Sample introduction device

A sample introduction device 10 includes a tube holding section 21 and a sample removing mechanism 40. The sample removing mechanism 40 removes a sample 6 in a sample tube 2 held by the tube holding section 21. Thus, in the sample introduction device 10, the sample 6 in the sample tube 2 held by the tube holding section 21 can be automatically removed. As a result, the operator no longer needs to perform an operation of taking out the sample 6 from the sample tube 2. Thus, a work load on the operator can be reduced.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2018/006352, filed on Feb. 22, 2018.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sample introduction device that heats a sample tube containing a sample to desorb a sample compound and introduces the sample compound into an analysis section.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, sample introduction devices of a thermal desorption type have been used in a case of introducing an extremely small amount of sample compounds into an analysis section, such as a case where environmental pollutants in the air are analyzed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below). The sample introduction device of this type heats a sample tube containing a sample, whereby sample compounds are desorbed to be temporarily trapped in a trap column. Then, the sample compounds in the trap column are heated to be desorbed, so that they can be introduced into the analysis section.

Such a sample introduction device may be used for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in a sample, for example. VOCs and SVOCs in a sample are measured as follows. First, a sample contained in a sample tube is heated up to 80 to 100° for extracting a VOC from the sample and carrier gas flows into the sample tube. As a result, the VOC extracted from the sample is sent out by the carrier gas to be introduced into the analysis section.

In this process, an SVOC is extracted from the sample together with the VOC. The SVOC is a high-boiling component, and thus adheres to an inner wall of the sample tube so as not to be introduced into the analysis section. Next, the sample is removed from the sample tube. Then, the resultant sample tube is heated up to 280 to 300°, whereby the SVOC in the sample tube is diffused. Then, the carrier gas further flows into the sample tube, whereby the SVOC is sent out from the sample tube to be introduced into the analysis section. In this manner, the VOC and the SVOC in the sample are measured by heating the sample tube at a relatively low temperature, then removing the sample from the sample tube, and then heating the sample tube at a high temperature.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

When measuring VOCs and SVOCs in a sample using the conventional sample introduction device, the sample is manually removed from the sample tube. Thus, there have been drawbacks that an operator is required to go through a cumbersome operation and that a long period of time is required for the measurement. Such drawbacks similarly arise in a case where a sample is removed from a sample tube in another operation using the sample introduction device.

The present invention is made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sample introduction device that can reduce a work load on an operator.

Means for Solving the Problems

(1) A sample introduction device according to the present invention heats a sample tube containing a sample to desorb a sample compound and introduce the sample compound into an analysis section. The sample introduction device includes a tube holding section and a sample removing mechanism. The tube holding section holds the sample tube. The sample removing mechanism removes the sample in the sample tube held by the tube holding section.

With this configuration, the sample in the sample tube held by the tube holding section can be automatically removed by the sample removing mechanism.

Thus, the operator no longer needs to perform an operation of taking out the sample from the sample tube.

As a result, a work load on the operator can be reduced. Furthermore, the time required for a series of processing in the sample introduction device can be shortened.

(2) The sample removing mechanism may include a shaft. The shaft is inserted into the sample tube to push out the sample.

With this configuration, the sample in the sample tube can be removed with a simple configuration.

(3) The shaft may include a shaft section and a contact section. The shaft section slides in an axial direction. The contact section has an outer diameter, about an axis, larger than an outer diameter of the shaft section, and comes into contact with the sample in the sample tube.

With this configuration, the contact section comes into contact with the sample when the shaft is inserted in the sample tube. When the shaft is further inserted into the sample tube, the contact section pushes out the sample from the sample tube.

Thus, the portion of the sample removing mechanism that comes into contact with the sample in the process of removing the sample can be limited to the contact section.

(4) The contact section may be detachably attached to the shaft section.

With this configuration, the contact section can be exchanged and maintained easily.

(5) The contact section may be provided with a tapered surface that is tapered toward a distal end.

With this configuration, the contact section is inserted into the sample tube from a tapered portion of the contact section.

