Sample analyzer

Abstract

The sample analyzer comprises a liquid chromatography module and a mass spectrum module, the liquid chromatography module further comprises a waste liquid unit, a plurality of waste liquid channels, a plurality of first three-way joints and a plurality of two-way valves, when one first sample outlet channel is communicated with a second sample outlet channel, the first three-way joints are communicated with the two-way valves, and the second three-way joints are communicated with the two-way valves. The two-way valve of the waste liquid channel corresponding to one of the first sample outlet channels is in a closed state, so that carrying liquid carrying a target object in one of the first sample outlet channels flows to the mass spectrum module through the second sample outlet channel; when the other first sample outlet channels are disconnected from the second sample outlet channel, the two-way valves of the waste liquid channels corresponding to the other first sample outlet channels are in an open state, so that the carrying liquid in the other first sample outlet channels flows to the waste liquid unit through the waste liquid channels. Through the combination of the first three-way joint and the two-way valve, the communication between the waste liquid channel and the first sample outlet channel and the on-off switching of the waste liquid channel are realized, and the cost of the sample analyzer is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a sample analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has been increasingly applied to sample analysis in the medical field. LC is used for the separation of target analytes in the sample, while mass spectrometry is used for their determination. This combination fully leverages the advantages of both systems, offering strong separation capabilities, high detection sensitivity, and a wide analytical range. To improve analytical efficiency, current analyzers typically incorporate multiple channels. However, the components involved in switching between these channels are costly, increasing the overall cost of the analyzer. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a sample analyzer that uses a combination of a first three-way connector and a two-way valve to achieve communication between the waste liquid channel and the first sample outlet channel, as well as the switching of the waste liquid channel on and off, thereby helping to reduce costs.

[0004] The sample analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid chromatography module and a mass spectrometry module:

[0005] The liquid chromatography module includes multiple chromatographic columns, multiple first sample outlet channels, second sample outlet channels, and channel switching valves. The chromatographic columns are used to separate target analytes from samples. Each first sample outlet channel is connected to the corresponding chromatographic column and the channel switching valve. The channel switching valve is connected to the mass spectrometry module through the second sample outlet channel. The channel switching valve is used to control the second sample outlet channel to connect with one of the first sample outlet channels and disconnect from the other first sample outlet channels.

[0006] The mass spectrometry module is used to perform mass spectrometry analysis on the target analyte from the chromatographic column;

[0007] The liquid chromatography module further includes a waste liquid unit, multiple waste liquid channels, multiple first three-way connectors and multiple two-way valves. One end of each waste liquid channel is connected to the corresponding first sample outlet channel through the corresponding first three-way connector, and the other end is connected to the waste liquid unit. Each two-way valve is set in the corresponding waste liquid channel and can open or close the waste liquid channel.

[0008] When one of the first sample outlet channels is connected to the second sample outlet channel, the two-way valve of the waste liquid channel corresponding to one of the first sample outlet channels is in the closed state, so that the carrier liquid carrying the target in one of the first sample outlet channels flows to the mass spectrometry module through the second sample outlet channel;

[0009] Furthermore, when the other first sampling channel is disconnected from the second sampling channel, the two-way valve of the waste liquid channel corresponding to the other first sampling channel is in the open state, so that the carrier liquid in the other first sampling channel flows to the waste liquid unit through the waste liquid channel.

[0010] The sample analyzer according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0011] This embodiment achieves the connection between the waste liquid channel and the first sample outlet channel, as well as the switching of the waste liquid channel, through the combination of the first three-way connector and the two-way valve. Compared with the solution using a three-way valve in related technologies, this helps to reduce the cost of the sample analyzer.

[0012] In other embodiments of this utility model, the liquid chromatography module further includes a drive mechanism and a cleaning channel, the cleaning channel being connected to the channel switching valve, and the drive mechanism being used to drive the flow of cleaning liquid;

[0013] The channel switching valve is also used to control the second sampling channel to be connected to the cleaning channel and to control the second sampling channel to be disconnected from each of the first sampling channels. The driving mechanism is configured to drive the cleaning liquid to flow through the cleaning channel to the second sampling channel.

