Multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device of small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer, which comprises a shell assembly, a sample holder, a heat preservation medium conveying mechanism and a reaction medium conveying mechanism, and is characterized in that the shell assembly comprises a shell, an incident window and an emergent window, and the shell, the incident window and the emergent window jointly define a sample cavity; a heat preservation space is arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall of the shell and surrounds at least part of the sample cavity; the sample rack is used for bearing a plurality of samples and enabling two opposite surfaces of each sample to respectively face the incident window and the emergent window; the heat-preservation medium conveying mechanism is used for circularly conveying heat-preservation media to the heat-preservation space; the reaction medium conveying mechanism is used for circularly conveying a reaction medium with preset temperature and humidity to the sample cavity. According to the device, the sample cavity is subjected to heat preservation in a manner of circularly conveying a heat preservation medium into the heat preservation space, so that a sample in the sample cavity is in a constant temperature and humidity environment, and the accuracy of an experimental result is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of small-angle neutron scattering experimental apparatus, specifically to a multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for small-angle neutron scattering. Background Technology

[0002] Small-angle scattering (SAS) is an important method for probing the nanoscale structure of materials. It has advantages such as good statistical representativeness and simple sample preparation. It plays an irreplaceable role in the characterization of the microstructure of materials. When conducting SAS experiments using neutrons or X-rays, the incident beam is irradiated onto the sample, and the generated scattering signal is recorded and analyzed by a detector to infer the microstructural characteristics of the sample.

[0003] In small-angle scattering (SAS) experiments, the temperature and humidity environment of the sample plays a crucial role. Changes in ambient temperature and humidity can alter the nanostructure within the sample, allowing SOS to be observed and quantified in real time to probe the dynamics and thermodynamic processes of the sample under the influence of the external environment. However, traditional SOS temperature and humidity control experimental setups have poor insulation performance, affecting the uniformity of ambient temperature and humidity, and consequently impacting the accuracy of experimental results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to provide a multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer, which maintains the sample chamber temperature by circulating a heat-insulating medium into the heat-insulating space, thereby keeping the sample in the sample chamber in a constant temperature and humidity environment and improving the accuracy of experimental results.

[0005] This application provides a multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer, comprising:

[0006] A housing assembly includes a housing, an entrance window, and an exit window. The housing has an entrance port and an exit port. The entrance window is installed at the entrance port, and the exit window is installed at the exit port. The housing, the entrance window, and the exit window together define a sample chamber. A thermal insulation space is provided between the inner and outer walls of the housing, and the thermal insulation space surrounds at least a portion of the sample chamber.

[0007] A sample holder for holding multiple samples, with the opposite sides of each sample facing the entrance window and the exit window, respectively;

[0008] A thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism is connected to the thermal insulation space and is used to circulate and convey thermal insulation medium into the thermal insulation space.

[0009] A reaction medium delivery mechanism is connected to the sample chamber and is used to circulate a reaction medium with a preset temperature and humidity into the sample chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor is also included, which is used to detect the temperature and humidity inside the sample chamber.

[0011] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism includes a thermal insulation medium input connector and a thermal insulation medium output connector. The housing is provided with a thermal insulation medium inlet and a thermal insulation medium outlet. Both the thermal insulation medium inlet and the thermal insulation medium outlet are connected to the thermal insulation space. The thermal insulation medium input connector is installed at the thermal insulation medium inlet, and the thermal insulation medium output connector is installed at the thermal insulation medium outlet. The thermal insulation medium input connector is used to input thermal insulation medium into the thermal insulation space, and the thermal insulation medium output connector is used to output the thermal insulation medium from the thermal insulation space.

[0012] In one embodiment, the reaction medium delivery mechanism includes a reaction medium input connector and a reaction medium output connector. The housing is provided with a reaction medium inlet and a reaction medium outlet. Both the reaction medium inlet and the reaction medium outlet are connected to the sample chamber. The reaction medium input connector is installed at the reaction medium inlet, and the reaction medium output connector is installed at the reaction medium outlet. The reaction medium input connector is used to input a reaction medium at a preset temperature into the sample chamber, and the reaction medium output connector is used to output the reaction medium from the sample chamber.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing assembly further includes a cover, the housing having a pick-and-place opening that communicates with the sample chamber for picking up and placing the sample holder, and the cover being detachably mounted to the pick-and-place opening.

