Sample transporter and sample analysis system

Abstract

A sample conveyor for a sample analysis device that extracts and analyzes components generated as gas from a heated measurement sample is detachably attached to a predetermined sample insertion position provided in the sample analysis device, and includes: a container main body having a measurement sample housing chamber in which a measurement sample is housed in an interior, and a sample outlet through which the measurement sample in the housing chamber is guided; a base plate having a through hole that is open to an upper surface and a lower surface, and being rotatably attached to a bottom of the container main body via a sealing member; and a distance adjustment mechanism that adjusts a surface-to-surface distance between the upper surface of the base plate and the bottom surface of the container main body, and that moves the sample outlet between a predetermined sealing position in which the sample outlet is closed by the upper surface of the base plate and the housing chamber is hermetically sealed, and an open position in which the through hole of the base plate is open and the measurement sample can be guided, by rotating one of the container main body and the base plate with respect to the other, and that adjusts the surface-to-surface distance to be longer during movement of the sample outlet between the sealing position and the open position than the surface-to-surface distance when the sample outlet is in the sealing position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample conveyor for a sample analysis apparatus and a sample analysis system equipped with the sample conveyor, wherein the sample analysis apparatus analyzes the sample by placing a test sample in a crucible and heating the test sample to melt or burn it, and measuring the gas composition generated at this time. Background Technology

[0002] This sample analysis apparatus can analyze, for example, elements such as nitrogen (N), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) contained in the sample by measuring the composition of the gas, and, depending on the situation, can analyze molecules. In the invention shown in Patent Document 1, when the sample is heated and measured in a crucible, in order to prevent measurement errors caused by reactions with oxygen in the atmosphere, the crucible holding chamber that houses and holds the crucible is purged with an inert gas.

[0003] However, for example, when the sample being tested is a highly reactive battery material, it is possible that the sample may come into contact with the atmosphere or other substances during transport to the sample analysis device, causing the sample to deteriorate and making accurate measurement impossible.

[0004] Regarding this issue, Patent Document 2 describes a sample conveyor comprising a housing and a closure. The housing has a housing chamber for housing the sample to be measured and a sample outlet for discharging the sample from the housing chamber. The closure closes the sample outlet. This sample conveyor is configured such that, in its installed state at a predetermined position on a sample analysis apparatus, if the closure or housing member is slid relative to each other to open the sample outlet, the sample outlet communicates with a sample inlet provided on the sample analysis apparatus. Furthermore, the sample conveyor includes a purge gas introduction channel formed in this installed state to introduce purge gas into the sample inlet in a manner that creates a positive pressure.

[0005] With this structure, the sample transporter can be easily filled with an inert gas, for example, in a location different from the sample analysis apparatus, to contain the sample and transport it to the sample analysis apparatus. Furthermore, with the sample transporter subsequently installed in the sample analysis apparatus, purge gas is introduced into the sample inlet at positive pressure. When open, the sample outlet, which is connected to the sample inlet, is placed under the positive pressure purge gas atmosphere. Therefore, even if the sample outlet is open, external air can be prevented from entering the containment chamber, and the sample can be introduced into the crucible from the open sample outlet through the sample inlet without being exposed to external air.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-242152 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-255659

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned sample conveyor, although sealing components such as O-rings are used to airtightly seal the connection between the sealing body and the receiving component, if the sealing body and the receiving component slide relative to each other when the sample outlet is opened, the O-rings will wear and deteriorate due to the sliding, becoming a cause of atmospheric mixing into the receiving chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above problems in one fell swoop. The main objective is to provide a sample conveyor that can reduce wear on the sealing member during the opening action of the sample outlet.

[0009] That is, the sample conveyor of the present invention is used in a sample analysis device for extracting and analyzing components generated by heating and measuring a sample as a gas. It is detachably installed at a predetermined installation position within the sample analysis device. The sample conveyor comprises: a container body having an internal chamber for receiving the sample to be measured, and a sample outlet formed on its bottom surface for discharging the sample from the chamber; a bottom plate having through holes forming openings on its upper and lower surfaces, and rotatably mounted on the bottom of the container body; and a distance adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the upper surface of the bottom plate, which is opposed to the container body by a sealing member, and the container body. The inter-surface distance between the bottom surfaces of the main body is adjusted. The sample conveyor is configured such that by rotating one of the container body and the bottom plate relative to the other, the sample outlet moves between a predetermined sealed position where the receiving chamber is hermetically sealed by the upper surface of the bottom plate and an open position where the sample can be exported through a through hole in the bottom plate. The distance adjustment mechanism is adjusted so that the inter-surface distance during the movement of the sample outlet between the sealed position and the open position is longer than the inter-surface distance when the sample outlet is in the sealed position.