This enables the contact section to be easily inserted into the sample tube.

(6) The sample introduction device may further include a shaft heating section. The shaft heating section heats the shaft that has been pulled out from the sample tube.

With this configuration, when the shaft is inserted into the sample tube and the sample compound remaining in the sample tube adheres to the shaft, the shaft heating section heats the shaft, so that the adhered sample compound can be diffused (dispersed).

Thus, when the shaft is continuously used, the shaft having the adhered sample compound can be prevented from being inserted into the sample tube.

As a result, occurrence of so-called cross contamination can be prevented, that is, the sample component adhered to the shaft can be prevented from mixing into the sample tube to adversely affect the subsequent analysis and the like.

(7) The sample introduction device may further include a purge gas supply section. The purge gas supply section blows purge gas onto an outer circumference surface of the shaft heated by the shaft heating section.

With this configuration, the purge gas is blown onto the outer circumference surface of the shaft from the purge gas supply section, whereby the sample compound diffused from the surface of the shaft can be moved away from the shaft.

Thus, the occurrence of the cross contamination can more effectively be prevented.

(8) The sample introduction device may further include an extrusion gas supply section. The extrusion gas supply section supplies extrusion gas into the shaft to cause the extrusion gas to be ejected from a distal end of the shaft toward the sample in the sample tube.

With this configuration, when the shaft is inserted into the sample tube, the extrusion gas ejected from the extrusion gas supply section can push out the sample in the sample tube.

Thus, the sample in the sample tube can be smoothly pushed out.

(9) The sample introduction device may further include a sample detection section. The sample detection section detects presence or absence of the sample in the sample tube after the sample removing mechanism has been operated.

With this configuration, whether the sample in the sample tube has been pushed out can be confirmed based on the detection by the sample detection section.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, the sample in the sample tube held by the tube holding section can be automatically removed by the sample removing mechanism. Thus, the operator no longer needs to perform an operation of taking out the sample from the sample tube. As a result, a work load on the operator can be reduced.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1. Configuration of Sample Introduction Device

FIG. 1is a flow path diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a sample introduction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The sample introduction device10is a sample introduction device for a gas chromatograph, which is for introducing a sample into a gas chromatograph1. A sample tube2in which a sample is sealed is set to the sample introduction device10, and sample gas generated as a result of vaporization in the sample tube2is introduced into the gas chromatograph1. The gas chromatograph1is a concept including a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer.

The sample introduction device10includes a trap section3, a flow path switching section4, and the like. The trap section3is connected to the flow path switching section4through a pipe.

The sample tube2is a thin elongated transparent or semitransparent tubular member made of quartz for example, and is set to the sample introduction device10to be a part of a pipe in communication with the flow path switching section4.

A sample6is sandwiched between a pair of silica wool members5to be held in the sample tube2. The sample6is a solid sample such as resin for example, but this should not be construed in a limiting sense, and may also be a liquid such as an adhesive for example. Carrier gas is supplied into the sample tube2through a pipe, and passes through the pair of silica wool members5to be sent to the flow path switching section4. This carrier gas may be inert gas such as nitrogen gas or helium gas, or may be active gas.

In the trap section3including a trap column for example, the sample (sample gas) generated as a result of vaporization in the sample tube2is trapped and concentrated. When the trap section3with the concentrated sample is heated, the sample in the trap section3volatilizes to be desorbed, and the resultant sample is supplied to the gas chromatograph1by means of the carrier gas.

For example, the flow path switching section4is formed by a six-way valve including six ports a to f. The port a of the flow path switching section4is in communication with the internal space of the sample tube2set to the sample introduction device10. The trap section3has both end portions in communication with the respective ports b and e of the flow path switching section4. The port c of the flow path switching section4is in communication with the gas chromatograph1. Carrier gas is supplied to the port d of the flow path switching section4. This carrier gas is inert gas such as nitrogen gas or helium gas. The port f of the flow path switching section4is in communication with a discharge port.