[0014] In one embodiment, the housing assembly further includes an insulation layer that covers the outer surface of the housing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing includes an inner shell, an outer shell, a first sealing plate, and a second sealing plate. The inner shell is installed inside the outer shell and connected to it. A gap exists between the inner shell and the outer shell. The first sealing plate covers one side of the inner shell and the outer shell and one side of the gap. The second sealing plate covers the other side of the inner shell and the outer shell and the other side of the gap. The first sealing plate, the second sealing plate, and the gap enclose the heat-insulating space. The inlet and the outlet are respectively located on opposite sides of the inner shell. The inlet window, the outlet window, and the inner shell together define the sample cavity. The loading and unloading port penetrates the inner shell and the outer shell. The heat-insulating layer covers the outer surface of the outer shell.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sample holder includes a frame and a plurality of sample boxes. The frame is detachably mounted in the sample cavity, and the plurality of sample boxes are detachably mounted on the frame. The sample boxes are used to hold samples.

[0017] In one embodiment, the frame is provided with multiple slots, and multiple sample boxes are respectively inserted into and installed in the multiple slots.

[0018] In one embodiment, a collimator is further included, which is detachably mounted on the outside of the entrance window; the collimator has a plurality of collimation positions, which respectively correspond to a plurality of samples on the sample holder, and the collimation positions are used to collimate the plurality of samples on the sample holder.

[0019] The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer according to the above embodiment allows for simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering experiments on multiple samples, as the sample holder carries multiple samples. This saves time and manpower costs associated with cutting off the neutron beam, recalibrating and restarting the neutron beam, and rebalancing the temperature and humidity of the sample chamber environment, maximizing beam time utilization and significantly improving experimental efficiency. The circulating insulation medium within the insulation space ensures that the reaction medium in the sample chamber remains at the preset temperature and humidity, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the small-angle neutron scattering experimental results. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 The three-dimensional experimental setup for multi-sample temperature and humidity control of the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 2 The three-dimensional experimental setup for multi-sample temperature and humidity control of the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0022] Figure 3 Explosion of the multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 4 Explosion of the multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0024] Figure 5 Explosion of the housing assembly provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 6 Explosion of the housing assembly provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 7 A perspective view of the housing provided for this application;

[0027] Figure 8 A perspective view of the sample holder provided for this application;

[0028] Figure 9 An exploded view of the sample price provided in this application.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] Shell assembly 10, shell 11, inner shell 111, inlet 1111, outlet 1112, mounting hole 1113, outer shell 112, loading and unloading port 1120, insulation medium inlet 1121, insulation medium outlet 1122, reaction medium inlet 1123, reaction medium outlet 1124, first sealing plate 113, second sealing plate 114, inlet window 12, first pressure plate 121, outlet window 13, second pressure plate 131, sample chamber 14, insulation space 15, cover 16, bracket 17;

[0031] Sample holder 20, frame 21, slot 211, sample box 22;

[0032] Insulation medium conveying mechanism 30, insulation medium input connector 31, insulation medium output connector 32;

[0033] Reaction medium conveying mechanism 40, reaction medium input connector 41, reaction medium output connector 42;

[0034] Collimator 50, collimator position 51. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0036] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments, and the operational steps involved in each embodiment can also be rearranged or adjusted in a manner that is obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specification and drawings are only for clearly describing a particular embodiment and do not imply that they represent the necessary components and / or order.

