Automatic headspace device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of sampling, in particular to an automatic headspace device which comprises a gas conveying module, a sampling module, a liquid pumping module and a base used for containing a plurality of headspace bottles, the sampling module comprises a moving assembly and a sampling head, the sampling head is movably connected with the base through the moving assembly, and the liquid pumping module is arranged on the base. The gas transmission module and the liquid extraction module are respectively communicated with the sampling head. Through cooperative work of the gas transmission module, the sampling module and the liquid pumping module, it is ensured that the interior of the headspace bottle is maintained in a gas-liquid balance state during headspace operation, automatic headspace work can be conducted on the multiple headspace bottles, and the convenience and accuracy of headspace operation can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sampling, and more particularly to an automated head space device. Background Art

[0002] Headspace is a sampling method, which specifically includes the following steps: placing the sample to be tested in a constant temperature closed container, and allowing the volatile components to evaporate from the sample by heating; after thermodynamic equilibrium is reached in the gas-liquid or gas-solid phases in the headspace bottle, directly extracting the top gas and injecting it into a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer for separation and analysis; thereby detecting some volatile or odorous substances.

[0003] The headspace method commonly used in laboratories is the manual headspace method. This method involves inverting a headspace bottle filled with water, inserting long and short needles, and extracting a specific volume of gas using a syringe. The gas is injected through the long needle, and the liquid is discharged through the short needle to achieve gas-liquid equilibrium. Although the headspace drainage method is simple to operate and low in cost, it has limitations in accurately controlling the amount of nitrogen injected and drained, resulting in problems such as low efficiency and poor repeatability. Therefore, an automated headspace device is needed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of headspace operations. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of low efficiency and insufficient precision of head space operation in the prior art, and to provide an automated head space device that can improve the working efficiency and precision of head space operation.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: An automated head space device is provided, comprising a gas transmission module, a sampling module, a liquid extraction module and a base for placing a plurality of head space bottles, wherein the sampling module comprises a moving component and a sampling head, the sampling head is movably connected to the base via the moving component, and the gas transmission module and the liquid extraction module are respectively connected to the sampling head.

[0006] Through this arrangement, when it is necessary to accurately extract the headspace of samples in multiple headspace bottles, the operator first places multiple headspace bottles filled with water on the base, and then starts the device. The moving component works to drive the sampling head to move to the top of the headspace bottles in turn, and the sampling head moves down and penetrates into the headspace bottles. The gas transmission module and the liquid extraction module both work to extract an equal amount of liquid while transmitting gas, maintain the gas-liquid balance in the headspace bottle, avoid errors in liquid extraction due to changes in air pressure, and help improve the accuracy of liquid extraction; after the liquid extraction is completed, the sampling head withdraws from the sampling bottle, and the moving component works to drive the sampling head to the next headspace bottle, repeat the above operations, and complete the accurate headspace operation of multiple headspace bottles, reducing the operator's work and greatly improving the headspace efficiency and headspace accuracy.

[0007] Preferably, the gas transmission module comprises a gas cylinder, a gas flow regulating valve and a ventilation pipe, the gas cylinder is connected to the gas flow regulating valve through the ventilation pipe, and the gas flow regulating valve is also connected to the sampling head through the ventilation pipe.

[0008] With this arrangement, the gas cylinder provides pressurized gas to the ventilation tube, and the gas flow regulating valve is used to control the gas flow passing through. When the sampling head performs head space operation, the gas flow regulating valve opens and controls the gas flow to match the liquid flow extracted by the liquid extraction component to ensure that the gas-liquid balance is maintained in the head space bottle, avoiding the accuracy of the head space operation being affected by positive or negative pressure.

[0009] Preferably, the liquid extraction module comprises a peristaltic pump, a peristaltic tube and a liquid collecting barrel, the liquid collecting barrel is connected to the sampling head through the peristaltic tube, and the peristaltic tube is also penetrated into the peristaltic pump.

[0010] With this arrangement, the peristaltic pump squeezes the peristaltic tube from the outside via the roller, causing the liquid in the peristaltic tube to generate pressure to flow toward the liquid collecting barrel, thereby avoiding affecting the sample liquid in the peristaltic tube and contaminating the sample. In addition, the use of a peristaltic pump as a drive also has the advantages of high precision and backflow prevention, which greatly improves the quality of headspace operations.

[0011] Preferably, the sampling head includes a mounting frame, a gas supply needle and a liquid extraction needle, the mounting frame is mounted on the moving assembly, the gas supply needle and the liquid extraction needle are both mounted at the bottom of the mounting frame, the gas supply needle is connected to the ventilation tube, and the liquid extraction needle is connected to the peristaltic tube.

