RF tag to an article manufactured by molding metal or synthetic resin, in which an insertion recess for attaching an RF tag is provided at any position on one surface of the article, and the RF tag is attached by press-fitting into the insertion recess, thereby achieving the effect of enabling RF tags to be attached to a wide variety of articles.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 6, the opening of the insertion recess is chamfered, which is the method of claim 5, and therefore has the effect of enabling information to be read and written even if the part is made of metal and the reader / writer is far away from the attached RF tag.

[0022] According to the invention of claim 7, the method of claim 5 or 6 is such that the opening of the insertion recess has two or more stages, thereby achieving the effect that even in the case of a metal part, information can be read and written even if the reader / writer is far away from the attached RF tag.

[0023] According to the invention of claim 8, the method of claim 5 is such that the item is an end fitting of a column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), thereby achieving the effect of obtaining a column with an RF tag attached to the end fitting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] Fig. 1A is an overall view of a metal column in which an RF tag 3 according to the present invention is attached to an end fitting 2. Fig. 1B is an overall view of a resin column in which an RF tag 3 according to the present invention is attached to an end fitting 2. [Figure 2] Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention. Fig. 2B is a plan view of one embodiment of an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment in which an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention is provided with a chamfer 5. Fig. 3B is a plan view of another embodiment in which an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention is provided with a chamfer 5. [Figure 4]Fig. 4A is a plan view of an end fitting 2 (only a portion is shown) equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention after potting. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an end fitting 2 (only a portion is shown) equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention after potting. Fig. 4C is a plan view of an end fitting 2 (only a portion is shown) equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention after chamfering 5 and potting. Fig. 4D is a cross-sectional view of an end fitting 2 (only a portion is shown) equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention after chamfering 5 and potting. [Figure 5] Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the setting (preparation) of a press-fitting jig 7 for press-fitting an RF tag 3 into an end fitting 2 by hand pressing. Fig. 5B is a schematic diagram showing the initial state when the press-fitting jig 7 is moved to attach the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 by press-fitting. Fig. 5C is a schematic diagram showing the press-fitting jig 7 being moved to press-fit the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2 in order to attach the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2. Fig. 5D is a schematic diagram after the RF tag 3 has been press-fitted into the end fitting 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a column according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Fig. 1 is an overall view showing an embodiment of a column 1 with an RF tag 3 attached to an end fitting 2. Fig. 1A is an overall view of a metal column 1 with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached to an end fitting 2, and Fig. 1B is an overall view of a resin column 1 with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached to an end fitting 2.

[0027] The column 1 according to the present invention is used as a column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC).

[0028] The end fittings 2 according to the present invention are attached to both ends of a column 1 and have the shape of a polygonal prism as a whole or in part, with a fitting recess 4 provided at a desired position on one side of the polygonal prism, and an RF tag 3 attached to the fitting recess 4. The shape of the polygonal prism can be any shape, such as a square prism, a hexagonal prism, or an octagonal prism, that can be selected by the column user. A hexagonal prism is shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] The fitting recess 4 is a depression provided in the end fitting 2 for attaching the RF tag 3 by press-fitting, and can be formed by cutting or molding, and is provided at any position on one side of the end fitting 2, which has a polygonal column structure as a whole or in part. The top surface area and depth of the fitting recess 4 depend on the area and thickness of the data reading portion of the RF tag 3 to be attached, and can be set as desired by the column user.

[0030] Methods for press-fitting the RF tag 3 include, for example, hand pressing, but the user can choose any press-fitting method as long as it does not easily remove the RF tag 3 from the item made of metal or synthetic resin.

[0031] In order to provide a plurality of RF tags 3, a plurality of fitting recesses 4 may be provided in the column 1 according to the present invention.

[0032] A chamfer 5 can be provided on the fitting recess 4. Because the fitting recess 4 has the chamfer 5, the reader / writer can read and write information from a distance regardless of whether the column 1 to which the RF tag 3 is attached is made of synthetic resin or metal, and therefore the RF tag 3 can be used without removing the column 1 from the HPLC or GC device.

[0033] The RF tag 3, also known as an IC tag or wireless tag, is an information medium that has built-in semiconductor memory, holds data written by an induction electromagnetic field or radio waves, and can be read, written, and rewritten without contact. The RF tag 3 can record any information desired by the column user, such as column information, sample information, and usage history. Data communication is performed by bringing a reader / writer antenna suitable for the RF tag 3 close to the RF tag 3. Data is read and written to the RF tag 3 using the reader / writer.

