A waste collection device for a raman detection process

Abstract

This invention discloses a waste collection device for Raman spectroscopy. The device includes a waste inlet, an end seat, an end cap, control rods, a guide block, and a drive mechanism. The end cap consists of two openable and closable halves, with control rods connected to the same side of each half. The drive mechanism is installed on the side of the waste inlet and drives the guide block to move in a set direction. The guide block has a guide structure that cooperates with the two control rods. The drive mechanism drives the guide block to move, forcing the two control rods to move in tandem under the action of the guide block, thereby synchronously controlling the opening or closing of the left and right halves of the cover. In one embodiment, the guide structure is a symmetrically inclined oblong hole into which the end of the control rod extends, converting the vertical movement of the guide block into the horizontal opposing or opposite movement of the two control rods. This device has a compact structure, high opening and closing synchronization, realizes automatic and reliable opening and closing of the waste inlet, and is easy to integrate into automated detection equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of Raman detection equipment technology, and in particular relates to a waste collection device for the Raman detection process. Background Technology

[0002] In Raman spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and automated laboratory operations, various solid or liquid wastes are often generated, such as discarded sample tubes, reaction residues, and used testing consumables. If these wastes are not collected and disposed of promptly and properly, they can pollute the experimental environment, damage precision instruments, and even affect the accuracy of subsequent test results. Currently, most common waste collection devices are simple in structure and have limited functionality. For example, using open waste containers directly to collect waste cannot isolate odors and volatiles, easily causing secondary pollution of the experimental environment and posing a risk of accidental foreign object ingress. While some improved devices have lids, their opening and closing mechanisms have significant shortcomings: one common design relies on manual opening and closing, which not only increases the operator's workload but also disrupts the continuity of the testing process; another uses a simple single-sided driven flip-top or hinged lid structure, which is prone to tilting and jamming during opening and closing, resulting in incomplete closure and poor sealing. In addition, the structural layout of the cover drive part and the material support part in the existing device is often not reasonable enough, and it occupies a lot of space, making it difficult to adapt and integrate into the compact modern Raman detection equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and proposes a waste collection device for the Raman detection process.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution created by this invention is implemented as follows: A waste collection device for a Raman detection process includes: a waste inlet with an end cap on its upper part; the end cap includes two relatively openable and closable halves; each of the two halves is connected to a control rod, both control rods being located on the same side of the end cap; a guide block that cooperates with the control rods of the two halves; and a drive mechanism installed on the side of the waste inlet for driving the guide block to move in a set direction; the drive mechanism drives the guide block to move, and through the cooperation of the guide block and the two control rods, the two control rods are linked under the action of the guide block to synchronously control the opening or closing of the two halves.

[0005] Furthermore, the guide block has two guide grooves that respectively cooperate with the two control rods, and the ends of the control rods extend into the guide grooves; when the guide block moves vertically, the vertical movement is converted into the opposite or opposite movement of the two control rods by the limiting and pushing of the control rods by the wall of the guide groove, thereby driving the left and right half covers to close or open.

[0006] Furthermore, the two guide grooves on the guide block are obliquely arranged waist-shaped holes, and the oblique direction of the two waist-shaped holes is symmetrical with respect to the center line of the guide block.

[0007] Furthermore, the driving mechanism is a guide rod cylinder, the cylinder body of which is fixed to the side of the waste inlet, and the telescopic end of its piston rod is connected to the guide block to provide power for the vertical movement of the guide block.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes at least one set of guide components for constraining the movement trajectory of the guide block. The guide components include a guide shaft fixed to the side of the waste inlet and a linear bearing or bushing disposed on the guide block and slidingly engaged with the guide shaft.

[0009] Furthermore, the waste outlet includes an open section in the shape of a funnel at the top and a straight section at the bottom. The bottom of the straight section is provided with an end seat, which is the bottom structure of the straight section. The left and right half covers are symmetrically hinged to the top edge of the open section by hinges or pivots.

[0010] Furthermore, when the left and right halves of the cover are closed, their joints are provided with mutually cooperating sealing structures, which are one of the following: sealing strips, labyrinth grooves, or inclined overlapping structures.

