Automatic Sampling System and Method

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic sample injection system and method. The automatic sample injection system includes: a two-dimensional moving device for moving a first carrier in a vertical direction and a first direction; the first carrier for carrying a tray; a bracket having a plurality of carrying positions arranged along the vertical direction, the tray being arranged at the carrying positions and used for carrying a plurality of sample boats; a first translation device for driving a second carrier to translate in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction are both horizontal directions and are perpendicular to each other; the second carrier and the third carrier are respectively used for carrying the sample boats; a second translation device for driving the third carrier to translate vertically. The present invention has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to sample introduction, and particularly to an automatic sample introduction system and method. Background Art

[0002] When a laboratory uses an instrument to analyze and detect a sample, it is first necessary to send a quantified sample into the instrument for analysis and detection. The traditional sample introduction method is manual sample introduction. An operator manually puts the weighed sample to be tested into the detection instrument, and then the instrument automatically analyzes the sample. This method has many deficiencies, such as:

[0003] 1. The manual sample introduction method is restricted by the operation level and proficiency of the instrument operator. Improper operation may cause situations such as the sample to be tested spilling or overturning in the sample boat;

[0004] 2. Affected by the operation level and proficiency of the instrument operator, there will be certain errors and poor reproducibility;

[0005] 2. The operator needs to stay by the instrument all the time. After a sample measurement is completed, the above manual sample introduction operation is repeated again, which greatly increases the labor intensity and has extremely low efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the deficiencies in the above-mentioned prior art solutions, the present invention provides an automatic sample introduction system.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] An automatic sample introduction system, the automatic sample introduction system includes:

[0009] A two-dimensional moving device for moving a first carrier in a vertical direction and a first direction;

[0010] The first carrier for carrying a tray;

[0011] A bracket and a tray, the bracket having a plurality of carrying positions arranged along the vertical direction, and the tray being arranged at the carrying positions and used for carrying a plurality of sample boats;

[0012] A first translation device for driving a second carrier to translate in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being both horizontal directions and perpendicular to each other;

[0013] The second carrier and the third carrier, the second carrier and the third carrier being respectively used for carrying the sample boat;

[0014] A second translation device for driving the third carrier to translate vertically.

[0015] The object of the present invention also lies in providing an automatic sampling method using the above automatic sampling system, and this object of the invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0016] According to the automatic sampling method of the automatic sampling system of the present invention, the automatic sampling method includes the following steps:

[0017] (A1) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate in the vertical direction and translate forward in the first direction, and the first carrier is located below the selected tray on the bracket;

[0018] (A2) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to move vertically upward. The first carrier carries the selected tray, and the two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate backward in the first direction, so that the tray is disengaged from the carrying position and is removed from the bracket;

[0019] (A3) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate in the vertical direction and translate forward in the first direction, and the selected sample boat on the tray is located above the third carrier;

[0020] (A4) The second translation device drives the third carrier to translate vertically upward, and the third carrier pushes the selected sample boat away from the tray and translates vertically upward;

[0021] (A5) The first translation device drives the second carrier to translate forward in the second direction, and the second carrier moves to the lower side of the selected sample boat;

[0022] (A6) The second translation device drives the third carrier to translate vertically downward. The selected sample boat is carried by the second carrier, and the third carrier is disengaged from the selected sample boat;

[0023] (A7) The second carrier carries the selected sample boat into the analysis device.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0025] 1. Low cost;

[0026] The present invention adopts a modular design. Each module is independent and can be independently integrated and tested, reducing the maintenance cost;

[0027] 2. Avoid cross-contamination between samples;

[0028] The tray bracket has a multi-layer structure. Each tray carries multiple sample boats, realizing the detection of multiple samples and avoiding cross-contamination between samples;

[0029] 3. The second carrier is built-in with temperature sensors such as thermocouples, which truly reflects the temperature inside the furnace and is conducive to the precise control of the sample decomposition temperature;

[0030] 4. The unique eccentric cam ejector mechanism has a stable stroke and fast and stable sample injection. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Referring to the drawings, the disclosure of the present invention will become more understandable. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that these drawings are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. In the figures:

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an automatic sample injection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the first carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the third carrier and the second translation device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an automatic sample injection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0036] Figures 1-4 The following description and the following illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention to teach those skilled in the art how to implement and reproduce the present invention. To explain the technical solutions of the present invention, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art should understand that variations or substitutions derived from these embodiments will be within the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the following features can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the following alternative embodiments but is defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0037] Example 1.

