Automatic sample changing sample rod and thermostat

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of neutron scattering experiments, in particular to an automatic sample changing sample rod and a thermostat. The automatic sample changing sample rod comprises a sample rod main frame body, a sample changing assembly, a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism, wherein the sample rod main frame body is used for being fixed in a sample tube of the thermostat; the sample changing assembly comprises a sample disc and at least two sample box fixing parts, the sample changing assembly is rotationally connected to the sample rod main frame body, the sample box fixing parts are arranged in the circumferential direction of the sample disc at intervals, and the sample box fixing parts can be sequentially aligned with beam regions in the sample tube in the axial direction of the sample tube in the rotating process of the sample changing assembly; the first driving mechanism is used for driving the sample changing assembly to rotate; the sample box fixing piece can move in the axial direction of the sample tube, and the automatic sample changing sample rod further comprises a second driving mechanism used for driving the sample box fixing piece to move in the axial direction of the sample tube so that the sample box on the sample box fixing piece can be conveyed to the beam area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of neutron scattering experimental technology, specifically to an automatic sample changing rod and a thermostat. Background Technology

[0002] Cryostats play a crucial role in neutron scattering experiments, providing a low-temperature testing environment for samples. Dry, liquid-free helium cryostats rely on a GM refrigerator as the cold source and achieve the low-temperature testing environment through an efficient heat exchange mechanism. A typical structure of a dry, liquid-free helium cryostat is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a sample rod for fixing the sample, which needs to be inserted into the sample tube of the thermostat.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned sample rod has the following problems in use: only one sample can be loaded for testing at a time, and the sample rod needs to be pulled out and replaced after the test. Since the sample rod needs time to cool from room temperature to the required low temperature each time it is reinserted, it not only wastes neutron machine time, but also increases the workload of operators and the time cost of sample replacement. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main technical problem this invention solves is that the sample rod can only hold one sample at a time during use.

[0005] According to the first aspect, one embodiment provides an automatic sample changing rod, including a sample rod main frame, a sample changing component, a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism, wherein the sample rod main frame is used to be fixed inside the sample tube of a thermostat;

[0006] The sample changing assembly includes a sample tray and at least two sample box fixing members. The sample changing assembly is rotatably connected to the main frame of the sample rod. The sample box fixing members are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the sample tray. During the rotation of the sample changing assembly, the sample box fixing members can be sequentially aligned with the beam region inside the sample tube along the axial direction of the sample tube.

[0007] The first driving mechanism is used to drive the sample changing component to rotate; the sample box fixing member can move axially in the sample tube, and the automatic sample changing rod further includes a second driving mechanism for driving the sample box fixing member to move axially along the sample tube, so as to deliver the sample box on the sample box fixing member to the beam region.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sample tray includes a tray body, a support plate, and a connecting rod. The tray body and the support plate are arranged at an upward distance along the axial direction of the sample tube. The connecting rod connects the tray body and the support plate. The support plate is provided with a guide hole. The sample box fixing member is slidably assembled in the guide hole and can move along the axial direction of the sample tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sample changing assembly further includes a push rod slidably mounted on the main frame of the sample rod, and the second driving mechanism is used to drive the push rod to move axially along the sample tube to push the sample box on the sample box holder to the beam region.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sample changing assembly further includes an elastic reset member connected between the disc body and the sample box holder, and used to reset the sample box holder along the axial direction of the sample tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second driving mechanism further includes a second driving member, a lead screw, and a sliding block. The sliding block is provided with a threaded hole, the lead screw is threaded into the threaded hole, the push rod is fixedly connected to the sliding block, and the second driving member is used to drive the lead screw to rotate so as to move the sliding block along the axial direction of the sample tube.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first driving mechanism includes a first driving member and a transmission rod, one end of the transmission rod being connected to the first driving member and the other end of the transmission rod being fixedly connected to the sample disk.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sample rod main frame includes a sample rod flange, which is used to fix the sample rod main frame inside the sample tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, both the first driving member and the second driving member are disposed on the sample rod flange. The driving shaft of the first driving member is parallel to the axial direction of the sample tube, and the driving shaft of the second driving member forms an acute angle with the axial direction of the sample tube. The automatic sample changing rod further includes a coupling connected between the driving shaft of the second driving member and the lead screw to transmit torque.

