Mass spectrometer vacuum interface and mass spectrometer

Abstract

The vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer comprises an interface body, a sample introduction piece and a first connecting piece, the interior of the interface body is hollow to form a vacuum cavity, the sample introduction piece is provided with a sample introduction port, and the sample introduction port is communicated with the vacuum cavity so as to be used for conveying ions to be detected to the vacuum cavity; in the direction towards the vacuum cavity, the opening size of at least part of the sample introduction port is gradually increased, and the two opposite ends of the first connecting piece are detachably connected with the interface body and the sample introduction piece respectively. According to the vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer provided by the embodiment of the utility model, through the arrangement of the first connecting piece, the installation precision of the sample introduction piece can be ensured while the detachable matching of the sample introduction piece and the interface body is realized, so that the working performance of the mass spectrometer can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mass spectrometry technology, and in particular to a vacuum interface for a mass spectrometer and a mass spectrometer. Background Technology

[0002] A mass spectrometer is an instrument used to analyze particles. The vacuum interface with the sample introduction device is an important component of a mass spectrometer. It plays a connecting and transition role in the mass spectrometer, and is used to send the analyte ions generated by the ion source into the mass spectrometer under controlled conditions for subsequent separation and detection.

[0003] In order to facilitate the maintenance of the vacuum interface, the injection component is usually designed as a detachable part. However, the existing injection components are difficult to disassemble and assemble, and the installation accuracy of the injection components cannot be guaranteed. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a vacuum interface for a mass spectrometer. This vacuum interface not only ensures the installation accuracy of the sample introduction element but also facilitates its assembly and disassembly, thereby improving the working performance of the mass spectrometer and solving the technical problems of difficult assembly and disassembly of the sample introduction element and the inability to guarantee installation accuracy in the prior art.

[0005] This invention also aims to provide a mass spectrometer having the aforementioned vacuum interface.

[0006] The vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an interface body, the interface body having a hollow interior forming a vacuum cavity; a sample injection component having a sample inlet communicating with the vacuum cavity for delivering analyte ions toward the vacuum cavity, wherein at least a portion of the opening size of the sample inlet gradually increases in the direction toward the vacuum cavity; and a first connector having opposite ends detachably connected to the interface body and the sample injection component.

[0007] According to the vacuum interface of this utility model embodiment, by setting a first connector, the sample injection component and the interface body can be detachably coupled, which reduces the difficulty of assembling the sample injection component and the interface body, facilitates the maintenance of the vacuum interface, and also helps to ensure the installation accuracy of the sample injection component, thereby improving the working performance of the mass spectrometer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer further includes a second connector, one end of which is detachably connected to the interface body via the second connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, the vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer further includes a first fastener, the second connector is a first connecting post, the first connecting post has a first connecting hole through it, the interface body has a mating hole, the first fastener passes through the first connecting hole and is fixedly connected in the mating hole; the first connector is a connecting sleeve, at least a portion of the connecting sleeve is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first connecting post and is fixedly mated with the first connecting post.

[0010] In some embodiments, the vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer further includes a second fastener, and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting sleeve is provided with a second connecting hole that extends radially through it. The second fastener passes through the second connecting hole and engages with the first connecting post.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mating hole is formed on the sidewall of the interface body and extends along the thickness direction of the sidewall, and the extension length of the mating hole is less than the thickness of the sidewall; and / or, the end of the first fastener opposite to the mating hole is located in the first connecting hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first connector is a connecting sleeve, and the injection component is provided with a second connecting post, which is disposed inside the connecting sleeve and engages with the connecting sleeve for limiting.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer further includes a limiting member, which is a limiting plate. The limiting plate is movably disposed on the connecting sleeve so that the limiting plate has a first position and a second position. The second connecting column is provided with a limiting groove. In the first position, the limiting plate can be limited and fitted in the limiting groove. In the second position, the limiting plate and the limiting groove are spaced apart.

[0014] In some embodiments, the vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer further includes a driving component, which is a driving plate. The driving plate is connected to the limiting plate and extends radially outward toward the vacuum interface. The driving plate is used to drive the limiting plate to move between the first position and the second position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer further includes a first elastic element, which is used to drive the limiting plate to move toward the first position.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the limiting plate is disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting sleeve to form a mating plate, and the opposite ends of the first elastic member are respectively mated with the connecting sleeve and the mating plate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the limiting plate is disposed at one end of the connecting sleeve near the second connecting post, and the connecting sleeve is provided with a sliding groove, wherein at least part of the limiting plate is slidably engaged in the sliding groove.

[0018] In some embodiments, one of the connecting sleeve and the limiting plate is provided with a guide post, and the other is provided with a guide groove. The extending direction of the guide groove is consistent with the moving direction of the limiting plate. The guide post is limited and fitted within the guide groove and is movably fitted with the guide groove.