The gas chromatograph1includes a sample introduction section11, a column12, and the like. The sample, which is supplied from the trap section3to the gas chromatograph1together with the carrier gas, is introduced into the column12from the sample introduction section11and is separated into sample compounds while passing through the column12. The sample compounds thus separated are detected by a detector (not illustrated), and a chromatogram is obtained as an analysis result.

In this example, the sample is introduced into the column12by so-called split introduction. Specifically, the sample supplied from the trap section3to the sample introduction section11is partially discharged to the outside together with the carrier gas. Note that this configuration should not be construed in a limiting sense, and the sample supplied from the trap section3to the sample introduction section11may be entirely introduced into the column12.

In the state illustrated inFIG. 1, the flow path switching section4has the ports a and b communicating with each other, and the ports e and f communicating with each other. Thus, the carrier gas supplied to the sample tube2from one end side (upstream side) flows into the trap section3via the flow path switching section4, after passing through the sample tube2. When the sample tube2is heated from the outside, predetermined gas (sample gas) is extracted from the sample6contained therein, as described later. The sample gas generated in the sample tube2is sent to the flow path switching section4together with the carrier gas supplied into the sample tube2. The sample gas is supplied toward the gas chromatograph1by means of the carrier gas, to be trapped in the trap section3. After the sample is trapped in the trap section3, the carrier gas is discharged from the discharge port through the flow path switching section4.

In the state illustrated inFIG. 1, the flow path switching section4has the ports c and d communicating with each other. Thus, the carrier gas supplied to the port d of the flow path switching section4is introduced into the gas chromatograph1through the port c without passing through the trap section3.

FIG. 2is a flow path diagram illustrating a state where the flow path switching section4is switched from the state illustrated inFIG. 1. In this state, the flow path switching section4has the ports b and c communicating with each other, and the ports d and e communicating with each other. Thus, the carrier gas supplied to the port d of the flow path switching section4flows into the trap section3through the port e. At this point, the trap section3is heated. Thus, the sample concentrated in the trap section3is desorbed, and is then supplied toward the gas chromatograph1through the ports b and c of the flow path switching section4. In the state illustrated inFIG. 2, the flow path switching section4has the ports a and f communicating with each other.

As described above, in the sample introduction device10, the sample tube2that contains the sample is heated and the carrier gas flows into the sample tube2, whereby the sample gas as a result of extraction (desorption) in the sample tube2is trapped in the trap section3. After the sample is trapped in the trap section3, the flow path switching section4is switched. Then, the trap section3is heated and the carrier gas flows into the trap section3, whereby the sample is introduced from the trap section3to the gas chromatograph1.

In the sample introduction device10, the sample tube2can be moved as appropriate, as described later.FIG. 3is a flow path diagram illustrating a state where the flow path switching section is switched from the state illustrated inFIG. 2and the sample tube2is moved.

As will be described in detail later, the sample introduction device10has a configuration for moving the sample tube2and for executing various types of processing on the sample tube2.FIG. 3illustrates a state where, in the sample introduction device10, the sample tube2is moved for performing sample removal processing (described later) on the sample tube2. The flow path switching section4inFIG. 3forms the flow path in the same state as the state illustrated inFIG. 1. In this state, the carrier gas supplied to the port d of the flow path switching section4is introduced into the gas chromatograph1through the port c. Thus, in the sample introduction device10, the carrier gas is introduced into the gas chromatograph1without passing through the trap section3, while the sample removal processing on the sample tube2is being executed.

2. Configuration of Heating Mechanism

FIG. 4AtoFIG. 4Fare plan views each illustrating an example of a configuration of a heating mechanism100for the sample tube2in the sample introduction device10. Specifically,FIG. 4Aillustrates a state where the sample tube2is at an initial position.FIG. 4Billustrates a state where the sample tube2is in contact with a pressing section30.FIG. 4Cillustrates a state where the sample tube2is heated by the heating mechanism100.FIG. 4Dillustrates a state where the sample tube2is at a removal position.FIG. 4Eillustrates a state where the sample has been removed by insertion of a shaft41in the sample tube2.FIG. 4Fillustrates a state where the shaft41has been pulled out from the sample tube2.FIG. 5AtoFIG. 5Fare side views of the heating mechanism100respectively corresponding toFIG. 4AtoFIG. 4F.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A, before the analysis, the sample tube2containing the sample6has both end portions closed by caps7. As described above, the sample6is sandwiched between the pair of silica wool members5to be held in the sample tube2. The heating mechanism100includes a tube holding section21that holds the sample tube2, a tube heating section22that heats the sample tube2, and a movement mechanism23.