[0010] With this structure, for example, by filling the sample conveyor with an inactive gas in a sealed position (different from the sample analysis apparatus) and containing the sample in a receiving chamber, the sample can be easily conveyed to the sample analysis apparatus while the receiving chamber is airtight. By installing the sample conveyor at a predetermined installation position on the sample analysis apparatus and rotating the container body or base plate to open the sample outlet, the contained sample can fall through the through hole in the base plate and be inserted into the sample inlet of the sample analysis apparatus. Furthermore, since the distance adjustment mechanism is configured such that the inter-surface distance during the movement of the sample outlet between the sealed and open positions is longer than the inter-surface distance when the sample outlet is in the sealed position, the friction between the bottom surface of the container body or the upper surface of the base plate and the surface of the sealing member can be reduced when the sample outlet moves from the sealed position to the open position, thus reducing wear on the sealing member as the sample outlet opens.

[0011] In the sample conveyor, it is preferably configured such that the distance adjustment mechanism adjusts the inter-surface distance so that, during the movement of the sample outlet between the sealed position and the open position, the upper surface of the base plate or the bottom surface of the container body separates from the surface of the sealing member. This further reduces the frictional force applied to the surface of the sealing member during the opening action of the sample outlet, and further reduces the wear of the sealing member.

[0012] The sample conveyor is preferably characterized in that the base plate is generally circular, and a recess is formed on the bottom surface of the container body for the base plate to be rotatably embedded, wherein the peripheral wall of the recess contacts the side peripheral surface of the base plate by means of a sealing member. Thus, since the side circumferential surface of the base plate is in contact with the peripheral wall surface of the recess into which the base plate is embedded (i.e., sealed) by means of a sealing member, air can be prevented from entering the containment chamber even if the bottom surface of the container body and the upper surface of the base plate are not sealed during the process of moving the sample outlet from the sealed position to the open position.

[0013] As one embodiment of the distance adjustment mechanism, the distance adjustment mechanism may include: a rolling element held between the upper surface of the base plate and the bottom surface of the container body; a pair of recesses formed on the upper surface of the base plate and the bottom surface of the container body; and a groove formed on the upper surface of the base plate or the bottom surface of the container body in a manner shallower than the recesses, extending from the recesses along the direction of rotation. When the sample outlet is in the sealed position, the pair of recesses are positioned opposite each other, and the rolling element is embedded in the pair of recesses. During the movement of the sample outlet between the sealed position and the open position, the rolling element rolls along the groove. With this structure, if the container body and the bottom plate are rotated relative to each other while the sample outlet is in the sealed position, the rolling element can be embedded in a groove shallower than the recess, thereby increasing the inter-surface distance between the bottom surface of the container body and the upper surface of the bottom plate. Furthermore, the recess connected to the groove can also function as a positioning mechanism for positioning the sample outlet to either the sealed or open position.

[0014] As another embodiment of the distance adjustment mechanism, the distance adjustment mechanism may include: a protrusion disposed on one side of the base plate and the peripheral wall of the recess; and an elongated hole disposed on the other side of the base plate and the peripheral wall of the recess, for the protrusion to be inserted, extending circumferentially, the elongated hole being formed to have different heights in the circumferential direction. With this structure, since the height of the elongated hole into which the protrusion is inserted varies in the circumferential direction, the inter-surface distance between the bottom surface of the container body and the upper surface of the base plate can be adjusted by rotating the container body relative to the base plate.

[0015] The sample conveyor is preferably located at one end of the elongated orifice when the sample outlet is in the sealed position, and at the other end of the elongated orifice when the sample outlet is in the open position. Thus, by aligning the protrusions with the two ends of the elongated orifice in the sealed and open positions, the two ends of the elongated orifice and the protrusions can function as positioning mechanisms for positioning the sample outlet to the sealed and open positions.

[0016] As a specific example of the sample conveyor, the sample outlet and the through hole are formed at positions offset from the rotation axis by approximately equal distances. Thus, by rotating the container body relative to the bottom surface, the positions of the sample outlet and the through hole can be made to overlap or offset each other.

[0017] Furthermore, the sample conveyor is preferably configured such that the sealing member between the upper surface of the base plate and the bottom surface of the container body is configured to surround both the sample outlet and the through hole when viewed from the direction of rotation axis. Thus, when viewed from above, the sample outlet in the sealed position is not separated from the through hole by the sealing member. Therefore, the test sample, which rolls (or is dragged) on the upper surface of the base plate during the opening action, will not be stuck by the sealing member or lubricant. Therefore, the test sample can be inserted into the sample inlet in a relatively clean state.

[0018] Alternatively, the sealing member, which exists between the upper surface of the base plate and the bottom surface of the container body, may be configured to surround the sample outlet located at the sealing position when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis, and to be spaced between the sample outlet and the through hole. In this way, compared to the case where both the sample outlet and the through hole are surrounded, the sealing component can be made smaller, thus reducing material costs.

