Gas chromatograph equipment

Abstract

To provide a gas chromatography device in which it is possible to set a maintenance mode in advance and thereafter proceed maintenance for components by a simple operation on the device body.SOLUTION: A gas chromatography device comprises a communication unit 80, a setting processing unit 114, a first operation acceptance unit 52, and a maintenance processing unit 116. The communication unit 80 communicates with the outside. The setting processing unit 114 sets one of a plurality of maintenance modes to a default maintenance mode in accordance with input from the outside via the communication unit 80. The first operation acceptance unit 52 is provided in a housing 20, and accepts a progression operation for causing a maintenance sequence corresponding to the default maintenance mode to proceed. The maintenance processing unit 116 causes the maintenance sequence to proceed stepwise each time a progression operation is accepted by the first operation acceptance unit 52. The first operation acceptance unit 52 is used in common, even which one of the plurality of maintenance modes is set to the default maintenance mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas chromatograph apparatus capable of setting a plurality of maintenance modes. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a gas chromatograph disclosed in Patent Document 1 below has, as an example of a maintenance mode, a mode for automatically cooling a column in order to replace the column. Some gas chromatographs are designed so that one of a plurality of maintenance modes can be selected and executed by operating an information processing terminal connected to the gas chromatograph via a network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-48190 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When maintaining a gas chromatograph, multiple steps must be performed, and these multiple steps include operations on an information processing terminal, replacement of parts of the gas chromatograph, etc. The operations on the information processing terminal are specifically operations on a maintenance screen that is displayed on the information processing terminal and is a screen for proceeding with the multiple steps.

[0005] When performing maintenance on such a gas chromatograph, the person performing the maintenance must travel back and forth between the information processing terminal and the gas chromatograph, which is time-consuming.

[0006] One possible solution is to connect a portable information processing terminal directly to the gas chromatograph and perform maintenance while operating the maintenance screen displayed on the information processing terminal near the gas chromatograph. However, changing the maintenance mode is relatively rare, and connecting the information processing terminal to the gas chromatograph every time maintenance is performed is a cumbersome process.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a gas chromatograph device in which a maintenance mode can be set in advance and then maintenance of parts can be performed by simple operations on the device body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a gas chromatograph device capable of setting multiple maintenance modes for components provided in a housing, comprising a communication unit, a setting processing unit, a first operation receiving unit, and a maintenance processing unit. The communication unit communicates with an external device. The setting processing unit sets one of the multiple maintenance modes as a default maintenance mode in response to an input from the external device via the communication unit. The first operation receiving unit is provided in the housing and receives a progress operation for progressing a maintenance sequence corresponding to the default maintenance mode. The maintenance processing unit progresses the maintenance sequence step by step each time the progress operation is received by the first operation receiving unit. The first operation receiving unit is used in common regardless of which of the multiple maintenance modes is set as the default maintenance mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the maintenance mode can be set in advance, and thereafter, maintenance of components can be carried out by simple operations on the device main body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a gas chromatograph system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a gas chromatograph apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the sample introduction part of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the gas chromatograph apparatus of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a specific example of the electrical configuration of the gas chromatograph apparatus of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of the proceeding operation of the gas chromatograph apparatus of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a cancellation operation of the gas chromatograph apparatus of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1. Peripheral configuration of gas chromatograph equipment 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a gas chromatograph system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gas chromatograph system 10 includes a gas chromatograph device 12 and a user terminal 14.

[0012] The gas chromatograph device 12 is a device for separating components contained in a gas sample (sample gas) into individual components and detecting the various components as necessary.

[0013] The user terminal 14 is a device that includes at least a CPU, a communication unit for communicating with the outside, a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and is a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a notebook (laptop) PC, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like.