The movement mechanism23includes a rotatable support shaft25that linearly extends along a horizontal direction, and a nut26attached to the support shaft25. The support shaft25has an outer circumference surface with a thread, and the nut26is screwed onto the thread to be attached to the support shaft25. The sample tube2is held by the tube holding section21to extend in a horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the support shaft25. The nut26is fixed to the tube holding section21. Thus, rotation of the support shaft25causes movement of the tube holding section21along the support shaft25in a direction depending on a direction of the rotation.

The tube heating section22is formed to have a configuration in which a heater block27and a supporting table28supporting the heater block27are integrated, and is disposed with the support shaft25passing through the supporting table28. Note that the support shaft25simply passes through the supporting table28, that is, not screwed into the supporting table28, and thus the rotation of the support shaft25does not cause the tube heating section22to move like the tube holding section21. Thus, when the support shaft25is rotated in one direction, the tube holding section21can be moved toward the tube heating section22, and when the support shaft25is rotated in the other direction, the tube holding section21can be moved away from the tube heating section22.

The pressing section30for pressing and sandwiching the sample tube2held by the tube holding section21is provided on a side opposite to the tube heating section22, relative to the tube holding section21. When the sample tube2is set to the tube holding section21in a state where the tube holding section21is at the initial position as illustrated inFIG. 4AandFIG. 5A, the support shaft25is first rotated to move the tube holding section21toward the pressing section30.

As a result, the tube holding section21and the sample tube2are positioned at a pressed position as illustrated inFIG. 4BandFIG. 5B, with the sample tube2sandwiched between the tube holding section21and the pressing section30in contact with an outer circumference surface of the sample tube2. A grip (not illustrated) is operated in this state to remove the caps7from both ends of the sample tube2. In this process, the pressing section30applies pressing force so that the sample tube2can be prevented from moving in a lengthwise direction.

Then, the support shaft25is rotated, whereby the tube holding section21moves toward the tube heating section22as illustrated inFIG. 4CandFIG. 5C. The sample tube2is in contact with the heater block27when the nut26comes into contact with the supporting table28of the tube heating section22and stops. Pipes31for causing the carrier gas to flow through the sample tube2are connected to both end portions of the sample tube2at this position (heating position).

In this state, the heater block27is heated, and the carrier gas flows through the pipes31to flow through the sample tube2. As a result, a predetermined compound (sample compound) vaporizes to be desorbed from the sample6in the sample tube2, and the sample compound is sent out from the sample tube2by means of the carrier gas to be trapped in the trap section3.FIG. 1illustrates the sample tube2in this state.

In this example, the inside of the sample tube2is heated up to 80 to 100°. A VOC is extracted as the sample gas from the sample6to be trapped in the trap section3. In this process, an SVOC is also extracted from the sample6, but the SVOC adheres to the inner wall of the sample tube2to remain in the sample tube2.

Then, a cooling fan32operates to cool the heater block27and the sample tube2. After the sample tube2has been sufficiently cooled, the trap section3is heated and the carrier gas is supplied into the trap section3as described above (seeFIG. 2). Thus, the sample compound in the trap section3vaporizes to be desorbed, and the sample compound is introduced into the gas chromatograph1by means of the carrier gas.

Next, the pipes31are separated from both end portions of the sample tube2and the support shaft25rotates, whereby the tube holding section21moves toward the pressing section30as illustrated inFIG. 4DandFIG. 5D. The position of the tube holding section21and the sample tube2illustrated inFIG. 4DandFIG. 5Dis the removal position. The removal position of the tube holding section21and the sample tube2is between the initial position illustrated inFIG. 4AandFIG. 5Aand the heated position illustrated inFIG. 4CandFIG. 5C.

