Liquid chromatography column

Abstract

To provide a liquid chromatography column capable of ensuring sufficient pressure resistance performance by easily tightening a cap to a column body by making it difficult for a filler to get caught between the cap and an end surface of the column body.SOLUTION: A liquid chromatography column includes: a column body with a flow channel penetrating in an axial direction and filled with a filler; a filter structure fixed to the axial end part of the column body to hold the filler inside the flow channel; an open hole communicating with the flow channel through the filter structure; and a cap attached to the column body. A retreat part for retracting filler overflown from the flow channel when the cap is attached to the column body is formed outside a contact surface between the column body and the filter structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid chromatography column.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a column in which caps are respectively tightened and attached to both ends of a column body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the column described in Patent Document 1, when filling the filler inside the column body and then tightening the cap, there was a possibility that excess filler would overflow and get caught between the cap and the column body.

[0005] Here, when the filler gets caught between the cap and the end of the column body, a gap is likely to occur due to the filler caught at the end of the column body, and the adhesion and pressure resistance performance of the entire column may decrease. Also, in this case, in order to eliminate the gap at the end of the column body and give the entire column sufficient pressure resistance performance, the cap may be tightened to the column body with a high tightening force. In that case, there was a possibility of damage to the components.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide a liquid chromatography column that can achieve adhesion by simply tightening the cap to the column body without the filler getting caught between the cap and the end of the column body, and can ensure sufficient pressure resistance performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The liquid chromatography column of the first embodiment comprises a column body having a channel that penetrates axially and is filled with a packing material inside, a filter structure attached to the axial end of the column body to retain the packing material inside the channel, and a cap attached to the column body having a through hole that communicates with the channel through the filter structure, wherein a relief portion is formed on the outside of the contact surface where the column body and the filter structure come into contact, which is a space for packing material that overflows from the channel when the cap is attached to the column body to be retracted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the liquid chromatography column of the present invention, the packing material does not get caught between the cap and the end of the column body, and the cap can be easily tightened onto the column body, thereby achieving airtightness and ensuring the pressure resistance of the column. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a liquid chromatography apparatus equipped with a liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly of a liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment, where (A) shows the cap being attached to the column body, and (B) shows the cap attached to the column body and the packing material filling the voids. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of a liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]This is a cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth modified example of the liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth modified example of the liquid chromatography column according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid chromatography column according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] <First Embodiment> The liquid chromatography column 30 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, as an example, a method for measuring the concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in whole blood using a liquid chromatography apparatus 12 equipped with the liquid chromatography column 30 will be described, but the object of measurement is not limited to this.

[0012] (Overall structure) As shown in Figure 1, a blood collection tube 16 is set in the main body 14 of the liquid chromatography apparatus 12, and the liquid chromatography apparatus 12 can automatically measure the concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in whole blood.

[0013] The apparatus main body 14 of the liquid chromatography device 12 has a plurality (five in the example shown in FIG. 1) of eluent bottles 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E. The eluent bottles 18A to 18E each hold an eluent to be supplied to a liquid chromatography column 30 described later. Each eluent may have different composition, component ratio, pH, osmotic pressure, etc. depending on the application.

[0014] The apparatus main body 14 further has a sample preparation unit 20, an analysis unit 24, and a photometry unit 26.

[0015] The blood collection tube 16 is held by the apparatus main body 14 so as to be movable to a position where it can be collected by the nozzle 22 in the sample preparation unit 20.

[0016] The sample preparation unit 20 has a nozzle 22 and a dilution tank 28. The sample preparation unit 20 collects a blood sample from the blood collection tube 16 by the nozzle 22 and introduces it into the dilution tank 28. The blood sample diluted in the dilution tank 28 is introduced into the liquid chromatography column 30.

[0017] The nozzle 22 can suck and discharge liquids, and can collect various liquids including the blood sample in the blood collection tube 16 by suction and discharge them.