[0014] The gas chromatograph apparatus 12 and the user terminal 14 are connected via a network 16 such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet. Alternatively, the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 and the user terminal 14 may be directly connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

[0015] Furthermore, a setting terminal 18 may be directly connected to the gas chromatograph system 10, specifically the gas chromatograph apparatus 12, so as to be capable of wired or wireless communication. The setting terminal 18 is a device similar to the user terminal 14, and is used to set setting items related to the gas chromatograph apparatus 12.

[0016] For example, when a serviceman performs maintenance on the gas chromatograph apparatus 12, the setting terminal 18 is connected to the gas chromatograph apparatus 12. The setting terminal 18 may be connected to the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 via a predetermined network.

[0017] 2. Configuration of gas chromatograph equipment 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the gas chromatograph 12 of this embodiment. The gas chromatograph 12 includes a column oven 22, a sample introduction section 24, a column 26, and a detector 28, which are provided in a housing 20. The sample introduction section 24, the column 26, and the detector 28 are specifically provided in the column oven 22.

[0018] The sample introduction section 24 is a sample introduction unit (SPL) for introducing a carrier gas and a sample gas into the column 26. A sample is supplied to the sample introduction section 24, and the sample may be a liquid or a gas. That is, a liquid sample or a sample gas is supplied to the sample introduction section 24. When a liquid sample is supplied to the sample introduction section 24, the liquid sample is vaporized and introduced into the column 26 as a sample gas.

[0019] Furthermore, a gas supply channel 30 and a split channel 32 are connected to the sample introduction section 24. The gas supply channel 30 is a channel for supplying a carrier gas into the sample introduction section 24. Furthermore, an electrically controllable valve 34 is provided in the gas supply channel 30, which allows the supply of carrier gas to be stopped as appropriate.

[0020] The split flow path 32 is a flow path for discharging a portion of the gas (a mixture of carrier gas and sample gas) in the sample introduction section 24 to the outside at a predetermined split ratio when carrier gas and sample gas are introduced into the column 26 by the split introduction method.

[0021] The detector 28 is provided to sequentially detect the various components separated by the column 26. The detector 28 is configured by, for example, a flame ionization detector (FID).

[0022] In addition, an opening / closing mechanism 40 that opens and closes the air inlet 36 and the air outlet 38 is provided outside the column oven 22. The opening / closing mechanism 40 includes an air inlet flap 42 that opens and closes the air inlet 36 and an air outlet flap 44 that opens and closes the air outlet 38. Furthermore, a fan 46, a heater 48, and a temperature sensor 50 are provided inside the column oven 22.

[0023] When the inside of the column oven 22 is heated, the air inlet flap 42 and the air outlet flap 44 are closed, the fan 46 is rotated, and the heater 48 is activated. The air heated by the heater 48 circulates inside the column oven 22, thereby heating the inside of the column oven 22. In addition, the sample introduction section 24, the column 26, and the detector 28 are also heated in the same manner.

[0024] When cooling the inside of the column oven 22, the air inlet flap 42 and the air outlet flap 44 are opened, and the fan 46 is rotated. Air taken in through the air inlet 36 circulates inside the column oven 22, and the air is discharged through the air outlet 38, thereby cooling the column oven 22. At the same time, the sample introduction section 24, the column 26, and the detector 28 are also cooled in the same manner.

[0025] The temperature sensor 50 is a general-purpose temperature sensor and is provided to monitor the temperature inside the column oven 22 .

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 20 of the gas chromatograph device 12, specifically, the outside of the housing 20, is provided with a first operation acceptance unit 52, a second operation acceptance unit 54, and a notification unit 56.

[0027] The first operation receiving unit 52 is provided to receive predetermined operations related to maintenance of the gas chromatograph device 12. The first operation receiving unit 52 is not particularly limited as long as it functions as a button.

[0028] For example, a mechanical button, a pressure-sensitive button, or a capacitance button can be used as the first operation acceptance unit 52. Alternatively, a touch panel display that displays buttons reproduced by software can be used as the first operation acceptance unit 52.

