A mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device and mass spectrometer

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a sample target in-and-out device of a mass spectrometer and a mass spectrometer, wherein the in-and-out device comprises a Y-moving mechanism and a vertical moving mechanism for moving in a cavity, wherein the vertical moving mechanism comprises a support plate mounted on the Y-moving mechanism, and a mounting plate mounted on the support plate through a connecting rod mechanism, wherein a limiting member is installed between the support plate and the mounting plate, and a sample target is installed on the upper surface of the mounting plate. The connecting rod structure in the present invention enables the motor in the vertical direction of the support plate to be driven without a motor, and the limiting member can prevent the mounting plate from being unstable after being stressed, thereby preventing air leakage during sample injection or inaccurate positioning during ionization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical equipment, and in particular to a sample target inlet and outlet device of a mass spectrometer and a mass spectrometer. Background Art

[0002] Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer is a biological mass spectrometer commonly used for the analysis of macromolecular samples. When analyzing samples, the sample is often solidified on the sample target, and then the sample target is placed in the mass spectrometer. The electric field generated by the combination of the electrode and the electrical system is used to accelerate, focus, and deflect the initially dispersed ions into the field-free flight zone, and the ions of different masses are separated and sent to the detector in sequence for detection.

[0003] The ionization process of the matrix-assisted laser desorption / time-of-flight mass spectrometry sample and the mass spectrometry detection process of the sample are both carried out in a high vacuum environment. That is, the sample target needs to be moved from the injection position at normal pressure to the detection position in vacuum.

[0004] Transferring samples under normal temperature and pressure to the vacuum system and testing of multi-flux samples requires a reliable transfer mechanism and a precise positioning and moving mechanism. During the sample transfer process, the vacuum system must not be damaged, so the entry and exit structure of the sample target is particularly important in this type of instrument.

[0005] In the vacuum chamber of the existing mass spectrometer, there is a mounting plate for placing the sample target, and an X-direction guide rail and a Y-direction guide rail are installed on the plane. Two motors are used to drive the mounting plate to move on the X-direction guide rail and the Y-direction guide rail respectively. The mounting plate is also connected to a vertical movement mechanism, and a vertical movement motor is used to drive the mounting plate to move in the Z direction. Thus, the following movement process of the mounting plate is realized: after the sample target is installed at the injection position, it moves vertically downward to allow the sample target to enter the vacuum chamber; it moves upward in the X and Y directions to just below the ionization position; it moves vertically upward to the ionization position for ionization; and it returns to the injection position along the original trajectory to replace the sample target.

[0006] However, the above technology requires three motors, which consumes a lot of energy; it is not easy to arrange space, which is not conducive to installation; and it is difficult to maintain. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention provides a sample target inlet and outlet device of a mass spectrometer and a mass spectrometer, so as to solve the technical problems in the prior art that three motors are needed, energy consumption is large, space is not easy to arrange, installation is not conducive, and maintenance is difficult.

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical means:

[0009] A mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device, including a Y-axis moving mechanism and a vertical moving mechanism for moving in a cavity, characterized in that: the vertical moving mechanism includes a support plate installed on the Y-axis moving mechanism, and a mounting plate installed on the support plate through a connecting rod mechanism, a limiting member is installed between the support plate and the mounting plate, and the sample target is installed on the upper surface of the mounting plate.

[0010] At least two connecting rods are rotatably connected between the supporting plate and the mounting plate via a rotating shaft to form a four-connecting rod structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the number of the connecting rods is four.

[0012] The limiting member is installed on the supporting plate, and the two limiting members are respectively located on both sides of the mounting plate. The limiting member is integrally formed with the supporting plate.

[0013] The two sides of the mounting plate are provided with avoidance grooves adapted to the position limiting member. The adaptation mentioned here means that the position limiting member is embedded in the avoidance groove.

[0014] A second rolling member is installed on the side wall of the limiting member, and the second rolling member abuts against the side wall of the mounting plate.

[0015] The second rolling element is a ball.

[0016] A ball mounting hole for mounting a ball is provided on the side wall of the limiting member.

[0017] The ball mounting hole is a through hole, and a fixing plate for limiting the ball is detachably connected to a side of the limiting member away from the mounting plate.

[0018] Alternatively, the position-limiting member is mounted on the mounting plate, and two position-limiting members are respectively located on two sides of the supporting plate. The position-limiting member is integrally formed with the mounting plate.

[0019] Both sides of the support plate are provided with avoidance grooves adapted to the position limiting member. The adaptation mentioned here means that the position limiting member is embedded in the avoidance groove.

