Flow cell for liquid chromatography, and assembly method for flow cell

Abstract

A flow cell for a liquid chromatography and an assembly method for the flow cell. A flow cell main body (10) comprises a hard main body component (11) and a light-reflecting flow tube (15) arranged in the hard main body component (11), end surface recesses (12) on the two side end surfaces of the hard main body component (11) being provided with flow guide channels (13), and end openings of the light-reflecting flow tube (15) being communicated with the flow guide channels (13). An optical fiber main body (31) and a liquid flow guide tube (50) are in a concentrated connection to the light-reflecting flow tube (15) in the end surface recesses (12) of the hard main body component (11) by means of hard flanges (32). Both a light-transmittable sealed blockage for the end openings of the light-reflecting flow tube (15) and a leakage-proof butt joint seal for the liquid flow guide tube (50) and the light-reflecting flow tube (15) can be realized by means of the hard flanges (32), such that the number of sealing members can be reduced. In addition, using the hard flanges (32) to block the end openings of the light-reflecting flow tube (15) can achieve a better pressure-resistant sealing capability than glass sheets.

Description

Flow cell for liquid chromatography and assembly method of flow cell Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to liquid chromatography technology, and in particular to a flow cell for liquid chromatography, and an assembly method of the flow cell. Background Art

[0002] Liquid chromatography is a separation technique. Specifically, a mobile phase can be used to drive a solution to be analyzed to a stationary phase. The various components in the solution to be analyzed can be sequentially separated due to the different effects of the stationary phase. Furthermore, these components, separated by the stationary phase, can then follow the mobile phase to a flow cell. By optically detecting these components in the flow cell, component information can be obtained for each component in the solution to be analyzed.

[0003] Optical detection of solution components in a circulation pool can be achieved using optical fibers. For example, the circulation pool may include a light-reflecting circulation tube, two sections of optical fibers, and two sections of liquid flow conduits. The light-reflecting circulation tube may be placed between the two sections of optical fibers and docked with the two sections of liquid flow conduits. Thus, the separated solution components may flow through the light-reflecting circulation tube via the two sections of liquid flow conduits. Moreover, the signal changes of the optical signals transmitted through the two sections of optical fibers after passing through the light-reflecting circulation tube may reflect the component information of the solution components in the mobile phase flowing through the light-reflecting circulation tube.

[0004] Generally, sealing measures that take into account the transmission of optical signals need to be implemented at both ends of the light-reflecting flow tube. For example, a glass sheet is pressed onto the end opening of the light-reflecting flow tube to utilize the glass sheet to achieve a light-transmitting sealed blockage of the end opening of the light-reflecting flow tube, and allow the optical signal to pass through the glass sheet and penetrate the light-reflecting flow tube. Since the end opening of the light-reflecting flow tube is sealed by the glass sheet, the peripheral wall of the light-reflecting flow tube also needs a lateral opening, and the connection between the liquid flow conduit and the peripheral wall opening of the light-reflecting flow tube needs to be sealed by an additional seal.

[0005] Although the above sealing measures can take into account the transmission of optical signals,

[0006] On the one hand, different sealing components are required for the light-transmitting sealing of the end opening of the light-reflecting flow tube and the leak-proof butt sealing between the liquid flow conduit and the light-reflecting flow tube, resulting in a large number of sealing components used in the flow cell.

[0007] On the other hand, the glass sheet used for sealing the end opening of the light-reflecting flow tube through light has a low pressure resistance, resulting in low pressure resistance of the seal.

[0008] As can be seen from the above, how to reduce the number of sealing components of the circulation pool and improve the sealing pressure resistance of the circulation pool has become a technical problem to be solved in the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, a flow cell for liquid chromatography is provided, which helps to reduce the number of sealing components of the flow cell and improve the sealing pressure resistance of the flow cell.

[0010] One embodiment of the present application provides a flow cell for liquid chromatography, comprising: a flow cell body, comprising a hard body component and a light-reflecting flow tube, wherein both side end faces of the hard body component respectively have end face grooves, each of the end face grooves having a flow guide channel, the light-reflecting flow tube being built into the hard body component, and the end openings of the light-reflecting flow tube being in communication with the flow guide channels on both sides; optical fiber integrated components, each of the optical fiber integrated components comprising an optical fiber body and a hard flange, the hard flange being sealingly integrated with the end of the optical fiber body; and liquid flow conduits, each of the liquid flow conduits being sealingly inserted into the hard flange, and the insertion direction of the liquid flow conduit into the hard flange being parallel to the extension direction of the optical fiber body; wherein the optical fiber integrated components are arranged in pairs on both side end faces of the hard body component, the hard flange of the optical fiber integrated component arranged on each side end face being in sealing contact with the end face groove of that side end face, and such that: the optical fiber body on each side is aligned with the light-reflecting flow tube, and the liquid flow conduit on each side is aligned with the flow guide channel on that side.