[0011] Furthermore, the control rod and the left and right half covers are integrally formed, or are separate structures that are fixedly connected by threads, pins or welding.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes an electrical control unit, which is electrically connected to the drive mechanism and is used to receive external signals and control the start-stop and action sequence of the drive mechanism to realize the automated control of the opening and closing of the waste collection device.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention has the following advantages: This invention utilizes a side-mounted drive mechanism to vertically move a guide block. By employing symmetrical, inclined oblong holes on the guide block in conjunction with control rods, it cleverly transforms a single linear drive into the horizontal, symmetrical movement of two control rods, thereby precisely and synchronously controlling the opening and closing of the left and right half-covers. This mechanical linkage design, combined with a guide assembly to stabilize the guide block's movement trajectory, ensures a high degree of synchronization and repeatability in the opening and closing actions. Furthermore, the waste inlet employs an upper funnel and lower straight cylinder structure, combined with a top-hinged half-cover, enabling smooth guidance and collection of waste. Moreover, when closed, sealing strips, labyrinth grooves, or other sealing structures can be installed at the half-cover joints to effectively prevent contamination and leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure created by this invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram after removing the guide block; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A diagram showing the two halves of the cover after they have been opened; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram after removing the guide block. Detailed Implementation

[0015] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0016] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0018] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] A waste collection device for a Raman detection process, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, it includes: A waste outlet 1001 is provided with an end cap at its upper part; the end cap includes two opposing, openable and closable half-caps 1004; each of the left and right half-caps is connected to a control rod 1005, both control rods being located on the same side of the end cap; a guide block 1003 cooperates with the control rods of the left and right half-caps; a drive mechanism 1002 is installed on the side of the waste outlet and is used to drive the guide block to move in a set direction; wherein, the drive mechanism drives the guide block to move, so that the two control rods are linked under the action of the guide block, thereby synchronously controlling the opening or closing of the left and right half-caps. As an example, the control rods and the left and right half-caps are integrally formed structures, or are separate structures fixedly connected by threads, pins, or welding.

[0020] This invention uses a drive mechanism to move a guide block along a set direction (such as vertical). Utilizing the linkage structure between the guide block and the control rods of the left and right half-covers, the linear motion of the drive mechanism is converted into opposing or receding movements of the control rods, thus synchronously controlling the opening and closing of the two half-covers. This structural design allows for precise control of the waste inlet's opening state through mechanical linkage, ensuring uniform force and synchronized movement of the two half-covers during opening and closing. This avoids misalignment or jamming of the half-covers caused by unilateral drive, ensuring the sealing of the waste inlet when closed, effectively preventing external impurities from entering or internal waste leakage. It also stably forms a channel for smooth waste entry when open. Furthermore, the design of the drive mechanism being installed on the side of the waste inlet saves internal space and facilitates integration with the overall layout of Raman detection equipment. The constraint effect of the guide block on the control rods efficiently transmits the power of the drive mechanism to the half-covers, reducing energy loss and improving the response speed and reliability of the opening and closing action.

[0021] The guide block has two guide grooves that mate with the two control rods respectively, with the ends of the control rods extending into the guide grooves. When the guide block moves vertically, the walls of the guide grooves limit and push the control rods, converting the vertical movement into opposing or back-to-back movements of the two control rods, thereby causing the left and right half-covers to close or open. The two guide grooves on the guide block, which mate with the two control rods respectively, confine the ends of the control rods within the structure. When the drive mechanism drives the guide block to move vertically, the walls of the specially designed guide grooves mechanically interfere with the ends of the control rods extending into them, applying a horizontal pushing or pulling force to the control rods while they move vertically. When the guide block moves downward, the groove walls force the ends of the control rods to slide along a specific trajectory, driving the two control rods to move horizontally towards each other, thereby simultaneously pulling the left and right half-covers inward around their hinge points to close via leverage. Conversely, when the guide block moves upward, it drives the two control rods to move horizontally away from each other, pushing the two half-covers outward to open.

[0022] The physical constraint of the guide groove enables highly efficient symmetrical linkage between the two halves of the cover, ensuring complete synchronization and symmetry in their opening and closing. This eliminates problems such as poor sealing, jamming, or wear caused by asynchronous movement of the two halves. Simultaneously, converting vertical drive to horizontal motion allows the drive mechanism to be arranged laterally, significantly saving space below the device and facilitating integration into compact Raman testing equipment. Furthermore, this rigid mechanical transmission structure offers rapid response, zero delay, and high opening and closing position accuracy. The groove design controls the movement trajectory, resulting in smooth opening and closing movements with minimal impact, thus improving the reliability and service life of the mechanism.