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the automatic sample injection system according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown, as Figure 1 shown, the automatic sample injection system includes:

[0039] A two-dimensional moving device for moving the first carrier in the vertical direction and the first direction;

[0040] The first carrier 41 for carrying the tray 51;

[0041] A support 21 and a tray 51, the support 21 having a plurality of bearing positions arranged in the vertical direction, the tray 51 being disposed at the bearing positions and adapted to bear a plurality of sample boats 61;

[0042] A first translation device 34, the first translation device 34 being adapted to drive a second carrier 42 to translate in a second direction, both the first direction and the second direction being horizontal directions and perpendicular to each other;

[0043] A second carrier 42 and a third carrier 43, the second carrier 42 and the third carrier 43 being respectively adapted to bear the sample boat 61;

[0044] A second translation device 33, the second translation device 33 being adapted to drive the third carrier 43 to translate vertically.

[0045] In order to achieve two-dimensional movement of the first carrier 41, further, the two-dimensional movement device includes:

[0046] A third translation device 31, the third translation device 31 being adapted to drive a fourth translation device 32 to translate in the vertical direction;

[0047] A fourth translation device 32, the fourth translation device 32 being adapted to drive the first carrier 41 to translate in the first direction.

[0048] In order to stably bear the tray 51, further, as Figure 2 shown, the first carrier 41 includes a first support arm 12 and a second support arm 13, the distance between the first support arm 12 and the second support arm 13 being greater than the length of the third carrier 43; the first support arm 12 and the second support arm 13 respectively have protrusions 14;

[0049] The tray 51 has grooves allowing the protrusions 14 to be snapped in, and the width of the tray 51 is greater than the length of the third carrier 43.

[0050] In order to stably drive the third carrier 43 to translate vertically, further, as Figure 3 shown, the second translation device 33 includes:

[0051] A motor 331 and an eccentric wheel 332, the motor 331 driving the eccentric wheel 332;

[0052] A guide member 333 and a sliding member 334, the sliding member 334 being disposed on the vertically arranged guide member 333, the eccentric wheel 332 being connected to the sliding member 334, when the eccentric wheel 332 rotates, driving the sliding member 334 to translate up and down along the guide member 333, the sliding member 334 being connected to the third carrier 43.

[0053] In order to carry the selected sample boat 61 and send it to the analysis device, further, the second carrier 42 includes:

[0054] A third support arm 421 and a fourth support arm 422, the distance between the third support arm 421 and the fourth support arm 422 being less than the width of the sample boat 61.

[0055] In order to obtain the temperature inside the analysis device and block the air flow, further, the second carrier 42 further includes:

[0056] A temperature measurement sensor, the temperature measurement sensor being disposed within the third support arm 421 and / or the fourth support arm 422;

[0057] A baffle 423, the baffle 423 being disposed on the third support arm 421 and the fourth support arm 422.

[0058] In order to accurately know the position of the sample boat 61 so as to accurately place the sample boat 61 directly above the third carrier 43, further, the automatic sampling system further includes:

[0059] A position detection unit, the position detection unit being used to detect the position of the sample boat 61 on the tray 51 carried by the first carrier 41.