[0019] In some embodiments, the vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer further includes a second elastic element for driving the second connecting column to move away from the connecting sleeve.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second elastic element is disposed within the connecting sleeve and engages with the second connecting post for abutment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connecting sleeve has a first assembly channel and a second assembly channel that are interconnected. The second assembly channel is located near the second connecting post. The second elastic member is located in the first assembly channel. One end of the second connecting post passes through the second assembly channel and extends into the first assembly channel. The inner diameter of the first assembly channel is larger than the inner diameter of the second assembly channel to form a stepped surface at the connection between the first assembly channel and the second assembly channel. The stepped surface is used to limit the expansion and contraction of the second elastic member.

[0022] The mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the aforementioned vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer.

[0023] The mass spectrometer according to the embodiments of the present invention can improve its working performance by adopting the aforementioned vacuum interface.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of the vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of another location of the vacuum interface of the mass spectrometer in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of region I in the middle.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the sample feeder in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer in some embodiments of the present invention with some parts omitted.

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A top view of the vacuum interface.

[0034] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram from another angle showing the omission of part of the structure of the vacuum interface.

[0035] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A top view of the vacuum interface.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a side view of the vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 1000, Vacuum Interface;

[0039] 100. Main body;

[0040] 110. Interface body;

[0041] 111, Vacuum cavity; 1111, First opening; 1112, Second opening;

[0042] 112. Mating hole;

[0043] 120. First connecting component;

[0044] 121. First assembly channel; 122. Second assembly channel;

[0045] 630, Slide groove; 510, Second connecting hole; 420, Guide post;

[0046] 200. Mass analyzer; 210. First set of quadrupoles; 220. Second set of quadrupoles;

[0047] 300. Injection sample;

[0048] 310. Inlet port;

[0049] 320, Second connecting post; 620, Limiting groove;

[0050] 400. Second connector; 410. First connecting hole;

[0051] 500. Second fastener;

[0052] 600. Limiting component; 610. Mating plate; 640. Guide groove;

[0053] 700. Driving component; 710. Guide component;

[0054] 800. First elastic element;

[0055] 900. Second elastic element;

[0056] 910. Vacuum extraction components; 911. Vacuum extraction channel;

[0057] 920. Adjustable bracket;

[0058] 930. Gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0059] 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.

[0060] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0061] The vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an interface body 110, a sample injection element 300, and a first connector 120.

[0063] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, the interface body 110 has a hollow interior forming a vacuum cavity 111. The vacuum cavity 111 provides space for other components of the vacuum interface 1000, so as to facilitate the installation and arrangement of other components of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0064] In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber 111 is designed with special airtightness to maintain the required vacuum level while introducing ions.

[0065] It should be noted that in some applications, the vacuum chamber 111 needs to withstand high or low temperature environments to ensure that the vacuum interface 1000 maintains stable performance at different temperatures and avoids leakage or damage caused by temperature changes. At the same time, the design of the vacuum chamber 111 usually needs to consider the ease of disassembly and assembly, so that users can easily replace or clean the parts and perform maintenance and upkeep.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the sample feed 300 has a sample inlet 310, which connects to the vacuum chamber 111 for delivering analyte ions toward the vacuum chamber 111. At least a portion of the opening size of the sample inlet 310 gradually increases in the direction toward the vacuum chamber 111, thus forming a conical orifice. This makes the sample feed 300 a conical component. The conical sample feed 300 is a key component of the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer. Its main function is to generate a pressure drop, allowing ions generated by the ion source to smoothly transition from a high-pressure region to a low-pressure region, thereby ensuring ion stability.

[0067] In a specific example, the injection element 300 is formed as a conical orifice plate.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, the two opposite ends of the first connector 120 are detachably connected to the interface body 110 and the sample injector 300, respectively. This enables a detachable connection between the sample injector 300 and the interface body 110, reduces the difficulty of connecting the sample injector 300 and the interface body 110, facilitates the maintenance of the vacuum interface 1000, and the detachable connection between the sample injector 300 and the interface body 110 via the first connector 120 also helps to ensure the assembly accuracy of the sample injector 300, and to a certain extent ensures the working performance of the sample injector 300.

[0069] In some embodiments, one end of the first connector 120 is connected to the interface body 110, and the other end of the first connector 120 is connected to the injection device 300, so as to realize the detachable connection between the interface body 110 and the injection device 300 and reduce the connection difficulty between the interface body 110 and the injection device 300.

