Light splitting mechanism

By designing a lifting platform structure with a light-shielding hole and cover plate in the micro-volume spectrophotometer, the accuracy and operation problems of optical path adjustment and light-proof storage were solved, realizing automatic light shading and high-precision optical path adjustment without the need for a light-shielding cover, ensuring the accuracy and convenience of sample detection.

CN223827543UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-23XUNYI (XIAMEN) TECHNOLOGY CO LTD +1
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423315803.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-31
Publication Date
2026-01-23
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing micro-spectrophotometers suffer from insufficient accuracy and inconvenience in terms of optical path adjustment and light-proof storage. In particular, when the stepper motor fails or is damaged, it can lead to measurement failure or inaccurate results. Furthermore, the operation of configuring a light shield is cumbersome.

Method used

A beam splitting mechanism was designed. By setting a light-shielding hole and a cover plate on the base, the automatic light-shielding of the optical fiber is achieved by using a lifting platform and lifting drive components. Combined with magnetic suction and electronic vernier calipers, the optical path adjustment accuracy and light-shielding effect are ensured, eliminating the need for a special light-shielding cover.

Benefits of technology

It achieves automatic light shielding when not in use, ensuring the accuracy of sample testing and the convenience of operation, avoiding measurement errors caused by stepper motor failure, and simplifying the light shielding operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223827543U_ABST
    Figure CN223827543U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model relates to a light splitting mechanism, which comprises a base, a cover plate, a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, a lifting platform and a lifting driving assembly, the base is provided with a shading hole, the lifting driving assembly drives the lifting platform to move vertically, and the lifting platform can extend into the shading hole; the first optical fiber is mounted on the lifting platform; the cover plate is movably connected with the base, and the cover plate can cover the upper hole opening of the shading hole; the second optical fiber is installed on the cover plate, and when the cover plate covers the shading hole, the second optical fiber is located over the first optical fiber. Through the arrangement of the shading hole, when the lifting platform extends into the shading hole, shading can be carried out on the lower hole opening of the shading hole, the cover plate can cover the upper hole opening of the shading hole for shading, and through the arrangement of the shading hole, the second optical fiber can be avoided, and collision is avoided. During use, the shading hole can provide a shading environment relatively isolated from the outside for the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, so that the accuracy of sample detection can be ensured without configuring a special shading cover, and the operation is more convenient and quicker.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sample testing equipment technology, and in particular to a spectrophotometer. Background Technology

[0002] A micro-volume spectrophotometer typically includes a spectrophotometer and a control and display instrument. It is an instrument used to measure sample concentration and can be widely used for the rapid quantitative detection of samples such as sugars, nucleic acids, enzymes, or proteins. When using a micro-volume spectrophotometer to detect samples, it mainly utilizes the surface tension of a trace liquid to form a light path. Therefore, only a very small amount of the sample is needed to obtain accurate detection data, thus completely replacing the traditional method of using cuvettes for detection.

[0003] When operating a micro spectrophotometer, the optical path length between the upper and lower optical fibers (i.e., the distance between them) needs to be adjusted. Existing optical path adjustment mechanisms typically use stepper motors to drive adjustment rods, with the stepper motor usually connected to a host computer for control. The host computer generally determines the optical path length by calculating the stepper motor's rotation speed. However, if the stepper motor malfunctions, it may cause measurement failure or inaccurate results. If the stepper motor is damaged, the instrument will cease to function. Furthermore, taking appropriate light-shielding measures can not only extend the lifespan of the micro spectrophotometer but also ensure the accuracy and stability of the measurement results. Therefore, when not in use, the micro spectrophotometer is usually stored away from light. During use, a light shield is typically used to isolate external light pollution, but this is relatively cumbersome to operate. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a spectrophotometer that can perform sample testing without the need for a special light shield, making operation more convenient and faster.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model discloses a beam splitting mechanism, which includes a base, a cover plate, a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, a lifting platform, and a lifting drive assembly. The base is provided with a vertically penetrating light-shielding hole. The lifting drive assembly drives the lifting platform to move vertically, and the lifting platform can extend into the light-shielding hole from bottom to top. The first optical fiber is mounted on the lifting platform. The cover plate is movably connected to the base, and the cover plate can cover the upper opening of the light-shielding hole. The second optical fiber is mounted on the cover plate, and when the cover plate covers the light-shielding hole, the second optical fiber is located directly above the first optical fiber.