[0011] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard main body component, the flow guide channel is located at the bottom of the groove of the end face groove, and the flow guide channel is recessed relative to the bottom of the groove of the end face groove; the flange end face of the hard flange facing away from the optical fiber body is in sealing contact with the bottom of the groove of the end face groove.

[0012] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard main body component, the hard flange is fixed to the hard main body component by fasteners, and the fastening force generated by the fasteners causes an axial pressure for sealing contact to be formed between the flange end face of the hard flange and the groove bottom of the end face groove.

[0013] In some examples, optionally, the optical fiber body extends through the hard flange on each side of the hard body member.

[0014] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard main body component, the hard flange has a plug-in blind hole, the blind hole opening of the plug-in blind hole is located on the side of the hard flange facing the optical fiber body, the liquid flow conduit is sealed and plugged into the plug-in blind hole, the extension direction of the plug-in blind hole is parallel to the optical fiber body, the bottom of the plug-in blind hole has a liquid seepage hole that passes through to the flange end face of the hard flange, and the liquid flow conduit is connected to the guide channel through the liquid seepage hole.

[0015] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard main body component, the surface roughness of the groove bottom of the end face groove is smaller than the surface roughness of the remaining surfaces of the hard main body component; the surface roughness of the flange end face of the hard flange is smaller than the surface roughness of the remaining surfaces of the hard flange.

[0016] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard main body component, the hard flange includes a plug-in end and a flange rim, wherein: the plug-in end is inserted into the end face groove, and the flange end face of the hard flange is located at the end of the plug-in end facing away from the optical fiber body; the flange rim surrounds the outer circumference of the plug-in end, the flange rim is located outside the end face groove, the flange rim is fixed to the hard main body component by fasteners, and the axial distance between the flange rim and the flange end face is greater than or equal to the axial depth of the end face groove.

[0017] In some examples, optionally, the optical fiber body extends through the plug end on each side of the hard body member.

[0018] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard main body component, the plug-in end has a plug-in blind hole, the blind hole opening of the plug-in blind hole is located on the side of the plug-in end facing the optical fiber body, the liquid flow conduit is sealed and inserted into the plug-in blind hole, the extension direction of the plug-in blind hole is parallel to the optical fiber body, the bottom of the plug-in blind hole has a liquid seepage hole that passes through to the flange end face, and the liquid flow conduit is connected to the guide channel through the liquid seepage hole.

[0019] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard body member, the cross-sectional shapes of the plug end and the end face groove are complementary, and the plug-in fit of the plug end and the end face groove causes: the optical fiber body to align with the light reflecting flow tube.

[0020] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard main body component, the guide channel extends radially from the center position of the end face groove at a preset phase angle; the two side end faces of the hard main body component also have positioning pins; for each side of the hard main body component, the hard flange also has a positioning groove located at the flange edge, and the plug-in positioning cooperation of the positioning pin and the positioning groove causes: the liquid flow conduit to be located at the preset phase angle.

[0021] In some examples, optionally, the hard main body component is made of plastic or metal.

[0022] In some examples, optionally, the light reflecting flow tube is made of quartz.

[0023] In some examples, optionally, the liquid flow conduit and the hard flange are both made of metal, and the liquid flow conduit is sealed and inserted by welding.

[0024] In some examples, optionally, the optical fiber body is parallel to a flange axis of the hard flange for each side of the hard body member.

[0025] In some examples, optionally, the optical fiber body is aligned with the axial center position of the hard flange, and the end opening on each side of the light reflecting flow tube is located at the center position of the end face groove on that side.

[0026] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard body component, an optical fiber connector is installed at the other end of the optical fiber body facing away from the hard flange.

[0027] In some examples, optionally, for each side of the hard body component, a conduit connector is installed at the other pipe end of the liquid flow conduit facing away from the hard flange.