[0029] The second operation receiving unit 54, like the first operation receiving unit 52, is provided to receive predetermined operations related to the maintenance of the gas chromatograph device 12, and is not particularly limited as long as it functions as a button.

[0030] The notification unit 56 is provided to notify the progress of maintenance of the gas chromatograph device 12. When visually notifying the progress of maintenance of the gas chromatograph device 12, the notification unit 56 can be a light-emitting member such as an LED (light emitting diode) or a display.

[0031] Furthermore, when the progress of maintenance of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 is to be notified audibly, a sound-generating member such as a speaker can be used as the notification unit 56. Furthermore, in this case, the notification unit 56 may be provided inside the housing 20. Note that the notification unit 56 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of notifying the progress of maintenance of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12.

[0032] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the sample introduction part 24 of this embodiment. The main body 60 of the sample introduction part 24 is formed hollow, thereby forming a sample vaporization chamber 62 therein. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the main body 60 is divided into a first main body 60a and a second main body 60b.

[0033] The gas supply channel 30 communicates from the first body 60a to the sample vaporization chamber 62, and the split channel 32 communicates from the second body 60b to the sample vaporization chamber 62. A cylindrical glass insert 64 is placed inside the body 60 and held in place by a ring-shaped seal ring 66.

[0034] The first body 60a and the second body 60b are connected by fastening a seal cap 68, through which the first body 60a is inserted, to the second body 60b. Replacement of the insert 64, for example, can be performed by removing the seal cap 68 and opening the sample vaporization chamber 62.

[0035] The column 26 is attached to the main body 60 by fastening a column cap 70, through which the column 26 is inserted, to the end of the second main body 60b opposite to the first main body 60a. When the column 26 is attached to the main body 60, the column 26 is held in a state where it is positioned within the sample vaporization chamber 62, specifically, within the insert 64.

[0036] Such a column cap 70 is also provided on the detector 28, and by removing the column cap 70, the column 26 and the detector 28 can be replaced.

[0037] A sample is supplied to the sample introduction portion 24 through a needle 72. The needle 72 is inserted into a septum 74 through an opening in a septum cap 76. The needle 72 penetrates the septum 74, and the sample is supplied from the tip of the needle 72.

[0038] The hole formed in the septum 74 as the sample is supplied is closed by the elasticity of the septum 74. Furthermore, the septum cap 76 is detachable from the main body 60, so that the septum 74 can be replaced by removing the septum cap 76.

[0039] 3. Electrical configuration of gas chromatograph equipment 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the gas chromatograph 12 of this embodiment. The gas chromatograph 12 includes a communication unit 80, a control unit 100, and the like in addition to a detector 28, a valve 34, and the like.

[0040] In addition, each of the control unit 100, detector 28, valve 34, opening / closing mechanism 40, fan 46, heater 48, temperature sensor 50, first operation receiving unit 52, second operation receiving unit 54, alarm unit 56 and communication unit 80 is electrically connected to each other via a circuit 82 such as a bus.

[0041] The communication unit 80 includes a communication module or a communication circuit for connecting to the network 16 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with the outside directly or via the network 16 in response to an instruction from the control unit 100 .

[0042] The communication unit 80 may be capable of communicating with an external storage medium. Examples of the external storage medium include semiconductor media such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, and optical disk media such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0043] The control unit 100 is responsible for overall control of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12. The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102. The control unit 100 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 and a storage unit 106 that can be directly accessed by the CPU 102.

[0044] The RAM 104 is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 102. The storage unit 106 is a non-volatile memory, and for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) is used as the storage unit 106.

[0045] The storage unit 106 stores a control program for controlling the gas chromatograph device 12, data required for executing the control program (execution data), etc. The storage unit 106 may be configured to include the RAM 104.