[0018] The analysis unit 24 has a liquid chromatography column 30, a manifold 32, a liquid delivery pump 34, and an injection valve 36.

[0019] The analysis unit 24 controls the adsorption and desorption of biological components to the packing G (see FIG. 4) of the liquid chromatography column 30, and supplies various biological components separated by the liquid chromatography column 30 to the photometry unit 26. The set temperature in the analysis unit 24 is, for example, about 40°C.

[0020] The manifold 32 is connected to the eluent bottles 18A to 18E via piping 80A to 80E, and is connected to the injection valve 36 via piping 84 and a liquid transfer pump 34. The manifold 32 selectively supplies eluent to the liquid chromatography column 30 from a specific eluent bottle among the multiple eluent bottles 18A to 18E by switching valves located inside it.

[0021] The liquid transfer pump 34 is installed in the middle of the piping 84 and provides power to move the eluent to the injection valve 36.

[0022] The injection valve 36 is equipped with multiple inlet and outlet ports (not shown) and can collect a certain amount of blood sample and introduce that blood sample into the liquid chromatography column 30.

[0023] An injection loop 38 is connected to the injection valve 36. The injection loop 38 is capable of holding a certain amount of liquid (for example, several μL), and by switching the injection valve 36 as appropriate, one can select either a state in which the injection loop 38 is in communication with the dilution tank 28 and a blood sample is supplied from the dilution tank 28 to the injection loop 38, or a state in which the injection loop 38 is in communication with the liquid chromatography column 30 via the piping 85 and a blood sample is introduced from the injection loop 38 to the liquid chromatography column 30. For example, a hexagonal valve can be used as such an injection valve 36.

[0024] The photometric unit 26 is connected to a waste liquid tank 88 via piping 87, where the liquid discharged from the liquid chromatography column 30 is discarded. The photometric unit 26 optically detects hemoglobin contained in the liquid that has passed through the liquid chromatography column 30.

[0025] In the following explanation, the liquid introduced into and discharged from the liquid chromatography column 30 will be collectively referred to as the "sample solution." That is, the sample solution will contain either a blood sample or an eluent, or both.

[0026] (Liquid chromatography column 30) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the liquid chromatography column 30 according to this embodiment comprises a column body 40, two filter structures 50, and two caps 60. The two filter structures 50 consist of a first filter structure 50A and a second filter structure 50B, which are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the column body, respectively. The two caps 60 consist of a first cap 60A and a second cap 60B, which are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the column body, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the first filter structure 50A and the second filter structure 50B will be referred to as the filter structure 50, and unless otherwise specified, the first cap 60A and the second cap 60B will be referred to as the cap 60.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the column body 40 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the central axis L. A flow channel 44 having a predetermined inner diameter is formed inside the column body 40 along the central axis L of the column body 40. The flow channel 44 may be filled with a packing material G, which will be described later. The column body 40 has a thickness in the radial direction (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central axis L) to the extent that it is in close contact with the retaining member 52 of the filter structure 50, as will be described later. There are end faces 42 at both ends of the column body 40 in the axial direction of the central axis L, i.e., at both ends where the flow channel 44 opens. At least a portion of the end face 42 is in close contact with the retaining member 52 of the filter structure 50. The portion of the end face 42 that is in close contact with the retaining member 52 is the contact surface C. Both the end face 42 and the contact surface C are formed in an annular shape. In Figure 2, the contact surface C is a portion of the end face 42 that is on the radially inner side (flow channel 44 side).

[0028] Furthermore, a tapered column inclination portion 42T is formed on the end face 42, radially outward from the contact surface C that contacts the retaining member 52 (towards the outer circumferential surface 42P of the column body). As shown in Figure 3, the boundary between the column inclination portion 42T and the contact surface C is radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the filter structure 50 and radially outward from the inner wall surface of the flow path 44. The column inclination portion 42T is inclined outward from this boundary so that it moves further away from the bottom surface of the cap 60 as it approaches the outer circumferential surface 42P of the column body 40. In other words, the column inclination portion 42T faces the retaining member 52 of the filter structure 50, which will be described later, but does not come into contact with the retaining member 52.

