Method of attaching RF tags by press-fitting

Abstract

The purpose is to provide a method for attaching RF tags. [Solution] A method for attaching an RF tag to an article made by molding metal or synthetic resin, wherein a recess for attaching the RF tag is provided at an arbitrary position on one surface of the article, and the RF tag is attached to the recess by press-fitting.

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 particularly relates to a column for HPLC or GC equipped with an RF tag, and a method for attaching an RF tag.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when performing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), it is necessary to carry out and analyze based on the analysis performance of individual columns and parameters such as packing materials, and the operator of HPLC has been carrying out the operation while manually managing these parameters.

[0003] In view of such a situation, Patent Document 1 discloses attaching a non-contact IC tag in which analysis performance parameters of a gradient operation for changing the solvent mixing ratio over time are written to a separation column of a high performance liquid chromatograph, and reading the information written in this non-contact IC tag without contact. It is also possible to write / rewrite information regarding the solid difference of the separation column, which can reduce the work time for parameter creation and input during analysis, and enables integrated management of the separation column and parameters, thus facilitating the transfer and use of the separation column in other devices.

[0004] Conventionally, the column described in Patent Document 1 is described as embedding or attaching an IC tag, and it is a technique that discloses the convenience of attaching an IC tag to a column. However, this 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

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a method for attaching RF tags. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for attaching an RF tag to an article made by molding metal or synthetic resin, wherein a recess for attaching the RF tag is provided at an arbitrary position on one surface of the article, and the RF tag is attached to the recess by press-fitting.

[0008] In the step of providing the recessed area, the present invention provides a press-fitting section into which the RF tag is fitted by press-fitting, and an opening into which the RF tag fitted in the press-fitting section is exposed, wherein the opening is larger than the press-fitting section.

[0009] In this invention, the opening of the recessed portion is provided with a chamfer.

[0010] In this invention, the opening of the recessed portion has two or more stages. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, RF tags can be attached by press-fitting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1A is an overall view of a metal column with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached to the end fitting 2. Figure 1B is an overall view of a resin column with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached to the end fitting 2. [Figure 2]Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end fitting 2 equipped with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention. Figure 2B is a plan view of one embodiment of an end fitting 2 equipped with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment in which a chamfer 5 is provided on the end fitting 2 to which the RF tag 3 according to the present invention is attached. Figure 3B is a plan view of another embodiment in which a chamfer 5 is provided on the end fitting 2 to which the RF tag 3 according to the present invention is attached. [Figure 4] Figure 4A is a plan view of an end fitting 2 (partially described) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached, after potting. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of an end fitting 2 (partially described) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached, after potting. Figure 4C is a plan view of an end fitting 2 (partially described) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached, after chamfering 5 has been provided and potting has been performed. Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view of an end fitting 2 (partially described) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached, after chamfering 5 has been provided and potting has been performed. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram showing the press-fitting jig 7 set up (prepared) for press-fitting the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2 using a hand press. Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of 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. Figure 5C is a schematic diagram showing the press-fitting jig 7 being moved to attach the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 and the RF tag 3 being press-fitted into the end fitting 2. Figure 5D is a schematic diagram after the RF tag 3 has been press-fitted into the end fitting 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the column according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an embodiment of a column 1 with an RF tag 3 attached to an end fitting 2. Among them, 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.

[0015] The column 1 according to the present invention is used as a column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC).

[0016] The end fitting 2 according to the present invention is attached to both ends of the column 1, has a polyhedron shape as a whole or in part, and a fitting recess 4 is provided at an arbitrary position on one side surface of this polyhedron, and the RF tag 3 is mounted in this fitting recess 4. The shape of the polyhedron is arbitrarily set by the column user, such as a quadrangular prism, a hexagonal prism, an octagonal prism, etc. A hexagonal prism is depicted in FIG. 1.

[0017] The fitting recess 4 indicates a depression provided in the end fitting 2 for mounting the RF tag 3 by press-fitting, and can be formed by machining such as cutting or molding, and is provided at an arbitrary position on one side surface of the end fitting 2 having a polyhedron structure as a whole or in part. The area and depth of the top surface of the fitting recess 4 depend on the area and thickness of the data reading part of the mounted RF tag 3, and are arbitrarily set by the column user.

