Automatic batch sample feeding device and method for irradiation analysis

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of irradiation analysis, in particular to an automatic batch sample feeding device and method for irradiation analysis, and the automatic batch sample feeding device comprises a shell and a sample loader moving in the shell along the horizontal direction; an irradiation opening and a cleaning opening are formed in the shell, the irradiation opening is located in the upper portion of the shell, the cleaning opening is located in the lower portion of the shell, a spherical groove is formed in the sample carrier, a spherical inner container is rotationally arranged in the spherical groove, and an opening is formed in the side wall of the spherical inner container; a first rotary driver used for driving the spherical inner container to rotate is arranged on one side of the spherical inner container, when the sample carrier is located at the irradiation opening, the opening in the spherical inner container is vertically upward and is communicated with the irradiation opening, and when the sample carrier is located at the cleaning opening, the opening in the spherical inner container is vertically downward and is communicated with the cleaning opening. According to the invention, the efficiency of irradiation analysis is improved, the cleaning effect is also improved, and the size of the automatic feeding device is reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of irradiation analysis, in particular to a batch sample automatic feeding device and method for irradiation analysis. BACKGROUND

[0002] The existing irradiation analysis device still adopts a manual mode during feeding operation, and generally has low automation degree, high labor intensity, and high harm to on-site operation of workers caused by vibration and noise during operation of the sample feeder. Moreover, the existing technology cannot meet the automatic feeding requirements of a highly automated sample transmission device for online automatic, rapid and accurate irradiation and measurement of a large number of samples of various types and under various irradiation conditions.

[0003] Chinese Patent No. CN107422365B discloses a sample automatic feeding device for neutron activation, which is characterized in that the sample automatic feeding device for neutron activation comprises a controller, a reversing device, a feeder I, a feeder II, a feeder III, an air tank, an air compressor, and a rack, wherein the feeder I and the feeder III, the reversing device and the feeder II, and the air tank are respectively fixedly arranged on the upper layer, the middle layer, and the bottom layer of the rack; the feeder I, the feeder II, and the feeder III are respectively connected with the reversing device through a sample conveying pipe, and the reversing device, the feeder I, the feeder II, and the feeder III are respectively connected with the air tank through a pipeline; the air tank is connected with the air compressor through a pipeline; and the reversing device, the feeder I, the feeder II, the feeder III, and the air compressor are respectively electrically connected with the controller.

[0004] The above scheme improves the adaptability of the irradiation device to irradiation analysis of a large number of samples by arranging multiple feeders. However, different batches of samples have differences, and the sample carrier and the sample box arranged in the sample carrier do not have the function of self-cleaning. During the transportation of different batches of samples by the sample box, the samples are prone to mix with each other. In order to improve the sealing performance of the upper and lower parts of the sample carrier, a sealing ring is arranged on the upper and lower parts of the sample carrier, respectively. During the synchronous movement of the sealing ring with the sample carrier, the sealing ring is prone to be worn out, which reduces the service life of the sealing ring and causes leakage during the transportation of the samples into the sample carrier. In addition, in the above scheme, the samples enter the sample carrier from the bottom of the sample carrier during feeding of the sample carrier, which causes the sample carrier to leak during movement. SUMMARY

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, an automated batch sample feeding device and method for irradiation analysis is provided. By incorporating two sample carriers that can move synchronously in the horizontal direction within the housing, the efficiency of irradiation analysis is improved. Each sample carrier contains a spherical inner liner. Due to the spherical structure and curved inner walls of the spherical inner liner, when the spherical inner liner is connected to the cleaning port, the water flow entering the spherical inner liner can better flush away residual samples. Compared to traditional sample boxes with corners on the inner walls, the spherical inner liner can be cleaned more effectively. Furthermore, within the same volume, the rotation space required for cleaning of the spherical inner liner is smaller than that of traditional sample boxes, thus reducing the size of the automated feeding device.

[0006] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides an automated batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis, comprising a housing and a sample carrier that moves horizontally within the housing; the housing has an irradiation port and a cleaning port, the irradiation port being located at the upper part of the housing and the cleaning port being located at the lower part of the housing; a spherical groove is formed inside the sample carrier, and a spherical inner liner is rotatably disposed within the spherical groove; an opening is formed on the side wall of the spherical inner liner; a first rotary actuator for driving the rotation of the spherical inner liner is provided on one side of the spherical inner liner; when the sample carrier is at the irradiation port, the opening in the spherical inner liner faces vertically upward and communicates with the irradiation port; when the sample carrier is at the cleaning port, the opening in the spherical inner liner faces vertically downward and communicates with the cleaning port.