[0037] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0038] Small-angle scattering (SAS) techniques utilize neutron beams or X-rays to probe samples. Compared to X-ray SAS and synchrotron radiation techniques, neutron SAS offers the following advantages: 1) Neutrons possess isotope identification capabilities; 2) Neutrons are uncharged and possess a magnetic moment; 3) Due to the similarity between the wavelength and lattice parameters of neutrons, their energy is comparable to the elementary excitations of the lattice, thus allowing neutrons to be used to study the structural and dynamic characteristics of solids; 4) Neutrons have strong penetrating power; 5) Thermal neutrons cause minimal damage, making it a highly non-destructive technique. Therefore, neutron beams are frequently used for SAS experiments.

[0039] Small-angle scattering (SANS) spectrometers are among the most in-demand and busiest spectrometers in neutron sources. Developing multi-sample-position sample environments can effectively save neutron beam time costs and manpower costs during sample changes, and is one of the important development directions for SANS sample environment development.

[0040] In small-angle scattering (SAS) studies of neutrons in soft matter and polymer materials (polymer solutions, block copolymers, colloids, surfactants, liquid crystals, hydrogels, etc.), biomacromolecules and biomimetic materials (proteins, DNA, liposomes, biomembranes, virus particles, etc.), porous materials and energy materials (zeolites, aerogels, battery electrode materials, catalysts, etc.), sample temperature and humidity regulation plays an important role. Changes in ambient temperature are a powerful external stimulus, and changes in temperature and humidity can alter the nanostructure inside the sample. By using SAS techniques, these changes can be observed and quantified in real time, allowing us to explore the dynamics and thermodynamic processes of materials in response to the external environment.

[0041] However, traditional experimental setups for small-angle neutron scattering have poor thermal insulation, resulting in poor uniformity of temperature and humidity in the environment where the sample is located, which in turn affects the accuracy of the experimental results.

[0042] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer. By circulating a heat-insulating medium into the heat-insulating space, the sample chamber is kept at a constant temperature and humidity, thereby improving the accuracy of the experimental results.

[0043] See Figures 1-6 As shown, the multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this embodiment includes a shell assembly 10, a sample rack 20, a thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism 30, and a reaction medium conveying mechanism 40.

[0044] Housing assembly 10 includes housing 11, entrance window 12, and exit window 13, such as Figures 3-6 As shown, the housing 11 has an inlet 1111 and an outlet 1112. An inlet window 12 is installed at the inlet 1111, and an outlet window 13 is installed at the outlet 1112. The inlet 1111 and outlet 1112 are set relative to the direction of neutron beam incidence and emission. Specifically, the inlet 1111 faces the direction of neutron beam incidence, while the outlet 1112 is on the opposite side of the inlet 1111. A sample is placed between the inlet 1111 and the outlet 1112, as detailed in the following embodiment.

[0045] In this embodiment, the housing 11, the entrance window 12, and the exit window 13 together define the sample cavity 14, and a heat-insulating space 15 is provided between the inner and outer walls of the housing 11. The heat-insulating space 15 can be considered as the interlayer space between the inner and outer walls of the housing 11. The heat-insulating space 15 surrounds at least a portion of the sample cavity 14. In other words, the heat-insulating space 15 can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the sample cavity 14. Of course, the heat-insulating space 15 can also be arranged to completely surround the sample cavity 14.

[0046] The sample holder 20 is used to carry multiple samples, with the opposite sides of each sample facing the incident window 12 and the exit window 13, respectively. In other words, the samples carried on the sample holder 20 are located between the incident window 12 and the exit window 13, and small-angle neutron scattering experiments can be performed on multiple samples simultaneously.

[0047] The insulation medium conveying mechanism 30 is connected to the insulation space 15. The insulation medium conveying mechanism 30 is used to circulate the insulation medium to the insulation space 15. The insulation medium can be water, oil or oil-water mixture at a preset temperature. Since the insulation space 15 is arranged around at least part of the sample cavity 14, the insulation medium at the preset temperature can circulate around the sample cavity 14, thereby playing a role in heat preservation of the sample cavity 14.