[0018] Examples of the method of press-fitting the RF tag 3 include a hand press, etc., but any method of press-fitting that can prevent the RF tag 3 from easily coming off from an article made of metal or synthetic resin can be arbitrarily selected by the user.

[0019] 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.

[0020] A chamfer 5 can be provided in the insertion recess 4. Since the chamfer 5 is provided in the insertion recess 4, regardless of whether the column 1 with the RF tag 3 attached is made of synthetic resin or metal, the reader / writer can read and write information from a position away from it, so the RF tag 3 can be used without removing the column 1 from the HPLC device or the GC device.

[0021] The RF tag 3, also referred to as an IC tag or a wireless tag, is an information medium that incorporates a semiconductor memory, holds data written by an induced electromagnetic field or radio waves, and can read, write, and rewrite data without contact. Information desired by the column user, such as column information, sample information, and usage history, can be recorded in the RF tag 3. Data communication is performed by bringing a reader / writer antenna suitable for the RF tag 3 close to the RF tag 3. The data of the RF tag 3 is read and written using a reader / writer.

[0022] The type, size, and performance of the RF tag 3 to be used can be arbitrarily set by the user and are not particularly limited. For example, a micro metal tag (size 2.2 mm × 2.5 mm × 0.91 mm, frequency UHF band, communication distance maximum 5 mm (varies depending on the environment, maximum 3.6 mm when the tag is attached on metal), memory size TID 176 bits (non-rewritable) (FeRAM) EPC 160 bits, manufactured by SKE Electronics Co., Ltd.) can be mentioned. [[ID=...]]

[0023] [[ID=...]] [[ID=...]]<00001,size,01> The materials of the column 1 and the end fitting 2 according to the present invention are preferably made of synthetic resin or metal, which have excellent heat resistance and pressure resistance, and in addition, have the characteristic that adsorption and modification of the sample do not occur. Examples of synthetic resins include PEEK, PTFE, polyethylene, etc., and examples of metals include stainless steel, titanium, bronze (copper), bronze titanium, etc. However, other materials can also be arbitrarily selected as long as they have excellent heat resistance and pressure resistance and the characteristic that adsorption and modification of the sample do not occur.

[0024] With respect to 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 and potted. Potting prevents the RF tag 3 from becoming unusable due to impregnation by a sample or the like. Examples of resins applied for potting include urethane resin and silicone resin, but the resin is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with RFID communication.

[0025] The column 1 according to the present invention has the following features. Specifically, by processing the end fitting 2 to provide an insertion recess 4 so that an RF tag 3 can be attached, and by press-fitting the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2, (1) it is possible to directly attach the RF tag 3 to the column 1, (2) it can be attached without using an auxiliary agent such as an adhesive, so there is no need to consider interference during analysis caused by an auxiliary agent such as an adhesive, (3) the attached tag cannot be easily removed non-destructively, so the integrity of the data can be maintained, (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, and (5) by devising a processing method for the part in which the RF tag 3 is attached, specifically by providing two or more steps between the press-fitting part (the part in the end fitting 2 in which the RF tag 3 is attached by press-fitting) and the opening (the part in which the RF tag 3 is exposed), and / or by providing a chamfer 5, and making the opening larger than the press-fitting part, the communication distance of a metal column 1 in particular, where communication is shielded, can be extended, and the transmission and reception of radio waves can be made easier.

[0026] 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 in which the RF tag 3 is attached by press-fitting) and the opening (the portion in which the surface of the RF tag 3 is exposed), and the shape of the end fitting 2 is such that only an embedded recess 4 according to the present invention is provided, and data communication and data reading and writing using the RF tag 3 are possible even with an end fitting 2 of this shape.

[0027] Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the end fitting 2 with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention. Of these, Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment in which a chamfer 5 is provided on the end fitting 2 with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention, and Figure 3B is a plan view of another embodiment in which a chamfer 5 is provided on the end fitting 2 with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention. By providing a step between the press-fit portion (the portion of the end fitting 2 in which the RF tag 3 is attached by press-fitting) and the opening (the portion in which 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 of the metal column 1 is extended in particular.