[0007] Preferably, there are two cleaning ports, which are symmetrical about the irradiation port. The horizontal distance between the irradiation port and the cleaning port is a first length. Two sample carriers are arranged inside the housing and move synchronously in the horizontal direction. The distance between the two sample carriers is the same as the first length.

[0008] Preferably, a feeding / discharging station is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the irradiation port, and the distance between the two feeding / discharging stations is the same as the first length. The feeding / discharging station includes a feeding port and a discharging port arranged vertically from top to bottom. When the sample carrier passes through the feeding / discharging station, the sample carrier is located between the feeding port and the discharging port.

[0009] Preferably, a connecting port is provided vertically through the sample carrier, and a magnetic ring is provided on the connecting port to magnetically attract the open end of the spherical inner liner.

[0010] Preferably, a compression ring is vertically movable around the irradiation port, and a sealing ring that can contact the upper part of the sample carrier is provided at the lower part of the compression ring. When the opening of the spherical inner liner communicates with the irradiation port, the sealing ring is in compression contact with the upper part of the sample carrier. The projection of the opening in the vertical direction on the upper part of the sample carrier is located in the inner ring of the projection of the sealing ring in the vertical direction on the upper part of the sample carrier. A pressure chamber for driving the compression ring to rise and fall is provided at the upper part of the compression ring.

[0011] Preferably, a cleaning unit for cleaning the spherical inner liner is provided at the cleaning port. The cleaning unit includes an inlet tube that moves vertically and can flush water into the spherical inner liner. Multiple scrapers that can slide and cooperate with the inner wall of the spherical inner liner are provided around the inlet tube. The multiple scrapers are evenly arranged around the axis of the inlet tube and can rotate synchronously with the inlet tube around the axis of the inlet tube.

[0012] Preferably, a retractable structure is provided on the side wall of the probe tube to push the scraper to move in the radial direction of the probe tube, and a lifting rod is provided below the retractable structure to drive the retractable structure to open or retract.

[0013] Preferably, a drive ring is sleeved around the probe tube, the probe tube rotates synchronously with the drive ring, and the probe tube slides in the vertical direction with the drive ring. A magnetic ring-type actuator for driving the drive ring is provided around the drive ring.

[0014] Preferably, a receiving shell is provided below the cleaning port to receive the water flow falling from the opening. The probe passes through the receiving shell and slides vertically with the receiving shell. An air chamber is provided at the lower part of the receiving shell to surround the probe. The air chamber slides with the probe. An air pump is provided on one side of the air chamber. The air pump is activated when the probe starts spraying water.

[0015] This invention also relates to an automated feeding method for batch samples used in irradiation analysis, employing an automated feeding device for batch samples used in irradiation analysis, the specific steps of which are as follows: S1. The two sample carriers are positioned at two inlet and outlet stations respectively, with one sample carrier in the inlet state. After the sample carrier completes the inlet feeding, it moves to the irradiation port to stop the irradiation analysis. S2. After completing the irradiation analysis, the sample carrier returns from the irradiation port to the inlet / outlet station. The spherical inner liner inside the sample carrier rotates 180 degrees to discharge the sample from the outlet. At the same time, another sample carrier starts feeding. The spherical inner liner in the sample carrier at the outlet rotates 180 degrees after completing the discharge, so that the opening faces upward. S3. The sample carrier that has finished discharging the sample then moves toward the cleaning port and stops upon arrival. Another sample carrier is then placed at the irradiation port for irradiation analysis. The spherical inner liner in the sample carrier at the cleaning port rotates 180 degrees again, and water flows through the cleaning port into the interior of the spherical inner liner. The water flow is then stopped and the spherical inner liner is dried, completing the cleaning of the spherical inner liner.