[0012] With this arrangement, when performing headspace operations, the moving assembly pushes the mounting frame downward, and the mounting frame drives the liquid extraction needle and the gas delivery needle to be inserted into the headspace bottle, thereby performing headspace operations of liquid extraction and gas delivery in the headspace bottle simultaneously.

[0013] Preferably, a positioning frame is fixedly installed at the bottom of the mounting frame, the positioning frame can abut against the base, a protrusion is provided at the bottom of the positioning frame, a groove corresponding to the protrusion is provided on the base, and the gas delivery needle and the liquid extraction needle are inserted through the positioning frame.

[0014] With this arrangement, when the mounting frame is pressed down, the gas delivery needle and the liquid extraction needle are first inserted into the headspace bottle. As the moving component drives the mounting frame to continue to move downward, the positioning frame abuts against the base. At this time, the moving component stops working, and the protrusion on the positioning frame is inserted into the groove. The gas delivery needle and the liquid extraction needle start working. At this time, the positioning frame can play an auxiliary stabilizing role, reduce the vibration generated during the infusion process, and help reduce the lateral load on the gas delivery needle and the liquid extraction needle, avoid breakage of the gas delivery needle or the liquid extraction needle, and increase the life of the device.

[0015] Preferably, the moving assembly includes a bracket, a first moving mechanism, a second moving mechanism and a third moving mechanism, the first moving mechanism is installed above the base through the bracket, the second moving mechanism is installed on the first moving mechanism, and the third moving mechanism is installed on the second moving mechanism, the moving directions of the first moving mechanism, the second moving mechanism and the third moving mechanism are perpendicular to each other, and the mounting frame is installed at the bottom of the third moving mechanism.

[0016] Through this arrangement, the first moving mechanism, the second moving mechanism and the third moving mechanism can together form a three-dimensional motion mechanism, thereby controlling the flexible movement of the sampling head and accurately displacing it to the corresponding position of each head space bottle.

[0017] Preferably, the first moving mechanism, the second moving mechanism and the third moving mechanism can be driven by a screw nut transmission pair, a cylinder guide rail transmission, etc. Through this arrangement, the screw nut transmission pair can improve the accuracy of the movement, and the cylinder guide rail transmission can improve the response speed of the movement.

[0018] Preferably, the base comprises a water bath and a support frame, and the support frame is fixedly mounted on the water bath.

[0019] With this arrangement, the user can hang the headspace bottle on the support frame, and the bottom of the headspace bottle is immersed in the water bath. The water bath heats the headspace bottle to maintain a suitable temperature, thereby reducing the headspace error caused by temperature.

[0020] Preferably, the water bath comprises an outer shell, an insulation layer, a heater and a temperature monitor, the insulation layer is embedded in the outer shell, and the heater and the temperature monitor are both installed in the insulation layer.

[0021] With this arrangement, the outer shell plays a protective role, and the insulation layer reduces the heat exchange between the outside and the water bath, making it easier to control the temperature. The temperature monitor monitors the temperature in the water bath in real time and feeds back to the heater to control its operation, ensuring that the temperature in the water bath is kept constant.

[0022] Preferably, the heater comprises an insulating resistance wire and a plurality of heat conductors, the insulating resistance wire can be externally connected to a power source, and the heat conductors are connected to the insulating resistance wire.

[0023] Preferably, the support frame is provided with a plurality of insertion holes for hanging the headspace bottles, the heat conductor is in a coil structure, and the plurality of heat conductors are respectively arranged directly below the insertion holes.

[0024] With this arrangement, when the user inserts the headspace bottle into the insertion hole, the body of the headspace bottle is immersed in the water bathtub. At this time, the heat conductor surrounds the side of the headspace bottle, which can ensure that the liquid around the headspace bottle is heated in time and that the headspace bottle is immersed in the preset temperature, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of temperature control.

[0025] Preferably, the base further comprises a shading plate, and the shading plate is slidably arranged above the supporting frame.

[0026] With this arrangement, when the headspace bottle is placed in the base for reaction, the shading plate can slide to shield the top of the support frame, so that the water bath is in a dark state, reducing the influence of external light on the reaction; when the headspace bottle needs to be operated on, the shading plate slides open to avoid blocking the sampling head.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) Through the coordinated work of the gas transmission module, sampling module and liquid extraction module, it is ensured that the headspace bottle is maintained in a state of gas-liquid equilibrium during the headspace operation, and multiple headspace bottles can be automatically operated, which is beneficial to improve the convenience and accuracy of the headspace operation.

