Connecting structure for connecting vacuum glove box and sample introduction chamber

Abstract

The invention discloses a connecting structure for connecting a vacuum glove box and a sample introduction chamber, the connecting structure is fixed at a sample introduction port of the glove box, the connecting structure comprises a fixing plate, a sample introduction chamber door and a buckle, the fixing plate is fixed on the side wall of the glove box and is used for being connected and fixed to the sample introduction chamber, and a through hole for communicating the glove box and the sample introduction chamber is formed in the middle of the fixing plate; the sample introduction chamber door is arranged in the glove box and is movably connected to the fixed plate, and the sample introduction chamber door can move to be far away from or cover the through hole; the buckle is used for pushing and enabling the sample introduction chamber door to be tightly attached to the inner wall of the fixing plate or the glove box when the sample introduction chamber door moves to the position covering the through hole. After the glove box and the sample introduction chamber are connected through the connecting structure, a sample in the sample introduction chamber can be transferred into the glove box through gloves for operation, and different sample introduction chambers can be replaced conveniently. The connecting structure is simple and convenient to operate, and the working efficiency and the stability during operation are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vacuum glove box technology, specifically relating to a connection structure for connecting a vacuum glove box and a sample inlet chamber. Background Technology

[0002] A vacuum glove box is a laboratory device that uses high-purity inert gas to fill the chamber, circulate and filter out reactive substances, and then allows gloves to be inserted into the chamber for operations. It is also called a glove box, inert gas protection box, or dry box. Its main function is to remove oxygen, water, and organic gases, and it is widely used in ultra-pure environments that are anhydrous, oxygen-free, and dust-free. Some existing glove boxes typically use magnetic rods to transfer samples into the vacuum chamber, which results in low efficiency, instability, and a tendency for samples to fall out. Alternatively, the connection mechanism may be complex and inconvenient to use.

