Column with an RF tag attached and method for attaching the RF tag

Abstract

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 the RF tag. **Solution**: Provided is a column for HPLC or GC, in which a fitting recess is provided at an arbitrary position on one side surface of a prism of an end fitting, and an RF tag is attached to the fitting 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 the RF tag, and particularly relates to a column for HPLC or GC equipped with an RF tag, and a method for attaching the 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 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 non-contact reading of the information written in this non-contact IC tag. It is also possible to write / rewrite information regarding the solid difference of the separation column, reduce the work time for parameter creation and input during analysis, and enable integrated management of the separation column and parameters, so it was also easy to transfer and use the separation column in other devices.

[0004] Conventionally, the column described in Patent Document 1 has been described as embedding or adding an IC tag, and it was a technique that disclosed the convenience of attaching an IC tag to a column. However, this Patent Document 1 did not disclose any specific attachment method for embedding or adding an IC tag.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS 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 the RF tag.

[0007] As a result of intensive studies on these, the inventors have found that providing a fitting recess on one side of the end fitting of the column and press-fitting and attaching the RF tag into this fitting recess is the simplest during column manufacturing and use. Furthermore, by chamfering the corner of a certain depth of the fitting recess across the end of the side surface of the end fitting provided with the fitting recess, even a passive RF tag that can be obtained at low cost can be read and rewritten non-contact when attached to a column made of metal or synthetic resin.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

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

[0009] The invention according to claim 2 relates to the HPLC or GC column according to claim 1, wherein a chamfer is provided at the opening of the fitting recess.

[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 fitting recess has two or more steps.

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

[0012] The invention according to claim 5 is a method of attaching an RF tag to an article manufactured by molding a metal or synthetic resin, comprising providing a fitting recess for attaching the RF tag at an arbitrary position on one surface of the article, and attaching the RF tag to the fitting 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 steps.

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

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the invention according to claim 1, there is provided a column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), in which a fitting recess is provided at an arbitrary position on one side surface of a polygonal column of an end fitting, and an RF tag is attached to the fitting recess. Therefore, information desired by a 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 according to claim 2, there is provided a column for HPLC or GC according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the fitting recess is chamfered. Since the opening of the fitting recess is chamfered, even for an RF tag attached to a metal column, the reader / writer can read and write information from a position away from the column, so that the RF tag can be used without removing the column from the chromatograph.

[0018] According to the invention according to claim 3, there is provided a column for HPLC or GC according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening of the fitting recess has two or more steps. Since the opening of the fitting recess is provided with two or more steps, even for an RF tag attached to a metal column, the reader / writer can read and write information from a position away from the column, so that the RF tag can be used without removing the column from the chromatograph.

[0019] According to the invention according to claim 4, there is provided a column for HPLC or GC according to claim 1, wherein resin is applied to the surface of the RF tag attached to the end fitting and potted. This has the effect of preventing the RF tag from being infiltrated by a sample or the like and becoming unusable.

[0020] According to the invention according to claim 5, there is provided a method of attaching an RF tag to an article manufactured by molding metal or synthetic resin, the method comprising providing a fitting recess for attaching the RF tag at an arbitrary position on one surface of the article, and press-fitting the RF tag into the fitting recess. This has the effect of enabling the RF tag to be attached to a wide variety of articles.

[0021] According to the invention according to claim 6, there is provided the method according to claim 5, wherein the opening of the fitting recess is chamfered. This has the effect of enabling information to be read and written even for a metal part, even when the reader / writer is away from the attached RF tag.

[0022] According to the invention according to claim 7, since the opening of the fitting recess has two or more steps and is the method according to claim 5 or 6, even for metal parts, information can be read and written even when the reader / writer is separated from the mounted RF tag, achieving the effect.

[0023] According to the invention according to claim 8, since the article is an end fitting for a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC) column and is the method according to claim 5, the effect of obtaining a column with an RF tag attached to the end fitting is achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the 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 the column 1 with the RF tag 3 attached to the end fitting 2. Among them, FIG. 1A is an overall view of the metal column 1 with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached to the end fitting 2, and FIG. 1B is an overall view of the resin column 1 with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention attached to the 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 fitting 2 according to the present invention is attached to both ends of the column 1, has a polygonal column shape as a whole or in part, and a fitting recess 4 is provided at an arbitrary position on one side surface of this polygonal column, and an RF tag 3 is attached to this fitting recess 4. The shape of the polygonal column can be arbitrarily set by the column user, such as a square column, a hexagonal column, an octagonal column, etc. A hexagonal column is described in FIG. 1.

