Fully automatic sample introduction testing device and x-ray diffractometer using the same

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of sample injection of detection instruments, and relates to a full-automatic sample injection testing device and an X-ray diffractometer using the device. A limiting hole is arranged on the side wall of a shallow chamber at the bottom of a sample tray of the full-automatic sample injection testing device. Elastic pins for pressing the side wall of the shallow chamber are arranged on the outer periphery of a rotating seat. A brake swing piece is hinged to the bottom of the sample tray adjacent to the limiting hole. When a clamping mechanism releases the sample tray, a push rod is actuated to press the brake swing piece. When the elastic pins are initially misaligned with the limiting hole, the rotating seat first drives the sample tray to rotate to a preset angular position one, and then the elastic pins enter the limiting hole to drive the sample tray to a preset angular position two. When the elastic pins have initially extended into the limiting hole, the rotating seat directly drives the sample tray to the preset angular position two through the limiting hole. When the sample tray rotates, the push rod turns the brake swing piece and extrudes the elastic pins out of the limiting hole, so that the sample tray is disconnected from the rotating seat and is held by the push rod. The application can randomly place the tray at an angle and make the final angular position of the tray accurate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automatic sample introduction and testing instruments, and particularly relates to a fully automatic sample introduction and testing device and an X-ray diffractometer using the device. Background Technology

[0002] X-ray diffractometers, goniometers, and other instruments that require directional testing of samples within a detection chamber typically require manually inserting the sample into the designated detection position within the detection chamber and positioning it at a predetermined angle before testing.

[0003] Some sample types, such as single-crystal samples, have a defined crystal orientation. Different circumferential angles correspond to different crystal plane orientations in the X-ray path. Once the sample tray angle changes, the excited diffraction crystal planes, diffraction peak positions, and intensities will change significantly, causing crystal orientation determination and lattice parameter calculations to fail. Since the initial angle of the sample tray on the feed conveyor belt is random, and the clamping mechanism cannot guarantee that the angle is completely consistent after each clamping, the sample tray often needs to be angle-corrected after entering the loading stage.

[0004] Existing angle correction methods typically rely on motor encoders, angle sensors, visual recognition, or mechanical positioning blocks. When using motor encoders or angle sensors, the current angle of the sample tray needs to be identified first, and then the compensation rotation angle needs to be calculated based on this angle. This results in complex control logic and high requirements for sensor accuracy and system calibration. Visual recognition is costly and easily affected by sample surface condition, tray color, and lighting conditions. When using ordinary mechanical blocks, if the rotating drive component does not stop in time, or if there is inertial rotation in the rotating base, tray, or motor output, the sample tray may continue to rotate after reaching the positioning position, causing overshoot and angle deviation. Especially in some sample loading testing equipment, the sample tray needs to switch between a loading station outside the testing chamber and a loading station inside the testing chamber. If angle positioning cannot be reliably completed during the external loading stage, it will affect the consistency of subsequent testing after entering the testing station.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a fully automated sample injection testing device that does not depend on the initial placement angle, does not require precise calculation of the rotation compensation angle, and can maintain the final angular position of the sample tray stable even when the rotating seat continues to rotate or there is inertial rotation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fully automatic sample injection testing device to solve the problems of random initial angle of sample tray, complex control required for angle correction, and inaccurate positioning caused by rotation drive stoppage or inertial rotation in existing manual sample injection testing equipment.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a fully automated sample injection and testing device, including a clamping mechanism, a loading stage, and a detection chamber; the loading stage has an outer loading station and an inner loading station located outside and inside the detection chamber, respectively; the clamping mechanism is used to transfer the sample tray from the feed conveyor belt to the outer loading station; the loading stage is driven by a rotary drive to switch between the outer loading station and the inner loading station; the loading stage is provided with a rotating seat and a lever; the bottom of the sample tray is provided with a shallow chamber for the rotating seat to be embedded in; the side wall of the shallow chamber is provided with a limiting hole; The outer periphery of the rotating seat is equipped with a radially extendable elastic pin that presses against the side wall of the shallow chamber. A brake lever is hinged to the bottom of the sample tray near the limiting hole. When the clamping mechanism releases the sample tray, it actuates a lever to compress the brake lever. When the elastic pin is not initially aligned with the limiting hole, the rotating seat first presses against the side wall of the shallow chamber through the elastic pin, causing the sample tray to rotate to a preset angle position one. Then, the elastic pin enters the limiting hole, causing the sample tray to move to a preset angle position two. When the elastic pin is initially inserted into the limiting hole, the rotating seat directly moves the sample tray to the preset angle position two through the limiting hole. During the rotation of the sample tray, the lever flips the brake lever and pushes the elastic pin out of the limiting hole, disengaging the sample tray from the rotating seat and holding it in place by the lever, thus completing the angle limiting of the sample tray.

[0008] Furthermore, a press-fit transmission state is formed between the elastic pin and the side wall of the shallow chamber, and a fitting transmission state is formed between the elastic pin and the limiting hole. In the case of random placement where the elastic pin is initially not aligned with the limiting hole, it is in the press-fit transmission state. The fitting transmission state is used to provide a more reliable rigid or near-rigid drive after the elastic pin enters the limiting hole, so that the sample tray can continue to rotate from the preset angle position one to the final preset angle position two.