[0014] In other embodiments of this utility model, the channel switching valve has an output valve port, a cleaning valve port and multiple input valve ports, each of the input valve ports is connected to the corresponding first sample outlet channel, the output valve port is connected to the second sample outlet channel, and the cleaning valve port is connected to the cleaning channel;

[0015] Specifically, when the output valve port is connected to one of the input valve ports, the output valve port is disconnected from the cleaning valve port and the other input valve ports; and when the output valve port is connected to the cleaning valve port, the output valve port is disconnected from each of the input valve ports.

[0016] In other embodiments of this utility model, the liquid chromatography module further includes at least one driving mechanism, multiple cleaning channels and multiple second three-way connectors, each of the cleaning channels being connected to the corresponding first sample outlet channel through the corresponding second three-way connector, and the driving mechanism being used to drive the flow of cleaning liquid;

[0017] When one of the first sampling channels is connected to the second sampling channel, the driving mechanism is configured to drive the cleaning liquid to flow through the corresponding cleaning channel and the first sampling channel to the second sampling channel.

[0018] In other embodiments of this utility model, along the flow direction of the transport liquid in the first sample outlet channel, the second three-way connector is disposed on the side of the first three-way connector away from the channel switching valve.

[0019] In other embodiments of this utility model, when the other first sampling channel is disconnected from the second sampling channel, the driving mechanism is configured to drive the cleaning liquid to flow to the waste liquid unit through the cleaning channel connected to the first sampling channel, the first sampling channel, and the waste liquid channel connected to the first sampling channel.

[0020] In other embodiments of this utility model, the channel switching valve has an output valve port and multiple input valve ports, each of the input valve ports being connected to the corresponding first sample outlet channel, and the output valve port being connected to the second sample outlet channel;

[0021] When the output valve port is connected to one of the input valve ports, the output valve port is disconnected from the other input valve ports.

[0022] In other embodiments of this utility model, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning channel is greater than the flow rate of the transport liquid in the first sample outlet channel.

[0023] In other embodiments of this utility model, the first three-way connector includes a first connecting section, a second connecting section, and a third connecting section, all of which have an inner cavity for the transport liquid to flow through. The first sample outlet channel includes a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel. The two ends of the first sub-channel are respectively connected to the chromatographic column and the first connecting section. The two ends of the second sub-channel are respectively connected to the channel switching valve and the second connecting section. The two ends of the waste liquid channel are respectively connected to the waste liquid unit and the third connecting section.

[0024] Wherein, the diameter of the inner cavity of the first connecting section does not exceed 0.5 mm;

[0025] And / or, the length of the inner cavity of the first connecting segment does not exceed 4 mm;

[0026] And / or, the diameter of the inner cavity of the second connecting segment does not exceed 0.5 mm;

[0027] And / or, the length of the inner cavity of the second connecting segment does not exceed 4 mm;

[0028] And / or, the diameter of the inner cavity of the third connecting segment does not exceed 0.5 mm;

[0029] And / or, the length of the inner cavity of the third connecting segment does not exceed 4 mm.

[0030] In other embodiments of this utility model, the two-way valve is a solenoid valve;

[0031] Alternatively, the two-way valve may have a set opening pressure;

[0032] When one of the first sample outlet channels is connected to the second sample outlet channel, the pressure in the first sample outlet channel is lower than the opening pressure, causing the two-way valve to be in a closed state.

[0033] Furthermore, when the other first sampling channel is disconnected from the second sampling channel, the pressure in the other first sampling channel is higher than or equal to the opening pressure, causing the two-way valve to be in the open state.

