A rotary sample stage and control method

Abstract

The application provides a rotating sample stage and a control method. A center rocker mechanism and a driving module are arranged in an atmospheric environment outside a vacuum scattering cavity, away from a high-flux neutron radiation area at the center of a sample, so that electronic components and precision mechanical parts are prevented from being damaged by neutron / gamma irradiation, and the long-term reliability and service life of the equipment are significantly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of neutron scattering technology, and more specifically, to a rotating sample stage and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Neutron scattering spectrometers typically require various sample environments (such as high and low temperatures, high pressure, strong magnetic fields, electric fields, stretching, and coupling environments) during neutron scattering experiments to measure the microstructure or dynamic properties of samples in situ under different environmental conditions. To reduce parasitic neutrons caused by neutron scattering between neutrons and the sample environment equipment or surrounding components during the experiment, a neutron optical collimator is usually configured to eliminate experimental background, improve the signal-to-noise ratio, experimental data quality, and experimental efficiency.

[0003] The neutron optical collimator is composed of a number of vertically arranged, high-precision neutron-absorbing spacers arrayed at a certain angle (0.1°-5°). The neutron optical path forms a horizontally divergent, uniformly distributed channel from the sample measurement width to the detector plane. However, when the neutron optical collimator is fixed, the neutron-absorbing spacers, due to their thickness (tens to hundreds of micrometers), can create a shadow on the detector at the same position, reducing the quality of neutron scattering experimental data. Horizontal rotation along the vertical axis of the sample center is necessary to eliminate this shadow effect. Since the detector range is limited to a certain geometric range of the neutron optical path, the rotation must be controlled within a certain range, performing uniform reciprocating motion. The oscillation frequency is typically 1E-4Hz-0.1Hz, and the oscillation interval usually spans 2-3 spacers (corresponding to a spacer angle range of 1°-3°). Based on these requirements, the neutron scattering spectrometer needs to be equipped with a rotating sample stage to support, position, and fix the neutron optical collimator (weighing several hundred kilograms). During experiments, it needs to continuously oscillate at a uniform speed within a certain angle range, and should allow for remote, rapid assembly, disassembly, and maintenance. In addition, it can also be used to support other large loads (several thousand kilograms) of sample environmental equipment (such as electric field equipment, tensile equipment, etc.), which have high requirements for the long-term stability of its support and various moving parts.

[0004] However, the applicability and reliability of existing drive motors and electronic components are reduced under neutron / gamma irradiation, and long-term use will lead to a decrease in measurement accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a rotating sample stage and control method to solve the problem that the applicability and reliability of drive motors and electronic components are reduced under neutron / gamma irradiation environment in the prior art, and that long-term use will lead to a decrease in measurement accuracy.

[0006] This application provides a rotating sample stage, comprising: a base adjustment mechanism, a load-bearing platform, a sealing mechanism, a central rocker mechanism, a rotating turntable, a drive module, and a positioning adjustment mechanism;

[0007] The bottom of the load-bearing platform is equipped with a base adjustment mechanism, and the top of the load-bearing platform is equipped with a positioning adjustment mechanism. The positioning adjustment mechanism is sleeved on the central rocker mechanism, and the sealing mechanism is sleeved on the positioning adjustment mechanism and the central rocker mechanism. The central rocker mechanism passes through the positioning adjustment mechanism and the sealing mechanism. The top of the central rocker mechanism is connected to the rotary table, and the bottom of the central rocker mechanism is connected to the drive module.

[0008] The base adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the levelness of the rotary table;

[0009] The positioning adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the coaxiality between the central rocker mechanism and the central shaft;

[0010] The drive module is used to drive the central rocker mechanism to rotate around the central axis;

[0011] The sealing mechanism is used to connect with the support flange, which is equipped with a diffusion chamber.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the central rocker mechanism and drive module are placed in the atmospheric environment outside the vacuum scattering cavity, far away from the high-throughput neutron radiation area at the center of the sample, to avoid damage to electronic components and precision mechanical parts from neutron / gamma irradiation, and to significantly improve the long-term reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0013] In some alternative implementations, the load-bearing platform includes: a wedge base, a load-bearing platform base plate, columns, and a load-bearing platform top plate;

[0014] The inclined iron base is set below the base plate of the load-bearing platform, the bottom end of the column is fixedly connected to the base plate of the load-bearing platform, and the top end of the column is fixedly connected to the top plate of the load-bearing platform.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the column vertically connects the base plate and the top plate to form a rigid box frame. The wedge base directly cooperates with the wedge slider of the base adjustment mechanism to achieve micron-level horizontal leveling.

[0016] In some alternative implementations, the base adjustment mechanism includes: a fixing bolt, an adjusting threaded seat, an adjusting knob, a washer, an adjusting bolt, and a wedge slider;

[0017] The fixing bolt securely connects the adjusting threaded seat to the base plate of the load-bearing platform; when the adjusting knob is rotated, the adjusting bolt moves inward or outward; when the adjusting bolt moves inward, it presses against the inclined iron slider, causing the inclined iron slider to contact the inclined iron base and raising the base plate of the load-bearing platform; a washer is provided on the inside of the adjusting bolt.