[0029] The fitting recess 4 indicates a depression provided in the end fitting 2 for attaching 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 polygonal column structure as a whole or partially. 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 RF tag 3 to be attached, and are arbitrarily set by the column user.

[0030] Examples of the method of press-fitting the RF tag 3 include a hand press, etc., but any press-fitting method in which the RF tag 3 does not easily come off from an article made of metal or synthetic resin can be arbitrarily selected by the user.

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

[0033] The RF tag 3, also known as an IC tag or a wireless tag, refers to an information medium that incorporates a semiconductor memory, retains data written by an induced electromagnetic field or radio waves, and enables non-contact reading, writing, and rewriting. Information desired by the column user, such as column information, sample information, and usage history, can be recorded on 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.

[0034] 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 2.2mm×2.5mm×0.91mm, frequency UHF band, communication distance up to 5mm (varies depending on the environment, up to 3.6mm when the tag is attached on metal), memory size TID 176bit (write-protected) (FeRAM) EPC 160bit, manufactured by SKElectronics Co., Ltd.) can be mentioned.

[0035] 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 not only have excellent heat resistance and pressure resistance but also have the characteristic that sample adsorption and denaturation do not occur. Examples of synthetic resins include PEEK, PTFE, polyethylene, etc., and examples of metals include stainless steel, titanium, bronze (copper alloy), 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 sample adsorption and denaturation do not occur.

[0036] Regarding the column 1 according to the present invention, resin may be applied to the surface of the RF tag 3 attached to the end fitting 2 and potted. Potting can prevent the RF tag 3 from being infiltrated by samples or the like and becoming unusable. Examples of the resin applied for potting include urethane resin and silicone resin, but it is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with RFID communication.

[0037] Column 1 according to the present invention has the following characteristics. That is, a process is performed to provide a fitting recess 4 so that the RF tag 3 can be attached to the end fitting 2. By press-fitting the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2, (1) it is possible to directly attach the RF tag 3 to the column 1, (2) since it can be attached without using auxiliary agents such as adhesives, there is no need to consider interference during analysis due to auxiliary agents such as adhesives, (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 a column made of a metal or synthetic resin material having pressure resistance suitable for the press-fitting operation, (5) devise a processing method for the portion where the RF tag 3 is attached. Specifically, provide two or more steps between the press-fitting portion (the portion of the end fitting 2 where the RF tag 3 is attached by press-fitting) and the opening portion (the portion where the RF tag 3 is exposed), and / or provide a chamfer 5, and by enlarging the opening portion with respect to the press-fitting portion, it is possible to extend the communication distance of the metal column 1 where communication is particularly shielded, and facilitate the transmission and reception of radio waves.

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

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

[0040] Figure 4 shows a schematic view when potting is performed on the end fitting 2 with the RF tag 3 mounted thereon. Among them, Fig. 4A is a plan view when potting is performed on the end fitting 2 (only a part is shown) with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention, Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view when potting is performed on the end fitting 2 (only a part is shown) with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention, Fig. 4C is a plan view when a chamfer 5 is provided on the end fitting 2 (only a part is shown) with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention and potting is performed, and Fig. 4D is a cross-sectional view when a chamfer 5 is provided on the end fitting 2 (only a part is shown) with the RF tag 3 according to the present invention and potting is performed. By potting by applying a resin to form a coating film 6, the surface of the RF tag 3 can be protected (for example, against dripping) in either the end fitting 2 provided only with the fitting recess 4 or the end fitting 2 provided with a chamfer 5 at a corner of a certain depth of the fitting recess 4. As shown in Fig. 4B, the coating film 6 may be formed so as to bulge from the surface of the end fitting 2 by processing, or as shown in Fig. 4D, it may be formed to be flush with the surface of the end fitting 2 by processing.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method of attaching the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2. Among them, FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of setting (preparing) a press-fit jig 7 for press-fitting the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2 with a hand press. FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the initial state when moving the press-fit jig 7 and attaching the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 by press-fitting. FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of moving the press-fit jig 7 to attach the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 and press-fitting the RF tag 3 into the end fitting 2. FIG. 5D is a schematic diagram after the RF tag 3 is press-fitted into the end fitting 2. The process of attaching the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 is as follows. (1) Set (prepare) a press-fit 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. (3) The attachment of the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 is completed.