[0023] For example, the driving mechanism is a guide rod cylinder. The cylinder body of the guide rod cylinder is fixed to the side of the waste inlet, and the telescopic end of its piston rod is connected to the guide block to provide power for the vertical movement of the guide block. The two guide grooves on the guide block are inclined waist-shaped holes, and the inclination direction of the two waist-shaped holes is symmetrical with respect to the center line of the guide block. When the guide block moves vertically under the action of the driving mechanism, the end of the control rod slides in the inclined waist-shaped hole. The long side wall of the waist-shaped hole provides a predetermined track for the movement of the control rod and decomposes the vertical driving force into a normal force perpendicular to the hole wall and a tangential force along the hole wall. The tangential force is further converted into the horizontal motion component of the control rod. The symmetrical inclined layout of the two waist-shaped holes means that when the guide block moves upward, the ends of the two control rods are pushed to the outside of the guide block along the symmetrical waist-shaped hole trajectory, generating horizontal opposite movements to open the two half-covers; conversely, when the guide block moves downward, the ends of the control rods are pushed to the center of the guide block, realizing horizontal opposite movements to close the two half-covers.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the waste collection device for a Raman detection process provided by this invention further includes at least one set of guide components for constraining the movement trajectory of the guide block. The guide components include a guide shaft fixed to the side of the waste inlet and a linear bearing or bushing disposed on the guide block and slidingly engaged with the guide shaft. The precise sliding engagement between the guide shaft and the linear bearing (or bushing) provides a rigid, low-friction linear motion constraint for the vertical movement of the guide block, ensuring that the guide block does not experience radial sway or circumferential deflection during movement, thereby guaranteeing the absolute stability of the movement trajectory of the inclined oblong hole fixed on the guide block. This stability is directly transmitted to the two control rods engaged with the oblong hole, ensuring that the control rods always move smoothly along a predetermined trajectory, effectively eliminating problems such as jamming, wear, or asynchronous movement caused by the non-straight movement of the guide block.

[0025] The waste inlet includes a funnel-shaped open section at the top and a straight cylindrical section at the bottom. An end seat 1006 is provided at the bottom of the straight cylindrical section, forming the bottom structure. The left and right half-covers are symmetrically hinged to the top edge of the open section via hinges or pivots. The funnel-shaped open section provides excellent guidance and collection for waste input, effectively catching waste falling from different directions or heights. Its inclined structure smoothly guides the waste into the lower straight cylindrical section, reducing the risk of splashing, adhesion, or blockage at the inlet and ensuring a smooth collection process.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, when the left and right halves of the cover are closed, their joints are provided with a mutually cooperating sealing structure. This sealing structure is one of a sealing strip, a labyrinth groove, or a beveled overlap structure. This effectively prevents dust, moisture, and other contaminants from the outside air from entering the waste inlet, and also prevents collected waste (especially testing waste that may contain odors, volatiles, or trace amounts of harmful substances) from leaking out through the joint gaps, thereby ensuring the cleanliness of the testing environment and the safety of the laboratory personnel. Simultaneously, during the closing process of the two halves of the cover, the sealing structure between them also acts as a buffer, reducing vibration and noise during the closing process.

[0027] In an optional embodiment, the waste collection device for a Raman detection process provided by the present invention further includes an electrical control unit. The electrical control unit is electrically connected to the drive mechanism and is used to receive external signals and control the start / stop and timing of the drive mechanism, thereby achieving automated control of the opening and closing of the waste collection device. For example, the core of the electrical control unit is a programmable logic controller (PLC). The input ports of the PLC are respectively connected to the Raman spectrometer main control system and the manual switch on the device operation panel. Its output port drives a two-position five-way solenoid valve through a relay. This two-position five-way solenoid valve directly controls the airflow of the guide rod cylinder, which serves as the drive mechanism 1002.

[0028] The workflow is as follows: In standby mode, the left and right half-covers 1004 are closed. When the PLC receives an automatic "waste discharge command" from the Raman spectrometer or a manual opening signal from the operator, it immediately drives the solenoid valve to retract the piston rod of the guide cylinder. Through the cooperation of the guide block 1003 and the control rod 1005, the vertical movement of the piston rod is converted into the synchronous opening movement of the two half-covers, opening the waste port. The PLC's built-in timer starts timing. After maintaining the open state for a preset time (e.g., 3 seconds) to ensure that the waste has completely fallen in, the PLC controls the solenoid valve to switch direction, causing the cylinder piston rod to extend, thereby driving the left and right half-covers to close synchronously and restore the seal. The entire opening and closing action is precisely controlled by the PLC. Optionally, magnetic switches can be installed at both ends of the cylinder stroke to feed back the "fully open" and "fully closed" position signals to the PLC for action confirmation and fault diagnosis, thus achieving full automation of the waste collection process and the main detection process.