[0018] In the above technical solution, rotating the adjustment knob drives the adjustment bolt, which in turn moves the wedge slider along the inclined surface of the wedge base. The slope of the wedge achieves a mechanical amplification effect, with each rotation of the bolt producing a lift of 0.01–0.02 mm (micrometer level). Washers eliminate gap vibrations between the adjustment bolt and the wedge slider. Fixing bolts rigidly anchor the adjusting threaded seat to the load-bearing platform base plate, resisting low-frequency oscillation interference in neutron scattering experiments and preventing horizontal displacement caused by vibration under heavy loads.

[0019] In some alternative implementations, the central rocker mechanism includes: an encoder, an encoder bracket, a connecting pin, a rocker mounting bracket, a rocker, a central shaft, and a bearing assembly;

[0020] The top of the central shaft is connected to a rotary table, and the bottom of the central shaft is connected to an encoder bracket via a connecting pin. An encoder is mounted on the encoder bracket. A rocker arm fixing bracket is set inside the central shaft. The proximal end of the rocker arm extends into the central shaft and is mounted on the rocker arm fixing bracket. A bearing assembly is fitted onto the bottom of the central shaft.

[0021] The bearing assembly includes: bearing cap, lower bearing end cap, round nut, angular contact ball bearing, central bearing housing, and hollow shaft magnetohydrodynamic sealing flange;

[0022] A lower bearing cover is installed above the bearing cap, a round nut is installed above the lower bearing cover, an angular contact ball bearing is installed above the round nut, a central bearing housing is installed above the angular contact ball bearing, and a hollow shaft magnetohydrodynamic sealing flange is installed above the central bearing housing.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the encoder is directly connected to the bottom end of the central shaft via a rigid connecting pin, measuring the actual rotation angle of the central shaft in real time. The encoder is located in the atmospheric environment outside the vacuum chamber, far from the neutron irradiation zone at the center of the sample, avoiding neutron damage to the precision optical encoder disk. The hollow shaft magnetohydrodynamic sealing flange forms a liquid magnetic barrier around the rotating central shaft, achieving dynamic sealing. Angular contact ball bearings and preloaded round nuts eliminate bearing clearance and resist axial loads. The bearing assembly preloads the angular contact ball bearings with round nuts, and the lower end cover and bearing cover constrain axial displacement, thereby suppressing low-frequency micro-vibrations in the neutron experiment and avoiding detector shadow jitter.

[0024] In some alternative implementations, the drive module includes: a linear motor, a motor mounting bracket, a grating ruler, and a connecting structure;

[0025] The linear motor is mounted on a motor mounting bracket. The top of the linear motor is a linear guide rail, and a grating ruler is installed inside the linear guide rail. The connecting structure slides inside the linear guide rail.

[0026] The connecting structure includes a slider fixing seat, an inner cylindrical slider, and a hard steel ball; the slider fixing seat slides along the direction of the linear guide rail, and an inner cylindrical slider is provided inside the slider fixing seat. The hard steel ball rolls inside the inner cylindrical slider and is connected to the far end of the rocker arm.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the linear motor directly drives the rocker arm to swing horizontally, thereby driving the reciprocating rotation of the central shaft and the rotary table. This provides stable driving force while reducing vibration and impact. The grating ruler monitors the displacement accuracy of the linear motor in real time. A hard steel ball rolls within the inner cylindrical slider, converting the linear motor's translational motion into the rocker arm's pure oscillation. This reduces the rolling friction coefficient, improves transmission efficiency, eliminates the hysteresis effect of traditional hinges, and ensures smooth, uniform oscillation. The linear motor, grating ruler, and other components are located in the atmospheric environment outside the vacuum cavity, far from neutron irradiation areas, preventing neutron damage to the precision motor coils / grating ruler.

[0028] In some alternative implementations, the rotary table includes: a lower turntable, an upper turntable, a two-stage conical guide pin, and hexagon socket screws;

[0029] The top surface of the lower turntable is provided with a two-stage conical guide pin, and the upper turntable is located above the lower turntable; the upper turntable is provided with a through hole for installing hexagon socket screws. When the upper turntable is installed on the lower turntable, the hexagon socket screws pass through the through hole and extend into the two-stage conical guide pin.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the rotary table includes an upper turntable and a lower turntable. The lower turntable is fixedly connected to the central shaft, and the upper turntable is fixed to the lower turntable by hexagonal screws. The positioning consistency is very high after repeated disassembly and assembly.

[0031] In some alternative implementations, the positioning adjustment mechanism includes: a spherical positioning ring, a fixing plate, a spherical positioning seat, a central limiting ring, a sealing seat, and a central ring;

[0032] A fixed plate is installed on the top plate of the load-bearing platform. A spherical positioning seat is installed on the inner side of the fixed plate. A spherical positioning ring is installed on the inner side of the spherical positioning seat. A central limiting ring is installed above the spherical positioning seat. The central limiting ring is sleeved on the central shaft. A sealing seat is installed above the spherical positioning ring. A central ring is installed on the inner side of the top of the sealing seat. The central ring is connected to the sealing mechanism.

