Interface device and mass spectrometer

Abstract

The application discloses an interface device and a mass spectrometer. The interface device comprises an interface disc provided with a through hole; a separation cone arranged at the through hole, the separation cone comprising an ion channel, an inlet end and an outlet end in communication with the ion channel, the inlet end being in communication with the through hole and located inside the through hole, and the outlet end extending out of the through hole for communication with a primary vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer; a sealing structure arranged at the connection between the inlet end and the interface disc, so that the inlet end is sealingly attached to the interface disc; and a fixing mechanism connected to the separation cone and the interface disc, the fixing mechanism being used for mechanically fixing and locking the separation cone and the interface disc. When the separation cone is fixed, the mechanical pump only needs to maintain the vacuum gradient without bearing the adsorption load, so that the load of the mechanical pump is reduced, and a large-pumping-force mechanical pump is not needed to adsorb the separation cone, thereby effectively solving the stability problem caused by the traditional vacuum adsorption fixing mode, improving the fixing stability of the separation cone, and avoiding the risk of vacuum leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mass spectrometry analysis instrument technology, and in particular to an interface device and a mass spectrometer. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial tool in modern analytical chemistry, the separation cone, a core component of a mass spectrometer, plays a vital role in connecting the atmospheric pressure ionization source to the high-vacuum analytical chamber. However, traditional separation cone fixation methods have significant drawbacks: the bottom is simply adsorbed onto the interface plate via an O-ring and mechanical pump suction. This fixation method, relying solely on vacuum adsorption, carries systemic risks. When the instrument load is too high, leading to insufficient mechanical pump suction, the stability of the separation cone fixation will be severely affected, triggering a series of chain reactions. First, it will cause an abnormal increase in pressure in the primary vacuum chamber, potentially breaching the pressure difference barrier of the secondary vacuum. Second, it will cause a sharp decline in ion transport efficiency, failing to meet the resonant excitation conditions required by the subsequent quadrupole mass analyzer. Ultimately, it may lead to distortion of the quadrupole electric field, severely impacting the instrument's mass analysis performance. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application proposes an interface device and a mass spectrometer to solve the stability problem caused by traditional vacuum adsorption fixation methods, which can improve the stability of the separation cone fixation and avoid the risk of vacuum leakage.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides an interface device for a mass spectrometer, the interface device comprising: an interface disk having a through hole; a separation cone disposed at the through hole, the separation cone including an ion channel and an inlet end and an outlet end communicating with the ion channel, the inlet end communicating with the through hole and located inside the through hole, the outlet end extending outside the through hole for communicating with the primary vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer; a sealing structure disposed at the connection between the inlet end and the interface disk, so that the inlet end and the interface disk are sealed and fitted together; and a fixing mechanism connected to the separation cone and the interface disk, the fixing mechanism being used to mechanically fix and lock the separation cone and the interface disk.

[0005] In some embodiments, the fixing mechanism includes: a first fixing member disposed on the separating cone; and a second fixing member disposed on the interface plate; the first fixing member and the second fixing member are detachably connected to mechanically fix and lock the separating cone and the interface plate.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are threadedly connected to mechanically fix and lock the separating cone to the interface disc.

[0007] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the separating cone is provided with at least two circumferentially evenly distributed extensions, the first fixing member includes at least two fixing screws corresponding to the extensions, the second fixing member includes at least two threaded holes corresponding to the fixing screws, and the fixing screws pass through the extensions and connect to the threaded holes.

[0008] In some embodiments, the interface disk is provided with a first docking platform on the side facing the outlet end, the first docking platform is used for the extension to abut, and the at least two threaded holes are evenly distributed circumferentially on the first docking platform.

[0009] In some embodiments, the interface disk has a second docking platform at the entrance near the through hole, the inlet end abuts against the second docking platform, and the sealing structure is disposed between the second docking platform and the inlet end.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inlet end face of the separation cone is provided with an annular groove, and the sealing structure is an annular sealing ring adapted to the annular groove. The sealing structure is disposed in the annular groove and abuts against the second docking platform so that the inlet end is sealed and fitted with the interface plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the through hole is located at the center of the interface disk, and the inlet end and / or the outlet end are coaxially aligned with the through hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ion channel is a conical channel; and / or, the sealing structure is made of an elastic material.

[0013] The second aspect of this application discloses a mass spectrometer including the aforementioned interface device.

