Spectroscopic Probe

Abstract

To provide a spectroscopic probe having a window unit which is not broken by high temperatures and high pressures.SOLUTION: A spectroscopic probe used for a spectral analyzer includes: a light guide unit 10 for transmitting light; a cylindrical housing unit 11 for storing the light guide unit 10; a window unit 12 for transmitting light; and a fixing unit 13 for storing the window unit 12 and fixing the window unit to the housing unit 11. A first screw unit 150 provided in the housing unit 11 and a second screw unit 151 provided in the fixing unit 13 are fastened and the window unit 12 is fixed between the housing unit 11 and the fixing unit 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spectroscopic probe for use in a spectroscopic analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is a foam molding device that dissolves a foaming agent made of a low molecular gas such as carbon dioxide in a resin and forms bubbles of the low molecular gas in the resin during the molding process. As described in Patent Document 1, the foam molding device uses a near-infrared spectrometer to measure the concentration of the low molecular gas dissolved in the resin online and can control the supply of the low molecular gas based on the measurement results, thereby improving the quality of the foam molding. In addition, a near-infrared spectrometer probe is used in the near-infrared spectrometer.

[0003] In the near-infrared spectrometer, near-infrared light (wavelength 800 nm to 2500 nm) is irradiated onto the resin from a near-infrared spectrometer probe, and the spectrum absorbed from the incident light and reflected light is calculated to measure the concentration of the low-molecular-weight gas dissolved in the resin. By feedback-controlling the concentration of the low-molecular-weight gas dissolved in the resin to a predetermined set value, the diameter and number of bubbles formed in the resin can be controlled, and a high-quality foamed molded product can be formed.

[0004] In a near-infrared spectroscopic analyzer, a pair of near-infrared spectroscopic probes are attached to the resin outlet of a foam molding device, and one of the near-infrared spectroscopic probes irradiates near-infrared light which passes through the resin, while the other near-infrared spectroscopic probe receives the near-infrared light that has passed through the resin.

[0005] A near-infrared spectroscopic probe used in a near-infrared spectroscopic analyzer includes a light guide that transmits near-infrared light, a cylindrical housing that houses the light guide, and a window that transmits near-infrared light. The light guide is made of a material that transmits light such as near-infrared light (e.g., quartz glass, plastic). The window is made of a transparent material that can withstand high temperatures and high pressures (e.g., sapphire, quartz, calcium fluoride), and is fixed to the housing so as to protect the tip of the light guide, and the tip of the light guide and the window are disposed in or near the resin.

[0006] In conventional near-infrared spectroscopic probes, the window is fused to the tip of the housing, but when the resin in the foam molding device is at a high pressure (e.g., 30 MPa) or higher, the window located in or near the resin may be damaged by the high pressure, which may cause the high-temperature resin to leak to the tip of the housing and damage the light guide. As a result, the near-infrared spectroscopic probe may malfunction or break down. In addition, frequent maintenance and replacement work is required, which reduces the operating rate of the near-infrared spectroscopic analyzer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-150518 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a spectroscopic probe configured so that the window portion is not damaged even under high temperature and pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the spectroscopic probe according to the present invention is a spectroscopic probe for use in a spectroscopic analyzer, and includes a light guiding section for transmitting light, a cylindrical housing section for accommodating the light guiding section, a window section for transmitting light, and a fixing section for accommodating the window section and fixing it to the housing section. A first screw section provided in the housing section and a second screw section provided in the fixing section are fastened, and the window section is fixed between the housing section and the fixing section.

[0010] Preferably, the housing portion includes a main body portion and a protrusion portion. The protrusion portion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the main body portion and includes a first screw portion provided on an outer periphery. The fixing portion houses the protrusion portion and the window portion and includes a second screw portion provided on an inner periphery.

[0011] The window portion includes a base portion that abuts against the protrusion of the housing portion, and a tip portion having a tip surface smaller than the abutment surface of the base portion, the tip surface of the tip portion being a surface parallel to the abutment surface of the base portion.

[0012] It is also preferable that the window portion comprises a cylindrical base portion that abuts against the protrusion of the housing portion, and a cylindrical tip portion that has a diameter smaller than that of the base portion and is provided at the center of the base portion.