[0015] In some embodiments, the automatic sample changing rod further includes a first rotary seal and a second rotary seal, wherein the first rotary seal is disposed between the drive shaft of the first drive member and the sample rod flange, and the second rotary seal is disposed between the drive shaft of the second drive member and the sample rod flange.

[0016] According to a second aspect, one embodiment provides a thermostat, including a sample tube, a cooling device, a heat-conducting element, and an automatic sample changing rod as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the sample tube is used to accommodate the automatic sample changing rod; the cooling device is used to provide a cold source, and the heat-conducting element is used to conduct the cold source to the sample tube.

[0017] According to the automatic sample changing rod of the above embodiment, the sample changing component can be rotated by the first driving mechanism. During the rotation, the sample changing component can move a sample box fixing member to be aligned with the beam region. Then, the second driving mechanism can drive the sample rod fixing member to move to deliver the sample box to the beam region. When it is necessary to change the sample, the previous sample box fixing member can be reset first, the sample changing component can be rotated and the next sample box fixing member can be rotated to be aligned with the beam region, and the above process can be repeated. During the sample changing process, it is not necessary to pull the sample rod out of the sample tube, which can save neutron machine time and reduce the workload of operators. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the low-temperature thermostat in the background section.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the automatic sample changing rod of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the sample changing component of the automatic sample changing rod;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Top view of the automatic sample changer;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the second drive mechanism of the automatic sample changing rod.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 1. Sample rod main frame; 11. Sample rod flange; 12. Limiting flange; 2. Sample changing assembly; 21. Sample tray; 211. Tray body; 212. Support plate; 213. Connecting rod; 22. Sample box fixing component; 23. Rotating shaft; 24. Top rod; 25. Elastic reset component; 3. First drive mechanism; 31. First drive component; 32. Transmission rod; 4. Second drive mechanism; 41. Second drive component; 42. Lead screw; 43. Sliding block; 44. Coupling; 5. First rotary seal; 6. Second rotary seal; 7. Sample box; 8. Thermostat; 81. Sample tube; 82. Refrigeration device; 83. Heat-conducting component; 84. Sample rod; 85. Thermal shield; 86. Neutron beam window. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0026] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0027] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0028] A typical structure of a dry-type liquid helium-free thermostat is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a sample tube 81, a cooling device 82, a heat-conducting component 83, and a sample rod 84. The cooling device 82 provides a cold source, and the heat-conducting component 83 conducts the cold source to the sample tube 81 to create a low-temperature testing environment. The sample rod 84 secures the sample box 7 containing the sample and inserts it into the sample tube 81 of the thermostat 8 to deliver the sample box 7 to the beam region within the sample tube 81. The beam region is equipped with a neutron beam window 86 for the neutron beam line to pass through. Furthermore, the dry-type liquid helium-free thermostat 8 also has a heat shield 85 to reduce heat transfer from the external environment to the low-temperature region, thereby maintaining the stability of the low-temperature environment and improving cooling efficiency.

[0029] The sample rod 84 can only hold one sample for testing at a time. After the test, the sample rod 84 needs to be removed and the sample replaced. Since the sample rod 84 needs time to cool from room temperature to the required cryogenic state each time it is reinserted, it not only wastes neutron machine time but also increases the workload of operators and the time cost of sample replacement. To solve the above problems, an automatic sample-changing sample rod 84 can be designed, which can hold two or more sample boxes 7 and has the function of automatic sample replacement within the sample tube 81. The automatic sample-changing sample rod 84 provided in this application is applicable to the above-mentioned dry-type liquid helium-free cryostat 8, but is not limited to the above-mentioned cryostat type.

[0030] like Figures 2-5 As shown, one embodiment provides an automatic sample changing rod 84, including a sample rod main frame 1, a sample changing component 2, a first driving mechanism 3, and a second driving mechanism 4.