[0033] In the above technical solution, the spherical positioning ring and the spherical positioning seat form a hemispherical contact surface, allowing the central axis to automatically slide and adjust when it deviates slightly in the radial / angular direction. This compensates for accumulated installation errors (such as foundation settlement and thermal deformation), achieves the coaxiality requirement between the central axis and the collimation reference, and eliminates the over-constraint stress of traditional rigid positioning, preventing the central axis from jamming under a thousand-kilogram load. The central limiting ring is fitted onto the central axis, limiting the maximum offset of the spherical positioning ring and suppressing micro-amplitude resonance caused by low-frequency oscillations.

[0034] In some optional embodiments, the sealing mechanism includes: a sealing ring, a large bearing housing, a vacuum bellows, a deep groove ball bearing, and a ceramic bearing cap; the sealing mechanism is fixedly connected to the positioning and adjusting mechanism via a flange and a flange clamp; the deep groove ball bearing is sleeved on the top of the central shaft, and the ceramic bearing cap is positioned above the deep groove ball bearing; the vacuum bellows is sleeved on the central limiting ring; a large bearing housing 302 is provided below the vacuum bellows, and a sealing ring is provided on the outer side of the large bearing housing, with the sealing ring positioned on the inner side of the sealing seat.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the vacuum bellows achieves dynamic sealing through deformation compensation. The bellows, through a multi-layered metal film pleated structure, generates axial / radial / angular deformation when the central axis oscillates, thereby compensating for displacement caused by thermal expansion and contraction and mechanical vibration, resulting in a stable leakage rate of <5×10⁻⁻⁻⁶. 9 The seal achieves a strength of mbar·L / s and avoids fatigue cracking caused by rigid constraints in traditional metal seals, thus improving service life. The ceramic bearing cap uses zirconia ceramic (permeability ≈ 1) to completely isolate the magnetic field. The deep groove ball bearing and ceramic cap work together: the deep groove ball bearing bears the radial load, while the ceramic cap disperses the axial pressure to support axial runout under thousand-kilogram loads and suppresses micro-leakage caused by low-frequency oscillations.

[0036] In some alternative embodiments, the base adjustment mechanism, load-bearing platform, sealing mechanism, central rocker mechanism, rotary table, drive module, and positioning adjustment mechanism are all made of non-magnetic or low-magnetic materials.

[0037] The non-magnetic or low-magnetic materials include aluminum alloys, non-magnetic stainless steel, non-magnetic Inconel series nickel-based superalloys, and ceramics. Ceramic bearings are resistant to neutron irradiation embrittlement and have a longer lifespan than stainless steel. Inconel superalloys are resistant to gamma-ray irradiation hardening, maintaining mechanical strength stability and avoiding micro-cracks and expansion deformation caused by irradiation in traditional materials, thus ensuring sealing performance. In this embodiment, all components of the rotating sample stage are made of non-magnetic / low-magnetic materials (aluminum alloys, non-magnetic stainless steel, Inconel nickel-based superalloys, ceramics, etc.). Some components have low magnetic permeability, blocking magnetic contamination at the source and avoiding neutron path distortion caused by material magnetization in a strong magnetic field environment, ensuring improved signal-to-noise ratio of the scattered signal.

[0038] This application provides a control method for a rotating sample stage, applicable to any of the rotating sample stages described above, the method comprising:

[0039] The collimator to be tested is mounted on the rotating turntable of the rotating sample stage;

[0040] The scattering chamber is mounted on the rotating sample stage via a support flange;

[0041] The levelness of the base is adjusted by rotating the base adjustment mechanism of the sample stage;

[0042] The positioning and coaxiality are adjusted using the positioning adjustment mechanism;

[0043] The control drive module starts, which drives the central rocker arm of the rotating sample stage to rotate, causing the rotating stage to rotate. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 A structural diagram of a rotating sample stage provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 A structural diagram of the load-bearing platform provided in this application embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the base adjustment mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 4 A structural diagram of the central rocker mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the driver module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a rotary table provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 7 A structural diagram of the positioning adjustment structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 8 A structural diagram of the sealing mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating sample stage in operation according to an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a control method for a rotating sample stage provided in this application embodiment;