[0048] The reaction medium delivery mechanism 40 is connected to the sample chamber 14. The reaction medium delivery mechanism 40 is used to circulate the reaction medium at a preset temperature and humidity to the sample chamber 14. The heat preservation medium in the heat preservation space 15 ensures that the reaction medium in the sample chamber 14 is always at the preset temperature and humidity, so that the sample is always in a constant temperature and humidity environment, which can ensure the accuracy of the experimental results. The reaction medium can be a gas, for example, nitrogen.

[0049] In practical use, the neutron beam enters through the entrance window 12 and sequentially aligns with each sample carried by the sample holder 20. To facilitate the entry of the neutron beam, in this embodiment, the housing assembly 10 is also provided with a bracket 17, which is fixedly installed at the bottom of the housing 11. The bracket 17 is used to connect with a moving mechanism, which can drive the housing assembly 10 to move in three-dimensional space via the bracket 17, thereby switching the alignment of each sample carried by the sample holder 20 with the neutron beam. The moving mechanism can be the sample stage within the scattering chamber of a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer.

[0050] In some embodiments, the samples carried on the sample holder 20 are arranged sequentially in a horizontal direction. Thus, the moving mechanism can drive the housing assembly 10 to move horizontally via the bracket 17, thereby switching between different samples aligned with the neutron beam. For this purpose, the housing 11 can generally be rectangular (length: 755mm, width: 80mm, height: 148mm), and the samples carried on the sample holder 20 are arranged sequentially along the length of the housing 11.

[0051] In the specific experimental process, the insulation medium delivery mechanism 30 circulates the insulation medium into the insulation space 15, and the reaction medium delivery mechanism 40 circulates the reaction medium at a preset temperature and humidity into the sample cavity 14. After the reaction medium fills the sample cavity 14, the insulation medium circulating in the insulation space 15 ensures that the reaction medium is always at the preset temperature and humidity. The neutron beam enters the sample through the entrance window 12 and exits through the exit window 13, allowing the microscopic state of the sample to be observed using neutron scattering technology. Because the insulation medium in the insulation space 15 ensures that the reaction medium in the sample cavity 14 is always at the preset temperature and humidity, the accuracy of the neutron small-angle scattering experimental results can be ensured. Furthermore, by driving the shell 11 to move horizontally through the moving mechanism, different samples are switched sequentially to align with the neutron beam. By sequentially switching different samples to perform neutron small-angle scattering experiments, the time cost of neutron beam flow and the labor cost of sample switching can be saved.

[0052] In one embodiment, the entrance window 12 and exit window 13 are key designs to ensure the sample achieves the maximum signal-to-noise ratio in small-angle neutron scattering experiments. They are typically made of aluminum foil with low neutron absorption and a thickness of 0.1 mm to meet the high transmittance requirements of the neutron beam in small-angle neutron scattering experiments. Furthermore, the aluminum foil also possesses high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, meeting the requirement for long-term use of the entrance window 12 in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. The entrance port 1111 of the housing 11 is designed based on the maximum neutron beam spot and scattering angle of the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer, ensuring that the entrance window 12 completely covers the neutron beam cross-section, preventing the neutron beam edge from being blocked, and ensuring the complete and efficient entry of the neutron beam into the sample. Additionally, the exit port 1112 and the exit window 13 installed at the exit port 1112 must meet the spectrometer's maximum scattering angle to avoid loss of neutron information after sample detection.

[0053] In one embodiment of this application, the entrance window 12 is pressed and fixed at the entrance port 1111 by the first pressure plate 121, and the exit window 13 is pressed and fixed at the exit port 1121 by the second pressure plate 131.

[0054] After the samples on sample holder 20 have completed the small-angle neutron scattering experiment, to facilitate the replacement of new samples, such as... Figures 1-7 As shown, the housing assembly 10 also includes a cover 16. The housing 11 has a pick-and-place opening 1120, which communicates with the sample chamber 14 for picking up and placing the sample holder 20. The cover 16 is detachably installed on the pick-and-place opening 1120. In other words, when the cover 16 is installed on the pick-and-place opening 1120, it forms a closed sample chamber 14. After removing the cover 16 from the pick-and-place opening 1120, the sample holder 20 can be picked up and placed from the pick-and-place opening 1120 to replace the sample on the sample holder 20, and the sample holder 20 with the replaced sample can be put back into the sample chamber 14 from the pick-and-place opening 1120.