[0029] The shape and material of the column body 40 can be set as appropriate. For example, it is formed from a rigid resin material.

[0030] The first cap 60A and the second cap 60B are bottomed cylindrical shapes, each having a side portion 64 and a bottom portion 62. As shown in Figure 2, the central axes L of the first cap 60A and the second cap 60B are coaxial with the central axis L of the column body. The first cap 60A is a component attached to the axial end of the central axis L of the column body 40 so as to sandwich the first filter structure 50A, which will be described later, between the bottom portion 62 of the first cap 60A and the axial end of the central axis L of the column body 40. The second cap 60B is a component attached to the other axial end of the central axis L of the column body 40 so as to sandwich the second filter structure 50B, which will be described later, between the bottom surface 62B of the second cap 60B and the other axial end of the central axis L of the column body 40. As shown in Figure 2, the first cap 60A and the second cap 60B in this embodiment have the same shape and structure as the first cap 60A and the second cap 60B, but they may have different configurations, for example, to distinguish between upstream and downstream.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inner diameter of the inner surface 64S of the cap 60 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer surface 42P (radially outer surface) of the column body 40, and the cap 60 can be attached to the column body 40. In this embodiment, as an example, a male thread is formed on the outer surface 42P of the column body 40 and a female thread is formed on the inner surface 64S of the cap 60, and the cap 60 is attached to the column body 40 by screwing it on. Hereafter, the part where the column body 40 and the cap 60 join when the cap 60 is attached to the column body 40 will be referred to as the joint 76. The side portion 64 of the cap 60 is attached to the outer surface 42P of the column body 40 so that the filter structure 50, which will be described later, is in close contact with the end of the cylindrical column body. When attaching the cap 60, the degree of tightness can be adjusted by adjusting the degree of screwing by the joint 76.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a through hole 62C and a recess 62D are formed in the bottom 62 of the cap 60.

[0033] The through-hole 62C is a hole that penetrates the bottom 62 along the central axis L of the cap 60. The through-hole 62C also serves as a path through which the sample liquid flows between the through-hole 62C and the flow path 44 via the filter structure 50, which will be described later, and also functions as a connection to the external flow path through which the sample liquid flows. It may also be connected to the external flow path using a conventional screw type. In this embodiment, as an example, the sample liquid is supplied from the through-hole 62C of the first cap 60A, and the second cap 60B of The sample solution is discharged through the through-hole 62C. To allow the sample solution to pass through properly, the through-hole 62C is located in the direction of the extension of the central axis L of the column body 40, and shares the same central axis L as the column body 40. The liquid chromatography column 30 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a single central axis L throughout.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the recess 62D is a recessed portion on the inside of the bottom 62 that is recessed away from the column body 40 along the axial direction of the central axis L, and is the portion into which the filter structure 50, described later, is fitted. By fitting the filter structure 50 into the recessed recess 62D, the filter structure 50 can be more securely held in the cap.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the filter structure 50 includes, for example, a porous filter 54 and a holding member 52 that holds the filter 54. The filter structure 50 is attached to the end of the column body 40. Meanwhile, the filter 54 is held in the center of the holding member 52. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the first filter structure 50A and the second filter structure 50B in this embodiment have substantially the same shape.

[0036] The filter 54 has numerous permeable holes with predetermined pore diameters and captures particles contained in the sample liquid; for example, it is a membrane filter or a sintered filter. The filter 54 is also in the shape of a short cylinder with thickness in the axial direction of the central axis L.

[0037] The diameter of the permeable holes formed in the filter 54 is set to be large enough to allow the sample liquid to pass through without allowing the packing material G, which will be described later, to pass through. In other words, the filter 54 communicates with the through-holes 62C, keeping the packing material G in the flow path 44 inside the flow path 44, but allowing the sample liquid to pass through.