[0055] Figure 11 The remote control operation method for the rotating sample stage provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0056] Icons: 1-Foundation, 2-Supporting flange, 3-Scattering chamber, 4-Neutron scattering spectrometer; 5-Rotating sample stage; 100-Base adjustment mechanism; 200-Load-bearing platform; 300-Sealing mechanism; 400-Rotating turntable; 500-Central rocker mechanism; 600-Positioning adjustment mechanism; 700-Drive module; 101-Fixing bolt; 102-Adjusting threaded seat; 103-Adjusting knob; 104-Washer; 105-Adjusting bolt; 106-Wedge block slider; 201-Wedge base; 202-Load-bearing platform base plate; 203-Column; 204-Load-bearing platform top plate; 205-Wedge base fixing pin; 301-Sealing ring; 302-Large bearing seat; 303-Flange clamp; 304-Vacuum bellows; 305-Deep groove ball bearing; 306-Ceramic bearing cap; 401-Lower turntable ; 402-Upper turntable; 403-Two-section conical guide pin; 404-Hex socket screw; 501-Encoder; 502-Encoder bracket; 503-Connecting pin; 504-Bearing cap; 505-Bearing lower end cap; 506-Round nut; 507-Angular contact ball bearing; 508-Rock arm fixing bracket; 509-Rock arm; 510-Center bearing seat; 511-Hollow shaft magnetohydrodynamic sealing flange; 512-Center shaft; 601-Spherical positioning ring; 602-Fixing plate; 603-Spherical positioning seat; 604-Center limit ring; 605-Sealing seat; 606-Center ring; 701-Linear motor; 702-Motor mounting bracket; 703-Grammeter ruler; 704-Connecting structure; 705-Slider fixing seat; 706-Inner cylindrical slider; 707-Hard steel ball; 708-Linear guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A structural diagram of a rotating sample stage provided in this application embodiment includes: a base adjustment mechanism 100, a load-bearing platform 200, a sealing mechanism 300, a central rocker mechanism 500, a rotating turntable 400, a drive module 700, and a positioning adjustment mechanism 600.

[0059] The bottom of the load-bearing platform 200 is provided with a base adjustment mechanism 100, and the top of the load-bearing platform 200 is provided with a positioning adjustment mechanism 600. The positioning adjustment mechanism 600 is sleeved on the central rocker mechanism 500, and the sealing mechanism 300 is sleeved on the positioning adjustment mechanism 600 and the central rocker mechanism 500. The central rocker mechanism 500 passes through the positioning adjustment mechanism 600 and the sealing mechanism 300. The top of the central rocker mechanism 500 is connected to the rotary table 400, and the bottom of the central rocker mechanism 500 is connected to the drive module 700.

[0060] The base adjustment mechanism 100 is used to adjust the level of the rotary table 400; the positioning adjustment mechanism 600 is used to adjust the coaxiality of the central rocker mechanism 500 and the central axis; the drive module 700 is used to drive the central rocker mechanism 500 to rotate around the central axis; the sealing mechanism 300 is used to connect with the support flange 2, and the support flange 2 is provided with a scattering chamber 3.

[0061] The base adjustment mechanism can employ a hydraulic servo leveling system, a piezoelectric ceramic micro-motion platform, or similar methods. The hydraulic servo leveling system uses a hydraulic cylinder (non-magnetic titanium alloy) to control oil pressure via a servo valve, and a displacement sensor (ceramic capacitor type) to monitor the platform height in real time. The piezoelectric ceramic micro-motion platform uses a piezoelectric ceramic actuator (PZT) embedded in the load-bearing platform base plate, controlling deformation via voltage, and using a laser interferometer to provide position feedback in a closed-loop manner.

[0062] The drive module can employ direct drive of a magnetic levitation planar motor, hydraulic swing cylinder drive, etc. Magnetic levitation planar motor direct drive: The stator coil (oxygen-free copper winding) is embedded in the load-bearing platform, the mover permanent magnet (samarium cobalt alloy) is connected to the rocker arm, and feedback is provided through a combination of a grating ruler and a Hall sensor. Hydraulic swing cylinder drive: A non-magnetic stainless steel hydraulic cylinder pushes the crank, a servo proportional valve controls the flow, and a magnetostrictive displacement sensor provides feedback.

[0063] The positioning and adjustment mechanism can employ a laser tracking real-time calibration system, a shape memory alloy adaptive ring, etc. The laser tracking real-time calibration system involves installing a cat's eye reflector at the top of the central axis and arranging laser trackers around it to generate a coaxiality deviation cloud map in real time, driving a piezoelectric actuator to fine-tune the spherical positioning ring. The shape memory alloy adaptive ring uses a NiTi shape memory alloy ring to replace the spherical pair, triggering deformation through current heating and controlling the compensation amount through temperature sensor feedback.

[0064] In this embodiment, the central rocker mechanism 500 and the drive module 700 are placed in the atmospheric environment outside the vacuum scattering cavity, away from the high-throughput neutron radiation area at the center of the sample, to avoid damage to electronic components and precision mechanical parts from neutron / gamma irradiation, and to significantly improve the long-term reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 The load-bearing platform structure diagram provided in this application embodiment includes: a wedge base 201, a load-bearing platform base plate 202, a column 203, and a load-bearing platform top plate 204;

[0066] The inclined base 201 is located below the load-bearing platform base plate 202. The bottom end of the column 203 is fixedly connected to the load-bearing platform base plate 202, and the top end of the column 203 is fixedly connected to the load-bearing platform top plate 204. The inclined base 201 is provided with an inclined base fixing pin 205.