[0028] (2) The peristaltic pump is used to avoid contamination of the sample liquid, improve the accuracy of liquid extraction, avoid sample backflow, and help improve the accuracy of headspace sampling.

[0029] (3) By setting up a water bath and a support frame, the headspace bottle is kept at a constant temperature to avoid the destruction of the gas-liquid balance in the headspace bottle due to temperature changes, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of headspace sampling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automated head space device of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of Figure 3 The present invention is a schematic diagram of the base structure of an automated head space device.

[0031] The illustrations are as follows: 1. Gas transmission module; 11. Gas cylinder; 12. Gas flow regulating valve; 13. Ventilation pipe; 2. Sampling module; 21. Moving assembly; 211. Bracket; 212. First moving mechanism; 213. Second moving mechanism; 214. Third moving mechanism; 22. Sampling head; 221. Mounting frame; 222. Gas transmission needle; 223. Liquid extraction needle; 224. Positioning frame; 3. Liquid extraction module; 31. Peristaltic pump; 32. Peristaltic tube; 33. Liquid collecting barrel; 4. Base; 41. Water bath; 411. Shell; 412. Insulation layer; 413. Heater; 414. Temperature monitor; 415. Sunshade; 42. Support frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific implementation methods. The accompanying drawings are only used for exemplary descriptions and are only schematic diagrams, not actual drawings, and cannot be understood as limiting this patent; in order to better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts of the accompanying drawings may be omitted, enlarged or reduced, and do not represent the size of the actual product; for those skilled in the art, it is understandable that some well-known structures and their descriptions in the accompanying drawings may be omitted.

[0033] The same or similar numbers in the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention correspond to the same or similar parts; in the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and the like indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, it is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, the terms describing the positional relationship in the drawings are only used for illustrative purposes and cannot be understood as limitations on this patent. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0034] Example 1 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure shows a first embodiment of an automated head space device of the present invention, comprising a gas transmission module 1, a sampling module 2, a liquid extraction module 3 and a base 4 for placing a plurality of head space bottles. The sampling module 2 comprises a moving component 21 and a sampling head 22. The sampling head 22 is movably connected to the base 4 via the moving component 21. The gas transmission module 1 and the liquid extraction module 3 are respectively connected to the sampling head 22.

[0035] Through this arrangement, when it is necessary to accurately extract the headspace of samples in multiple headspace bottles, the operator first places multiple headspace bottles filled with water on the base 4, then starts the device, the moving component 21 works, and drives the sampling head 22 to move to the top of the headspace bottles in turn, the sampling head 22 moves down and penetrates into the headspace bottles, the gas supply module 1 and the liquid extraction module 3 both work, and an equal amount of liquid is extracted while supplying gas, so as to maintain the gas-liquid balance in the headspace bottle, avoid errors in liquid extraction due to changes in air pressure, and help improve the accuracy of liquid extraction; after the liquid extraction is completed, the sampling head 22 withdraws from the sampling bottle, the moving component 21 works, and drives the sampling head 22 to the next headspace bottle, and repeats the above operation to complete the accurate headspace operation of multiple headspace bottles, reducing the operator's work and greatly improving the headspace efficiency and headspace accuracy.

[0036] As an embodiment of the present invention, the gas transmission module 1 includes a gas cylinder 11, a gas flow regulating valve 12 and a ventilation pipe 13. The gas cylinder 11 is connected to the gas flow regulating valve 12 through the ventilation pipe 13, and the gas flow regulating valve 12 is also connected to the sampling head 22 through the ventilation pipe 13.

[0037] Through this arrangement, the gas cylinder 11 provides pressurized gas to the ventilation tube 13, and the gas flow regulating valve 12 is used to control the gas flow passing through. When the sampling head 22 performs head space operation, the gas flow regulating valve 12 opens and controls the gas flow to match the liquid flow extracted by the liquid extraction component to ensure that the gas-liquid balance is maintained in the head space bottle, avoiding the accuracy of the head space operation being affected by positive or negative pressure.

[0038] As an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid extraction module 3 includes a peristaltic pump 31 , a peristaltic tube 32 and a liquid collecting barrel 33 . The liquid collecting barrel 33 is connected to the sampling head 22 through the peristaltic tube 32 , and the peristaltic tube 32 is also inserted into the peristaltic pump 31 .

