An inlet and outlet device for a mass spectrometer sample target

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of mass spectrometer sample target's in-out device, comprising: vacuum shell;Lifting plate, lifting plate is arranged in vacuum shell, and the upper side wall center of lifting plate is equipped with connecting seat.Compared with prior art, by the isolation mechanism of setting, when placing sample, it is not necessary to open mass spectrometer vacuum cavity directly, but first operation is carried out in vacuum shell, and the communication of vacuum shell and vacuum cavity is cut off by isolation plate, avoid external air to enter mass spectrometer vacuum cavity, improve the accuracy and precision of detection result;By the vacuum pumping mechanism of setting, vacuum pumping is carried out to the inside space of vacuum shell, since the inside space of vacuum shell is smaller, compared to vacuum pumping to mass spectrometer vacuum cavity, reduce operating cost;Through the stud of sample target bottom and the connecting seat on lifting plate, only need simple screwing or separation to complete the installation and disassembly of sample target, without additional tool, greatly reduce the difficulty of sample target replacement, improve replacement efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mass spectrometer equipment technology, and in particular to a sample target entry and exit device for a mass spectrometer. Background Technology

[0002] A mass spectrometer is an important instrument used to analyze the composition and structure of samples, and it has wide applications in many fields such as chemical analysis, biomedicine, and environmental monitoring. During the operation of a mass spectrometer, the sample is placed on a sample target, and then the sample target is sent into the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer for detection and analysis.

[0003] Currently, existing technologies for placing sample targets inside the vacuum chamber of a mass spectrometer have significant drawbacks. Typically, placing the sample target requires opening the mass spectrometer's vacuum chamber, which easily disrupts the original vacuum environment. Once the vacuum environment is disrupted, external air enters the vacuum chamber, affecting the accuracy and precision of the detection results, leading to data deviations. Furthermore, the frequent disruption and re-establishment of the vacuum environment increases operating costs, reduces the equipment's lifespan, extends the detection cycle, and reduces detection efficiency. Therefore, we propose a novel sample target entry and exit device for mass spectrometers. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a sample target entry and exit device for a mass spectrometer, which can effectively solve the problems in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a sample target entry / exit device for a mass spectrometer, comprising:

[0006] Vacuum housing;

[0007] A lifting plate is disposed inside a vacuum housing, and a connecting seat is provided at the center of the upper side wall of the lifting plate;

[0008] An electric actuator is installed at the bottom inner part of the vacuum housing, and the telescopic end of the electric actuator is fixedly connected to the lifting plate.

[0009] A sample target is disposed on a connector and is used to hold a sample.

[0010] An isolation mechanism is disposed on the vacuum housing and is used to isolate the vacuum housing from the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer.

[0011] A vacuum pumping mechanism is installed on a vacuum housing and is used to create a vacuum inside the vacuum housing.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution, the isolation mechanism includes two housings, which are fixedly mounted on the outer walls of both sides of the vacuum housing. An isolation plate is slidably provided inside the housing. Two connecting rods are hinged to both sides of the upper side wall of the lifting plate, and the other end of the connecting rods is hinged to the lower side wall of the isolation plate.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution, the vacuum pumping mechanism includes a mounting plate, which is fixedly mounted on one outer wall of the vacuum housing. A vacuum pump is mounted on the mounting plate, and the pumping end of the vacuum pump is connected to a vacuum tube. The other end of the vacuum tube is connected to the interior of the vacuum housing. The vacuum pump is equipped with a vacuum sensor.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution, the inner sidewall of the connecting seat has an internal thread, and a stud adapted to the internal thread is fixedly connected at the center of the bottom wall of the sample target.

[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution, two guide grooves are provided on the inner walls of both sides of the vacuum housing, and sliders that slide in cooperation with the guide grooves are fixedly connected to the inner walls of both sides of the lifting plate.

[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution, a controller is provided on one outer wall of the vacuum housing, and the electric push rod, vacuum pump and vacuum sensor are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0017] As a further description of the above technical solution, a sealing door is provided on one side of the outer wall of the vacuum housing.

[0018] As a further description of the above technical solution, the top wall of the vacuum housing has a sealing groove, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove.

[0019] As a further description of the above technical solution, mounting holes are respectively provided at the four corners of the top wall of the vacuum housing.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. With the isolation mechanism in place, when placing samples, it is not necessary to directly open the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. Instead, the operation is carried out inside the vacuum housing first. The connection between the vacuum housing and the vacuum chamber is cut off by the isolation plate, which prevents external air from entering the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. This effectively protects the vacuum environment inside the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer, thereby improving the accuracy and precision of the detection results.

[0022] 2. By using the vacuum pumping mechanism, the internal space of the vacuum housing is evacuated. Since the internal space of the vacuum housing is relatively small, the operating cost is greatly reduced compared to evacuating the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer.