[0019] In cases where a sealing member is used to separate the sample outlet from the through hole, if the test sample introduced into the receiving chamber rises onto the upper surface of the base plate, there is a risk that the moving test sample may be jammed and damaged by the sealing member during the opening action. Therefore, the sample conveyor preferably also includes a sample holding mechanism that holds the test sample in the receiving chamber at a position higher than the bottom surface. In this way, the opening operation can be performed without placing the test sample introduced into the receiving chamber on the upper surface of the base plate, but holding it at a position higher than the upper surface of the base plate, thus preventing damage to the test sample.

[0020] As a specific example of such a sample holding mechanism, the sample holding mechanism is composed of a through hole and a rod member. The through hole is formed in the container body with one end opening to the outer side of the container body and the other end opening to the side wall of the receiving chamber. The rod member is cylindrical and rotatably inserted into the through hole, and a receiving recess for receiving the test sample is formed on the circumferential surface at the top of the receiving chamber.

[0021] The sample conveyor is preferably provided with a retaining part consisting of a protrusion or a recess at the installation position in the sample analysis device, and a recess or protrusion that fits into the retaining part is provided on the lower surface of the base plate. Thus, if the sample conveyor is set in a manner that fits into the retaining part of the installation position, the position of the bottom surface is fixed, so by grasping the container body with one hand and rotating it, the sample outlet can be moved from the sealed position to the open position.

[0022] Furthermore, the sample conveyor is preferably provided with a sample inlet formed on the top surface of the container body for discharging the test sample into the receiving chamber, and the sample conveyor also has a cover covering the container body, and a plug extending downward from the sample inlet is provided on the back of the cover at a position corresponding to the sample inlet. Thus, after the test sample is placed in the containment chamber, the cover can be closed to pressurize the containment chamber via the wire section, further preventing external air from entering the containment chamber.

[0023] Furthermore, the sample analysis system of the present invention includes: a sample analysis apparatus that extracts and analyzes the components generated by heating and measuring the sample as a gas; and the aforementioned sample conveyor of the present invention, which is detachably installed at a predetermined installation position set in the sample analysis apparatus. With this structure, the same effect as the sample conveyor of the present invention described above can be achieved.

[0024] According to the present invention described above, a sample conveyor can be provided that reduces wear on the sealing member during the opening action of the sample outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the sample analysis system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a sample conveyor according to the same embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a sample conveyor according to the same embodiment. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a sample conveyor according to the same embodiment. Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of an intermediate fixture in the same embodiment. Figure 6 These are schematic cross-sectional and top views showing the state in which the sample outlet is in the sealed position in the sample conveyor of the same embodiment. Figure 7 These are cross-sectional and top views schematically illustrating the state of the sample outlet in the sample conveyor of the same embodiment, between a sealed position and an open position. Figure 8 These are schematic cross-sectional and top views showing the state in which the sample outlet is in the open position in the sample conveyor of the same embodiment. Figure 9 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the sample conveyor according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a sample conveyor according to the same embodiment. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the elongated orifice of the distance adjustment mechanism in the same embodiment. Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the distance adjustment mechanism of the same embodiment. Figure 13 These are schematic cross-sectional and top views showing the state in which the sample outlet is in the sealed position in the sample conveyor of the same embodiment. Figure 14 These are schematic cross-sectional and top views illustrating the state in which the sample outlet of the sample conveyor in the same embodiment is in an open position and the sample to be measured is held in the receiving chamber. Figure 15 These are schematic cross-sectional and top views illustrating the state of the sample outlet in the sample conveyor of the same embodiment, with the sample being measured in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] (First Implementation) The sample conveyor 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention is used as an elemental analysis system 400 of a sample analysis system 400. For example... Figure 1 As illustrated, the elemental analysis system 400 includes an elemental analysis device 200 as a sample analysis apparatus and a sample conveyor 100 for conveying a sample W to the elemental analysis device 200. The sample analysis device determines the elements contained in the sample by heating and melting the sample W contained in the crucible C and analyzing the composition of the gas generated at this time.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the elemental analysis apparatus 200 has a holding chamber 210 for holding a crucible C, and a heating mechanism 230 for heating the crucible C and an analysis unit (not shown). The analysis unit introduces a sample gas from the holding chamber 210 and analyzes its composition. The sample gas is generated from the test sample W, which is heated and melted in the crucible C.

[0029] The crucible C, made of graphite, is a bottomed cylindrical shape with one open end, and is housed in the holding chamber 210 with the opening facing upwards. A sample inlet 220, communicating with the opening of the crucible C, is located above the holding chamber 210. Furthermore, an inert gas or other gas that does not react with the sample (purge gas) can be introduced into the holding chamber 210 via an internal flow channel (not shown), and the sample W is heated and measured under an atmosphere filled with this purge gas.

[0030] The heating mechanism 230 is configured to have a lower electrode 232 and an upper electrode 231 that sandwich the crucible C from above and below, and to heat the crucible C by allowing current to flow through these electrodes 231 and 232 to the crucible C.