In this state, the sample removing mechanism40removes the sample6(the silica wool members5and the sample6) in the sample tube2. As will be described in detail later, in the sample introduction device10, the sample removing mechanism40includes a shaft41. As illustrated inFIG. 4EandFIG. 5E, the shaft41is inserted into the sample tube2at the removal position to push out the sample6from the sample tube2.

In this example, the sample6pushed out from the sample tube2is discarded, but may be collected and recycled.

Then, as illustrated inFIG. 4FandFIG. 5F, the shaft41is pulled out from the sample tube2. The sample introduction device10includes a sample detection section50. The sample detection section50detects a sample in the sample tube2at the removal position and includes a photointerrupter for example. Specifically, the sample detection section50includes a light emitting section51that emits light and a light receiving section52that receives light from the light emitting section51. The light receiving section52is provided to the tube holding section21. The light emitting section51is disposed above the light receiving section52with a gap therebetween. The sample tube2at the removal position is positioned between the light emitting section51and the light receiving section52. In a state where the sample tube2is at the removal position, the sample detection section50detects that the sample6remains in the sample tube2when the light receiving section52does not receive light with an intensity equal to or higher than a threshold from the light emitting section51, and detects that the sample6has been removed from the sample tube2when the light receiving section52receives light with an intensity equal to or higher than the threshold from the light emitting section51.

When the sample detection section50detects that the sample6has been removed from the sample tube2, the support shaft25rotates, whereby the tube holding section21returns to the initial position illustrated inFIG. 4AandFIG. 5A. Then, the sample tube2is collected from the tube holding section21. Thereafter, the operation described above (the operation inFIG. 4AtoFIG. 4FandFIG. 5AtoFIG. 5F) is repeated to be performed one by one on a plurality of sample tubes2. Then, the plurality of sample tubes2are temporarily automatically collected.

Then, the collected sample tubes2are automatically set to the tube holding section21one by one, and then each sample tube2is moved to the heated position due to the rotation of the support shaft25. Then, similar to the processing inFIG. 4CandFIG. 5C, the heater block27is heated and the carrier gas flows through the pipes31to flow through the sample tube2. As a result, the predetermined compound (sample compound) adhered to (remaining in) the sample tube2vaporizes to be desorbed, and is then sent out from the sample tube2by means of the carrier gas to be trapped in the trap section3. The sample compound trapped in the trap section3is introduced into the gas chromatograph1as in the processing described above. Such processing is sequentially executed on the plurality of collected sample tubes2.

In this example, the inside of the sample tube2is heated up to 280 to 300°, for example, by the heater block27. Then, the SVOC remaining in the sample tube2is diffused, and the SVOC is trapped in the trap section3.

In this example, as described above, the sample tube2is temporarily collected after having the sample removed, and the processing is sequentially executed on the plurality of collected sample tubes2. Alternatively, the sample tube2after having the sample removed may not be collected, and may be directly heated again by the tube heating section22.

3. Configuration of Sample Removing Mechanism

FIG. 6is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a sample removing mechanism.

The sample removing mechanism40includes the shaft41described above, as well as a heater block42, an O ring43, a gear44, and a gas supply section45.

For example, the shaft41is made of a metal material and is formed to have an elongated rod shape. Inactivation processing is performed on the surface of the shaft41. The shaft41includes a shaft section411and a contact section412.

The shaft section411is formed to have a linearly extending elongated rod shape. Although not illustrated, a rack gear is formed on a circumference surface of the shaft section411. For example, the shaft section411is held by a rail or the like, for example, to be movable (slidable) along the axial direction (lengthwise direction).