[0013] The spectroscopic probe also includes an elastic O-ring, which is preferably disposed at a connecting corner between the base and tip of the window.

[0014] Moreover, it is preferable that the window portion comprises a cylindrical base portion that abuts against the protruding portion of the housing portion, and a truncated cone-shaped tip portion that is formed so as to taper continuously from the base portion.

[0015] The spectroscopic probe also includes an elastic O-ring, which is preferably disposed at the tip of the window portion. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The spectroscopic probe according to the present invention is configured so that the window portion will not break even under high temperature and pressure. This prevents the spectroscopic probe from malfunctioning or breaking down. As a result, frequent maintenance and replacement work is not required, and the operating rate of the spectroscopic analyzer is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a foam molding apparatus equipped with a spectroscopic probe. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the tip side of the spectroscopic probe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tip side of the spectroscopic probe according to the first embodiment is disassembled. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the tip side of a spectroscopic probe according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tip side of the spectroscopic probe according to the second embodiment is disassembled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a spectroscopic probe according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the spectroscopic probe is a near-infrared spectroscopic probe that disperses near-infrared light.

[0019] <Foam molding equipment> As shown in FIG. 1, the foam molding apparatus of this embodiment is composed of an injection molding machine 100. The foam molding apparatus may be an extrusion molding machine or the like. The injection molding machine 100 includes an injection cylinder 101 and a screw unit 102 provided inside the injection cylinder 101. The screw unit 102 is configured to move forward and backward and rotate by a drive mechanism (not shown). The injection molding machine 100 includes a hopper unit 104 connected to the injection cylinder 101. The hopper unit 104 supplies pellets P of a molding resin material (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene) to the injection cylinder 101.

[0020] The injection molding machine 100 includes a gas injection unit 105 connected to an injection cylinder 101. The gas injection unit 105 supplies a low molecular gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) that dissolves in resin to the injection cylinder 101. The injection cylinder 101 is heated by a heater (not shown) to melt the pellets P supplied from the hopper unit 104 into molten resin. Then, the gas supplied from the gas injection unit 105 is dissolved in the molten resin.

[0021] The injection molding machine 100 includes a nozzle portion 103 provided at the tip of an injection cylinder 101. As the screw portion 102 advances and rotates, the molten resin in the injection cylinder 101 is transported to the nozzle portion 103. The molten resin contains dissolved gas and is transported to the nozzle portion 103 in a high-temperature and high-pressure state.

[0022] The injection molding machine 100 includes a clamping mechanism 107 that opens and closes a mold 106 to clamp it. The mold 106 is closed and fixed by the clamping mechanism 107, and is held at a pressure that can withstand the pressure received during the injection process. A gap of a predetermined shape is formed in the mold 106. Then, the nozzle portion 103 of the injection cylinder 101 is inserted into the mold 106. As the screw portion 102 advances and rotates, the molten resin in the injection cylinder 101 is injected into the gap of the mold 106 through the nozzle portion 103. The resin in the mold 106 is cooled, the mold 106 is opened, and the molded resin product is removed from the mold 106.

[0023] The injection molding machine 100 is configured to measure the concentration of the low molecular gas dissolved in the resin online using a near-infrared spectroscopic analyzer, and to control the supply of the low molecular gas based on the measurement result. By controlling the supply of the low molecular gas, the quality of the foamed molded article can be improved. In order to perform the near-infrared spectroscopic analysis, the injection molding machine 100 is equipped with a pair of near-infrared spectroscopic probes 1, 1 attached to the nozzle portion 103 of the injection molding machine 100.

[0024] One of the near-infrared spectroscopic probes 1 irradiates near-infrared light (wavelength 800 nm to 2500 nm) which passes through the resin, and the other near-infrared spectroscopic probe 1 receives the near-infrared light which has passed through the resin. Then, the absorbed spectrum is calculated from the incident light and the reflected light, and the concentration of the low-molecular-weight gas dissolved in the resin is measured. By performing feedback control so that the concentration of the low-molecular-weight gas dissolved in the resin becomes a predetermined set value, the diameter and number of bubbles formed in the resin can be controlled, and a high-quality foamed molded product can be formed.