[0031] Next, the sample conveyor 100 will be described. The sample conveyor 100 is cylindrical in shape and portable, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the apparatus has a housing chamber 1S that can airtightly contain the sample W to be measured. Furthermore, by installing the sample conveyor 100 above the sample inlet 220 in the elemental analysis apparatus 200, the sample W to be measured in the housing chamber 1S can be introduced into the crucible C from the sample inlet 220 without exposing it to the atmosphere.

[0032] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the sample conveyor 100 has a container body 1 in a generally cylindrical shape and a bottom plate 2 in a circular plate shape. The container body 1 has a receiving chamber 1S inside for receiving the sample W to be measured. The bottom plate 2 is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the container body 1.

[0033] The container body 1 is made of metal. A sample inlet 1a is formed on the top surface (upper surface) 11 for introducing the test sample W into the receiving chamber 1S, and a sample outlet 1b is formed on the bottom surface (lower surface) 12 for discharging the test sample W contained in the receiving chamber 1S. The sample inlet 1a and sample outlet 1b are formed by a through hole extending through the container body 1 along the vertical direction (up-down direction). Furthermore, the space formed by the inner wall of this through hole constitutes the receiving chamber 1S. In a top view, the sample inlet 1a and sample outlet 1b are located at a position radially offset from the rotation axis by a predetermined distance.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the container body 1 forms a recess 13 for receiving the base plate 2 by recessing its lower surface 12 upwards. The peripheral wall surface 131 and upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13 form a generally cylindrical space for the base plate 2 to be inserted. The peripheral wall surface 131 of the recess 13 is formed parallel to the axial direction of the container body 1, and the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13 is formed orthogonal to the axial direction of the container body 1. A sample outlet 1b is formed on the upper wall surface 132.

[0035] The base plate 2 is made of metal and has through holes 2h formed along its thickness direction (rotation axis direction) opening to its upper surface 22 and lower surface 23. Viewed from above, the through holes 2h are approximately circular and are formed in the upper surface 22 and lower surface 23 at positions offset radially from the rotation axis (rotation center). The base plate 2 is inserted into the recess 13 formed in the container body 1 in such a manner that the rotation axis aligns with the rotation axis of the container body 1.

[0036] With the bottom plate 2 embedded in the recess 13 of the container body 1, the sealing member S1 airtightly seals the space between the side peripheral surface 24 of the bottom plate 2 and the peripheral wall surface 131 of the recess 13, and the space between the upper surface 22 of the bottom plate 2 and the bottom of the container body 1 (specifically, the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13).

[0037] Specifically, an O-ring or other sealing member S2 is wound around the outer peripheral surface 24 of the base plate 2. With the help of the sealing member S2, the outer peripheral surface 24 of the base plate 2 and the peripheral wall surface 131 of the opposite recess 13 are configured to contact each other by means of the sealing member S2, so that gas will not leak from between them.

[0038] Furthermore, a groove is formed on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 or the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13, such that it at least surrounds the sample outlet 1b of the container body 1 when viewed from above. This is configured such that, by utilizing the sealing member S1 embedded in the groove, gas will not leak between the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 and the upper wall surface 132 of the opposite recess 13. In this embodiment, the groove is formed on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 such that it surrounds both the sample outlet 1b of the container body 1 and the through hole 2h of the base plate 2 when viewed from above.

[0039] In addition, the sample conveyor 100 also has a generally circular plate-shaped cover 3 that covers the top surface 11 of the container body 1. The cover 3 is connected to the container body 1 in an openable and closable manner using a hinge mechanism or the like, and the sample inlet 1a is covered by the back side 31 of the cover 3 when the cover 3 is closed.

[0040] A pressurizing mechanism 32 is provided on the back surface 31 of the cover 3 to airtightly seal the receiving chamber 1S and pressurize its interior when closed. Specifically, the pressurizing mechanism 32 consists of a downwardly extending cylindrical plug 321 and sealing members S3 such as an O-ring wrapped around the outer circumference of the plug 321. The plug 321 is formed in the back surface 31 of the cover 3 at a position corresponding to the sample inlet 1a of the container body 1. The length of the plug 321 is set to approximately half the length of the through hole in the container body 1. When the cover 3 is closed, the volume of the receiving chamber 1S is compressed to approximately half through the plug 321.