[0009] Furthermore, the braking element can be a bent plate, which has a first plate portion and a second plate portion located on both sides of the hinge shaft. The first plate portion is used to be pressed by the lever to prevent the sample tray from continuing to rotate with the rotating seat at a preset angle position; the second plate portion is used to abut against the elastic pin extending into the limiting hole, and after the braking element is flipped by the lever, the elastic pin is squeezed out of the limiting hole, so that the rotating seat is disengaged from the sample tray.

[0010] Furthermore, the lever is a bent lever, including a first arm that abuts against the clamping mechanism and a second arm that abuts against the brake swing member; the end of the second arm is provided with a groove, and a pressure handle spring and a retractable pressure handle are provided in the groove. The pressure handle is pushed towards the brake swing member by the pressure handle spring. At a preset angle position one, the pressure handle presses against the first plate of the brake swing member to prevent the sample tray from rotating; when the sample tray continues to rotate to a preset angle position two under the action of the elastic pin and the limiting hole, the pressure handle pushes the brake swing member to flip, causing the second plate to squeeze the elastic pin out of the limiting hole, thus completing the disengagement from the transmission.

[0011] Furthermore, the surface of the first plate is provided with anti-slip texture to increase the friction between the pressure handle and the first plate, ensuring that the sample tray can be reliably stopped after reaching the preset angle position. The bottom of the sample tray is provided with a clearance step to avoid the lever. The clearance step has a smooth surface, and the initial posture of the lever's pressure handle is tilted downwards, allowing the pressure handle to slide smoothly along the clearance step when the sample tray rotates. The rotation direction of the lever is the same as the rotation direction of the sample tray, and the lever's pressure handle maintains an upward tilt when pressing against the brake element. That is, the tilting posture of the lever is opposite to the movement direction of the brake element. At different times, the angle between the lever's pressure handle and the first and second plates is always an acute angle, making it less likely for the pressure handle to flip under frictional resistance, thus improving the stability of the pressure handle's pressing on the brake element.

[0012] Furthermore, the lever is an L-shaped lever, hinged to the loading platform. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping block that can open and close. When the sample tray is released, the clamping block pushes the lever to rotate, causing the lever's handle to abut against the brake element. When the lever rotates with the rotating sample tray to a preset position one, the lever's handle abuts against the first plate of the brake element, preventing the sample tray from rotating with the rotating seat, causing the rotating seat's elastic pin to enter the limiting hole. The rotating seat then drives the sample tray to rotate synchronously again, causing the handle to flip the brake element and press against the second plate, disengaging the elastic pin from the limiting hole. After the sample tray rotates to a preset angle position two, it stops rotating due to being blocked by the handle and the limiting hole, and the elastic pin slides relative to the shallow chamber sidewall, so that the rotating seat can continue to rotate without changing the angle position of the sample tray.

[0013] Therefore, the release action of the clamping mechanism can simultaneously trigger the lever to enter the working position, eliminating the need for a separate lever drive motor or independent cylinder. This results in a compact structure and a simpler action sequence.

[0014] Furthermore, a torsion spring one for resetting the lever is installed on the pivot of the lever, and a torsion spring two for resetting the brake lever is installed on the pivot of the brake lever, so that the lever and brake lever return to their initial state before the sample tray is removed or before the next sample injection.

[0015] Furthermore, the rotating seat is provided with a groove for installing the elastic pin. The elastic pin is threaded into the groove. Rotating the elastic pin can adjust the extension distance and clamping force of the elastic pin, thereby adapting to sample trays with different qualities, different friction requirements or different dimensional tolerances.

[0016] This invention also provides an X-ray diffractometer, including an X-ray generator, a signal acquisition unit, an angle adjustment mechanism, and a sample stage located within a detection cavity, and equipped with the aforementioned fully automated sample introduction and testing device. A sample cavity is provided within the sample stage, and a lifting drive is located below the inner loading station. The lifting drive drives the sample tray into the sample cavity for testing. Through this structure, the sample tray can first be angle-limited at the outer loading station before being sent into the detection cavity and then transported to the testing station by the lifting drive, ensuring the sample is in a stable, predetermined angle orientation before testing.

[0017] Furthermore, a lifting support is installed at the output end of the lifting drive component. The lifting support supports the sample tray by the outside of the clearance step of the sample tray, so the lifting support will not interfere with the rotating seat and lever on the side of the sample tray.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention uses a conveyor belt and a clamping mechanism to automatically transfer samples. The sample tray is first placed on the feed conveyor belt, then transferred to the loading platform by the clamping mechanism, and finally sent into the detection chamber for testing.

[0019] This invention utilizes the mechanical cooperation between the rotating base and its elastic pin, the shallow cavity of the sample tray and its limiting hole, and the braking element and lever. This allows the sample tray, regardless of its random angle of placement, to automatically reach the final preset angular position during the continuous rotation of the rotating base. This eliminates the need to pre-control the sample tray's placement angle or calculate its initial angle using sensors. Once the sample tray reaches the final preset angular position, the braking element pushes the elastic pin out of the limiting hole, disengaging the sample tray from the rotating base. Even if the rotating base continues to rotate or rotates a certain angle due to inertia, it will not continue to drive the sample tray, thus reducing the impact of the rotation drive's emergency stop accuracy on the positioning result.