[0020] A second rolling member is installed on the side wall of the mounting plate, and the second rolling member abuts against the side wall of the supporting plate.

[0021] The second rolling element is a ball.

[0022] A ball mounting hole for mounting a ball is provided on the side wall of the limiting member.

[0023] The ball mounting hole is a through hole, and a fixing plate for limiting the ball is detachably connected to a side of the limiting member away from the supporting plate.

[0024] The fixing plate is provided with an adjusting device for adjusting the position of the ball.

[0025] The adjusting device is a first screw, and the end of the first screw directly or indirectly abuts against the second rolling member; or the adjusting device is a second screw, the fixing plate is connected to the limiting member through the second screw, and the side surface of the fixing plate abuts against the second rolling member.

[0026] A first rolling member for contacting the inner wall of the cavity is mounted on the side surface of the mounting plate. The first rolling member is a roller. There are two first rolling members.

[0027] A slot for mounting a first rolling element is formed on the side surface of the mounting plate. The first rolling element is located in the slot and is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.

[0028] The Y-direction moving mechanism comprises a Y-direction platform installed in the cavity, a Y-direction guide rail installed on the Y-direction platform, a Y-direction lead screw and a Y-direction motor; the support plate is installed on the Y-direction guide rail and is connected to the Y-direction lead screw.

[0029] Alternatively, the Y-axis moving mechanism includes a Y-axis platform installed in the cavity, a Y-axis guide rail installed on the Y-axis platform, a Y-axis lead screw and a Y-axis motor; and further includes an X-axis moving mechanism, which includes an X-axis platform on the Y-axis guide rail and coordinated with the Y-axis lead screw, an X-axis guide rail installed on the X-axis platform, an X-axis lead screw and an X-axis motor; the support plate is installed on the X-axis guide rail and is connected in coordination with the X-axis lead screw.

[0030] An elastic member is also installed between the support plate and the mounting plate. One end of the elastic member is connected to the support plate and the other end is connected to the mounting plate. The elastic member provides a pulling force. The elastic member is a spring.

[0031] The front and middle parts of the support plate are provided with grooves, a plate-shaped wall is formed between the two grooves, a fixing hole for fixing the elastic member is provided on the wall, one end of the elastic member is fixed on the fixing hole, and the other end is sleeved on the fixing column; a groove matching the shape of the fixing column is provided on the top of the mounting plate, and the fixing column fits in the groove. The matching mentioned here means that the fixing column can be placed in the groove and is limited in the groove after being pulled by the elastic member.

[0032] An adsorbent is also installed between the support plate and the mounting plate. The adsorbent is installed on the support plate or the mounting plate. The adsorbent is a convex magnet on the mounting plate or the support plate. The number of the adsorbents is two, three or four.

[0033] A mass spectrometer comprises the above-mentioned mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device.

[0034] The technical effects achieved by the present invention are as follows: (1) Since the present solution adopts a connecting rod structure to connect the mounting plate and the support plate, the vertical movement of the support plate does not need to be driven by a motor, and compared with the prior art, one motor and the motor mounting structure are reduced, saving costs and energy consumption, improving space utilization, simplifying the control system, and reducing the probability of failure; (2) Since the first rolling element is provided, the mounting plate is protected from wear and tear, and collision and friction of the mounting plate when it moves in the vertical direction can be avoided, thereby improving the stability of the movement; (3) Since the elastic element and the adsorption element are provided, it is ensured that the mounting plate can be accurately positioned on the surface of the adsorption element. The accuracy is improved to ensure that the position of the mounting plate is the same during each ionization; (4) Due to the presence of the limiter, the limiter plate avoids the instability of the mounting plate after being subjected to force, thereby preventing leakage during sampling or inaccurate positioning during ionization; (5) Since the second rolling member abuts against the side wall of the mounting plate, it can limit the mounting plate and prevent the mounting plate from shaking without wearing the mounting plate; (6) Due to the presence of the fixing plate and the adjusting device, the installation of the second rolling member can be facilitated, and the adjusting device can adjust the position of the second rolling member so that the second rolling member is in contact with the mounting plate, thereby achieving a better limiting and guiding effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure from another angle;

[0037] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the support plate of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of the mounting plate.

[0039] The numbers in the figure respectively represent: Y-axis platform 10, Y-axis guide rail 11, Y-axis lead screw 12, Y-axis motor 13, X-axis platform 20, X-axis guide rail 21, X-axis lead screw 22, support plate 3, connecting rod 4, rotating shaft 5, mounting plate 6, notch 61, groove 63, avoidance groove 62, elastic member 71, limit member 8, adsorption member 9, first rolling member 65, fixing hole 31, fixing column 72, ball mounting hole 82, fixing plate 83, sample target 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Example 1

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, a mass spectrometer sample target 100 entry and exit device includes a Y-direction moving mechanism, an X-direction moving mechanism and a vertical movement mechanism for moving in a cavity. In a mass spectrometer, the cavity refers to a vacuum cavity.

