Multi-sample continuous automatic sample feeding device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multi-sample continuous automatic sample feeding device which comprises a flange plate, an electrode assembly and a sample feeding assembly, and the electrode assembly and the sample feeding assembly are installed on the flange plate. The sample feeding assembly comprises a fixed seat, a rotating shaft, a sample storage guide pipe, a sample feeding inclined pipe, a gear transmission mechanism and a sample changing mechanism, the lower end of the rotating shaft is rotationally arranged on the fixed seat, and the sample changing mechanism, the sample storage guide pipe and the sample feeding inclined pipe are arranged at the upper end of the rotating shaft; and the gear transmission mechanism drives the rotating shaft to move the sample feeding inclined tube to the electrode assembly and leave the sample feeding inclined tube from the electrode assembly. The sample storage guide pipe of the device can store a plurality of samples, sample material components are not unique, a repeated automatic sample feeding function can be achieved, only one sample can be conveyed each time, the samples are directly fed to the lower electrode, the situation that the samples rebound and roll out of the lower electrode due to high falling speed, and sample feeding fails is avoided, control logic and the structure are simple, and the sample feeding mechanism occupies a small cavity space; and the vacuumizing time of the cavity is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of levitation technology, and in particular to a multi-sample continuous automatic sample delivery device that can be used in electrostatic levitation experimental systems or other levitation experimental systems. Background Technology

[0002] Because suspension experimental systems allow for containerless sample suspension, avoiding contamination from container walls, this is crucial for testing the purity and true properties of materials. Suspension technology can be combined with temperature control, allowing for precise heating and cooling of suspended samples, which is extremely useful for studying the thermal properties and phase transitions of materials. The suspension experimental platform provides a containerless environment, preventing heat conduction from the sample to the container, allowing suspended samples to be heated to extremely high temperatures. This offers significant advantages for studying the thermophysical properties, solidification processes, synthesis, and preparation of materials. In suspension experiments studying the thermophysical properties of samples, to prevent oxidation at high temperatures, a high vacuum environment or a high concentration of inert gas atmosphere must be maintained within the experimental chamber. The suspension experimental process involves vacuuming, sample suspension, and sample processing. Vacuuming accounts for two-thirds of the suspension experiment time. Furthermore, suspension parameters differ for samples of different densities and diameters, requiring multiple parameter adjustments before the suspension experiment. When a sample fails to suspend, it often falls into the chamber, making further parameter adjustments impossible. The chamber lid must be opened to manually place the sample back in, followed by a significant amount of time spent on vacuuming. Suspending only one sample under vacuum and specific atmospheres can lead to significant time costs. Therefore, sample storage and delivery need to be achieved inside the chamber, requiring a sampling system within the chamber. A utility model patent entitled "An Automatic Sample Changing Mechanism," with publication number CN113353632B, discloses an automatic sample changing mechanism. This device is installed inside the vacuum chamber of a neutron scattering electrostatic levitation system. A motor drives a sample tray to rotate, which has multiple through holes for storing samples. The samples fall through a drop tube to the lower electrode with a central hole, and then drop onto the lower electrode, achieving automatic delivery of multiple samples within the vacuum chamber. However, the device has a large vertical dimension, resulting in a large height of the true-hole chamber, increasing the time cost of a single vacuuming operation. Furthermore, the high speed at which the samples fall from the sample tray to the lower electrode makes them prone to bouncing and rolling off the lower electrode. Utility Model Content

[0003] Based on this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a multi-sample continuous automatic sample delivery device. The sample storage tube can store multiple samples with different material compositions. It can automatically deliver samples multiple times, but can only deliver one sample at a time. The sample is directly delivered to the lower electrode, avoiding the sample from rebounding and rolling out of the lower electrode due to the high falling speed, thus preventing delivery failure. The control logic and structure are simple, the sample delivery mechanism occupies less cavity space, and the time for vacuuming the cavity is reduced.

[0004] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A multi-sample continuous automatic sample feeding device includes a flange, an electrode assembly, and a sample feeding assembly, wherein the electrode assembly and the sample feeding assembly are mounted on the flange.

[0006] The sample delivery assembly includes a fixed base, a rotating shaft, a sample storage conduit, a sample delivery inclined tube, a gear transmission mechanism, and a sample changing mechanism. The lower end of the rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the fixed base, and the sample changing mechanism, the sample storage conduit, and the sample delivery inclined tube are mounted on the upper end of the rotating shaft. The gear transmission mechanism drives the rotating shaft to move the sample delivery inclined tube to the electrode assembly and to move the sample delivery inclined tube away from the electrode assembly.