[0025] <Near-infrared spectroscopic probe> As shown in FIG. 2, the near-infrared spectroscopic probe 1 includes a light guide 10 that transmits near-infrared light, a cylindrical housing 11 that houses the light guide 10, and a window 12 that transmits near-infrared light. The light guide 10 is made of a material that transmits light such as near-infrared light (e.g., quartz glass, plastic). The window 12 is made of a transparent material that can withstand high temperatures and high pressures (e.g., sapphire, quartz, calcium fluoride). The window 12 is fixed to the housing 11 by a fixing part 13 so as to protect the tip of the light guide 10. The housing 11 and the fixing part 13 are made of a metal that can withstand high temperatures and high pressures. The housing 11 is fixed to a nozzle 103 of an injection cylinder 101. Then, the tip of the light guide 10 and the window 12 are placed in the molten resin.

[0026] First Embodiment The tip side of the near-infrared spectroscopic probe 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0027] The housing portion 11 includes an insertion portion 114 through which the light guiding portion 10 is inserted. Furthermore, the housing portion 11 includes a main body portion 110 and a protruding portion 111, and the main body portion 110 is attached to the nozzle portion 103. When the main body portion 110 is attached to the nozzle portion 103, the protruding portion 111 is disposed inside the nozzle portion 103. The protruding portion 111 has a diameter smaller than that of the main body portion 110. As a result, a step is formed at the boundary between the main body portion 110 and the protruding portion 111, and a wall surface 113 is provided. The protruding portion 111 includes a first screw portion (male screw portion) 150 provided on the outer periphery.

[0028] The window portion 12 is composed of a base portion 120 and a tip portion 121. The base portion 120 abuts against the protruding portion 111 of the housing portion 11 and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter φ1. The tip portion 121 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter φ2 smaller than the diameter φ1 of the base portion 120 and is provided at the center of the base portion 120. The base portion 120 is disk-shaped, and the tip portion 121 extends longer than the base portion 120. The window portion 12 is composed of a solid transparent material, and the base portion 120 and the tip portion 121 are integrally molded. Therefore, the base portion 120 has an abutment surface 120a that abuts against the protruding portion 111 of the housing portion 11, and the abutment surface 120a is a circle with a diameter φ1. The tip portion 121 has a tip surface 121a on the tip side, and the tip surface 121a is a circle with a diameter φ2. The diameters φ1 and φ2 may be determined according to the diameter of the light guide 10 or the diameter of the nozzle 103, and are not limited thereto, but from the viewpoint of miniaturizing the near-infrared spectroscopic probe 1, the diameter φ1 is preferably 25.0 mm or less, more preferably 15.0 mm or less, 10.0 mm or less, or 7.5 mm or less, and the diameter φ2 is preferably 10.0 mm or less, more preferably 5.0 mm or less, 4.0 mm or less, or 2.5 mm or less. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture and accuracy of near-infrared spectroscopic analysis, the diameter φ1 is preferably 2.0 mm or more, and the diameter φ2 is preferably 0.5 mm or more.

[0029] An elastic O-ring 14 is disposed at the connecting corner 12a of the base 120 and the tip 121 of the window portion 12. The O-ring 14 is made of a resin material or the like that is resistant to high temperatures and high pressures. The O-ring has an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter φ2 of the tip 12 so that it fits tightly into the tip 121.

[0030] The fixing portion 13 has a first storage portion 130 that stores the protrusion 111 and the base portion 120 of the window portion 12. The first storage portion 130 has a second screw portion (female screw portion) 151 provided on the inside. The second screw portion 151 is tightened into the first screw portion 150 of the protrusion 111. At that time, the first storage portion 130 is configured to be in close contact with the periphery of the base portion 120.

[0031] Fixing portion 13 has second storage portion 131 that stores tip portion 121 of window portion 12. Second storage portion 131 is configured to fit closely around tip portion 121, and is open at the tip side of tip portion 121. As a result, near-infrared rays from light guiding portion 10 pass through base portion 120 and are irradiated from tip portion 121, while near-infrared rays that have passed through the resin are received by tip portion 121, pass through base portion 120, and are sent to light guiding portion 10.