[0028] Another embodiment of the present application provides an assembly method for a flow cell, comprising: providing a flow cell body, a pair of optical fiber integrated components, and a pair of liquid flow conduits, wherein the flow cell body comprises a hard main component and a light reflecting flow tube, the two side end faces of the hard main component respectively have end face grooves, each of the end face grooves has a flow guide channel, the light reflecting flow tube is built into the hard main component, the end openings of the light reflecting flow tube are connected to the flow guide channels on both sides, each of the optical fiber integrated components comprises an optical fiber body and a hard flange, and the hard flange is arranged on the outer periphery of the end of the optical fiber body and is connected to the optical fiber body The end of the body is integrated and packaged; each of the optical fiber integrated components and the corresponding liquid flow conduit are assembled into a set of pre-assembled components, wherein the liquid flow conduit is sealed and inserted into the hard flange, and the insertion direction of the liquid flow conduit in the hard flange is parallel to the extension direction of the optical fiber body; each set of the pre-assembled components is arranged on the corresponding side end face of the circulation pool body, wherein the hard flange in the pre-assembled components arranged on each side end face is in sealing contact with the end face groove of the side end face, so as to form a liquid flow detection optical path that passes through the light reflection circulation tube, and a sealed liquid flow path that passes through the guide channel and passes through the light reflection circulation tube.

[0029] Another embodiment of the present application provides an assembly method for a flow cell, comprising: providing a flow cell body, a pair of optical fiber integrated components, and a pair of liquid flow conduits, wherein the flow cell body comprises a hard main component and a light reflecting flow tube, the two side end faces of the hard main component respectively have end face grooves, each of the end face grooves has a flow guide channel, the light reflecting flow tube is built into the hard main component, the end openings of the light reflecting flow tube are connected to the flow guide channels on both sides, each of the optical fiber integrated components comprises an optical fiber body and a hard flange, and the hard flange is arranged on the outer periphery of the end of the optical fiber body and is connected to the optical fiber body The end of the body is integrated and packaged; each of the optical fiber integrated components and the corresponding liquid flow conduit are assembled into a set of pre-assembled components, wherein the liquid flow conduit is sealed and inserted into the hard flange, and the insertion direction of the liquid flow conduit in the hard flange is parallel to the extension direction of the optical fiber body; each set of the pre-assembled components is arranged on the corresponding side end face of the hard body component, wherein the hard flange in the pre-assembled components arranged on each side end face is in sealing contact with the end face groove of the side end face, and so that: the optical fiber body on each side is aligned with the light reflecting flow tube, and the liquid flow conduit on each side is aligned with the guide flow channel on that side.

[0030] Based on the above-described embodiments of the present application, the flow cell body may include a rigid main body component and a light-reflecting flow tube embedded in the rigid main body component, wherein the end face grooves on both end faces of the rigid main body component may have flow-guiding channels, and the end openings of the light-reflecting flow tube may be connected to the flow-guiding channels. Thus, the optical fiber body and the liquid flow conduit may be centrally connected to the light-reflecting flow tube within the end face grooves of the rigid main body component using a rigid flange. On the one hand, the light-transmitting sealing of the end openings of the light-reflecting flow tube and the leak-proof connection between the liquid flow conduit and the light-reflecting flow tube can both be achieved by the rigid flange, thereby reducing the number of sealing components. On the other hand, the sealing contact between the rigid flange and the end face groove is a hard seal between rigid materials. Therefore, using the rigid flange to seal the end openings of the light-reflecting flow tube can have a higher sealing pressure resistance than using a glass sheet. This, in turn, helps reduce the number of sealing components in the flow cell and improves the sealing pressure resistance of the flow cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The following drawings are merely provided to illustrate and explain the present application, and do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0032] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a flow cell for liquid chromatography in an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a flow cell for liquid chromatography in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a preassembled component of a flow cell for liquid chromatography in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a preassembled assembly of a flow cell for liquid chromatography in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of an exemplary method for assembling a flow cell for liquid chromatography in an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Explanation of the reference numerals: 10. Circulation pool body; 11. Hard main body component; 12. End face groove; 13. Flow guide channel; 15. Light reflection circulation tube; 16. Positioning pin; 30. Optical fiber integrated component; 31. Optical fiber body; 32. Hard flange; 321. Connecting end; 322. Flange edge; 323. Connecting blind hole; 325. Liquid seepage through hole; 326. Positioning groove; 33. Optical fiber connector; 50. Liquid flow conduit; 55. Conduit connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a flow cell for liquid chromatography according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of a flow cell for liquid chromatography according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 , in an embodiment of the present application, the flow cell for liquid chromatography may include a flow cell body 10, a pair of optical fiber integrated components 30, and a pair of liquid flow conduits 50.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present application, the flow cell body 10 may include a hard body component 11 and a light reflecting flow tube 15. For example, the hard body component 11 may be made of plastic or metal, and / or the light reflecting flow tube 15 may be made of quartz.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present application, both end faces of the hard main body component 11 of the flow cell body 10 may have end face grooves 12, and the end face grooves 12 of each end face of the hard main body component 11 may have a guide channel 13 (e.g., a microchannel or a capillary channel). For example, in the illustrated representation of the embodiment of the present application, the guide channel 13 may be located at the groove bottom of the end face groove 12, and the guide channel 13 may be recessed relative to the groove bottom of the end face groove 12.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present application, the light-reflecting flow tube 15 of the flow cell body 10 can be built into the hard main body component 11, and the end opening of the light-reflecting flow tube 15 can be connected to the flow guide channel 13. As shown in the diagram of the embodiment of the present application, the two ends of the light-reflecting flow tube 15 can respectively pass through the end face grooves 12 on both side end faces of the hard main body component 11, so that the end opening of each end of the light-reflecting flow tube 15 can be exposed to the groove bottom of the end face groove 12 on the corresponding side end face of the hard main body component 11. For example, the end opening of each end of the light-reflecting flow tube 15 can be flush with the groove bottom of the end face groove 12 on the corresponding side end face of the hard main body component 11, or can be retracted inside the groove bottom of the end face groove 12 on the corresponding side end face of the hard main body component 11.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present application, each optical fiber integrated component 30 may include an optical fiber body 31 and a hard flange 32, wherein the optical fiber body 31 may be parallel to the flange axis of the hard flange 32, and the hard flange 32 may be sealed and integrated with the end of the optical fiber body 31 (for example, a through hole may be provided at the flange axis of the hard flange 32, and the end of the optical fiber body 31 passes through the through hole, and the inner wall of the through hole is in sealing contact with the outer wall of the end of the optical fiber body 31), and the sealed integration of the hard flange 32 and the end of the optical fiber body 31 can avoid the transmission of optical signals through the optical fiber body 31, for example, the optical fiber body 31 can pass through the hard flange 32.