[0007] The sample changing mechanism includes a stator slot, a disc rotor, and a first motor. The upper end of the stator slot is connected to the sample storage conduit, and the lower end of the stator slot is connected to the sample delivery inclined tube. The disc rotor is installed on the drive end of the first motor and is disposed in the stator slot. The first motor drives the disc rotor to rotate in the stator slot. Two sample slots are symmetrically arranged on the outer periphery of the disc rotor. When the disc rotor is not rotating, one sample slot corresponds to the sample storage conduit, and the other sample slot corresponds to the sample delivery inclined tube.

[0008] When the gear transmission mechanism drives the rotating shaft to rotate, causing the sample delivery inclined tube to move to the electrode assembly, the sample in the sample storage tube falls into one of the sample slots under the action of gravity. The first motor drives the disc rotor to rotate, so that the sample slot containing the sample corresponds to the sample delivery inclined tube. The sample falls from the sample slot to the sample delivery inclined tube under the action of gravity, and then falls from the sample delivery inclined tube to the electrode assembly. At the same time, another sample slot corresponds to the sample storage tube, and the sample in the sample storage tube falls into another sample slot under the action of gravity.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the sample storage conduit, sample groove, and sample delivery inclined tube is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the sample, but less than 1.1 times the maximum outer diameter of the sample.

[0010] Furthermore, the first motor drives the disc rotor to rotate 180° each time, ensuring that the sample falls from the sample storage conduit into the sample slot, and the sample falls from the sample slot into the sample delivery inclined tube.

[0011] Furthermore, the sample storage conduit is a vertically installed cylindrical hollow tube or a spiral hollow tube;

[0012] The sample delivery tube includes a vertical section and an inclined section that are interconnected. The end of the vertical section away from the inclined section is connected to the stator slot, and a sample baffle is provided at the end of the inclined section near the electrode assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, the gear transmission mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, and a second motor. The second motor is mounted on one side of the fixed base, the first gear is mounted on the drive end of the second motor, and the second gear is mounted on the rotating shaft. The first gear and the second gear mesh with each other. The second motor drives the first gear to rotate, thereby driving the second gear to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating shaft to rotate.

[0014] Furthermore, the fixing seat is installed on the flange, and a rotating groove is provided at the upper end of the fixing seat, with the lower end of the rotating shaft inserted into the rotating groove.

[0015] Furthermore, a bearing plate is installed at the upper end of the rotating shaft, and the sample changing mechanism, sample storage conduit, and sample delivery inclined tube are installed on the bearing plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the stator slot is installed on one side of the first motor.

[0017] Furthermore, the electrode assembly includes several side electrodes, an upper electrode, and a lower electrode. The electrostatic field formed between the upper electrode, the lower electrode, and the side electrodes serves as the sample station, and the electrostatic field can control the electrostatic levitation of the sample.

[0018] Furthermore, the upper electrode is mounted above the lower electrode, and a plurality of the side electrodes are arranged around the periphery of the lower electrode.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] In this invention, the inner diameter of the sample storage conduit, sample slot, and sample delivery inclined tube is slightly larger than the maximum outer diameter of the sample. The sample storage conduit holds multiple samples of the same diameter, but with different material compositions. Under gravity, only one sample can fall into the sample slot of the disc rotor at a time. The disc rotor is driven by a motor. After rotating 180°, the disc rotor transfers the sample from the sample storage conduit to the sample delivery inclined tube. Under gravity, the sample rolls on the sample delivery inclined tube and falls onto the lower electrode. A baffle plate at the end of the sample delivery inclined tube prevents the sample from rolling out of the lower electrode at high rolling speeds. After the sample falls onto the lower electrode, another motor drives a rotating shaft to rotate, causing the end of the sample delivery inclined tube to move away from the lower electrode. This invention features multiple automatic sample delivery functions, supports samples with diverse material compositions, has simple control logic and structure, occupies less cavity space for the sample delivery mechanism, reduces the time required for vacuuming the cavity, and directly delivers the sample to the lower electrode, avoiding sample rebound and rolling out of the lower electrode due to high falling speed, thus preventing sample delivery failure.