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connection structure for connecting a vacuum glove box and a sample inlet chamber, so as to solve the problems of low efficiency, instability or easy drop of samples into the vacuum chamber.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides a connection structure for connecting a vacuum glove box and a sample inlet chamber. This connection structure is fixed to the sample inlet of the glove box and includes a fixing plate, a sample inlet chamber door, and a buckle. The fixing plate is fixed to the side wall of the glove box and is used to connect and fix it to the sample inlet chamber. A through hole communicating between the glove box and the sample inlet chamber is provided in the middle of the fixing plate. The sample inlet chamber door is disposed inside the glove box and movably connected to the fixing plate. The sample inlet chamber door can be moved away from or cover the through hole. The buckle is used to push and press the sample inlet chamber door tightly against the fixing plate or the inner wall of the glove box when the sample inlet chamber door moves to a position covering the through hole. The structure includes a base, a handle, and a connecting rod pressure head. The base is fixed to the inner wall of the glove box or the fixing plate. The pressure head and the connecting rod are pivotally connected to the base, and the handle is pivotally connected to the pressure head and the connecting rod.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the fixing plate includes a main body portion that fits against the outer wall of the glove box, and a protrusion that protrudes from the main body portion and extends into the glove box, the through hole being formed on the protrusion, and the buckle pushing the sample inlet chamber door and pressing it tightly against the surface of the protrusion.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of mounting plates disposed within the glove box are further included, the mounting plates surrounding the protrusion and fixed to the main body.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, guide rails are fixed on the mounting plates above and below the protrusion, and the guide rails are provided with sliding grooves. The top and bottom of the sample inlet door are provided with ball bearings that are embedded in and can slide in the sliding grooves.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the chute includes a first chute section extending along the length of the guide rail, and two second chute sections connected to and perpendicular to the first chute section. The top and bottom of the sample inlet door are respectively provided with two of the aforementioned ball bearings. The distance between the two second chute sections is the same as the distance between the two ball bearings, and the positions of the two second chute sections are set such that when the two ball bearings enter the two second chute sections respectively, the sample inlet door covers the through hole.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the buckles are mounted on the mounting plates above and below the protrusion.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a first sealing ring is pressed between the main body and the outer wall of the glove box.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of latches are further included fixed to the main body, and a connecting flange for fixing to the sample inlet chamber, wherein the connecting flange is provided with a latch groove, and the latches are disposed outside the glove box and are used to fix to the latch groove.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the latch includes a mounting base, an adjusting bolt, and a locking block. The mounting base is fixed to the main body, the adjusting bolt passes through the locking block and is connected to the mounting base, and the locking block is provided with a positioning block for embedding into the latch groove.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a second sealing ring is pressed between the main body and the connecting flange.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the connection structure of this invention, which connects the glove box and the sample injection chamber, allows for the transfer of samples from the injection chamber to the glove box for operation using only gloves, and facilitates the replacement of different injection chambers. This connection structure is simple and easy to operate, improving work efficiency and operational stability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure being installed inside the glove box in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the glove box in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure from another angle in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a buckle in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the connection structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a disassembled view of the connection structure from another angle in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a latch in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0027] 100-Connecting structure, 10-Fixing plate, 11-Through hole, 12-Main body, 13-Protrusion, 14-First sealing ring, 15-First limiting groove, 16-Second limiting groove, 20-Sample inlet chamber door, 21-Third limiting groove, 22-Guide rail, 221-Slide groove, 2211-First slide groove section, 2212-Second slide groove section, 23-Ball bearing, 24-Adjusting nut, 25-Observation window, 26-Handrail, 27-Third sealing ring, 30-Snap fastener, 31-Base, 32-Turn handle, 33-Pressure head, 34-Connecting rod, 40-Mounting plate, 50-Connecting flange, 51-Lock groove, 60-Lock, 61-Mounting seat, 62-Adjusting bolt, 63-Locking block, 64-Positioning block, 70-Second sealing ring, 200-Sample inlet chamber, 300-Glove box. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0029] like Figure 1-3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a connecting structure 100 is used to connect a vacuum glove box 300 and a sample inlet chamber 200. The connecting structure 100 includes a fixing plate 10, a sample inlet chamber door 20, and a latch 30. The glove box 300 has an inlet port (not shown) for sample entry and exit. The fixing plate 10 is fixed to the inlet port on the side wall of the glove box 300 and is used to connect and fix the sample inlet chamber 200. A through hole 11 communicating between the glove box 300 and the sample inlet chamber 200 is provided in its middle position. The sample inlet chamber door 20 is disposed inside the glove box 300 and movably connected to the fixing plate 10. It can move within the glove box 300 to approach and cover the through hole 11, or move away from the through hole 11. The latch 30 is used to press the sample inlet chamber door 20 tightly against the fixing plate 10 or the inner wall of the glove box 300 after the sample inlet door 20 moves to the position covering the through hole 11.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, the buckle 30 includes a base 31, a handle 32, a pressure head 33, and a connecting rod 34. The base 31 is fixed to the inner wall of the glove box 300 or the fixed plate 10. The pressure head 33 and the connecting rod 34 are pivotally connected to the base 31, and the handle 32 is pivotally connected to the connecting rod 34 and the pressure head 33. After the sample inlet door 20 moves to the position covering the through hole 11, the handle 32 is rotated counterclockwise. At this time, the handle 32 rotates about the connection point with the connecting rod 34 as the axis, driving the pressure head 33 to rotate counterclockwise and press against the sample inlet door 20. When the pressure head 33 cannot rotate after contacting the sample inlet door 20, continue rotating the handle 32. The handle 32 rotates around its connection point with the pressure head 33, driving the connecting rod 34 to rotate clockwise around its connection point with the base 31. The connection point between the connecting rod 34 and the handle 32 moves above the connection point between the base 31 and the connecting rod 34, ultimately forming a triangular relationship with the handle 32. The handle 32 will remain fixed in this position and will not rotate unless external force is applied, allowing the pressure head 33 to stably press the sample inlet door 20 against the fixing plate 10 or the inner wall of the glove box 300. When unlocking is required, rotating the handle 32 clockwise causes the connecting rod 34 to rotate counterclockwise, disengaging the pressure head 33 from the sample inlet door 20.

[0031] In this embodiment, the sample inlet chamber 200 is connected to the glove box 300 via the connection structure 100. Initially, the sample inlet chamber door 20 is tightly fitted against the fixing plate 10 or the inner wall of the glove box 300, and the latch 30 is locked. After adjusting the atmosphere in both the sample inlet chamber 200 and the glove box 300, the latch 30 is unlocked and the sample inlet chamber door 20 is opened. The sample can then be transferred from the sample inlet chamber 200 to the glove box 300 for operation using gloves. Covering the through hole 11 with the sample inlet chamber door 20 and securing it with the latch 30 isolates the glove box 300 from the sample inlet chamber 200, facilitating the replacement of different sample inlet chambers 200. This connection structure 100 is simple in structure and easy to operate, improving work efficiency and operational stability.