[0070] As can be seen from the above structure, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer in this embodiment of the present invention, by setting a first connector 120 and detachably connecting the two opposite ends of the first connector 120 to the interface body 110 and the sample injector 300 respectively, realizes the detachable connection between the sample injector 300 and the main body 100, reduces the difficulty of detachably connecting the sample injector 300 and the interface body 110, facilitates the maintenance of the vacuum interface 1000, and also helps to ensure the assembly accuracy of the sample injector 300, thereby ensuring the working performance of the sample injector 300 to a certain extent.

[0071] Understandably, compared to the prior art, this application achieves a detachable connection between the interface body 110 and the injection component 300 by setting the first connector 120, which not only facilitates the disassembly of the injection component 300 but also ensures the installation accuracy of the injection component 300, thereby improving the working performance of the mass spectrometer.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the vacuum chamber 111 has a first opening 1111 and a second opening 1112 arranged opposite to each other, and the mass analyzer 200 is adapted to be installed inside the vacuum chamber 111. By configuring the vacuum chamber 111 with the first opening 1111 and the second opening 1112 arranged opposite to each other, the first opening 1111 and the second opening 1112 facilitate the installation and disassembly of the mass analyzer 200 and other components of the vacuum interface 1000, while also facilitating communication between the vacuum chamber 111 and the outside world, thus ensuring the working performance of the vacuum interface 1000 to a certain extent.

[0073] Meanwhile, by setting a mass analyzer 200 in the vacuum chamber 111, it is convenient to use the mass analyzer 200 to separate the ions to be tested, which to a certain extent ensures the working performance of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0074] In some examples, the mass analyzer 200 is a quadrupole. The ion beam is transmitted to the vacuum cavity 111 through the first opening 1111. During transmission, it may be necessary to focus and guide the ions using an electric field or magnetic field to ensure that the ions can accurately enter the mass analyzer 200. When the ions pass through the mass analyzer 200, they will oscillate under the influence of the electric field. Ions with different mass-to-charge ratios will be subjected to different degrees of electric field influence, thereby achieving mass separation. The mass-separated ions are transmitted to the detector through the second opening 1112 to achieve accurate analysis of the molecular structure and composition of the sample, which to a certain extent ensures the working performance of the mass spectrometer.

[0075] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the sample injector 300 is located at the first opening 1111 and is detachably connected to the first connector 120.

[0076] It should be noted that by ensuring the installation accuracy of the injection element 300, the injection element 300 can effectively and precisely cooperate with the mass analyzer 200 to ensure that the mass analyzer 200 accurately separates and screens ions.

[0077] In some embodiments, the interface body 110 is formed as a single integral part. This can be understood as the first connector 120 being detachably connected to the interface body 110, so that the first connector 120 and the interface body 110 are formed as separate parts. This facilitates the processing of the interface body 110 into a single integral part, reducing the processing cost and difficulty of the interface body 110, while also ensuring good sealing performance to a certain extent. Because the interface body 110 has a hollow interior forming a vacuum cavity 111, the sealing performance of the vacuum cavity 111 is ensured, preventing interference from external substances and guaranteeing its performance. This ensures that the ion flight path is not disturbed, thereby guaranteeing the working performance of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0078] In a specific example, the interface body 110 is manufactured using a one-piece molding process, so that the interface body 110 is formed as a one-piece molded part.

[0079] In summary, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer in this application can ensure the installation accuracy of the sample injection component 300 and also give the interface body 110 good sealing performance, thereby improving the working performance of the mass spectrometer.

[0080] In specific examples, combined Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the interface body 110 and the first connector 120 cooperate to form the main body 100.

[0081] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer also includes a second connector 400. One end of the first connector 120 is detachably connected to the interface body 110 through the second connector 400. This allows one end of the first connector 120 to be connected to the interface body 110, reducing the difficulty of connecting the first connector 120 to the interface body 110 and helping to reduce the molding difficulty of the main body 100.

[0082] Meanwhile, by setting the first connector 120 to be detachably connected to the interface body 110 via the second connector 400, the difficulty of assembling and disassembling the first connector 120 can be reduced, making it easier to replace the first connector 120 and the interface body 110. At the same time, it allows users to easily replace or clean the parts for maintenance and upkeep.

[0083] In some embodiments, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer further includes a first fastener (not shown in the figure), combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second connector 400 is a first connecting post, with a first connecting hole 410 penetrating through it. The interface body 110 has a mating hole 112. The first fastener passes through the first connecting hole 410 and is fixedly connected within the mating hole 112. This achieves a fixed connection between the second connector 400 and the interface body 110, reducing the difficulty of connecting the second connector 400 and the interface body 110, and to a certain extent ensuring the connection quality between the second connector 400 and the interface body 110. This is beneficial for ensuring the working performance of the vacuum interface 1000, thereby improving the working performance of the mass spectrometer.