[0046] 4. Maintenance mode The gas chromatograph apparatus 12 of this embodiment can set a plurality of maintenance modes for the parts provided in the housing 20. The parts provided in the housing 20 specifically refer to parts to be maintained (maintenance parts), and examples of the maintenance parts include the sample introduction part 24, the column 26, the detector 28, etc.

[0047] One of the multiple maintenance modes is set as a default maintenance mode. The default maintenance mode is set in response to an external input. For example, the default maintenance mode is set by operating the setting terminal 18. The default maintenance mode is a maintenance mode that is set in advance before maintenance is performed.

[0048] Also, for example, the default maintenance mode may be set by operating the user terminal 14. Furthermore, when the communication unit 80 and an external storage medium are communicatively connected, the default maintenance mode may be set by acquiring setting information from the external storage medium.

[0049] A corresponding maintenance sequence exists for each of the multiple maintenance modes. The maintenance sequences include a cooling process for cooling maintenance components and a gas stop process for stopping the supply of carrier gas. The maintenance sequence corresponding to the default maintenance mode (default sequence) can be progressed or canceled at any time.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first operation receiving unit 52 specifically receives a progress operation. The progress operation is an operation for progressing through the default sequence. The default sequence progresses step by step each time a progress operation is received by the first operation receiving unit 52.

[0051] The advancement operation includes at least the action of bringing a finger closer to first operation acceptance unit 52. For example, when a capacitive button, a touch panel display, or the like is used as first operation acceptance unit 52, the advancement operation may include only the action of bringing a finger closer to first operation acceptance unit 52, or may also include the action of touching first operation acceptance unit 52 with a finger. Furthermore, when a mechanical button, a pressure-sensitive button, or the like is used as first operation acceptance unit 52, the advancement operation includes the action of bringing a finger closer to first operation acceptance unit 52, the action of touching first operation acceptance unit 52 with a finger, and the action of pressing first operation acceptance unit 52 with a finger.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second operation acceptance unit 54 specifically accepts a cancel operation. The cancel operation is an operation for canceling the progress of the default sequence. Furthermore, since the second operation acceptance unit 54 has the same configuration as the first operation acceptance unit 52, the cancel operation can be performed in the same manner as the progress operation.

[0053] The first operation acceptance unit 52 is commonly used regardless of which of the multiple maintenance modes is set as the default maintenance mode. That is, the multiple maintenance modes are not progressed by different operations of the first operation acceptance unit 52, but by a common operation of the first operation acceptance unit 52. However, since the number of processes progressed stepwise in the maintenance sequence corresponding to each maintenance mode may differ, the number of times the first operation acceptance unit 52 is operated until the default sequence is completed may differ depending on the maintenance sequence set as the default sequence.

[0054] In addition, the notification unit 56 in this embodiment specifically notifies the progress of the default sequence. The progress of the default sequence is notified in such a way that each of a plurality of processes that proceed step by step can be distinguished.

[0055] For example, if the progress of the default sequence is to be notified audibly, a simple sound corresponding to the progress or a voice message may be emitted from the notification unit 56. Also, if the progress of the default sequence is to be notified visually, for example, the notification unit 56 may emit light of a color corresponding to the progress, the light emission pattern of the notification unit 56 may be changed according to the progress, or a message corresponding to the progress may be displayed by the notification unit 56.

[0056] The multiple maintenance modes include a maintenance mode (manual stop mode) in which the supply of carrier gas is stopped by receiving a proceeding operation at the first operation receiving unit 52, and a maintenance mode (automatic stop mode) in which the supply of carrier gas is stopped automatically without receiving a proceeding operation at the first operation receiving unit 52. Below, a series of operations will be described using as an example a case in which the manual stop mode is set as the default maintenance mode.

[0057] When the first operation receiving unit 52 receives a proceeding operation and starts the default sequence, a cooling process for cooling the maintenance parts is executed. In this embodiment, when the cooling process is executed, the opening / closing mechanism 40, the fan 46, and the like are appropriately controlled to cool the sample introduction unit 24, the column 26, and the detector 28.