[0032] The fixed portion 13 has a step portion 13b formed at the boundary between the first storage portion 130 and the second storage portion 131, so that when the first screw portion 150 provided on the protrusion 111 and the second screw portion 151 provided on the fixed portion 13 are tightened, the base 120 of the window portion 12 is sandwiched between the protrusion 111 of the housing portion 11 and the step portion 13b of the fixed portion 13, and is tightly fixed so as to block the insertion portion 114 through which the light-guiding portion 10 is inserted.

[0033] The fixed portion 13 has a notch 132 at a connection corner between the first storage portion 130 and the second storage portion 131, and the O-ring 14 is disposed in the notch 132. Thereby, when the first screw portion 150 provided on the protruding portion 111 and the second screw portion 151 provided on the fixed portion 13 are fastened, the window portion 12 is fixed between the protruding portion 111 and the fixed portion 13, and the O-ring 14 is deformed and is tightly attached to the notch 132 of the fixed portion 13, the base portion 120 and the tip portion 121 of the window portion 12. As a result, even if resin leaks between the second storage portion 131 of the fixed portion 13 and the tip portion 121 of the window portion 12, the O-ring 14 can reliably prevent the resin from entering. The maximum diameter of the fixing part 13 is not particularly limited, and may be determined in consideration of the above φ1 and φ2, the diameter of the nozzle part 103, and the mechanical strength required of the fixing part 13. From the viewpoint of using a commercially available product as the injection molding machine 100, the maximum diameter of the fixing part 13 can usually be set to 7.0 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0034] <Second embodiment> The tip side of the near-infrared spectroscopic probe 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0035] The housing portion 11 includes an insertion portion 114 through which the light guiding portion 10 is inserted. Furthermore, the housing portion 11 includes a main body portion 110 and a protruding portion 111, and the main body portion 110 is attached to the nozzle portion 103. When the main body portion 110 is attached to the nozzle portion 103, the protruding portion 111 is disposed inside the nozzle portion 103. The protruding portion 111 has a diameter smaller than that of the main body portion 110. As a result, a step is formed at the boundary between the main body portion 110 and the protruding portion 111, and a wall surface 113 is provided. The protruding portion 111 includes a first screw portion (male screw portion) 150 provided on the outer periphery.

[0036] The window portion 12 is composed of a base portion 122 and a tip portion 123. The base portion 122 abuts against the protruding portion 111 of the housing portion 11 and is configured in a cylindrical shape with a diameter φ3. The tip portion 123 is configured in a truncated cone shape formed so as to continuously narrow from the base portion 122. Therefore, the diameter of the tip portion 123 on the base portion 122 side is the same as the diameter φ3 of the base portion 122, and the diameter φ4 on the tip side is configured to be smaller than the diameter φ3 of the base portion 122. The window portion 12 is composed of a solid transparent material, and the base portion 122 and the tip portion 123 are integrally molded. Therefore, the base portion 122 has an abutment surface 122a that abuts against the protruding portion 111 of the housing portion 11, and the abutment surface 122a is a circle with a diameter φ3. Moreover, the tip portion 123 has a tip surface 123a on the tip side, and the tip surface 123a is a circle with a diameter φ4. The diameters φ3 and φ4 may be determined according to the diameter of the light guide 10 or the diameter of the nozzle 103, and are not limited thereto, but from the viewpoint of miniaturizing the near-infrared spectroscopic probe 1, the diameter φ3 is preferably 15.0 mm or less, more preferably 9.0 mm or less, 7.0 mm or less, or 4.6 mm or less, and the diameter φ4 is preferably 10.0 mm or less, more preferably 5.0 mm or less, 4.0 mm or less, or 2.6 mm or less. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture and accuracy of near-infrared spectroscopic analysis, the diameter φ3 is preferably 1.5 mm or more, and the diameter φ4 is preferably 0.5 mm or more.