[0034] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analyzer module in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the liquid chromatography module and the mass spectrometry module in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the middle channel switching valve;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the liquid chromatography module and the mass spectrometry module in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the middle channel switching valve;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first tee connector in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure label:

[0043] Sample Analyzer 10;

[0044] Preprocessing module 100;

[0045] Liquid chromatography module 200, chromatographic column 210, first sample outlet channel 220, first sub-channel 221, second sub-channel 222, second sample outlet channel 230, channel switching valve 240, output valve port 241, input valve port 242, cleaning valve port 243, waste liquid unit 250, waste liquid channel 260, first tee connector 270, first connecting section 271, second connecting section 272, third connecting section 273, two-way valve 280, cleaning channel 290, second tee connector 2100;

[0046] Mass spectrometry module 300. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model.

[0049] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0050] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0052] As mentioned earlier, the components involved in channel switching in current multichannel liquid chromatography modules are relatively expensive. For example, the use of three-way solenoid valves for channel shut-off control increases the overall cost of the equipment. Therefore, this invention proposes a sample analyzer that provides a more cost-effective channel switching solution, which helps reduce the cost of the sample analyzer. The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, provides further details.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a schematic of the sample analyzer 10 in the first embodiment of this invention, which includes a liquid chromatography module 200 and a mass spectrometry module 300. In some embodiments, the sample analyzer 10 further includes a pretreatment module 100, which is used to perform pretreatment operations on the sample. In some specific embodiments, the pretreatment module 100 can remove impurities from the sample, thereby removing non-analytes. For example, the pretreatment module 100 can remove non-analytes from the sample based on a magnetic bead method. The liquid chromatography module 200 is used to separate the target analyte from the sample that has undergone pretreatment, and the mass spectrometry module 300 is used to perform mass spectrometry analysis on the target analyte from the chromatographic column 210 to obtain analytical results.

[0054] Among them, reference Figure 2 The liquid chromatography module 200 includes multiple chromatographic columns 210, multiple first sample outlet channels 220, multiple second sample outlet channels 230, and a channel switching valve 240. The chromatographic columns 210 are used to separate target analytes from samples that have undergone pretreatment. The number of first sample outlet channels 220 is equal to the number of chromatographic columns 210, and each first sample outlet channel 220 is connected to its corresponding chromatographic column 210 and channel switching valve 240. By setting multiple chromatographic columns 210 and multiple first sample outlet channels 220, the separation of multiple samples can be performed in batches, which helps to improve efficiency.

[0055] The channel switching valve 240 is connected to the mass spectrometry module 300 through the second sample outlet channel 230, and the channel switching valve 240 is used to control the second sample outlet channel 230 to connect with one of the first sample outlet channels 220 and disconnect from the other first sample outlet channels 220. It should be noted that the channel switching valve 240 can also perform other controls, such as controlling the second sample outlet channel 230 to disconnect from all the first sample outlet channels 220, which will be described in subsequent embodiments.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 The liquid chromatography module 200 also includes a waste liquid unit 250, multiple waste liquid channels 260, multiple first three-way connectors 270, and multiple two-way valves 280. The waste liquid unit 250 is used to collect waste liquid. When the chromatographic column 210 is in operation, the carrier liquid needs to be continuously introduced and discharged regardless of whether separation is being performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the waste liquid refers to the carrier liquid originating from the chromatographic column 210 and not transported to the mass spectrometry module 300. The number of waste liquid channels 260 is equal to the number of first sample outlet channels 220. One end of each waste liquid channel 260 is connected to the corresponding first sample outlet channel 220 via a first three-way connector 270, and the other end is connected to the waste liquid unit 250. Thus, when the waste liquid channel 260 is unobstructed, the waste liquid can flow through the waste liquid channel 260 to the waste liquid unit 250. The number of two-way valves 280 is equal to the number of waste liquid channels 260. Each two-way valve 280 is set in the corresponding waste liquid channel 260 and can open or close the corresponding waste liquid channel 260. Specifically, the two-way valve 280 has only two states. When it is in the open state, it can open the waste liquid channel 260 to keep the waste liquid channel 260 unobstructed. When it is in the closed state, it closes the waste liquid channel 260.