[0023] 3. The installation and removal of the sample target can be completed with simple screwing or unscrewing actions through the studs at the bottom of the sample target and the connecting seat on the lifting plate. No additional tools are required, which greatly reduces the difficulty of replacing the sample target and improves the replacement efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the sample target entry and exit device for a mass spectrometer according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum housing of a sample target entry / exit device for a mass spectrometer according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vacuum mechanism of the sample target entry and exit device for a mass spectrometer according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a split view of the sample target of the mass spectrometer sample target entry and exit device of this utility model.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Vacuum housing; 2. Lifting plate; 21. Connecting seat; 3. Electric push rod; 4. Sample target; 5. Isolation mechanism; 6. Vacuuming mechanism; 51. Housing; 52. Isolation plate; 53. Connecting rod; 61. Mounting plate; 62. Vacuum pump; 63. Vacuum tube; 64. Vacuum sensor; 41. Stud; 11. Guide groove; 22. Slider; 7. Controller; 8. Sealing door; 12. Sealing groove; 13. Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the technical means, creative features, and objectives of this utility model easier to understand, the following describes this utility model in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," 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, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," and "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within 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.

[0032] Please see Figure 1-4 This utility model provides a sample target loading and unloading device for a mass spectrometer, including a vacuum housing 1, a lifting plate 2, an electric push rod 3, a sample target 4, an isolation mechanism 5, and a vacuum pumping mechanism 6. The lifting plate 2 is disposed inside the vacuum housing 1, and a connecting seat 21 is provided at the center of the upper side wall of the lifting plate 2. The electric push rod 3 is installed at the inner bottom of the vacuum housing 1, and the telescopic end of the electric push rod 3 is fixedly connected to the lifting plate 2. The sample target 4 is disposed on the connecting seat 21 and is used to place the sample. The isolation mechanism 5 is disposed on the vacuum housing 1 and is used to isolate the vacuum housing 1 from the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. The vacuum pumping mechanism 6 is disposed on the vacuum housing 1 and is used to create a vacuum inside the vacuum housing 1.

[0033] To further explain, when placing the sample, it is not necessary to directly open the mass spectrometer vacuum chamber. Instead, the operation is carried out inside the vacuum housing 1 first. The connection between the vacuum housing 1 and the vacuum chamber is cut off by the isolation plate 52, which prevents external air from entering the mass spectrometer vacuum chamber and effectively protects the vacuum environment inside the mass spectrometer vacuum chamber, thereby improving the accuracy and precision of the detection results.

[0034] To further explain, the isolation mechanism 5 includes two housings 51, which are fixedly mounted on the outer walls of both sides of the vacuum housing 1. An isolation plate 52 is slidably mounted inside each housing 51. Two connecting rods 53 are hinged to both sides of the upper side wall of the lifting plate 2, with the other end of each connecting rod hinged to the lower side wall of the isolation plate 52. The isolation mechanism 5 achieves linkage between the lifting plate 2 and the isolation plate 52, allowing the opening and closing of the isolation plate 52 to be completed without an additional electric drive source, thus reducing maintenance costs.

[0035] To further explain, the vacuum pumping mechanism 6 includes a mounting plate 61, which is fixedly mounted on one outer wall of the vacuum housing 1. A vacuum pump 62 is mounted on the mounting plate 61. The pumping end of the vacuum pump 62 is connected to a vacuum tube 63, and the other end of the vacuum tube 63 is connected to the interior of the vacuum housing 1. The vacuum pump 62 is equipped with a vacuum sensor 64. The vacuum pumping mechanism 6 can create a vacuum inside the vacuum housing 1.

[0036] To further explain, the inner wall of the connector 21 has an internal thread, and a stud 41 that matches the internal thread is fixedly connected to the center of the bottom wall of the sample target 4. The installation and removal of the sample target 4 can be completed with only simple screwing or unscrewing actions, without the need for additional tools, which greatly reduces the difficulty of replacing the sample target 4 and improves the replacement efficiency.

[0037] To further explain, two guide grooves 11 are provided on the inner walls of both sides of the vacuum housing 1, and sliders 22 that slide in cooperation with the guide grooves 11 are fixedly connected to the inner walls of both sides of the lifting plate 2. The sliders 22, in cooperation with the guide grooves 11, can guide the lifting plate 2 and make it rise and fall stably.

[0038] To further explain, a controller 7 is provided on one outer wall of the vacuum housing 1. The electric push rod 3, the vacuum pump 62, and the vacuum sensor 64 are all electrically connected to the controller 7. The controller 7 can control the operation of the electric push rod 3 and the vacuum pump 62. The controller 7 can receive the electrical signal transmitted by the vacuum sensor 64 and compare it with the set value according to the electrical signal. When the vacuum degree reaches the set value, the controller 7 automatically shuts down the vacuum pump 62.

