A maintenance interface device for a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer

Abstract

This invention discloses a vacuum-free maintenance interface device for a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument, relating to the field of analytical chemistry instrument technology. The device comprises a first capillary and a second capillary, both located within an inner cavity. The first capillary is connected to the vacuum chromatograph, and the second capillary is vacuum-connected to the first capillary via a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly includes a first connector connected to the first capillary and a second connector connected to the second capillary. A top piece is positioned on the second connector facing the first connector, and a recessed piece is positioned on the first connector facing the second connector. The recessed piece seals one end of the first capillary. When the first and second connectors are connected, the top piece abuts against the recessed piece, forming a first connecting channel within the recessed piece. The second capillary connects to the first capillary through this first connecting channel. This device solves the problem in existing technologies where replacing capillary tubes requires releasing the vacuum, leading to low instrument maintenance efficiency and easy contamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of analytical chemistry instrument technology, and in particular to a leak-free vacuum maintenance interface device for a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument. Background Technology

[0002] Gas chromatographs and their coupled equipment are indispensable tools in modern analytical chemistry. Among these devices, the capillary, as the core pathway for sample transport and separation, directly affects the accuracy of analytical results and the sensitivity of the instrument due to its performance and integrity. The capillary typically runs through multiple functional areas of the instrument; for example, one end connects to the injection port or column oven, while the other end extends to the high-vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer, such as the ion source.

[0003] Due to prolonged contact with complex samples, high-temperature operating environments, and potential mechanical stress, capillaries are prone to contamination, blockage, or damage. Therefore, periodic or necessary capillary replacement is an essential maintenance procedure for maintaining instrument performance. However, traditional capillary replacement procedures have significant inherent drawbacks.

[0004] The current standard operating procedure is as follows: when a capillary tube needs to be replaced, the high vacuum state of the connected vacuum chamber must first be released to restore it to atmospheric pressure. Only then can technicians disconnect the old capillary tube, install the new one, and repeat the chamber sealing, leak testing, and high-vacuum evacuation process, which can take several hours. This process results in significant instrument downtime, greatly reducing equipment utilization, especially for high-throughput testing laboratories, where the time and economic losses are substantial. Furthermore, frequent venting and evacuation cycles can affect the long-term stability of internal components of the vacuum system and increase the risk of contamination or leaks due to improper operation.

[0005] To address these issues, the industry has attempted modular designs for certain pipelines or interfaces, such as using standard vacuum flanges with valves. However, these solutions typically only isolate larger chambers. For capillary-level flow paths requiring extremely high cleanliness and no dead-volume connections, true "online hot-swap" is difficult to achieve. Current technology lacks an effective method for quickly and easily replacing capillary sections without disrupting the system's overall vacuum environment or affecting the gas tightness and flow path integrity of the chromatographic system.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an innovative connection device and solution to enable rapid and non-destructive replacement of capillaries in vacuum chromatography systems, thereby overcoming the problems of low efficiency, complex operation, and potential negative impact on system stability caused by traditional maintenance methods. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a vacuum-free maintenance interface device for a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument, which can solve the problem that in the prior art, vacuum must be released when replacing the capillary tube, resulting in low instrument maintenance efficiency and easy introduction of contamination.

[0008] To address the above problems, this invention provides a leak-free vacuum maintenance interface device for a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system, comprising: A column temperature chamber, wherein an inner cavity is provided inside the column temperature chamber; A first capillary and a second capillary, both located within the inner cavity, wherein the first capillary is connected to a vacuum chromatograph and the second capillary is vacuum-connected to the first capillary via a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is connected to the first capillary tube, and the second connector is connected to the second capillary tube. A top member is provided on the second connector at one end facing the first connector, and a embedded member is provided on the first connector at one end facing the second connector. The embedded member closes one end of the first capillary tube. When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the top member abuts against the embedded member, thereby forming a first connecting channel within the embedded member. The second capillary tube is connected to the first capillary tube through the first connecting channel.