[0028] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an end fitting 2 with an RF tag 3 attached that has been potted. Of these, Figure 4A is a plan view of an end fitting 2 (partially described) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached that has been potted, Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of an end fitting 2 (partially described) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached that has been potted, Figure 4C is a plan view of an end fitting 2 (partially described) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached that has been chamfered 5 and potted, and Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view of an end fitting 2 (partially described) with an RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached that has been chamfered 5 and potted. Whether the end fitting 2 only has an embedded recess 4, or an end fitting 2 has a chamfered 5 at a certain depth corner of the embedded recess 4, the surface of the RF tag 3 can be protected (e.g., drip-proof) by potting, which involves applying resin to form a coating film 6. The coating film 6 may be formed by processing so as to protrude from the surface of the end fitting 2, as shown in Figure 4B, or it may be formed by processing so as to be the same height as the surface of the end fitting 2, as shown in Figure 4D.

[0029] Figure 5 shows the method for attaching the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2. Of these, Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the press-fitting jig 7 set up (prepared) for press-fitting the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2 using a hand press, Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of 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, Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the press-fitting jig 7 being moved to attach the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 and the RF tag 3 being press-fitted into the end fitting 2, and Figure 5D is a schematic diagram after the RF tag 3 has been press-fitted into the end fitting 2. The process for attaching the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 is as follows: (1) Set up (prepare) the press-fitting jig 7 for press-fitting the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2 using a hand press, (2) Press-fit the RF tag 3 into the processed end fitting 2 using a hand press, and (3) The attachment of the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 is completed.

[0030] The method for attaching the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 described above can be used as a method for attaching the RF tag 3 to articles made of metal or synthetic resin. That is, by using this press-fitting method for attaching the RF tag 3, the RF tag 3 can be attached to the insertion recess 4 of metal or synthetic resin articles (for example, parts and equipment, medical devices (surgical instruments such as scalpels and scissors), industrial equipment, and machine components (automobile parts, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, etc.)) that have an insertion recess 4 provided in advance, by press-fitting. The RF tag 3 can record and update information desired by the user of the article, such as article information (specifications) and usage history. [Examples]

[0031] (Example 1: Column 1 with an RF tag 3 attached to an end fitting 2 that only has an insertion recess 4) As shown in Figure 2, a recess 4 was provided in both the metal (stainless steel) column 1 and the PEEK resin column 1, and the RF tag 3 was attached to the recess 4 by press-fitting (hand-pressing). 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.

[0032] (Example 2: A column 1 is fitted with an RF tag 3 to an end fitting 2 that has a step between the press-fit portion and the opening, and an enlarged opening by adding a chamfer 5.) 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 problems changed from approximately 3.50 mm to approximately 5.08 mm, and the communication distance at which RF tag 3 data can be written without problems changed from an unmeasurable state to 3.60 mm, confirming the improvement in communication distance due to chamfering. Similarly, when steps (two-stage and three-stage) were added to the opening of the metal column 1, the communication distance at which RF tag 3 data can be read without problems changed from approximately 3.50 mm to approximately 5.08 mm, and the communication distance at which RF tag 3 data can be written without problems changed from an unmeasurable state to approximately 3.60 mm, confirming the improvement in communication distance due to the steps.

[0033] 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 or not the opening was chamfered.

[0034] (Example 3: Column 1 with potting process and RF tag 3 attached) As shown in Figure 4, the communication distance was compared when potting was performed by applying silicone resin to the opening of the metal (stainless steel) column 1. The communication distance at which reading RF tag 3 data was not hindered increased from approximately 5.08 mm to approximately 5.10 mm, and the communication distance at which writing to RF tag 3 was not hindered increased from approximately 3.60 mm to approximately 3.55 mm. No significant change in communication distance was observed even after potting. Similarly, even when the opening was widened by chamfering and / or adding two or more steps, the communication distance at which reading RF tag 3 data was not hindered increased from approximately 5.08 mm to approximately 5.10 mm, and the communication distance at which writing to RF tag 3 was not hindered increased from approximately 3.60 mm to approximately 3.55 mm. No significant change in communication distance was observed.

[0035] 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 or not the opening was chamfered and / or stepped in two or more stages.

[0036] As a result of diligent research, the inventors have found that providing an insertion recess on one side of the column's end fitting and press-fitting the RF tag into this recess is the simplest method during column manufacturing and use. Furthermore, they have found that by chamfering a certain depth of the corner of the insertion recess across the edge of the end fitting's side surface where the insertion recess is provided, even inexpensive passive RF tags can be read and rewritten without contact when attached to metal or synthetic resin columns.