[0058] When the cooling of the maintenance part is completed, the notification unit 56 notifies the user that the next operation can be performed. The determination as to whether the cooling of the maintenance part is completed is based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50. The method for cooling the maintenance part is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the method for determining whether the cooling of the maintenance part is completed is not particularly limited.

[0059] When the next proceeding operation is received by the first operation receiving unit 52, a gas stop process is executed. In this embodiment, when the gas stop process is executed, the valve 34 switches from an open state to a closed state, and the supply of carrier gas is stopped. In addition, the notification unit 56 notifies that a maintenance part can be replaced. Note that replacement of a maintenance part refers to replacement of the maintenance part itself and replacement of some of the components that make up the maintenance part.

[0060] When the replacement of the maintenance part is completed and the next operation is received by the first operation receiving unit 52, the default sequence ends and the gas chromatograph device 12 returns to the state it was in before the default sequence was started.

[0061] The maintenance sequence corresponding to the automatic stop mode is the same as the maintenance sequence corresponding to the manual stop mode, except for some processing. The difference from the manual stop mode is that when the automatic stop mode is set to the default maintenance mode, once the default sequence is started, the gas stop processing is executed after the cooling processing is executed, without accepting a proceed operation from the first operation accepting unit 52.

[0062] In this embodiment, when a cancel operation is received by the second operation receiving unit 54 during the default sequence, the progress of the default sequence is canceled, and the gas chromatograph device 12 returns to the state before the default sequence was started.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, if a cancel operation is received by the second operation receiving unit 54 during the default sequence, the progress of the default sequence is canceled, and if a proceed operation is subsequently received by the first operation receiving unit 52, the default sequence is restarted from the beginning. However, if a cancel operation is received by the second operation receiving unit 54 after the cooling process has been executed, the cancel operation is invalidated.

[0064] In this embodiment, the presence or absence of a gas leak may be determined upon completion of the default sequence. When the default sequence is completed, the valve 34 switches from a closed state to an open state, the supply of carrier gas begins, and the presence or absence of a gas leak is determined. The presence or absence of a gas leak is determined using an air pressure sensor (not shown), but the method for doing so is not particularly limited.

[0065] If a gas leak is detected, the default sequence is restarted from the middle. If the manual stop mode is set to the default maintenance mode, the sequence is started immediately after the cooling process is executed, i.e., before the gas stop process is executed, and the gas stop process is executed when a proceed operation is accepted by the first operation accepting unit 52. If the automatic stop mode is set to the default maintenance mode, the sequence is started immediately after the gas stop process is executed. Furthermore, if a gas leak is detected, the notification unit 56 may notify the fact.

[0066] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example has been given in which only one first operation receiving unit 52 is provided in the housing 20 of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12, but a plurality of first operation receiving units 52 may be provided. If a plurality of first operation receiving units 52 are provided in the housing 20 of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12, each first operation receiving unit 52 will receive a progress operation at a different timing.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a detector that requires decompression, such as a mass spectrometer, is used as the detector 28, it is preferable that the time during which the carrier gas supply is stopped be short in order to suppress adverse effects caused by stopping the carrier gas supply. Therefore, in such a case, it is preferable to set the manual stop mode, which allows the carrier gas supply to be stopped immediately before replacing a maintenance part, as the default maintenance mode.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the maintenance component has already been cooled by outside air or the like when the default sequence is started, the execution of the cooling process may be omitted. Whether the maintenance component has already been cooled is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50. Note that the method for determining whether the cooling of the maintenance component has been completed is not particularly limited.

[0069] In addition, the gas chromatograph device 12 of this embodiment can be connected to a mass spectrometer (not shown), thereby making it possible to introduce various components separated in the column 26 into the mass spectrometer.

[0070] The gas chromatograph 12 and the mass spectrometer are each provided with a connector for electrically connecting them to each other, so the gas chromatograph 12 can determine whether the mass spectrometer is connected based on the presence or absence of a signal via the connector.