[0084] Optionally, the first fastener is a fully threaded bolt, which can provide a more even load distribution, making the connection between the second connector 400 and the interface body 110 more secure, and to a certain extent preventing loosening or slippage between the second connector 400 and the interface body 110.

[0085] Meanwhile, by using fully threaded bolts to connect the second connector 400 and the interface body 110, the second connector 400 and the interface body 110 can be detachably coupled, which facilitates quick separation of the second connector 400 and the interface body 110, making it convenient to inspect, repair or replace parts of the vacuum interface 1000, and reducing the maintenance difficulty and cost of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0086] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first connector 120 is a connecting sleeve, at least a portion of which is fitted around the outer periphery of the first connecting post and fixedly engaged with the connecting post. This achieves a fixed connection between the first connector 120 and the second connector 400. Since the second connector 400 is detachably connected to the interface body 110, a detachable connection between the first connector 120 and the interface body 110 is achieved, reducing the difficulty of fixing the first connector 120 to the interface body 110.

[0087] In other words, the first connector 120 is fixedly connected to the second connector 400, and the second connector 400 is detachably connected to the interface body 110. This achieves the purpose of using the second connector 400 to realize the detachable connection between the first connector 120 and the interface body 110. Compared with welding the first connector 120 to the interface body 110, this not only reduces the connection difficulty between the first connector 120 and the interface body 110, but also avoids damage to the material stress characteristics and avoids workpiece deformation to a certain extent, thus ensuring the structural accuracy of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0088] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer also includes a second fastener 500. A second connecting hole 510 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting sleeve, extending radially through it. The second fastener 500 passes through the second connecting hole 510 and engages with the first connecting post. This achieves a fixed connection between the first connecting member 120 and the second connecting member 400, and reduces the difficulty of fixing the first connecting member 120 and the second connecting member 400.

[0089] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second fastener 500 is a pin, which passes through the second connecting hole 510 and engages with the first connecting post.

[0090] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 includes a plurality of second fasteners 500, and a plurality of second connecting holes 510 are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting sleeve. The plurality of second fasteners 500 and the plurality of second connecting holes 510 are matched one-to-one to increase the fixing strength of the first connector 120 and the second connector 400, so that the relative position of the first connector 120 and the second connector 400 is stable, thereby enabling the first connector 120 to be stably connected to the interface body 110. Since the sample injector 300 and the first connector 120 are detachably connected, it is beneficial to ensure the assembly accuracy of the sample injector 300.

[0091] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the mating hole 112 is formed on the side wall of the interface body 110 and extends along the thickness direction of the side wall. The extension length of the mating hole 112 is less than the thickness of the side wall. This makes the mating hole 112 a blind hole provided on the interface body 110, which ensures the sealing performance of the interface body 110 to a certain extent, thereby improving the performance of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0092] Meanwhile, by setting the mating hole 112 as a blind hole, it is also beneficial to improve the structural strength of the interface body 110.

[0093] In some embodiments, the end of the first fastener facing away from the mating hole 112 is located inside the first connecting hole 410. This allows the first fastener to be positioned inside the first connecting hole 410, preventing it from protruding from the second connector 400 and thus avoiding it occupying space outside the second connector 400. This facilitates the bolt connection between the second connector 400 and the interface body 110 using the first fastener, while also preventing the second connector 400 from interfering with the installation of other structural components (such as the second elastic element 900 mentioned below), thus reducing the assembly difficulty of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0094] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first connector 120 is a connecting sleeve, and the injection component 300 is provided with a second connecting post 320. The second connecting post 320 is located inside the connecting sleeve and is in a limiting fit with the connecting sleeve. This achieves a limiting fit between the injection component 300 and the first connector 120, thereby connecting the injection component 300 to the other end of the first connector 120 and reducing the difficulty of connecting the injection component 300 and the first connector 120.

[0095] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the main body 100 includes a plurality of first connectors 120, and the injection component 300 is provided with a plurality of second connecting posts 320. The plurality of first connectors 120 and the plurality of second connecting posts 320 are matched one-to-one to increase the connection strength between the injection component 300 and the first connectors 120, which is beneficial to improving the positional stability of the injection component 300, ensuring the working performance of the injection component 300 to a certain extent, and facilitating the precise matching between the injection component 300 and the mass analyzer 200.