[0037] An elastic O-ring 14 is placed on the tip portion 123 of the window portion 12. The O-ring 14 is made of a resin material that can withstand high temperatures and high pressures. The O-ring has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter φ4 of the tip side of the tip portion 123 so that the O-ring is fitted into the tip portion 123 and closely contacts it.

[0038] Fixing portion 13 has a third storage portion 133 that stores protrusion 111. Third storage portion 133 has a second screw portion (female screw portion) 151 provided on the inside. Second screw portion 151 is tightened to first screw portion 150 of protrusion 111. At that time, base 120 of window portion 12 abuts against insertion portion 114 through which light guiding portion 10 is inserted so as to close it.

[0039] Fixing portion 13 has a fourth storage portion 134 that stores base portion 122 and tip portion 123 of window portion 12. Fourth storage portion 134 is configured to be in close contact with the periphery of base portion 122, and has an opening 135 formed therein so that the tip side of tip portion 123 is open. As a result, near-infrared rays from light guiding portion 10 pass through base portion 122 and are irradiated from tip portion 123, while near-infrared rays that have passed through the resin are received by tip portion 123, pass through base portion 122, and are sent to light guiding portion 10.

[0040] The fixed portion 13 has an opening 135 formed in the fourth storage portion 134, and the opening 135 opens in the same shape as the tip portion 123 of the window portion 12. Therefore, when the first screw portion 150 of the protruding portion 111 and the second screw portion 151 of the fixed portion 13 are fastened, the tip portion 123 of the window portion 12 is sandwiched between the protruding portion 111 of the housing portion 11 and the opening 135 of the fixed portion 13, and is fixed in close contact so as to block the insertion portion 114 through which the light guide portion 10 is inserted. The maximum diameter of the fixing part 13 is not particularly limited, and may be determined in consideration of the above φ3 and φ4, the diameter of the nozzle part 103, and the mechanical strength required of the fixing part 13. From the viewpoint of using a commercially available product as the injection molding machine 100, the maximum diameter of the fixing part 13 can usually be set to 7.0 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0041] When the window portion 12 is stored in the fourth storage portion 134, a space portion 13a is formed between the tip portion 123 of the window portion 12 and the fourth storage portion 134 (FIG. 5). That is, the tip portion 123 of the window portion 12 is configured to have a tapered cross section with an inclination, while the fourth storage portion 134 is configured to have a linear cross section, so that a space portion 13a is formed therebetween, and the O-ring 14 is placed in the space portion 13a. As a result, when the first screw portion 150 of the protruding portion 111 and the second screw portion 151 of the fixing portion 13 are tightened, the window portion 12 is fixed between the protruding portion 111 and the fixing portion 13, and the O-ring 14 is deformed and is tightly attached to the fourth storage portion 134 of the fixing portion 13 and the tip portion 123 of the window portion 12. As a result, even if resin leaks between the fourth storage portion 134 of the fixing portion 13 and the tip portion 123 of the window portion 12, the O-ring 14 can reliably prevent the resin from entering.

[0042] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the above embodiment, the spectroscopic probe is composed of a near-infrared spectroscopic probe 1 that disperses near-infrared light, but it may be configured to disperse light into optimal light such as mid-infrared light, far-infrared light, or visible light depending on the measurement target, purpose, etc. In the above embodiment, the first screw portion 150 is provided on the outer periphery of the protrusion 111 of the housing portion 11, but the first screw portion 150 may be provided on the outer periphery of the main body portion 110 of the housing portion 11 without providing the protrusion 111.

[0043] The effects of the present invention will now be described.

[0044] The spectroscopic probe according to the present invention is a spectroscopic probe used in a spectroscopic analyzer, and includes a light guiding section 10 that transmits light, a cylindrical housing section 11 that houses the light guiding section 10, a window section 12 that transmits light, and a fixing section 13 that houses the window section 12 and fixes it to the housing section 11. A first screw section 150 provided on the housing section 11 and a second screw section 151 provided on the fixing section 13 are tightened together, and the window section 12 is fixed between the housing section 11 and the fixing section 13.