[0055] In this application, multiple samples are arranged along the length of the shell 11 in the sample holder 20 within the sample chamber 14, enabling "simultaneous entry of multiple samples into the chamber." The quick-release cover 16, achieved through a mechanical structure, significantly reduces the time required for sample replacement and cover connection. After the small-angle neutron scattering experiment begins, the spectrometer's own moving mechanism drives the sequential switching of samples to align with the neutron beam, thus completing the sample testing. The parallel design of multiple samples and the sequential switching of samples greatly reduce the time costs associated with traditional sample replacement scenarios, such as cutting off the neutron beam, re-aligning the neutron beam, and restarting the neutron test. Combined with the design of the insulation space 15, the samples are maintained in a balanced temperature and humidity environment. The multi-sample design eliminates the need for waiting for sample replacement, environmental equilibration, and beam calibration, allowing for almost continuous acquisition of the sample's scattering signal, maximizing beam time utilization and significantly improving experimental efficiency.

[0056] In one embodiment, to ensure accurate alignment of the neutron beam with the sample in the initial stage of the experiment, the multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this application further includes a collimator 50. The collimator 50 is detachably installed on the outside of the entrance window 12. The collimator 50 has multiple collimation positions 51, where each collimation position 51 can be a crosshair, and the intersection of the crosshairs is the collimation point. The multiple collimation positions 51 correspond to multiple samples on the sample holder 20, and are used to collimate the multiple samples on the sample holder 20. Specifically, by means of a laser, the sample corresponding to the collimation position 51 is collimated by aligning with the collimation position 51, ensuring that the neutron beam can be incident on the sample and improving the accuracy of the experimental results.

[0057] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the sample holder 20 includes a frame 21 and multiple sample boxes 22. The frame 21 is detachably installed in the sample cavity 14 so that the frame 21 can be removed from the sample cavity 14 when the cover 16 is removed to open the access port 1120. The multiple sample boxes 22 are detachably installed on the frame 21. The multiple sample boxes 22 are arranged sequentially on the frame 21 along the length direction of the shell 11. The sample boxes 22 are used to hold samples.

[0058] In this embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown, the frame 21 is provided with multiple slots 211, and multiple sample boxes 22 are respectively inserted into the multiple slots 211 to facilitate the removal of the sample boxes 22 from the frame 21 for sample replacement.

[0059] The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this embodiment also includes a temperature and humidity sensor (not shown in the figure), which is used to detect the temperature and humidity inside the sample chamber 14. A mounting hole 1113 is provided on the housing 11, which extends through to the sample chamber 14. The temperature and humidity sensor is installed in the mounting hole 1113, and the sensing end of the temperature and humidity sensor can extend into the sample chamber 14 to accurately obtain the temperature and humidity inside the sample chamber 14.

[0060] The reaction medium with preset temperature and humidity can be generated by a temperature and humidity generator. The generator quantitatively generates the reaction medium at the preset temperature and humidity, which is then transported to the sample chamber 14 via the reaction medium delivery mechanism 40. During delivery, the gas inside the sample chamber 14 is displaced, gradually filling the chamber. The temperature and humidity sensor is electrically connected to the generator. The sensor provides real-time feedback of the detected temperature and humidity information within the sample chamber 14 to the generator. If the temperature and humidity inside the sample chamber 14 are lower than the preset temperature and humidity, the generator is controlled to replenish the sample chamber 14 with the reaction medium at the preset temperature and humidity via the reaction medium delivery device. When the temperature and humidity inside the sample chamber 14 reach the preset temperature and humidity, the generator stops operating.

[0061] To ensure that the temperature and humidity sensor does not affect the detection effect due to condensation caused by local low temperature, the detection value of the temperature and humidity sensor is usually set to be a few degrees higher than the preset temperature and humidity value.