[0039] With this arrangement, the peristaltic pump 31 squeezes the peristaltic tube 32 from the outside via the roller, causing the liquid in the peristaltic tube 32 to generate pressure to flow toward the liquid collecting barrel 33, thereby avoiding affecting the sample liquid in the peristaltic tube 32 and contaminating the sample. In addition, the use of the peristaltic pump 31 as a drive also has the advantages of high precision and backflow prevention, which greatly improves the quality of headspace operations.

[0040] As an embodiment of the present invention, the sampling head 22 includes a mounting frame 221, a gas supply needle 222 and a liquid extraction needle 223. The mounting frame 221 is mounted on the moving component 21. The gas supply needle 222 and the liquid extraction needle 223 are both mounted at the bottom of the mounting frame 221. The gas supply needle 222 is connected to the ventilation tube 13, and the liquid extraction needle 223 is connected to the peristaltic tube 32.

[0041] With this arrangement, when performing headspace operations, the moving assembly 21 pushes the mounting frame 221 downward, and the mounting frame 221 drives the liquid extraction needle 223 and the gas delivery needle 222 to be inserted into the headspace bottle, and the headspace operations of liquid extraction and gas delivery are performed synchronously in the headspace bottle.

[0042] As an embodiment of the present invention, a positioning frame 224 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the mounting frame 221, and the positioning frame 224 can abut against the base 4. A protrusion is provided at the bottom of the positioning frame 224, and a groove corresponding to the protrusion is provided on the base 4. The gas delivery needle 222 and the liquid extraction needle 223 are inserted into the positioning frame 224.

[0043] Through this arrangement, when the mounting frame 221 is pressed down, the gas supply needle 222 and the liquid extraction needle 223 are first inserted into the headspace bottle, and as the moving component 21 drives the mounting frame 221 to continue to move downward, the positioning frame 224 abuts against the base 4, and the moving component 21 stops working at this time, and the protrusion on the positioning frame 224 is inserted into the groove, and the gas supply needle 222 and the liquid extraction needle 223 start working. At this time, the positioning frame 224 can play an auxiliary stabilizing role, reduce the vibration generated during the infusion process, and help reduce the lateral load on the gas supply needle 222 and the liquid extraction needle 223, avoid the breakage of the gas supply needle 222 or the liquid extraction needle 223, and increase the life of the device.

[0044] Example 2 The following is a second embodiment of an automated head space device of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the moving component 21 is further limited.

[0045] As an embodiment of the present invention, the moving assembly 21 includes a bracket 211, a first moving mechanism 212, a second moving mechanism 213 and a third moving mechanism 214. The first moving mechanism 212 is installed above the base 4 through the bracket 211, the second moving mechanism 213 is installed on the first moving mechanism 212, and the third moving mechanism 214 is installed on the second moving mechanism 213. The moving directions of the first moving mechanism 212, the second moving mechanism 213 and the third moving mechanism 214 are perpendicular to each other, and the mounting frame 221 is installed at the bottom of the third moving mechanism 214.

[0046] Through this arrangement, the first moving mechanism 212, the second moving mechanism 213 and the third moving mechanism 214 can together constitute a three-dimensional motion mechanism, thereby controlling the sampling head 22 to move flexibly and accurately to the corresponding position of each head space bottle.

[0047] As an embodiment of the present invention, the first moving mechanism 212, the second moving mechanism 213 and the third moving mechanism 214 are driven by a screw nut transmission pair. With this arrangement, the use of a screw nut transmission pair can improve the accuracy of the movement, which is conducive to the accurate insertion of the sampling head into the headspace bottle for sampling, and avoids the breakage of the gas delivery needle 222 or the liquid extraction needle 223.

[0048] Example 3 As Figure 3 The third embodiment of an automated head space device of the present invention is shown. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the base 4 is further limited.

[0049] As an embodiment of the present invention, the base 4 includes a water bath 41 and a support frame 42 , and the support frame 42 is fixedly mounted on the water bath 41 .

[0050] With this arrangement, the user can hang the headspace bottle on the support frame 42, and immerse the bottom of the headspace bottle in the water bath 41. The water bath 41 heats the headspace bottle to maintain a suitable temperature, thereby reducing the headspace error caused by temperature.

[0051] As an embodiment of the present invention, the water bath 41 includes a shell 411 , an insulation layer 412 , a heater 413 and a temperature monitor 414 . The insulation layer 412 is embedded in the shell 411 , and the heater 413 and the temperature monitor 414 are both installed in the insulation layer 412 .

[0052] With this arrangement, the outer shell 411 plays a protective role, and the insulation layer 412 reduces the heat exchange between the outside and the water bath 41, making it easier to control the temperature. The temperature monitor 414 monitors the temperature in the water bath 41 in real time and feeds back to the heater 413 to control its operation, thereby ensuring that the temperature in the water bath 41 is kept constant.