[0039] To further explain, a sealing door 8 is provided on one outer wall of the vacuum housing 1. After opening the sealing door 8, it is convenient to place the sample onto the sample target 4. A sealing groove 12 is provided on the top wall of the vacuum housing 1, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove to ensure the seal between the vacuum housing 1 and the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. Mounting holes 13 are respectively provided at the four corners of the top wall of the vacuum housing 1, and the vacuum housing 1 can be mounted on the mass spectrometer using the mounting holes 13.

[0040] It should be noted that the controller 7 mentioned above uses an STM32 microcontroller. The input and output pins of the microcontroller are connected to the electric actuator 3, vacuum pump 62 and vacuum sensor 64 as described above, and can be implemented by programming the microcontroller. The circuit and program used are common technologies in the field of microcontrollers. Those skilled in the art can easily derive the specific circuit based on the above control relationship description. Therefore, the specific circuit will not be described in detail in this article.

[0041] It should be noted that this utility model is a sample target loading and unloading device for a mass spectrometer. In use, the sealing door 8 is opened, the sample is placed on the sample target 4, and the sealing door 8 is closed. Then, the controller 7 starts the vacuum pump 62. The vacuum pump 62 uses the vacuum tube 63 to evacuate the vacuum housing 1. The vacuum sensor 64 monitors the vacuum level inside the vacuum housing 1 in real time. When the vacuum level reaches the set value, the controller 7 stops the vacuum pump 62 and starts the electric push rod 3. The telescopic end of the electric push rod 3 pushes the lifting plate 2 upward. The lifting plate 2 moves upward, and under the action of the connecting rod 53, the two closed... The isolation plates 52 will move away from each other, allowing the sample target 4 to enter the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. Then, the mass spectrometer is used for detection and analysis. When it is necessary to change the sample, the telescopic end of the electric push rod 3 drives the lifting plate 2 to move down. During the downward movement, under the pull of the connecting rod 53, the two isolation plates 52 move closer to each other and close, so that the vacuum shell 1 is isolated from the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. Then, the sealing door 8 is opened to change the sample. After the sample is changed, the sealing door 8 is closed and the vacuum pumping mechanism 6 is used to create a vacuum. Then, the electric push rod 3 is started, so that the telescopic end of the electric push rod 3 pushes the lifting plate 2 to move up.

[0042] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sample target entry / exit device for a mass spectrometer, characterized in that, include: Vacuum housing (1); Lifting plate (2), the lifting plate (2) is set inside the vacuum housing (1), and a connecting seat (21) is provided at the center of the upper side wall of the lifting plate (2). Electric push rod (3), the electric push rod (3) is installed at the bottom of the vacuum housing (1), and the telescopic end of the electric push rod (3) is fixedly connected to the lifting plate (2); Sample target (4), the sample target (4) is disposed on the connecting seat (21), the sample target (4) is used to place the sample; An isolation mechanism (5) is provided on the vacuum housing (1) and is used to isolate the vacuum housing (1) from the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. A vacuum pumping mechanism (6) is provided on a vacuum housing (1) and is used to evacuate the vacuum housing (1) into a vacuum.

2. The mass spectrometer sample target entry / exit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The isolation mechanism (5) includes two housings (51), which are fixedly mounted on the outer walls of both sides of the vacuum housing (1). An isolation plate (52) is slidably provided inside the housing (51). Two connecting rods (53) are hinged to both sides of the upper side wall of the lifting plate (2), and the other end of the connecting rod (53) is hinged to the lower side wall of the isolation plate (52).

3. The mass spectrometer sample target entry / exit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum pumping mechanism (6) includes a mounting plate (61), which is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of one side of the vacuum housing (1). A vacuum pump (62) is mounted on the mounting plate (61). The vacuum pump (62) has a vacuum tube (63) connected to its pumping end. The other end of the vacuum tube (63) is connected to the interior of the vacuum housing (1). The vacuum pump (62) has a vacuum sensor (64).

4. The mass spectrometer sample target entry / exit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the connecting seat (21) has an internal thread, and a stud (41) that is compatible with the internal thread is fixedly connected to the center of the bottom wall of the sample target (4).

5. The mass spectrometer sample target entry / exit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two guide grooves (11) are provided on the inner walls of both sides of the vacuum housing (1), and sliders (22) that slide in cooperation with the guide grooves (11) are fixedly connected to the inner walls of both sides of the lifting plate (2).

6. The mass spectrometer sample target entry / exit device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A controller (7) is provided on one side of the outer wall of the vacuum housing (1), and the electric push rod (3), vacuum pump (62) and vacuum sensor (64) are all electrically connected to the controller (7).

7. The mass spectrometer sample target entry / exit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing door (8) is provided on one side of the outer wall of the vacuum housing (1).

8. The mass spectrometer sample target entry / exit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top wall of the vacuum housing (1) has a sealing groove (12), and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove.

9. The mass spectrometer sample target entry / exit device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Mounting holes (13) are provided at the four corners of the top wall of the vacuum housing (1).

Images