[0044] It can be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not attempt to improve the optical fiber body 31, that is, the embodiments of the present application can allow the optical fiber body 31 to select any existing bare optical fiber, for example, an existing UV-resistant optical fiber, and the optical fiber integrated component 30 in the embodiments of the present application can be regarded as a customized optical fiber with a hard flange 32 added to any existing bare optical fiber.

[0045] For example, in the illustrated embodiment of the present application, the hard flange 32 may include a plug end 321 and a flange rim 322, wherein the flange rim 322 surrounds the outer circumference of the plug end 321. In this case, in order to seal the hard flange 32 with the end of the optical fiber body 31 and prevent the transmission of optical signals through the optical fiber body 31, the optical fiber body 31 may penetrate the plug end 321 of the hard flange 32.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present application, each liquid flow conduit 50 can be sealed and inserted into the hard flange 32 of each optical fiber integrated component 30, and the insertion direction of the liquid flow conduit 50 in the hard flange 32 can be parallel to the extension direction of the optical fiber body 31 integrated and fixed with the hard flange 32 (that is, parallel to the flange axis of the hard flange 32).

[0047] Exemplarily, in an embodiment of the present application, the hard flange 32 (e.g., the plug-in end 321) may have a plug-in blind hole 323, the blind hole opening of the plug-in blind hole 323 may be located on the side of the hard flange 32 (e.g., the plug-in end 321) facing the optical fiber body 31, the extension direction of the plug-in blind hole 323 is parallel to the optical fiber body 31, the liquid flow conduit 50 may be sealed and inserted into the plug-in blind hole 323 (e.g., the inner wall of the plug-in blind hole 323 is in sealing contact with the outer wall of the liquid flow conduit 50), and the bottom of the plug-in blind hole 323 (located on the side of the hard flange 32 (e.g., the plug-in end 321) away from the optical fiber body 31) may have a liquid seepage through hole 325 that passes through the flange end face of the hard flange 32.

[0048] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the fluid conduit 50 can have any physical shape, such as straight or curved. Moreover, regardless of the physical shape of the fluid conduit 50, the end section of the fluid conduit 50 inserted into the hard flange 32 can be parallel to the extension direction of the optical fiber body 31 integrally fixed to the hard flange 32. For another example, if the fluid conduit 50 and the hard flange 32 are both made of metal, the fluid conduit 50 can be sealed and inserted by welding. That is, the fluid conduit 50 can be welded to the plugging blind hole 323 of the hard flange 32 (e.g., the plugging end 321).