[0057] Based on the above structure, when the channel switching valve 240 controls the connection between one of the first sample outlet channels 220 and the second sample outlet channel 230, the two-way valve 280 corresponding to the waste liquid channel 260 of one of the first sample outlet channels 220 is in a closed state, so that the carrier liquid carrying the target in one of the first sample outlet channels 220 flows to the mass spectrometry module 300 through the second sample outlet channel 230. For example, Figure 2 The first sample outlet channel 220 at the bottom is connected to the second sample outlet channel 230 through the channel switching valve 240. The other three first sample outlet channels 220 are disconnected from the second sample outlet channels 230. The carrier liquid carrying the target in the first sample outlet channel 220 at the bottom can flow to the mass spectrometry module 300 for analysis through the second sample outlet channel 230.

[0058] Furthermore, when the channel switching valve 240 controls the disconnection of the other first sample outlet channel 220 from the second sample outlet channel 230, the two-way valve 280 corresponding to the waste liquid channel 260 of the other first sample outlet channel 220 is in the open state, so that the carrier liquid in the other first sample outlet channel 220 flows to the waste liquid unit 250 through the waste liquid channel 260. For example, Figure 2 Except for the lowest first sample outlet channel 220, the other three first sample outlet channels 220 are disconnected from the second sample outlet channel 230. The transport liquid in the other three first sample outlet channels 220 flows to the waste liquid unit 250 through the first three-way connector 270 and the waste liquid channel 260.

[0059] In related technologies, some analyzers connect the waste liquid channel and the sample outlet channel through a three-way valve, and switch the on / off state of the waste liquid channel and the sample outlet channel through a three-way solenoid valve. In this embodiment, the same function can be achieved by combining the first three-way connector 270 and the two-way valve 280. Moreover, the cost of the first three-way connector 270 and the two-way valve 280 is significantly less than the cost of the three-way valve, thus helping to reduce the cost of the liquid chromatography module 200, especially the multi-channel liquid chromatography module 200.

[0060] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid chromatography module 200 further includes a driving mechanism and a cleaning channel 290, the cleaning channel 290 being connected to a channel switching valve 240, and the driving mechanism being used to drive the flow of cleaning liquid. For example, the driving mechanism may be a pump or a syringe.

[0061] In this embodiment, the channel switching valve 240 is also used to control the connection between the second sample outlet channel 230 and the cleaning channel 290, and to control the disconnection between the second sample outlet channel 230 and each of the first sample outlet channels 220. The driving mechanism is configured to drive the cleaning liquid to flow through the cleaning channel 290 to the second sample outlet channel 230, thereby cleaning the internal channels of the channel switching valve 240 and the second sample outlet channel 230 with the cleaning liquid to avoid contamination between samples. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the cleaning liquid can also flow into the mass spectrometry module 300 through the second sample outlet channel 230, and continue to flow to other locations through the channels in the mass spectrometry module, and finally flow into other waste liquid units.

[0062] When the liquid chromatography module 200 also includes a drive mechanism and a cleaning channel 290, in some specific embodiments of this utility model, before the second sample outlet channel 230 switches from the current first sample outlet channel 220 to connect to another first sample outlet channel 220, the channel switching valve 240 controls the second sample outlet channel 230 to connect with the cleaning channel 290, and the drive mechanism drives the cleaning liquid to flow through the cleaning channel 290 to the second sample outlet channel 230. That is, before the second sample outlet channel 230 needs to connect with a new first sample outlet channel 220 each time, a cleaning operation will be performed first to remove the sample remaining from the last sample outlet.

[0063] When the liquid chromatography module 200 also includes a drive mechanism and a cleaning channel 290, in some specific embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figure 3 The channel switching valve 240 has an output valve port 241, a cleaning valve port 243, and multiple input valve ports 242. Each input valve port 242 is connected to a corresponding first sample outlet channel 220. The output valve port 241 serves as a common valve port and is connected to a second sample outlet channel 230. The cleaning valve port 243 is connected to a cleaning channel 290. For ease of description, the external channels connected to each valve port and the internal channels of the valve are indicated by dashed lines in the figure. For example, the cleaning valve port 243 and the multiple input valve ports 242 are distributed along the circumference, and the output valve port 241 is located at the center of the circumference.