The contact section412is attached to a distal end of the shaft section411. The contact section412is formed to have a disc shape tapered toward one side in the axial direction. The contact section412is detachably attached to the shaft section411, while having the axis matching the axis of the shaft section411. The contact section412has a distal end surface (surface on one side in the axial direction) serving as a contact surface412A, and has a side surface (surface extending in a circumference direction about the axis) serving as a tapered surface412B. The contact surface412A is formed along a plane orthogonal to the axial direction. The tapered surface412is formed to be tapered toward the contact surface412A. The contact section412has an outer diameter, about the axis, larger than the outer diameter of the shaft section411.

The heater block42is positioned to face the sample tube2along the axial direction, in a state where the sample tube2is at the removal position. The heater block42is formed to have a cylindrical shape. The heater block42has a circumference surface with an opening42A formed at the center. The shaft41is partially inserted in the heater block42. The heater block42has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the contact section412of the shaft41. The shaft41is disposed in the heater block42, while having the axial direction matching the axial direction of the heater block42. The heater block42is an example of the shaft heating section.

The O ring43is disposed more on an inner side than an end portion of the heater block42. Specifically, the O ring43is disposed more on the inner side than the end portion of the heater block42that is on a side opposite to the side facing the sample tube2. The shaft section411of the shaft41is inserted in the O ring43. Thus, the O ring43seals between the inner surface of the heater block42and the shaft section411of the shaft41.

The gear44is in contact with the circumference surface of the shaft section411of the shaft41, at a position separated from the heater block42. Specifically, the gear44is a pinion gear that engages with the rack gear on the circumference surface of the shaft section411of the shaft41. The gear44is rotatable about an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and rotates upon receiving driving force from a driving section (not illustrated).

The gas supply section45is configured to supply gas into the heater block42through the opening42A. In this example, the gas supply section45supplies inert gas at 280 to 300°, for example, into the heater block42. Examples of the inert gas include nitrogen gas, helium gas, and the like. The gas supply section45is an example of a purge gas supply section. Gas supplied from the gas supply section45is an example of purge gas.

As described above, when the sample tube2is at the removal position (seeFIG. 4DandFIG. 5D), the gear44rotates in one direction in the sample removing mechanism40(counterclockwise direction inFIG. 6).

This rotation of the gear44causes the shaft41(shaft section411) to move in a direction toward the sample tube2. When the gear44further rotates, the shaft41moves into the sample tube2, so that the contact surface412A of the contact section412of the shaft41comes into contact with the silica wool member5(the silica wool member5and the sample6). Specifically, the contact section412is inserted into the sample tube2from a tapered portion of the contact section412(the contact surface412A).

When the shaft41further moves into the sample tube2, the contact surface412A of the contact section412pushes out the silica wool members5and the sample6from the sample tube2(seeFIG. 4EandFIG. 5E).

Then, the gear44rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise direction inFIG. 6).

This rotation of the gear44causes the shaft41to move in a direction away from the sample tube2. When the gear44further rotates, the shaft41is pulled out from the sample tube2. Then, the shaft41(a distal end of the shaft41) is disposed in the heater block42.

In this operation, the sample compound remaining in the sample tube2adheres to the shaft41. In this example, the SVOC remains in the sample tube2. Thus, when the shaft41is inserted in the sample tube2, the SVOC adheres to the shaft41. Specifically, in this process, the sample compound adheres to the contact surface412A of the contact section412of the shaft41.

When the shaft41is disposed in the heater block42after being pulled out from the sample tube2, the heater block42heats the portion of the shaft41disposed in the heater block42.

As a result, the sample compound adhered to the shaft41is diffused (dispersed).

The gas supply section45supplies gas (purge gas) into the heater block42. The gas is blown onto the outer circumference surface of the shaft41.

As a result, the sample compound diffused from the shaft41is moved (blown) away from the shaft41. Due to the sealing between the end portion of the heater block42and the shaft section411of the shaft41in the heater block42, the diffused sample compound flows out through the end portion of the heater block42facing the sample tube2.

Thereafter, the operation described above is repeated each time the sample tube2is disposed at the removal position. At this point, the sample compound has been removed from the surface of the shaft41, and thus the sample compound generated by the previous operation can be prevented from mixing into the sample tube2, whereby occurrence of so-called cross contamination is prevented.