[0038] The retaining member 52 is formed in a substantially annular shape with an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the recess 62D. The filter 54 is held in its central part (inside the annule), and the retaining member is mounted in the recess 62D. As shown in Figure 3, the retaining member 52 has a thickness in the radial direction that allows it to be in close contact with the end face 42 of the column body 40, and has a height in the axial direction of the central axis L that is substantially the same as the filter 54. With the filter 54 held in the retaining member 52, the filter structure 50 is sandwiched between the end of the column body 40 and the cap.

[0039] Furthermore, the axial height of the central axis L of the filter structure 50 is longer than the depth of the recess 62D (the axial length of the central axis L), and as shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the filter structure 50 is mounted in the recess 62D, the filter structure 50 protrudes from the bottom surface 62B towards the column body 40. Also, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the bottom surface 62B does not come into contact with the column body 40.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the cap 60 is attached to the column body 40, the filter structure 50 and the column body 40 are in close contact at the contact surface C. In this state, the sample liquid supplied to the first filter structure 50A through the through hole 62C of the first cap 60A flows through the first filter 54A and into the flow path 44 of the column body 40. On the opposite side of the axial direction of the central axis L of the column body 40, the sample liquid is discharged from the flow path of the column body 40 through the second filter 54B of the second filter structure 50B and through the through hole 62C of the second cap 60B. Because the filter structure 50 and the column body 40 are in close contact at the contact surface C when the cap 60 is tightened to the column body 40, neither the packing material nor the sample liquid leaks from this contact surface C. The packing material is then retained in the flow path 44 by the filter structure 50, while the sample liquid flows outwards from the external flow path in the following order: through hole 62C of the first cap 60A, first filter 54A, column flow path 44, second filter 54B, and through hole 62C of the second cap 60B.

[0041] When the cap 60 is attached to the column body 40, a void 72 is located outside the contact surface C, surrounded by the column body 40, the retaining member 52, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. In other words, the void 72 in this embodiment is an annular space surrounded by the column inclined portion 42T, the retaining member 52 of the filter structure 50, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. To put it another way, the void 72 is the space enclosed by the column body 40, the cap 60, and the filter structure 50. Furthermore, this gap 72 is an example of the "retraction section 70" according to this disclosure. The function of this gap 72 will be described later.

[0042] The retaining member 52 and the cap 60 may be made of any material, but as an example, they are made of a rigid resin material that does not deform easily. The column body 40, the retaining member 52 of the filter structure 50, and the cap 60 may all be made of the same rigid resin material.

[0043] Furthermore, the filters 54 held by the first filter structure 50A and the second filter structure 50B described above may be of the same type, or they may be of different types with different pore sizes, thicknesses, etc. In other words, the filters 54 held by the first filter structure 50A and the second filter structure 50B may be appropriately determined depending on the conditions of the sample and eluent used in the liquid chromatography apparatus 12.

[0044] The first filter structure 50A and the second filter structure 50B may be integrated with the first cap 60A and the second cap 60B, respectively, or they may be formed as separate parts and then joined together. The first filter structure 50A and the second filter structure 50B can be attached to the column body 40 at the same time as the first cap 60A and the second cap 60B, respectively.

[0045] (Assembly of liquid chromatography column 30) Next, with reference to Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the assembly of the liquid chromatography column 30 in this embodiment will be described. In Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the second cap 60B is already attached to the column body 40 on the opposite side of the end face 42 of the column body 40 in the axial direction of the central axis L, that is, on the end face of the column body 40 that is not shown. The filter structure 50 is fitted into the recess 62D of the cap 60. By attaching the cap 60 to the column body 40, the filter structure 50 is sandwiched between the column body 40 and the cap 60 and is in close contact with the axial end of the column body 40 in the direction of the central axis L.