[0049] In the embodiment of the present application, a pair of optical fiber integrated components 30 can be respectively arranged on both side end surfaces of the hard main component 11 of the flow cell body 10, that is, the optical fiber integrated components 30 can be arranged in pairs on both side end surfaces of the flow cell body 10. In this case:

[0050] The optical fiber body 31 of one optical fiber integrated component 30 can be used as an input optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal to the light-reflecting flow tube 15 of the flow cell body 10, and the liquid flow conduit 50 plugged into the hard flange 32 of the optical fiber integrated component 30 can be used as an input conduit for conveying a mobile phase to the light-reflecting flow tube 15 of the flow cell body 10.

[0051] The optical fiber body 31 of another optical fiber integrated component 30 can be used as an output optical fiber for receiving optical signals from the light reflecting flow tube 15 of the circulation pool body 10, and the liquid flow conduit 50 connected to the hard flange 32 of the optical fiber integrated component 30 can be used as an output conduit for receiving the mobile phase from the light reflecting flow tube 15 of the circulation pool body 10.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment of the present application, a fiber connector 33 can be mounted on the other end of the optical fiber body 31, facing away from the hard flange 32. If the optical fiber body 31 is used as an input optical fiber, the fiber connector 33 mounted on the other end facing away from the hard flange 32 can be integrated with an optical transmitter or used to receive optical signals from the optical transmitter. If the optical fiber body 31 is used as an output optical fiber, the fiber connector 33 mounted on the other end facing away from the hard flange 32 can be integrated with an optical receiver or used to transmit optical signals to the optical transmitter. Furthermore, the fiber connector 33 can be secured to a corresponding mounting point in liquid chromatography equipment, such as a liquid chromatograph, using fasteners such as screws.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment of the present application, a conduit connector 55 may be installed at the other end of the liquid flow conduit 50 facing away from the hard flange 32. The conduit connector 55 is used to connect the liquid flow conduit 50 to a mobile phase circuit in a liquid chromatography device, such as a liquid chromatograph. For example, the conduit connector 55 may have external or internal threads.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present application, for the optical fiber integrated component 30 arranged on each side end face of the hard main body component 11 of the circulation pool body 10, its hard flange 32 can be in sealing contact with the end face groove 12 of the side end face of the hard main body component 11.

[0055] For example, if the flow guide channel 13 is located at the bottom of the end face groove 12, the flange end face of the hard flange 32 facing away from the optical fiber body 31 (e.g., the end face on the side where the liquid permeation through hole 325 is located) can be in sealing contact with the bottom of the end face groove 12. In this case:

[0056] The hard flange 32 can be fixed to the hard main body member 11 by fasteners such as screws, and the fastening force generated by the fasteners can cause an axial pressure for sealing contact to be formed between the flange end face of the hard flange 32 and the groove bottom of the end face groove 12; and / or,

[0057] The surface roughness of the groove bottom of the end face groove 12 is less than the surface roughness of the remaining surface of the hard body component 11, and the surface roughness of the flange end face of the hard flange 32 is less than the surface roughness of the remaining surface of the hard flange 32, so as to achieve the above-mentioned sealing contact by utilizing the hard surface contact after the surface roughening treatment. For example, the groove bottom of the end face groove 12 can be surface-smoothed after the hard body component 11 is injection-molded, and the flange end face of the hard flange 32 can be surface-smoothed after the hard flange 32 is cast.

[0058] For example, if the hard flange 32 includes the aforementioned plug-in end 321 and flange edge 322 as shown in the diagram of the embodiment of the present application, then for the optical fiber integrated component 30 arranged on each side end surface of the hard main body component 11 of the flow cell body 10:

[0059] The plug-in end 321 of the hard flange 32 can be inserted into the end face groove 12 of the side end face of the hard main body component 11, and the flange end face for sealing contact can be located at the end of the plug-in end 321 facing away from the optical fiber body 31;

[0060] The flange edge 322 of the hard flange 32 can be located outside the end face groove 12 of the side end face of the hard main body component 11, and the flange edge 322 can be fixed to the side end face of the hard main body component 11 by fasteners such as screws.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present application, for the optical fiber integrated component 30 arranged on each side end face of the hard main body component 11 of the circulation pool body 10, the sealing contact between its hard flange 32 and the end face groove 12 of the side end face of the hard main body component 11 also needs to meet the following requirements: the optical fiber body 31 of the optical fiber integrated component 30 is aligned with the light reflecting circulation tube 15, and the liquid flow conduit 50 inserted into the hard flange 32 of the optical fiber integrated component 30 is aligned with the guide channel 13.