[0021] This invention utilizes a slotted disc rotor to transfer samples. The size of the slot is close to that of the sample, allowing one sample to be transferred at a time. The sample changing mechanism can be rotated by a motor, enabling the sample to be directly delivered to the lower electrode and effectively preventing sample delivery failure.

[0022] The sample storage conduit of this invention has a simple structure and can store multiple samples composed of different or the same materials. For samples of different diameters, automatic sample delivery can be achieved by changing the rotor of the sample delivery mechanism and the sample storage conduit. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the multi-sample continuous automatic sample delivery device of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another state of the multi-sample continuous automatic sample delivery device of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sample changing mechanism in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the sample changing mechanism in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the sample changing mechanism in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram of region A in the middle;

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 10-Flange;

[0031] 20 samples;

[0032] 30 - Electrode assembly; 31 - Side electrode; 32 - Upper electrode; 33 - Lower electrode;

[0033] 40-Sample delivery assembly; 41-Fixed base; 411-Rotating groove; 42-Rotating shaft; 421-Bearing plate; 43-Sample storage conduit; 44-Sample delivery inclined tube; 441-Vertical section; 442-Inclined section; 443-Sample baffle; 45-Gear transmission mechanism; 451-First gear; 452-Second gear; 453-Second motor; 46-Sample changing mechanism; 461-Stator slot; 462-Disc rotor; 463-First motor. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "vertical direction," "up," "down," and "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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. In addition, "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 a connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a multi-sample 20 continuous automatic sample feeding device, including a flange 10, an electrode assembly 30 and a sample feeding assembly 40, the electrode assembly 30 and the sample feeding assembly 40 being mounted on the flange 10.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the electrode assembly 30 includes four side electrodes 31, an upper electrode 32, and a lower electrode 33. The upper electrode 32 is mounted above the lower electrode 33, and the four side electrodes 31 surround the lower electrode 33. The electrostatic field formed between the upper electrode 32, the lower electrode 33, and the side electrodes 31 serves as the sample 20 station, and the electrostatic field can control the electrostatic levitation of the sample 20.

[0039] like Figures 3 to 6As shown, in this embodiment, the sample delivery assembly 40 includes a fixed base 41, a rotating shaft 42, a sample storage conduit 43, a sample delivery inclined tube 44, a gear transmission mechanism 45, and a sample changing mechanism 46. The fixed base 41 is mounted on the flange 10, and a rotating groove 411 is formed at the upper end of the fixed base 41. The lower end of the rotating shaft 42 is inserted into the rotating groove 411 to form a rotatable connection. A bearing plate 421 is mounted on the upper end of the rotating shaft 42. The sample changing mechanism 46, the sample storage conduit 43, and the sample delivery inclined tube 44 are mounted on the bearing plate 421. The gear transmission mechanism 45 drives the rotating shaft 42 to move the sample delivery inclined tube 44 to the lower electrode 33 and to move the sample delivery inclined tube 44 away from the lower electrode 33.

[0040] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the sample changing mechanism 46 includes a stator slot 461, a disc rotor 462, and a first motor 463. The stator slot 461 is installed on one side of the first motor 463, with its upper end connected to the sample storage conduit 43 and its lower end connected to the sample delivery inclined tube 44. The disc rotor 462 is installed on the drive end of the first motor 463 and is disposed within the stator slot 461. The first motor 463 drives the disc rotor 462 to rotate within the stator slot 461. Two sample slots are symmetrically arranged on the outer periphery of the disc rotor 462. When the disc rotor 462 is not rotating, one sample slot corresponds to the sample storage conduit 43, and the other sample slot corresponds to the sample delivery inclined tube 44. The first motor 463 drives the disc rotor 462 to rotate 180° each time, ensuring that the sample 20 falls from the sample storage conduit 43 into the sample slot and from the sample slot into the sample delivery inclined tube 44.

[0041] The gear transmission mechanism 45 includes a first gear 451, a second gear 452, and a second motor 453. The second motor 453 is mounted on one side of the fixed base 41. The first gear 451 is mounted on the drive end of the second motor 453, and the second gear 452 is mounted on the rotating shaft 42. The first gear 451 and the second gear 452 mesh with each other. The second motor 453 drives the first gear 451 to rotate, which in turn drives the second gear 452 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft 42 to rotate, and finally driving the sample delivery inclined tube 44 to move to the lower electrode 33 and then away from the lower electrode 33.