[0016] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are: 1. This invention improves the efficiency of irradiation analysis by incorporating two sample carriers that can move synchronously in the horizontal direction within the housing. Each sample carrier contains a spherical inner liner. Due to the spherical structure and curved inner walls of the inner liner, when connected to the cleaning port, water flow effectively flushes away residual samples. Compared to traditional sample boxes with corners on the inner walls, the spherical inner liner is cleaned more efficiently. Furthermore, within the same volume, the spherical inner liner requires less rotation space for cleaning compared to traditional sample boxes, thus reducing the size of the automatic feeding device. In summary, this invention improves the efficiency of irradiation analysis, automatically cleans the spherical inner liner without human intervention, achieves a higher cleaning effect than traditional sample boxes, and reduces the size of the automatic feeding device due to the smaller rotation space of the spherical inner liner. 2. A magnetic ring magnetically attracts the opening of the spherical inner liner, ensuring the opening extends vertically and preventing leakage during feeding and discharging. Simultaneously, when the sample carrier moves to the irradiation port, pressure is applied to the pressurization chamber, causing the compression ring to descend and seal the upper connection port of the sample carrier. After irradiation, the pressure chamber depressurizes, causing the compression ring to rise and the sealing ring to ascend. This ensures a tight seal for the spherical inner liner during irradiation while preventing wear on the sealing ring during sample carrier movement. 3. An air-filled chamber surrounding the probe is provided at the lower part of the receiving shell. When the probe starts spraying water, the air pump sprays air into the air-filled chamber, making the air-filled chamber under high pressure. The air in the air-filled chamber overflows from the gap, thereby preventing water from flowing into the gap and preventing water from leaking out from the gap. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to the present invention; Figure 3 This invention relates to an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis. Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross section at point AA; Figure 4 This invention relates to an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis. Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional three-dimensional schematic diagram of an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of part C in coating 5 of the automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cleaning unit of an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to the present invention; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cleaning unit of an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to the present invention; Figure 9 This invention relates to an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis. Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of point D in the middle; Figure 10 This invention relates to an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis. Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of point E in the middle; Figure 11 This invention relates to an automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis. Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of point F in the middle.

[0018] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Shell; 11. Irradiation port; 111. Pressurization chamber; 112. Sealing ring; 113. Extrusion ring; 12. Cleaning port; 13. Feed port; 14. Discharge port; 15. Second rotary actuator; 16. Lead screw; 2. Sample carrier; 21. Spherical inner liner; 211. Opening; 22. First rotary actuator; 23. Connecting port; 24. Magnetic ring; 3. Cleaning unit; 31. Probe tube; 311. Retraction structure; 312. Lifting rod; 313. Electromagnet; 314. Lifting ring; 32. Scraper; 33. Valve body; 34. Linear actuator; 35. Drive ring; 36. Magnetic ring actuator; 37. Receiving shell; 38. Inflation chamber; 39. Air pump. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 5 and Figure 8An automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis includes a housing 1 and a sample carrier 2 that moves horizontally within the housing 1. An irradiation port 11 and a cleaning port 12 are provided on the housing 1. The irradiation port 11 is located at the upper part of the housing 1, and the cleaning port 12 is located at the lower part of the housing 1. A spherical groove is formed inside the sample carrier 2, and a spherical inner liner 21 is rotatably disposed within the spherical groove. An opening 211 is formed on the side wall of the spherical inner liner 21. A first rotary actuator 22 for driving the rotation of the spherical inner liner 21 is provided on one side of the spherical inner liner 21. When the sample carrier 2 is at the irradiation port 11, the opening 211 in the spherical inner liner 21 faces vertically upward and communicates with the irradiation port 11. When the sample carrier 2 is at the cleaning port 12, the opening 211 in the spherical inner liner 21 faces vertically downward and communicates with the cleaning port 12.