[0046] After one cap 60 is attached to the column body 40, and before another cap 60 is attached to the column body 40, packing material G is placed in the flow path 44 of the column body 40 to the extent that it bulges out from the end face 42. The packing material is a gel-like substance for selectively adsorbing hemoglobin and other substances in the sample, and for example, a methacrylic acid-methacrylic acid ester copolymer can be used.

[0047] Figure 4(A) shows the state in which the cap 60 is about to be attached to the column body 40. As shown in Figure 4(A), when there is packing material G overflowing from the flow path 44, it protrudes from the end face 42 due to surface tension. As the cap 60 is attached, the overflowing packing material G is pushed into the filter structure 50, pressurized outward in the radial direction of the flow path 44, and enters the void 72.

[0048] Figure 4(B) shows the state in which the packing material G that overflowed from the flow path 44 enters the void 72 when the cap 60 is attached to the column body 40. As soon as the attachment of the cap 60 is complete, the packing of the packing material G is complete. In other words, the packing material G that overflowed from the flow path 44 is relocated to the void 72, which acts as a receptacle 70, when the cap 60 is attached to the column body 40.

[0049] By following these steps, a liquid chromatography column 30 is assembled in which the flow path 44 is filled with packing material G, starting from a state where the packing material G has overflowed from the flow path 44 of the column body 40, and then the cap 60 is attached to the column body 40.

[0050] The volume of the void 72 can be set as appropriate.

[0051] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0052] In the liquid chromatography apparatus 12 shown in Figure 1, a blood sample is collected from a blood collection tube 16 via a nozzle 22 and supplied to a dilution tank 28. A diluent is further supplied to the dilution tank 28 from a preparation tank (not shown), and the sample solution is prepared in the dilution tank 28.

[0053] The sample solution prepared in the dilution tank 28 is supplied to and held in the injection loop 38. Then, the injection valve 36 is switched to introduce the sample solution held in the injection loop 38 into the liquid chromatography column 30. When the sample solution is introduced into the liquid chromatography column 30, sA1c, HbA0, and mutant Hb, etc., are adsorbed onto the packing material G. Furthermore, the injection valve 36 is switched as appropriate to sequentially supply the eluent to the liquid chromatography column 30 according to a predetermined control sequence.

[0054] The sample solution containing the separated hemoglobins is discharged from the liquid chromatography column 30. The sample solution is supplied to the photometric cell of the photometric unit 26 via piping 86, and then led to the waste liquid tank 88 via piping 87.

[0055] In the photometric unit 26, light is continuously irradiated onto the sample solution from a light source, and the transmitted light is split by a beam splitter and then received by a photodetector. Based on the light received by this photodetector, a chromatogram is calculated and acquired in the control unit of the photometric unit 26.

[0056] Here, pressure resistance is required for the column to ensure its performance. In the liquid chromatography column 30 according to this embodiment, the column body 40 and the retaining member 52 are in close contact with the contact surface C. By screwing the cap 60 onto the column body 40, airtightness at the contact surface C can be ensured, and the sample liquid in the flow path 44 inside the liquid chromatography column 30 can be prevented from leaking from the contact surface C. When the cap 60 is attached to the column body 40, a gap 72 is formed radially outward from the contact surface C by the cap 60, the column body 40 and the retaining member 52.

[0057] As a result, when attaching the cap 60, the packing material G that overflows from the flow path 44 of the column body 40 does not get caught in the contact surface C between the retaining member 52 and the end face 42, but retreats to the gap 72. Therefore, by tightening the cap 60, the adhesion at the contact surface C and the pressure resistance of the column can be easily ensured.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filter structure 50 of the liquid chromatography column 30 protrudes from the inner bottom surface 62B of the cap 60 toward the column body 40, so when the cap 60 is attached, the packing material G is easily pushed away from the contact surface C. The end face of the filter 54 and the end face of the retaining member 52 are on the same radial plane. If there is packing material G overflowing from the flow path 44, contact between the filter 54, which is on the central side of the retaining member 52, and the packing material G occurs before contact between the retaining member 52 and the end face of the flow path 44. This makes it easier to push the packing material G from the central side toward the outer void 72. In this embodiment, the cap 60 is attached to the outer surface of the column body 40 by screwing, but other attachment methods such as fitting can also be applied.