[0067] In this embodiment, the column 203 vertically connects the base plate 202 and the top plate 204 of the load-bearing platform to form a rigid box frame. The wedge base 201 directly cooperates with the wedge slider 106 of the base adjustment mechanism 100 to achieve micron-level horizontal leveling.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 The base adjustment mechanism 100 provided in this application embodiment includes: a fixing bolt 101, an adjusting threaded seat 102, an adjusting knob 103, a washer 104, an adjusting bolt 105, and a wedge slider 106.

[0069] The fixing bolt 101 fixes the adjusting threaded seat 102 to the load-bearing platform base plate 202; when the adjusting knob 103 is rotated, the adjusting bolt 105 moves inward or outward; when the adjusting bolt 105 moves inward, the adjusting bolt presses against the inclined iron slider 106, so that the inclined iron slider 106 contacts the inclined iron base 201, raising the load-bearing platform base plate 202; a washer 104 is provided on the inner side of the adjusting bolt.

[0070] In this embodiment, rotating the adjustment knob 103 drives the adjustment bolt 105, which in turn moves the wedge slider 106 along the inclined surface of the wedge base 201. The slope of the wedge achieves a mechanical amplification effect, and each rotation of the bolt (e.g., with a pitch of 1 mm) produces a lift of 0.01–0.02 mm at the micrometer level. The washer 104 eliminates the gap vibration between the adjustment bolt 105 and the wedge slider 106. The fixing bolt 101 rigidly anchors the adjustment thread seat 102 to the load-bearing platform base plate 202, resisting low-frequency oscillation interference (0.0001–0.1 Hz) in the neutron scattering experiment and preventing horizontal displacement caused by vibration under heavy load.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 The central rocker mechanism 500 provided in this application embodiment includes: encoder 501, encoder bracket 502, connecting pin 503, rocker fixing bracket 508, rocker 509, central shaft 512 and bearing assembly;

[0072] The top end of the central shaft 512 is connected to the rotary table 400, and the bottom end of the central shaft is connected to the encoder bracket 502 through the connecting pin 503. The encoder 501 is mounted on the encoder bracket 502. A rocker arm fixing bracket 508 is provided inside the central shaft. The proximal end of the rocker arm 509 extends into the central shaft and is mounted on the rocker arm fixing bracket 508. The bearing assembly is sleeved on the bottom of the central shaft 512.

[0073] The bearing assembly includes: bearing cap 504, bearing lower end cap 505, round nut 506, angular contact ball bearing 507, central bearing housing 510, and hollow shaft magnetohydrodynamic sealing flange 511;

[0074] A lower bearing cover 505 is provided above the bearing cover 504, a round nut 506 is provided above the lower bearing cover 505, an angular contact ball bearing 507 is provided above the round nut 506, a central bearing housing 510 is provided above the angular contact ball bearing 507, and a hollow shaft magnetohydrodynamic sealing flange 511 is provided above the central bearing housing.

[0075] In this embodiment, the encoder 501 is directly connected to the bottom end of the central shaft 512 via a rigid connecting pin 503, measuring the actual rotation angle of the central shaft in real time. The encoder 501 is located in the atmospheric environment outside the vacuum chamber, far from the neutron irradiation zone at the center of the sample, avoiding neutron damage to the precision optical encoder disk. The hollow shaft magnetohydrodynamic sealing flange 511 forms a liquid magnetic barrier around the rotating central shaft 512, achieving dynamic sealing. The angular contact ball bearing 507 and the preloaded round nut 506 eliminate bearing clearance and resist axial loads. The bearing assembly preloads the angular contact ball bearing 507 with the round nut 506, and the lower end cover 505 and bearing cover 504 constrain axial displacement, thereby suppressing low-frequency micro-vibrations (<1Hz) in the neutron experiment and avoiding detector shadow jitter.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 The driving module structure diagram provided in this application embodiment includes: a linear motor 701, a motor mounting bracket 702, a grating ruler 703, and a connecting structure 704;

[0077] The linear motor 701 is mounted on the motor mounting bracket 702. The top of the linear motor is a linear guide rail 708, and a grating ruler 703 is set inside the linear guide rail 708. The connecting structure 704 slides inside the linear guide rail.

[0078] The connecting structure 704 includes a slider fixing seat 705, an inner cylindrical slider 706, and a hard steel ball 707; the slider fixing seat 705 slides along the direction of the linear guide rail, the inner cylindrical slider 706 is provided inside the slider fixing seat, the hard steel ball 707 rolls inside the inner cylindrical slider 706, and the hard steel ball 707 is connected to the far end of the rocker arm 509.