[0034] The type, size, and performance of the RF tag 3 used can be set arbitrarily by the user, and are not particularly limited. An example is a micro metal tag (size 2.2 mm x 2.5 mm x 0.91 mm, frequency UHF band, communication distance up to 5 mm (varies depending on the environment, up to 3.6 mm when the tag is attached to metal), memory size TID 176 bit (non-rewritable) (FeRAM) EPC 160 bit, manufactured by SK Electronics Co., Ltd.).

[0035] The column 1 and end fitting 2 according to the present invention are preferably made of synthetic resin or metal, which not only has excellent heat resistance and pressure resistance but also has the characteristic of not adsorbing or denaturing samples. Examples of synthetic resin include PEEK, PTFE, and polyethylene, and examples of metal include stainless steel, titanium, bronze, and bronze titanium. However, any other material can be selected as long as it has excellent heat resistance and pressure resistance and also has the characteristic of not adsorbing or denaturing samples.

[0036] In the column 1 according to the present invention, a resin may be applied to the surface of the RF tag 3 attached to the end fitting 2 to perform potting. Potting can prevent the RF tag 3 from becoming unusable due to infiltration by a sample or the like. Examples of resins that can be applied for potting include urethane resin and silicone resin, but there is no particular limitation as long as they do not interfere with RFID communication.

[0037] The column 1 according to the present invention has the following features: By forming an insertion recess 4 in the end fitting 2 so that an RF tag 3 can be attached, and then attaching the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 by press-fitting, (1) the RF tag 3 can be attached directly to the column 1, (2) the tag can be attached without the use of adhesives or other auxiliary agents, eliminating the need to consider interference during analysis caused by adhesives or other auxiliary agents, (3) the attached tag cannot be easily removed nondestructively, thereby maintaining data integrity, (4) the RF tag 3 can be attached to any column made of a pressure-resistant metal or synthetic resin material suitable for press-fitting operations, and (5) by devising a processing method for the portion to which the RF tag 3 is attached, specifically by providing two or more steps between the press-fit portion (the portion of the end fitting 2 where the RF tag 3 is attached by press-fitting) and the opening (the portion where the RF tag 3 is exposed) and / or by providing a chamfer 5 to enlarge the opening relative to the press-fit portion, it is possible to extend the communication distance of the metal column 1, which is particularly shielded from communication, and facilitate radio wave transmission and reception.

[0038] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention. Of these, Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention, and Figure 2B is a plan view of one embodiment of an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention. There is no step between the press-fit portion (the portion of the end fitting 2 where the RF tag 3 is attached by press-fitting) and the opening (the portion where the surface of the RF tag 3 is exposed), and the shape of the end fitting 2 is such that it is only equipped with a fitting recess 4 according to the present invention, and even with an end fitting 2 of this shape, data communication and data reading and writing using the RF tag 3 are possible.

[0039] Figure 3 shows another embodiment of an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention. Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment in which an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention is provided with a chamfer 5, and Fig. 3B is a plan view of another embodiment in which an end fitting 2 equipped with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention is provided with a chamfer 5. By providing a step between the press-fit portion (the portion of the end fitting 2 where the RF tag 3 is attached by press-fitting) and the opening (the portion where the surface of the RF tag 3 is exposed), and further providing a chamfer 5 to enlarge the opening relative to the press-fit portion, the communication distance, particularly of the metal column 1, is extended.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an end fitting 2 with an RF tag 3 attached thereto after potting. Fig. 4A is a plan view of an end fitting 2 (only partially shown) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached thereto after potting, Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an end fitting 2 (only partially shown) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached thereto after potting, Fig. 4C is a plan view of an end fitting 2 (only partially shown) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached thereto after providing a chamfer 5 and potting, and Fig. 4D is a cross-sectional view of an end fitting 2 (only partially shown) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached thereto after providing a chamfer 5 and potting. In both an end fitting 2 with only an insertion recess 4 and an end fitting 2 with chamfers 5 at corners of the insertion recess 4 at a certain depth, the surface of the RF tag 3 can be protected (e.g., waterproof) by applying a resin to form a coating film 6 and potting. The coating film 6 may be formed by processing so that it protrudes from the surface of the end fitting 2, as shown in Figure 4B, or may be formed by processing so that it is flush with the surface of the end fitting 2, as shown in Figure 4D.

[0041] 5A is a diagram showing a method for attaching an RF tag 3 to an end fitting 2. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing a press-fitting jig 7 set (prepared) for press-fitting the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2 with a hand press, FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing the initial state when the press-fitting jig 7 is moved to attach the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 by press-fitting, FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram showing the press-fitting jig 7 moved to attach the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 and press-fitting the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2, and FIG. 5D is a schematic diagram showing the end fitting 2 after press-fitting the RF tag 3. The steps for attaching the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 are as follows: (1) set (prepared) the press-fitting jig 7 for press-fitting the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2 with a hand press, (2) press-fit the RF tag 3 into the processed end fitting 2 with a hand press, and (3) attachment of the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 is complete.