[0021] In existing irradiation analysis operations, most equipment is not suitable for analyzing batches of samples, requiring manual sample loading. This results in high workload for staff, as the entire loading process is manual. After prolonged work, staff are prone to carelessness during loading and unloading, and improper operation can expose staff to radiation, significantly impacting their health. To improve efficiency and ensure staff safety, existing technologies have designed automatic loading devices. While these devices can automate loading and analysis, the need for batch analysis and the inherent differences between batches mean that if the first batch is loaded into the sample carrier and then immediately replaced with the second batch, the samples will mix, leading to errors in the second batch's analysis results. To prevent this mixing, a more sophisticated approach is needed. It is worth noting that the sample carrier 2 does not directly contact the sample; however, a sample box that directly contacts the sample is located inside the sample carrier 2. There are two main existing solutions. One is to manually remove the previous batch of samples from the sample carrier 2 and clean the sample box. This is labor-intensive during batch irradiation analysis, and because the existing sample boxes are usually cylindrical, the bottom corners are difficult to clean. The other solution is to clean the sample box using a cleaning device. However, this requires removing the sample box before cleaning. If the cleaning device is placed directly on the housing 1, it can only clean the sample box from the top, which may result in incomplete cleaning. If the cleaning device is placed at the bottom of the housing 1, the sample box needs to be flipped. The cylindrical sample box requires a large space to flip, and it still cannot guarantee that the cleaning device will clean the bottom corners thoroughly.

[0022] To avoid the above problems, the existing automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis was redesigned, changing the shape of the traditional sample box. At the same time, no human intervention is required during operation. The specific structure and working process of the automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis of the present invention are as follows: A lead screw 16 is rotatably arranged inside the housing 1 along the moving direction of the sample carrier 2. The lead screw 16 passes through the sample carrier 2 and is threadedly engaged with the sample carrier 2. A second rotary driver 15 is provided at the end of the housing 1 to drive the lead screw 16 to rotate. The second rotary driver 15 is preferably a servo motor.

[0023] Two sample carriers 2 are provided, and the two sample carriers 2 move synchronously along the length of the housing 1 within the housing 1. When one sample carrier 2 is at the irradiation port 11, the other sample carrier 2 is at the cleaning port 12. The spherical inner liner 21 at the irradiation port 11 has its opening 211 facing upwards, while the spherical inner liner 21 at the cleaning port 12 has its opening 211 facing downwards. The spherical inner liner 21 is in direct contact with the sample. An inlet / outlet station is also provided between the irradiation port 11 and the cleaning port 12. The inlet / outlet station includes an inlet 13 and an outlet 14 arranged vertically from top to bottom. The irradiation port 11... The sample carrier 2 is located on the upper part of the housing 1. There are two inlet and outlet stations respectively, which are symmetrical about the irradiation port 11. When one sample carrier 2 is located at one inlet and outlet station, the other sample carrier 2 is also located at the other inlet and outlet station. At this time, the spherical inner liner 21 of one sample carrier 2 has its opening 211 facing vertically upward and connected to the inlet 13, while the spherical inner liner 21 of the other sample carrier 2 has its opening 211 facing vertically downward and connected to the outlet 14. This allows the other sample carrier 2 to receive the next batch of samples while one sample carrier 2 is discharging the analyzed sample, thus improving the efficiency of inlet and outlet. When one of the sample carriers 2 is in the irradiation port 11, the sample carrier 2 is in the irradiation analysis, and the other sample carrier 2 is in the cleaning port 12. The opening 211 of the spherical inner liner 21 in the sample carrier 2 is vertically downward. Since the spherical inner liner 21, which is in direct contact with the sample, has a spherical structure, there are no corners inside the spherical inner liner 21 during cleaning. When water flows into the spherical inner liner 21, the water flow can better rinse every corner of the spherical inner liner 21. At the same time, since the spherical inner liner 21 has a spherical structure, under the same volume, the space required for the spherical inner liner 21 to rotate is smaller than the space required for the rotation of a traditional sample box, thus reducing the size of the automatic feeding device.

[0024] By incorporating two sample carriers 2 that can move synchronously in the horizontal direction within the housing 1, the efficiency of irradiation analysis is improved. Each sample carrier 2 contains a spherical inner liner 21. Due to its spherical structure and curved inner walls, when the inner liner 21 is connected to the cleaning port 12, water flowing into it effectively removes residual samples. Compared to traditional sample boxes with corners on the inner walls, the spherical inner liner 21 is cleaned more efficiently. Furthermore, within the same volume, the spherical inner liner 21 requires less rotation space for cleaning compared to traditional sample boxes, thus reducing the size of the automatic feeding device. In summary, this invention improves the efficiency of irradiation analysis, automatically cleans the spherical inner liner 21 without human intervention, achieves a higher cleaning effect than traditional sample boxes, and reduces the size of the automatic feeding device due to the smaller rotation space of the spherical inner liner 21.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 11 There are two cleaning ports 12, which are symmetrical about the irradiation port 11. The horizontal distance between the irradiation port 11 and the cleaning port 12 is a first length. There are two sample carriers 2 that move synchronously in the horizontal direction inside the housing 1. The distance between the two sample carriers 2 is the same as the first length.