[0020] This invention is compatible with both situations where the elastic pin is initially misaligned with the limiting hole and when the elastic pin is initially inserted into the limiting hole, thus avoiding the inability to complete positioning in certain special initial positions due to random placement.

[0021] This invention utilizes the opening action of the clamping block when the clamping mechanism releases the sample tray to trigger the lever to enter the working position, reducing the number of separate drive components, simplifying the structure, and making the action connection more stable. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the X-ray diffractometer of the present invention; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism of the fully automated sample injection testing device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism of the present invention clamping a sample tray; Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the structure of the first plate of the brake lever when the elastic pin of the present invention transitions from the press-fit transmission state to the engagement transmission state. Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the structure of the present invention when the elastic pin enters the engagement transmission state. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the rotating seat driving the sample tray to rotate in the interlocking transmission state, and the rotating seat working with the lever to flip the brake pendant from below. Figure 7 For this Figure 6 A partially enlarged structural diagram; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sample tray assembly of the present invention rotated to a preset angle position two; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the lifting support base holding the sample tray from below; Figure 10 This is a bottom view of the structure when the elastic pin of the present invention has initially extended into the limiting hole of the sample tray; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an angle adjustment mechanism.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Feed conveyor belt; 11. Feed detection sensor one; 12. Feed detection sensor two; 13. Station one; 2. Clamping mechanism; 21. Gripper; 22. First clamping block; 23. Second clamping block; 24. Actuating contact part; 3. Loading platform; 31. External loading station; 32. Internal loading station; 33. Lever limiter; 4. Rotary seat; 42. Groove; 43. Elastic pin; 431. Pin body; 432. Pin spring; 433. Threaded adjustment part; 434. Pin outer end; 44. Adjustment hole; 5. Sample tray; 52. Shallow chamber; 521. Circumferential sidewall; 522. Limiting hole; 5221. Top sidewall of the limiting hole; 53. Clearance step; 54. Clamping edge; 6. Brake element; 61. Hinge shaft; 62. First plate; 63. Second plate; 631. Stop surface; 632. Guide surface; 64. Anti-slip texture; 7. Lever; 71. Lever pivot; 72. First arm; 73. Second arm; 74. Slide groove; 75. Pressure handle; 76. Pressure handle spring; 8. Detection chamber; 81. Sample lifting platform; 811. Lifting support; 82. Sample stage; 91. X-ray generator; 92. Signal acquisition unit; 93. Angle adjustment mechanism; 931. Angle adjustment linkage; 932. Horizontal constraint assembly; 933. Vertical drive assembly; 10. Discharge conveyor belt; 101. Station 2; 102. Discharge detection sensor 1; 103. Discharge detection sensor 2; P1, Preset angle position one; P2, Preset angle position two. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Where there is no conflict, the structural features, working processes, and control methods in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0025] The sample tray 5 described in this invention is used to support the sample to be tested. The sample to be tested can be placed directly on the sample tray 5, or it can be mounted on the sample tray 5 by a sample cup, sample box, sample sheet or other support component. For ease of description, the support structure that is clamped and transferred by the clamping mechanism 2, rotated by the rotating seat 4 and finally limited to a preset angular position will be collectively referred to as the sample tray 5.

[0026] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a fully automated sample injection testing device, including a clamping mechanism 2, a loading stage 3, and a detection chamber 8.

[0027] The sample injection testing device of this application is used in certain scenarios, such as, but not limited to, where a testing instrument is installed inside the testing chamber 8. The testing chamber is usually sealed by a door to prevent external environmental interference with the testing process. The specific structure and principle of the testing instrument will be described in Embodiment 2. A feeding conveyor belt 1 is installed outside the testing chamber 8 to transport the sample tray of the sample to be tested to station one near the loading platform. In some embodiments, a discharge conveyor belt 10 can also be provided on the other side outside the testing chamber 8 to transport the sample tray 5 that has completed testing to station two 101 for easy sample removal.

[0028] The feed conveyor belt 1 is used to receive the sample tray 5 for testing. Feed detection sensors 11 and 12 are respectively installed at both ends of the feed conveyor belt 1. Feed detection sensor 11 detects whether a sample tray 5 is placed on the feed conveyor belt 1, and feed detection sensor 12 detects whether the sample tray 5 has reached station 13. Station 13 is the sampling position of the clamping mechanism 2. When feed detection sensor 12 detects that the sample tray 5 has arrived, the controller controls the feed conveyor belt 1 to stop moving, and the clamping mechanism 2 moves to station 13 and clamps the sample tray 5. The discharge conveyor belt 10 has a similar structure to the feed conveyor belt, only the installation position is different, and will not be described further.

[0029] The loading platform 3 has an outer loading station 31 located outside the detection chamber 8 and an inner loading station 32 located inside the detection chamber 8. The loading platform 3 can be positioned between the infeed conveyor belt 1 and the discharge conveyor belt 10. The loading platform 3 is driven to rotate by a rotary drive device with an indexer, so that the sample tray 5 can switch between the outer loading station 31 and the inner loading station 32.