[0053] As an embodiment of the present invention, the heater 413 includes an insulating resistance wire and a plurality of heat conductors. The insulating resistance wire can be externally connected to a power source, and the heat conductors are connected to the insulating resistance wire.

[0054] As an embodiment of the present invention, the support frame 42 is provided with a plurality of insertion holes for hanging the headspace bottles, the heat conductor is in a coil structure, and the plurality of heat conductors are respectively arranged directly below the insertion holes.

[0055] With this arrangement, when the user inserts the headspace bottle into the insertion hole, the body of the headspace bottle is immersed in the water bathtub. At this time, the heat conductor surrounds the side of the headspace bottle, which can ensure that the liquid around the headspace bottle is heated in time and that the headspace bottle is immersed in the preset temperature, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of temperature control.

[0056] As an embodiment of the present invention, the base 4 further includes a shading plate 415 , and the shading plate 415 is slidably disposed above the supporting bracket 42 .

[0057] With this arrangement, when the headspace bottle is placed in the base 4 for reaction, the shading plate 415 can slide to shield the top of the support bracket 42, so that the water bath 41 is in a dark state, reducing the influence of external light on the reaction. When the headspace bottle needs to be operated on, the shading plate 415 slides open to avoid blocking the operation of the sampling head 22.

[0058] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated headspace device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a gas transmission module (1), a sampling module (2), a liquid extraction module (3) and a base (4) for placing a plurality of headspace bottles, wherein the sampling module (2) comprises a moving component (21) and a sampling head (22), the sampling head (22) is movably connected to the base (4) via the moving component (21), and the gas transmission module (1) and the liquid extraction module (3) are respectively connected to the sampling head (22).

2. The automated head space device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas transmission module (1) comprises a gas cylinder (11), a gas flow regulating valve (12) and a ventilation pipe (13); the gas cylinder (11) is connected to the gas flow regulating valve (12) via the ventilation pipe (13); and the gas flow regulating valve (12) is also connected to the sampling head (22) via the ventilation pipe (13).

3. The automated head space device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid extraction module (3) comprises a peristaltic pump (31), a peristaltic tube (32) and a liquid collecting barrel (33); the liquid collecting barrel (33) is connected to the sampling head (22) via the peristaltic tube (32); and the peristaltic tube (32) is also inserted into the peristaltic pump (31).

4. The automated head space device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sampling head (22) comprises a mounting frame (221), a gas supply needle (222) and a liquid extraction needle (223); the mounting frame (221) is mounted on the moving component (21); the gas supply needle (222) and the liquid extraction needle (223) are both mounted on the bottom of the mounting frame (221); the gas supply needle (222) is connected to the ventilation tube (13); and the liquid extraction needle (223) is connected to the peristaltic tube (32).

5. The automated head space device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A positioning frame (224) is also fixedly mounted on the bottom of the mounting frame (221); the positioning frame (224) can abut against the base (4); a protrusion is provided on the bottom of the positioning frame (224); a groove corresponding to the protrusion is provided on the base (4); the gas delivery needle (222) and the liquid extraction needle (223) are inserted through the positioning frame (224).

6. The automated head space device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The moving assembly (21) comprises a bracket (211), a first moving mechanism (212), a second moving mechanism (213) and a third moving mechanism (214); the first moving mechanism (212) is mounted above the base (4) via the bracket (211); the second moving mechanism (213) is mounted on the first moving mechanism (212); the third moving mechanism (214) is mounted on the second moving mechanism (213); the moving directions of the first moving mechanism (212), the second moving mechanism (213) and the third moving mechanism (214) are perpendicular to each other; and the mounting frame (221) is mounted at the bottom of the third moving mechanism (214).

7. The automated head space device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The base (4) comprises a water bath (41) and a support frame (42), wherein the support frame (42) is fixedly mounted on the water bath (41).

8. The automated head space device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water bath (41) comprises an outer shell (411), a heat-insulating layer (412), a heater (413) and a temperature monitor (414); the heat-insulating layer (412) is embedded in the outer shell (411), and the heater (413) and the temperature monitor (414) are both installed in the heat-insulating layer (412).

9. The automated head space device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The heater (413) comprises an insulating resistance wire and a plurality of heat conductors, the insulating resistance wire can be externally connected to a power source, and the heat conductors are connected to the insulating resistance wire.

10. The automated head space device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The base (4) further comprises a light shielding plate (415), wherein the light shielding plate (415) is slidably mounted above the supporting frame (42).

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