[0032] Specifically, the fixing plate 10 includes a main body 12 and a protrusion 13 extending from the main body 12. The protrusion 13 extends into the glove box 300 through an opening in the glove box 300, and a through hole 11 is formed in the area where the protrusion 13 is located. To improve airtightness, the area of ​​the protrusion 13 is basically the same as the area of ​​the opening in the glove box 300. At the same time, the area of ​​the protrusion 13 is also basically the same as the area of ​​the sample inlet door 20. When the sample inlet door 20 moves to the position covering the through hole 11, the sample inlet door 20 and the protrusion 13 basically overlap. At this time, the operating latch 30 presses the sample inlet door 20 tightly against the surface of the protrusion 13.

[0033] To improve the stability of the fixing plate 10 on the glove box 300, the connection structure 100 also includes multiple mounting plates 40. Each mounting plate 40 is elongated and positioned inside the glove box 300, surrounding the protrusion 13. Multiple sets of mounting holes are provided on the mounting plates 40, the glove box 300, and the main body 12. Bolts are installed in these holes to fix the fixing plate 10 and the mounting plates 40 to the side wall of the glove box 300.

[0034] To improve airtightness, a first sealing ring 14 is pressed between the fixing plate 10 and the outer wall of the glove box 300, and all bolts for the fixing plate 10 and the mounting plate 40 are located within the range of the first sealing ring 14. Preferably, a first limiting groove 15 is provided on the main body 12 to limit the first sealing ring 14, preventing the first sealing ring 14 from shifting, while allowing the fixing plate 10 to fit tightly against the outer wall of the glove box 300.

[0035] In such Figure 6 , 7In the illustrated embodiment, the sample inlet door 20 employs a translational movement method. Guide rails 22 are fixed above and below the protrusion 13, each guide rail 22 having a groove 221. Ball bearings 23, embedded in and sliding within the grooves 221, are located at the top and bottom of the sample inlet door 20, allowing the sample inlet door 20 to move closer to or further away from the through-hole 11 in a translational manner. The guide rails 22 are fixed to the mounting plate 40; in other embodiments, they can also be fixed to the inner wall of the glove box 300. This embodiment is not limited to this.

[0036] Specifically, the slide 221 includes a first slide section 2211 extending along the length of the guide rail 22, and two second slide sections 2212 connected to and perpendicular to the first slide section 2211. Correspondingly, two ball bearings 23 are respectively provided at the top and bottom of the sample inlet door 20, and the distance between the two ball bearings 23 is the same as the distance between the two second slide sections 2212. When the two ball bearings 23 move within the first slide section 2211, they approach or move away from the through hole 11. After moving into the corresponding second slide section 2212, they can move along the opening direction of the through hole 11 and are tightly attached to the protrusion 13 by the action of the latch 30.

[0037] It should be understood that the positions of the second chute section 2212 and the ball bearings 23 should satisfy the following condition: when the two ball bearings 23 enter their respective corresponding second chute sections 2212, the sample inlet door 20 is in a position overlapping with the protrusion 13 to fully cover the through hole 11. Of course, the second chute section 2212 and the ball bearings 23 can also be provided in three or more quantities, and this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0038] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, clips 30 are installed above and below the protrusion 13, respectively, and are fixed to the mounting plates 40 on the upper and lower sides of the protrusion 13. These clips 30 can also be fixed to the inner wall of the glove box 300; this embodiment is not limiting.

[0039] Preferably, the number of clips 30 fixed on the mounting plate 40 can be increased. Alternatively, clips 30 can also be set on the mounting plate 40 on the other side of the guide rail 22, thereby further improving airtightness and ensuring the gas atmosphere inside the glove box 300.

[0040] In one embodiment, the protrusion height of the ball bearing 23 is adjustable. A threaded hole (not shown) is made in the sample inlet door 20. One end of the ball bearing 23 is connected to a bolt and an adjusting nut 24. After the bolt is screwed into the threaded hole, it is fixed to the sample inlet door 20 by the adjusting nut 24. When installing the sample inlet door 20, the adjusting nut 24 is rotated to minimize the protrusion height of the ball bearing 23. After the sample inlet door 20 is placed in position, the adjusting nut 24 is rotated to allow the ball bearing 23 to embed into the slide groove 221. Finally, the adjusting nut 24 is finely adjusted so that the ball bearing 23 can move smoothly within the slide groove 221 without wobbling.

[0041] An observation window 25 and a handrail 26 for operation are provided on the sample inlet door 20.

[0042] Preferably, in order to improve the airtightness of the entire glove box 300, a third sealing ring 27 is squeezed between the sample inlet door 20 and the protrusion 13, and a third limiting groove 21 is opened on the sample inlet door 20 to accommodate the third sealing ring 27. The third limiting groove 21 is used to prevent the third sealing ring 27 from being displaced or excessively deformed, while allowing the sample inlet door 20 to be completely fitted onto the protrusion 13.