4. Operation and Effect

(1) The sample introduction device10according to the present embodiment includes the sample removing mechanism40. As illustrated inFIG. 4E, the sample removing mechanism40removes the sample6in the sample tube2held by the tube holding section21.

Thus, in the sample introduction device10, the sample6in the sample tube2held by the tube holding section21can be automatically removed.

As a result, the operator no longer needs to perform an operation of taking out the sample6from the sample tube2.

Thus, a work load on the operator can be reduced. Furthermore, the time required for a series of processing in the sample introduction device10can be shortened.

(2) In the present embodiment, the sample removing mechanism40has the shaft41having a rod shape as illustrated inFIG. 6. The shaft41is inserted into the sample tube2to push out the sample6contained in the sample tube2.

Thus, the sample in the sample tube2can be removed with a simple configuration.

(3) In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 5, in the sample removing mechanism40, the shaft41includes the shaft section411and the contact section412attached to the distal end of the shaft section411. The shaft section411is configured to be slidable in the axial direction. The contact section412has an outer diameter, about the axis, larger than the outer diameter of the shaft section411.

Thus, when the shaft41is inserted in the sample tube2, the contact section412comes into contact with the sample6and the silica wool member5.

When the shaft41is further inserted into the sample tube2, the contact section412pushes out the sample6(the sample6and the silica wool members5) from the sample tube2.

As a result, the portion of the sample removing mechanism40that comes into contact with the sample6in the process of removing the sample6can be limited to the contact section412.

(4) In the present embodiment, the contact section412is detachably attached to the shaft section411.

Thus, the contact section412can be exchanged and maintained easily.

(5) In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the contact section412has the tapered surface412B formed to be tapered toward the distal end.

Thus, when the contact section412is inserted into the sample tube2, the contact section412is inserted into the sample tube2from the contact surface412A that is a tapered portion.

This enables the contact section412to be easily inserted into the sample tube2.

(6) In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the sample removing mechanism40includes the heater block42. The heater block42heats the shaft41that has been pulled out from the sample tube2.

Thus, when the shaft41is inserted into the sample tube2and the sample compound remaining in the sample tube2adheres to the shaft41, the heater block42heats the shaft41, so that the adhered sample compound can be diffused (dispersed).

As a result, when the shaft41is continuously used, the shaft41with the sample compound adhered can be prevented from being inserted into the sample tube2.

Thus, the occurrence of so-called cross contamination can be prevented, that is, the sample component adhered to the shaft41can be prevented from mixing into the sample tube2to adversely affect the subsequent analysis and the like.

(7) In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the sample removing mechanism40includes the gas supply section45. The gas supply section45blows the purge gas onto the outer circumference surface of the shaft41heated by the heater block42.

With the purge gas thus blown onto the outer circumference surface of the shaft41from the gas supply section45, the sample compound diffused from the surface of the shaft41can be moved (blown) away from the shaft41quickly.

As a result, the occurrence of the cross contamination can more effectively be prevented. Furthermore, the time required for removing the sample can be shortened, whereby the sample removing mechanism40can have a higher throughput.

(8) In the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 5F, the sample introduction device10includes the sample detection section50. The sample detection section50detects presence or absence of the sample6is in the sample tube2after the sample removing mechanism40has been operated.

Thus, whether or not the sample removing mechanism40has properly operated, that is, whether the sample6in the sample tube2has been pushed out can be confirmed based on the detection by the sample detection section50.

5. Second Embodiment

A sample introduction device10according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference toFIG. 7. Components having the same configuration as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a sample removing mechanism40of the sample introduction device10according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the first embodiment described above, in the sample removing mechanism40, the sample6in the sample tube2is removed with the contact section412of the shaft41coming into contact with and pushing out the sample6in the sample tube2. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the sample6is removed with the contact section412of the shaft41coming into contact and with the gas ejected from the shaft41.

Specifically, in the second embodiment, the sample removing mechanism40further includes an O ring60.