[0009] The present invention provides a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with a leak-free vacuum maintenance interface, which, compared with the prior art, has the following beneficial effects, but is not limited to: By installing an embedded part on the first connector to seal the first capillary port and a corresponding top part on the second connector, rapid capillary replacement and continuous maintenance of system vacuum in the vacuum chromatography apparatus are achieved. Specifically, when the first and second connectors are connected, the top part directly abuts against the embedded part, forming a first connection channel and simultaneously connecting the second and first capillary tubes. During disassembly, the top part is removed, and the embedded part automatically restores its sealing state based on its elasticity or structural characteristics, resealing the first capillary port. Throughout the connection and separation process, the vacuum chromatograph connected to the first capillary tube remains completely sealed, maintaining a continuous vacuum level and avoiding the risk of contamination and component wear caused by frequent vacuum breaking and extraction.

[0010] Preferably, the first connector includes: The first fixed end is fixedly installed at one end of the embedded part; A first fixing member is disposed in the embedded part. The first fixing member is connected to the first capillary tube. A fixing channel is provided at one end of the first fixing member away from the first capillary tube. The fixing channel is located in the first connecting channel.

[0011] Preferably, the embedded part is made of rubber, and the embedded part forms the first connecting channel through the top part.

[0012] Preferably, the top member includes a pusher, which is slidably disposed on the second connector. A push head is formed on one end of the pusher facing the first connector, and the push head is positioned corresponding to the first connecting channel. The pusher has a second connecting channel at the position corresponding to the first connecting channel. A push pin is provided in the second connecting channel. The push pin moves along the direction of the second connecting channel in the second connecting channel so that the push pin moves into the first connecting channel.

[0013] Preferably, the ejector pin is a hollow structure, and one end of the second capillary is moved into the first connecting channel through the ejector pin so that the second capillary is connected to the first capillary.

[0014] Preferably, the second connector includes: The second fixed end, wherein the pusher is axially slidable relative to the second fixed end; The second fixing member is disposed on the second fixing end, and the second capillary moves in the second connecting channel through the second fixing member.

[0015] Preferably, a limiting hole is provided on the second fixing member corresponding to the position of the second capillary, and the limiting hole is used to accommodate and guide the second capillary.

[0016] Preferably, a slide rail is provided on the second fixed end, the second fixing member is connected to the second fixed end through the slide rail, the push member is sleeved on the slide rail, and the push member slides axially through the slide rail.

[0017] Preferably, both the first connector and the second connector are provided with a locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism connects the first connector and the second connector.

[0018] Preferably, elastic sealing rings are provided at the mating surfaces of the first connector and the second connector, and between the pusher and the second fixed end. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with a leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the connection component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view of the first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a local structure in the middle; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the second connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Column temperature chamber; 110. Inner cavity; 200. First capillary tube; 300. Second capillary tube; 400. Connecting assembly; 410. First connector; 411. Embedded part; 412. First connecting channel; 413. First fixed end; 414. First fixing part; 415. Conical structure; 420. Second connector; 421. Top part; 422. Push head; 423. Second connecting channel; 4231. Top pin; 424. Second fixed end; 4241. Slide rail; 425. Second fixing part; 4251. Limiting hole; 500. Elastic abutment device; 510. Clamping device; 520. Elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing multiple embodiments according to this application. It should be understood that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in this application without creative effort will fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application; the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," etc., in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are open-ended terms. Therefore, "comprising," "including," or "having" refers to, for example, a method or apparatus having one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to having only these one or more elements. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] It should be emphasized that when the term "comprising / including" is used in this specification, it is used to explicitly indicate the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, parts, or groups of features, integers, steps, or parts.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 6As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with a leak-free vacuum maintenance interface includes a column oven 100, a first capillary tube 200, and a second capillary tube 300. The column oven 100 has an inner cavity 110. Both the first capillary tube 200 and the second capillary tube 300 are located within the inner cavity 110. The first capillary tube 200 is connected to the vacuum chromatograph, and the second capillary tube 300 is vacuum-connected to the first capillary tube 200 via a connecting assembly 400. The connecting assembly 400 includes a first connector 410 and a second connector 420. The first connector 410 is connected to the first capillary tube 200, and the second connector 420 is connected to the first capillary tube 200. The connector 420 connects to the second capillary tube 300. A top member 421 is provided on the end of the second connector 420 facing the first connector 410. An embedded member 411 is provided on the end of the first connector 410 facing the second connector 420. The embedded member 411 closes one end of the first capillary tube 200. When the first connector 410 is connected to the second connector 420, the top member 421 abuts against the embedded member 411, so that a first connecting channel 412 is formed in the embedded member 411. The second capillary tube 300 is connected to the first capillary tube 200 through the first connecting channel 412.