[0026] Reference Figure 5 A feeding and discharging station is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the irradiation port 11. The distance between the two feeding and discharging stations is the same as the first length. The feeding and discharging station includes a feeding port 13 and a discharging port 14 arranged vertically from top to bottom. When the sample carrier 2 passes through the feeding and discharging station, the sample carrier 2 is located between the feeding port 13 and the discharging port 14.

[0027] The process of a sample carrier 2 with a spherical inner liner 21 moving within the housing 1 is as follows: First, the sample carrier 2 is positioned at the inlet 13 awaiting feeding. After feeding is completed, the sample carrier 2 moves to the irradiation port 11 for irradiation. After irradiation analysis is completed, it moves in the reverse direction. When the sample carrier 2 reaches the outlet 14, it stops, and the spherical inner liner 21 inside the sample carrier 2 rotates 180 degrees. The spherical inner liner 21 discharges the sample through the opening 211. At this time, some sample remains inside the spherical inner liner 21. Subsequently, the spherical inner liner 21 rotates 180 degrees again to avoid further sample leakage. As the sample carrier 2 moves from the discharge port to the cleaning port 12, the sample remaining in the spherical inner liner 21 falls into the shell 1 through the vertically downward opening 211, contaminating the inside of the shell 1. When the sample carrier 2 moves to the cleaning port 12, the spherical inner liner 21 rotates 180 degrees, and the opening 211 of the spherical inner liner 21 is vertically downward again. At this time, water is sprayed into the spherical inner liner 21 from the cleaning port 12. Since the inside of the spherical inner liner 21 is a curved structure, the water can flow smoothly from top to bottom along the inner wall of the spherical inner liner 21 without any cleaning dead corners.

[0028] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 A vertically penetrating opening 23 is provided on the sample carrier 2, and a magnetic ring 24 is provided on the opening 211 of the spherical inner liner 21 to magnetically attract it.

[0029] The first rotary actuator 22 drives the spherical inner liner 21 to rotate, causing the spherical inner liner 21 to rotate the opening 211 to the upper side. Then the first rotary actuator 22 is de-energized, and the magnetic ring 24 calibrates and corrects the position of the opening 211, so that the extension direction of the opening 211 of the spherical inner liner 21 is in a vertical state, avoiding material leakage during the feeding and discharging process.

[0030] Reference Figure 6 A compression ring 113 is vertically movable around the irradiation port 11. A sealing ring 112 that can contact the upper part of the sample carrier 2 is provided at the lower part of the compression ring 113. When the opening 211 of the spherical inner liner 21 communicates with the irradiation port 11, the sealing ring 112 is in compression contact with the upper part of the sample carrier 2. The projection of the opening 211 on the upper part of the sample carrier 2 in the vertical direction is located in the inner ring of the projection of the sealing ring 112 on the upper part of the sample carrier 2 in the vertical direction. A pressure chamber 111 for driving the compression ring 113 to rise and fall is provided at the upper part of the compression ring 113.

[0031] When the sample carrier 2 moves to the irradiation port 11, pressure is applied to the pressurization chamber 111, causing the compression ring 113 to lower the sealing ring 112 and seal the upper connecting port 23 of the sample carrier 2. After irradiation, the pressure chamber 111 is depressurized, causing the compression ring 113 to raise the sealing ring 112. This ensures the sealing requirements of the spherical inner liner 21 during irradiation and avoids wear on the sealing ring 112 during the movement of the sample carrier 2.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 A cleaning unit 3 for cleaning the spherical inner liner 21 is provided at the cleaning port 12. The cleaning unit 3 includes an inlet pipe 31 that moves vertically and can flush water into the spherical inner liner 21. Multiple scrapers 32 that can slide and cooperate with the inner wall of the spherical inner liner 21 are provided around the inlet pipe 31. The multiple scrapers 32 are evenly arranged around the axis of the inlet pipe 31 and can rotate synchronously with the inlet pipe 31 around the axis of the inlet pipe 31.