[0042] The above-described method of attaching an RF tag 3 to an end fitting 2 can be used as a method of attaching an RF tag 3 to an article made of metal or synthetic resin. That is, by using this method of attaching an RF tag 3 by press-fitting, the RF tag 3 can be attached by press-fitting into an article made of metal or synthetic resin that has a fitting recess 4 formed in advance (for example, parts and equipment, medical equipment (surgical tools such as scalpels and scissors), industrial equipment, machine components (automotive parts, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, etc.)). Information desired by the user of the article, such as information (specifications) and usage history, can be recorded and updated on the RF tag 3. [Example]

[0043] (Example 1: Column 1 with RF tag 3 attached to end fitting 2 only provided with insertion recess 4) As shown in Figure 2, a fitting recess 4 was provided in each of the metal (stainless steel) column 1 and the PEEK resin column 1, and the RF tag 3 was attached by press-fitting (hand pressing) into the fitting recess 4. The communication distance of the metal column 1 was approximately 3.50 mm, and the communication distance of the PEEK resin column 1 was approximately 5.20 mm.

[0044] (Example 2: Column 1 with RF tag 3 attached to end fitting 2, which has a step between the press-fit portion and the opening and a chamfer 5 to enlarge the opening) As shown in Figure 3, by chamfering the opening of the metal (stainless steel) column 1, the communication distance at which RF tag 3 data can be read without any problems changed from approximately 3.50 mm to approximately 5.08 mm, and the communication distance at which data can be written to the RF tag 3 changed from an unmeasurable state to 3.60 mm, confirming that chamfering improved the communication distance. Similarly, when the opening of the metal column 1 was stepped (two or three steps), the communication distance at which data can be read without any problems changed from approximately 3.50 mm to approximately 5.08 mm, and the communication distance at which data can be written to the RF tag 3 changed from an unmeasurable state to approximately 3.60 mm, confirming that the stepping improved the communication distance.

[0045] In the case of PEEK resin column 1, the communication distance was 5.2 mm, which was higher than that of metal column 1, regardless of whether the opening was chamfered or not.

[0046] (Example 3: Potted column 1 with RF tag 3 attached) As shown in Figure 4, we compared the communication distance when potting was performed by applying silicone resin to the opening of a metal (stainless steel) column 1. The communication distance at which RF tag 3 data could be read without any problems increased from approximately 5.08 mm to approximately 5.10 mm, and the communication distance at which data could be written to the RF tag 3 without any problems increased from approximately 3.60 mm to approximately 3.55 mm, showing that potting did not significantly change the communication distance. Similarly, when the opening was widened by chamfering and / or adding two or more steps, the communication distance at which data could be read without any problems increased from approximately 5.08 mm to approximately 5.10 mm, and the communication distance at which data could be written to the RF tag 3 without any problems increased from approximately 3.60 mm to approximately 3.55 mm, showing that no significant change in the communication distance was observed.

[0047] In the case of PEEK resin column 1, the communication distance remained at a high level of 5.2 mm compared to metal column 1, regardless of whether the opening was chamfered and / or stepped in two or more steps. [Industrial Applicability]

[0048] According to the present invention, in addition to articles for analytical instruments such as HPLC columns and GC columns, it is possible to provide articles made of metal or synthetic resin in which an RF tag is attached to a fitting recess by a press-fitting operation, such as medical instruments (surgical tools such as scalpels and scissors), industrial equipment, and machine components (automobile parts, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 column 2 End Fittings 3. RF tag 4 Insertion recess 5. Chamfering

Claims

1. A column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), comprising an insertion recess provided at an arbitrary position on one side of a polygonal prism having an end fitting, and an RF tag attached to the insertion recess.

2. 2. The HPLC or GC column according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the fitting recess is chamfered.

3. 3. The HPLC or GC column according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the insertion recess has two or more stages.

4. 2. The HPLC or GC column according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the RF tag attached to the end fitting is coated with a resin and potted.

5. A method for attaching an RF tag to an article made by molding metal or synthetic resin, comprising: a recess for attaching an RF tag to a surface of the article at a desired position; The RF tag is attached to the recess by press-fitting.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the opening of the recess is provided with a chamfer.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the opening of the insertion recess has two or more stages.

8. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the article is a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) column end fitting.

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