[0028] This embodiment provides a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with a leak-free vacuum maintenance interface. The core components of the vacuum chromatography instrument include a column oven 100 and a vacuum chromatograph. The column oven 100 has a closed inner cavity 110, and the vacuum chromatograph is connected to the column oven 100.

[0029] Two capillary tubes, a first capillary tube 200 and a second capillary tube 300, are installed inside the column oven 100, both located within the inner cavity 110. One end of the first capillary tube 200 is fixedly connected to the vacuum chromatograph, while the second capillary tube 300 is a replaceable part. The replaceable capillary tube is connected to and separated from the first capillary tube 200 via a connecting assembly 400, which consists of a first connector 410 and a second connector 420, respectively, and is fixedly connected to the first capillary tube 200 and the second capillary tube 300.

[0030] A sealing insert 411 is embedded in the end of the first connector 410 facing the second connector 420, which seals the end of the first capillary 200; a top member 421 is provided at the corresponding position of the second connector 420. When the two connectors are mated and connected, the top member 421 presses forward against the insert 411, thereby expanding a tiny first connection channel 412 inside the insert 411, allowing the second capillary 300 to achieve a leak-free vacuum connection with the internal first capillary 200 through this channel.

[0031] In this embodiment of the application, the first connector 410 includes a first fixed end 413 and a first fixing member 414. The first fixed end 413 is fixedly installed at one end of the embedded part 411. The first fixing member 414 is disposed in the embedded part 411 and is connected to the first capillary tube 200. A fixing channel is provided at one end of the first fixing member 414 away from the first capillary tube 200. The fixing channel is located in the first connecting channel 412.

[0032] In the above structure, the first fixed end 413 is configured as a ring-shaped structure, which can be configured as a miniature flange structure. This structure is fixedly installed at one end of the embedded part 411, facilitating connection of the first fixed end 413 through the embedded part 411. A fixing member 414 is provided within the embedded part 411. The first fixing member 414 is configured as a hollow needle-shaped structure, and its end facing the second capillary 300 is covered and sealed by the embedded part 411. This end position corresponds to a fixed channel. The other end of the first fixing member 414 is connected to the first capillary 200, allowing the flow path within the first capillary 200 to communicate with the fixed channel. When the top member 421 acts on the embedded part 411, the embedded part 411 deforms or is pushed open under pressure, exposing the fixed channel at the end of the first fixing member 414, thus enabling the second capillary 300 to connect with the fixed channel through the first connecting channel 412. This design ensures a vacuum seal at the port of the first capillary 200 when not connected, and also precisely guides the flow path during docking, avoiding the generation of dead volume.

[0033] In this embodiment of the application, the embedded part 411 is made of rubber, and the embedded part 411 forms the first connecting channel 412 through the top part 421.

[0034] Preferably, to avoid sealing failure of ordinary rubber materials due to gas release or permeation in extremely high vacuum environments, the embedded part 411 is made of metal in this embodiment. As a preferred option, the embedded part 411 is made of oxygen-free copper or Kovar alloy.

[0035] To achieve both sealing and conductivity, when the first connector 410 and the second connector 420 are connected, the top member 421 abuts against and compresses the embedded member 411. Due to the ductility of metal, the embedded member 411 undergoes slight plastic deformation under the compression of the top member 421, thus achieving an airtight seal between the metal parts. Simultaneously, the first connecting channel 412 formed under the compression action serves to connect the first capillary 200 and the second capillary 300.

[0036] As another improved embodiment, the embedded part 411 can be configured as a spring-loaded metal valve plug structure, which is pressed tightly against the valve seat by the spring force when not connected to close the first capillary 200; when the top part 421 abuts, it pushes the valve plug to overcome the spring force and open, forming the first connection channel 412.

[0037] The embedded part 411, made of the aforementioned metal material, has an extremely low outgassing rate and almost zero gas permeability, which can meet the long-term stability requirements of ultra-high vacuum systems.

[0038] When not subjected to the action of the top member 421, the rubber material can tightly wrap around the end of the first fixing member 414, ensuring a vacuum seal at the port of the first capillary 200. When the top member 421 abuts against and squeezes the embedded member 411, the rubber embedded member 411 undergoes elastic deformation, forming a passage that matches the first connecting channel 412 under the action of the top member 421, thereby realizing the connection between the first capillary 200 and the second capillary 300.