[0042] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the sample storage conduit 43, the sample slot, and the sample delivery inclined tube 44 is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the sample 20, but less than 1.1 times the maximum outer diameter of the sample 20. This utility model utilizes a vertically installed sample storage conduit 43 with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sample 20 to store multiple samples 20, which have the same diameter but can have different material compositions. The sample delivery core is a disc-shaped rotor 462, which can only deliver one sample 20 at a time under the action of gravity.

[0043] When the gear transmission mechanism 45 drives the rotating shaft 42 to rotate, the sample delivery inclined tube 44 moves above the lower electrode 33. The sample 20 in the sample storage tube 43 falls into a sample slot under the action of gravity. The first motor 463 drives the disc rotor 462 to rotate 180°, so that the sample slot containing the sample 20 corresponds to the sample delivery inclined tube 44. The sample 20 falls from the sample slot to the sample delivery inclined tube 44 under the action of gravity, and then falls from the sample delivery inclined tube 44 to the lower electrode 33. After that, the gear transmission mechanism 45 continues to drive the rotating shaft 42 to rotate, so that the sample delivery inclined tube 44 leaves the lower electrode 33. At the same time, another sample slot corresponds to the sample storage tube 43, and the sample 20 in the sample storage tube 43 falls into another sample slot under the action of gravity.

[0044] In this embodiment, the sample storage conduit 43 is a vertically installed cylindrical hollow tube, and the sample delivery inclined tube 44 includes a vertical section 441 and an inclined section 442 that are interconnected. The end of the vertical section 441 away from the inclined section 442 is connected to the stator slot 461, and a baffle plate 443 is provided at the end of the inclined section 442 near the electrode assembly 30. Under the action of gravity, only one sample 20 can fall into the sample slot of the disc rotor 462 at a time. The disc rotor 462 is driven by a motor. After the disc rotor 462 rotates 180°, it transfers the sample 20 from the sample storage conduit 43 to the sample delivery inclined tube 44. The sample 20 rolls on the sample delivery inclined tube 44 and falls onto the lower electrode 33 under the action of gravity. A baffle plate 443 is provided at the end of the sample delivery inclined tube 44 to prevent the sample 20 from rushing out of the lower electrode 33 when the rolling speed is too high. After sample 20 falls onto the lower electrode 33, another motor drives the rotating shaft 42 to rotate, causing the end of the sample delivery tube 44 to leave the lower electrode 33.

[0045] This utility model has the function of automatic sample delivery multiple times. The material composition of sample 20 is not unique. The control logic and structure are simple. The sample delivery mechanism occupies less cavity space, which reduces the time for vacuuming the cavity. Sample 20 is directly delivered to the lower electrode 33, avoiding the sample 20 from falling too fast and rebounding out of the lower electrode 33, thus preventing sample delivery failure.

[0046] When this multi-sample 20-continuous automatic sample feeding device is used in an electrostatic levitation experimental system, its working process is as follows:

[0047] 1. Sample 20 was stored using a vertically placed hollow conduit.

[0048] When conducting the suspension experiment, samples 20 with the same diameter are first selected. The material composition of samples 20 may be the same or different. Samples 20 are placed into the sample storage tube 43 in a certain order. The inner diameter of the sample storage tube 43 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sample 20. The samples 20 are arranged from bottom to top in the same order as the experiment. The lower outlet of the sample storage tube 43 corresponds to the sample slot of the disc rotor 462.

[0049] 2. Once sample 20 is stored, it is transferred by disc rotor 462;

[0050] When there is sample 20 in the sample conduit 43, only one sample 20 will fall on the sample slot of the disc rotor 462 each time. The disc rotor 462 is driven by a motor. After the disc rotor 462 rotates 180°, the sample 20 is transferred to the sample delivery inclined tube 44.

[0051] 3. The sample delivery inclined tube 44 guides the sample 20 to roll down to the lower electrode 33. A baffle plate 443 is provided at the end of the sample delivery inclined tube 44, which can effectively reduce the sliding speed of the sample 20 and prevent the sample 20 from rushing out of the lower electrode 33.

[0052] 4. The sample delivery inclined tube 44 can automatically move away from and approach the lower electrode 33.