[0043] The connecting structure 100 also includes a connecting flange 50 and multiple latches 60. The connecting flange 50 is fixed to the channel opening on the sample inlet chamber 200 for connection with the glove box 300. A latch groove 51 is provided on the connecting flange 50, and the latches 60 are fixed to the main body 12 and can be secured to the latch groove 51. Therefore, the connecting structure 100 and the sample inlet chamber 200 adopt a quick-release structure, which is simple in structure and convenient in operation. It can also quickly switch between different sample inlet chambers 200, providing high flexibility. Furthermore, connecting flanges 50 of different specifications can be prefabricated to adapt to sample inlet chambers 200 with different channel opening sizes, thereby further improving flexibility.

[0044] Specifically, the latch 60 includes a mounting base 61, an adjusting bolt 62, and a locking block 63. The mounting base 61 is fixed to the main body 12. The adjusting bolt 62 passes through the locking block 63 and is connected to the mounting base 61. The locking block 63 is provided with a positioning block 64 for embedding into the latch groove 51. After moving the connecting flange 50 to a position close to the latch 60, the locking block 63 is embedded into the latch groove 51. The adjusting bolt 62 is rotated and tightened so that the locking block 63 is tightly pressed against the bottom of the latch groove 51, thus fixing the connecting flange 50 to the fixing plate 10, thereby completing the connection and fixation of the sample inlet chamber 200 and the glove box 300.

[0045] Preferably, the locking groove 51 is an annular groove surrounding the inlet of the sample inlet chamber 200, and a plurality of locking buckles 60 are installed on the main body 12. The plurality of locking buckles 60 are respectively arranged on the upper and lower sides and the left and right sides of the locking groove 51 to improve the fixing effect and airtightness.

[0046] Furthermore, a second sealing ring 70 is provided between the main body 12 and the connecting flange 50 to further improve the airtightness between them. Secondly, a second limiting groove 16 is provided on the main body 12 to limit the second sealing ring 70, so as to prevent the second sealing ring 70 from shifting, and at the same time to allow the connecting flange 50 to fit tightly against the fixing plate 10.

[0047] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this disclosure. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A connection structure for connecting a vacuum glove box and a sample inlet chamber, characterized in that, The connecting structure is fixed to the sample inlet of the glove box, and the connecting structure includes: A fixing plate is fixed to the side wall of the glove box for connecting and fixing to the sample inlet chamber. The fixing plate has a through hole in the middle that connects the glove box and the sample inlet chamber. A sample inlet door is located inside the glove box and is movably connected to the fixed plate. The sample inlet door can be moved away from or cover the through hole. A latch is used to push and press the sample inlet door against the inner wall of the fixed plate or glove box when the sample inlet door is moved to a position covering the through hole. The latch includes a base, a handle, and a connecting rod pressure head. The base is fixed to the inner wall of the glove box or the fixed plate. The pressure head and the connecting rod are pivotally connected to the base, and the handle is pivotally connected to the pressure head and the connecting rod.

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing plate includes a main body that fits against the outer wall of the glove box, and a protrusion that protrudes from the main body and extends into the glove box. The through hole is opened on the protrusion, and the buckle pushes the sample inlet door and presses it tightly against the surface of the protrusion.

3. The connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes multiple mounting plates disposed within the glove box, the mounting plates surrounding the protrusion and fixed to the main body.

4. The connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, Guide rails are fixed on the mounting plates above and below the protrusion, and the guide rails are provided with sliding grooves. The top and bottom of the sample inlet door are provided with ball bearings that are embedded in the sliding grooves.

5. The connection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The chute includes a first chute section extending along the length of the guide rail, and two second chute sections connected to and perpendicular to the first chute section. The top and bottom of the sample inlet door are respectively provided with two of the aforementioned ball bearings. The distance between the two second chute sections is the same as the distance between the two ball bearings, and the positions of the two second chute sections are set such that when the two ball bearings enter the two second chute sections respectively, the sample inlet door covers the through hole.

6. The connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The buckles are installed on the mounting plates above and below the protrusion.

7. The connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first sealing ring is pressed between the main body and the outer wall of the glove box.

8. The connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes multiple latches fixed to the main body and a connecting flange for fixing to the sample inlet chamber. The connecting flange is provided with a latch groove, and the latches are located outside the glove box and are used to fix to the latch groove.

9. The connection structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The latch includes a mounting base, an adjusting bolt, and a locking block. The mounting base is fixed to the main body, the adjusting bolt passes through the locking block and is connected to the mounting base, and the locking block is provided with a positioning block for embedding into the latch groove.

10. The connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, A second sealing ring is pressed between the main body and the connecting flange.

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