[0062] See Figures 1-6As shown, the insulation medium conveying mechanism 30 includes an insulation medium input connector 31 and an insulation medium output connector 32. The housing 11 is provided with an insulation medium inlet 1121 and an insulation medium outlet 1122, both of which are connected to the insulation space 15. The insulation medium inlet 1121 and outlet 1122 can be respectively located at both ends of the housing 11. The insulation medium input connector 31 is installed at the insulation medium inlet 1121, and the insulation medium output connector 32 is installed at the insulation medium outlet 1122. The insulation medium input connector 31 is used to input the insulation medium into the insulation space 15, and the insulation medium output connector 32 is used to output the insulation medium from the insulation space 15, ensuring that the insulation medium is circulated within the insulation space 15. The insulation medium can be heated by a heating mechanism to a preset temperature and then conveyed to the insulation medium input connector 31, which then delivers it into the insulation space 15.

[0063] In one embodiment, the insulation medium output connector 32 can also be connected to the heating mechanism so that the output insulation medium flows back into the heating mechanism for reheating, thereby recycling the insulation medium.

[0064] Of course, in other embodiments, a temperature sensor can also be set to monitor the temperature in the insulation space in real time, and the temperature sensor can be connected to the heating mechanism. The temperature in the insulation space detected by the temperature sensor is fed back to the heating mechanism in real time so as to adjust the heating temperature of the heating mechanism.

[0065] The reaction medium delivery mechanism 40 includes a reaction medium input connector 41 and a reaction medium output connector 42. The housing 11 is provided with a reaction medium inlet 1123 and a reaction medium outlet 1124, both of which are connected to the sample chamber 14. The reaction medium inlet 1123 and the reaction medium outlet 1124 can be respectively located at both ends of the housing 11. The reaction medium input connector 41 is installed at the reaction medium inlet 1123, and the reaction medium output connector 42 is installed at the reaction medium outlet 1124. The reaction medium input connector 41 is used to input a reaction medium at a preset temperature into the sample chamber 14, and the reaction medium output connector 42 is used to output the reaction medium from the sample chamber 14. Specifically, in the preparation stage of the small-angle scattering experiment, the reaction medium at a preset temperature and humidity generated by the temperature and humidity generator is delivered to the sample chamber 14 through the reaction medium input connector 41. After displacing the air in the sample chamber 14 and causing the air to exit from the reaction medium output connector 42, the sample chamber 14 can be filled.

[0066] In one embodiment, the reaction medium output connector 42 can also be connected to a waste gas collector, so that the air discharged from the sample chamber 14 and the reaction medium that has completed the reaction can be discharged into the waste gas collector for centralized collection.

[0067] In this application, the housing assembly 10 also includes a heat insulation layer, which covers the outer surface of the housing 11 to prevent heat loss of the heat insulation medium in the heat insulation space 15 and further improve the heat insulation effect.

[0068] See Figures 3-7 As shown, the housing 11 includes an inner shell 111, an outer shell 112, a first sealing plate 113, and a second sealing plate 114. The inner shell 111 is installed inside the outer shell 112 and connected to the outer shell 112. There is a gap between the inner shell 111 and the outer shell 112. The first sealing plate 113 covers one side of the inner shell 111 and the outer shell 112 and covers one side of the gap. The second sealing plate 114 covers the other side of the inner shell 111 and the outer shell 112 and covers the other side of the gap. The first sealing plate 113, the second sealing plate 114, and the gap enclose a heat-insulating space 15. The inlet 1111 and the outlet 1112 are respectively located on opposite sides of the inner shell 111. The inlet window 12, the outlet window 13, and the inner shell 111 together define the sample chamber 14. The take-up and take-down port 1120 penetrates the inner shell 111 and the outer shell 112. The heat-insulating layer covers the outer surface of the outer shell 112.