[0096] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer also includes a limiting member 600, which is a limiting plate. The limiting plate is movably disposed on the connecting sleeve so that the limiting plate has a first position and a second position. The second connecting post 320 is provided with a limiting groove 620 (the specific structure of the limiting groove 620 can be found in [reference]). Figure 6 In the first position, the limiting plate can be positioned within the limiting groove 620. In the second position, the limiting plate and the limiting groove 620 are spaced apart. Because the limiting plate is located on the connecting sleeve, when the limiting plate is positioned within the limiting groove 620, the first connecting member 120 and the second connecting post 320 can be positioned together, thereby achieving a positioning fit between the first connecting member 120 and the injection member 300. This allows the injection member 300 to be stably mounted on the first connecting member 120, improving the positional stability of the injection member 300 and ensuring its working performance to a certain extent. When the limiting plate and the limiting groove 620 are spaced apart, the limiting member 600 and the second connecting post 320 are spaced apart, which to a certain extent prevents the limiting member 600 from obstructing the movement of the second connecting post 320. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the injection member 300, thereby achieving a detachable fit between the injection member 300 and the first connecting member 120 and reducing the difficulty of assembling and disassembling the injection member 300.

[0097] In other words, by setting a limiting member 600 and movably placing the limiting member 600 on the connecting sleeve, the first connecting member 120 and the injection member 300 can be tightly connected together, while the injection member 300 can also be disassembled, thereby achieving a detachable fit between the injection member 300 and the first connecting member 120 and improving the working performance of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0098] In the description of this utility model, features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features, used to distinguish and describe features, without any order or importance.

[0099] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 7-10 As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer also includes a driving component 700, which is a driving plate. The driving plate is connected to the limiting plate and extends radially outward toward the vacuum interface 1000. The driving plate is used to drive the limiting plate to move between a first position and a second position. This allows the limiting plate to effectively reciprocate between the first and second positions, reducing the difficulty of moving the limiting plate. This facilitates the detachable engagement of the sample injector 300 and the first connecting member 120 using the limiting plate, thereby reducing the difficulty of assembling and disassembling the sample injector 300 and ensuring the working performance of the sample injector 300 to a certain extent.

[0100] Meanwhile, by setting the drive plate to extend radially outward toward the vacuum interface 1000, at least a portion of the drive plate can be positioned close to the radial outward of the vacuum interface 1000, so that the user can better operate the drive plate to control the reciprocating movement of the limit plate between the first and second positions, reducing the difficulty of moving the limit plate.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9As shown, the drive member 700 is provided with a guide member 710. The guide member 710 is used to guide the drive member 700 to move in a predetermined direction, so as to avoid the drive member 700 from deviating during the movement to a certain extent. This makes it easier to use the drive member 700 to drive the limit plate to move in the first position and the second position, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the limit plate.

[0102] Optionally, such as Figure 9 As shown, the guide 710 is a guide groove, and the vacuum interface 1000 is provided with a guide post. The guide post and the guide groove are guided and matched to guide the drive 700 to move in a predetermined direction.

[0103] Of course, in some other embodiments, the guide 710 may also be formed as a guide post (not shown in this example figure), and the vacuum interface 1000 is provided with a guide groove. The guide post and the guide groove are guided and matched, which can also guide the drive 700 to move in a predetermined direction.

[0104] In other embodiments, the drive member 700 may also be configured as a drive motor, with the output end of the drive motor connected to the limiting plate, thereby enabling the driving plate to move at a first position and a second position.

[0105] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer also includes a first elastic element 800, which is used to drive the limiting plate to move toward a first position. When the limiting plate is in the first position, it can be positioned within the limiting groove 620. By using the first elastic element 800 to drive the limiting plate to move toward the first position, it can be ensured that the limiting plate remains in the first position under the action of the first elastic element 800, thereby ensuring that the limiting plate is effectively positioned within the limiting groove 620. This achieves the limiting fit between the first connecting member 120 and the sample injector 300, allowing the sample injector 300 to be stably mounted on the first connecting member 120.

[0106] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, at least a portion of the limiting plate is disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting sleeve to form a mating plate 610. The opposite ends of the first elastic member 800 are respectively engaged with the connecting sleeve and the mating plate 610. This allows the first elastic member 800 to drive the mating plate 610 to move relative to the connecting sleeve, thereby facilitating the first elastic member 800 to drive the limiting plate to move toward the first position. Under the action of the first elastic member 800, the limiting plate can be held in the first position, thus achieving the limiting engagement between the first connecting member 120 and the injection member 300.

[0107] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the first elastic element 800 is a first spring. The two ends of the first spring are respectively engaged with the connecting sleeve and the mating plate 610 for abutment. While making it convenient to use the first elastic element 800 to control the limiting plate to stay in the first position, it can also simplify the structure of the first elastic element 800 and reduce the cost of using the first elastic element 800.

[0108] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, a limiting plate is located at one end of the connecting sleeve near the second connecting post 320. The connecting sleeve has a sliding groove 630, and at least part of the limiting plate slides within the sliding groove 630. The sliding groove 630 determines the movement direction of the limiting plate, enabling it to move effectively along a predetermined direction and ensuring the accuracy of its movement trajectory. This allows the limiting plate to move accurately between the first and second positions, facilitating a detachable connection between the first connecting member 120 and the sample injector 300.

