Device for closing an input opening of a sample chamber in an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure device for gas-tightly closing an input opening of a sample chamber of an X-ray analysis device by means of a slide. The slide is movable transversely over the input opening on a linear guide. The slide comprises a closure plate and a carriage. The carriage is configured such that the carriage can be moved over the input opening of the sample chamber on the linear guide. The linear guide is arranged on a base plate fixedly connected to the sample chamber. The closure plate and the carriage are articulatedly connected via a deflection element. The deflection element deflects the transverse movement of the carriage into a movement perpendicular thereto when striking an end stop rigidly connected to the base plate, so as to press the closure plate against the input opening. The slide can be moved in a transverse movement on the linear guide by a drive motor connected to the carriage via a drive element. The slide can particularly simply and reliably close the input opening in both a vacuum-tight and an overpressure-tight manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a closure device for gas-tightly closing an input opening of a sample chamber of an X-ray analysis device, in particular an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, by means of a slide which can be moved laterally onto the input opening on a linear guide. Background Art

[0002] Such a closure device is known from publication JP 6077812 B2 (=reference [1]).

[0003] Existing technology

[0004] The present invention generally relates to the field of X-ray analysis devices and in particular to a closing device for gas-tightly closing an input opening of a sample chamber of an X-ray analysis device, such as an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer.

[0005] In most X-ray fluorescence spectrometers, a sample is excited with X-rays in a measurement chamber. The excited sample emits characteristic X-rays, which are analyzed by a system of different X-ray optical components or with the aid of an energy-dispersive detector to determine the concentration of the component in the sample.

[0006] To minimize the attenuation of the X-ray radiation along its beam path, the beam path is placed under vacuum or in a low-absorptive, chemically inert atmosphere (e.g., He or N₂). Since volatile samples (e.g., liquids) that cannot be measured under negative pressure are often also examined, an overpressure, typically relatively low relative to the external atmosphere, is generated in the measurement chamber for flushing with inert gas. Therefore, a suitable measurement chamber must have a controlled closure, allowing the sample to be brought to the measurement location by a more or less automated handling system or manually and then sealed in a radiation-tight manner. Furthermore, the closure must remain both vacuum-tight and overpressure-tight, at least during the measurement.

[0007] For example, a closure device for hermetically closing an input opening by means of a slide is shown in the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer "S8 TIGER Series 2" from Bruker Corporation, Billerica (Massachusetts, USA), see 22 October 2021. https: / / www.bruker.com / de / products-and-solutions / elemental- analyzers / xrf-spectrometers / s8-tiger.html (=reference [2]).

[0008] In the TIGER, a slider moves linearly in a guideway over the sample input opening. The guideway is designed so that in its end position, the slider presses against the input opening's seal due to gravity. When the sample chamber is evacuated, a force is generated due to the pressure difference, which seals the input opening. The slider's linear movement is achieved via a lever on a direct current variable speed motor (DC variable speed motor).

[0009] However, a disadvantage is that the slide is pressed against the seal of the inlet opening solely by its own weight, so overpressure tightness is only ensured up to very small pressure differences relative to the external atmosphere. Furthermore, when flushing the sample chamber with inert gas, a significant amount of inert gas is lost, which increases operating costs.

[0010] Further examples of sealing devices for gas-tight sealing of an input opening by means of a slide can be found, for example, in the following: X-ray fluorescence spectrometers "S2 PUMA 2" series, see 22 October 2021 https: / / www.bruker.com / en / products-and-solutions / elemental-analyzers / xrf-spectrometers / s2-puma- series2.html (=reference [3]),

[0011] X-ray fluorescence spectrometer "S2 POLAR", see October 22, 2021 https: / / www.bruker.com / en / products-and-solutions / elemental-analyzers / xrf-spectrometers / s2-polar.html (=reference [4]),

[0012] X-ray fluorescence spectrometer "S6 JAGUAR", see October 22, 2021 https: / / www.bruker.com / en / products-and-solutions / elemental-analyzers / xrf- spectrometers / s6-jaguar.html (=reference [5]),

[0013] All were from Bruker Corporation, Billerica (MA, USA).

[0014] The general design of the PUMA, POLAR and JAAGUAR is similar to that of the TIGER in reference [2]. Here, the linear movement of the slide is achieved via a rack drive and, in the closed position (end position), the slide is additionally pulled downwards onto the seal of the inlet opening by means of an electromagnet.

[0015] A disadvantage of solutions with electromagnets is that the adjustment of the electromagnets is usually very tedious. If defects or irregularities in the magnetic field prevent or even prevent reliable closing of the input opening, re-adjusting the electromagnets can often be quite difficult and time-consuming.

[0016] Other closure devices are known in the prior art, which are provided with a pivot mechanism or a flap mechanism.

[0017] A spectrometer equipped in this way can also be equipped with a sample changer, wherein the sample chamber can be loaded with samples via a movable gripping arm. The input opening is then covered by a closure cover. The closure cover is fastened to a connecting plate that can be pivoted via a steering wheel.

[0018] A disadvantage of the closure devices according to the prior art is that the pivoting or flap mechanism in a corresponding design often takes up a lot of space due to the provided pivotability and is usually of relatively complex design and therefore entails considerable costs for its production and subsequent maintenance.

[0019] A particular disadvantage is that, since the cover is only attached on top, it is not arranged completely parallel to the sealing ring and can still slide slightly and therefore generally only ensures a low overpressure tightness.

[0020] Reference [1] cited at the beginning describes a slide that can only be moved laterally for hermetically sealing the input opening of a sample chamber of a transportable sample holder. Measurement and sample preparation are performed in different vacuum environments. For sample preparation, the sample is introduced into the sample holder under reduced atmospheric pressure. The slide then closes the opening of the sample holder. This is achieved by moving the slide laterally on the sample holder. A recess is arranged on the sample holder, into which the slide located above it drops under its own weight. This seals the sample chamber of the sample holder and creates a certain initial tightness. The sample holder is then removed from the environment with reduced atmospheric pressure and transported to a spectrometer under normal external atmosphere. The force generated by the area in the sample chamber of the sample holder and the pressure difference between the normal external atmosphere and the artificially generated atmosphere acts on the slide as a sealing force. The sample holder is inserted into the measurement chamber of the spectrometer and the measurement chamber is then evacuated. The slide can then be opened by a motor and, for example, an XRF measurement can be started.

[0021] A further disadvantage is that sealing the sample chamber with a reliable overpressure-tight seal can only be achieved to a limited extent. However, when measuring liquid samples, it is practically always necessary to keep the sample chamber under a protective gas atmosphere. Measuring liquid samples under vacuum is usually very difficult, often completely impossible, because, depending on the solvent in the liquid sample, the boiling point of the liquid sample always decreases under vacuum and the liquid sample transforms into the gas phase at its surface.

[0022] Furthermore, the measurement may be made difficult by the fact that the sample preparation on the one hand and the measurement on the other hand take place in different environments that are spatially separated from one another.

[0023] Invention Task

[0024] The object of the present invention is to construct, in a sealing device of the type mentioned at the outset, a slider which can be moved laterally onto the input opening in order to hermetically seal the input opening of a sample chamber of an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer using inexpensive, readily available or readily usable technical means in such a way that the slider can reliably seal the sample input opening in a simple manner and in a manner both vacuum-tight and overpressure-tight. Summary of the Invention

[0025] This object is achieved by the present invention in an equally surprisingly simple and effective manner, namely, the slide comprises a closing plate and a slide, which is constructed so that the slide can be moved on a linear guide to an input opening of the sample chamber, the linear guide being arranged on a base plate fixedly connected to the sample chamber; the closing plate and the slide are articulatedly connected by a deflection element, wherein the deflection element deflects the lateral movement of the slide into a movement perpendicular thereto when colliding with an end stop rigidly connected to the base plate, so as to press the closing plate onto the input opening; and the slide can be moved on the linear guide in a lateral movement by a drive motor, the drive motor being connected to the slide via a drive device.

[0026] The present invention therefore proposes to design the slider of the closing device in such a way that the lateral movement on the slider is diverted into a movement perpendicular to the lateral movement and thus the input opening of the sample chamber ("sample chamber opening") can be closed not only vacuum-tightly but also tightly against the overpressure inside the sample chamber and against the external atmosphere.

[0027] To this end, the slide comprises a closing plate and a carriage. The carriage can move along a linear guide. The linear guide is arranged on a base plate. The base plate is fixedly connected to the sample chamber. The carriage (and therefore also the closing plate) can be moved linearly through the input opening of the sample chamber. The closing plate is then positioned above the input opening of the sample chamber (in the closed position).

[0028] Furthermore, the closing plate is connected to the slide in a movably, in particular articulated, manner via a deflection element (“connecting rod”).

[0029] The base plate includes end stops ("stop points") rigidly connected thereto. The slide is moved or displaced laterally into the closed position. The deflection element then collides with the end stop. The slide continues to move, thereby moving the movable deflection element. This movement is transmitted to the closing plate. The movement of the closing plate occurs perpendicular to the lateral movement of the slide. The deflection element thus deflects the lateral movement of the slide into a vertical movement of the closing plate. The closing plate is then pressed or squeezed evenly onto the input opening. Whether the pressing movement occurs upward or downward also depends on the respective geometry of the X-ray analysis device and is not important for the present invention.

[0030] The force acting on the inlet opening can be adjusted by the distance traveled by the carriage and the resulting movement of the deflection element relative to the end stop of the base plate. If the carriage moves away from the end stop, the closing plate is lifted from the inlet opening and the pressure on the inlet opening is released.

[0031] Alternatively, also can replace and make diverter element move towards the end stop, closure plate is moved towards the projection of base plate.In this case, diverter element equally turns the lateral motion of slide into closure plate to the vertical motion on the input opening.

[0032] The slide is moved laterally on a linear guide by a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to the slide's carriage via a drive element. The drive motor ensures uniform movement and allows the pressure of the sealing plate against the inlet opening of the sample chamber to be adjusted to the desired level.

[0033] The closure device is designed so that only one and the same drive motor is required for both the lateral movement of the closure plate of the slide and the movement applied perpendicular thereto. Consequently, the movements of covering and opening the sample chamber's inlet opening with the closure plate, as well as the movements of pressing the closure plate against and lifting it from the sample chamber's inlet opening, are performed by a single active element, the drive motor. This keeps the size of the device, particularly its height, small. Furthermore, an additional drive motor is eliminated, thereby reducing costs.

[0034] Preferred embodiments and improved solutions of the present invention

[0035] In a preferred class of embodiments of the monitoring device according to the invention, it is provided that at least a part of the deflection element is designed as a pivoting lever, in particular as a preferably curved rigid lever, which is rotatably mounted on the carriage about a rigid axis.

[0036] By rotating the lever, the lateral motion of the carriage can be turned into a motion perpendicular thereto especially well. In addition, the rotating lever can be transferred to the closing plate with the force acting thereon accurately and in a limited manner by the lateral motion of the carriage.

[0037] In an advantageous development of an embodiment of this type, it is further provided that the pivot lever has a section with an elongated hole, in which a pin rigidly connected to the closing plate engages.

[0038] The elongated hole serves as a guide element for the pin. Via the elongated hole and the pin engaged in the elongated hole, the pivoting lever and the closing plate can be moved relative to each other and adjusted accordingly and tolerances can be compensated.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, in other developments, the closing plate can be of rectangular shape and the deflection element can comprise at least three pivot levers.

[0040] The closing plate of rectangular shape is advantageous in manufacture and can be moved particularly simply with linear motion. In addition, the closing plate of this rectangular shape can be squeezed particularly evenly on the input opening of the sample chamber.

[0041] The at least three pivoting rods ensure that the vertical movement for pressing the closing plate against the input opening runs in parallel and evenly distributes the pressing force of the closing plate on the input opening. It is important to note that the at least three pivoting rods are mounted on the closing plate and the slide so that the pressing force of the closing plate on the input opening is as uniform as possible around the circumference of the input opening. Therefore, three pivoting rods are particularly advantageous when the closing plate is circular; if the closing plate is rectangular, four pivoting rods, each positioned at the corners of the closing plate, are even more advantageous for achieving a uniform pressing force.

[0042] Likewise preferred are embodiments of the closure device according to the invention in which the linear guide comprises a guide rail which is arranged in particular in or on the base plate.

[0043] The guide rails allow for a particularly precise, uniform and reliable movement of the carriage.

[0044] Embodiments are also advantageous in which a vertical guide is provided for guiding the movement of the closing plate in a direction perpendicular to the transverse movement of the closing plate.

[0045] In this way, the vertical movement of the closing plate can be reliably guided and prevented from sliding when the vertical movement. In addition, the closing plate can be very accurately lowered onto the input opening and lifted from the input opening by the vertical guide device.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, a spring element is arranged between the closing plate and the slide, by means of which the closing plate and the slide are kept at a defined distance from one another.

[0047] This reliably prevents the closing plate from colliding with or coming into contact with the inlet opening or other components arranged on the base plate during the transverse movement of the carriage.

[0048] Furthermore, preferred embodiments of the invention are preferred which are characterized in that a stop pin is arranged on the closing plate, via which the closing plate strikes a stop on or in the base plate, or vice versa.

[0049] The stop pin can be easily mounted on the closing plate. During a transverse movement of the closing plate, the stop pin can strike the stop particularly precisely. After the collision, the transverse movement is diverted by the diverting element into a perpendicular movement of the closing plate.

[0050] Likewise advantageous are embodiments of the closure device according to the invention in which the drive motor is designed as an electric motor, preferably as a stepper motor.

[0051] This can be achieved particularly easily in practice. In this way, the slide with the closing plate can be moved precisely, in particular very precisely in space.

[0052] Particularly preferred are the following embodiments of the closing device according to the invention, which are characterized in that the drive means via which the drive motor is connected to the slide comprise a toothed belt transmission and / or a transmission chain and / or a push rod and / or a screw and / or a hydraulic slide and / or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0053] In an advantageous development of this type of embodiment, a toothed belt drive or a drive chain runs via the drive deflection wheel and the belt pulley.

[0054] The drive motor's drive motion is transmitted via the drive pulley to the toothed belt drive or drive chain and the drive motor. This allows for flexible positioning of the drive motor and reduces the space required for the closure. The toothed belt drive or drive chain is tensioned via the pulley and the drive pulley.

[0055] Furthermore, variants of these developments are advantageous in which the drive deflection wheel and / or the belt pulley are elastically supported relative to the base plate, in particular relative to the guide, in the direction of the carriage by means of spring elements and are preferably tensioned with a defined force.

[0056] Spring tensioning automatically tensions the toothed belt drive or drive chain with a defined force. Even if the toothed belt drive or drive chain twists, the spring preload remains constant. Furthermore, wear caused by elongation of the toothed belt drive or drive chain can be compensated relatively easily.

[0057] Likewise preferred are embodiments of the closure device according to the invention in which the closure plate and / or the sample chamber have a sealing element in the region surrounding the input opening, which is in particular designed as a sealing ring and, if appropriate, as a matching groove or sealing surface.

[0058] As a result, the sample chamber can be sealed particularly effectively both in an overpressure-tight and in a vacuum-tight manner.

[0059] An X-ray analysis device, in particular an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, comprising a sealing device according to the invention of the type described above for gas-tight sealing of an input opening of a sample chamber also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0060] In this way, X-ray analysis equipment can be used to perform measurements in which the sample chamber is to be kept under vacuum (e.g., in the case of solid samples) as well as under pressure (e.g., for measuring liquids). The structure of the closure device according to the invention has a particularly low overall height and can therefore be used in a particularly space-saving manner. This in turn reduces the overall space requirement of an X-ray analysis equipment equipped with the invention.

[0061] Also within the scope of the invention is a method for operating a closure device according to the invention as described above or an X-ray analysis device as also described above, which method is characterized in that the movement of the closure plate is carried out in a defined, predefined, unchangeable sequence.

[0062] During forward movement, the carriage moves laterally with the closing plate until the closing plate is above the inlet opening and the deflection element strikes a stop connected to the base plate. The deflection element converts the lateral movement acting on the carriage into a perpendicular movement acting on the closing plate. For reverse movement, the previously described steps are performed in reverse order. Forward and reverse movement, as well as the lateral and perpendicular movements, can be achieved using a single drive motor.

[0063] Further advantages of the present invention are apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. Likewise, the features described above and those yet to be described can be used individually or in any desired combination according to the present invention. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as a definitive enumeration, but rather as exemplary features for describing the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The invention is illustrated in greater detail in the drawings and is explained in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiments.

[0065] Here, it is shown:

[0066] Figure 1a A vertical sectional view from the side shows an exemplary first embodiment of a closure device according to the invention;

[0067] Figure 1b Show Figure 1a A top view from above of an exemplary first embodiment of a closure device according to the present invention;

[0068] Figure 2a A schematic side view of a slide and a base plate showing an exemplary further embodiment of a closure device according to the invention, which has a deflection element designed as a pivot lever with corresponding movement directions of cooperating components indicated by arrows;

[0069] Figure 2ba schematic side view showing a slide and a base plate of an exemplary further embodiment of a closure device according to the invention, which has a deflection element designed as a gear with an eccentrically arranged axis, with corresponding movement directions of cooperating components indicated by arrows; and

[0070] Figure 3 A schematic measurement configuration is shown for performing an X-ray fluorescence measurement using an X-ray analysis device using the closure device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Structure of the closure device

[0072] Figure 1a and Figure 1b An exemplary first embodiment of a closure device 10 according to the invention is shown in different views. The closure device 10 comprises an inlet opening 11, a slide 14 with a closure plate 14a for closing the inlet opening 11, a base plate 15 with two end stops 15a and a drive motor 16. Figure 1b In the figure, a portion of the closing plate 14a is not shown in order to better observe the components below the closing plate 14a.

[0073] In the embodiment shown here, the inlet opening 11 is designed with a radial diameter of 90 mm. The inlet opening 11 is inserted into the base plate 15. In the figure shown here, the inlet opening 11 is arranged centrally in the first region 22a of the base plate 15.

[0074] The sealing element 20 is located in the area surrounding the inlet opening 11 and is designed here as a sealing ring 20a having a groove 20b into which the sealing ring 20a can be inserted. The groove 20b serves as a counterpart to the sealing ring 20a, and the inlet opening 11 can be reliably sealed in an airtight and vacuum-tight manner by means of the sealing ring 20a and the groove 20b.

[0075] In another embodiment, not shown in greater detail here, it is also possible to arrange the sealing element 20 on the closing plate 14a. The sealing element 20 is arranged in the region of the closing plate 14a which, when closing the inlet opening 11, is located directly above the inlet opening 11. The closing plate 14a can then close the inlet opening 11 in a pressure-tight and vacuum-tight manner.

[0076] In the embodiment shown here, the slide 14 comprises, in addition to the closing plate 14a, a carriage 14b, four deflection elements 14c and two stop pins 14d. The closing plate 14a is designed here as a flat, irregularly shaped plate with a thickness of 9 mm and is located in the first region 22a of the base plate 15. The closing plate 14a is connected to the carriage 14b via the four deflection elements 14c. Two deflection elements 14c are arranged on the front side 24a of the closing device 10 and two on the back side 24b of the closing device. The stop pins 14d are attached to the closing plate 14a and Figure 1b The cam collides with the two end stops 15 a of the base plate 15 .

[0077] In addition, in the embodiment shown here, four spring elements 21 ("spring spacers") are arranged between the closing plate 14a and the slide 14b to space the closing plate 14a and the slide 14b apart. The spring elements 21 are evenly distributed near the edge of the closing plate 14a, so that the spring force of the spring elements 21 is evenly distributed across the closing plate 14a and the distance between the closing plate 14a and the slide 14b is particularly uniform. The spring elements 21 provide a distance of 2 mm between the closing plate 14a and the slide 14b. This ensures that the closing plate 14a is sufficiently spaced from the other components of the closure device 10 and allows for collision-free movement of the closing plate 14a by the slide 14b.

[0078] In the embodiment shown here, the base plate 15 is configured in a rectangular shape. The base plate 15 can be divided into a first area 22a and a second area 22b. Here, two linear guides 13 are arranged on the base plate 15. The slide 14b is configured so that the slide can move along the linear guide 13. In the embodiment shown here, the linear guides 13 each include a guide rail (in Figure 1a and Figure 1b ), the slide 14b can be moved precisely by means of the guide rails.

[0079] In the embodiment shown here, the drive motor 16 is configured as an electric motor 16a, more precisely, as a stepper motor 16a'. The drive motor 16 is arranged at the second end 23b of the base plate 15. The force of the drive motor 16 is transmitted to the slide 14b via two drive elements 17. The drive element 17 comprises a toothed belt drive 17'. Alternatively, other drive elements 17, such as a drive chain and / or a push rod, may also be used.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the toothed belt drive 17' operates via a drive deflection pulley 17a and a belt pulley 17b. The drive deflection pulley 17a is located directly adjacent to the drive motor 16 at the second end 23b of the base plate 15. The drive motor 16 can transmit the generated driving force to the drive deflection pulley 17a. The belt pulley 17b is located at the first end 23a of the base plate 15, opposite the drive deflection pulley 17a. The belt pulley 17b is resiliently supported on the base plate 15 relative to the guide 13 in the direction toward the slide 14b via two spring elements 19 ("spring tensioning elements"). The spring elements 19 automatically tension the toothed belt drive 17' with a defined force. Even if the toothed belt drive 17' twists, the preload of the spring elements 19 remains constant. Furthermore, wear caused by elongation of the toothed belt drive 17' can be easily compensated in the longitudinal direction.

[0081] In the embodiment shown here, the closure device 10 has an overall height H of 33 mm. ges 、Total length L 410mm ses and a total width B of 303 mm ses The length and width are essentially determined by the dimensions of the sample chamber. The base plate simultaneously serves as the cover for the sample chamber. The advantage here lies primarily in the low overall height. The closure device 10 therefore takes up very little space and is therefore particularly space-saving.

[0082] How the closure works

[0083] The mode of operation of the closure device 10 is explained by way of example in the following sections:

[0084] At the beginning, the slide 14 is in the open position. In this open position, the slide 14b together with the closing plate 14a is partially arranged in the first area 22a, completely arranged in the second area 22b and moved onto the second end 23b of the base plate 15 (not shown in more detail).

[0085] The drive motor 16 is activated and transmits its driving force to the drive deflection wheel 17a. The drive deflection wheel 17a moves the drive element 17 running through it. The drive element 17 is connected to the slide 14b. The slide 14b, together with the closing plate 14a, is moved laterally along the linear guide 13 by the drive element 17. This lateral movement continues until the slide 14b reaches the first end 23a of the base plate 15 and the stop pin 14d connected to the closing plate 14a comes into contact with the stop 15a. The closing plate 14a is then in the first area 22a of the base plate 15, in the closed position, directly above the inlet opening 11.

[0086] To press the closing plate 14a onto the inlet opening 11, the slide 14b is moved further to the first end 23a of the base plate 15. Since the closing plate 14a can no longer move further laterally toward the first end 23a, the movement of the slide 14b is deflected by four deflection elements 14c into a movement perpendicular to the lateral movement. As a result, the closing plate 14a moves toward the inlet opening 11, which can then be sealed airtightly.

[0087] In order to be able to seal the inlet opening 11 in a gas-tight manner, the closing force F exerted on the inlet opening 11 by the slide 14 cl must be greater than the spring force F of the four spring elements 21 sp The force F exerted on the input opening 11 by the gas pressure inside the sample chamber gp The sum of

[0088] F cl >F sp +F gp Then you can use F res =F cl -F sp -F gp Determine the resistance F against the input opening 11 Res .

[0089] To lift the closing plate 14a from the inlet opening 11 again, the drive motor 16 is switched so that the drive element 17 now moves in the opposite direction. The slide 14b is thus moved onto the second end 23b of the base plate 15. The closing plate 14a is first lifted from the inlet opening 11 perpendicular to the movement of the slide 14b. The closing plate 14a then moves back from the closed position via the slide 14b to the open position. The inlet opening 11 is then exposed.

[0090] Other embodiments according to the present invention

[0091] Figure 2a A schematic side view shows a slide 14 and a base plate 15 with a stop 15a, illustrating an exemplary further embodiment of a closure device 10 according to the present invention. For the sake of clarity, the drive motor 16 is not specifically shown in this figure. However, it should be noted that the slide 14 shown here is also moved by the drive motor 16.

[0092] In the embodiment shown here, the slide 14 comprises a rectangular closing plate 14a, a carriage 14b, and a deflection element 14c. The deflection element 14c is configured as a pivoting lever 25, more precisely, as a rotatably supported, curved, rigid rod 25'. The long arm 27a of the pivoting lever 25 points toward the base plate 15, while the short arm 27b of the pivoting lever 25 points toward the closing plate 14a. The pivoting lever 25 is rotatably supported on the carriage 14b in a connecting region 27, where the long arm 27a and the short arm 27b of the pivoting lever 25 meet, via a rigid shaft 14b' inserted into the carriage 14b.

[0093] At the end of the short arm 27b of the pivot lever 25, the short arm 27b has an elongated hole 14c'. A pin 14a', rigidly connected to the closing plate 14a, engages in this elongated hole 14c'. In this way, the closing plate 14a and the pivot lever 25 are connected to each other. Furthermore, the embodiment shown here shows two vertical guides 18, each of which partially extends into two cylindrical guide recesses 18a inserted into the closing plate 14a.

[0094] The working method of the embodiment shown here is briefly described again below:

[0095] The slide 14b moves in a transverse motion (see motion arrow I) in the direction of a stop 15a, which in the embodiment shown here is designed as a stop projection 15a'. Once the pivoting lever 25 strikes the stop 15a, the further transverse motion of the slide 14b is redirected by the pivoting lever 25 into a motion perpendicular to the transverse motion (see motion arrow II). This redirected vertical motion is thus transmitted to the closing plate 14a, pulling it downward (see motion arrow III) and pressing it against the inlet opening (not shown in further detail).

[0096] In order to prevent the closing plate 14a from slipping during the vertical movement, it is guided with its guide recess 18a along a vertical guide 18. To reverse the movement, the slide 14b is moved laterally in the opposite direction of the stop 15a.

[0097] Figure 2b A schematic side view of a slide 14 and a base plate 15 with a stop 15a is shown for an exemplary further embodiment of a closure device according to the present invention. For the sake of simplicity, the drive motor 16 is not shown in greater detail in this figure. However, it should be noted that the slide 14 shown here is also moved by the drive motor 16.

[0098] In the embodiment shown here, the slide 14 comprises a rectangular closing plate 14a, a carriage 14b, and a deflection element 14c. Deflection element 14c is designed as a gear 26 with six gear teeth 28. Alternatively, a fully toothed gear can also be used. The permissible overall height is the criterion for determining the design. A toothed rack 29 is guided via a base plate 15 and is hereby movable in direction i and elastically connected to the carriage 14b. Motor force is applied to this toothed rack 29, moving the entire slide 14. A guide 18 is fixedly connected to the carriage 14b. Seven rack teeth 30 are incorporated into the toothed rack 29. A fully toothed rack can also be used. This is a schematic representation of the teeth in the drawing. The gear 26 and the toothed rack 29 engage with each other via their teeth 28, 30. The gear 26 is rotatably supported on the carriage 14b via a rigid shaft 14b' inserted into the carriage 14b. The closing plate 14a is connected to the gear 26 via a pin 14a' rigidly connected to the closing plate 14a. The pin 14a' is arranged eccentrically relative to the gear axis. In addition, two vertical guides 18 are shown in the embodiment shown here.

[0099] The working method of the embodiment shown here is briefly described again below:

[0100] The slide 14b with the rack 29 moves in a lateral movement (see movement arrow i) towards the stop 15a, which is constructed in the embodiment shown here as a stop element 15a fastened to the base plate 15. As soon as the closing plate 14a hits the stop 15a, the further lateral movement of the slide 14b is diverted into a movement perpendicular to the lateral movement via the gear 26, which moves via the rack teeth 30 of the rack 29. As a result, the diverted vertical movement is transmitted to the closing plate 14a and pulls the closing plate 14a downwards (see movement arrow iii).

[0101] In order to prevent the closing plate 14a from sliding, the closing plate 14a is guided along vertical guides 18. In order to reverse the movement, the slide 14b is moved laterally in the opposite direction of the stop 15a.

[0102] Schematic measurement structure

[0103] exist Figure 3 1 shows a schematic measuring arrangement 100 in which the closure device 10 according to the invention is used.

[0104] The measurement structure 100 includes an X-ray analysis device 101, which is implemented as an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer 101a. The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer 101a includes a sample chamber 12, a measurement sample 102 (for example, a liquid measurement sample) introduced into the sample chamber 12, a closure device 10, an X-ray source 103, a detector 104, and a detector chamber 104a in which the detector 104 is arranged.

[0105] In the illustration shown here, the closure device 10 seals the sample chamber 12 in an airtight manner (as in accordance with Figure 1a and Figure 1b As described; see also Figure 3 107 in FIG). A protective gas, typically argon, is introduced into the sample chamber 12 and a slight overpressure exists in the sample chamber 12. The overpressure presses against an inlet opening of the sample chamber 12 (not shown in more detail here, but see Figure 1b ). Closing plate (not shown in more detail, but see for example Figure 2a ) is pressed onto the input opening of the sample chamber 12. The measurement sample 102 is then excited with high-energy radiation 105 by an X-ray source 103, and the X-rays 106 emitted by the measurement sample 102 are collected and evaluated on a detector.

[0106] After the measurement, the closure device 10 can be opened in a simple manner and the measurement sample 102 can be removed from the sample chamber 12 through the input opening. Subsequently, a further measurement sample 102 can be inserted into the sample chamber 12 and the input opening is closed by the closure device 10 in an overpressure-tight manner (or optionally also in a vacuum-tight manner) for the next measurement.

[0107] Reference Signs List

[0108] 10 Closure device

[0109] 11 Input opening

[0110] 12 Sample Room

[0111] 13 Linear guides

[0112] 14 Sliders

[0113] 14a Closing plate

[0114] 14a' pin

[0115] 14b Slide

[0116] 14b' shaft

[0117] 14c Steering element

[0118] 14c' long hole

[0119] 14d stop pin

[0120] 15 substrate

[0121] 15a End stop

[0122] 15a' Stop protrusion

[0123] 15a” stop element

[0124] 16 drive motor

[0125] 16a Electric motor

[0126] 16a' stepper motor

[0127] 17 Drivers

[0128] 17' toothed belt drive

[0129] 17a Drive steering wheel

[0130] 17b Belt pulley

[0131] 18 Vertical guide device

[0132] 18a Guide space

[0133] 19 Spring element

[0134] 20 Sealing element

[0135] 20a Sealing ring

[0136] 20b slot

[0137] 21 Spring element

[0138] 22a First region (of substrate)

[0139] 22b Second region (of substrate)

[0140] 23a First end portion (of substrate)

[0141] 23b Second end portion (of substrate)

[0142] 24a Front side (of the closure device)

[0143] 24b Back side (of the closure device)

[0144] 25 Rotating rod

[0145] 25' curved rigid (rotating) rod

[0146] 26 Gears

[0147] 27a Long arm of the rotating rod

[0148] 27b Short arm of the rotating rod

[0149] 28 gear teeth

[0150] 29 rack

[0151] 30 rack teeth

[0152] 100 measurement structures

[0153] 101 X-ray analysis equipment

[0154] 101a X-ray fluorescence spectrometer

[0155] 102 measurement samples

[0156] 103 X-ray source

[0157] 104 detector

[0158] 104a Detector room

[0159] 105 High Energy Radiation

[0160] 106 X-rays emitted

[0161] 107 Motion Arrow

[0162] B ges Overall width of the closure

[0163] F cl Closing force

[0164] F gp Force generated by gas pressure

[0165] F res Resistance (the resistance acting on the input opening)

[0166] F sp Spring force

[0167] H ges Total height of enclosure (without drive motor)

[0168] L ges The overall length of the closure.

[0169] References

[0170] Publications used to determine patentability:

[0171] [1] JP 6077812 B2

[0172] [2]https: / / www.bruker.com / de / products-and-solutions / elemental-analyzers / xrf-spectrometers / s8-tiger.html

[0173] [3]https: / / www.bruker.com / en / products-and-solutions / elemental-analyzers / xrf-spectrometers / s2-puma-series2.html

[0174] [4]https: / / www.bruker.com / en / products-and-solutions / elemental-analyzers / xrf-spectrometers / s2-polar.html

[0175] [5]https: / / www.bruker.com / en / products-and-solutions / elemental-analyzers / xrf-spectrometers / s6-jaguar.html。

Claims

1. A closure device (10) for gas-tightly closing an input opening (11) of a sample chamber (12) of an X-ray analysis device (101) by means of a slide (14), said slide being movable transversely on a linear guide (13) above the input opening (11), It is characterized in that The slide (14) comprises a closing plate (14a) and a slide seat (14b), the slide seat being configured such that the slide seat can be moved above the input opening (11) of the sample chamber (12) on a linear guide (13), the linear guide being arranged on a base plate (15) fixedly connected to the sample chamber (12); The closing plate (14a) is connected to the slide (14b) in an articulated manner via a deflection element (14c), wherein the deflection element (14c) deflects a transverse movement of the slide (14b) into a movement perpendicular to the transverse movement when it strikes an end stop (15a) rigidly connected to the base plate (15), so as to press the closing plate (14a) onto the inlet opening (11); The slide (14) can be moved in a transverse motion on the linear guide (13) by a drive motor (16) which is connected to the carriage (14b) via a drive element (17).

2. The closure device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least a part of the deflection element (14c) is configured as a rotating rod (25) which is supported on the slide (14b) so as to be rotatable about a rigid axis (14b').

3. The closure device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The pivot lever (25) has a section with an elongated hole (14c'), in which a pin (14a') rigidly connected to the closing plate (14a) engages.

4. The closure device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The closing plate (14a) is rectangular in shape, and the diverter element (14c) includes at least three rotating rods (25).

5. The closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The linear guide (13) comprises a guide rail.

6. The closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that There are vertical guides (18) for guiding the closing plate (14a) in a direction perpendicular to the lateral movement of the closing plate.

7. The closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A spring element (21) is arranged between the closing plate (14a) and the slide (14b), by means of which the closing plate (14a) and the slide (14b) are kept at a defined distance from one another.

8. The closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A stop pin (14d) is arranged on the closing plate (14a), with which the closing plate (14a) strikes a stop (15a) on or in the base plate (15), or vice versa.

9. The closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The drive motor (16) is embodied as an electric motor (16a).

10. The closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The drive device (17) used to connect the drive motor (16) to the slide (14b) includes a toothed belt transmission (17'), and / or a transmission chain, and / or a push rod, and / or a screw, and / or a hydraulic slide, and / or a pneumatic cylinder.

11. The closure device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The toothed belt drive (17') or the drive chain runs via a drive deflection wheel (17a) and via a belt pulley (17b).

12. The closure device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The drive deflection wheel (17a) and / or the belt pulley (17b) are elastically supported relative to the base plate (15) in the direction of the slide (14b) via a spring element (19).

13. The closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The closing plate (14a) and / or the sample chamber (12) has a sealing element (20) in a region surrounding the input opening (11).

14. The closure device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The rotating rod (25) is a rigid rod (25').

15. The closure device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The guide rail is arranged in or on a base plate (15).

16. The closure device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The drive deflection wheel (17a) and / or the belt pulley (17b) are elastically supported relative to the linear guide (13) in the direction of the slide (14b) via a spring element (19).

17. The closure device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The drive deflection wheel (17a) and / or the belt pulley (17b) are elastically supported relative to the base plate (15) in the direction of the slide (14b) by means of a spring element (19) and are tensioned with a defined force.

18. An X-ray analysis apparatus (101) comprising a closing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for gas-tightly closing an input opening (11) of a sample chamber (12).

19. The X-ray analysis device (101) according to claim 18, characterized in that The X-ray analysis device is an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (101a).

20. A method for operating a closure device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 or an X-ray analysis device (101) according to claim 18, characterized in that The movement of the closing plate (14a) is carried out in a defined, predefined, unchangeable sequence.

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