[0060] The automatic sampling method according to an embodiment of the present invention, that is, the working method of the automatic sampling system in this embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the automatic sampling method includes the following steps:

[0061] (A1) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate in the vertical direction and translate forward in the first direction, and the first carrier 41 is located below the selected tray 51 on the bracket 21;

[0062] (A2) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to move vertically upward, the first carrier 41 carries the selected tray 51, and the two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate in the reverse direction in the first direction, so that the tray 51 is disengaged from the carrying position and is moved out of the bracket 21;

[0063] (A3) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate in the vertical direction and translate forward in the first direction, and the selected sample boat 61 on the tray 51 is located above the third carrier 43;

[0064] (A4) The second translation device 33 drives the third carrier 43 to translate vertically upward, and the third carrier 43 pushes the selected sample boat 61 to disengage from the tray 51 and translate vertically upward;

[0065] The first translation device 34 drives the second carrier 42 to translate forward in the second direction, and the second carrier 42 moves to the lower side of the selected sample boat 61;

[0066] The second translation device 33 drives the third carrier 43 to translate vertically downward. The selected sample boat 61 is carried by the second carrier 42, and the third carrier 43 is disengaged from the selected sample boat 61;

[0067] The second carrier 42 carries the selected sample boat 61 into the analysis device.

[0068] In order to send the sample boat 61 after detection back to the tray 51, further, the automatic sampling method further includes the following steps:

[0069] After the analysis is completed, the first translation device 34 drives the selected sample boat 61 so that the selected sample boat 61 is located above the third carrier 43 and the tray 51;

[0070] The second translation device 33 drives the third carrier 43 to translate vertically upward. The third carrier 43 supports the selected sample boat 61 to move vertically upward and then stops;

[0071] The first translation device 34 drives the second carrier 53 to translate backward in the second direction;

[0072] The second translation device 33 drives the third carrier 43 to translate vertically downward. The selected sample boat 61 is carried by the tray 51, and the third carrier 43 translates to the lower side of the tray 51.

[0073] In order to send the analyzed sample boat 61 back to the bracket 21, further, the automatic sampling method further includes the following steps:

[0074] The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate backward in the first direction, and the first carrier 41 translates vertically;

[0075] The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate forward in the first direction and enters the bracket 21;

[0076] The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate vertically downward, and the tray 51 returns to its original position;

[0077] The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate backward in the first direction.

[0078] Embodiment 2.

[0079] Application example of the automatic sampling system and method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in elemental analysis.

[0080] In this application example, as shown in FIG. 1, the two-dimensional moving device includes a third translation device 31 and a fourth translation device 32. The third translation device 31 is used to drive the fourth translation device 32 to translate in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, a combination of a guide rail and an electric screw is adopted, and the specific structure is the prior art. The fourth translation device 32 is used to drive the first carrier 41 to translate in the first direction. In this embodiment, a combination of a guide rail, a motor, a driving wheel, a driven wheel, and a belt is adopted, and the specific structure is the prior art.

[0081] As Figure 2 shown, the first carrier 41 includes a first support arm 12 and a second support arm 13. The distance between the first support arm 12 and the second support arm 13 is greater than the length of the third carrier 43. The first support arm 12 and the second support arm 13 respectively have protrusions 14. The tray 51 has grooves allowing the protrusions 14 to be snapped in, and the width of the tray is greater than the length of the third carrier 43.

[0082] The bracket 21 has a plurality of bearing positions arranged along the vertical direction. The tray 51 is arranged at the bearing positions. A plurality of sample boats 61 are uniformly arranged on the tray 51. The tray 51 is a rectangular frame structure. Both ends of each sample boat 61 are carried by both sides of the tray 51, and the middle is suspended. The distance between the two opposite sides of the position of the tray 51 is greater than the length of the upper end of the third carrier 43, so that the third carrier 43 can pass through the tray 51 from the lower side of the tray 51 and push against the sample boat 61.

[0083] The first translation device 34 is used to drive the second carrier 42 to translate in the second direction. Both the first direction and the second direction are horizontal directions and are perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the first translation device 34 adopts a combination of a guide rail and an electric screw, and the specific structure is the prior art.