[0109] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, one of the connecting sleeves and the limiting plate is provided with a guide post 420, and the other is provided with a guide groove 640. The extending direction of the guide groove 640 is consistent with the moving direction of the limiting plate. The guide post 420 is limited and fitted within the guide groove 640 and is movably fitted with the guide groove 640. This further limits the movement direction of the limiting plate, enabling the limiting plate to move effectively along the predetermined direction and ensuring the accuracy of the limiting plate's movement trajectory.

[0110] Meanwhile, the guide post 420 and the guide groove 640 work together to ensure that the limiting plate can be stably set on the connecting sleeve, preventing the limiting plate from falling off the connecting sleeve, thus ensuring the positional stability of the limiting plate to a certain extent, and thus ensuring the working performance of the limiting plate.

[0111] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer also includes a second elastic element 900, which is used to drive the second connecting column 320 to move away from the connecting sleeve. In this way, when it is necessary to disassemble the sample injector 300, the second elastic element 900 can be used to push the sample injector 300 out, reducing the difficulty of disassembling the sample injector 300.

[0112] Meanwhile, because the fitting precision requirements between the second connecting post 320 and the first connecting member 120 are relatively high, if the second connecting post 320 is pulled out from the first connecting member 120 by hand during the removal of the injection component 300, it is difficult to ensure that the force of the hand can be evenly distributed in all directions of the injection component 300, so that the injection component 300 only bears the force parallel to the axial direction and does not generate a component force perpendicular to the axial direction. If a component force perpendicular to the axial direction is generated, the friction between the first connecting member 120 and the second connecting post 320 will be intensified, which will not only make the second connecting post 320 difficult to remove, but also cause wear, thereby reducing the installation precision of the injection component 300 and ultimately affecting the working performance of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0113] Based on this, this application provides a second elastic member 900 that can drive the second connecting post 320 to move away from the connecting sleeve, so as to avoid the friction between the first connecting member 120 and the second connecting post 320 being aggravated when the sample injector 300 is disassembled.

[0114] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second elastic element 900 is a second spring. While ensuring the working performance of the second elastic element 900, the second spring can also simplify the structure of the second elastic element 900 and reduce the cost of using the second elastic element 900.

[0115] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second elastic element 900 is disposed inside the connecting sleeve and engages with the second connecting post 320. This facilitates the use of the second elastic element 900 to drive the second connecting post 320 to move away from the connecting sleeve, reducing the difficulty of moving the second connecting post 320 and making it easier to disassemble the sample injector 300.

[0116] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the connecting sleeve has a first assembly channel 121 and a second assembly channel 122 that are interconnected. The second assembly channel 122 is located near the second connecting post 320. The second elastic element 900 is located in the first assembly channel 121. One end of the second connecting post 320 passes through the second assembly channel 122 and extends into the first assembly channel 121. This facilitates the stop-and-go engagement between the second elastic element 900 and the second connecting post 320, thereby making it easier to drive the second connecting post 320 away from the connecting sleeve using the second elastic element 900, reducing the difficulty of disassembling the sample injector 300.

[0117] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the inner diameter of the first assembly channel 121 is larger than the inner diameter of the second assembly channel 122, forming a stepped surface at the connection between the first assembly channel 121 and the second assembly channel 122. The stepped surface is used to limit the expansion and contraction of the second elastic member 900. This prevents the second elastic member 900 from extending into the second assembly channel 122 and wearing it down, thus ensuring the structural accuracy of the second assembly channel 122 to a certain extent. This is beneficial for ensuring the fitting accuracy between the second connecting post 320 and the second assembly channel 122, and improving the assembly accuracy of the sample injector 300.

[0118] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer also includes a gasket 930. The gasket 930 is disposed on the stepped surface and is adapted to engage with the second elastic element 900 to absorb and disperse the vibration and impact generated by the second elastic element 900 during operation, thereby reducing the impact of the second elastic element 900 on the connecting sleeve. While reducing the vibration and noise of the connecting sleeve, it can also protect the connecting sleeve, prevent damage to the connecting sleeve, extend the service life of the connecting sleeve, and help improve the fitting accuracy between the second connecting post 320 and the second assembly channel 122.

[0119] In some embodiments, the gasket 930 is formed as a rubber gasket or a silicone gasket, which to a certain extent ensures the working performance of the gasket 930.

[0120] It is worth emphasizing that by setting the interface body 110 and the first connector 120 as separate parts, the assembly difficulty of the second elastic member 900 and the limiting member 600 can be effectively reduced, thereby making it easier to ensure the installation accuracy of the injection member 300.