[0006] With the above settings, the lower opening of the light-shielding hole can be blocked when the lifting platform extends into it, while the cover plate can cover the upper opening of the light-shielding hole for further light blocking. The light-shielding hole also avoids collisions with the second optical fiber. When not in use, placing the lifting platform in the light-shielding hole and closing the cover plate will block light from the photosensitive components (the heads of the first and second optical fibers). During use, the light-shielding hole provides a relatively isolated light-shielding environment for the first and second optical fibers, ensuring the accuracy of sample detection. With these settings, the spectrometer does not require a dedicated light-shielding cover, making operation more convenient and faster.

[0007] Preferably, the first optical fiber extends partially beyond the top surface of the lifting platform, and the second optical fiber extends partially beyond the bottom surface of the cover plate. This arrangement facilitates sample loading and cleaning of the first and second optical fibers.

[0008] Preferably, the cover plate is rotatably connected to the base. This connection method for the cover plate is simple and easy to operate.

[0009] Preferably, the lifting drive assembly includes a stepper motor, a guide rail, a screw, and a slider. The guide rail is vertically mounted on the base, the screw is parallel to the guide rail and rotatably connected to the base, the slider is slidably connected to the guide rail, and the slider is threadedly connected to the screw; the lifting platform is connected to the slider; and the output shaft of the stepper motor is drively connected to the screw. This configuration of the lifting drive assembly provides good movement stability and a simple structure.

[0010] Preferably, the system also includes a pin. The slider has at least one first marking hole, and the base has at least one second marking hole. The pin, the first marking hole, and the second marking hole cooperate to limit the slider's movement. With this configuration, multiple sets of slider travel limits can be formed by the pin, the first marking hole, and the second marking hole, allowing for emergency use even if the lifting drive assembly fails. Furthermore, when the optical path is less than 0.1 mm, the control accuracy of the stepper motor is relatively poor, and micro-spectrophotometers often require small optical path measurements, such as 0.05 mm. In these cases, the pin, the first marking hole, and the second marking hole ensure the accuracy of the set optical path.

[0011] Preferably, the lifting platform is detachably connected to the lifting drive assembly. This arrangement facilitates the maintenance and cleaning of the entire machine.

[0012] Preferably, a retaining ring is provided on the top surface of the lifting platform, and the first optical fiber is placed in the retaining ring. When there is liquid residue on the top surface of the lifting platform, such as when a sample or pure water is accidentally dripped onto the lifting platform during sample loading or cleaning, if the base is not placed horizontally enough, the liquid may flow down the lifting platform to the bottom of the base. This problem can be avoided by setting the retaining ring to block it.

[0013] Preferably, the base is further provided with a light-shielding groove, and the cross-section of the light-shielding groove is funnel-shaped; the light-shielding hole is located in the light-shielding groove; the cover plate is provided with a light-shielding ring adapted to the light-shielding groove, and when the cover plate covers the light-shielding hole, the light-shielding ring is inserted into the light-shielding groove. Through the cooperation of the light-shielding groove and the light-shielding ring, the light-shielding effect of the opening of the light-shielding hole can be ensured when the cover plate covers the light-shielding hole. In addition, designing the cross-section of the light-shielding groove as funnel-shaped can guide the light-shielding ring, avoiding the problem of loose sealing, and also facilitates cleaning.

[0014] Preferably, the cover plate is provided with a first magnetic attractor, and the base is provided with a second magnetic attractor. When the cover plate covers the light-blocking hole, the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor are attracted to each other. By setting the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor to cooperate, the stability of the cover plate when it is closed can be ensured, and the collision sound when the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor are attracted can also serve as an indication that the cover plate is closed successfully. Compared with the previous method of using a contact switch as an indication, this method is more cost-effective.