[0059] Furthermore, the column body 40 of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to this embodiment has a column inclination portion 42T, which is a tapered surface inclined outward. The column inclination portion 42T is inclined such that it moves further away from the end face of the retaining member 52 in the axial direction of the central axis L as it approaches the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. In other words, the packing material G that overflows from the flow path 44 of the column body 40 is easily guided to the void portion 72 by the column inclination portion 42T. As a result, when attaching the cap 60 to the column body 40, the packing material G that overflows from the flow path 44 of the column body 40 can be guided toward the void portion 72.

[0060] Furthermore, the column inclination portion 42T of the column body 40 of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to this embodiment may be inclined at an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 30° with respect to the contact surface C. Examples include 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30°. In this embodiment, the contact surface C and the column inclination portion 42T are the end faces 42 of the end of the column body 40.

[0061] (modified version) Next, modified examples of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to this embodiment are shown below. Note that components similar to those in the first embodiment in the following modifications are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0062] (First torture) Figure 5 shows a first modified example of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, in the first modified example, the column body 40 has a stepped column portion 42S at its end, instead of a column inclined portion 42T. This stepped portion 42S is shaped like a step and is directed axially toward the central axis L on the opposite side of the filter structure 50. In other words, the stepped column portion 42S can be described as the part of the column body 40 at its axial end toward the central axis L where the outer diameter is reduced. The other configurations and shapes are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0064] In the first modified example, the void 72 is provided outside the contact surface C as a space surrounded by the column body 40, the filter structure 50, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. In other words, the void 72 in this modified example is a space surrounded by the column step 42S, the filter structure 50, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. To put it another way, the void 72 is the space enclosed by the column body 40, the cap 60, and the filter structure 50.

[0065] (Second variation) Figure 6 shows a second modified example of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, in the second modified example, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60 is located at the same position as the contact surface C of the filter structure 50 in the axial direction of the central axis L. Also, similar to the first modified example, a column step portion 42S is formed at the end of the column body 40. The outer diameter of the retaining member 52 in the filter structure 50 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the end face of the column body 40. That is, at the contact surface between the retaining member 52 and the end face of the column body 40, the surface of the retaining member 52 on which the column step portion 42S is not formed is formed to be larger than the surface of the end face of the column body 40. Since the larger surface of the retaining member 52 is formed on the side without the column step portion 42S, it is considered that the packing material is easily guided into the void portion 72 formed by the column step portion 42S. The other configurations and shapes are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0067] In the second modified example, the void 72 is located outside the contact surface C, surrounded by the column body 40 and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. In other words, in this modified example, the void 72 is surrounded by the column step portion 42S, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. To put it another way, the void 72 is the space enclosed by the column body 40, the cap 60, and the filter structure 50.

[0068] (Third variation) Figure 7 shows a third modified example of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, in the third modified example, the column inclined portion 42T is not formed at the end of the column body 40. The other configurations and shapes are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0070] In the third modified example, the void 72 is located outside the contact surface C, surrounded by the filter structure 50 and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. In other words, the void 72 in this modified example is a space surrounded by the column body 40, the filter structure 50, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. To put it another way, the void 72 is the space enclosed by the column body 40, the cap 60, and the filter structure 50.

[0071] (Fourth variation) Figure 8 shows a fourth modified example of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, in the fourth modified example, a filter inclined portion 52T is formed on the surface of the filter structure 50 that contacts the column body 40, inclined outward in the same way as the column inclined portion 42T. In addition, in the fourth modified example, a column inclined portion 42T is formed on the radially inward side of the end of the column body 40, and a column stepped portion 42S is formed on the radially outward side. The other configurations and shapes are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0073] In the fourth modified example, the angle between the filter inclined portion 52T and the contact surface C may be greater than 0° and less than or equal to 30°, similar to the column inclined portion 42T.