[0079] In this embodiment, the linear motor directly drives the rocker arm to swing horizontally, thereby driving the reciprocating rotation of the central shaft and the rotary table. This provides stable driving force while reducing vibration and impact. The grating ruler 703 monitors the displacement accuracy of the linear motor 701 in real time. A hard steel ball 707 rolls within the inner cylindrical slider 706, converting the translational motion of the linear motor 701 into the pure oscillation of the rocker arm 509. This results in a low coefficient of rolling friction, improved transmission efficiency, elimination of the hysteresis effect of traditional hinges, and ensures smooth, uniform oscillation. The linear motor 701, grating ruler 703, and other components are located in the atmospheric environment outside the vacuum cavity, far from neutron irradiation areas, preventing neutron damage to the precision motor coils / grating ruler.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 The rotary table structure provided in this application embodiment includes: a lower turntable 401, an upper turntable 402, a two-stage conical guide pin 403, and an internal hexagon screw 404;

[0081] The top surface of the lower turntable 401 is provided with a two-stage conical guide pin 403, and the upper turntable 402 is located above the lower turntable 401. The upper turntable 402 is provided with a through hole for installing a hexagon socket screw 404. When the upper turntable 402 is installed on the lower turntable 401, the hexagon socket screw 404 passes through the through hole and extends into the two-stage conical guide pin 403.

[0082] In this embodiment, the rotary table includes an upper turntable and a lower turntable. The lower turntable is fixedly connected to the central shaft, and the upper turntable is fixed to the lower turntable by 404 hex socket screws. The positioning consistency is very high after repeated disassembly and assembly.

[0083] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 The positioning adjustment structure provided in this application embodiment is shown in the structural diagram. The positioning adjustment mechanism 600 includes: a spherical positioning ring 601, a fixing plate 602, a spherical positioning seat 603, a central limiting ring 604, a sealing seat 605, and a central ring 606.

[0084] A fixing plate 602 is mounted on the top plate 204 of the load-bearing platform. A spherical positioning seat 603 is provided on the inner side of the fixing plate 602. A spherical positioning ring 601 is provided on the inner side of the spherical positioning seat 603. A central limiting ring 604 is provided above the spherical positioning seat. The central limiting ring 604 is sleeved on the central shaft 512. A sealing seat 605 is provided above the spherical positioning ring. A central ring 606 is provided on the inner side of the top of the sealing seat. The central ring 606 is connected to the sealing mechanism 300.

[0085] In this embodiment, the spherical positioning ring 601 and the spherical positioning seat 603 form a hemispherical contact surface, allowing the central shaft 512 to automatically slide and adjust when slightly offset in the radial / angular direction. This compensates for accumulated installation errors (such as foundation settlement and thermal deformation), achieves the coaxiality requirement between the central shaft and the collimation reference, and eliminates the over-constraint stress of traditional rigid positioning, preventing the central shaft from jamming under a thousand-kilogram load. The central limiting ring 604 is sleeved on the central shaft 512, limiting the maximum offset of the spherical positioning ring 601 and suppressing the micro-amplitude resonance caused by low-frequency oscillations of 0.0001–0.1Hz.

[0086] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 The sealing mechanism 300 provided in this application embodiment includes: a sealing ring 301, a large bearing seat 302, a vacuum bellows 304, a deep groove ball bearing 305, and a ceramic bearing cap 306. The sealing mechanism 300 is fixedly connected to the positioning and adjusting mechanism 600 through a flange and a flange clamp 303. The deep groove ball bearing 305 is sleeved on the top of the central shaft 512, and the ceramic bearing cap 306 is disposed above the deep groove ball bearing 305. The vacuum bellows 304 is sleeved on the central limiting ring 604. The large bearing seat 302 is disposed below the vacuum bellows, and the sealing ring 301 is disposed on the outer side of the large bearing seat 302. The sealing ring 301 is disposed on the inner side of the sealing seat 605.

[0087] In this embodiment, the vacuum bellows achieves dynamic sealing through deformation compensation. The bellows, with its multi-layered metal film pleated structure, generates axial / radial / angular deformation when the central axis 512 oscillates, thereby compensating for displacement caused by thermal expansion and contraction and mechanical vibration, resulting in a stable leakage rate of <5×10⁻⁻⁻⁶. 9 The seal achieves a lifespan of mbar·L / s and avoids fatigue cracking caused by rigid constraints in traditional metal seals. The ceramic bearing cap 306 uses zirconia ceramic (permeability ≈ 1) to completely isolate the magnetic field. The deep groove ball bearing 305 and ceramic cap work together; the deep groove ball bearing bears the radial load, while the ceramic cap disperses the axial pressure to support axial runout <5μm under a thousand-kilogram load and suppresses micro-leakage caused by low-frequency oscillations of 0.0001–0.1Hz.

[0088] In some alternative embodiments, the base adjustment mechanism 100, the load-bearing platform 200, the sealing mechanism 300, the central rocker mechanism 500, the rotary table 400, the drive module 700, and the positioning adjustment mechanism 600 are all made of non-magnetic or low-magnetic materials.

[0089] The non-magnetic or low-magnetic materials include aluminum alloys, non-magnetic stainless steel, non-magnetic Inconel series nickel-based superalloys, and ceramics. Ceramic bearings are resistant to neutron irradiation embrittlement and have a longer lifespan than stainless steel. Inconel superalloys are resistant to gamma-ray irradiation hardening, maintaining mechanical strength stability and avoiding micro-cracks and expansion deformation caused by irradiation in traditional materials, thus ensuring sealing performance. In this embodiment, all components of the rotating sample stage are made of non-magnetic / low-magnetic materials (aluminum alloys, non-magnetic stainless steel, Inconel nickel-based superalloys, ceramics, etc.), with some components having a permeability ≤1.01. This blocks magnetic contamination at the source, avoids neutron path distortion caused by material magnetization in a strong magnetic field environment, and ensures improved signal-to-noise ratio of the scattered signal.