[0121] With the above settings, in a specific example, when the injection component 300 needs to be assembled, the second connector 400 is first installed onto the interface body 110 using the first fastener. Then, the second elastic element 900 and the gasket 930 are installed into the first connector 120, and the limiting element 600 is placed at the end of the first connector 120 away from the second elastic element 900. Subsequently, the first connector 120, which contains the second elastic element 900 and the gasket 930, is fitted onto the outer periphery of the second connector 400 and fixedly engaged with the second connector 400 using the second fastener 500, so as to achieve a fixed connection between the first connector 120 and the interface body 110. Finally, the second connecting post 320 on the injection component 300 is assembled into the first connector 120, so as to achieve a fixed connection between the injection component 300 and the interface body 110.

[0122] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 11As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer also includes a vacuum pumping component 910. The vacuum pumping component 910 has a hollow interior forming a vacuum pumping channel 911, which connects to the vacuum chamber 111. This allows the vacuum pumping component 910 to extract the gas from the vacuum chamber 111, and the extracted air is then discharged through the vacuum pumping channel 911, ensuring that the vacuum chamber 111 is always in a vacuum state. This vacuum state reduces collisions and fragmentation of ions during transmission, improving ion transmission efficiency and resolution, thereby ensuring the working performance of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0123] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the mass analyzer 200 is a quadrupole assembly, which includes a first set of quadrupoles 210 and a second set of quadrupoles 220. The first set of quadrupoles 210 and the second set of quadrupoles 220 are arranged sequentially in the vacuum chamber 111, with the first set of quadrupoles 210 close to the first opening 1111. The first set of quadrupoles 210 is mainly used to screen charged ions that are not target components. The screened charged ions collide with the electrodes under the action of an electric field, resulting in various changes such as physical or chemical adsorption, neutralization reaction, and surface chemical reaction, which to a certain extent ensures the working performance of the vacuum interface 1000.

[0124] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the vacuum channel 911 is at least directly opposite the first opening 1111 and the end of the first set of quadrupoles 210 near the second set of quadrupoles 220.

[0125] It should be noted that in existing technologies, the vacuum channel 911 is typically positioned close to the sample inlet 300 to ensure that the area downstream of the sample inlet 300 can quickly reach a high vacuum state, minimizing the interference of gas on the target ions in the quadrupole assembly. However, long-term experiments have revealed that the first set of quadrupoles 210 downstream of the sample inlet 300 is mainly used to screen charged ions of non-target components. The screened charged ions collide with the electrodes under the action of an electric field, resulting in various changes such as physical or chemical adsorption, neutralization reaction, and surface chemical reaction. Physical or chemical adsorption can be achieved through… Over-desorption eliminates the adverse effects on the electrode. If the vacuum channel 911 is too close to the sample inlet 300, the impurities generated during the desorption of the first set of quadrupoles 210 will not be easily removed because the negative pressure at the upstream end of the vacuum channel 911 is less than that at the downstream end, and the downstream impurities are not easily completely removed by vacuuming. Neutralization reactions and surface chemical reactions will generate impurities such as electrically neutral molecules. If the vacuum channel 911 is too close to the sample inlet 300, the neutral molecules and other impurities generated by the ion contact electrode will move in the opposite direction, which will easily interfere with the movement of the target ions.

[0126] Based on this, the present application sets the vacuum channel 911 to be at least directly opposite the first opening 1111 and the end of the first set of quadrupoles 210 that is close to the second set of quadrupoles 220. This is beneficial for the discharge of impurities generated during the desorption of the first set of quadrupoles 210, and reduces the interference of the reverse movement of impurities such as neutral molecules generated by the ion contact electrode on the movement of the target ions. This greatly improves the working performance of the mass analyzer 200, thereby enhancing the performance of the mass spectrometer.

[0127] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer also includes an adjustment bracket 920, which is connected to the first set of quadrupoles 210 and the second set of quadrupoles 220. The adjustment bracket 920 is used to install and adjust the quadrupole assembly, thereby ensuring that the quadrupole assembly can form an almost completely parallel and symmetrical hyperboloid electrode electric field, which to a certain extent guarantees the working performance of the quadrupole assembly.

[0128] The mass spectrometer of this utility model is described below according to an embodiment.

[0129] A mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a vacuum interface 1000 for the mass spectrometer.

[0130] Among them, vacuum interface 1000 is the aforementioned vacuum interface 1000, and the specific structure of vacuum interface 1000 will not be described in detail here.

[0131] As can be seen from the above structure, the mass spectrometer of this utility model embodiment can improve the working performance of the mass spectrometer by adopting the aforementioned vacuum interface 1000.