[0031] The main frame 1 of the sample rod is used to fix the sample tube 81 of the thermostat 8 to secure the sample rod 84 inside the sample tube 81. Specifically, the two ends of the main frame 1 of the sample rod can be respectively provided with a sample rod flange 11 and a limiting flange 12, both of which can be fixedly connected to the sample tube 81, thereby fixing the sample rod 84. In other embodiments, the sample rod 84 can also be fixed in the sample tube 81 by snap-fit.

[0032] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the sample changing assembly 2 is rotatably connected to the main frame 1 of the sample rod. The sample changing assembly 2 includes a sample tray 21 and at least two sample box fixing parts 22. Specifically, the sample changing assembly 2 may include a rotating shaft 23 fixedly connected to the sample tray 21. The limiting flange 12 is provided with an assembly hole, and the rotating shaft 23 is assembled in the assembly hole and has a clearance fit with the limiting flange 12, so that the rotating shaft 23 can rotate freely in the assembly hole. In other embodiments, a bearing may also be provided between the rotating shaft 23 and the limiting flange 12.

[0033] Sample box holders 22 are arranged at intervals around the circumference of the sample tray 21. During the rotation of the sample changing assembly 2, the sample box holders 22 can be sequentially aligned with the beam region inside the sample tube 81 along the axial direction of the sample tube 81. The sample tray 21 can be circular in shape, and three sample box holders 22 can be provided, with the three sample box holders 22 arranged at intervals along the circumference of the sample tray 21.

[0034] During the rotation of the sample changing assembly 2, the position of the sample box fixing member 22 changes, and it can sequentially align with the beam region inside the sample tube 81 along the axial direction of the sample tube 81. In one specific embodiment, the radial distance from the rotating shaft 23 to each sample box fixing member 22 is equal to the radial distance from the rotating shaft 23 to the beam region, so that each sample box fixing member 22 can be aligned with the beam region during rotation.

[0035] The first drive mechanism 3 drives the sample changing assembly 2 to rotate, aligning the different sample box holders 22 with the beam region. The sample box holders 22 are axially movable in the sample tube 81. Specifically, the sample box holders 22 can be slidably mounted on the sample tray 21 to achieve axial movement. The automatic sample changing rod 84 also includes a second drive mechanism 4 for driving the sample box holders 22 to move axially along the sample tube 81, so as to deliver the sample box 7 on the sample box holders 22 to the beam region.

[0036] In the automatic sample changing rod 84 of the above embodiment, the sample changing component 2 can be rotated by the first driving mechanism 3. During the rotation, the sample changing component 2 can move a sample box fixing member 22 to be aligned with the beam region. Then, the second driving mechanism 4 can drive the sample rod 84 fixing member to move so as to send the sample box 7 to the beam region.

[0037] When a sample needs to be changed, the previous sample box holder 22 can be reset first, the sample changing assembly 2 can be rotated to align the next sample box holder 22 with the beam region, and the above process can be repeated. During the sample changing process, it is not necessary to remove the sample rod 84 from the sample tube 81, which saves neutron machine time and reduces the workload of the operators.

[0038] It should be noted that, limited by the inner diameter of the sample tube 81 and the size of the flange of the sample box 7, the above embodiment only describes sample changing for three sample positions. Obviously, when using a large-diameter sample tube 81 or a sample box 7 with a small flange, more sample box holders 22 can be installed on the sample tray 21, enabling automatic sample changing for more samples. Furthermore, in practical applications, the issue of motion accuracy must also be considered to prevent situations where the sample box holder 22 fails to rotate into position, resulting in the push rod 24 being unable to push forward.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the sample tray 21 includes a tray body 211, a support plate 212 and a connecting rod 213. The tray body 211 and the support plate 212 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the sample tube 81. Multiple connecting rods 213 can be provided and arranged at intervals along the circumference to connect the tray body 211 and the support plate 212.