[0041] Furthermore, in this sample conveyor 100, the container body 1 and the base plate 2 are configured to rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis, thereby moving the sample outlet 1b between a predetermined sealed position P, where the receiving chamber 1S is airtightly sealed by the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2, and an open position R, where the sample W can be exported from the through hole 2h of the base plate 2. When in the sealed position P, the sample outlet 1b is located at a position offset from the through hole 2h of the base plate 2 in the rotational direction. Conversely, when in the open position R, the sample outlet 1b is located directly above the through hole 2h of the base plate 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the sample conveyor 100 of this embodiment also includes a distance adjustment mechanism 4, which adjusts the inter-surface distance between the upper surface 22 of the bottom plate 2, which is opposed to each other by the sealing member S1, and the bottom surface 12 (upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13) of the container body 1. The distance adjustment mechanism 4 is adjusted so that the inter-surface distance during the period when the sample outlet 1b moves between the sealed position P and the open position R (intermediate position Q) is longer than the inter-surface distance when the sample outlet 1b is in the sealed position P.

[0043] The distance adjustment mechanism 4 of this embodiment is configured to maintain an approximately fixed inter-surface distance during the rotational movement of the sample outlet 1b between the sealed position P and the open position R. This inter-surface distance is set to a length that separates the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 or the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 from the surface of the sealing member S1 located between them, rather than contacting it. That is, for example, when the sealing member S1 is mounted on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2, during the movement of the sample outlet 1b between the sealed position P and the open position R, the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 and the surface of the sealing member S1 mounted on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 remain in a state of non-contact with each other. Conversely, for example, when the sealing member S1 is mounted on the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1, during the movement of the sample outlet 1b between the sealed position P and the open position R, the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 and the surface of the sealing member S1 mounted on the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 remain in a state of non-contact with each other.

[0044] Specifically, the distance adjustment mechanism 4 consists of a rolling element 41, such as a metal ball, held between the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 and the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13, a recess 42 formed on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 and the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13 for the rolling element 41 to be inserted, and a groove 43 formed on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2.

[0045] The recess 42 is formed in a generally hemispherical shape, and its depth is less than the radius of the rolling element 41. The recess 42 is formed in the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 and the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13 at a position offset radially from the rotation axis by a predetermined distance. Here, two recesses 42 are formed circumferentially (in the direction of rotation) on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2, and one recess 42 is formed on the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13.

[0046] A groove 43, used to guide the rolling element 41, is formed circumferentially in the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2, connecting two recesses 42. The groove 43 is formed with a generally fixed width and a fixed depth. Specifically, the groove 43 is formed with a width shorter than the diameter of the rolling element 41 and a shallower depth than the recesses 42. Alternatively, the groove 43 may not be formed on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 but on the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13.

[0047] Furthermore, when the sample outlet 1b is in the sealed position P, the recesses 42 formed on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 and the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13 are positioned opposite each other, and the rolling element 41 is embedded in the pair of opposite recesses 42. If the container body 1 or the base plate 2 is rotated relative to each other about the rotation axis from this state, the rolling element 41 passes over the recesses 42 and enters the groove 43. As a result, the inter-surface distance between the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 and the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13 increases, and the upper wall surface 132 of the recess 13 separates from the surface of the sealing member S1. Moreover, during the rotation of the sample outlet 1b from the sealed position P to the open position R, the rolling element 41 rolls along the groove 43. Moreover, if the sample outlet 1b reaches the open position R, the rolling element 41 is embedded in the other recess 42.

[0048] Furthermore, the sample conveyor 100 has a positioning mechanism that positions the rotating and moving receiving chamber 1S to a sealed position P and an open position R, respectively. This positioning mechanism is formed by the two recesses 42 formed on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2.

[0049] As previously described, the sample conveyor 100 is installed at a predetermined position above the sample inlet 220 in the elemental analysis device 200. However, in this embodiment, there is an intermediate fixture 300 between the elemental analysis device 200 and the sample conveyor 100.

[0050] The intermediate fixture 300 is generally plate-shaped and is installed such that its bottom surface covers the sample inlet 220 of the elemental analysis device 200. On the other hand, a plurality of protrusions 310 serving as holding parts are provided on the upper surface. The sample conveyor 100 is positioned and held by engaging the recesses 25, which are the holding parts, provided on the lower surface 23 of the base plate 2 of the sample conveyor 100.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, an intermediate channel 320 is formed in the intermediate fixture 300. The upper end of the intermediate channel 320 opens to the top surface, and the lower end opens to the bottom surface, penetrating the intermediate fixture 300 in the thickness direction. The intermediate fixture 300 is mounted to the elemental analysis apparatus 200 such that the lower opening of the intermediate channel 320 overlaps with the sample inlet 220. On the other hand, the sample conveyor 100 is mounted to the intermediate fixture 300 such that the sample outlet 1b formed on the bottom surface of its base plate 2 overlaps with the upper opening of the intermediate channel 320.

[0052] Furthermore, a purge gas inlet 330 for introducing inactive gas (purge gas) is provided on the side of the intermediate fixture 300. The purge gas inlet 330 is configured to communicate with the intermediate channel 320 via a purge gas inlet channel 340 formed inside it.