[0064] When output valve port 241 is connected to one of the output valve ports 241, output valve port 241 is disconnected from cleaning valve port 243 and other input valve ports 242, thereby achieving the purpose of connecting the second sample outlet channel 230 with a first sample outlet channel 220. Figure 2 For example, if the input valve port 242 in the lower right corner is connected to the output valve port 241, the carrier fluid in the first sample outlet channel 220 at the bottom can flow into the second sample outlet channel 230, while the carrier fluid in other first sample outlet channels 220 will not flow into the second sample outlet channel 230.

[0065] At the same time, when the output valve port 241 is connected to the cleaning valve port 243, the output valve port 241 is disconnected from each input valve port 242, thereby achieving the purpose of connecting the second sample outlet channel 230 with the cleaning channel 290 and disconnecting it from all the first sample outlet channels 220.

[0066] The foregoing embodiments perform cleaning by setting a separate cleaning valve port. In other embodiments, the cleaning valve port can be omitted, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the liquid chromatography module 200 also includes at least one drive mechanism, multiple cleaning channels 290 and multiple second tee connectors 2100. Each cleaning channel 290 is connected to the corresponding first sample outlet channel 220 through the second tee connector. The drive mechanism is used to drive the flow of cleaning liquid. For example, the drive mechanism can be a pump or a syringe.

[0067] In this embodiment, when one of the first sample outlet channels 220 is connected to the second sample outlet channel 230, the driving mechanism is configured to drive the cleaning liquid to flow through the corresponding cleaning channel 290 and the first sample outlet channel 220 to the second sample outlet channel 230. Thus, this embodiment can clean the internal channels of the channel switching valve 240 and the second sample outlet channel 230, and also clean a portion of the first sample outlet channel 220, to avoid contamination between samples. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the cleaning liquid can also flow into the mass spectrometry module 300 through the second sample outlet channel 230, and continue to flow to other locations through the channels within the mass spectrometry module, eventually flowing into other waste liquid units.

[0068] When the liquid chromatography module 200 also includes at least one drive mechanism, multiple cleaning channels 290 and multiple second three-way connectors 2100, in some specific embodiments of this utility model, before the second sample outlet channel 230 switches from the current first sample outlet channel 220 to connect to another first sample outlet channel 220, the drive mechanism drives the cleaning liquid to flow into the first sample outlet channel 220 through the cleaning channel 290, and flows together with the carrier liquid in the first sample outlet channel 220 to the second sample outlet channel 230. That is, before each second sample outlet channel 230 needs to connect to a new first sample outlet channel 220, a cleaning operation will be performed first to remove the sample remaining from the last sample outlet.

[0069] When the liquid chromatography module 200 also includes at least one drive mechanism, multiple cleaning channels 290 and multiple second three-way connectors 2100, in some specific embodiments of this utility model, along the flow direction of the carrier liquid in the first sample outlet channel 220, the second three-way connector 2100 is located on the side of the corresponding first three-way connector 270 away from the channel switching valve 240. For example, when the channel switching valve 240 is located on the right side of the first three-way connector 270, the second three-way connector 2100 is located on the left side of the corresponding first three-way connector 270. In this way, the first three-way connector 270 can also be cleaned by cleaning liquid.

[0070] It should be noted that in some other embodiments, the second tee connector 2100 may also be located on the side of the corresponding first tee connector 270 near the channel switching valve 240.