[0033] A linear actuator 34 is provided at the lower end of the probe tube 31 to drive the probe tube 31 to move up and down in the vertical direction. Two valve bodies 33 are provided on the lower side wall of the probe tube 31. When one valve body 33 is opened, gas is injected into the probe tube 31, and when the other valve body 33 is opened, water is injected into the probe tube 31. It is worth noting that the probe tube 31 first flushes water into the spherical inner liner 21, and then blows high-pressure gas into the spherical inner liner 21.

[0034] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 A retractable structure 311 is provided on the side wall of the probe tube 31, which can push the scraper 32 to move in the radial direction of the probe tube 31. A lifting rod 312 is provided below the retractable structure 311 for driving the retractable structure 311 to open or retract.

[0035] The retractable structure 311 is composed of multiple connecting rods. The retractable structure 311 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. An electromagnet 313 is fixedly installed on the side wall of the probe tube 31. The electromagnet 313 has a ring structure. The lifting rod 312 passes through the electromagnet 313 in the vertical direction. A lifting ring 314 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the lifting rod 312. When the electromagnet 313 is energized, it can magnetically attract the lifting ring 314, so that the lifting ring 314 drives the lifting rod 312 to rise. Since the maximum cross-section of the spherical inner liner 21 in the horizontal direction is larger than the cross-section of the opening 211 of the spherical inner liner 21, when the scraper 32 passes through the opening 211 with the probe 31, the retractable structure 311 is in a contracted state. When the scraper 32 completely passes through the opening 211, the lifting rod 312 rises, causing the retractable structure 311 to open. The scraper 32 contacts the inner wall of the spherical inner liner 21 and rotates synchronously with the probe 31. While the probe 31 sprays water into the spherical inner liner 21, the scraper 32 can also scrape and clean the inner wall of the spherical inner liner 21.

[0036] Reference Figure 9 A drive ring 35 is sleeved around the probe tube 31. The probe tube 31 rotates synchronously with the drive ring 35, and the probe tube 31 slides in the vertical direction with the drive ring 35. A magnetic ring-shaped driver 36 for driving the drive ring 35 is provided around the drive ring 35.

[0037] A limiting groove is formed on the side wall of the probe 31 along its axial direction. An extension is provided on the drive ring 35, extending into the limiting groove. The probe 31 slides vertically with the extension on the drive ring 35 through the limiting groove. When the drive ring 35 rotates, the probe 31 rotates synchronously with it. The drive ring 35 is driven by a magnetic ring-type actuator 36, which in turn causes the scraper 32 to rotate synchronously with the probe 31 when water is sprayed out, thus improving the cleaning effect on the spherical inner tank 21.

[0038] ReferenceFigure 9 Below the cleaning port 12, there is a receiving shell 37 to receive the water flow falling from the opening 211. The probe 31 passes through the receiving shell 37 and slides in the vertical direction with the receiving shell 37. At the lower part of the receiving shell 37, there is an air chamber 38 that surrounds the probe 31. The air chamber 38 slides in the probe 31. An air pump 39 is provided on one side of the air chamber 38. The air pump 39 is activated when the probe 31 starts spraying water.

[0039] Since the drive ring 35 is rotatably mounted on the receiving shell 37, the receiving shell 37 is fixedly connected to the magnetic ring actuator 36, and the probe tube 31 slides in the receiving shell 37 in the vertical direction, when the probe tube 31 flushes water into the spherical inner liner 21, the water that has cleaned the spherical inner liner 21 flows out from the opening 211 and is received by the receiving shell 37. The outflowing water is prone to leaking out through the gap between the receiving shell 37 and the drive ring 35. In order to prevent the outflowing water from leaking out through the gap, an air chamber 38 surrounding the probe tube 31 is provided at the lower part of the receiving shell 37. When the probe tube 31 starts spraying water, the air pump 39 sprays air into the air chamber 38, so that the air chamber 38 is in a high-pressure state. The air in the air chamber 38 overflows from the gap, thereby preventing the water from entering the gap and preventing the water from leaking out through the gap.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 11 The present invention also relates to an automated feeding method for batch samples used in irradiation analysis, which employs an automated feeding device for batch samples used in irradiation analysis. The specific steps are as follows: S1. The two sample carriers 2 are respectively located at two inlet and outlet stations, with one of the sample carriers 2 in the inlet state. After the sample carrier 2 completes the inlet, it moves to the irradiation port 11 to stop the irradiation analysis. S2. After completing the irradiation analysis, the sample carrier 2 returns from the irradiation port 11 to the feeding and discharging station. The spherical inner liner 21 inside the sample carrier 2 rotates 180 degrees to discharge the sample from the discharge port 14. At the same time, another sample carrier 2 starts feeding. After the spherical inner liner 21 in the sample carrier 2 at the discharge port 14 completes the discharge, it rotates 180 degrees so that the opening 211 faces upward. S3. The sample carrier 2, which has finished discharging the sample, moves toward the cleaning port 12 and stops upon arrival. Another sample carrier 2 is then in the irradiation port 11 for irradiation analysis. The spherical inner liner 21 in the sample carrier 2 in the cleaning port 12 rotates 180 degrees again. Water flows through the cleaning port 12 and rushes into the interior of the spherical inner liner 21. Then the water flow stops and the spherical inner liner 21 is dried, completing the cleaning of the spherical inner liner 21.