[0045] In the spectroscopic probe according to the present invention, the first screw portion 150 provided on the housing portion 11 and the second screw portion 151 provided on the fixing portion 13 are fastened together, and the window portion 12 is fixed between the housing portion 11 and the fixing portion 13. In this way, the screw portions 150 and 151 can be fastened firmly to mechanically fix the window portion 12. Therefore, even if the resin in the foam molding device is at a high pressure of a predetermined pressure (e.g., 30 MPa) or more, the window portion 12 does not come off the housing portion 11. Furthermore, since the window portion 12 can be tightly attached to the housing portion 11, high-temperature resin does not leak into the housing portion 11 and damage the light guide portion 10. As a result, the spectroscopic probe does not malfunction or break down, and there is no need to frequently perform maintenance or replacement work therefor, and the operating rate of the spectroscopic analyzer can be improved. Moreover, since the window portion 12 can be removed by simply loosening the screw portions 150 and 151, the window portion 12 can be easily replaced, and maintenance and replacement work can be easily performed. Furthermore, the spectroscopic probe according to the present invention can ensure sufficient pressure resistance and does not include fragile parts such as adhesive parts or fused parts that may deteriorate during use. Therefore, the spectroscopic probe according to the present invention can withstand practical use even in a form in which deterioration of fragile parts is likely to cause practical problems, such as a form in which the window part or the entire probe is miniaturized. If the spectroscopic probe according to the present invention is miniaturized, it can be directly applied to general-purpose connection parts provided in the nozzle part of an injection molding machine, such as connection holes for pressure gauges or thermometers. Of course, the shapes of the window part, fixing part, etc. of the spectroscopic probe according to the present invention may be determined in advance so as to fit the connection hole provided in the nozzle part of a specific injection molding machine. In the above embodiment, the first screw portion 150 is provided on the outer periphery of the protrusion 111 of the housing portion 11, but the protrusion 111 may not be provided and the first screw portion 150 may be provided on the outer periphery of the main body portion 110 of the housing portion 11.

[0046] Preferably, the housing portion 11 includes a main body portion 110 and a protruding portion 111. The protruding portion 111 has a diameter smaller than that of the main body portion 110 and includes a first screw portion 150 provided on the outer periphery. The fixing portion 13 houses the protruding portion 111 and the window portion 12 and includes a second screw portion 151 provided on the inner periphery.

[0047] Since the protruding portion 111 has a diameter smaller than that of the main body portion 110, a step is formed at the boundary between the main body portion 110 and the protruding portion 111, and a wall surface 113 is provided. As a result, when the fixing portion 13 is fixed to the protruding portion 111 by fastening the screw portions 150 and 151, the fixing portion 13 is disposed facing the wall surface 113. Even if the fixing portion 13 is further pressed into the main body portion 110 side of the housing portion 11 by the high-pressure resin, the wall surface 113 can stop the movement of the fixing portion 13, and the window portion 12 is not damaged. Furthermore, the spectroscopic probe does not malfunction or break down, and frequent maintenance and replacement work is not required, so that the operating rate of the spectroscopic analyzer can be improved.

[0048] The window portion 12 is made up of base portions 120, 122 which come into contact with the protruding portion 111 of the housing portion 11, and tip portions 121, 123 having tip surfaces 121a, 123a which are smaller than the contact surfaces 120a, 122a of the base portions 120, 121.

[0049] Here, the tip surfaces 121a, 123a of the tip portions 121, 123 are parallel to the abutment surfaces 120a, 122a of the base portions 120, 122. In the window portion 12, the tip surfaces 121a, 123a of the tip portions 121, 123 are smaller than the abutment surfaces 120a, 122a of the base portions 120, 122 against the protruding portion 111 of the housing portion 11, which has the effect of making it easier to disperse pressure and providing excellent pressure resistance. This makes it possible to reduce the number of maintenance and replacement operations, thereby improving the operating rate of the spectrometer.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the window portion 12 desirably comprises a cylindrical base portion 120 that abuts against the protrusion 111 of the housing portion 11, and a cylindrical tip portion 121 that has a diameter φ2 smaller than the diameter φ1 of the base portion 120 and is provided at the center of the base portion 120.