[0040] At least two support plates 212 may be provided at intervals, and each support plate 212 is provided with a guide hole. The guide holes on two adjacent support plates 212 are axially aligned to facilitate the guidance of the sample box fixing member 22. The sample box fixing member 22 is slidably assembled in the guide hole and has a clearance fit with the support plate 212, making it move more smoothly along the axial direction of the sample tube 81.

[0041] The sample box holder 22 can have a regular pentagonal cross-section, and correspondingly, the guide hole is also a regular pentagon. This arrangement improves the guiding effect of the support plate 212 on the sample box holder 22. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the sample box holder 22 can also be circular, triangular, or square, etc.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the sample changing assembly 2 also includes a push rod 24, which is slidably mounted on the sample rod main frame 1. Specifically, the limiting flange 12 and the disc 211 are provided with axially aligned through holes, and the push rod 24 passes through the limiting flange 12 and the disc 211 in sequence.

[0043] The push rod 24 is axially aligned with the beam region. The second drive mechanism 4 is used to drive the push rod 24 to move axially along the sample tube 81 to push the sample box fixing member 22 aligned with the beam region, and push the sample box 7 on the sample box fixing member 22 to the beam region for experimentation.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the sample changing assembly 2 also includes an elastic reset member 25, which is connected between the disc body 211 and the sample box fixing member 22, and is used to reset the sample box fixing member 22 along the axial direction of the sample tube 81. In a specific embodiment, the elastic reset member 25 may be a spring, with its two ends connected between the disc body 211 and the sample box fixing member 22, respectively.

[0045] When the push rod 24 moves away from the beam region, the elastic reset member 25 can drive the sample box fixing member 22 to move, so as to remove the sample box 7 from the beam region and make room for the next sample box 7 experiment.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second drive mechanism 4 also includes a second drive component 41, a lead screw 42, and a sliding block 43. The sliding block 43 is provided with a threaded hole, the lead screw 42 is threaded into the threaded hole, and the push rod 24 is fixedly connected to the sliding block 43. Specifically, the second drive component 41 can be a motor, and the drive shaft of the motor is fixedly connected to the lead screw 42, or it can be connected via a coupling 44.

[0047] The second driving component 41 drives the lead screw 42 to rotate, thereby causing the sliding block 43 to move axially along the sample tube 81. The lead screw 42 and the sliding block 43 work together to move the push rod 24, resulting in smoother movement and easier, more precise control of the push rod 24's movement distance, thus accurately delivering the sample box 7 to the beam region. Furthermore, when it is necessary to move the push rod 24 away from the beam region, the second driving component 41, for example, drives the lead screw 42 to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the first driving mechanism 3 includes a first driving member 31 and a transmission rod 32. One end of the transmission rod 32 is connected to the first driving member 31, and the other end of the transmission rod 32 is fixedly connected to the sample disk 21. Specifically, the first driving member 31 can be a motor.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the main frame 1 of the sample rod includes a sample rod flange 11, which is used to fix the main frame 1 of the sample rod inside the sample tube 81.

[0050] Both the first drive member 31 and the second drive member 41 are mounted on the sample rod flange 11. The drive shaft of the first drive member 31 is parallel to the axial direction of the sample tube 81, and the drive shaft of the second drive member 41 forms an acute angle with the axial direction of the sample tube 81. The automatic sample changing rod 84 also includes a coupling 44, which is connected between the drive shaft of the second drive member 41 and the lead screw 42 to transmit torque.

[0051] Due to the limited space on the sample rod flange 11, the drive shaft of the second drive member 41 in the above arrangement forms an acute angle with the axial direction of the sample tube 81, which can avoid interference between the second drive member 41 and the first drive member 31. The connection between the second drive member 41 and the lead screw 42 through the coupling 44 can transmit torque to drive the push rod 24.