[0084] The second carrier 42 includes a third support arm 421 and a fourth support arm 422. The distance between the third support arm 421 and the fourth support arm 422 is less than the width of the sample boat 61, so as to carry the sample boat 61. The temperature measurement sensor is arranged in the third support arm 421 and / or the fourth support arm 422. A baffle 423 is arranged on the third support arm 421 and the fourth support arm 422 and is perpendicular to the central axis of the third support arm 421 and the fourth support arm 422.

[0085] As Figure 3As shown, the second translation device 33 is disposed on the upper side of the bracket 21. Specifically, a motor 331 drives an eccentric wheel 332; a sliding member 334 is disposed on a vertically disposed guide member 333, and the eccentric wheel 332 is connected to the sliding member 334. When the eccentric wheel 332 rotates, it drives the sliding member 334 to translate up and down along the guide member 333, and the sliding member 334 is connected to a third carrier 43; from top to bottom, the length of the third carrier 43 becomes larger.

[0086] The position detection unit is used to detect the position of the sample boat 61 on the tray 51 carried by the first carrier 41 and the height of the fourth translation device 32.

[0087] The automatic sampling method according to the embodiment of the present invention, that is, the working method of the automatic sampling system in this embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the automatic sampling method includes the following steps:

[0088] (A1) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate in the vertical direction and translate forward in the first direction, and uses the position detection unit to ensure that the protrusion 14 of the first carrier 41 is below the groove of the selected tray 51.

[0089] (A2) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to move vertically upward, and the first carrier 41 carries the selected tray 51, so that the tray 51 is disengaged from the carrying position.

[0090] The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate reversely in the first direction and is moved out of the bracket 21.

[0091] (A3) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier 41 to translate vertically upward and translate forward in the first direction, and the selected sample boat 61 on the tray 51 is above the third carrier 43.

[0092] (A4) In the second translation device 33, the motor 331 drives the eccentric wheel 332 forward, and the eccentric wheel 332 drives the sliding member 334 to translate vertically upward along the guide member 333, thereby driving the third carrier 43 to translate vertically upward. The third carrier 43 passes through the tray 51 and pushes the selected sample boat 61 to disengage from the tray 51 and translate vertically upward.

[0093] (A5) The first translation device 34 drives the second carrier 42 to translate forward in the second direction, and the second carrier 42 moves to the lower side of the selected sample boat 61.

[0094] In the second translation device 33 ((A6)), the motor 331 drives the eccentric wheel 332 in the reverse direction. The eccentric wheel 332 drives the sliding member 334 to translate vertically downward along the guide member 333, thereby driving the third carrier 43 to translate vertically downward. The selected sample boat 61 is carried by the second carrier 42, that is, both sides of the sample boat 61 are supported by the third support arm 421 and the fourth support arm 422 respectively. The third carrier 43 is disengaged from the selected sample boat 61;

[0095] ((A7)) The second carrier 42 carries the selected sample boat 61 into the analysis device;

[0096] ((A8)) After the analysis is completed, the first translation device 34 drives the selected sample boat 61 so that the selected sample boat 61 is located above the third carrier 43 and the tray 51;

[0097] ((A9)) The second translation device 33 drives the third carrier 43 to translate vertically upward. The third carrier 43 passes through the tray 51 and supports the selected sample boat 61 to translate vertically upward, and then stops;

[0098] ((A10)) The first translation device 34 drives the second carrier 42 to translate in the reverse direction in the second direction and exits from below the sample boat 61;

[0099] ((A11)) The second translation device 33 drives the third carrier 43 to translate vertically downward. The selected sample boat 61 is carried by the tray 51, and the third carrier 43 translates to the lower side of the tray 51;

[0100] ((A12)) The two-dimensional movement device drives the first carrier 41 to translate in the reverse direction in the first direction, and the first carrier 41 translates vertically downward;

[0101] ((A13)) The two-dimensional movement device drives the first carrier 41 to translate in the forward direction in the first direction and enters the bracket 21;

[0102] The two-dimensional movement device drives the first carrier 41 to translate vertically downward, and the tray 51 returns to its original position;

[0103] The two-dimensional movement device drives the first carrier 41 to translate in the reverse direction in the first direction.