[0042] The Y-direction moving mechanism includes a Y-direction platform 10 installed in the cavity, a Y-direction guide rail 11 installed on the Y-direction platform 10 , a Y-direction lead screw 12 , and a Y-direction motor 13 connected to the Y-direction lead screw 12 .

[0043] The X-direction moving mechanism includes an X-direction platform 20 on the Y-direction guide rail 11 and matched with the Y-direction lead screw 12, an X-direction guide rail 21 mounted on the X-direction platform 20, an X-direction lead screw 22, and an X-direction motor connected with the X-direction lead screw 22. The X-direction platform 20 is matched with the Y-direction lead screw 12 in that the X-direction platform 20 is fixedly connected with the lead screw nut of the Y-direction lead screw 12.

[0044] The vertical motion mechanism includes a support plate 3 mounted on the X-guide rail 21 and matched with the X-direction lead screw 22, a mounting plate 6 mounted on the support plate 3 through a connecting rod 4 mechanism, an elastic member 71, a stopper 8 and an adsorption member 9 are mounted between the support plate 3 and the mounting plate 6; and a sample target 100 is mounted on the upper surface of the mounting plate 6. The support plate 3 and the X-direction lead screw 22 are matched in such a way that the support plate 3 is fixedly connected with the lead screw nut of the Y-direction lead screw 12.

[0045] At least two connecting rods 4 are rotatably connected between the support plate 3 and the mounting plate 6 via a rotating shaft 5 to form a four-connecting rod structure. In this embodiment, the number of connecting rods 4 is four.

[0046] The Y-direction motor 13 drives the Y-direction lead screw 12 to rotate, which drives the X-direction platform 20 to slide on the Y-direction guide rail 11. The X-direction motor drives the X-direction lead screw 22 to rotate, which drives the support plate 3 to slide on the X-direction guide rail 21, thereby realizing the movement of the support plate 3 on the XY plane.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, since the mounting plate 6 is mounted on the support plate 3 through the connecting rod 4 mechanism, when the mounting plate 6 moves to the left along with the support plate 3 on the plane until it contacts the inner wall of the chamber, the support plate 3 continues to move to the left, the connecting rod 4 rotates, and the mounting plate 6 is lifted up until the sample target 100 moves to the injection position. When injecting the sample, the mounting plate 6 can return according to the above movement route.

[0048] Through the above structure, all movements of the sample target 100 are realized. Since only the connecting rod 4 structure is used to connect the mounting plate 6 and the support plate 3 in this solution, the motor in the vertical direction of the support plate 3 does not need to be driven by a motor, and compared with the prior art, one motor and the motor mounting structure are reduced, saving costs and energy consumption, improving space utilization, simplifying the control system, and reducing the probability of failure.

[0049] A first rolling member 65 for contacting the inner wall of the cavity is mounted on the side surface of the mounting plate 6 .

[0050] In this embodiment, the first rolling member 65 is a roller, and the number of the rollers is two as an example.

[0051] A slot 61 for mounting the first rolling member 65 is provided on the side surface of the mounting plate 6. The first rolling member 65 is located in the slot 61 and is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 5 to ensure stable connection of the roller.

[0052] Providing the notch 61 enables the first rolling member 65 to be installed on the rotating shaft 5 without occupying additional space.

[0053] When the mounting plate 6 moves to the lower side of the injection position, that is, when it contacts the inner wall of the chamber, the contact occurs on the first rolling member 65, and the first rolling member 65 rolls on the inner wall of the chamber when the mounting plate 6 moves in the vertical direction. The first rolling member 65 can protect the mounting plate 6 from being worn, and can prevent the mounting plate 6 from colliding and rubbing when it moves in the vertical direction, thereby improving the stability of the movement.

[0054] One end of the elastic member 71 is connected to the support plate 3 and the other end is connected to the mounting plate 6. The elastic member 71 provides tension. In this embodiment, the elastic member 71 is a spring. The function of the elastic member 71 is to provide tension to ensure that the mounting plate 6 can be closely attached to the support plate 3 under the action of the tension.