[0090] When the rotating sample stage is working, Figure 9 As shown, the rotating sample stage 5 is mounted on the foundation 1, and its rotating platform extends into the scattering chamber 3, which is a vacuum scattering cavity. The sealing mechanism of the rotating sample stage 5 is fixedly connected to the supporting flange 2 (specifically, the supporting flange 2 is connected above the vacuum bellows), and the scattering chamber 3 is mounted on the supporting flange 2. The neutron scattering spectrometer 4 is mounted on the rotating platform, and the bottom of the neutron scattering spectrometer 4 is the neutron optical collimator.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 The flowchart of a control method for a rotating sample stage provided in this application embodiment is applied to any of the rotating sample stages described above. The method mainly includes: installing the collimator to be tested on the rotating turntable of the rotating sample stage; installing the scattering chamber on the rotating sample stage via a support flange; adjusting the level of the base using the base adjustment mechanism 100 of the rotating sample stage; adjusting the coaxiality of the positioning using the positioning adjustment mechanism 600; and starting the control drive module 700 to drive the central rocker arm of the rotating sample stage to rotate, thereby rotating the rotating turntable.

[0092] In addition, please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 A remote control method for a rotating sample stage includes: fixing a neutron optical collimator to a high-precision rotating sample stage, consisting of a master end and a slave end. The master end includes an interactive interface and a controller, while the slave end includes a camera and sensors. During operation, the operator performs remote control based on a global view. Using a digital twin platform, the physical space is dynamically transformed into dynamic information of a virtual prototype in a virtual space, including the rotating sample stage structure, control functions, and real-time information. This dynamic information is transmitted to the master end for judgment or adjustment. The global view is provided by a sensor system such as a camera and attitude sensors. Parameters are adjusted or controlled via the interactive interface or control buttons, and displacement and angle adjustments are achieved through signal or interface feedback.

[0093] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. The apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Additionally, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some communication interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0094] Furthermore, the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0095] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated together to form an independent part, or each module can exist independently, or two or more modules can be integrated to form an independent part.

[0096] In this document, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0097] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A rotary sample stage, characterized by, The application relates to a centering mechanism for a rotary table, which comprises a base adjusting mechanism (100), a load-bearing platform (200), a sealing mechanism (300), a center rocker mechanism (500), a rotary table (400), a driving module (700) and a positioning adjusting mechanism (600). The bottom of the load-bearing platform (200) is provided with the base adjusting mechanism (100), the top of the load-bearing platform (200) is provided with the positioning adjusting mechanism (600), the positioning adjusting mechanism (600) is sleeved on the center rocker mechanism (500), the sealing mechanism (300) is sleeved on the positioning adjusting mechanism (600) and the center rocker mechanism (500), the center rocker mechanism (500) penetrates through the positioning adjusting mechanism (600) and the sealing mechanism (300), the top end of the center rocker mechanism (500) is connected with the rotary table (400), and the bottom of the center rocker mechanism (500) is connected with the driving module (700). The base adjusting mechanism (100) is used for adjusting the levelness of the rotary table (400). The positioning adjusting mechanism (600) is used for adjusting the coaxiality of the center rocker mechanism (500) and a center shaft. The driving module (700) is used for driving the center rocker mechanism (500) to rotate around the center shaft. The sealing mechanism (300) is used for being connected with a supporting flange (2), and the supporting flange (2) is provided with a scattering chamber (3). The load-bearing platform (200) comprises an inclined iron base (201), a load-bearing platform bottom plate (202), a stand column (203) and a load-bearing platform top plate (204).

2. The rotary sample stage of claim 1, wherein, The inclined iron base (201) is arranged below the load-bearing platform bottom plate (202), the bottom end of the stand column (203) is fixedly connected with the load-bearing platform bottom plate (202), and the top end of the stand column (203) is fixedly connected with the load-bearing platform top plate (204). The base adjusting mechanism (100) comprises a fixing bolt (101), an adjusting threaded seat (102), an adjusting knob (103), a gasket (104), an adjusting bolt (105) and an inclined iron sliding block (106).

3. The rotary sample stage of claim 2, wherein, The fixing bolt (101) fixedly connects the adjusting threaded seat (102) with the load-bearing platform bottom plate (202); when the adjusting knob (103) rotates, the adjusting bolt (105) moves inward or outward; when the adjusting bolt (105) moves inward, the adjusting bolt abuts against the inclined iron sliding block (106), so that the inclined iron sliding block (106) is in contact with the inclined iron base (201) and the load-bearing platform bottom plate (202) is lifted; the gasket (104) is arranged on the inner side of the adjusting bolt. The center rocker mechanism (500) comprises an encoder (501), an encoder support (502), a connecting pin (503), a rocker fixing frame (508), a rocker (509), a center shaft (512) and a bearing assembly.