[0039] This design utilizes the elastic self-sealing properties of rubber to ensure vacuum sealing under static conditions and reliably form a flow path during dynamic docking. Furthermore, after the top part 421 is removed, the embedded part 411 can quickly return to its original state and reseal the port of the first capillary 200, effectively preventing vacuum leakage.

[0040] In this embodiment, the top member 421 includes a pusher, which is slidably disposed on the second connector 420. A push head 422 is formed on one end of the pusher facing the first connector 410, and the push head 422 is positioned corresponding to the first connecting channel 412. A second connecting channel 423 is formed on the pusher corresponding to the first connecting channel 412. A push pin 4231 is disposed in the second connecting channel 423. The push pin 4231 moves along the direction of the second connecting channel 423 within the second connecting channel 423, causing the push pin 4231 to move into the first connecting channel 412.

[0041] The pusher head 422 on the pusher is set as the front end part that contacts the embedded part 411. The tip shape of the pusher head 422 is adapted to the shape of one end of the embedded part 411, and both are conical structures. The first connecting channel 412 is provided in the middle of the conical structure of the embedded part 411.

[0042] The pusher moves toward or away from the first capillary 200 on the second connector 420. The pusher is provided with a second connecting channel 423, so that the pusher can be aligned with the first connecting channel 412 corresponding to the first capillary 200. The second connecting channel 423 is provided with a push pin 4231, which is hollow, so that the second capillary 300 can be aligned with the first connecting channel 412 through the hollow push pin 4231.

[0043] When the pusher moves the ejector pin 4231 toward the first connector 410, the ejector pin 4231 first contacts and squeezes the embedded part 411, further assisting the embedded part 411 in forming or expanding the first connecting channel 412. Then the ejector pin 4231 itself enters the first connecting channel 412, providing precise guidance for the access of the second capillary 300.

[0044] In this embodiment, the ejector pin 4231 is configured as a hollow structure, and one end of the second capillary tube 300 is moved into the first connecting channel 412 through the ejector pin 4231 so that the second capillary tube 300 is connected to the first capillary tube 200.

[0045] The hollow ejector pin 4231 is designed to allow the second capillary tube 300 to pass through it. After the ejector pin 4231 enters the first connecting channel 412, the port of the second capillary tube 300 can directly extend to dock with the fixed channel of the first fixing member 414, forming a continuous flow path. This nested structure not only ensures the coaxiality and sealing of the connection, but also minimizes the flow path length and reduces the impact of dead volume on the chromatographic analysis results.

[0046] The hollow inner wall of the ejector pin 4231 is precision polished to reduce resistance to sample flow, while its outer wall fits tightly against the inner wall of the first connecting channel 412, further enhancing the vacuum sealing effect.

[0047] In this embodiment of the application, the second connector 420 includes a second fixed end 424 and a second fixing member 425. The pusher is axially slidable relative to the second fixed end 424. The second fixing member 425 is disposed on the second fixed end 424, and the second capillary 300 moves in the second connecting channel 423 through the second fixing member 425.

[0048] The second fixing member 425 and the second fixing end 424 can be detachably connected to allow for the replacement of suitable fixing members according to different specifications of the second capillary tube 300. The main body of the second fixing member 425 can be designed as a sleeve structure coaxial with the second connecting channel 423. Its inner wall is interference-fitted with the outer wall of the second capillary tube 300 or fastened by an elastic clamp to ensure that the second capillary tube 300 does not undergo radial displacement or axial movement during movement.

[0049] When the second capillary tube 300 needs to be replaced, simply loosen the clamping of the second fixing member 425 on the capillary tube, and the old capillary tube can be pulled out and the new capillary tube can be inserted. The operation is convenient and can effectively ensure the accuracy of capillary tube installation.

[0050] In another embodiment, the second fixing member 425 is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the push member. When the push member slides, the second fixing member 425 and the second capillary tube 300 clamped thereon move synchronously to adjust the relative position of the end of the second capillary tube 300 and the ejector pin 4231.

[0051] In this embodiment of the application, a limiting hole 4251 is provided on the second fixing member 425 at the position corresponding to the second capillary tube 300. The limiting hole 4251 is used to accommodate and guide the second capillary tube 300.