[0071] Therefore, when the gas chromatograph 12 is connected to the mass spectrometer, the manual shutdown mode may be set as the default maintenance mode, and when the gas chromatograph 12 is separated from the mass spectrometer, the automatic shutdown mode may be set as the default maintenance mode.

[0072] In this embodiment, the progress of the default sequence or the cancellation of the progress can also be performed on the software installed on the user terminal 14.

[0073] 5. Specific examples of electrical configuration of gas chromatograph equipment 5 is a functional block diagram showing a specific example of the electrical configuration of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 of this embodiment. Note that the RAM 104 and the like are not shown in FIG.

[0074] The storage unit 106 stores setting data 108, sequence data 110, notification data 112, etc. The setting data 108 is data indicating the settings of setting items related to the gas chromatograph device 12. The setting data 108 includes at least data indicating the setting of a default maintenance mode.

[0075] The sequence data 110 is data indicating a maintenance sequence corresponding to a maintenance mode. Since the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 of this embodiment can set a plurality of maintenance modes, a plurality of pieces of sequence data 110 are stored in the storage unit 106. However, instead of storing a plurality of pieces of sequence data 110 in the storage unit 106, a maintenance sequence corresponding to a default maintenance mode selected from the plurality of maintenance modes may be stored in the storage unit 106.

[0076] The notification data 112 is data used to notify the progress of the default sequence. For example, audio data, data indicating a light emission pattern of a lamp, and data indicating a message are used as the notification data 112.

[0077] The control unit 100 functions as a setting processing unit 114, a maintenance processing unit 116, a notification processing unit 118, and the like, when the CPU 102 (see FIG. 4) executes a program.

[0078] The setting processing unit 114 sets one of the plurality of maintenance modes as the default maintenance mode in response to an external input via the communication unit 80.

[0079] The maintenance processing unit 116 advances the default sequence step by step every time the first operation receiving unit 52 receives an advance operation.

[0080] Furthermore, when a cancel operation is received by the second operation receiving unit 54 during the default sequence, the maintenance processing unit 116 cancels the progress of the default sequence, and when a proceed operation is subsequently received by the first operation receiving unit 52, the maintenance processing unit 116 starts the default sequence from the beginning.

[0081] Furthermore, when a cancel operation is received by the second operation receiving unit 54 after the cooling process, the maintenance processing unit 116 invalidates the cancel operation.

[0082] The maintenance processing unit 116 controls the valve 34, the opening / closing mechanism 40, the fan 46, the heater 48, etc., in conjunction with the execution of the cooling process, the gas stop process, etc.

[0083] The notification processing unit 118 uses the notification unit 56 to notify the progress of the default sequence.

[0084] 6. Flow Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 of this embodiment. The operation here is the operation of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 related to the progression of the default sequence. Fig. 6 also shows the operation of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 when the manual stop mode is set to the default maintenance mode.

[0085] When the advance operation is accepted by the first operation accepting unit 52, the advance operation is started, and the cooling process is executed in step S1. In step S2, the notifying unit 56 notifies that the next advance operation can be accepted.

[0086] In step S3, it is determined whether or not a proceed operation has been accepted by first operation acceptance unit 52. If step S3 is "NO," that is, if a proceed operation has not been accepted by first operation acceptance unit 52, the process returns to step S2, and notification by notification unit 56 continues. On the other hand, if step S2 is "YES," that is, if a proceed operation has been accepted by first operation acceptance unit 52, gas stop processing is executed in step S4, and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0087] In step S5, the notification unit 56 notifies the user that the maintenance part can be replaced, and the process proceeds to step S6.