[0132] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0133] Figure 5 The above illustration shows two second fasteners 500 for illustrative purposes. However, after reading the above technical solution, a person skilled in the art will obviously understand that applying this solution to one, three, four or more second fasteners 500 would also fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0134] The specific structure of the vacuum interface 1000 of the mass spectrometer according to the embodiments of the present invention and other components of the mass spectrometer, such as the second fastener 500, is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0135] In this specification, the terms "embodiment," "example," 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 the present invention. 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.

[0136] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vacuum interface for a mass spectrometer, characterized by, The utility model relates to a vacuum interface, comprising: an interface body (110) internally hollowed to form a vacuum cavity (111); a sample inlet member (300) having a sample inlet (310) communicating with the vacuum cavity (111) for conveying ions to be tested towards the vacuum cavity (111), wherein the opening size of at least part of the sample inlet (310) gradually increases in the direction towards the vacuum cavity (111); a first connecting member (120) having opposite ends detachably connected to the interface body (110) and the sample inlet member (300), respectively.

2. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a second connecting member (400) for detachably connecting one end of the first connecting member (120) to the interface body (110).

3. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 2, wherein, Further comprising a first fastener, the second connecting member (400) is a first connecting column, the first connecting column is provided with a first connecting hole (410) penetrating therethrough, the interface body (110) is provided with a matching hole (112), and the first fastener is arranged in the first connecting hole (410) and fixedly connected in the matching hole (112). The first connecting member (120) is a connecting sleeve, at least part of the connecting sleeve is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first connecting column and fixedly matched with the first connecting column.

4. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 3, wherein, Further comprising a second fastener (500), the outer peripheral wall of the connecting sleeve is provided with a second connecting hole (510) penetrating therethrough in the radial direction, and the second fastener (500) is arranged in the second connecting hole (510) and stop abutting matched with the first connecting column.

5. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 3, wherein, The matching hole (112) is arranged on the side wall of the interface body (110) and extends along the thickness direction of the side wall, and the extension length of the matching hole (112) is less than the thickness of the side wall; and / or, One end of the first fastener away from the matching hole (112) is located in the first connecting hole (410).

6. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first connecting member (120) is a connecting sleeve, the sample inlet member (300) is provided with a second connecting column (320), and the second connecting column (320) is arranged in the connecting sleeve and positionally matched with the connecting sleeve.

7. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 6, wherein, Further comprising a limiting member (600), the limiting member (600) is a limiting plate, the limiting plate is movably arranged in the connecting sleeve so that the limiting plate has a first position and a second position, the second connecting column (320) is provided with a limiting groove (620), in the first position, the limiting plate is positionally matched in the limiting groove (620), and in the second position, the limiting plate is arranged in a spaced manner with the limiting groove (620).

8. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 7, wherein, Further comprising a driving member (700), the driving member (700) is a driving plate, the driving plate is connected to the limiting plate and extends towards the radial outside of the vacuum interface, and the driving plate is used for driving the limiting plate to move between the first position and the second position.

9. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 7, wherein, Further comprising a first elastic member (800) for driving the limiting plate to move towards the first position.

10. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 9, wherein, At least part of the limiting plate is arranged on the outer periphery of the connecting sleeve to form a matching plate (610), and opposite ends of the first elastic member (800) are respectively in abutting cooperation with the connecting sleeve and the matching plate (610).

11. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 7, wherein, The limiting plate is arranged on one end of the connecting sleeve close to the second connecting column (320), and the connecting sleeve is provided with a sliding groove (630), and at least part of the limiting plate is in sliding cooperation in the sliding groove (630).

12. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 7, wherein, One of the connecting sleeve and the limiting plate is provided with a guide column (420), and the other is provided with a guide groove (640), the extension direction of the guide groove (640) is consistent with the moving direction of the limiting plate, and the guide column (420) is in limiting cooperation in the guide groove (640) and is in movable cooperation with the guide groove (640).

13. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 7, wherein, Further comprising a second elastic member (900), the second elastic member (900) is used for driving the second connecting column (320) to move away from the connecting sleeve.

14. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 13, wherein, The second elastic member (900) is arranged in the connecting sleeve and is in abutting cooperation with the second connecting column (320).

15. The vacuum interface of a mass spectrometer of claim 14, wherein, The connecting sleeve is provided with a first assembly channel (121) and a second assembly channel (122) in communication with each other, the second assembly channel (122) is arranged close to the second connecting column (320), the second elastic member (900) is arranged in the first assembly channel (121), and one end of the second connecting column (320) is arranged in the second assembly channel (122) and extends into the first assembly channel (121). The inner diameter of the first assembly channel (121) is greater than that of the second assembly channel (122), so as to form a stepped surface at the connection of the first assembly channel (121) and the second assembly channel (122), and the stepped surface is used for limiting the expansion and contraction amount of the second elastic member (900).

16. A mass spectrometer, characterized by, A mass spectrometer comprising a vacuum interface according to any one of claims 1-15.

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