Automatic sample loader suitable for dilution refrigerator and operation method

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic sample loader suitable for a dilution refrigerator. The automatic sample loader comprises a loader vacuum cavity; the rigid chain can form a linear supporting structure in a stretching state to push or pull back the sample tray; the rigid chain can be retracted into the loader vacuum cavity in a contraction state; the sample tray is used for bearing a to-be-tested sample and is thermally connected with a mixing chamber disc of the dilution refrigerator after loading is completed; and the driving assembly is mounted in the vacuum cavity of the loader and can drive the rigid chain to complete stretching and retracting actions. By introducing the rigid chain technology, a sample transmission mode without a traditional supporting rod structure is achieved, the rigid chain can form a self-supporting linear structure in the working process, movement and loads are accurately transmitted, the rigid chain can be stored in a compact storage unit (namely, a loader vacuum cavity) in the non-working state, and therefore the sample transmission efficiency is improved. The space occupied by the loading mechanism in the stretching and retracting states is remarkably reduced, the loading mechanism can adapt to the low space environment, and the integration and flexibility of the whole system are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sample loading for a dilution refrigerator, and in particular to an automatic sample loader suitable for a dilution refrigerator and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The dilution refrigerator is a key cryogenic device that can achieve a low-temperature environment at the millikelvin level. It is widely used in cutting-edge scientific research and industrial fields such as quantum computing, materials science, and condensed matter physics. Related experiments usually require measuring multiple samples one by one. However, due to the limited installation space of the mixing chamber cold plate and its limited electrical, optical or radio frequency connection ports, multiple samples often cannot be placed and measured at the same time. Therefore, the solution commonly used in the prior art is to measure a single sample. After the measurement is completed, the dilution refrigerator as a whole needs to be heated to room temperature, the system needs to be opened to replace the sample, and then cooled again. This process is time-consuming and complicated to operate, which significantly affects the experimental efficiency and the continuous use performance of the system.

[0003] Existing dilution refrigerator sample loading systems primarily include bottom loaders and top loaders. Bottom loaders are typically available in manual or automatic configurations. While these differ in their control methods, they generally utilize solid support rods or rigid loading arms as structural support for sample movement. This structural design results in a relatively long loader body, placing strict requirements on the overall height of the dilution refrigerator system.

[0004] To accommodate the entire loading device, the equipment must be designed as a tall, vertical structure, limiting its use in environments with limited ceiling height or other space constraints. While top loaders can avoid interference with the lower space, they also present more complex structural requirements, particularly in terms of the height and strength of the upper mounting space and roof structure. Top loaders also struggle to function properly if the ceiling height is insufficient.

[0005] Therefore, in practical applications, existing sample loading systems have significant limitations in terms of spatial adaptability, and are particularly difficult to meet installation and operation requirements in low spaces or laboratory renovation environments. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is how to solve the problems existing in the prior art, such as lengthy structure, high dependence on the system, and difficulty in adapting to low-lying space environments.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] An automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator, comprising:

[0009] loader vacuum chamber;

[0010] A rigid chain, which can form a linear support structure in an extended state to push or pull back the sample tray; the rigid chain can be retracted into the vacuum chamber of the loader in a retracted state;

[0011] The sample tray is used to carry the sample to be tested and is thermally connected to the mixing chamber plate of the dilution refrigerator after loading;

[0012] The driving assembly is installed in the vacuum chamber of the loader and can drive the rigid chain to complete the extension and retraction actions.

[0013] The present invention introduces rigid chain technology to achieve a sample transmission method that does not require a traditional support rod structure. The rigid chain can form a self-supporting linear structure when working, accurately transmitting motion and load. When not working, it can be stored in a compact storage unit (i.e., in the loader vacuum chamber), significantly reducing the space occupied by the loading mechanism in the extended and retracted states, being able to adapt to low space environments, and improving the overall integration and flexibility of the system.

[0014] As a further solution of the present invention: a locking assembly is installed at the bottom of the loader, and the locking assembly can fix the sample tray at the installation position of the mixing chamber.

[0015] As a further solution of the present invention: the locking assembly adopts an automatic telescopic structure, and achieves plugging and unplugging through mechanical or electrical control.