[0074] In the fourth modified example, the void 72 is located outside the contact surface C as a space surrounded by the column body 40, the filter structure 50, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. In other words, the void 72 in this modified example is a space surrounded by the column inclined portion 42T, the column stepped portion 42S, the filter inclined portion 52T, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. To put it another way, the void 72 is the space enclosed by the column body 40, the cap 60, and the filter structure 50.

[0075] In this modified example, since the filter inclined portion 52T is formed, it is possible to move the packing material G overflowing from the flow path 44 to the void portion 72 more easily than in the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0076] Furthermore, in this modified example, the area of ​​the contact surface C between the column body 40 and the filter structure 50 can be increased compared to the case where the filter inclined portion 52T is inclined at an angle greater than 30° with respect to the contact surface C. This reduces the possibility of the packing material G packed in the flow path 44 leaking out of the flow path 44 when using the liquid chromatography column 30.

[0077] (Fifth variation) Figure 9 shows a fifth modified example of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, in the fifth modified example, the column body 40 has a column inclined portion 42T on the radially inward side and a column stepped portion 42S on the radially outward side, similar to the fourth modified example. Also, in the fifth modified example, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60 is at the same position as the contact surface C of the filter structure 50 in the axial direction of the central axis L, similar to the second modified example. The other configurations and shapes are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0079] In the fifth modified example, the void 72 is located outside the contact surface C, surrounded by the column body 40 and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. In other words, the void 72 in this modified example is a space surrounded by the column inclined portion 42T, the column stepped portion 42S, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. To put it another way, the void 72 is the space enclosed by the column body 40, the cap 60, and the filter structure 50.

[0080] (Sixth variation) Figure 10 shows a sixth modified example of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, in the sixth modified example, the filter structure 50 has a filter inclined portion 52T, similar to the fourth modified example. Also, similar to the third modified example, the column body 40 does not have a column inclined portion 42T at its end. The other configurations and shapes are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0082] In the sixth modified example, the void 72 is located outside the contact surface C, surrounded by the filter structure 50 and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. In other words, the void 72 in this modified example is surrounded by the column body 40, the filter inclined portion 52T, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60, and the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. To put it another way, the void 72 is the space enclosed by the column body 40, the cap 60, and the filter structure 50.

[0083] (Other variations) In the above description, the liquid chromatography column was assumed to have two caps, a first cap and a second cap, and to be symmetrical in the axial direction of the central axis L, but it is not limited to this.

[0084] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that components in the second embodiment that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0085] Figure 11 shows a second embodiment of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to this disclosure.

[0086] As shown in Figure 11, in the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the second embodiment, the bottom surface 62B of the cap 60 and the end surface 42 of the column body 40 are in contact. In addition, in the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the second embodiment, a communication passage 74 is formed at the same position in the axial direction of the central axis L relative to the contact surface C, which communicates with the outside of the cap 60.

[0087] The communication passage 74 is, for example, a hole opened radially in the contact surface C, extending outward from the inner surface 64S of the cap 60. Note that, for example, multiple communication passages 74 are formed in the circumferential direction (two in Figure 11).

[0088] Furthermore, the connecting passage 74 is also a space that allows the filler G to be discharged from the contact surface C when the cap 60 is attached. In other words, the connecting passage 74 is an example of the "retraction section 70" in this embodiment.

[0089] The other components are the same as those of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0090] In this embodiment, the communication passage 74 in the liquid chromatography column 30 may be sealed with a sealing material or the like after the cap 60 is attached to prevent further leakage of the packing material G from the communication passage 74. Furthermore, the through-holes 62C at both ends of the liquid chromatography column 30 may be sealed with a different sealing material before shipment.

[0091] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) In the liquid chromatography column 30 according to this embodiment, similar to the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment, when the cap 60 is attached to the column body 40, the packing material G that overflows from the flow path 44 is directed toward the communication passage 74.