[0071] When the liquid chromatography module 200 also includes at least one drive mechanism, multiple cleaning channels 290, and multiple second three-way connectors 2100, in some specific embodiments of this utility model, when other first sample outlet channels 220 are disconnected from second sample outlet channels 230, the drive mechanism is configured to drive the cleaning liquid to flow through the cleaning channel 290 connected to the first sample outlet channel 220, the first sample outlet channel 220, and the waste liquid channel 260 connected to the first sample outlet channel 220 to the waste liquid unit 250. As shown in Figure 4, when a certain first sample outlet channel 220 is disconnected from the second sample outlet channel 230, the two-way valve 280 on its corresponding waste liquid channel 260 is in the open state. At this time, the drive mechanism can drive the cleaning liquid to be injected into the corresponding first sample outlet channel 220, and together with the carrier liquid in the first sample outlet channel 220, enter the waste liquid unit through the waste liquid channel 260. Since the cleaning waste liquid does not need to occupy the channel switching valve 240 and the second sample outlet channel 230 for discharge, the cleaning operation in this embodiment can be carried out independently without being affected by the sample outlet operation.

[0072] When the liquid chromatography module 200 further includes at least one drive mechanism, multiple cleaning channels 290, and multiple second tee connectors 2100, in some specific embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figure 5 The channel switching valve 240 has an output valve port 241 and multiple input valve ports 242. Each input valve port 242 is connected to a corresponding first sample outlet channel 220. The output valve port 241 serves as a common valve port and is connected to the mass spectrometry module 300. For ease of description, the external channels connected to each valve port and the internal channels of the valve are indicated by dashed lines in the figure. For example, the multiple input valve ports 242 are distributed along the circumference, and the output valve port 241 is located at the center of the circumference.

[0073] When output valve port 241 is connected to one of the output valve ports 241, output valve port 241 is disconnected from the other output valve ports 241, thereby achieving the purpose of connecting the second sample outlet channel 230 with a first sample outlet channel 220. Figure 4 For example, if the input valve port 242 in the lower right corner is connected to the output valve port 241, the carrier fluid in the first sample outlet channel 220 at the bottom can flow into the second sample outlet channel 230, while the carrier fluid in other first sample outlet channels 220 will not flow into the second sample outlet channel 230.

[0074] In some embodiments of this invention, when a cleaning channel is provided, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning channel 290 is greater than the flow rate of the carrier liquid in the first sample outlet channel 220. The chromatographic column 210 needs to be maintained at a relatively high pressure during operation. Therefore, the flow rate of the carrier liquid flowing out of the chromatographic column 210 is usually small. Otherwise, the pressure inside the chromatographic column 210 will be further increased. Based on this, if a carrier liquid from the chromatographic column 210 without a sample is used for the cleaning channel switching valve 240 and the second sample outlet channel 230, the cleaning efficiency will be relatively low. In this embodiment, by setting a cleaning channel 290 that does not pass through the chromatographic column 210, a large flow rate of cleaning liquid can be provided without being limited by the chromatographic column 210, thereby enabling rapid cleaning of the channel switching valve 240 and the second sample outlet channel 230.

[0075] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 6 The first tee connector 270 includes a first connecting section 271, a second connecting section 272, and a third connecting section 273, all of which have an inner cavity for the flow of transport liquid. For example, the first connecting section 271 and the second connecting section 272 are coaxially arranged, and the third connecting section 273 is perpendicular to the first connecting section 271 and the second connecting section 272. The first sample outlet channel 220 includes a first sub-channel 221 and a second sub-channel 222. The two ends of the first sub-channel 221 are respectively connected to the chromatographic column 210 and the first connecting section 271. The two ends of the second sub-channel 222 are respectively connected to the channel switching valve 240 and the second connecting section 272. The two ends of the waste liquid channel 260 are respectively connected to the waste liquid unit 250 and the third connecting section 273, thereby achieving communication between the waste liquid channel 260 and the first sample outlet channel 220.