Claims

1. An automatic sampling system, characterized in that, The automatic sampling system includes: A two-dimensional moving device for moving a first carrier in the vertical direction and a first direction. The first carrier for carrying a tray. A bracket and a tray. The bracket has a plurality of carrying positions arranged along the vertical direction. The tray is arranged at the carrying position and is used for carrying a plurality of sample boats. The tray is a rectangular frame structure. Both ends of each sample boat are carried by both sides of the tray, and the middle is suspended. The distance between two opposite sides of the tray is greater than the length of the upper end of the third carrier, so that the third carrier can pass through the tray from the lower side of the tray and push against the sample boat. A first translation device for driving a second carrier to translate in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are both horizontal directions and are perpendicular to each other. The second carrier and the third carrier are respectively used for carrying the sample boat. The second carrier includes a third support arm and a fourth support arm. The distance between the third support arm and the fourth support arm is less than the width of the sample boat. From top to bottom, the length of the third carrier becomes larger. A second translation device for driving the third carrier to translate vertically.

2. The automatic sampling system according to claim 1, wherein The two-dimensional moving device includes: A third translation device for driving a fourth translation device to translate in the vertical direction. A fourth translation device for driving the first carrier to translate in the first direction.

3. The automatic sampling system according to claim 2, wherein The first carrier includes a first support arm and a second support arm. The distance between the first support arm and the second support arm is greater than the length of the third carrier. The first support arm and the second support arm respectively have protrusions. The tray has grooves allowing the protrusions to be inserted. The width of the tray is greater than the length of the third carrier.

4. The automatic sampling system according to claim 1, wherein The second translation device includes: A motor and an eccentric wheel. The motor drives the eccentric wheel. A guide and a slider. The slider is arranged on the vertically arranged guide. The eccentric wheel is connected to the slider. When the eccentric wheel rotates, it drives the slider to translate up and down along the guide. The slider is connected to the third carrier.

5. The automatic sampling system according to claim 1, characterized in that The second carrier further includes: A temperature measurement sensor arranged in the third support arm and / or the fourth support arm. A baffle arranged on the third support arm and the fourth support arm.

6. The automatic sampling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic sampling system further includes: A position detection unit for detecting the position of the sample boat on the tray carried by the first carrier.

7. An automatic sampling method based on the automatic sampling system according to any one of claims 1-6. The automatic sampling method includes the following steps: (A1) The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate in the vertical direction and translate forward in the first direction. The first carrier is located under the selected tray on the bracket. The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to move vertically upward. The first carrier carries the selected tray. The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate reversely in the first direction, so that the tray is disengaged from the carrying position and is moved out of the bracket. The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate vertically and translate forward in the first direction. The selected sample boat on the tray is located above the third carrier. The second translation device drives the third carrier to translate vertically upward. The third carrier pushes the selected sample boat to disengage from the tray and translate vertically upward. The first translation device drives the second carrier to translate forward in the second direction. The second carrier moves to the lower side of the selected sample boat. The second translation device drives the third carrier to translate vertically downward. The selected sample boat is carried by the second carrier, and the third carrier is disengaged from the selected sample boat. The second carrier carries the selected sample boat into the analysis device.

8. The automatic sampling method according to claim 7, characterized in that The automatic sample introduction method further includes the following steps: After the analysis is completed, the first translation device drives the selected sample boat so that the selected sample boat is located above the third carrier and the tray. The second translation device drives the third carrier to translate vertically upward. The third carrier supports the selected sample boat to translate vertically upward and then stops. The first translation device drives the second carrier to translate reversely in the second direction. The second translation device drives the third carrier to translate vertically downward. The selected sample boat is carried by the tray, and the third carrier translates to the lower side of the tray.

9. The automatic sampling method according to claim 8, wherein The automatic sample introduction method further includes the following steps: The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate reversely in the first direction. The first carrier translates vertically. The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate forward in the first direction and enters the bracket. The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate vertically downward, and the tray returns to its position. The two-dimensional moving device drives the first carrier to translate reversely in the first direction.

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