[0037] The invention according to claim 1 relates to a column for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), wherein an insertion recess is provided at an arbitrary position on one side surface of a polygonal prism having an end fitting, and an RF tag is attached to the insertion recess.

[0038] The invention according to claim 2 relates to the HPLC or GC column according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the recess is provided with a chamfer.

[0039] The invention according to claim 3 relates to an HPLC or GC column according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening of the embedding recess has two or more stages.

[0040] The invention according to claim 4 relates to the HPLC or GC column according to claim 1, wherein a resin is applied to the surface of the RF tag attached to the end fitting and then potted.

[0041] The invention according to claim 5 is a method for attaching an RF tag to an article made by molding metal or synthetic resin, wherein a recess for attaching the RF tag is provided at an arbitrary position on one surface of the article, and the RF tag is attached to the recess by press-fitting.

[0042] The invention according to claim 6 relates to the method according to claim 5, wherein the opening of the recessed part is chamfered.

[0043] The invention according to claim 7 relates to the method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the opening of the recessed portion is in two or more stages.

[0044] 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.

[0045] According to the invention of claim 2, the opening of the insertion recess is chamfered, and the HPLC or GC column described in claim 1 is provided. Because the insertion recess is chamfered, even if the RF tag is attached to a metal column, the reader / writer can read and write information from a distance, thus providing the effect that the RF tag can be used without removing the column from the chromatograph.

[0046] According to the invention of claim 3, the HPLC or GC column described in claim 1 or 2 is provided, wherein the opening of the embedding recess has two or more steps. Since there are two or more steps in the opening of the embedding recess, even if the RF tag is attached to a metal column, the reader / writer can read and write information from a distance, thus providing the effect that the RF tag can be used without removing the column from the chromatograph.

[0047] According to the invention of claim 4, the HPLC or GC column described in claim 1 is obtained by applying a resin to the surface of the RF tag attached to the end fitting and performing a potting process, thereby preventing the RF tag from becoming impregnated by a sample or the like and rendering it unusable.

[0048] According to the invention of claim 5, there is a method for attaching an RF tag to an article made by molding metal or synthetic resin, wherein a recess for attaching the RF tag is provided at an arbitrary position on one surface of the article, and the RF tag is attached to the recess by press-fitting, thus having the effect of being able to attach RF tags to a wide variety of articles.

[0049] According to the invention of claim 6, the opening of the recessed part is chamfered, as is the method of claim 5, and therefore, even if the part is made of metal, the reader / writer can read and write information even when it is far from the RF tag to which it is attached.

[0050] According to the invention of claim 7, the method of claim 5 or 6 is obtained in which the opening of the recessed part has two or more stages, so that even if the part is made of metal, information can be read and written even if the reader / writer is separated from the attached RF tag.

[0051] According to the invention of claim 8, the method of claim 5 is obtained in which the article is an end fitting for a column for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), and thus the effect is obtained in which a column with an RF tag attached to the end fitting can be obtained.

[0052] 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 an arbitrary position on one side surface of a polygonal prism having an end fitting, and an RF tag is attached to the insertion recess. As a result, the RF tag can store, read, and rewrite information desired by the column user, such as column information, sample information, and usage history. [Industrial applicability]

[0053] 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 an embedded recess by a press-fitting operation, such as medical devices (surgical instruments such as scalpels and scissors), industrial equipment, and mechanical components (automobile parts, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, etc.). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1 column 2 End Fittings 3 RF tags 4. Recessed 5. Chamfer

Claims

1. A method for attaching an RF tag to an article made by molding metal or synthetic resin, A recess for attaching an RF tag is provided at an arbitrary position on one surface of the aforementioned article. A method of attaching the RF tag to the aforementioned recess by press-fitting.

2. In the step of providing the aforementioned recess, the press-fit portion is provided in which the RF tag is attached by press-fitting, An opening is formed in which the RF tag attached to the press-fit portion is exposed, The method according to claim 1, wherein the opening is larger than the press-fit portion.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the opening of the recessed part is chamfered.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the opening of the recessed portion has two or more stages.

Images