[0052] In the above structure, to more accurately guide the second capillary 300 and prevent it from bending or shifting during operation, a limiting hole 4251 is provided on the second fixing member 425 at the position where the second capillary 300 passes through. The inner diameter of the limiting hole 4251 is tightly fitted with the outer diameter of the second capillary 300, which can accommodate and guide the second capillary 300, ensuring that it remains aligned during axial movement, thereby achieving precise docking with the ejector pin 4231 and the first capillary 200 in front.

[0053] In this embodiment of the application, a slide rail 4241 is provided on the second fixed end 424, the second fixing member 425 is connected to the second fixed end 424 through the slide rail 4241, the pusher is sleeved on the slide rail 4241, and the pusher slides axially through the slide rail 4241.

[0054] In the above structure, to achieve smooth and linear sliding of the pusher, at least one slide rail 4241 is provided on the outer periphery or inside of the second fixed end 424. The second fixed member 425 is relatively fixed or guided to the second fixed end 424 through the slide rail 4241. The pusher is sleeved on the slide rail 4241 through a corresponding internal slider or bearing, so that the pusher can slide strictly along the axial direction determined by the slide rail 4241, ensuring that the movement trajectory of the ejector pin 4231 and the pusher head 422 is accurate.

[0055] In this embodiment of the application, both the first connector 410 and the second connector 420 are provided with locking mechanisms, and the locking mechanisms connect the first connector 410 and the second connector 420.

[0056] In the above structure, to ensure mechanical stability and sealing reliability after connection, a matching locking mechanism is provided on both the first connector 410 and the second connector 420. When the two connectors are in place and the top member 421 has completed the opening action, the locking mechanism can be operated to firmly lock the first connector 410 and the second connector 420 together, preventing the connection from loosening or leaking due to vibration or internal pressure.

[0057] In this embodiment of the application, an elastic sealing ring is provided at the mating surface of the first connector 410 and the second connector 420.

[0058] The elastic sealing ring is made of low-temperature resistant and aging-resistant fluororubber. When the first connector 410 and the second connector 420 are mated, the sealing ring is compressed between the mating surfaces to form a vacuum sealing barrier, which improves the overall vacuum level maintenance capability of the device and ensures that the chromatographic analysis process is carried out in a stable vacuum environment.

[0059] In this application embodiment, a technical solution is also provided, which can further avoid the occurrence of dead volume. Specifically, the dead volume occurs between the first capillary 200 and the second capillary 300. In the embedded part 411, after the first capillary 200 and the second capillary 300 are connected, due to phenomena such as displacement, a gap will be generated. This gap causes the sample molecules to neither participate in separation nor flow forward during the movement process. They can only stay or diffuse randomly and cannot move forward quickly with the mainstream carrier gas. This will result in tailing and sample residue on the chromatogram, affecting the detection effect.

[0060] To avoid this phenomenon, in this embodiment of the application, a conical structure 415 is provided at one end of the first fixing member 414 facing the second connecting member 420. The conical structure 415 is mainly conical in shape. The larger circle end of the conical structure 415 is positioned facing the second connecting member 420, and the smaller circle end of the conical structure 415 is positioned facing the first capillary tube 200. The inner diameter of the smaller circle end of the conical structure 415 is equal to the outer diameter of the first capillary tube 200, so that one end of the first capillary tube 200 is restricted to one end of the conical structure 415, thus preventing the first capillary tube 200 from shifting.

[0061] When the second capillary 300 enters the embedded part 411 through the ejector pin 4231, the end of the second capillary 300 facing the first capillary 200 is limited by the conical structure 415, causing the end of the second capillary 300 to move towards the small circle of the conical structure 415. Finally, the second capillary 300 is limited by the inner diameter of the small circle, so that both the second capillary 300 and the first capillary 200 are located in the first fixing part 414. Since they are both limited by the inner diameter of the small circle, the end face of the first capillary 200 can be directly sealed and connected with the end face of the second capillary 300 to avoid the formation of gaps and the occurrence of dead volume.

[0062] In this embodiment of the application, an elastic abutment device 500 is also provided. The elastic abutment device 500 mainly provides elastic restraint to the second capillary 300, so that the second capillary 300 can continuously abut against the first capillary 200 to avoid the generation of gaps.