[0030] The clamping mechanism 2 is used to transfer the sample tray 5 from the infeed conveyor belt 1 to the external loading station 31, and to transfer the sample tray 5 from the external loading station 31 to the discharge conveyor belt 10.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the clamping mechanism 2 includes a jaw 21, a first clamping block 22, a second clamping block 23, a clamping block drive, and a jaw moving mechanism (not shown). At least two first clamping blocks 22 are mounted on the left jaw 21, and at least two second clamping blocks 23 are mounted on the right jaw 21. The first and second clamping blocks 22 and 23 can open or close under the drive of the clamping block drive to stably clamp or release the sample tray 5. The clamping block drive is mounted on the jaw moving mechanism, which drives the jaw 21 to move horizontally and vertically between corresponding positions on station 13, external loading station 31, and the discharge conveyor belt 10. This jaw moving structure is known technology and will not be described in detail. Figures 2 to 7 As shown, one of the first clamping blocks 22 or the second clamping block 23 is provided with a toggle contact 24. The toggle contact 24 is used to push the lever 7 to rotate when the clamping mechanism 2 opens to release the sample tray 5, so that the lever 7 enters the position that cooperates with the brake swing member 6. In this embodiment, the toggle contact 24 is provided on the second clamping block 23 on the upper right side.

[0032] The sample tray 5 has a shallow chamber 52 at its bottom. The shallow chamber 52 can be an annular cavity, a circular cavity, or other shallow groove structure that allows the rotating seat 4 to extend into and rotate. The depth of the shallow chamber 52 is not strictly limited, as long as at least a portion of the height of the rotating seat 4 is located within the shallow chamber. The shallow chamber 52 has a circumferential sidewall 521, on which a limiting hole 522 is provided. The limiting hole 522 is used to allow the elastic pin 43 inside the rotating seat 4 to extend into it when it passes through a corresponding angle.

[0033] A rotating base 4 and a lever 7 are mounted on the platform of the loading stage 3. The rotating base 4 is used to embed into the shallow cavity 52 at the bottom of the sample tray 5 and drive the sample tray 5 to rotate around its own axis. The lever 7 is located on the side of the sample tray 5, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 9 As shown, located on the upper left side of the sample tray 5, it is used to press or flip the brake pendant 6 when the sample tray 5 is rotated to the corresponding position, thereby completing the angular limitation of the sample tray 5.

[0034] The rotating base 4 is driven by a positioning rotary drive. This positioning rotary drive can be a servo motor, stepper motor, geared motor, or other drive capable of outputting rotary motion. Specifically, for example... Figures 4 to 10 As shown in the diagram, the red line represents the rotating base 4. Multiple slots 42 are provided within the rotating base 4, extending radially outwards. Elastic pins 43 are installed within each slot 42. Figure 7 As shown, the elastic pin 43 includes a pin body 431 and a pin spring 432. The pin spring 432 is used to push the pin body 431 toward the outer periphery of the rotating seat 4. The pin body 431 has an outer end 434, which abuts against the side wall of the shallow cavity 52 or extends into the limiting hole 522. The outer end 434 can be configured as an arc end, a spherical end, or a chamfered end to allow sliding within the shallow cavity 52 and reduce the risk of jamming. In one specific embodiment, the outer end 434 is selected as a ball bearing structure. The surface of the elastic pin 43 can also be provided with a threaded adjustment part 433, through which the elastic pin 43 is threadedly connected to the groove 42. Further, a slotted groove or a cross groove is provided at the tail end of the pin body 431, and correspondingly, an adjustment hole 44 communicating with the groove 42 is machined in the rotating seat 4, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, by inserting a screwdriver into the adjustment hole 44 and rotating the tail end of the elastic pin 43, the extension distance and clamping force of the outer end 434 of the pin can be adjusted.

[0035] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the sample tray 5 is provided with a clearance step 53, which is used to avoid the lever 7. The outer periphery of the sample tray 5 is also provided with a clamping edge 54, which is used for clamping by the first clamping block 22 and the second clamping block 23. Figure 3As shown, the preferred clamping edge 54 is an annular concave edge structure. The first clamping block 22 and the second clamping block 23 are both drum-shaped rollers that are adapted to the concave edge. The drum-shaped rollers are pressed into the annular concave edge of the sample tray 5, thereby ensuring stable and reliable clamping and preventing the sample from slipping.

[0036] The brake lever 6 is hinged to the bottom of the sample tray 5 via a hinge shaft 61, and is located near the limiting hole 522. A recessed notch-shaped step 53 is correspondingly provided at this location to facilitate more flexible braking and flipping of the brake lever 6 when engaged with the elastic pin 43 and the lever 7. The brake lever 6 is preferably a bent plate, comprising a first plate portion 62 and a second plate portion 63 located on both sides of the hinge shaft 61. The first plate portion 62 abuts against the lever 7, and the second plate portion 63 engages with the elastic pin 43 extending into the limiting hole 522. In a preferred embodiment, anti-slip texture 64 is provided on the surface of the first plate portion 62 to increase the friction between the first plate portion 62 and the lever 7, thereby improving the stability of the sample tray 5 when it is prevented from rotating at a preset angle position—P1. The second plate portion 63 has a stop surface 631 and a guide surface 632. After the elastic pin 43 extends into the limiting hole 522, the stop surface 631 is pushed by the elastic pin 43, causing the sample tray 5 to continue rotating a certain distance. Meanwhile, after the guide surface 632 is flipped by the lever, it pushes the elastic pin 43 out of the limiting hole 522, causing the elastic pin 43 to retract into the shallow chamber 52. The brake swing member 6 also includes a bent connecting part, which connects the first plate part 62 and the second plate part 63, forming an approximately L-shaped or V-shaped bent structure. A second torsion spring (not shown) is provided on the hinge shaft 61. The second torsion spring utilizes its known reset function after pressure release to cause the brake swing member 6 to rotate in the opposite direction and reset after one limiting action, causing the first plate part 62 to once again tightly adhere to the avoidance step 53.