[0062] For example, the plug-in end 321 of the hard flange 32 of each optical fiber integrated component 30 can complement the cross-sectional shape of the end face groove 12 of the corresponding side end face of the hard body component 11. Thus, the plug-in engagement of the plug-in end 321 of the hard flange 32 of each optical fiber integrated component 30 with the end face groove 12 of the corresponding side end face of the hard body component 11 can cause the optical fiber body 31 of the optical fiber integrated component 30 to align with the light reflecting flow tube 15. In this case, preferably, the optical fiber body 31 can be aligned with the axial center position of the plug-in end 321 of the hard flange 32, and the end opening of the light reflecting flow tube 15 is located at the center position of the end face groove 12 of the corresponding side end face of the hard body component 11.

[0063] For another example, the guide channel 13 on any side end face of the hard main body component 11 can radiate from the center position of the end face groove 12 of the side end face at a preset phase angle, and the side end face of the hard main body component 11 can also have a positioning pin 16. In this case, for any optical fiber integrated component 30, its hard flange 32 also has a positioning groove 326 located at the flange edge 322, and the plug-in positioning cooperation of the positioning pin 16 on the side end face of the hard main body component 11 and the positioning groove 326 of the hard flange 32 can promote: the liquid flow conduit 50 inserted in the hard flange 32 of the optical fiber integrated component 30 is located at the preset phase angle of the guide channel 13 on the side end face of the hard main body component 11, thereby making the liquid flow conduit 50 inserted in the hard flange 32 of the optical fiber integrated component 30 aligned with the guide channel 13, and at this time, the liquid flow conduit 50 can be connected with the guide channel 13 through the liquid seepage hole 325 described above.

[0064] Thus, the optical fiber body 31 and the aligned light-reflecting flow tube 15 can form a liquid flow detection optical path for the optical fiber body 31 to pass through the light-reflecting flow tube 15, that is, the optical signal in the liquid flow detection optical path can pass through the light-reflecting flow tube 15 from the input optical fiber mentioned above, and then be transmitted from the output optical fiber mentioned above.

[0065] Moreover, the liquid flow conduit 50 and the aligned guide channel 13 can form a sealed liquid flow path in which the mobile phase transmitted by the liquid flow conduit 50 passes through the guide channel 13 and penetrates the light reflecting flow tube 15, that is, the mobile phase in the sealed liquid flow path can flow from the input conduit mentioned above through the guide channel 13 on the side where the input conduit is located into the light reflecting flow tube 15, and after the mobile phase passes through the light reflecting flow tube 15, it can flow from the guide channel 13 on the side where the output conduit mentioned above is located into the output conduit.

[0066] As can be seen above, in an embodiment of the present application, the circulation pool body 10 of the circulation pool may include a hard main body component 11, and a light reflecting circulation tube 15 built into the hard main body component 11, wherein the end face grooves 12 on both side end faces of the hard main body component 11 may have a diversion channel 13, and the end opening of the light reflecting circulation tube 15 may be connected to the diversion channel 13, so that the optical fiber body 31 and the liquid flow conduit 50 of the optical fiber integrated component 30 can utilize the hard flange 32 of the optical fiber integrated component 30 to centrally connect the light reflecting circulation tube 15 in the end face groove 12 of the hard main body component 11.

[0067] On the one hand, the light-transmitting sealing of the end opening of the light-reflecting flow tube 15 and the leak-proof joint sealing between the liquid flow conduit 50 and the light-reflecting flow tube 15 can be achieved through the hard flange 32, thereby reducing the number of sealing components.

[0068] On the other hand, the sealing contact between the hard flange 32 and the end face groove 12 is a hard seal between hard materials. Therefore, using the hard flange 32 to seal the end opening of the light reflecting flow tube 15 can produce a higher sealing pressure resistance than that of a glass sheet. For example, if the hard flange 32 includes the plug-in end 321 and the flange edge 322 described above as shown in the figure of the embodiment of the present application, then the axial distance between the flange edge 322 of the hard flange 32 and the flange end face for sealing contact described above can be greater than or equal to the axial depth of the end face groove 12, so that when the flange edge 322 is fixed to the hard main body component 11 by fasteners, an axial pressure for sealing (i.e., hard sealing) is formed between the aforementioned flange end face of the hard flange 32 and the groove bottom of the end face groove 12.