[0076] When the channel is connected to the first tee connector 270, one end of the channel extends into the first tee connector 270 by a predetermined length. A dead space, sealed at one end, is formed between the outer wall of the channel and the inner wall of the inner cavity. Due to the lack of flow, the liquid in the dead space is difficult to exchange, thus leaving sample residue. The greater the difference between the outer diameter of the channel and the diameter of the inner cavity, or the longer the channel extends, the larger the volume of the dead space, and the more residual sample. This embodiment, by limiting the inner cavity length of each segment of the first tee connector 270, can reduce the dead space where the cleaning liquid cannot interact, thus helping to improve the cleaning effect. In some specific embodiments, the inner cavity diameter of the first connecting segment 271 does not exceed 0.5 mm, thereby avoiding an excessive difference from the outer diameter of the channel to increase the volume of the dead space; in some specific embodiments, the inner cavity length L of the first connecting segment 271 does not exceed 4 mm, thereby avoiding an excessively long insertion length of the channel to increase the volume of the dead space. Similarly, in some specific embodiments, the diameter of the inner cavity of the second connecting segment 272 does not exceed 0.5 mm; in some specific embodiments, the length of the inner cavity of the second connecting segment 272 does not exceed 4 mm; in some specific embodiments, the diameter of the inner cavity of the third connecting segment 273 does not exceed 0.5 mm; in some specific embodiments, the length of the inner cavity of the third connecting segment 273 does not exceed 4 mm.

[0077] It should be noted that when the liquid chromatography module 200 also has a second tee connector 2100, the second tee connector 2100 can also be set with reference to the first tee connector 270.

[0078] Based on the first embodiment, in some embodiments of this utility model, the two-way valve 280 is a solenoid valve, which realizes the switching of the corresponding waste liquid channel 260 through active control, making the adjustment more flexible.

[0079] In other embodiments, the two-way valve 280 has a set opening pressure. When one of the first sample outlet channels 220 is connected to the second sample outlet channel 230, the carrier liquid can continuously flow out, causing the pressure in one of the first sample outlet channels 220 to be lower than the opening pressure, thus keeping the two-way valve 280 in a closed state. When the other first sample outlet channels 220 are disconnected from the second sample outlet channel 230, the carrier liquid in the other first sample outlet channels 220 continuously flows in, causing the pressure to be higher than or equal to the opening pressure, thus keeping the two-way valve 280 in an open state. In this way, this embodiment can realize automatic switching of the channels, thereby reducing the need for active control. For example, the two-way valve 280 is configured as a back pressure valve.

[0080] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A sample analyzer characterized by, The liquid chromatography module comprises a plurality of chromatographic columns, a plurality of first sample outlet channels, a second sample outlet channel and a channel switching valve, the chromatographic columns are used for separating target objects from samples, each of the first sample outlet channels is respectively connected with a corresponding chromatographic column and the channel switching valve, the channel switching valve is connected with the mass spectrometry module through the second sample outlet channel, the channel switching valve is used for controlling the second sample outlet channel to be connected with one of the first sample outlet channels and disconnected with the other first sample outlet channels; The mass spectrometry module is used for performing mass spectrometry analysis on the target objects from the chromatographic columns; The liquid chromatography module further comprises a waste liquid unit, a plurality of waste liquid channels, a plurality of first three-way joints and a plurality of two-way valves, one end of each of the waste liquid channels is connected with a corresponding first sample outlet channel through a corresponding first three-way joint, the other end is connected with the waste liquid unit, and each of the two-way valves is arranged in a corresponding waste liquid channel and can open or shut off the waste liquid channel; When the one of the first sample outlet channels is connected with the second sample outlet channel, the two-way valve of the waste liquid channel corresponding to the one of the first sample outlet channels is in a shut-off state, so that the carrier liquid carrying the target objects in the one of the first sample outlet channels flows to the mass spectrometry module through the second sample outlet channel; When the other first sample outlet channels are disconnected with the second sample outlet channel, the two-way valve of the waste liquid channel corresponding to the other first sample outlet channels is in an open state, so that the carrier liquid in the other first sample outlet channels flows to the waste liquid unit through the waste liquid channel. The liquid chromatography module further comprises a driving mechanism and a cleaning channel, the cleaning channel is connected with the channel switching valve, and the driving mechanism is used for driving the flow of cleaning liquid; 2. The sample analyzer of claim 1, wherein, The channel switching valve is further used for controlling the second sample outlet channel to be connected with the cleaning channel and disconnected with each of the first sample outlet channels, and the driving mechanism is configured to drive the cleaning liquid to flow to the second sample outlet channel through the cleaning channel. The channel switching valve has an output valve port, a cleaning valve port and a plurality of input valve ports, each of the input valve ports is connected with a corresponding first sample outlet channel, the output valve port is connected with the second sample outlet channel, and the cleaning valve port is connected with the cleaning channel; 3. The sample analyzer of claim 2, wherein, When the output valve port is connected with one of the input valve ports, the output valve port is disconnected with the cleaning valve port and the other input valve ports; and when the output valve port is connected with the cleaning valve port, the output valve port is disconnected with each of the input valve ports. The liquid chromatography module further comprises at least one driving mechanism, a plurality of cleaning channels and a plurality of second three-way joints, each of the cleaning channels is connected with a corresponding first sample outlet channel through a corresponding second three-way joint, and the driving mechanism is used for driving the flow of cleaning liquid; 4. The sample analyzer of claim 1, wherein, ​ When one of the first sample outlet channels is in communication with the second sample outlet channel, the driving mechanism is configured to drive the cleaning liquid through the corresponding cleaning channel, the first sample outlet channel, and the second sample outlet channel.