[0016] As a further solution of the present invention: an NW flange is installed at the outlet of the loader, which can seal the loader to the vacuum chamber outside the dilution refrigerator.

[0017] As a further solution of the present invention: the driving assembly includes a guide wheel for taking on the chain storage and curling functions, and the rigid chain is wound around the outside of the guide wheel.

[0018] As a further solution of the present invention: the driving assembly further includes a driving wheel, which is located on one side of the guide wheel and below the sample tray, and the driving wheel is meshed and connected with the rigid chain.

[0019] As a further solution of the present invention: a vacuum valve for evacuating and isolating the vacuum cavity is also installed on the loader.

[0020] As a further solution of the present invention: the entire loader vacuum chamber adopts a metal welding or O-ring sealing structure.

[0021] As a further solution of the present invention: a limit and anti-error positioning structure is provided at the connection between the sample tray and the mixing chamber tray of the dilution refrigerator.

[0022] The present invention also discloses an operating method using the above-mentioned automated sample loader, comprising the following steps:

[0023] The sample tray is first placed inside the loader and fixed in position, and the loader body is connected to the vacuum chamber outside the dilution refrigerator;

[0024] After the connection is completed, the vacuum chamber of the loader is evacuated until the set vacuum level is reached;

[0025] When the vacuum conditions are met, the drive assembly is started to operate, thereby pushing the rigid chain to send the sample tray axially into the vacuum chamber outside the dilution refrigerator;

[0026] When the sample tray reaches the mixing chamber docking position, it engages with and is fixed to the docking port on the mixing chamber disk;

[0027] After the sample tray is fixed to the mixing chamber, the reverse drive chain is retracted to complete the entire sample loading process.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. This invention utilizes rigid chain technology to achieve a sample transfer method that eliminates the need for traditional support rods. When operating, the rigid chain forms a self-supporting linear structure, accurately transmitting motion and load. When not in operation, it can be stored in a compact storage unit, significantly reducing the space occupied by the loading mechanism in both extended and retracted states.

[0030] Compared with traditional loader designs, the present invention has a more compact structure and significantly reduces the effective height of the loading device, enabling it to be flexibly deployed and efficiently operated in limited spaces or complex installation environments. This expands the applicable scenarios of the dilution refrigerator and improves the overall integration and flexibility of the system.

[0031] 2. The present invention can complete the sample replacement operation while the dilution refrigerator is operating at a low temperature, eliminating the need for heating, opening, and repeated cooling processes, thereby significantly shortening the sample replacement cycle and improving system operating efficiency and equipment utilization.

[0032] 3. This invention utilizes rigid chain technology as a mechanical transmission method with bidirectional (tension and compression) load-bearing capacity, which has significant application potential. Unlike traditional flexible chains that can only transmit force in the tensile direction, the rigid chain uses an interlocking segmented structure. When extended, it forms a single rigid beam, which can accurately transmit linear motion and avoid bending. When retracted, the segments automatically unlock and retract into a compact storage mechanism, facilitating integration and space optimization.

[0033] 4. The present invention combines the design of a rigid chain with a dilution refrigerator sample loading system, which can effectively improve the mechanical transmission stability, spatial adaptability and automation level of the device, meeting the technical requirements for efficient and easy replacement of multiple samples in ultra-low temperature environments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an automated sample loader according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an automated sample loader according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a loader transferring a sample into an external vacuum chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of

[0038] Description of reference numerals:

[0039] 1. Sample tray; 2. Rigid chain; 3. Guide wheel; 4. Vacuum valve; 5. Drive wheel; 6. Locking assembly; 7. NW flange; 8. Loader vacuum chamber; 9. Docking port; 10. Mixing chamber disc; 11. Gate valve; 12. Dilution refrigerator outer vacuum chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention provides an automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator that enables sample replacement in a very low-temperature environment without switching between temperature and vacuum environments. The loader is suitable for loading samples at the top or bottom of a dilution refrigerator.