[0069] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present application help to reduce the number of sealing components of the circulation pool and improve the sealing pressure resistance of the circulation pool.

[0070] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a preassembled assembly for a flow cell for liquid chromatography according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of a preassembled assembly for a flow cell for liquid chromatography according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figures 3 and 4 , in the embodiment of the present application, each optical fiber integrated component 30 can be assembled with a corresponding liquid flow conduit 50 to form a preassembled assembly. The preassembled assembly can then be physically mounted on the corresponding side end surface of the rigid main body component 11 using a rigid flange 32.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present application, a method for assembling a circulation cell is also provided.

[0072] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary process of assembling a flow cell for liquid chromatography according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG5 , the assembly method may include:

[0073] S510: Provide a flow cell body, a pair of optical fiber integrated components, and a pair of liquid flow conduits.

[0074] Among them, the structure of the circulation pool body provided in S510 can refer to the description of the circulation pool body 10 in the previous text, the optical fiber integrated component provided in S510 can refer to the description of the optical fiber integrated component 30 in the previous text, and the liquid flow conduit provided in S510 can refer to the description of the liquid flow conduit 50 in the previous text.

[0075] S530: Assemble each optical fiber integrated component and a corresponding liquid flow conduit into a set of preassembled components.

[0076] S550: Arrange each set of pre-assembled components on the corresponding side end surface of the hard main body component of the flow cell body.

[0077] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A flow cell for liquid chromatography, characterized in that include: A flow cell body (10) comprises a hard main body component (11) and a light reflecting flow tube (15), wherein both end surfaces of the hard main body component (11) are respectively provided with end surface grooves (12), each end surface groove (12) having a flow guide channel (13), and the light reflecting flow tube (15) is built into the hard main body component (11), and an end opening of the light reflecting flow tube (15) is communicated with the flow guide channel (13); Optical fiber integrated components (30), each of the optical fiber integrated components (30) comprising an optical fiber body (31) and a hard flange (32), the hard flange (32) being sealed and integrated with an end portion of the optical fiber body (31); Liquid flow conduits (50), each of the liquid flow conduits (50) is sealed and inserted into the hard flange (32), and the insertion direction of the liquid flow conduits (50) in the hard flange (32) is parallel to the extension direction of the optical fiber body (31); The optical fiber integrated components (30) are arranged in pairs on both side end faces of the hard main body component (11), and the hard flange (32) of the optical fiber integrated components (30) arranged on each side end face is in sealing contact with the end face groove (12) of the side end face, and makes: the optical fiber body (31) on each side align with the light reflection flow tube (15), and the liquid flow conduit (50) on each side align with the flow guide channel (13) on that side.

2. The flow cell according to claim 1, wherein For each side of the rigid body member (11), The flow guide channel (13) is located at the groove bottom of the end surface groove (12), and the flow guide channel (13) is recessed relative to the groove bottom of the end surface groove (12); The flange end face of the hard flange (32) facing away from the optical fiber body (31) is in sealing contact with the groove bottom of the end face groove (12).

3. The flow cell according to claim 2, wherein For each side of the hard main body component (11), the hard flange (32) is fixed to the hard main body component (11) by fasteners, and the fastening force generated by the fasteners causes the axial pressure for the sealing contact to be formed between the flange end face of the hard flange (32) and the groove bottom of the end face groove (12).

4. The flow cell according to claim 2, wherein For each side of the hard body member (11), the optical fiber body (31) extends through the hard flange (32).

5. The flow cell according to claim 2, wherein For each side of the hard main body component (11), the hard flange (32) has a plug-in blind hole (323), the blind hole opening of the plug-in blind hole (323) is located on the side of the hard flange (32) facing the optical fiber body (31), the liquid flow conduit (50) is sealed and plugged into the plug-in blind hole (323), the extension direction of the plug-in blind hole (323) is parallel to the optical fiber body (31), the bottom of the plug-in blind hole (323) has a liquid seepage hole (325) that passes through the flange end face of the hard flange (32), and the liquid flow conduit (50) is connected to the guide channel (13) through the liquid seepage hole (325).

6. The flow cell according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that For each side of the rigid body member (11), The surface roughness of the groove bottom of the end surface groove (12) is smaller than the surface roughness of the remaining surfaces of the hard main body component (11); The surface roughness of the flange end face of the hard flange (32) is smaller than the surface roughness of the remaining surfaces of the hard flange (32).