[0055] The front and middle parts of the support plate 3 are provided with grooves, and a plate-shaped wall is formed between the two grooves. The wall is provided with a fixing hole 31 for fixing the elastic member 71. One end of the elastic member 71 is fixed on the fixing hole 31, and the other end is sleeved on the fixing column 72. A groove 63 matching the shape of the fixing column is provided on the top of the mounting plate 6, and the fixing column fits in the groove 63. The matching mentioned here means that the fixing column can be placed in the groove 63, and is limited in the groove 63 after being pulled by the elastic member 71.

[0056] The stopper 8 is mounted on the support plate 3, and the two stoppers 8 are respectively located on both sides of the mounting plate 6. In this embodiment, the stopper 8 is integrally formed with the mounting plate 6. Since the mounting plate 6 is supported only by the connecting rod 4 when it moves relative to the support plate 3, the mounting plate 6 will be subjected to the reaction force generated during the movement and the pressure caused by the pressure difference. The mounting plate 6 supported only by the connecting rod 4 is very unstable. Once the movement of the mounting plate 6 deviates slightly, there will be leakage during sample injection or inaccurate positioning during ionization.

[0057] A second rolling member is mounted on the side wall of the position-limiting member 8, and the second rolling member abuts against the side wall of the mounting plate 6. In this embodiment, the second rolling member is a ball. A ball mounting hole 82 for mounting the ball is provided on the side wall of the position-limiting member 8. The ball mounting hole 82 is a through hole, and a fixing plate 83 for limiting the ball is detachably connected to the side of the position-limiting member 8 away from the mounting plate 6.

[0058] An adjusting device for adjusting the position of the balls is installed on the fixing plate 83 .

[0059] The adjusting device is a first screw, the end of which directly or indirectly abuts against the second rolling element. Alternatively, the adjusting device is a second screw, the fixing plate 83 is connected to the stopper 8 via the second screw, and the side surface of the fixing plate 83 abuts against the second rolling element.

[0060] In order to ensure that the limiting member 8 can limit the mounting plate 6 and prevent the mounting plate 6 from shaking without wearing the mounting plate 6, a second rolling member is installed on the side wall of the limiting member 8. In order to facilitate installation, the through hole and the fixed plate 83 are set. During installation, the second rolling member can be installed first, and then the mounting plate 6; or the mounting plate 6 can be installed first, then the second rolling member is placed, and finally the fixed plate 83 is installed. At the same time, by operating the adjustment device, the position of the second rolling member can be adjusted so that the second rolling member is just in contact with the mounting plate 6, thereby achieving a better limiting guide effect. When the adjustment device is a first screw, by rotating the first screw, the rolling member can be pushed to move by the first screw to achieve its position adjustment. When the adjustment device is a second screw, by rotating the second screw, the position of the fixed plate 83 can be adjusted so that the second rolling member can move in the through hole, thereby achieving the adjustment of the position of the second rolling member.

[0061] Both sides of the mounting plate 6 are provided with avoidance grooves 62 adapted to the position limiting member 8; the adaptation mentioned here means that the position limiting member 8 is embedded in the avoidance groove 62. The avoidance groove 62 can save space.

[0062] The adsorption member 9 is mounted on the support plate 3 or the mounting plate 6. In this embodiment, the adsorption member 9 is a magnet block mounted on the support plate 3, and the number of the magnet blocks is three.

[0063] The adsorbent 9 can serve two purposes: positioning and adsorption. Using the adsorbent 9 for positioning, rather than directly attaching the mounting plate 6 to the support plate 3, reduces the processing surface, facilitates processing, and can also improve the positioning accuracy. At the same time, the attraction of the adsorbent 9 can further ensure that the mounting plate 6 can be accurately positioned on the surface of the adsorbent 9, further improving the accuracy. The adsorbent 9 and the elastic member 71 work together to ensure that the position of the mounting plate 6 is the same during each ionization.

[0064] Similarly, the effect can also be achieved by installing the adsorption member 9 on the mounting plate 6. The effect can also be achieved by having two, four or other numbers of adsorption members 9.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the stopper 8 is formed integrally with the mounting plate 6 instead of the support plate 3, and the two stoppers 8 are respectively located on both sides of the support plate 3, and the rest of the structure can be modified adaptively. Obviously, this embodiment can achieve the same technical effect as embodiment 1.

[0067] Example 3

[0068] The only difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that this embodiment does not have an X-direction moving mechanism, and the support plate 3 is directly mounted on the Y-direction guide rail 11 and cooperates with the Y-direction lead screw 12 , and the support plate 3 can slide on the Y-direction lead screw 12 .