[0053] Next, the method of using and operation of the sample conveyor 100 configured in this way according to the first embodiment will be described. For example, the sample conveyor 100 is used when analyzing a highly reactive test sample W that oxidizes immediately upon contact with the atmosphere. Therefore, in order to contain the test sample W into the sample conveyor 100, this operation is performed inside a glove box (not shown) filled with an inert gas.

[0054] First, rotate the base plate 2 relative to the container body 1 so that the sample outlet 1b reaches the sealed position P. Then, with the sample outlet 1b in the sealed position P, introduce the test sample W into the receiving chamber 1S from the sample inlet 1a, and seal the sample inlet 1a with the cover 3. Figure 6 (a) and (b)). In this state, the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 is in contact with the upper surface 22 of the bottom plate 2 and is airtightly sealed by means of the sealing member S1.

[0055] Then, rotate the base plate 2 relative to the container body 1, causing the sample outlet 1b to rotate and move from the sealed position P toward the open position R. Figure 7 (a) and (b)). In this state, the distance between the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 and the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 is adjusted by the distance adjustment mechanism 4, and the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 separates from the surface of the sealing member S1. In addition, the test sample W introduced into the receiving chamber 1S rolls (or moves while rubbing) on ​​the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2.

[0056] Then, if the sample outlet 1b reaches the open position R, that is, the sample outlet 1b reaches the position overlapping with the through hole 2h of the base plate 2, then it is determined that the sample W falls downward through the through hole 2h of the base plate 2. Figure 8 (a) and (b)).

[0057] (Second Implementation) Next, the sample conveyor 100 of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the sample conveyor 100 of the first embodiment.

[0058] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in the sample conveyor 100 of this embodiment, the distance adjustment mechanism 4 is composed of a protrusion 44 provided on the side peripheral surface 24 of the base plate 2 and an elongated hole 45 provided on the peripheral wall surface 131 of the recess 13 of the container body 1 for the protrusion 44 to be inserted. The elongated hole 45 is formed to penetrate the peripheral wall of the recess 13 of the container body 1 in the thickness direction and extends circumferentially with a substantially fixed width.

[0059] Furthermore, the elongated hole 45 is formed at different heights from the bottom surface 12 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, as... Figure 11 As shown, the elongated hole 45 is formed such that the height of one end (the right end on the paper) is higher than the height of the other end (the left end on the paper) in the circumferential direction. More specifically, the elongated hole 45 has three horizontal regions 45a-45c formed at both ends and the center in the circumferential direction, and two inclined regions 45d and 45e formed between the horizontal region 45c in the center and the horizontal regions 45a and 45b at both ends. The horizontal regions 45a-45c are regions whose height does not change along the circumferential direction. The inclined regions 45d and 45e are regions whose height changes along the circumferential direction. The three horizontal regions 45a-45c are formed in such a way that they are different heights from each other, and the two inclined regions 45d and 45e are formed in such a way that they are inclined in the same direction as each other. In this embodiment, the inclination angles of the two inclined regions 45d and 45e are also equal. Thus, the elongated hole 45 is formed in the circumferential direction such that its height changes in stages (in this case, in two stages) as it moves from one end to the other end.

[0060] The distance adjustment mechanism 4 has multiple sets (three sets in this case) of protrusions 44 and elongated holes 45 at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the base plate 2 is embedded into the recess 13 of the container body 1 such that the protrusions 44 are embedded into the elongated holes 45. Alternatively, the protrusions 44 may be provided on the peripheral wall surface 131 of the recess 13 of the container body 1, and the elongated holes 45 may be provided on the side peripheral surface 24 of the base plate 2.

[0061] like Figure 12 As shown in (a), with the sample outlet 1b in the sealed position P, the protrusion 44 is located at one end of the elongated hole 45. On the other hand, as... Figure 12 As shown in (b), with the sample outlet 1b in the open position R, the protrusion 44 is located at the other end of the elongated hole 45. That is, in this embodiment, both ends of the elongated hole 45 along the circumferential direction function as positioning mechanisms for positioning the sample inlet 1a to the sealed position P and the open position R. Moreover, the elongated hole 45 is formed such that the height of the protrusion 44 in the sealed position P is greater than the height of the protrusion 44 in the open position R.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sealing member S1 existing between the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 and the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 is configured such that it does not surround both the through hole 2h and the sample outlet 1b of the base plate 2, but only surrounds the sample outlet 1b located at the sealing position P. That is, the sealing member S1 is configured to be positioned between the sample outlet 1b and the through hole 2h when the sample outlet 1b is located at the sealing position P. Here, the sealing member S1 for sealing is embedded in a groove formed on the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a dummy sealing member S4 is arranged at a position symmetrical about the sealing member S1 across the axis of rotation. This dummy sealing member S4 is used to eliminate the inclination of the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 relative to the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2, and is made of the same material and has the same size as the sealing member S1 for sealing.