[0051] Since the base 120 and the tip 121 are cylindrically configured, pressure is easily dispersed, providing excellent pressure resistance, and molding and processing are easy. This reduces the number of maintenance and replacement operations, improving the operating rate of the spectrometer. In addition, the base 120 is highly productive and can be manufactured at low cost, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. This shape allows the base 120 to be sandwiched between the protruding portion 111 and the fixing portion 13 of the housing portion 11, and the window portion 12 can be reliably fixed.

[0052] The spectroscopic probe also includes an elastic O-ring 14. The O-ring 14 is desirably disposed at a connecting corner 12a between the base portion 120 and the tip portion 121 of the window portion 12.

[0053] When a first screw portion 150 provided on the protruding portion 111 and a second screw portion 151 provided on the fixed portion 13 are tightened, the window portion 12 is fixed between the protruding portion 111 and the fixed portion 13, and the O-ring 14 deforms and is tightly attached to the fixed portion 13 and the base portion 120 and tip portion 121 of the window portion 12. As a result, even if resin leaks between the fixed portion 13 and the tip portion 121 of the window portion 12, the O-ring 14 can reliably prevent the resin from entering.

[0054] In the second embodiment, it is desirable that the window portion 12 comprises a cylindrical base portion 122 that abuts against the protrusion 111 of the housing portion 11, and a truncated cone-shaped tip portion 123 that is formed so as to taper continuously from the base portion 122.

[0055] The base 122 is cylindrical and the tip 123 is truncated cone, and this shape reduces multiple reflections of light due to Fresnel loss in the window 12, thereby reducing stray light, allowing accurate spectroscopic analysis. Furthermore, pressure is easily dispersed and the pressure resistance is excellent. This reduces the number of maintenance and replacement operations, improving the operating rate of the spectroscopic analyzer.

[0056] The spectroscopic probe also includes an elastic O-ring 14. The O-ring 14 is desirably disposed at the tip 123 of the window portion 12.

[0057] Since the tip 123 of the window portion 12 is configured in an inclined tapered shape, a space portion 13a can be formed between the fixed portion 13. Therefore, the O-ring 14 can be disposed in the space portion 13a. Then, the first screw portion 150 provided on the protruding portion 111 and the second screw portion 151 provided on the fixed portion 13 are tightened, the window portion 12 is fixed between the protruding portion 111 and the fixed portion 13, and the O-ring 14 is deformed and is tightly attached to the fixed portion 13 and the tip portion 123 of the window portion 12. As a result, even if resin leaks between the fixed portion 13 and the tip portion 123 of the window portion 12, the O-ring 14 can reliably prevent the resin from entering. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Spectroscopic probe 10 Light guide section 11 Housing section 110 Main body 111 Protrusion 12 Window section 120,122 base 120a,122a Contact surface 121,123 Tip 121a,123a Tip surface 13 Fixed part 150 First screw part 151 Second screw part 14 O-ring

Claims

1. A spectroscopic probe for use in a spectroscopic analyzer, comprising: A light guide portion that transmits light; A cylindrical housing portion that houses the light guide portion; A window portion that transmits the light; a fixing portion that receives the window portion and fixes it to the housing portion; and an elastic O-ring, The window portion includes a cylindrical base portion and a truncated cone-shaped tip portion formed so as to continuously narrow from the base portion, The fixing portion has an opening having the same shape as the tip side of the tip portion, the fixed portion has an inner circumferential surface that ensures a space between the inner circumferential surface of the tip portion and the window portion when the window portion is housed in the fixed portion, The O-ring is disposed in the space, A spectroscopic probe in which a first screw portion provided on the housing portion and a second screw portion provided on the fixed portion are tightened to sandwich and fix the window portion between the housing portion and the fixed portion, and the O-ring is tightly attached to the inner surface of the fixed portion and the outer surface of the tip portion in the space.

2. the housing portion includes a main body portion and a protrusion portion against which the base portion abuts when the window portion is fixed, the protrusion has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the body portion; The first screw portion is provided on an outer periphery of the protruding portion, The fixing portion is configured to receive the protrusion, The second screw portion is provided on an inner periphery of the fixed portion. The spectroscopic probe according to claim 1 .

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