[0015] Preferably, the system also includes an electronic vernier caliper. The main scale of the electronic vernier caliper is fixed relative to the base, and the vernier teeth of the electronic vernier caliper are fixed relative to the lifting platform and move synchronously. By setting up the electronic vernier caliper, its digital display can be connected to a matching control display for optical path feedback. In addition, the electronic vernier caliper, the lifting drive assembly, and the control display can work together to form a closed-loop feedback control to ensure reliable optical path adjustment. Furthermore, in the event of a malfunction in the lifting drive assembly, emergency use can be achieved by manually adjusting the caliper reading in conjunction with the manual adjustment.

[0016] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] By incorporating light-shielding holes, the lower opening of the hole is blocked when the lifting platform extends into it, while the upper opening is covered by a cover plate. The light-shielding holes also prevent collisions with the second optical fiber. When not in use, placing the lifting platform in the light-shielding holes and closing the cover plate provides light protection for the photosensitive components (the tips of the first and second optical fibers). During use, the light-shielding holes provide a relatively isolated light-shielding environment for the first and second optical fibers, ensuring the accuracy of sample detection. With these features, the spectrometer does not require a dedicated light-shielding cover, making operation more convenient and efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of Example 1.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment after the partial base is hidden.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the usage state of Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of Example 2.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment after partially concealing the base.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the usage state of Embodiment 2.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of Example 3.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of Example 4.

[0027] Note: Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first and second optical fibers are hidden in both.

[0028] Explanation of symbols for main components:

[0029] Base 10, light-shielding hole 11, light-shielding groove 12, second magnetic suction element 13, second marking hole 14;

[0030] Cover plate 20, second mounting hole 21, light shielding ring 22, first magnetic suction component 23;

[0031] First optical fiber 30;

[0032] Second optical fiber 40;

[0033] Lifting platform 50, first mounting hole 51, retaining ring 52;

[0034] Stepper motor 61, guide rail 62, screw 63, slider 64, first marking hole 65;

[0035] Electronic vernier caliper 70. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment discloses a beam splitting mechanism, which includes a base 10, a cover plate 20, a first optical fiber 30, a second optical fiber 40, a lifting platform 50, and a lifting drive assembly. The base 10 has a vertically penetrating light-shielding hole 11. The lifting platform 50 can extend into the light-shielding hole 11 from bottom to top. The lifting drive assembly is located below the light-shielding hole 11 and drives the lifting platform 50 to move vertically. Preferably, the lifting drive assembly includes a stepper motor 61, a guide rail 62, a screw 63, and a slider 64. The guide rail 62 is vertically mounted on the base 10. The screw 63 is parallel to the guide rail 62 and is rotatably connected to the base 10. The slider 64 is slidably connected to the guide rail 62 and threadedly connected to the screw 63. The output shaft of the stepper motor 61 is drively connected to the screw 63 (e.g., via a belt or gear set). The lifting platform 50 is detachably connected to the slider 64 by screws.

[0039] The cover plate 20 is movably connected to the base 10. Preferably, one end of the cover plate 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10, and the other end of the cover plate 20 can cover the upper opening of the light-shielding hole 11. The first optical fiber 30 is installed on the lifting platform 50, which has a first mounting hole 51 for installing the first optical fiber 30, and a portion of the first optical fiber 30 (i.e., the fiber head of the first optical fiber 30) extends beyond the top surface of the lifting platform 50. The second optical fiber 40 is installed on the cover plate 20, which has a second mounting hole 21 for installing the second optical fiber 40, and a portion of the second optical fiber 40 (i.e., the fiber head of the second optical fiber 40) extends beyond the bottom surface of the cover plate 20. When the cover plate 20 covers the light-shielding hole 11, the second optical fiber 40 is located directly above the first optical fiber 30. The first optical fiber 30 is the lower optical fiber, and the second optical fiber 40 is the upper optical fiber.

[0040] When the lifting platform 50 extends into the light-shielding hole 11, it can block light from the lower opening of the light-shielding hole 11, while the cover plate 20 can cover the upper opening of the light-shielding hole 11 for light blocking. After the cover plate 20 is closed, both openings of the light-shielding hole 11 are blocked. The first optical fiber 30 and the second optical fiber 40 can be placed in a light-shielding ring 22 that is relatively isolated from the outside, thereby achieving light-shielded storage or light-shielded detection, thus ensuring the accuracy of sample detection. In this embodiment, the spectroscopic mechanism does not require a special light-shielding cover, making operation more convenient and faster.