[0063] Furthermore, in the sample conveyor 100 of this embodiment, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the pressurization mechanism 32 includes a gas inlet hole 321 and a gas valve 322 embedded in the gas inlet hole 321 from the surface side of the cover 3. The gas inlet hole 321 passes through a position formed in the cover 3 corresponding to the sample inlet 1a of the container body 1. The gas valve 322 includes an inactive gas inlet 322p for introducing inactive gas and a backflow prevention mechanism to prevent the introduced inactive gas from flowing back. By introducing inactive gas through the inactive gas inlet 322p with the cover 3 closed, the containment chamber 1S is pressurized.

[0064] Furthermore, the sample conveyor 100 of this embodiment includes a sample holding mechanism 5 that holds the measurement sample W at a position higher than the bottom surface within the receiving chamber 1S. Specifically, as Figures 13-15 As shown, the sample holding mechanism 5 consists of a through hole 51 and a rod member 52. The through hole 51 is formed laterally in the container body 1 with one end opening to the outer side of the container body 1 and the other end opening to the side wall of the receiving chamber 1S. The rod member 52 is cylindrical and located in the through hole 51, and a receiving recess 52a for receiving the measurement sample W is formed on the circumferential surface of the top part located in the receiving chamber 1S. Furthermore, the side circumferential surface of the rod member 52 and the inner wall surface of the through hole 51 of the container body 1 are sealed by a sealing member S5 such as an O-ring.

[0065] The rod member 52 is configured to rotate about an axis while inserted, and the direction of the opening of the receiving recess 52a can be flipped up and down by rotation. Therefore, if the test sample W is introduced into the receiving chamber 1S from the test sample inlet 1a with the receiving recess 52a of the inserted rod member 52 facing upward, the test sample W will not fall onto the upper surface 22 of the bottom plate 2, but will be received and held in the receiving recess 52a. Moreover, by rotating the rod member 52 about an axis by 180°, the test sample W can be dropped from the receiving recess 52a.

[0066] Next, the method of using and operation of the sample conveyor 100 configured in this way according to the second embodiment will be described. As in the first embodiment, in order to contain the test sample W into the sample conveyor 100, the operation is performed inside a glove box (not shown) filled with inactive gas.

[0067] First, the base plate 2 is rotated relative to the container body 1 so that the sample outlet 1b reaches the sealing position P, and the rod member 52 inserted into the through hole 51 is rotated about its axis so that its receiving recess 52a faces upward. In this state, after the test sample W is inserted from the sample inlet 1a, and is received and held in the receiving recess 52a, the sample inlet 1a is sealed by the cover 3. Figure 13 (a), (b), (c)). In this state, the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 is airtightly sealed to the upper surface 22 of the bottom plate 2 by means of the sealing member S1.

[0068] Then, the base plate 2 is rotated relative to the container body 1, causing the sample outlet 1b to rotate and move from the sealed position P toward the open position R. In this state, the distance between the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 and the upper surface 22 of the base plate 2 is adjusted by the distance adjustment mechanism 4, and the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 separates from the surface of the sealing member S1. Furthermore, the measurement sample W introduced into the receiving chamber 1S is moved while being held at a position higher than the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 by the sample holding mechanism 5.

[0069] Then, if the protrusion 44 contacts the end of the elongated hole 45 and causes the sample outlet 1b to reach the open position R, the rotational movement stops while the measurement sample W remains within the receiving recess 52a. Figure 14 (a), (b), and (c)). In this state, the rod member 52 is rotated 180° about its axis so that the receiving recess 52a faces downward, causing the measuring sample W to fall. The measuring sample W falls downward through the through hole 2h in the base plate 2. Figure 15 (a), (b), (c)).

[0070] According to the various embodiments described above, the sample conveyor 100, for example, by filling the sample conveyor 100 with an inactive gas in a sealed position P at a location different from the sample analysis apparatus 200, and containing the test sample W in the containment chamber 1S, can easily convey the test sample W to the sample analysis apparatus 200 while the containment chamber 1S is airtightly sealed. By installing the sample conveyor 100 to a predetermined installation position of the sample analysis apparatus 200 and rotating the container body 1 or the base plate 2 to open the sample outlet 1b, the contained test sample W can fall from the through hole 2h of the base plate 2 and be inserted into the sample inlet 220 of the sample analysis apparatus 200. Furthermore, since the distance adjustment mechanism 4 is configured such that the inter-surface distance during the period when the sample outlet 1b moves between the sealed position P and the open position R is longer than the inter-surface distance when the sample outlet 1b is in the sealed position P, the friction between the bottom surface 12 of the container body 1 or the upper surface 22 of the bottom plate 2 and the surface of the sealing member S1 can be reduced when the sample outlet 1b is moved from the sealed position P to the open position R, thereby reducing the wear of the sealing member S1 as the sample outlet 1b opens.

[0071] In addition, various modifications and combinations of embodiments can be made as long as they do not violate the spirit of the present invention.