[0088] In step S6, it is determined whether or not a proceed operation has been accepted by first operation acceptance unit 52. If step S6 is "NO," that is, if a proceed operation has not been accepted by first operation acceptance unit 52, the process returns to step S5, and notification by notification unit 56 continues. On the other hand, if step S6 is "YES," that is, if a proceed operation has been accepted by first operation acceptance unit 52, the proceed operation ends.

[0089] If the automatic shutdown mode is set to the default maintenance mode, steps S2 and S3 are omitted.

[0090] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the cancellation operation of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 of this embodiment. The cancellation operation here is an operation of the gas chromatograph apparatus 12 related to canceling the progress of the default sequence.

[0091] While the default sequence is in progress, in step S10, it is determined whether a cancel operation has been accepted by the second operation acceptance unit 54. If the answer is "NO" in step S10, that is, if the cancel operation has not been accepted by the second operation acceptance unit 54, the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the answer is "YES" in step S10, that is, if the cancel operation has been accepted by the second operation acceptance unit 54, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0092] In step S11, it is determined whether or not the cooling process has been performed. If "NO" in step S11, that is, if the cooling process has been performed, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S11, that is, if the cooling process has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0093] In step S12, the progress of the default sequence is canceled. That is, the progress of the flow shown in Fig. 6 is canceled. When the progress of the default sequence is canceled in step S12, the cancellation operation ends.

[0094] In step S13, the cancel operation is invalidated, and in step S14, it is determined whether the default sequence has ended. If "NO" in step S14, that is, if the default sequence has not ended, the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, if "YES" in step S14, that is, if the default sequence has ended, the cancel operation ends.

[0095] The specific configurations and the like described in this embodiment are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate depending on the actual product. Furthermore, the order in which the steps in the flow chart shown in this embodiment are processed can be changed as appropriate as long as the same results are obtained.

[0096] 7. Aspects It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0097] (Item 1) A gas chromatograph apparatus according to one aspect comprises: A gas chromatograph apparatus capable of setting a plurality of maintenance modes for components provided in a housing, a communication unit for communicating with the outside; a setting processing unit that sets one of the plurality of maintenance modes as a default maintenance mode in response to an external input via the communication unit; a first operation receiving unit provided in the housing and configured to receive a progress operation for progressing a maintenance sequence corresponding to the default maintenance mode; a maintenance processing unit that progresses the maintenance sequence step by step each time the advance operation is accepted by the first operation acceptance unit, The first operation acceptance unit may be used in common regardless of which of the plurality of maintenance modes is set as the default maintenance mode.

[0098] According to the gas chromatograph device described in paragraph 1, any one of a plurality of maintenance modes can be set in advance as the default maintenance mode. After the maintenance mode is set, the maintenance sequence can be advanced step by step by operating the first operation receiving unit that is commonly used in a plurality of maintenance modes, so that maintenance of components can be advanced by simple operations on the device body.

[0099] (Item 2) In the gas chromatograph apparatus according to item 1, The apparatus may further include a notification processing unit that notifies the progress of the maintenance sequence.

[0100] According to the gas chromatograph device described in the second aspect, it is possible to reliably proceed with the maintenance of parts while checking the progress of the maintenance sequence based on the notification.

[0101] (Item 3) In the gas chromatograph apparatus according to item 1 or 2, The multiple maintenance modes may include a maintenance mode in which the gas supply is stopped by receiving the proceeding operation at the first operation receiving unit, and a maintenance mode in which the gas supply is automatically stopped without receiving the proceeding operation at the first operation receiving unit.

[0102] According to the gas chromatograph described in paragraph 3, when maintenance is performed on components of the gas chromatograph, the supply of carrier gas is stopped manually or automatically depending on the maintenance mode set as the default maintenance mode. Therefore, by selecting a maintenance mode according to the characteristics of the components constituting the gas chromatograph and the devices connected to the gas chromatograph, the optimal maintenance mode can be set as the default maintenance mode.

[0103] (Item 4) In the gas chromatograph apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, The housing may be provided with only one first operation receiving unit.