The O ring60is disposed at an inner position of the heater block42. Specifically, the O ring60is disposed in the heater block42while being separated from the O ring43in the axial direction. The shaft section411of the shaft41is inserted in the O ring60. Thus, the O ring60seals between the inner surface of the heater block42and the shaft section411of the shaft41.

Thus, in the heater block42, an internal space70is defined by the O ring43, the O ring60, and the outer circumference surface of the shaft section411. Openings42B and42C are formed on the circumference surface of the heater block42.

The opening42B is provided between the O ring43and the O ring60in the axial direction, and the opening42C is provided closer to the sample tube2than the O ring60is.

The gas supply section45supplies the gas into the heater block42through each of the openings42B and42C. The gas supplied into the heater block42through the opening42B flows into the internal space70. The gas supplied into the heater block42through the opening42C is blown onto the outer circumference surface of the shaft41as the purge gas. In the second embodiment, the gas supply section45functions as a purge gas supply section and also functions as an extrusion gas supply section.

A through hole41A is formed on the shaft41. The through hole41A is formed to pass through the shaft section411in the axial direction from a center portion to the distal end of the shaft section411, and is also formed to pass through the inside of the contact section412in the axial direction. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the through hole41A communicates with the internal space70, with the contact section412of the shaft41positioned inside the sample tube2.

The gas supplied from the gas supply section45into the internal space70of the heater block42through the opening42B, passes through the through hole41A to be ejected from the distal end of the contact section412.

Thus, when the shaft41is inserted into the sample tube2, the silica wool members5and the sample6can be pushed out from the sample tube2with the contact section412coming into contact and with the gas (extrusion gas) ejected from the contact section412.

The shaft41may have the through hole41A formed from one end (distal end) to the other end of the shaft section411, and the gas from the gas supply section45may be supplied from the other end of the shaft section411.

As described above, with the sample removing mechanism40of the sample introduction device10according to the second embodiment, the gas supply section45supplies the extrusion gas into the shaft41and the extrusion gas is ejected from the distal end of the contact section412of the shaft41toward the sample6in the sample tube2.

Thus, when the shaft41is inserted into the sample tube2, the extrusion gas ejected from the gas supply section45can push out the sample6in the sample tube2.

As a result, the sample6in the sample tube2can be smoothly pushed out.

In the embodiments described above, the sample introduction device10is described as a sample introduction device for a gas chromatograph. However, the sample introduction device10can be used with other analysis devices.

In the embodiments described above, the sample removing mechanism40is configured to execute processing including both of; heating, by the heater block42, the shaft41pulled out from the sample tube2; and supplying the purge gas from the gas supply section45. Alternatively, for example, only the heating by the heater block42may be performed. Still, when the processing including both of the heating and the purge gas supplying is executed on the shaft41as in the embodiments described above, the throughput of the sample removing mechanism40can be improved.

In the first embodiment described above, the sample6in the sample tube2is removed with the contact section412of the shaft41coming into contact with and pushing out the sample6. In the second embodiment described above, the sample6is removed with the contact section412of the shaft41coming into contact and with the gas ejected from the shaft41. However, the sample removing mechanism40may remove the sample6in the sample tube2with methods other than these. For example, the sample removing mechanism40may have a mechanism for tilting the sample tube2, and the sample6may be discharged to the outside of the sample tube2by its own weight by causing the sample tube2to tilt by the mechanism.

Furthermore, the sample removing mechanism40may discharge the sample6from the sample tube2to the outside by means of the extrusion gas ejected from the shaft41, without bringing the contact section412of the shaft41into contact with the sample6. With this configuration, the sample compound can be prevented from adhering to the shaft41, whereby the occurrence of the cross contamination can more effectively be prevented.

In the second embodiment described above, the gas (purge gas) supplied from the gas supply section45is partially supplied into the shaft41to be used as the extrusion gas. Alternatively, a gas supply section different from the gas supply section45may be provided, and the extrusion gas may be supplied into the shaft41from the gas supply section.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS