Mass spectrometry sample transport device and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of instrument analysis, in particular to a mass spectrometry sample transmission device and a use method thereof, the transmission device comprising a detection instrument, a transfer device, a clamping mechanism and an extension mechanism; the detection instrument is provided with a movable support and a fixed support, and a loading platform is arranged on each of the movable support and the fixed support, and the loading platform is provided with a movable support; the transfer device comprises a swing arm and a rotary drive assembly, the swing arm is rotationally arranged on the fixed support, and the rotary drive assembly is used for controlling the swing arm to swing; the clamping mechanism comprises a second mounting seat and a clamping assembly, the second mounting seat is rotationally arranged at the end of the swing arm, and an abutting rod is arranged on the second mounting seat, a long slot matched with the abutting rod is formed in the movable support, and the clamping assembly is arranged on the second mounting seat; the extension mechanism is used for controlling the movable support to extend or retract. The present application realizes the function of quickly taking and placing sample test tubes in a plug-in manner, and avoids the problems of test tube skewing or falling off during transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of instrumental analysis technology, specifically to a mass spectrometry sample transport device and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] When loading samples for a mass spectrometer, the sample to be processed needs to be loaded into the injector, and then the sample is extracted using a syringe or injector. When continuous detection is required, the testing personnel need to repeatedly put multiple samples into the detector in sequence, and wait for the mass spectrometer to detect and extract the samples during the loading process. Therefore, it is not only cumbersome, but also time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0003] To address this, Chinese patent application CN118483356A discloses an automated sample loading chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detector. Through the cooperation of a transport component, a gripping component, and an injection component, it enables rapid and continuous automated sample loading of test tubes. Only a certain amount of sample solvent needs to be manually added beforehand; the instrument can then continuously and automatically detect the added sample solvent sequentially. This eliminates the need for repeated manual addition and removal of sample tubes, thus accelerating detection efficiency and improving automation. During the loading process, the gripping component and the injection component rotate synchronously, ensuring that the sample tube smoothly passes through the injection slot opening and enters the limiting slot, where it is engaged. The injection slot opening design eliminates the need for vertical insertion of the sample tube; accurate synchronous rotation of the injection component and gripping component ensures that the sample tube and the locking structure on the cylindrical platform rotate along corresponding trajectories, ultimately aligning the sample tube with the limiting slot in the locking structure, completing the loading process.

[0004] However, in order to improve the ease of handling sample tubes, an opening is added to the sample inlet. While this improves the efficiency of handling the tubes, it severely affects the stability of the tubes. When controlling the rotation of the tubes, they may tilt under centrifugal force, which in turn affects the stability of sample extraction. Furthermore, during the transfer of the tubes, if a tube comes into contact with other objects, it may fall under external force. When loading long tubes, it is difficult to ensure stable insertion using traditional insertion methods. If the insertion position is incorrect, it can easily lead to tube damage, sample leakage, and contamination of the testing station. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, a mass spectrometry sample transport device and its usage method are provided. The transfer device and clamping mechanism solve the problem of test tubes tilting or falling off during transport.

[0006] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a mass spectrometry sample transfer device, including a detector, a transfer device, a clamping mechanism, and a telescopic mechanism. The detector is equipped with a movable support and a fixed support, each with a loading platform. A movable support for mounting sample tubes is movably mounted on each loading platform. The transfer device includes a swing arm and a rotation drive assembly. The swing arm is rotatably mounted on the fixed support, and the rotation drive assembly controls the swing arm's swing. The swing arm is located between the movable and fixed supports. The clamping mechanism includes a second mounting base and a clamping assembly. The second mounting base is rotatably mounted at the end of the swing arm and has an abutment rod. The movable support has an elongated groove that mates with the abutment rod. The clamping assembly is mounted on the second mounting base and is used to clamp the sample tubes. The telescopic mechanism controls the extension and retraction of the movable support. In operation, when the swing arm inserts a sample tube into the movable support, the telescopic mechanism first controls the movable support to extend, and then the abutment rod presses against the elongated groove on the movable support, pushing the movable support to move.

[0007] Preferably, the telescopic mechanism includes a guide rod and a pushing assembly; a first elastic element is provided on the movable support, and the two ends of the first elastic element are respectively connected to the movable support and the loading platform; a first transmission assembly is provided on the fixed bracket, and the pushing assembly is driven by the first transmission assembly when the swing arm swings; the guide rod is provided on the movable support and slides with the loading platform; the pushing assembly is provided on the fixed bracket and is used to overcome the elastic force of the first elastic element to push the movable support out of the loading platform.

[0008] Preferably, the pushing component includes an extension block and a first movable frame; the extension block is disposed at the bottom of the movable support, and the first movable frame is slidably disposed on the loading platform; in the working state, when the first transmission component drives the first movable frame to move, the first movable frame overcomes the elastic force of the first elastic element and pushes the extension block to move, and the extension block drives the movable support to move.

[0009] Preferably, the first movable frame is provided with a buffer assembly; the buffer assembly includes a second elastic element and a push plate, and the two ends of the second elastic element are respectively connected to the first movable frame and the push plate.

[0010] Preferably, the first transmission assembly includes a support frame, a first rotating gear, a first extension rod, and a second movable frame. The support frame is mounted on a fixed bracket. The first rotating gear is rotatably mounted on the support frame. The first extension rod is mounted on the first movable frame and has a first rack. The first rack is disengaged and meshed with the first rotating gear. The second movable frame is slidably mounted on the support frame and has a second extension rod. The second extension rod has a second rack, which meshes with the first rotating gear. In the working state, when the rotary drive assembly drives the swing arm to rotate, when the swing arm contacts the second movable frame, it pushes the second movable frame to slide along the support frame. The second movable frame drives the second extension rod and the second rack to move. The second rack drives the first rotating gear to rotate. The first rotating gear drives the first rack meshed with it to move. The first rack drives the first extension rod and the first movable frame to move.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping assembly includes a clamping rod, a mounting block, and a third elastic member; two abutment rods and clamping rods are provided, with the two clamping rods slidably mounted on the two abutment rods respectively, the mounting block being mounted on the end of the clamping rod, and the two ends of the third elastic member being connected to the mounting block and the abutment rod respectively; and the abutment rod is provided with a limiting component for limiting the extension of the clamping rod under the elastic force of the third elastic member; the loading platform is provided with a control component for controlling the opening and closing of the limiting component.

[0012] Preferably, the limiting component includes a locking block and a fourth elastic element, the locking block being slidably mounted on the clamping rod, and the two ends of the fourth elastic element being connected to the locking block and the fourth elastic element, respectively.

[0013] Preferably, the control component includes a first fixing block and a second fixing block; the first fixing block is disposed on a movable support located on a movable bracket; the second fixing block is disposed on a loading platform located on a fixed bracket; in the working state, when the rotary drive component drives the swing arm to rotate, when the first fixing block contacts the locking block, it overcomes the elastic force of the fourth elastic element to push the locking block until the locking block separates from the abutment rod; when the second fixing block contacts the mounting block, it overcomes the elastic force of the third elastic element to push the mounting block until the locking block extends again and abuts against the abutment rod.

[0014] Preferably, the rotary drive assembly includes a first mounting base, a first rotating shaft, and a rotary driver; the first mounting base is mounted on a fixed bracket, the first rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the first mounting base, a swing arm is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the rotary driver is used to drive the first rotating shaft to rotate; the swing arm is provided with a second transmission assembly for controlling the rotation of the second mounting base, the second transmission assembly including a first gear ring, a second rotating shaft, a second gear ring, a third rotating shaft, a second rotating gear, a pulley, and a timing belt; the first gear ring is mounted on the first mounting base, the second rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the swing arm, the second gear ring and the second mounting base are both sleeved on the second rotating shaft, there are two third rotating shafts and two second rotating gears, both of which are rotatably mounted on the swing arm, the second rotating gears are sleeved on the third rotating shafts, the two second rotating gears are respectively meshed with the first gear ring and the second gear ring, there are two pulleys, the two pulleys are respectively sleeved on the two third rotating shafts, and the timing belt connects the two pulleys.

[0015] A method of using a mass spectrometry sample transfer device includes the following steps: S1, the rotary drive assembly drives the swing arm to rotate to the movable support on the fixed bracket, and then the clamping assembly clamps the test tube; S2, after the material is picked up, the rotary drive assembly drives the swing arm to rotate to the movable support on the movable bracket again, and inserts the test tube into the movable support; S3, the above steps are repeated until continuous sample loading is completed.

[0016] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0017] 1. This invention achieves rapid loading and unloading of sample tubes via a transfer device and clamping mechanism, ensuring stable tube insertion while providing fast and continuous feeding, thus preventing tubes from tilting or falling off during transport. In operation, the rotary drive assembly rotates the swing arm to the movable support on the fixed bracket. The clamping assembly then picks up the sample, and the pushing action of the abutment rod causes the second mounting base and clamping assembly to move stably to the test tube for clamping. Similarly, the swing arm swings again to insert the test tube. This swinging motion of the arm completes both clamping and insertion of the test tubes, enabling rapid and continuous feeding while ensuring stable sample loading.

[0018] 2. The first elastic element, the first transmission assembly, the guide rod, and the pushing assembly of the present invention realize the function of controlling the extension and retraction of the movable support, achieving the effect of automatically driving the movable support to extend when the swing arm swings. When the swing arm approaches the movable support, the rotation of the swing arm drives the first transmission assembly, which in turn drives the pushing assembly, which in turn drives the pushing assembly to overcome the elastic force of the first elastic element and drive the movable support to extend.

[0019] 3. This invention achieves the function of moving the movable support through the extension block, the first movable frame, and the buffer assembly. In the working state, the rotary drive assembly drives the swing arm to rotate, and the swing arm gradually approaches the movable support. After swinging and rotating to a designated position, it drives the first transmission assembly, which in turn drives the first movable frame to move. The first movable frame overcomes the elastic force of the first elastic element and pushes the extension block to move. The extension block drives the movable support to move, and the guide rod controls the stable extension of the movable support, thereby enabling the abutment rod to stably engage with the long slot on the movable support as it rotates, thus controlling the movable support to extend from the loading platform. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a mass spectrometry sample transport device.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a mass spectrometry sample transfer device, including a loading stage, transfer device, clamping mechanism, and telescopic mechanism, during the insertion of a test tube.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism and movable support in a mass spectrometry sample transfer device when inserting a test tube.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cooperation between two sets of loading stages and transfer devices in a mass spectrometry sample transfer device.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the loading stage in a mass spectrometry sample transport device.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the transfer device and telescopic mechanism in a mass spectrometry sample transfer device.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first transmission component and the buffer component in a mass spectrometry sample transport device.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the abutment rod and clamping assembly in a mass spectrometry sample transfer device.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the clamping component in a mass spectrometry sample transport device.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a loading stage and clamping mechanism located on a fixed support in a mass spectrometry sample transport device.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second transmission component in a mass spectrometry sample transport device.

[0031] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1-Detector; 11-Modible bracket; 12-Fixed bracket; 13-Loading platform; 131-Modible support; 132-First elastic element; 2-Transfer device; 21-Swing arm; 22-Rotary drive assembly; 221-First mounting base; 222-First rotating shaft; 223-Rotary driver; 23-Second transmission assembly; 231-First gear ring; 232-Second rotating shaft; 233-Second gear ring; 234-Third rotating shaft; 235-Second rotating gear; 236-Pulley; 237-Synchronous belt; 3-Clamping mechanism; 31-Second mounting base; 311-Abutting rod; 32-Clamping assembly; 321-Clamping rod; 3 22-Mounting block; 323-Third elastic element; 33-Restriction component; 331-Clocking block; 332-Fourth elastic element; 34-Control component; 341-First fixing block; 342-Second fixing block; 4-Telescopic mechanism; 41-Guide rod; 42-Pushing component; 421-Extension block; 422-First movable frame; 43-First transmission component; 431-Support frame; 432-First rotating gear; 433-First extension rod; 4331-First rack; 434-Second movable frame; 4341-Second extension rod; 4342-Second rack; 44-Buffer component; 441-Second elastic element; 442-Push plate; 5-Test tube. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] Reference Figures 1-4 A mass spectrometry sample transfer device includes a detector 1, a transfer device 2, a clamping mechanism 3, and a telescopic mechanism 4. The detector 1 is equipped with a movable support 11 and a fixed support 12. Each of the movable support 11 and the fixed support 12 is equipped with a loading platform 13, and each loading platform 13 is movably equipped with a movable support 131 for mounting sample tubes 5. The transfer device 2 includes a swing arm 21 and a rotation drive assembly 22. The swing arm 21 is rotatably mounted on the fixed support 12, and the rotation drive assembly 22 controls the swing arm 21 to swing, with the swing arm 21 located between the movable support 11 and the fixed support 12. The clamping mechanism 3 includes a second mounting... The second mounting base 31 is rotatably mounted on the end of the swing arm 21 and is provided with an abutment rod 311. The movable support 131 is provided with an elongated groove that cooperates with the abutment rod 311. The clamping assembly 32 is mounted on the second mounting base 31 and is used to clamp the test tube 5. The telescopic mechanism 4 is used to control the extension and retraction of the movable support 131. In the working state, when the swing arm 21 inserts the test tube 5 into the movable support 131, the telescopic mechanism 4 first controls the movable support 131 to extend, and then the abutment rod 311 presses the elongated groove on the movable support 131, pushing the movable support 131 to move.

[0034] This invention achieves the function of quickly picking up and placing sample tubes 5 by insertion through the transfer device 2 and the clamping mechanism 3, achieving the effect of fast and continuous feeding while stably inserting the test tubes 5, avoiding the problem of the test tubes 5 becoming skewed or falling off during the transfer process. The movable support 11 is slidably mounted on the detector 1, and the detector 1 is equipped with a linear actuator for controlling the movement of the movable support 11. The linear actuator is preferably a lead screw slide or an electric push rod. The linear actuator is not shown in the figure. After continuous sample feeding is completed, the movable support 11 can be retracted by controlling the linear actuator. The bottom of the loading platform 13 is equipped with a rotating base for controlling the rotation of the loading platform 13. At least two movable supports 131 are provided on the loading platform 13. During continuous sample feeding, the rotation of the loading platform 13 is controlled by the rotating base to perform cyclic feeding. In operation, the operator drives the swing arm 21 to rotate toward the movable support 131 via the rotary drive assembly 22. Since the second mounting base 31 is rotatably mounted on the swing arm 21, it remains vertical under gravity. Furthermore, after clamping the test tube 5, the center of gravity of the second mounting base 31 shifts further downwards, making its vertical position more stable. The telescopic mechanism 4 extends the movable support 131. When the movable support 131 extends, the abutment rod 311 rotates and engages with the long groove on the movable support 131, then compresses the long groove, pushing the movable support 131 to extend or retract. This prevents severe friction between the long test tube 5 and the movable support 131 during insertion. Simultaneously, the telescopic mechanism 4 ensures... The movable support 131 provides a certain degree of cushioning. After the second mounting base 31 and the clamping assembly 32 move to the movable support 131 on the fixed bracket 12, the clamping assembly 32 engages with the test tube 5 to clamp it. Then, the rotation drive assembly 22 drives the swing arm 21 to rotate again, and the abutment rod 311 presses against the long groove, controlling the sliding of the movable support 131. This allows the second mounting base 31 and the clamping assembly 32 to move stably to the test tube 5 for clamping. Similarly, the swing arm 21 swings again to insert the test tube 5. Thus, the clamping and insertion of the test tube 5 can be completed through the swing of the swing arm 21, enabling rapid and continuous feeding while ensuring the stability of the test tube 5 and achieving stable sample loading. The abutment rod 311 prevents the test tube 5 from being directly pushed to move the movable support 131, thus avoiding excessive pressure on the test tube 5 and ensuring sample safety.

[0035] Reference Figures 2-5The telescopic mechanism 4 includes a guide rod 41 and a pushing assembly 42; a first elastic element 132 is provided on the movable support 131, and the two ends of the first elastic element 132 are respectively connected to the movable support 131 and the loading platform 13; a first transmission assembly 43 is provided on the fixed bracket 12, and the pushing assembly 42 is driven by the first transmission assembly 43 when the swing arm 21 swings; the guide rod 41 is provided on the movable support 131, and the guide rod 41 is slidably engaged with the loading platform 13; the pushing assembly 42 is provided on the fixed bracket 12, and the pushing assembly 42 is used to overcome the elastic force of the first elastic element 132 to push the movable support 131 out of the loading platform 13.

[0036] This invention achieves the function of controlling the extension and retraction of the movable support 131 through the first elastic element 132, the first transmission assembly 43, the guide rod 41, and the pushing assembly 42, thus automatically driving the movable support 131 to extend when the swing arm 21 swings. During the rotation of the swing arm 21 driven by the rotation drive assembly 22, the swing arm 21 gradually approaches the movable support 131. After swinging to a designated position, it drives the first transmission assembly 43, which in turn drives the pushing assembly 42. The pushing assembly 42 overcomes the elastic force of the first elastic element 132 to drive the movable support 131 to move. Furthermore, the guide rod 41 guides the movable support 131 to extend stably, allowing the abutment rod 311 to stably engage with the long groove on the movable support 131 as it rotates. This controls the movable support 131 to extend from the loading platform 13. After the swing arm 21 moves away from the movable support 131, the movable support 131 resets under the elastic force of the first elastic element 132, further ensuring stable sample collection.

[0037] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The pushing component 42 includes an extension block 421 and a first movable frame 422. The extension block 421 is disposed at the bottom of the movable support 131, and the first movable frame 422 is slidably disposed on the loading platform 13. In the working state, when the first transmission component 43 drives the first movable frame 422 to move, the first movable frame 422 overcomes the elastic force of the first elastic member 132 and pushes the extension block 421 to move, and the extension block 421 drives the movable support 131 to move.

[0038] This invention achieves the function of moving the movable support 131 through the extension block 421, the first movable frame 422, and the buffer assembly 44. In the working state, the rotary drive assembly 22 drives the swing arm 21 to rotate, and the swing arm 21 gradually approaches the movable support 131. After swinging and rotating to a designated position, it drives the first transmission assembly 43, which in turn drives the first movable frame 422 to move. The first movable frame 422 overcomes the elastic force of the first elastic element 132 and pushes the extension block 421 to move. The extension block 421 drives the movable support 131 to move, and the guide rod 41 guides the movable support 131 to extend stably. This allows the abutment rod 311 to stably engage with the long groove on the movable support 131 as it rotates, thereby controlling the movable support 131 to extend from the loading platform 13.

[0039] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first movable frame 422 is provided with a buffer assembly 44; the buffer assembly 44 includes a second elastic member 441 and a push plate 442, and the two ends of the second elastic member 441 are respectively connected to the first movable frame 422 and the push plate 442.

[0040] This invention achieves the function of facilitating the movement of the movable support 131 by the abutment rod 311 actively pushing it through the second elastic element 441 and the push plate 442, thus avoiding the effect of the first movable frame 422 affecting the movement of the movable support 131. Since the abutment rod 311 actively pushes the movable support 131 during the insertion and clamping of the long test tube 5, and the swing arm 21 drives the first movable frame 422 through the first transmission component 43 during rotation, a buffer component 44 is provided on the first movable frame 422. 2. When moving, the first movable frame 422 pushes the extension block 421 and the movable support 131 out through the buffer component 44 to overcome the elastic force of the first elastic element 132. After the swing arm 21 drives the movable support 131 to extend through the first transmission component 43, the abutment rod 311 will insert the test tube 5 into the movable support 131 through the continued rotation of the swing arm 21, and control the movable support 131 to reset, so as to ensure that the test tube 5 is fully inserted into the movable support 131. When the movable support 131 resets, it will compress the buffer component 44. Through the setting of the buffer component 44, the movement of the movable support 131 can be prevented from being obstructed.

[0041] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The first transmission assembly 43 includes a support frame 431, a first rotating gear 432, a first extension rod 433, and a second movable frame 434. The support frame 431 is mounted on the fixed bracket 12. The first rotating gear 432 is rotatably mounted on the support frame 431. The first extension rod 433 is mounted on the first movable frame 432, and a first rack 4331 is provided on the first extension rod 433. The first rack 4331 is disengaged and meshed with the first rotating gear 432. The second movable frame 434 is slidably mounted on the support frame 431, and a second extension rod 4341 is provided on the second movable frame 434. A second rack 4342 is provided, which is meshed with the first rotating gear 432. In the working state, when the rotary drive assembly 22 drives the swing arm 21 to rotate, when the swing arm 21 contacts the second movable frame 434, it pushes the second movable frame 434 to slide along the support frame 431. The second movable frame 434 drives the second extension rod 4341 and the second rack 4342 to move. The second rack 4342 drives the first rotating gear 432 to rotate. The first rotating gear 432 drives the first rack 4331, which is meshed with it, to move. The first rack 4331 drives the first extension rod 433 and the first movable frame 422 to move.

[0042] The present invention realizes the function of driving the first movable frame 422 to move by rotating the swing arm 21 through the support frame 431, the first rotating gear 432, the first extension rod 433, and the second movable frame 434. In operation, when the rotary drive assembly 22 drives the swing arm 21 to rotate, the swing arm 21 gradually approaches the movable support 131. When the swing arm 21 contacts the second movable frame 434, it pushes the second movable frame 434 to slide along the support frame 431. The second movable frame 434 drives the second extension rod 4341 and the second rack 4342 to move. The second rack 4342 drives the first rotating gear 432 to rotate. The first rotating gear 432 drives the first rack 4331, which is meshed with it, to move. The first rack 4331 drives the first extension rod 433 and the first movable frame 422 to move. The first movable frame 422 overcomes the elastic force of the first elastic element 132 and pushes the extension block 421 to move. The extension block 421 drives the movable support 131 to move. Through the guiding action of the guide rod 41, the movable support 131 is controlled to extend stably, so that the abutment rod 311 can stably cooperate with the long groove on the movable support 131 as it rotates, thereby controlling the movable support 131 to extend from the loading platform 13.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 8The clamping assembly 32 includes a clamping rod 321, a mounting block 322, and a third elastic member 323. Two clamping rods 321 and two abutting rods 311 are provided, with the two clamping rods 321 slidably mounted on the two abutting rods 311 respectively. The mounting block 322 is mounted on the end of the clamping rod 321. The two ends of the third elastic member 323 are connected to the mounting block 322 and the abutting rod 311 respectively. A limiting component 33 is provided on the abutting rod 311 to restrict the clamping rod 321 from extending under the elastic force of the third elastic member 323. A control component 34 is provided on the loading platform 13 to control the opening and closing of the limiting component 33.

[0044] This invention achieves the function of controlling the extension and retraction of the clamping rod 321 through the clamping rod 321, mounting block 322, third elastic element 323, limiting component 33, and control component 34. When the rotary drive component 22 controls the swing arm 21 to rotate to the movable support 131 on the fixed bracket 12, the control component 34 overcomes the elastic force of the third elastic element 323 to control the extension of the clamping rod 321, the third elastic element 323 retracts, and the limiting component 33 restricts the clamping rod 321 to reset under the elastic force of the third elastic element 323. After the two clamping rods 321 extend and cooperate to clamp the test tube 5, the rotary drive component 22 drives the swing arm 21 to swing to the movable support 131 on the movable bracket 11. Then, the control component 34 releases the movement restriction of the clamping rod 321 by the limiting component 33, and the clamping rod 321 resets under the elastic force of the third elastic element 323. At the same time, it no longer clamps the test tube 5, and the test tube 5 is inserted into the movable support 131 under the action of gravity.

[0045] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The limiting component 33 includes a locking block 331 and a fourth elastic element 332. The locking block 331 is slidably mounted on the clamping rod 321, and the two ends of the fourth elastic element 332 are respectively connected to the locking block 331 and the fourth elastic element 332.

[0046] This invention achieves the function of restricting the movement of the clamping rod 321 through the locking block 331 and the fourth elastic element 332. The clamping rod 321 has a mounting groove for accommodating the locking block 331. The fourth elastic element 332 is disposed within the mounting groove. When the rotation drive assembly 22 controls the swing arm 21 to rotate at the movable support 131 on the fixed bracket 12, the control assembly 34 overcomes the elastic force of the third elastic element 323 to control the extension of the clamping rod 321. The third elastic element 323 retracts, and after the locking block 331 separates from the abutment rod 311, it extends under the elastic force of the fourth elastic element 332. Under the elastic force of the fourth elastic element 332, the locking block 331 abuts against the abutment rod 311. The movement of the clamping rod 321 is restricted by the cooperation of the two clamping rods 321. After the test tube 5 is clamped by the extension of the two clamping rods 321, the swing arm 21 is driven by the rotation drive assembly 22 to swing to the movable support 131 on the movable bracket 11. Then, the control assembly 34 overcomes the elastic force of the fourth elastic element 332 and pushes the locking block 331 to retract into the mounting groove of the clamping rod 321, releasing the restriction of the movement of the clamping rod 321 by the restriction assembly 33. The clamping rod 321 is reset under the elastic force of the third elastic element 323 and no longer clamps the test tube 5. The test tube 5 is inserted into the movable support 131 under the action of gravity.

[0047] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 10 The control component 34 includes a first fixing block 341 and a second fixing block 342. The first fixing block 341 is disposed on a movable support 131 located on a movable bracket 11. The second fixing block 342 is disposed on a loading platform 13 located on a fixed bracket 12. In the working state, when the rotary drive component 22 drives the swing arm 21 to rotate, when the first fixing block 341 contacts the locking block 331, it overcomes the elastic force of the fourth elastic element 332 and pushes the locking block 331 until the locking block 331 separates from the abutting rod 311. When the second fixing block 342 contacts the mounting block 322, it overcomes the elastic force of the third elastic element 323 and pushes the mounting block 322 until the locking block 331 extends again and abuts against the abutting rod 311.

[0048] The present invention realizes the function of controlling the opening and closing of the limiting component 33 through the first fixing block 341 and the second fixing block 342. During the process of the rotation drive component 22 driving the swing arm 21 to rotate, the second mounting seat 31 moves to the movable support 131 on the fixed bracket 12. When the second fixing block 342 contacts the mounting block 322, the squeezing action of the second fixing block 342 on the mounting block 322 overcomes the elastic force of the third elastic element 323 and pushes the mounting block 322 to move until the locking block 331 extends again and abuts against the abutting rod 311, thus limiting the reset of the clamping rod 321. When the swing arm 21 controls the test tube 5 to be inserted into the movable support 131 on the movable bracket 11, when a fixed block contacts the locking block 331, it overcomes the elastic force of the fourth elastic element 332 to push the locking block 331 until the locking block 331 separates from the abutting rod 311. Then, the mounting block 322 moves under the elastic force of the third elastic element 323. The mounting block 322 drives the clamping rod 321 to move, so that the clamping rod 321 separates from the test tube 5, and then the clamping rod 321 is placed on the movable support 131.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 11 The rotary drive assembly 22 includes a first mounting base 221, a first rotating shaft 222, and a rotary driver 223. The first mounting base 221 is mounted on a fixed bracket 12, the first rotating shaft 222 is rotatably mounted on the first mounting base 221, and a swing arm 21 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 222. The rotary driver 223 is used to drive the first rotating shaft 222 to rotate. The swing arm 21 is provided with a second transmission assembly 23 for controlling the rotation of the second mounting base 31. The second transmission assembly 23 includes a first gear ring 231, a second rotating shaft 232, a second gear ring 233, a third rotating shaft 234, a second rotating gear 235, a pulley 236, and a synchronous belt 237. A toothed ring 231 is mounted on a first mounting base 221. A second rotating shaft 232 is rotatably mounted on a swing arm 21. A second toothed ring 233 and a second mounting base 31 are both sleeved on the second rotating shaft 232. There are two third rotating shafts 234 and two second rotating gears 235. The two third rotating shafts 234 are rotatably mounted on the swing arm 21. The second rotating gears 235 are sleeved on the third rotating shafts 234. The two second rotating gears 235 are respectively meshed with the first toothed ring 231 and the second toothed ring 233. There are two pulleys 236. The two pulleys 236 are respectively sleeved on the two third rotating shafts 234. A synchronous belt 237 connects the two pulleys 236.

[0050] This invention achieves the function of controlling the second mounting base 31 to maintain a vertical state through a rotary drive assembly 22, a first gear ring 231, a second rotating shaft 232, a second gear ring 233, a third rotating shaft 234, a second rotating gear 235, a pulley 236, and a synchronous belt 237. A controller for human-machine interaction is provided on the fixed bracket 12. The rotary drive 223 is preferably a swing cylinder, and the rotary drive 223 is electrically connected to the controller. In operation, the controller sends a signal to the rotary drive 223. Upon receiving the signal, the rotary drive 223 drives the first rotating shaft 222 to rotate. The first rotating shaft 222 drives the swing arm 21 to rotate, and the swing arm 21 drives the second gear ring 233 and the second rotating gear 235 mounted on it to rotate. One of the second rotating gears 235 meshes with the first gear ring 231. The first gear ring 231 is mounted on the first mounting base 221 and does not rotate with the first rotating shaft 222. The rotation drives the second rotating gear 235, which meshes with the first toothed ring 231, to rotate. The second rotation drives the second rotating gear 235 on the other side to rotate synchronously through the pulley 236 and the synchronous belt 237, thereby driving the second toothed ring 233 to rotate in the direction of rotation. The second toothed ring 233 drives the second rotating shaft 232 and the second mounting base 31 to rotate, and its rotation angle is equal to the rotation angle of the swing arm 21, and the two rotation directions are opposite, thereby keeping the second mounting base 31 in a vertical state. Even if the rotation speed of the swing arm 21 is high, the second mounting base 31 will not swing under the action of centrifugal force, further ensuring the stability of sample picking and placing.

[0051] Reference Figures 1-5 A method of using a mass spectrometry sample transport device includes the following steps: S1, the rotary drive assembly 22 drives the swing arm 21 to rotate to the movable support 131 on the fixed bracket 12, and then the clamping assembly 32 clamps the test tube 5.

[0052] S2. After the material is picked up, the rotary drive assembly 22 drives the swing arm 21 to rotate to the movable support 131 on the movable bracket 11, and inserts the test tube 5 into the movable support 131; S3. Repeat the above steps until continuous sample loading is completed.

[0053] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mass spectrometry sample transport device, characterized in that, It includes a detector (1), a transfer device (2), a clamping mechanism (3), and a telescopic mechanism (4); The detector (1) is equipped with a movable support (11) and a fixed support (12). Each of the movable support (11) and the fixed support (12) is equipped with a loading platform (13). Each loading platform (13) is movably equipped with a movable support (131) for installing sample tubes (5). The transfer device (2) includes a swing arm (21) and a rotary drive assembly (22). The swing arm (21) is rotatably mounted on a fixed support (12). The rotary drive assembly (22) is used to control the swing arm (21) to swing. The swing arm (21) is located between the movable support (11) and the fixed support (12). The clamping mechanism (3) includes a second mounting base (31) and a clamping assembly (32). The second mounting base (31) is rotatably mounted at the end of the swing arm (21), and the second mounting base (31) is provided with an abutment rod (311). The movable support (131) is provided with a long groove that cooperates with the abutment rod (311). The clamping assembly (32) is mounted on the second mounting base (31) and is used to clamp the test tube (5). The telescopic mechanism (4) is used to control the telescopic movement of the movable support (131); In the working state, when the swing arm (21) inserts the test tube (5) into the movable support (131), the telescopic mechanism (4) first controls the movable support (131) to extend, and then the abutment rod (311) squeezes the long groove on the movable support (131) to push the movable support (131) to move. The telescopic mechanism (4) includes a guide rod (41) and a push assembly (42). The fixed bracket (12) is provided with a first transmission component (43), which drives the push component (42) through the first transmission component (43) when the swing arm (21) swings. The guide rod (41) is mounted on the movable support (131) and slides with the loading platform (13). The push assembly (42) is mounted on the fixed bracket (12) and is used to push the movable support (131) to extend from the loading platform (13). The clamping assembly (32) includes a clamping rod (321), a mounting block (322), and a third elastic element (323); There are two abutting rods (311) and clamping rods (321). The two clamping rods (321) are slidably mounted on the two abutting rods (311) respectively. The mounting block (322) is mounted on the end of the clamping rod (321). The two ends of the third elastic member (323) are connected to the mounting block (322) and the abutting rod (311) respectively. Furthermore, the abutment rod (311) is provided with a limiting component (33) for limiting the extension of the clamping rod (321) under the elastic force of the third elastic member (323). The loading platform (13) is provided with a control component (34) for controlling the opening and closing of the limiting component (33). The limiting component (33) includes a locking block (331) and a fourth elastic element (332). The locking block (331) is slidably mounted on the clamping rod (321), and the two ends of the fourth elastic element (332) are respectively connected to the locking block (331) and the fourth elastic element (332). The control component (34) includes a first fixing block (341) and a second fixing block (342); The first fixing block (341) is set on the movable support (131) located on the movable bracket (11); The second fixing block (342) is set on the loading platform (13) located on the fixing bracket (12).

2. The mass spectrometry sample transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable support (131) is provided with a first elastic element (132), and the two ends of the first elastic element (132) are connected to the movable support (131) and the loading platform (13) respectively.

3. The mass spectrometry sample transport device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The push assembly (42) includes an extension block (421) and a first movable frame (422); The extension block (421) is located at the bottom of the movable support (131), and the first movable frame (422) is slidably mounted on the loading platform (13).

4. The mass spectrometry sample transport device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first movable frame (422) is equipped with a buffer assembly (44); The buffer assembly (44) includes a second elastic member (441) and a push plate (442), with the two ends of the second elastic member (441) connected to the first movable frame (422) and the push plate (442) respectively.

5. A mass spectrometry sample transport device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first transmission assembly (43) includes a support frame (431), a first rotating gear (432), a first extension rod (433), and a second movable frame (434). The support frame (431) is mounted on the fixed bracket (12); The first rotating gear (432) is rotatably mounted on the support frame (431); The first extension rod (433) is mounted on the first movable frame (422), and the first extension rod (433) is provided with a first rack (4331). The first rack (4331) is meshed with the first rotating gear (432) in a disengaging manner. The second movable frame (434) is slidably mounted on the support frame (431). The second movable frame (434) is provided with a second extension rod (4341), and the second extension rod (4341) is provided with a second rack (4342). The second rack (4342) is meshed with the first rotating gear (432).

6. A mass spectrometry sample transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary drive assembly (22) includes a first mounting base (221), a first rotating shaft (222), and a rotary driver (223); the first mounting base (221) is mounted on a fixed bracket (12), the first rotating shaft (222) is rotatably mounted on the first mounting base (221), the swing arm (21) is sleeved on the first rotating shaft (222), and the rotary driver (223) is used to drive the first rotating shaft (222) to rotate; The swing arm (21) is provided with a second transmission assembly (23) for controlling the rotation of the second mounting base (31). The second transmission assembly (23) includes a first gear ring (231), a second rotating shaft (232), a second gear ring (233), a third rotating shaft (234), a second rotating gear (235), a pulley (236), and a synchronous belt (237). The first gear ring (231) is mounted on the first mounting base (221), the second rotating shaft (232) is rotatably mounted on the swing arm (21), the second gear ring (233) and the second mounting base (31) are both sleeved on the second rotating shaft (232), the third rotating shaft (234) and the second rotating gear (235) are both provided in twos, the two third rotating shafts (234) are both rotatably mounted on the swing arm (21), the second rotating gear (235) is sleeved on the third rotating shaft (234), the two second rotating gears (235) are respectively meshed with the first gear ring (231) and the second gear ring (233), the pulleys (236) are provided in twos, the two pulleys (236) are respectively sleeved on the two third rotating shafts (234), and the synchronous belt (237) connects the two pulleys (236).

7. A method of using a mass spectrometry sample transport device, applied to a mass spectrometry sample transport device as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The rotary drive assembly (22) drives the swing arm (21) to rotate to the movable support (131) on the fixed bracket (12), and then the clamping assembly (32) clamps the test tube (5); S2. After the material is picked up, the rotary drive assembly (22) drives the swing arm (21) to rotate to the movable support (131) on the movable bracket (11) again, and inserts the test tube (5) into the movable support (131); S3. Repeat the above steps until continuous sample loading is completed.

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