[0042] The method of attaching the RF tag 3 to the end fitting 2 described above can be used as a method of attaching the RF tag 3 to an article made of metal or synthetic resin. That is, by using this method of attaching the RF tag 3 by press-fitting, the RF tag 3 can be press-fitted and attached to the recessed portion 4 of an article made of metal or synthetic resin (for example, parts, equipment, medical equipment (surgical instruments such as scalpels and scissors), industrial equipment, mechanical components (automobile parts, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, etc.)) provided with the recessed portion 4 in advance. The RF tag 3 can record and update information desired by the user of the article, such as information (specifications) of the article and usage history.

Example

[0043] (Example 1: Column 1 with the RF tag 3 attached to the end fitting 2 provided with only the recessed portion 4) As shown in Fig. 2, recessed portions 4 were provided in a column 1 made of metal (stainless steel) and a column 1 made of PEEK resin, respectively, and an RF tag 3 was press-fitted (hand press) into the recessed portions 4 for attachment. The communication distance of the metal column 1 was about 3.50 mm, and the communication distance of the PEEK resin column 1 was about 5.20 mm.

[0044] (Example 2: An end fitting 2 provided with a step between the press-fitting portion and the opening portion and further provided with a chamfer 5 to enlarge the opening portion, and a column 1 with an RF tag 3 attached) As shown in Fig. 3, by chamfering the opening of the column 1 made of metal (stainless steel), the communication distance without hindrance to reading the data of the RF tag 3 changed from about 3.50 mm to about 5.08 mm, and the communication distance without hindrance to writing to the RF tag 3 changed from an unmeasurable state to 3.60 mm, and the improvement of the communication distance by chamfering was confirmed. Similarly, when steps (two-stage and three-stage) were provided at the opening of the metal column 1, the communication distance without hindrance to reading the data of the RF tag 3 changed from about 3.50 mm to about 5.08 mm, and the communication distance without hindrance to writing to the RF tag 3 changed from an unmeasurable state to about 3.60 mm, and the improvement of the communication distance by the steps was confirmed.

[0045] In the case of the column 1 made of PEEK resin, regardless of whether the opening was chamfered or not, the communication distance was 5.2 mm, maintaining a high level compared to the metal column 1.

[0046] (Example 3: A column 1 with an RF tag 3 attached, which was subjected to potting) As shown in Fig. 4, the communication distances were compared when potting was performed by applying silicone resin to the opening of a column 1 made of metal (stainless steel). The communication distance without hindrance to reading the data of the RF tag 3 was from about 5.08 mm to about 5.10 mm, and the communication distance without hindrance to writing to the RF tag 3 was from about 3.60 mm to about 3.55 mm. Even when potting was performed, no significant change was observed in the communication distance. Similarly, even when the opening was chamfered and / or stepped in two or more steps to widen the opening, the communication distance without hindrance to reading the data of the RF tag 3 was from about 5.08 mm to about 5.10 mm, and the communication distance without hindrance to writing to the RF tag 3 was from about 3.60 mm to about 3.55 mm, and no significant change was observed in the communication distance.

[0047] In the case of the column 1 made of PEEK resin, regardless of whether or not the opening was chamfered and / or stepped in two or more steps, the communication distance was 5.2 mm, maintaining a high level compared to the column 1 made of metal.

Industrial Applicability

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

Explanation of Signs

[0049] 1 Column 2 End fitting 3 RF tag 4 Recess 5 Chamfer

Claims

1. A column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), wherein a fitting recess is provided at an arbitrary position on one side surface of a polygonal column of an end fitting, and an RF tag is attached to the fitting recess. An HPLC or GC column, wherein the opening of the fitting recess is chamfered.

2. The HPLC or GC column according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the fitting recess has two or more steps.

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

4. A column for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), wherein a fitting recess is provided at an arbitrary position on one side surface of a polygonal column of an end fitting, and an RF tag is attached to the fitting recess. An HPLC or GC column, wherein the opening of the fitting recess has two or more steps.

5. The HPLC or GC column according to claim 4, wherein resin is applied to the surface of the RF tag attached to the end fitting and potted.

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