7. The flow cell according to claim 2, wherein For each side of the rigid body member (11), The hard flange (32) includes a plug-in end (321) and a flange edge (322), wherein: The plug-in end (321) is inserted into the end face groove (12), and the flange end face of the hard flange (32) is located at an end of the plug-in end (321) facing away from the optical fiber body (31); The flange edge (322) surrounds the outer periphery of the plug end (321), the flange edge (322) is located outside the end face groove (12), the flange edge (322) is fixed to the hard main body component (11) by fasteners, and the axial distance between the flange edge (322) and the flange end face is greater than or equal to the axial depth of the end face groove (12).

8. The flow cell according to claim 7, characterized in that For each side of the hard body member (11), the optical fiber body (31) extends through the plug-in terminal (321).

9. The flow cell according to claim 7, wherein For each side of the hard main body component (11), the plug-in end (321) has a plug-in blind hole (323), the blind hole opening of the plug-in blind hole (323) is located on the side of the plug-in end (321) facing the optical fiber body (31), the liquid flow conduit (50) is sealed and inserted into the plug-in blind hole (323), the extension direction of the plug-in blind hole (323) is parallel to the optical fiber body (31), the bottom of the plug-in blind hole (323) has a liquid seepage through hole (325) that passes through to the flange end face, and the liquid flow conduit (50) is connected to the guide channel (13) through the liquid seepage through hole (325).

10. The flow cell according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that For each side of the hard main body component (11), the cross-sectional shapes of the plug-in end (321) and the end face groove (12) are complementary, and the plug-in fit between the plug-in end (321) and the end face groove (12) causes the optical fiber body (31) to align with the light reflecting flow tube (15).

11. The flow cell according to claim 7, characterized in that For each side of the hard main body component (11), the flow guide channel (13) extends radially from the center position of the end surface groove (12) at a preset phase angle; The two end faces of the hard main body component (11) are also provided with positioning pins (16); For each side of the hard main body component (11), the hard flange (32) also has a positioning groove (326) located on the flange edge (322), and the plug-in positioning cooperation between the positioning pin (16) and the positioning groove (326) enables the liquid flow conduit (50) to be located at the preset phase angle.

12. The flow cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The hard main body component (11) is made of plastic or metal.

13. The flow cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The material of the light reflecting flow tube (15) includes quartz.

14. The flow cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The liquid flow conduit (50) and the hard flange (32) are both made of metal, and the liquid flow conduit (50) is sealed and plugged in by welding.

15. The flow cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that For each side of the hard body member (11), the optical fiber body (31) is parallel to the flange axis of the hard flange (32).

16. The flow cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The optical fiber body (31) is aligned with the axial center position of the hard flange (32), and the end opening on each side of the light reflection flow tube (15) is located at the center position of the end surface groove (12) on that side.

17. The flow cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that For each side of the hard main component (11), an optical fiber connector (33) is installed at the other end of the optical fiber body (31) facing away from the hard flange (32).

18. The flow cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that For each side of the hard main body component (11), a pipe joint (55) is installed at the other pipe end of the liquid flow conduit (50) away from the hard flange (32).

19. A method for assembling a flow cell, characterized in that: include: A flow cell body (10), a pair of optical fiber integrated components (30), and a pair of liquid flow conduits (50) are provided, wherein the flow cell body (10) comprises a hard main component (11) and a light reflecting flow tube (15), both side end faces of the hard main component (11) respectively have end face grooves (12), each of the end face grooves (12) has a flow guide channel (13), the light reflecting flow tube (15) is built into the hard main component (11), and the end openings of the light reflecting flow tube (15) are in communication with the flow guide channels (13) on both sides, each of the optical fiber integrated components (30) comprises an optical fiber body (31) and a hard flange (32), and the hard flange (32) is arranged on the outer periphery of the end of the optical fiber body (31) and is integrated and packaged with the end of the optical fiber body (31); Assembling each of the optical fiber integrated components (30) and a corresponding liquid flow conduit (50) into a set of preassembled components, wherein the liquid flow conduit (50) is sealed and inserted into the hard flange (32), and the insertion direction of the liquid flow conduit (50) into the hard flange (32) is parallel to the extension direction of the optical fiber body (31); Each set of the pre-assembled components is arranged on the corresponding side end face of the hard main body component (11), wherein the hard flange (32) arranged in the pre-assembled components on each side end face is in sealing contact with the end face groove (12) of the side end face, and the optical fiber body (31) on each side is aligned with the light reflection flow tube (15), and the liquid flow conduit (50) on each side is aligned with the flow guide channel (13) on that side.

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