[0041] Working principle: Two sample carriers 2 are provided, and the two sample carriers 2 move synchronously along the length of the housing 1. When one sample carrier 2 is at the irradiation port 11, the other sample carrier 2 is at the cleaning port 12. The spherical inner liner 21 at the irradiation port 11 has its opening 211 facing upward, and the spherical inner liner 21 at the cleaning port 12 has its opening 211 facing downward. The spherical inner liner 21 is in direct contact with the sample. A material inlet / outlet station is also provided between the irradiation port 11 and the cleaning port 12. The material inlet / outlet station includes a material inlet 13 and a material outlet 14 arranged vertically from top to bottom. 11 is set on the upper part of the shell 1. There are two inlet and outlet stations respectively, which are symmetrical about the irradiation port 11. When one sample carrier 2 is located at one inlet and outlet station, the other sample carrier 2 is also located at the other inlet and outlet station. At this time, the spherical inner liner 21 of one sample carrier 2 has its opening 211 facing vertically upward and connected to the inlet 13. The spherical inner liner 21 of the other sample carrier 2 has its opening 211 facing vertically downward and connected to the outlet 14. This allows one sample carrier 2 to discharge the analyzed sample while the other sample carrier 2 is in the state of receiving the next batch of samples, thus improving the efficiency of inlet and outlet. When one of the sample carriers 2 is in the irradiation port 11, the sample carrier 2 is in the irradiation analysis, and the other sample carrier 2 is in the cleaning port 12. The opening 211 of the spherical inner liner 21 in the sample carrier 2 is vertically downward. Since the spherical inner liner 21, which is in direct contact with the sample, has a spherical structure, there are no corners inside the spherical inner liner 21 during cleaning. When water flows into the spherical inner liner 21, the water flow can better rinse every corner of the spherical inner liner 21. At the same time, since the spherical inner liner 21 has a spherical structure, under the same volume, the space required for the spherical inner liner 21 to rotate is smaller than the space required for the rotation of a traditional sample box, thus reducing the size of the automatic feeding device.

[0042] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis, comprising a housing (1) and a sample carrier (2) that moves horizontally within the housing (1); characterized in that, An irradiation port (11) and a cleaning port (12) are provided on the shell (1). The irradiation port (11) is located at the upper part of the shell (1), and the cleaning port (12) is located at the lower part of the shell (1). A spherical groove is provided in the sample carrier (2), and a spherical inner liner (21) is rotatably provided in the spherical groove. An opening (211) is provided on the side wall of the spherical inner liner (21). A first rotary actuator (22) for driving the spherical inner liner (21) to rotate is provided on one side of the spherical inner liner (21). When the sample carrier (2) is in the irradiation port (11), the opening (211) in the spherical inner liner (21) is vertically upward and communicates with the irradiation port (11). When the sample carrier (2) is in the cleaning port (12), the opening (211) in the spherical inner liner (21) is vertically downward and communicates with the cleaning port (12).

2. The automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two cleaning ports (12), which are symmetrical about the irradiation port (11). The distance between the irradiation port (11) and the cleaning port (12) in the horizontal direction is the first length. There are two sample carriers (2) that move synchronously in the horizontal direction in the housing (1). The distance between the two sample carriers (2) is the same as the first length.