[0104] According to the gas chromatograph device described in paragraph 4, the maintenance sequence can be performed by operating a single first operation receiving unit, which allows for component maintenance to be performed with simpler operations on the device body. This also allows even those unfamiliar with gas chromatograph device maintenance to easily perform the maintenance sequence.

[0105] (Item 5) In the gas chromatograph apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 4, The electronic device may further include a second operation receiving unit provided in the housing that receives a cancel operation for canceling the progress of the maintenance sequence.

[0106] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in the fifth aspect, the progress of the maintenance sequence can be canceled by operating the second operation receiving section as necessary.

[0107] (Item 6) In the gas chromatograph apparatus according to item 5, The maintenance processing unit may cancel the progress of the maintenance sequence when the cancel operation is accepted by the second operation accepting unit during the maintenance sequence, and may start the maintenance sequence from the beginning when the proceed operation is subsequently accepted by the first operation accepting unit.

[0108] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in item 6, after the progress of the maintenance sequence is canceled, the maintenance sequence can be restarted from the beginning.

[0109] (Item 7) In the gas chromatograph apparatus according to item 6, the maintenance sequence includes a cooling process for cooling the component; When the cancel operation is received by the second operation receiving unit after the cooling process, the maintenance processing unit may invalidate the cancel operation.

[0110] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in item 7, it is possible to prevent the maintenance sequence from being erroneously canceled after the cooling process has been performed. In other words, it is possible to prevent the cooling process from being repeatedly performed due to the erroneous cancellation of the maintenance sequence.

[0111] (Item 8) In the gas chromatograph apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, The component may be a sample introduction section, a column or a detector.

[0112] According to the gas chromatograph apparatus described in item 8, maintenance of the sample introduction section, the detector, or the column can be carried out by simple operations on the apparatus body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 12 Gas chromatograph equipment 20 Case 24 Sample introduction section 26 Columns 28 detectors 52 First operation reception section 54 Second operation reception section 80 Communications Department 114 Setting processing section 116 Maintenance Department 118 Notification processing section

Claims

1. A gas chromatograph apparatus capable of setting a plurality of maintenance modes for components provided in a housing, a communication unit for communicating with the outside; a setting processing unit that sets one of the plurality of maintenance modes as a default maintenance mode in response to an external input via the communication unit; a first operation receiving unit provided in the housing and configured to receive a progress operation for progressing a maintenance sequence corresponding to the default maintenance mode; a maintenance processing unit that progresses the maintenance sequence step by step each time the advance operation is accepted by the first operation acceptance unit, The gas chromatograph apparatus, wherein the first operation receiving unit is used in common regardless of which of the plurality of maintenance modes is set as the default maintenance mode.

2. The gas chromatograph apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification processing unit that notifies the progress of the maintenance sequence.

3. 3. The gas chromatograph apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of maintenance modes include a maintenance mode in which the supply of gas is stopped by receiving the proceeding operation at the first operation receiving unit, and a maintenance mode in which the supply of gas is automatically stopped without receiving the proceeding operation at the first operation receiving unit.

4. The gas chromatograph apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the housing is provided with only one first operation receiving section.

5. The gas chromatograph apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a second operation receiving unit provided in the housing, the second operation receiving unit receiving a cancel operation for canceling progress of the maintenance sequence.

6. 6. The gas chromatograph apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the cancel operation is received by the second operation receiving unit during the maintenance sequence, the maintenance processing unit cancels the progress of the maintenance sequence, and when the proceed operation is subsequently received by the first operation receiving unit, the maintenance processing unit starts the maintenance sequence from the beginning.

7. the maintenance sequence includes a cooling process for cooling the component; The gas chromatograph apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein when the cancel operation is accepted by the second operation accepting unit after the cooling process, the maintenance processing unit invalidates the cancel operation.

8. The gas chromatograph apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the component is a sample introduction section, a column, or a detector.

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