[0043] The loader specifically includes a sample tray 1, a rigid chain 2, a guide wheel 3, a vacuum valve 4, a drive wheel 5, a locking assembly 6, an NW flange 7 and a loader vacuum chamber 8; the linear transmission of the rigid chain 2 enables precise insertion and removal of the sample tray 1, and combined with the electric drive and vacuum structure, remote sample replacement can be achieved without heating.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sample tray 1 is used to carry the sample to be tested and can pass through the vacuum chamber 12 outside the dilution refrigerator. After being inserted into the dilution refrigerator, it is thermally connected to the mixing chamber disk 10 (such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The thermal connection position is provided with a limit and anti-error positioning structure to ensure that the sample tray 1 can be properly connected to the mixing chamber disk 10 when it is transferred to the bottom of the mixing chamber disk 10. The sample tray 1 adopts a quick plug-in design to ensure thermal contact efficiency and mechanical stability in low temperature environments.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 The rigid chain 2 is the core transmission mechanism of the present application, which has the characteristics of being extendable and compressible. In the extended state, it can form a rigid linear structure for pushing or pulling back the sample tray 1, and can transfer the sample tray 1 to the dilution refrigerator to realize the loading of the sample in the dilution refrigerator; in the non-working state, it can be automatically retracted into the vacuum chamber 8 of the loader, significantly saving system space; the rigid chain 2 can adopt various forms. The rigid chain 2 is a zipper chain (Zip Chain) that can be rolled into the storage compartment in a compressed state, or a chain drive element with other structures that can form a columnar support. This application is not limited here, and only one embodiment is given.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 The guide wheel 3 is installed in the vacuum chamber 8 of the loader to guide the movement direction of the rigid chain 2, maintain the linear operation of the rigid chain 2 during the lifting process, and undertake the auxiliary functions of chain storage and curling in some structures. It is particularly suitable for zipper chain (zip chain) structures. A motor can be installed on the central axis of one side of the guide wheel 3, and the motor can drive the guide wheel 3 to rotate and retract the rigid chain 2.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 The vacuum valve 4 is installed on the loader or at the connection between the loader and the dilution refrigerator, and is used to evacuate the loader cavity before and after the loading process to ensure that the entire system is in a clean, sealed and low-temperature compatible vacuum environment.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 The driving wheel 5 is installed in the vacuum chamber 8 of the loader and below the sample tray 1, which can ensure that the rigid chain 2 located below the sample tray 1 is in a vertical state, and a gear meshing transmission method is adopted between the driving wheel 5 and the rigid chain 2; the driving wheel 5 is connected to the motor or other driving device to drive the rigid chain 2 to extend and retract during the sample loading and unloading process. The driving wheel 5 realizes precise positioning and speed control through the motor control system to ensure the smoothness and reliability of the loading process.

[0049] Reference Figure 2The locking assembly 6 is mounted at the bottom of the loader's vacuum chamber 8 and mechanically locks the sample tray 1 into the docking port 9 of the mixing chamber tray 10. This locking mechanism effectively improves thermal coupling stability and shock resistance during low-temperature operation. During sample replacement or unloading, the locking assembly 6 can be quickly unlocked, improving operational efficiency. This assembly can adopt an automatic telescopic structure, with mechanical or electrical control to achieve telescopic control.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 NW flange 7 is installed at the outlet of the loader, i.e., the outlet of sample tray 1. This location utilizes a standardized NW (or KF) vacuum interface, which provides a reliable, sealed connection between the loader and the gate valve 11 on the dilution refrigerator's external vacuum chamber 12, thereby ensuring the system's vacuum integrity and compatibility with the standard interfaces of existing cryogenic equipment. Driven by a rigid chain 2, the sample tray 1 passes through the NW flange 7 and gate valve 11, enters the dilution refrigerator's external vacuum chamber 12, and establishes thermal contact with the mixing chamber disk 10.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The loader's vacuum chamber 8 provides an enclosed space for the drive wheel 5, rigid chain 2, guide wheel 3, and related auxiliary mechanisms. This chamber is reliably sealed and can be independently evacuated to maintain system cleanliness and suitability for low-temperature environments. The joints within the vacuum chamber utilize metal welding or O-ring sealing to maintain a high vacuum environment.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The docking port 9 extends from the bottom of the mixing chamber disc 10 for docking with the sample holder. The gate valve 11 is located at the bottom outlet of the outer vacuum chamber 12 of the refrigerator, and forms a reliable sealing connection with the sample tray 1 through the NW flange 7.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 When the sample tray 1 is fully engaged with the docking port 9 on the mixing chamber disk 10, the rigid chain 2 is in a fully extended state.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] This embodiment discloses an operating method of an automated sample loader, the steps of which are as follows:

[0056] S1. The sample tray 1 is first placed inside the loader and fixed in place by a locking nut. The loader body is connected to the vacuum chamber 12 outside the dilution refrigerator via the NW flange connector 7 on the gate valve 11.

[0057] S2. After the connection is completed, the loader cavity is evacuated through the vacuum valve 4 until the set vacuum degree is reached;

[0058] S3. After the vacuum condition is met, the motor starts and drives the driving wheel 5 to run, thereby pushing the rigid chain 2 to axially move the sample tray 1 into the vacuum chamber outside the dilution refrigerator;

[0059] S4. When the sample tray 1 reaches the docking position of the mixing chamber disk 10, it engages with the docking port 9 on the mixing chamber disk 10 and completes the mechanical connection, fixation and thermal coupling with the mixing chamber through the locking assembly 6;

[0060] S5. After the sample tray 1 and the mixing tray 10 are fixed, the locking assembly 6 can be withdrawn, and the motor drives the rigid chain 2 in reverse to retract, thereby completing the entire sample loading process.

[0061] The loader of the present application has the advantages of full automation, compact structure and light weight. Its compact design effectively reduces the overall structural height of the system, is suitable for a variety of application scenarios of top or bottom loading, improves the compatibility and practicality of the system under space-constrained conditions, and greatly improves the adaptability and integration of the dilution refrigeration system.

[0062] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated sample loader suitable for a dilution refrigerator, characterized in that: include: loader vacuum chamber (8); A rigid chain (2) can form a linear support structure in an extended state to push or pull back the sample tray (1); the rigid chain (2) can be retracted into the loader vacuum chamber (8) in a retracted state; A sample tray (1) is used to carry the sample to be tested and is thermally connected to the mixing chamber tray of the dilution refrigerator after loading is completed; The driving assembly is installed in the loader vacuum chamber (8) and can drive the rigid chain (2) to complete the extension and retraction actions.

2. The automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A locking assembly (6) is installed at the bottom of the loader, and the locking assembly (6) can fix the sample tray (1) at the mixing chamber tray installation position.

3. The automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The locking assembly (6) adopts an automatic telescopic structure and realizes plugging and unplugging through mechanical or electrical control.

4. The automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: An NW flange (7) is installed at the outlet of the loader, which can realize a sealed connection between the loader and the vacuum chamber outside the dilution refrigerator.

5. The automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The driving assembly comprises a guide wheel (3) for taking on the functions of chain storage and curling, and the rigid chain (2) is wound around the outer side of the guide wheel (3).

6. The automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The driving assembly comprises a driving wheel (5), which is located on one side of the guide wheel (3) and below the sample tray (1), and is meshedly connected to the rigid chain (2).

7. The automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loader vacuum chamber (8) is provided with a vacuum valve (4) for evacuating and isolating the vacuum chamber.

8. The automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection of the loader adopts metal welding or O-ring sealing structure.

9. The automated sample loader for a dilution refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A position limiting and error-proof positioning structure is provided at the connection between the sample tray (1) and the mixing chamber tray of the dilution refrigerator.

10. An operating method using the automated sample loader according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The steps include: The sample tray is first placed inside the loader and fixed in position, and the loader body is connected to the vacuum chamber outside the dilution refrigerator; After the connection is completed, the vacuum chamber of the loader is evacuated until the set vacuum level is reached; When the vacuum conditions are met, the drive assembly is started to operate, thereby pushing the rigid chain to send the sample tray axially into the vacuum chamber outside the dilution refrigerator; When the sample tray reaches the mixing chamber docking position, it engages with and is fixed to the docking port on the mixing chamber disk; After the sample tray is fixed to the mixing chamber, the reverse drive chain is retracted to complete the entire sample loading process.

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