[0063] Specifically: like Figure 8 As shown, an elastic abutment device 500 is provided at the end of the second connector 420 away from the first connector 410. The elastic abutment device 500 mainly includes a clamping device 510, which clamps the second capillary 300 to prevent unnecessary displacement and movement of the second capillary 300. An elastic element 520 is provided on the clamping device 510. The elastic element 520 abuts against the side of the clamping device 510 away from the first connector 410, so that the elastic element 520 pushes the clamping device 510 to move towards the first capillary 200, so that the end of the second capillary 300 and the end of the first capillary 200 are always in contact, ensuring that the end faces of the first capillary 200 and the second capillary 300 are tightly fitted, further eliminating the dead volume problem caused by gaps. The elastic element 520 can be a compression spring, whose elastic coefficient has been calculated to provide sufficient resistance to ensure a seal without damaging the end faces of the two capillaries due to excessive pressure. Under the action of the elastic element 520, the clamping device 510 drives the second capillary 300 to make axial micro-adjustments, ensuring that when the ejector pin 4231 is disengaged from the embedded part 411, the clamping action of the embedded part 411 keeps the first capillary 200 and the second capillary 300 in a stable docking state.

[0064] In the above, one end of the elastic element 520 away from the clamping device 510 is fixed to the second fixed end 424. There are two second fixed ends 424, and the two second fixed ends 424 are fixedly connected by the slide rail 4241.

[0065] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely a few specific examples of the present invention. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and any variations that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A leak-free vacuum maintenance interface device for a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument, characterized in that, include: A column temperature chamber (100) is provided with an inner cavity (110). A first capillary (200) and a second capillary (300) are located within the inner cavity (110). The first capillary (200) is connected to a vacuum chromatograph, and the second capillary (300) is vacuum connected to the first capillary (200) via a connecting assembly (400). The connecting assembly (400) includes a first connector (410) and a second connector (420). The first connector (410) is connected to the first capillary (200), and the second connector (420) is connected to the second capillary (300). A top piece (421) is provided on one end of the second connector (420) facing the first connector (410), and an embedded piece (411) is provided on one end of the first connector (410) facing the second connector (420). The embedded piece (411) closes one end of the first capillary (200). When the first connector (410) is connected to the second connector (420), the top piece (421) abuts against the embedded piece (411), so that a first connecting channel (412) is formed in the embedded piece (411), and the second capillary (300) is connected to the first capillary (200) through the first connecting channel (412).

2. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector (410) includes: The first fixed end (413) is fixedly installed at one end of the embedded part (411); A first fixing member (414) is disposed in the embedded part (411). The first fixing member (414) is connected to the first capillary tube (200). A fixing channel is provided at one end of the first fixing member (414) away from the first capillary tube (200). The fixing channel is located in the first connecting channel (412).

3. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to claim 2, characterized in that, The embedded part (411) is made of rubber, and the embedded part (411) has the first connecting channel (412) formed through the top part (421).

4. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top member (421) includes a pusher, which is slidably disposed on the second connector (420). A push head (422) is formed on one end of the pusher facing the first connector (410), and the push head (422) is positioned corresponding to the first connecting channel (412). The pusher has a second connecting channel (423) at the position corresponding to the first connecting channel (412). A push pin (4231) is provided in the second connecting channel (423). The push pin (4231) moves along the direction of the second connecting channel (423) in the second connecting channel (423) so that the push pin (4231) moves into the first connecting channel (412).

5. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ejector pin (4231) is configured as a hollow structure, and one end of the second capillary (300) is moved into the first connecting channel (412) through the ejector pin (4231) so that the second capillary (300) is connected to the first capillary (200).

6. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second connector (420) includes: The pusher is axially slidable relative to the second fixed end (424); The second fixing member (425) is disposed on the second fixing end (424), and the second capillary (300) moves in the second connecting channel (423) through the second fixing member (425).

7. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to claim 6, characterized in that, A limiting hole (4251) is provided on the second fixing member (425) at the position corresponding to the second capillary (300), and the limiting hole (4251) is used to accommodate and guide the second capillary (300).

8. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second fixed end (424) is provided with a slide rail (4241), the second fixing member (425) is connected to the second fixed end (424) through the slide rail (4241), the pusher is sleeved on the slide rail (4241), and the pusher slides axially through the slide rail (4241).

9. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first connector (410) and the second connector (420) are provided with locking mechanisms, which connect the first connector (410) and the second connector (420).

10. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument with leak-free vacuum maintenance interface according to claim 6, characterized in that, An elastic sealing ring is provided at the mating surface of the first connector (410) and the second connector (420).

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