[0069] In summary, the multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for small-angle scattering spectrometer provided in this embodiment allows for simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering experiments on multiple samples, as the sample holder carries multiple samples. This saves time and manpower costs associated with interrupting the neutron beam, recalibrating and restarting the neutron beam, and rebalancing the temperature and humidity of the sample cavity environment, maximizing beam time utilization and significantly improving experimental efficiency. The circulating insulation medium within the insulation space ensures that the reaction medium in the sample cavity remains at the preset temperature and humidity. The neutron beam enters the sample through the entrance window and exits through the exit window, allowing for the observation of the sample's microscopic state using small-angle neutron scattering technology. Because the insulation medium within the insulation space ensures that the reaction medium in the sample cavity remains at the preset temperature and humidity, the accuracy of the neutron small-angle scattering experimental results is guaranteed.

[0070] The above description, in conjunction with specific embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer, characterized in that, include: A housing assembly includes a housing, an entrance window, and an exit window. The housing has an entrance port and an exit port. The entrance window is installed at the entrance port, and the exit window is installed at the exit port. The housing, the entrance window, and the exit window together define a sample chamber. A thermal insulation space is provided between the inner and outer walls of the housing, and the thermal insulation space surrounds at least a portion of the sample chamber. A sample holder for holding multiple samples, with the opposite sides of each sample facing the entrance window and the exit window, respectively; A thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism is connected to the thermal insulation space and is used to circulate and convey thermal insulation medium into the thermal insulation space. A reaction medium delivery mechanism is connected to the sample chamber and is used to circulate a reaction medium with a preset temperature and humidity into the sample chamber.

2. The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature and humidity sensor, which is used to detect the temperature and humidity inside the sample chamber.

3. The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism includes a thermal insulation medium input connector and a thermal insulation medium output connector. The housing is provided with a thermal insulation medium inlet and a thermal insulation medium outlet. Both the thermal insulation medium inlet and the thermal insulation medium outlet are connected to the thermal insulation space. The thermal insulation medium input connector is installed at the thermal insulation medium inlet, and the thermal insulation medium output connector is installed at the thermal insulation medium outlet. The insulation medium input connector is used to input insulation medium into the insulation space, and the insulation medium output connector is used to output the insulation medium from the insulation space.

4. The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction medium delivery mechanism includes a reaction medium input connector and a reaction medium output connector. The housing is provided with a reaction medium inlet and a reaction medium outlet. Both the reaction medium inlet and the reaction medium outlet are connected to the sample chamber. The reaction medium input connector is installed at the reaction medium inlet, and the reaction medium output connector is installed at the reaction medium outlet. The reaction medium input connector is used to input a reaction medium at a preset temperature into the sample chamber, and the reaction medium output connector is used to output the reaction medium from the sample chamber.

5. The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly also includes a cover, the housing having a pick-and-place opening that communicates with the sample chamber for picking up and placing the sample holder, and the cover being detachably installed on the pick-and-place opening.

6. The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The housing assembly also includes a thermal insulation layer that covers the outer surface of the housing.

7. The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The housing includes an inner shell, an outer shell, a first sealing plate, and a second sealing plate. The inner shell is installed inside the outer shell and connected to the outer shell. There is a gap between the inner shell and the outer shell. The first sealing plate covers one side of the inner shell and the outer shell and also covers one side of the gap. The second sealing plate covers the other side of the inner shell and the outer shell and also covers the other side of the gap. The first sealing plate, the second sealing plate, and the gap together form the heat-insulating space. The inlet and outlet are respectively located on opposite sides of the inner shell. The inlet window, the outlet window, and the inner shell together define the sample chamber. The pick-up and drop-out port penetrates the inner shell and the outer shell. The heat insulation layer covers the outer surface of the outer shell.

8. The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sample holder includes a frame and multiple sample boxes. The frame is detachably installed in the sample cavity, and the multiple sample boxes are detachably installed on the frame. The sample boxes are used to hold samples.

9. The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The frame is provided with multiple slots, and multiple sample boxes are respectively inserted into and installed in the multiple slots.

10. The multi-sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a collimator, which is detachably mounted on the outside of the entrance window; the collimator has multiple collimation positions, each of which corresponds to a multiple sample on the sample holder, and the collimation positions are used to collimate the multiple samples on the sample holder.

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