[0092] In this embodiment of the liquid chromatography column 30, since the communication passage 74 is connected to the outside of the cap 60, the packing material G that overflows from the flow path 44 is discharged to the outside through the communication passage 74.

[0093] As a result, in the liquid chromatography column 30 according to this embodiment, when attaching the cap 60, the packing material G that overflows from the flow path 44 of the column body 40 does not get caught between the retaining member and the end face of the column body 40, and the pressure resistance of the column can be ensured by simply tightening the cap 60.

[0094] In addition, the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the second embodiment may also adopt the configuration of the liquid chromatography column 30 according to the first embodiment and a modified configuration according to the first embodiment, or these configurations may be combined as appropriate.

[0095] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it is clear that any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs could conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these too are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0096] Further preferred embodiments of this disclosure are shown below.

[0097] (Note 1) A column body having a channel that penetrates axially and is filled with packing material inside, A filter structure is attached to the axial end of the column body in order to retain the packing material inside the flow path, The filter structure has a through-hole that communicates with the flow path, and the cap is attached to the column body, A liquid chromatography column, wherein a receptacle is formed on the outside of the contact surface where the column body and the filter structure come into contact, and this receptacle is a space for packing material that overflows from the flow path when the cap is attached to the column body to be recepted.

[0098] (Note 2) When the cap is attached to the column body, the retracted portion is formed between at least one of the column body and the filter structure and the inner surface of the cap. A liquid chromatography column as described in Appendix 1.

[0099] (Note 3) The filter structure is provided so as to protrude from the inner bottom surface of the cap toward the column body. A liquid chromatography column as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0100] (Note 4) At least one of the column body and the filter structure has an inclined portion that slopes from the contact surface toward the inner surface of the cap. A liquid chromatography column as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 3.

[0101] (Note 5) The angle between the inclined portion and the contact surface is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 30°. A liquid chromatography column as described in Appendix 4. [Industrial applicability]

[0102] The present invention can be used in a liquid chromatography apparatus to ensure the pressure resistance of a column by preventing the packing material from getting caught between the holding member and the end face of the column body, and by easily tightening the cap onto the column body. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 12 Liquid chromatography apparatus 14. Main unit of the device 16 Blood collection tube 18 Eluent bottles 20 Sample preparation units 22 nozzles 24 Analysis Units 26 Photometer Unit 28 Dilution tank 30 Liquid chromatography columns 32 Manifold 34. Liquid transfer pump 36 Injection Valves 38 Injection Loop 40 Column Body 42 End face 42P outer surface 42S Column step section 42T Column Incline 44 channels 50 Filter Structures 52 Retaining member 52T filter inclined section 54 Filters 60 caps 62 Bottom 62B Bottom 62C through hole 62D recess 64 Side 64S inner surface 70 Evacuation Area 72 Cavity 74 Communication path 76 Joint 80 Piping 84 Piping 85 Piping 86 Piping 87 Piping 88 Wastewater Tank

Claims

1. A column body having a channel that penetrates axially and is filled with packing material inside, A filter structure is attached to the axial end of the column body in order to retain the packing material inside the flow path, The filter structure has a through-hole that communicates with the flow path, and the cap is attached to the column body, A receptacle is formed on the outside of the contact surface where the column body and the filter structure come into contact, which is a space for the packing material that overflows from the flow path when the cap is attached to the column body to be recepted. The retraction portion is formed between the column body, the filter structure, and the inner surface of the cap in a liquid chromatography column.

2. The filter structure is provided on the inner bottom surface of the cap so as to protrude from the inner bottom surface of the cap toward the column body. A liquid chromatography column according to claim 1.

3. At least one of the column body and the filter structure has an inclined portion that slopes from the contact surface toward the inner surface of the cap. A liquid chromatography column according to claim 1.

4. The angle between the inclined portion and the contact surface is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 30°. A liquid chromatography column according to claim 3.

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