4. The rotary sample stage of claim 3, wherein, ​ The top end of the center shaft (512) is connected with the rotary turntable (400), the bottom end of the center shaft is connected with the encoder support (502) through the connecting pin (503), the encoder (501) is installed on the encoder support (502); the rocker fixed frame (508) is arranged in the center shaft, the proximal end of the rocker (509) extends into the center shaft and is installed on the rocker fixed frame (508); the bearing assembly is sleeved at the bottom of the center shaft (512); The bearing assembly comprises a bearing cover (504), a bearing lower end cover (505), a round nut (506), an angular contact ball bearing (507), a center bearing seat (510) and a hollow shaft magnetic fluid sealing flange (511); The bearing lower end cover (505) is arranged above the bearing cover (504), the round nut (506) is arranged above the bearing lower end cover (505), the angular contact ball bearing (507) is arranged above the round nut (506), the center bearing seat (510) is arranged above the angular contact ball bearing (507), and the hollow shaft magnetic fluid sealing flange (511) is arranged above the center bearing seat.

5. The rotary sample stage of claim 4, wherein, The driving module (700) comprises a linear motor (701), a motor mounting frame (702), a grating ruler (703) and a connecting structure (704). The linear motor (701) is installed on the motor mounting frame (702), the top of the linear motor is a linear guide rail (708), the grating ruler (703) is arranged on the inner side of the linear guide rail (708), and the connecting structure (704) slides in the linear guide rail. The connecting structure (704) comprises a slider fixed seat (705), an inner cylindrical surface slider (706) and a hard steel ball (707). The slider fixed seat (705) slides along the linear guide rail direction, the inner cylindrical surface slider (706) is arranged in the slider fixed seat, the hard steel ball (707) rolls in the inner cylindrical surface slider (706), and the hard steel ball (707) is connected with the distal end of the rocker (509).

6. The rotary sample stage of claim 5, wherein, The rotary turntable (400) comprises a lower turntable (401), an upper turntable (402), a two-section conical guide pin (403) and an inner hexagonal screw (404). The top surface of the lower turntable (401) is provided with the two-section conical guide pin (403), the upper turntable (402) is arranged above the lower turntable (401), the upper turntable (402) is provided with a through hole for mounting the inner hexagonal screw (404), and when the upper turntable (402) is installed on the lower turntable (401), the inner hexagonal screw (404) extends into the two-section conical guide pin (403) through the through hole.

7. The rotary sample stage of claim 6, wherein, The positioning adjusting mechanism (600) comprises a spherical positioning ring (601), a fixed plate (602), a spherical positioning seat (603), a center limiting ring (604), a sealing seat (605) and a center ring (606). The fixed plate (602) is arranged on the load-bearing platform top plate (204), the inner side of the fixed plate (602) is provided with the spherical positioning seat (603), the inner side of the spherical positioning seat (603) is provided with the spherical positioning ring (601), and the upper side of the spherical positioning seat is provided with the center limiting ring (604); the center limiting ring (604) is sleeved on the center shaft (512); the upper side of the spherical positioning ring is provided with the sealing seat (605), the inner side of the top end of the sealing seat is provided with the center ring (606), and the center ring (606) is connected with the sealing mechanism (300).

8. The rotary sample stage of claim 7, wherein, The sealing mechanism (300) comprises: A sealing ring (301), a large bearing seat (302), a vacuum bellows (304), a deep groove ball bearing (305) and a ceramic bearing gland (306); The sealing mechanism (300) is fixedly connected with the positioning and adjusting mechanism (600) through a flange and a flange clamp (303); the deep groove ball bearing (305) is sleeved on the top of the center shaft (512), the ceramic bearing gland (306) is arranged above the deep groove ball bearing (305); the vacuum bellows (304) is sleeved on the center limiting ring (604); the large bearing seat (302) is arranged below the vacuum bellows (304), the outer side of the large bearing seat (302) is provided with the sealing ring (301), and the sealing ring (301) is arranged on the inner side of the sealing seat (605).

9. The rotary sample stage of claim 1, wherein, The base adjusting mechanism (100), the load-bearing platform (200), the sealing mechanism (300), the center rocker mechanism (500), the rotary turntable (400), the driving module (700) and the positioning and adjusting mechanism (600) are all made of non-magnetic or low-magnetic materials.

10. A method of controlling a rotary sample stage, characterized by, The method is applied to the rotary sample stage as claimed in any one of claims 1-9, and the method comprises: The collimator to be measured is installed on the rotary turntable of the rotary sample stage; The scattering chamber is installed on the rotary sample stage through a supporting flange; The base levelness is adjusted through the base adjusting mechanism of the rotary sample stage; The positioning coaxiality is adjusted through the positioning and adjusting mechanism; The driving module of the rotary sample stage is controlled to start, the center rocker of the rotary sample stage is driven to rotate, and the rotary turntable is rotated.

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