[0029] This invention utilizes a side-mounted drive mechanism to vertically move a guide block. By employing symmetrical, inclined oblong holes on the guide block in conjunction with control rods, it cleverly transforms a single linear drive into the horizontal, symmetrical movement of two control rods, thereby precisely and synchronously controlling the opening and closing of the left and right half-covers. This mechanical linkage design, combined with a guide component to stabilize the guide block's movement trajectory, ensures a high degree of synchronization and repeatability in the opening and closing actions, avoiding misalignment or jamming caused by unilateral drive. Furthermore, the waste inlet adopts an upper funnel and lower straight cylinder structure, combined with a top-hinged half-cover, enabling smooth guidance and collection of waste. Moreover, when closed, sealing strips, labyrinth grooves, or other sealing structures can be installed at the half-cover joint to effectively prevent contamination and leakage. The entire solution organically combines drive, transmission, guidance, and sealing, solving the problems of cumbersome manual operation, poor sealing, and difficulty in automation integration in traditional methods. It achieves high efficiency, sealing, and automation in the waste collection process, making it particularly suitable for integration into compact precision analytical instruments.

[0030] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waste collection device for a Raman detection process, characterized in that, include: Waste outlet (1001), the waste outlet (1001) is provided with an end cover at the upper part; the end cover includes two half covers (1004) that can be opened and closed relative to each other; each half cover (1004) is connected to a control rod (1005), and both control rods (1005) are located on the same side of the end cover; The guide block (1003) cooperates with the control rod (1005) of the left and right half covers (1004); A drive mechanism (1002) is installed on the side of the waste inlet (1001) and is used to drive the guide block (1003) to move in a set direction; The drive mechanism (1002) drives the guide block (1003) to move. Through the cooperation of the guide block (1003) and the two control rods (1005), the two control rods (1005) are linked together under the action of the guide block (1003) to synchronously control the opening or closing of the left and right half covers (1004).

2. The waste collection device for a Raman detection process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide block (1003) has two guide grooves that respectively cooperate with the two control rods (1005). The ends of the control rods (1005) extend into the guide grooves. When the guide block (1003) moves vertically, the wall of the guide groove applies a force to the control rods (1005), converting the vertical movement into the opposite or opposite movement of the two control rods (1005), thereby driving the left and right half covers (1004) to close or open.

3. The waste collection device for a Raman detection process according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two guide grooves on the guide block (1003) are obliquely arranged waist-shaped holes, and the oblique direction of the two waist-shaped holes is symmetrical with respect to the center line of the guide block (1003).

4. The waste collection device for a Raman detection process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism (1002) is a guide rod cylinder. The cylinder body of the guide rod cylinder is fixed to the side of the waste port (1001), and the extension end of its piston rod is connected to the guide block (1003) to provide power for the vertical movement of the guide block (1003).

5. The waste collection device for a Raman detection process according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes at least one set of guide components for constraining the movement trajectory of the guide block (1003). The guide components include a guide shaft fixed to the side of the waste port (1001) and a linear bearing or bushing disposed on the guide block (1003) and slidingly engaged with the guide shaft.

6. The waste collection device for a Raman detection process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waste outlet (1001) includes an open section in the shape of a funnel at the top and a straight section at the bottom. The bottom of the straight section is provided with an end seat (1006). The end seat (1006) is arranged at the bottom of the straight section. The left and right half covers (1004) are symmetrically hinged to the top edge of the open section by hinges or pivots.

7. The waste collection device for a Raman detection process according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the left and right half covers (1004) are closed, their joints are provided with mutually cooperating sealing structures, which are one of the following: sealing strip, labyrinth groove or inclined overlapping structure.

8. The waste collection device for a Raman detection process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control lever (1005) and the left and right half covers (1004) are integrally formed.

9. A waste collection device for a Raman detection process according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: It also includes an electrical control unit, which is electrically connected to the drive mechanism (1002) and is used to receive external signals and control the start-stop and action sequence of the drive mechanism (1002) to realize the automated control of the opening and closing of the waste collection device.

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