[0053] After sample 20 is stably placed on the lower electrode 33, another motor drives the rotating shaft 42 to rotate, moving the sample delivery tube 44 away from the lower electrode 33 to prevent the electrode from discharging the sample delivery assembly 40 when sample 20 is suspended. When the next sample is delivered, the motor drives the rotating shaft 42 to rotate, causing the end of the sample delivery tube 44 to rotate back onto the lower electrode 33.

[0054] The above description merely illustrates the preferred technical solution of this utility model, and while the description is relatively specific and detailed, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and this utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A multi-sample continuous automatic sample feeder, characterized by: It includes a flange, an electrode assembly, and a sample delivery assembly, wherein the electrode assembly and the sample delivery assembly are mounted on the flange; The sample delivery assembly includes a fixed base, a rotating shaft, a sample storage conduit, a sample delivery inclined tube, a gear transmission mechanism, and a sample changing mechanism. The lower end of the rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the fixed base, and the sample changing mechanism, the sample storage conduit, and the sample delivery inclined tube are mounted on the upper end of the rotating shaft. The gear transmission mechanism drives the rotating shaft to move the sample delivery inclined tube to the electrode assembly and to move the sample delivery inclined tube away from the electrode assembly. The sample changing mechanism includes a stator slot, a disc rotor, and a first motor. The upper end of the stator slot is connected to the sample storage conduit, and the lower end of the stator slot is connected to the sample delivery inclined tube. The disc rotor is mounted on the drive end of the first motor and disposed within the stator slot. The first motor drives the disc rotor to rotate within the stator slot. Two sample slots are symmetrically arranged on the outer periphery of the disc rotor. When the disc rotor is not rotating, one sample slot corresponds to the sample storage conduit, and the other sample slot corresponds to the sample delivery inclined tube. When the gear transmission mechanism drives the rotating shaft to rotate, causing the sample delivery inclined tube to move to the electrode assembly, the sample in the sample storage tube falls into one of the sample slots under the action of gravity. The first motor drives the disc rotor to rotate, so that the sample slot containing the sample corresponds to the sample delivery inclined tube. The sample falls from the sample slot to the sample delivery inclined tube under the action of gravity, and then falls from the sample delivery inclined tube to the electrode assembly. At the same time, another sample slot corresponds to the sample storage tube, and the sample in the sample storage tube falls into another sample slot under the action of gravity.

2. The multiple sample continuous autosampler of claim 1, wherein: The inner diameter of the sample storage conduit, sample trough, and sample delivery inclined tube is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the sample, but less than 1.1 times the maximum outer diameter of the sample.

3. The multiple sample continuous autosampler of claim 1, wherein: The first motor drives the disc rotor to rotate 180° each time, ensuring that the sample falls from the sample storage tube into the sample slot and from the sample slot into the sample delivery inclined tube.

4. The multiple sample continuous autosampler of claim 1, wherein: The sample storage tube is a vertically installed cylindrical hollow tube or a spiral hollow tube; The sample delivery tube includes a vertical section and an inclined section that are interconnected. The end of the vertical section away from the inclined section is connected to the stator slot, and a sample baffle is provided at the end of the inclined section near the electrode assembly.

5. The multiple sample continuous autosampler of claim 1, wherein: The gear transmission mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, and a second motor. The second motor is mounted on one side of the fixed base, the first gear is mounted on the drive end of the second motor, and the second gear is mounted on the rotating shaft. The first gear and the second gear mesh with each other. The second motor drives the first gear to rotate, thereby driving the second gear to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating shaft to rotate.

6. The multiple sample continuous autosampler of claim 1, wherein: The fixing seat is installed on the flange, and the upper end of the fixing seat has a rotating groove, and the lower end of the rotating shaft is inserted into the rotating groove.

7. The multiple sample continuous autosampler of claim 1, wherein: A bearing plate is installed at the upper end of the rotating shaft, and the sample changing mechanism, sample storage conduit and sample delivery inclined tube are installed on the bearing plate.

8. The multi-sample continuous automatic sample feeding device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The stator slot is installed on one side of the first motor.

9. The multiple sample continuous autosampler of claim 1, wherein: The electrode assembly includes several side electrodes, an upper electrode, and a lower electrode. The electrostatic field formed between the upper electrode, the lower electrode, and the side electrodes serves as the sample station, and the electrostatic field can control the electrostatic levitation of the sample.

10. The multiple sample continuous autosampler of claim 9, wherein: The upper electrode is mounted above the lower electrode, and a plurality of the side electrodes are arranged around the lower electrode.

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