[0037] The lever 7 is hinged to the platform of the loading table 3 via a lever pivot 71. The lever 7 can be an L-shaped lever, comprising a first arm 72 and a second arm 73. The first arm 72 receives the push from the actuating contact 24 of the clamping mechanism 2, and the second arm 73 presses down and flips the brake swing element 6. Figure 3 As shown, a groove 74 is provided at the end of the second arm 73. A pressure handle 75 and a pressure handle spring 76 are provided in the groove 74. One end of the pressure handle spring 76 is fixedly installed in the groove 74, and the other end is fixedly connected to the pressure handle 75. The pressure handle spring 76 pushes the pressure handle 75 toward the brake swing member 6, so that the pressure handle 75 can elastically abut against the clearance step 53, the first plate portion 62, or the second plate portion 63 of the sample tray 5. The pressure handle 75 has a pressure handle end, which can be an arc end, a chamfered end, or a roller end, so as to produce smooth sliding when contacting the brake swing member 6.

[0038] In its initial state, the lever 7's pressure handle 75 is tilted downwards to the left (see reference). Figure 10A smooth guide surface is formed on the clearance step 53 of the sample tray 5, so that the pressure handle 75 can slide smoothly along the smooth guide surface during the rotation of the sample tray 5.

[0039] Similarly, a torsion spring (not shown) is provided on the lever shaft 71. The torsion spring is used to rotate the lever 7 in the opposite direction to reset it. Figure 10 As shown, a lever limiter 33 is also provided on the loading platform 3 to further limit the initial position of the lever 7, preventing the lever from deviating too much from the initial position during the process of being reset by the torsion spring or when sliding along the avoidance step 53.

[0040] After the clamping mechanism 2 places the sample tray 5 at the external loading station 31, the clamping block drive drives the first clamping block 22 and the second clamping block 23 to open outward to release the sample tray 5. During the opening of the first clamping block 22 or the second clamping block 23, its actuating contact part 24 pushes the first arm 72 of the lever 7, causing the lever 7 to rotate clockwise around the lever pivot 71, causing the pressure handle 75 to tilt to the upper left. After the lever 7 rotates, the second arm 73 drives the retractable pressure handle 75 into the range of motion of the brake swing member 6, so that the pressure handle 75 can press the first plate part 62 or push the brake swing member 6 to flip during the subsequent angle limiting process. Therefore, the release action of the clamping mechanism 2 simultaneously completes the triggering of the lever 7, eliminating the need for a separate lever drive structure. The clamping mechanism 2 moves the lever to tilt the pressure handle 75 to the upper left and holds it for a preset time. This change in tilt direction allows the pressure handle to stably press the first plate 62 and the second plate 63 of the brake swing member 6 in subsequent work, and can stably maintain the sample tray 5 at the preset angle position P2 without automatically swinging or shaking in the opposite direction.

[0041] In this embodiment, the initial placement angle of the sample tray 5 is random, so there are two possible initial relative positions of the elastic pin 43 and the limiting hole 522.

[0042] In the first case, the elastic pin 43 is initially misaligned with the limiting hole 522, which is the most common scenario. For example... Figure 4 As shown, at this time, the outer end 434 of the elastic pin 43 presses against the circumferential sidewall 521 of the shallow chamber 52 under the action of the pin spring 432. When the positioning rotation drive drives the rotating seat 4 to rotate, the rotating seat 4 drives the sample tray 5 to rotate synchronously through the pressing force between the elastic pin 43 and the circumferential sidewall 521. This state is the pressing transmission state between the elastic pin 43 and the shallow chamber 52.

[0043] When the sample tray 5 rotates in the pressing drive state, the pressure handle 75 is pushed outward by the second clamping block 23 and rotates clockwise upward, first sliding along the smooth guide surface of the avoidance step 53. When the sample tray 5 rotates to the range of the preset angle position P1, the pressure handle 75 presses against the first plate 62 of the brake swing member 6. Since the surface of the first plate 62 is provided with anti-slip texture 64, a large frictional resistance is formed between the pressure handle 75 and the first plate 62, which overcomes the squeezing force of the spring pin 43 on the sample tray, preventing the sample tray 5 from continuing to rotate synchronously with the rotating seat 4. At this time, the rotating seat 4 continues to rotate, and the elastic pin 43 begins to slide relative to the circumferential side wall 521 of the sample tray.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, when the rotating seat 4 continues to rotate, causing the elastic pin 43 to move to the position corresponding to the limiting hole 522, the elastic pin 43 extends into the limiting hole 522 under the action of the pin spring 432. At this time, the rotation between the rotating seat 4 and the sample tray 5 switches from a pressing transmission state to a fitting transmission state. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the rotating seat 4 continues to rotate, the elastic pin 43 cooperates with the limiting hole 522 to press the second plate, overcoming the friction between the pressure handle 75 and the first plate, thereby driving the sample tray 5 to continue rotating, causing the sample tray 5 to rotate from the preset angle position one P1 to the preset angle position two P2. The preset angle position one P1 is the intermediate state position, and the preset angle position two P2 is the angle position that the sample tray 5 needs to maintain in the end.