3. The automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to claim 2, characterized in that, A feeding and discharging station is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the irradiation port (11). The distance between the two feeding and discharging stations is the same as the first length. The feeding and discharging station includes a feeding port (13) and a discharging port (14) arranged vertically from top to bottom. When the sample carrier (2) passes through the feeding and discharging station, the sample carrier (2) is located between the feeding port (13) and the discharging port (14).

4. The automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting port (23) is provided vertically through the sample carrier (2), and a magnetic ring (24) is provided on the connecting port (23) to magnetically attract the end of the opening (211) of the spherical inner liner (21).

5. The automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, A compression ring (113) is provided around the irradiation port (11) in a vertical direction. A sealing ring (112) is provided at the lower part of the compression ring (113) to contact the upper part of the sample carrier (2). When the opening (211) of the spherical inner liner (21) is connected to the irradiation port (11), the sealing ring (112) is in compression contact with the upper part of the sample carrier (2). The projection of the opening (211) in the vertical direction on the upper part of the sample carrier (2) is located in the inner ring of the projection of the sealing ring (112) in the vertical direction on the upper part of the sample carrier (2). A pressure chamber (111) is provided at the upper part of the compression ring (113) to drive the compression ring (113) to rise and fall.

6. The automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cleaning unit (3) for cleaning the spherical inner liner (21) is provided at the cleaning port (12). The cleaning unit (3) includes an inlet pipe (31) that moves vertically. The inlet pipe (31) can flush water into the spherical inner liner (21). Multiple scrapers (32) that can slide and cooperate with the inner wall of the spherical inner liner (21) are provided around the inlet pipe (31). The multiple scrapers (32) are evenly arranged around the axis of the inlet pipe (31) and can rotate synchronously with the inlet pipe (31) around the axis of the inlet pipe (31).

7. The automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to claim 6, characterized in that, A retractable structure (311) is provided on the side wall of the probe (31) to push the scraper (32) to move in the radial direction of the probe (31). A lifting rod (312) is provided below the retractable structure (311) to drive the retractable structure (311) to open or retract.

8. The automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to claim 6, characterized in that, A drive ring (35) is sleeved around the probe (31). The probe (31) rotates synchronously with the drive ring (35), and the probe (31) slides in the vertical direction with the drive ring (35). A magnetic ring type driver (36) for driving the drive ring (35) is provided around the drive ring (35).

9. The automatic batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis according to claim 6, characterized in that, Below the cleaning port (12), there is a receiving shell (37) to receive the water flow falling from the opening (211). The probe (31) passes through the receiving shell (37) and slides in the vertical direction with the receiving shell (37). At the lower part of the receiving shell (37), there is an air chamber (38) that surrounds the probe (31). The air chamber (38) slides in the probe (31). An air pump (39) is provided on one side of the air chamber (38). The air pump (39) is started when the probe (31) starts spraying water.

10. An automated batch sample feeding method for irradiation analysis, employing the automated batch sample feeding device for irradiation analysis as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The specific steps are as follows: S1. The two sample carriers (2) are respectively located at two inlet and outlet stations, one of the sample carriers (2) is in the feeding state, and after the sample carrier (2) completes the feeding, it moves to the irradiation port (11) to stop the irradiation analysis. S2. After completing the irradiation analysis, the sample carrier (2) returns from the irradiation port (11) to the feed and discharge station. The spherical inner liner (21) inside the sample carrier (2) rotates 180 degrees to discharge the sample from the discharge port (14). At the same time, another sample carrier (2) starts to feed. The spherical inner liner (21) in the sample carrier (2) at the discharge port (14) rotates 180 degrees after completing the discharge, so that the opening (211) faces upward. S3. The sample carrier (2) that has finished discharging the sample then moves toward the cleaning port (12) and stops upon arrival. Another sample carrier (2) is then placed in the irradiation port (11) for irradiation analysis. The spherical inner liner (21) in the sample carrier (2) in the cleaning port (12) rotates 180 degrees again. Water flows through the cleaning port (12) and rushes into the interior of the spherical inner liner (21). Then the water flow is stopped and the spherical inner liner (21) is dried, thus completing the cleaning of the spherical inner liner (21).

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