[0041] It should be noted that the beam splitting mechanism is usually integrated with the control and display device. In this case, the base 10 is generally hidden in a housing, so the lifting platform 50 does not need to be tightly fitted with the light-shielding hole 11. Of course, if the beam splitting mechanism is used alone, the lifting platform 50 can be tightly fitted with the light-shielding hole 11 to ensure light-shielding of the lower opening of the light-shielding hole 11, or an outer cover can be provided to enclose the base 10.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] likeFigures 4 to 7 As shown, in this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, a retaining ring 52 is provided on the top surface of the lifting platform 50. Preferably, the single-ring lifting platform 50 is integrally formed. The first mounting hole 51 is placed in the retaining ring 52. When liquid remains on the top surface of the lifting platform 50, such as when a sample or pure water is accidentally dripped onto the lifting platform 50 during sample loading or cleaning, if the base 10 is not placed horizontally enough, the liquid may flow down the lifting platform 50 to below the base 10. This problem can be avoided by setting the retaining ring 52 to block it.

[0044] In addition, a light-shielding groove 12 is provided on the base 10, and the light-shielding hole 11 is located in the light-shielding groove 12. A light-shielding ring 22 adapted to the light-shielding groove 12 is provided on the cover plate 20, preferably integrally formed with the cover plate 20. When the cover plate 20 covers the light-shielding hole 11, the light-shielding ring 22 is inserted into the light-shielding groove 12. Through the cooperation of the light-shielding groove 12 and the light-shielding ring 22, the light-shielding effect of the opening of the light-shielding hole 11 can be guaranteed when the cover plate 20 covers the light-shielding hole 11. In addition, the cross-section of the light-shielding groove 12 is designed as a flared shape, which can guide the light-shielding ring 22 to avoid the problem of jamming and loose closing, and also facilitates cleaning.

[0045] In addition, a first magnetic attractor 23 is provided on the cover plate 20 and a second magnetic attractor 13 is provided on the base 10. When the cover plate 20 covers the light-blocking hole 11, the first magnetic attractor 23 and the second magnetic attractor 13 are attracted to each other, thereby ensuring that the cover plate 20 can be closed stably. Moreover, the collision sound when the first magnetic attractor 23 and the second magnetic attractor 13 are attracted can also serve as an indication sound that the cover plate 20 has been closed successfully. Compared with the previous method of using a contact switch as an indication, the cost is lower.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] This embodiment, based on any of the above embodiments, also includes a manual optical path positioning function. Specifically, at least one first marking hole 65 is provided on the slider 64, and at least one second marking hole 14 is provided on the base 10. The diameter of the pin is adapted to the diameter of the first marking hole 65 and the second marking hole 14. The slider 64 can be limited by the cooperation of the pin, the first marking hole 65, and the second marking hole 14. Figure 8The diagram illustrates a manual optical path positioning function added to Embodiment 1. The number of first marking holes 65 and second marking holes 14 can be customized; for example, multiple combinations of first marking holes 65 and second marking holes 14 can be formed to correspond to multiple commonly used optical paths. Markings can be glued or engraved next to both the first marking holes 65 and second marking holes 14. For example, the markings on each first marking hole 65 can be 0.1mm, 0.5mm, and 1mm, and the markings on each second marking hole 14 can be 0.1mm, 0.5mm, and 1mm. When the first marking hole 65 with a 0.1mm marking is aligned with the second marking hole 14 with a 0.1mm marking and is inserted through a pin, it indicates that the optical path of the mechanism is 0.1mm. Because some optical paths differ only slightly, the first marking holes 65 can be misaligned.

[0048] With the above settings, it can still be used in an emergency if the lifting drive component fails. Additionally, when the optical path is less than 0.1mm, the control accuracy of the stepper motor 61 will be relatively poor. Micro-spectrophotometers also frequently require short optical path measurements, such as 0.05mm. In this case, the accuracy of the optical path setting can be ensured by using the pin, the first marking hole 65, and the second marking hole 14 in conjunction. Normally, the pin is not connected to either the first marking hole 65 or the second marking hole 14. A holder for the pin can be provided on the base 10 to temporarily hold the pin in place, preventing it from being lost.