[0045] During the rotation of sample tray 5 from preset angle position 1 P1 to preset angle position 2 P2, elastic pin 43 first abuts against the stop surface 631 of the second plate 63, causing sample tray 5 to continue rotating a short distance in the fitted transmission state. Before sample tray 5 reaches preset angle position 2 P2, pressure handle 75 pushes brake rocker 6 to rotate around hinge axis 61. Figure 8 As shown, after the brake pendant 6 flips over, the pressure handle 75 automatically presses against the guide surface 632 of the second plate 63, pressing against the elastic pin 43. This causes the elastic pin 43 to overcome the spring force of the pin spring 432 and retract into the groove 42, disengaging from the limiting hole 522. After the elastic pin 43 disengages from the limiting hole 522, the rotating seat 4 and the sample tray 5 no longer maintain a mating transmission relationship. Even if the rotating seat 4 continues to rotate, it will only cause the elastic pin 43 to slide relative to the circumferential sidewall 521, and will not continue to drive the sample tray 5 to rotate. At this time, the top sidewall 5221 of the limiting hole is blocked by the pressure handle 75, and the sample tray 5 is held at the preset angle position P2 by the pressure handle 75.

[0046] In the second case, such as Figure 10As shown, when the sample tray is placed on the rotating seat, the elastic pin 43 is initially aligned and inserted into the limiting hole 522. At this time, the rotating seat 4 does not need to first press the circumferential side wall 521 with the elastic pin 43 to drive the sample tray 5 to the preset angle position P1. Instead, it directly drives the sample tray 5 to rotate through the interlocking transmission relationship between the elastic pin 43 and the limiting hole 522. Just before the sample tray 5 is about to rotate to the preset angle position P2, the pressure handle 75 of the lever 7 pushes the brake swing member 6 to flip. The second plate of the brake swing member 6 pushes the elastic pin 43 out of the limiting hole 522, so that the rotating seat 4 is disengaged from the transmission of the sample tray 5. The sample tray 5 is held at the preset angle position P2 by the pressure handle 75. Therefore, regardless of whether the elastic pin 43 is aligned with the limiting hole 522 when the sample tray 5 is randomly placed, the final angle limiting can be completed during the continuous rotation of the rotating seat 4.

[0047] To ensure that all random initial angles are covered, the positioning rotation drive can be configured to drive the rotating seat 4 to rotate at least one revolution during a single angle limiting process. Since this embodiment does not require identifying the initial angle of the sample tray 5, nor does it require calculating the specific angle of rotation that the sample tray 5 needs to compensate for, the control process is simple. After the sample tray 5 reaches the preset angle position P2, the elastic pin 43 is pushed out of the limiting hole 522 by the braking swing element 6, and the rotating seat 4 disengages from the sample tray 5. Therefore, even if the positioning rotation drive cannot stop in time, or if the rotating seat 4 continues to rotate a certain angle due to inertia, the final angular position of the sample tray 5 will not change.

[0048] After the angle limit is completed, the rotary drive drives the loading stage 3 to rotate around the station switching shaft, so that the sample tray 5, which is held at the preset angle position P2, is switched from the outer loading station 31 to the inner loading station 32. Since the sample tray 5 has completed the angle positioning before entering the detection chamber 8, it can enter the subsequent detection process at a stable angle.

[0049] Example 2 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an X-ray diffractometer, which includes the fully automated sample introduction and testing device described in Embodiment 1, and further includes an X-ray generator 91, a signal acquisition unit 92, and an angle adjustment mechanism 93 located within the detection cavity 8. A sample stage 82 with a sample chamber is provided within the detection cavity 8, and the sample stage 82 corresponds to the sample testing position. The X-ray generator 91 is used to emit X-rays to the sample to be tested, and the signal acquisition unit 92 is used to acquire the signal after diffraction by the sample 51. Figure 11As shown, the angle adjustment mechanism 93 is used to drive the X-ray generator 91, signal acquisition unit 92, or related detection components to move at a preset angle during the detection process. For example, but not limited to the technical solution disclosed in the patent document with application number 202511439652X, it may specifically include an angle adjustment link 931, a horizontal constraint component 932, a vertical drive component 933, and a displacement measurement conversion component. The two rigid rods of the angle adjustment link intersect symmetrically above the midpoint O of the sample. The X-ray generator 91 and the signal acquisition unit 92 are respectively set at the two ends of the rigid rods. The vertical drive unit drives the vertical adjustment screw to generate a vertical displacement h at point O. After the sensor collects h, it sends it to the embedded processor and corrects the tilt angle of the rod. The included angle θ between the rods is calculated by geometric formula. If the preset angle is reached, diffraction detection begins.