[0072] The sample conveyor according to the present invention can reduce wear on the sealing member as the sample outlet opens. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0073] 200 Sample Analysis Apparatus 220 Sample Inlet 100 Sample Conveyor 1. Container body 1S Containment Chamber 1b Sample outlet 12 Bottom 2. Base plate 22 Upper surface 23 Lower surface 2h through hole 4. Distance adjustment mechanism S1 sealing material P Sealing position R Open location W is used to measure the sample.

Claims

1. A sample conveyor for extracting and analyzing components generated by heating and measuring a sample as a gas in a sample analysis apparatus, detachably mounted at a predetermined mounting position set in the sample analysis apparatus, wherein, The sample conveyor includes: The container body has a receiving chamber inside for containing the test sample, and a test sample outlet is formed on the bottom surface for discharging the test sample from the receiving chamber. The base plate has through holes with openings on the upper and lower surfaces and is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the container body; as well as The distance adjustment mechanism adjusts the inter-surface distance between the upper surface of the base plate, which is separated from the base plate by sealing components, and the bottom surface of the container body. The sample conveyor is configured such that by rotating one of the container body and the base plate relative to the other, the sample outlet moves between a predetermined sealed position where the upper surface of the base plate closes the receiving chamber and the receiving chamber is hermetically sealed, and an open position where the sample can be exported through a through hole in the base plate. The distance adjustment mechanism is adjusted so that the inter-surface distance during the movement of the sample outlet between the sealed position and the open position is longer than the inter-surface distance when the sample outlet is in the sealed position.

2. The sample conveyor according to claim 1, wherein, The distance adjustment mechanism adjusts the inter-surface distance to separate the upper surface of the base plate or the bottom surface of the container body from the surface of the sealing member during the movement of the sample outlet between the sealed position and the open position.

3. The sample conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The bottom plate is generally circular, and a recess is formed on the bottom surface of the container body for the bottom plate to be rotatably inserted. The peripheral wall of the recess is in contact with the side peripheral surface of the base plate by means of a sealing member.

4. The sample conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distance adjustment mechanism includes: The rolling element is held between the upper surface of the base plate and the bottom surface of the container body; A pair of recesses are formed on the upper surface of the base plate and the bottom surface of the container body; as well as A groove, shallower than the recess, is formed on the upper surface of the base plate or the bottom surface of the container body, extending from the recess along the direction of rotation. With the sample outlet in the sealed position, the pair of recesses are positioned opposite each other, and the rolling element is embedded in the pair of recesses. During the movement of the sample outlet between the sealed position and the open position, the rolling element rolls along the groove.

5. The sample conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distance adjustment mechanism includes: A protrusion is disposed on one side peripheral surface of the base plate and the peripheral wall surface of the recess; and An elongated hole is provided on the other side of the side circumferential surface of the base plate and the peripheral wall surface of the recess, for the protrusion to be inserted, extending circumferentially. The elongated hole is formed with a different height in the circumferential direction.

6. The sample conveyor according to claim 5, wherein, With the sample outlet in the sealed position, the protrusion is located at one end of the elongated orifice. With the sample outlet in the open position, the protrusion is located at the other end of the elongated hole.

7. The sample conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The sample outlet and the through hole are formed at positions offset from the rotation axis by approximately equal distances from each other.

8. The sample conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The sealing member, which exists between the upper surface of the base plate and the bottom surface of the container body, is configured to surround both the sample outlet and the through hole when viewed from the direction of rotation axis.

9. The sample conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The sealing member, which exists between the upper surface of the base plate and the bottom surface of the container body, is configured to surround the sample outlet located at the sealing position when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis, and to be spaced between the sample outlet and the through hole.

10. The sample conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, It also includes a sample holding mechanism that holds the test sample at a position higher than the bottom surface within the receiving chamber.

11. The sample conveyor according to claim 10, wherein, The sample holding mechanism consists of a through hole and a rod component. The through hole is formed in the container body with one end opening towards the outer side of the container body and the other end opening towards the side wall of the receiving chamber. The rod member is cylindrical and can be rotatably inserted into the through hole, and a receiving recess for receiving the test sample is formed on the circumferential surface of the top part located in the receiving chamber.

12. The sample conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The mounting position in the sample analysis device is provided with a retaining part consisting of a protrusion or a recess. The lower surface of the base plate is provided with a recess or a protrusion that fits into the retaining part.

13. The sample conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, A sample inlet is formed on the top surface of the container body for discharging the test sample into the receiving chamber. The sample conveyor also has a cover that covers the main body of the container. A plug that blocks the sample inlet and extends downwards is provided on the back of the cover at a position corresponding to the sample inlet.

14. A sample analysis system, wherein, The device comprises: a sample analysis apparatus for extracting and analyzing components generated by heating and measuring a sample as a gas; and a sample conveyor as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, which is detachably mounted at a predetermined mounting position provided in the sample analysis apparatus.

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