[0049] Example 4

[0050] This embodiment, based on any of the above embodiments, further includes an electronic vernier caliper 70. The main scale of the electronic vernier caliper 70 is fixed in position relative to the base 10, and the vernier teeth of the electronic vernier caliper 70 are fixed in position relative to the lifting platform 50 and move synchronously. Figure 9 The diagram shows an addition of an electronic vernier caliper 70 to the first embodiment. The electronic vernier caliper 70 is vertically positioned, with the zero mark of its main scale aligned with the lower opening of the light-shielding hole 11. Since the position of the second optical fiber 40 is fixed when the cover plate 20 is closed, and the position of the second optical fiber 40 is recorded as height 0, when the digital display of the electronic vernier caliper 70 reads 0, the position of the first optical fiber 30 is recorded as height n. Therefore, when the optical path is 0, the digital display of the electronic vernier caliper 70 reads n. By setting up the electronic vernier caliper 70, its digital display can be connected to a matching control display for optical path feedback. Furthermore, the electronic vernier caliper 70, the lifting drive assembly, and the control display can work together to form a closed-loop feedback control, ensuring the movement accuracy of the stepper motor 61 and guaranteeing reliable optical path adjustment. In addition, in case of malfunction of the lifting drive assembly, emergency use can be achieved by manually adjusting the reading of the electronic vernier caliper 70.

[0051] In this embodiment, the electronic vernier caliper 70 can be modified for adaptability, such as removing the depth gauge from the electronic vernier caliper 70, and its length can also be appropriately truncated.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A beam-splitting mechanism, characterized in that: The device includes a base, a cover plate, a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, a lifting platform, and a lifting drive assembly. The base has a vertically penetrating light-shielding hole. The lifting drive assembly drives the lifting platform to move vertically, and the lifting platform can extend into the light-shielding hole from bottom to top. The first optical fiber is mounted on the lifting platform. The cover plate is movably connected to the base and can cover the upper opening of the light-shielding hole. The second optical fiber is mounted on the cover plate, and when the cover plate covers the light-shielding hole, the second optical fiber is located directly above the first optical fiber.

2. The beam-splitting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first optical fiber extends partially beyond the top surface of the lifting platform, and the second optical fiber extends partially beyond the bottom surface of the cover plate.

3. The beam-splitting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover plate is rotatably connected to the base.

4. The beam-splitting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting drive assembly includes a stepper motor, a guide rail, a screw, and a slider. The guide rail is vertically mounted on the base. The screw is parallel to the guide rail and rotatably connected to the base. The slider is slidably connected to the guide rail and threadedly connected to the screw. The lifting platform is connected to the slider. The output shaft of the stepper motor is driven by the screw.

5. The beam-splitting mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a pin, the slider is provided with at least one first marking hole, and the base is provided with at least one second marking hole. The pin, the first marking hole and the second marking hole cooperate to limit the slider.

6. The beam-splitting mechanism according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The lifting platform and the lifting drive assembly are detachably connected.

7. The beam-splitting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A retaining ring is provided on the top surface of the lifting platform, and the first optical fiber is placed in the retaining ring.

8. The beam-splitting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base is also provided with a light-shielding groove, and the cross-section of the light-shielding groove is trumpet-shaped; the light-shielding hole is located in the light-shielding groove; the cover plate is provided with a light-shielding ring adapted to the light-shielding groove, and when the cover plate covers the light-shielding hole, the light-shielding ring is inserted into the light-shielding groove.

9. The beam-splitting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover plate is provided with a first magnetic attractor, and the base is provided with a second magnetic attractor. When the cover plate covers the light-blocking hole, the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor are attracted to each other.

10. The beam-splitting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an electronic vernier caliper, wherein the main scale of the electronic vernier caliper is fixed in position relative to the base, and the vernier teeth of the electronic vernier caliper are fixed in position relative to the lifting platform and move synchronously.