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, a sample lifting platform 81 is provided inside the detection chamber 8. The sample lifting platform 81 includes a lifting drive (not shown), a translation drive (not shown), and a lifting support 811. The lifting drive is used to drive the lifting support 811 to move up and down, and the translation drive is used to drive the lifting drive and the lifting support 811 to move horizontally together, extending the lifting support 811 under the sample tray. Both of these drive components are known technologies and will not be described in detail. The lifting support 811 is used to support the sample tray 5, and is preferably a fork-shaped support that can fork into the space beside the clearance step of the sample tray, thereby supporting the opposite sides of the sample tray. When the sample tray 5 is located in the inner loading station 32, the lifting drive drives the lifting support 811 to rise, lifting the sample tray 5 from the inner loading station 32 into the sample chamber of the sample stage 83 for testing; after the test is completed, the lifting drive drives the lifting support 811 to descend, causing the sample tray 5 to return from the testing station to the inner loading station 32.

[0051] The overall working process of this embodiment is as follows: The operator or the automated equipment in the preceding process places the sample tray 5, which carries the sample to be tested (e.g., a crystal sample), onto the feed conveyor belt 1. After the feed detection sensor 11 detects the sample tray 5, it outputs a sample presence signal to the control system.

[0052] After receiving a sample signal from the feed detection sensor 11, the control system starts the feed conveyor belt 1. The feed conveyor belt 1 moves the sample tray 5 towards station 13.

[0053] When the sample tray 5 arrives at station 13, the feed detection sensor 12 detects the sample tray 5 and outputs a positioning signal to the control system. The control system controls the feed conveyor belt 1 to stop moving and controls the clamping mechanism 2 to move to station 13. After the clamping mechanism 2 is in position, the clamping block drive drives the first clamping block 22 and the second clamping block 23 to close, clamping the clamping edge 54 of the sample tray 5.

[0054] The clamping mechanism 2 grasps the sample tray 5 and moves it to the external loading station 31 via the gripper moving mechanism. After the clamping mechanism 2 reaches the external loading station 31, the clamping block drive drives the first clamping block 22 and the second clamping block 23 to open, releasing the sample tray 5. During the release process, the actuating contact part 24 of the second clamping block pushes the lever 7 to rotate clockwise, causing the pressure handle 75 to retract while sliding along the avoidance step, thereby changing the pressure handle from its original downward tilt to an upward tilt until it enters the range of motion of the braking swing member 6. Subsequently, the rotating seat 4 rotates under the drive of the positioning rotation drive and limits the sample tray 5 to the preset angle position P2 as described in Embodiment 1.

[0055] After the sample tray 5 completes its angle limit at the outer loading station 31, the rotary drive drives the loading platform 3 to rotate around the station switching shaft, moving the sample tray 5 from the outer loading station 31 outside the detection cavity 8 to the inner loading station 32 inside the detection cavity 8. Since the sample tray 5 is already held at the preset angle position P2, there is no need for angle recognition or angle compensation after the sample tray 5 enters the detection cavity 8.

[0056] When the sample tray 5 reaches the inner loading station 32, the translation drive and the lifting drive cooperate to drive the sample lifting platform 81 to move horizontally and upward. The lifting support 811 lifts the sample tray 5 from the inner loading station 32 to the testing station, allowing the sample to be tested to enter the sample chamber. When the sample tray 5 is removed from the loading platform 4, the top side wall 5221 of the limiting hole automatically releases the locking effect on the pressure handle 75. The lever 7 on the loading platform 4 automatically returns to its initial position under the elastic restoring force of the torsion spring 71 and the obstruction of the lever limiting component 33.

[0057] Subsequently, the angle adjustment mechanism 93 moves to adjust the emission angle and acquisition angle of the X-rays, the X-ray generator 91 emits X-rays towards the sample to be tested, and the signal acquisition device 92 acquires the diffraction signal, thereby testing the sample to be tested.

[0058] After the test, the lifting drive moves the sample lifting platform 81 downward, causing the sample tray 5 to return from the testing station to the inner loading station 32. The translation drive then retracts and resets. Subsequently, the rotation drive rotates the loading platform 3, moving the sample tray 5 from the inner loading station 32 back to the outer loading station 31. The clamping mechanism 2 moves to the outer loading station 31, clamps the tested sample tray 5, and places it onto station 101 on the discharge conveyor belt 10.

[0059] After sample tray 5 is placed on the discharge conveyor belt, discharge detection sensor 102 detects sample tray 5 and outputs a discharge start signal to the control system. The control system starts discharge conveyor belt 10, which moves sample tray 5 towards station 101. When discharge detection sensor 103 detects that sample tray 5 has reached the discharge end, the control system stops discharge conveyor belt 10. The operator or subsequent automated equipment removes sample tray 5, thus completing one automatic sample feeding, angle limiting, detection, and discharge process.

[0060] In this embodiment, the feed detection sensor 11, feed detection sensor 12, discharge detection sensor 102, and discharge detection sensor 103 can be photoelectric sensors, proximity sensors, through-beam sensors, or diffuse reflection sensors, etc., and this application does not impose any limitations. The clamping block drive can be a cylinder, an electric cylinder, or an electric gripper drive mechanism. The lifting drive can be a cylinder, an electric cylinder, a lead screw module, or a cam lifting mechanism. The specific driving and detection methods described above can be selected according to the equipment space, sample specifications, and control requirements, and do not affect the principle of automatic positioning of the sample tray 5 at a random initial angle achieved by the present invention through the rotating seat 4, elastic pin 43, limiting hole 522, braking swing element 6, and lever 7.