[0052] In other embodiments, the drive shaft of the first drive member 31 can be configured to form an acute angle with the axial direction of the sample tube 81. Accordingly, a coupling 44 is required to connect the first drive member 31 and the transmission rod 32.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the automatic sample changing rod 84 also includes a first rotary seal 5 and a second rotary seal 6. The first rotary seal 5 is disposed between the drive shaft of the first drive member 31 and the sample rod flange 11, and the second rotary seal 6 is disposed between the drive shaft of the second drive member 41 and the sample rod flange 11. The rotary seals improve the sealing of the sample tube 81, which is beneficial for maintaining the low-temperature testing environment.

[0054] According to the second aspect, one embodiment provides a thermostat 8, including a sample tube 81, a cooling device 82, a heat-conducting element 83, and an automatic sample changing rod 84. The structure of the automatic sample changing rod 84 is the same as that described in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] The sample tube 81 is used to accommodate the automatic sample changing rod 84, the cooling device 82 is used to provide a cold source, and the heat-conducting component 83 is used to conduct the cold source to the sample tube 81.

[0056] The above-described specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the concept of this invention.

Claims

1. An autochange sample rod characterized by, include: The main frame of the sample rod is used to fix it inside the sample tube of the thermostat; The sample changing assembly includes a sample tray and at least two sample box fixing members. The sample changing assembly is rotatably connected to the main frame of the sample rod. The sample box fixing members are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the sample tray. During the rotation of the sample changing assembly, the sample box fixing members can be sequentially aligned with the beam region inside the sample tube along the axial direction of the sample tube. A first driving mechanism is used to drive the sample changing component to rotate; The sample box holder is movable in the axial direction of the sample tube. The automatic sample changing rod also includes a second driving mechanism, which drives the sample box holder to move along the axial direction of the sample tube to deliver the sample box on the sample box holder to the beam region.

2. The autochange sample rod of claim 1, wherein, The sample tray includes a tray body, a support plate, and a connecting rod. The tray body and the support plate are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the sample tube. The connecting rod connects the tray body and the support plate. The support plate is provided with a guide hole. The sample box fixing component is slidably assembled in the guide hole and can move along the axial direction of the sample tube.

3. The autochange sample rod of claim 2, wherein, The sample changing assembly also includes a push rod, which is slidably mounted on the main frame of the sample rod. The second driving mechanism is used to drive the push rod to move axially along the sample tube to push the sample box on the sample box fixing member to the beam region.

4. The autochange sample rod of claim 3, wherein, The sample changing assembly also includes an elastic reset member, which is connected between the disk body and the sample box fixing member and is used to reset the sample box fixing member along the axial direction of the sample tube.

5. The autochange sample rod of claim 3, wherein, The second driving mechanism further includes a second driving member, a lead screw, and a sliding block. The sliding block is provided with a threaded hole, the lead screw is threaded into the threaded hole, the push rod is fixedly connected to the sliding block, and the second driving member is used to drive the lead screw to rotate so as to move the sliding block along the axial direction of the sample tube.

6. The autochange sample rod of claim 5, wherein, The first driving mechanism includes a first driving member and a transmission rod. One end of the transmission rod is connected to the first driving member, and the other end of the transmission rod is fixedly connected to the sample plate.

7. The autochange sample rod of claim 6, wherein, The main frame of the sample rod includes a sample rod flange, which is used to fix the main frame of the sample rod inside the sample tube.

8. The autochange sample rod of claim 7, wherein, Both the first driving component and the second driving component are mounted on the sample rod flange. The driving shaft of the first driving component is parallel to the axial direction of the sample tube, and the driving shaft of the second driving component forms an acute angle with the axial direction of the sample tube. The automatic sample changing rod also includes a coupling, which is connected between the driving shaft of the second driving component and the lead screw to transmit torque.

9. The autochange sample rod of claim 8, wherein, The automatic sample changing rod also includes a first rotary seal and a second rotary seal. The first rotary seal is disposed between the drive shaft of the first drive member and the sample rod flange, and the second rotary seal is disposed between the drive shaft of the second drive member and the sample rod flange.

10. A thermostat, characterized by include: The automatic sample changing rod as described in any one of claims 1-9; a sample tube for containing the automated sample change sample rod; a refrigeration device for providing a cold source and a heat conducting member for conducting the cold source to the sample tube.

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