5. The sample analyzer of claim 4, wherein, The second tee joint is disposed on a side of the first tee joint away from the channel switching valve along a flow direction of the carrier liquid in the first sample outlet channel.

6. The sample analyzer of claim 4, wherein, When the other first sample outlet channel is not in communication with the second sample outlet channel, the driving mechanism is configured to drive the cleaning liquid through the cleaning channel in communication with the first sample outlet channel, the first sample outlet channel, and the waste liquid channel in communication with the first sample outlet channel to the waste liquid unit.

7. The sample analyzer of claim 4, wherein, The channel switching valve has an output valve port and a plurality of input valve ports, each of the input valve ports being in communication with a corresponding first sample outlet channel, and the output valve port being in communication with the second sample outlet channel. When the output valve port is in communication with one of the input valve ports, the output valve port is not in communication with the other input valve ports.

8. The sample analyzer of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The flow rate of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning channel is greater than the flow rate of the carrier liquid in the first sample outlet channel.

9. The sample analyzer of claim 1, wherein, The first tee joint includes a first connecting segment, a second connecting segment, and a third connecting segment, each of which has an inner cavity for the carrier liquid to flow through, the first sample outlet channel includes a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel, two ends of the first sub-channel are in communication with the chromatographic column and the first connecting segment respectively, two ends of the second sub-channel are in communication with the channel switching valve and the second connecting segment respectively, and two ends of the waste liquid channel are in communication with the waste liquid unit and the third connecting segment respectively. The diameter of the inner cavity of the first connecting segment is not more than 0.5 mm. The length of the inner cavity of the first connecting segment is not more than 4 mm. The diameter of the inner cavity of the second connecting segment is not more than 0.5 mm. The length of the inner cavity of the second connecting segment is not more than 4 mm. The diameter of the inner cavity of the third connecting segment is not more than 0.5 mm. The length of the inner cavity of the third connecting segment is not more than 4 mm.

10. The sample analyzer of claim 1, wherein, The two-way valve is an electromagnetic valve. Alternatively, the two-way valve has a set opening pressure. When one of the first sample outlet channels is in communication with the second sample outlet channel, the pressure in the one of the first sample outlet channels is lower than the opening pressure, so that the two-way valve is in a closed state. When the other first sample outlet channel is not in communication with the second sample outlet channel, the pressure in the other first sample outlet channel is higher than or equal to the opening pressure, so that the two-way valve is in an open state.

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