Claims

1. A fully automated sample injection and testing device, comprising a clamping mechanism, a loading stage, and a detection chamber; characterized in that, The loading platform has an outer loading station and an inner loading station located outside and inside the detection cavity, respectively. The clamping mechanism is used to transfer the sample tray from the feed conveyor belt to the outer loading station. The loading platform can be rotated to switch between the outer loading station and the inner loading station. The loading platform is equipped with a rotating seat and a lever. The bottom of the sample tray is provided with a shallow chamber for the rotating seat to be embedded in. The side wall of the shallow chamber is provided with a limiting hole. The outer periphery of the rotating seat is arranged with an elastic pin that can be radially extended and pressed against the side wall of the shallow chamber. A braking swing member is hinged to the bottom of the sample tray near the limiting hole. When the clamping mechanism releases the sample tray, it moves the lever to squeeze the braking swing member. When the elastic pin is not initially aligned with the limiting hole, the rotating seat first causes the elastic pin to drive the sample tray to rotate to the preset angle position one, and then the elastic pin enters the limiting hole to drive the sample tray to the preset angle position two. When the elastic pin has initially entered the limiting hole, the rotating seat directly drives the sample tray to the preset angle position two through the limiting hole; when the sample tray rotates, the lever flips the brake swing piece and squeezes the elastic pin out of the limiting hole, so that the sample tray is disengaged from the rotating seat and held by the lever.

2. The fully automated sample introduction and testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic pin has a pressing drive state with the side wall of the shallow cavity, and the elastic pin has an engaging drive state with the limiting hole; when the elastic pin is not initially aligned with the limiting hole, the rotating seat drives the sample tray to a preset angle position one through the pressing drive state; when the elastic pin extends into the limiting hole, the rotating seat drives the sample tray to a preset angle position two through the engaging drive state.

3. The fully automated sample introduction and testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The braking element is a bent plate, which has a first plate portion and a second plate portion located on both sides of the hinge shaft; the first plate portion is used to be pressed by the lever to prevent the sample tray from continuing to rotate, and the second plate portion is used to abut against the elastic pin extending into the limiting hole, and after being flipped by the lever, the elastic pin is squeezed out of the limiting hole.

4. The fully automated sample introduction and testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lever is a bent lever, including a first arm that abuts against the clamping mechanism and a second arm that abuts against the brake swing element; The end of the second arm is provided with a groove, and a pressure handle spring and a pressure handle are provided in the groove. The pressure handle is pushed towards the brake rocker by the pressure handle spring. The pressure handle presses down on the first rod of the brake component at a preset angle position one to prevent the sample tray from rotating, and pushes the brake component to flip over when the sample tray is about to rotate to a preset angle position two, so that the elastic pin disengages from the limiting hole.

5. The fully automated sample introduction and testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The surface of the first plate is provided with anti-slip texture to increase the friction between the pressure handle and the first plate. The bottom of the sample tray is provided with a circumference of clearance steps to avoid the lever, and the clearance steps have a smooth surface. The lever's handle is initially tilted downwards so that the handle can slide smoothly along the clearance steps when the sample tray rotates. The rotation direction of the lever is the same as the rotation direction of the sample tray, and the lever maintains an upward tilted posture when its handle presses against the brake pendulum.

6. The fully automated sample introduction and testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lever is an L-shaped lever, which is hinged to the loading platform; the clamping mechanism includes a clamping block that can open and close, which pushes the lever to rotate when the sample tray is released; When the lever rotates to a preset position one in conjunction with the rotating sample tray, the lever's pressure handle abuts against the first plate of the brake element, preventing the sample tray from rotating with the rotating seat, and causing the elastic pin of the rotating seat to enter the limiting hole. The rotating seat then drives the sample tray to rotate synchronously again, causing the pressure handle to flip the brake element and press against the second plate, disengaging the elastic pin from the limiting hole. After the sample tray rotates to a preset angle position two, it stops rotating due to being blocked by the pressure handle and the limiting hole, and the elastic pin slides relative to the side wall of the shallow chamber, so that the rotating seat can continue to rotate without changing the angular position of the sample tray.

7. The fully automated sample introduction and testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A torsion spring one for resetting the lever is installed on the rotating shaft of the lever, and a torsion spring two for resetting the brake sway is installed on the rotating shaft of the brake sway.

8. The fully automated sample introduction and testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating seat is provided with a groove for installing a spring pin. The spring pin is threaded into the groove, and the spring pin is rotated to adjust the extension distance and clamping force of the spring pin.

9. An X-ray diffractometer, characterized in that: The fully automated sample introduction and testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided, wherein an X-ray generator, a signal acquisition unit, an angle adjustment mechanism and a sample stage are installed in the detection chamber, the sample stage is located between the X-ray generator and the signal acquisition unit, and the angle adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the tilt angle between the X-ray generator and the signal acquisition unit; The sample stage is provided with a sample cavity, and a lifting drive is provided below the loading station to drive the sample tray to rise into the sample cavity for testing.

10. The X-ray diffractometer according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a translation drive, the output end of which is equipped with the lifting drive, and the output end of the lifting drive is equipped with a lifting support, the lifting support supporting the sample tray by the outside of the clearance step of the sample tray.

Images