[0069] This embodiment reduces the X-direction moving mechanism and has a simpler structure, but cannot achieve X-direction movement, and the sample target 100 cannot be adjusted in the X direction only by the Y-direction moving mechanism. The remaining principles and technical effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0070] Example 4

[0071] The only difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 is that this embodiment does not have an X-direction moving mechanism, and the support plate 3 is directly mounted on the Y-direction guide rail 11 and cooperates with the Y-direction lead screw 12, so that the support plate 3 can slide on the Y-direction lead screw 12.

[0072] This embodiment reduces the X-direction moving mechanism and has a simpler structure, but cannot achieve X-direction movement, and the sample target 100 cannot be adjusted in the X direction only by the Y-direction moving mechanism. The remaining principles and technical effects are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0073] Example 5

[0074] A mass spectrometer comprises the above-mentioned mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device.

Claims

1. A mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device, comprising a Y-direction moving mechanism and a vertical moving mechanism for moving in a cavity, characterized in that: The vertical motion mechanism comprises a support plate mounted on the Y-direction moving mechanism, and a mounting plate mounted on the support plate through a connecting rod mechanism, wherein the connecting rod mechanism comprises at least two connecting rods, and forms a four-bar structure with the support plate and the mounting plate, a limiting member is installed between the support plate and the mounting plate, and a sample target is installed on the upper surface of the mounting plate; A second rolling member is installed on the side wall of the position-limiting member, and the second rolling member abuts against the side wall of the mounting plate or the supporting plate; The second rolling element is a ball; A ball mounting hole for mounting a ball is provided on the side wall of the limiting member; The Y-direction moving mechanism comprises a Y-direction platform installed in the cavity and a Y-direction guide rail installed on the Y-direction platform.

2. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the connecting rods is four.

3. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting member is installed on the support plate, and the two limiting members are respectively located on both sides of the mounting plate, and the second rolling member is against the side wall of the mounting plate; or the limiting member is installed on the mounting plate, and the two limiting members are respectively located on both sides of the support plate, and the second rolling member is against the side wall of the support plate.

4. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The limiting member and the supporting plate are integrally formed, and avoidance grooves adapted to the limiting member are provided on both sides of the mounting plate; Alternatively, the limiting member and the mounting plate are formed integrally, and avoidance grooves adapted to the limiting member are provided on both sides of the supporting plate.

5. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The ball mounting hole is a through hole, and a fixing plate for limiting the ball is detachably connected to a side of the limiting member away from the mounting plate.

6. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing plate is provided with an adjusting device for adjusting the position of the ball.

7. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The adjusting device is a first screw, and the end of the first screw directly or indirectly abuts against the second rolling member; or the adjusting device is a second screw, the fixing plate is connected to the limiting member through the second screw, and the side surface of the fixing plate abuts against the second rolling member.

8. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 6 or 7, characterized in that: A first rolling member for contacting the inner wall of the cavity is mounted on the side surface of the mounting plate.

9. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The first rolling element is a roller, and the number of the first rolling elements is two; a slot for installing the first rolling element is opened on the side surface of the mounting plate, and the first rolling element is located in the slot and is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.

10. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 9, characterized in that: The Y-direction moving mechanism also includes a Y-direction lead screw and a Y-direction motor installed on the Y-direction platform; the support plate is installed on the Y-direction guide rail and is connected to the Y-direction lead screw; Alternatively, the Y-axis moving mechanism further includes a Y-axis lead screw and a Y-axis motor mounted on the Y-axis platform; further includes an X-axis moving mechanism, wherein the X-axis moving mechanism includes an X-axis platform on the Y-axis guide rail and cooperating with the Y-axis lead screw, an X-axis guide rail mounted on the X-axis platform, an X-axis lead screw and an X-axis motor; the support plate is mounted on the X-axis guide rail and is connected in cooperation with the X-axis lead screw.

11. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 9, characterized in that: An elastic member is also installed between the supporting plate and the mounting plate.

12. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The elastic member is a spring; one end of the elastic member is connected to the support plate, and the other end is connected to the mounting plate, and the elastic member provides a pulling force; The front and middle parts of the support plate are both provided with grooves, and a plate-like wall is formed between the two grooves. The wall is provided with a fixing hole for fixing the elastic member, one end of the elastic member is fixed on the fixing hole, and the other end is sleeved on the fixing column; a groove that matches the shape of the fixing column is provided on the top of the mounting plate, and the fixing column fits in the groove.

13. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 9 or 12, characterized in that: An adsorption member is also installed between the support plate and the mounting plate; the adsorption member is installed on the support plate or the mounting plate.

14. The mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The adsorbent is a magnet; the adsorbent is in a convex shape on the mounting plate or the supporting plate; the number of the adsorbent is two, three or four.

15. A mass spectrometer, characterized in that: A mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device comprising any one of the above items.

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