[0014] The interface device proposed in this application mechanically fixes and locks the separation cone to the interface disk through a fixing mechanism, and achieves a reliable seal through a sealing structure. Once the separation cone is fixed, the mechanical pump only needs to maintain the vacuum gradient without bearing the adsorption load, thus reducing the load on the mechanical pump. This eliminates the need for a high-force mechanical pump to adsorb the separation cone, effectively solving the stability problem caused by traditional vacuum adsorption fixing methods, improving the stability of the separation cone fixation, and avoiding the risk of vacuum leakage. This, in turn, can improve the vacuum level of the vacuum system, enhance the mass spectrometer signal, and reduce detector aging time. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the interface device proposed in this application;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural diagram of the interface device proposed in this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the interface device proposed in this application;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a first-view exploded view of the interface device proposed in this application;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a second-view exploded view of the interface device proposed in this application.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0022] 100. Interface device; 10. Interface plate; 11. Through hole; 12. First docking platform; 13. Second docking platform; 20. Separation cone; 21. Ion channel; 22. Inlet end; 23. Outlet end; 24. Extension; 25. Annular groove; 30. Sealing structure; 40. Fixing mechanism; 41. First fixing member; 411. Fixing screw; 42. Second fixing member; 421. Threaded hole. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] It should be understood that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0025] It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or may be connected to an intermediary element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element through an intermediary element.

[0026] The terminology used in this application specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. Descriptions using terms such as "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature.

[0027] It should also be further understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0028] In existing technologies, the separation cone in a mass spectrometer interface device is typically adsorbed onto the orifice plate by a mechanical pump. This method of fixation has significant limitations: when the mechanical pump's suction force is insufficient, the pressure in the primary vacuum chamber may become uncontrollable, leading to the disruption of the vacuum gradient, a sharp decrease in ion transport efficiency, and consequently, affecting the accuracy of quadrupole mass analysis. The current technology's complete reliance on vacuum adsorption makes system stability directly dependent on the mechanical pump load, making it unable to cope with vacuum fluctuations under complex operating conditions.

[0029] Furthermore, in existing technologies, an annular support is provided around the outer periphery of the separating cone. A suitable O-ring is fitted onto the bottom of the annular support, and a high-pressure mechanical pump is used to adhere the separating cone to the interface plate. Therefore, the dimensional tolerances around the separating cone are required to be very high. In addition, the annular support makes the part structure complex, increases the machining difficulty of the separating cone, extends the product delivery time, and increases the processing cost.

[0030] Therefore, this application proposes an interface device for a mass spectrometer, which uses a mechanical fixing mechanism to effectively solve the stability problem caused by traditional vacuum adsorption fixing methods. This improves the stability of the separation cone and avoids the risk of vacuum leakage. Furthermore, it reduces the need for annular support seats, lowers processing difficulty, shortens the processing cycle, and reduces processing costs.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 3This application provides an interface device 100 for a mass spectrometer. The interface device 100 includes an interface disk 10, a separation cone 20, a sealing structure 30, and a fixing mechanism 40. The interface disk 10 has a through hole 11 for transferring ions from an atmospheric pressure environment to a vacuum environment. The separation cone 20 is located at the through hole 11 and includes an ion channel 21 and an inlet end 22 and an outlet end 23 communicating with the ion channel 21. The inlet end 22 communicates with the through hole 11 and is located inside the through hole 11, while the outlet end 23 extends out of the through hole 11 to communicate with the primary vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. The sealing structure 30 is located at the connection between the inlet end 22 and the interface disk 10 to ensure a tight seal between the inlet end 22 and the interface disk 10. The fixing mechanism 40 is connected to the separation cone 20 and the interface disk 10, and is used to mechanically fix and lock the separation cone 20 and the interface disk 10.

[0032] The through-hole 11 of the interface disk 10 serves as the initial channel for ion transport, forming a continuous path with the inlet end 22 of the separation cone 20. The separation cone 20 acts as an interface between different vacuum levels, used for secondary focusing of the ion beam entering through the interface disk 10, further separating the ion beam from neutral gas and cluster ions, which helps to form a finer ion beam for entry into the mass analyzer. The sealing structure 30 forms a seal between the interface disk 10 and the inlet end 22 of the separation cone 20, preventing external gas from seeping into the vacuum system. The fixing mechanism 40 is used to mechanically fix and lock the separation cone 20 and the interface disk 10, and the pre-tightening force of the fixing mechanism 40 compresses the sealing structure 30 between the inlet end 22 and the interface disk 10 to maintain a tight seal.

[0033] The interface device 100 proposed in this application mechanically fixes and locks the separation cone 20 to the interface disk 10 through the fixing mechanism 40, and achieves a reliable seal in conjunction with the sealing structure 30. Once the separation cone 20 is fixed, the mechanical pump only needs to maintain the vacuum gradient without bearing the adsorption load, thus reducing the load on the mechanical pump. This eliminates the need for a high-force mechanical pump to adsorb the separation cone 20, effectively solving the stability problem caused by traditional vacuum adsorption fixing methods, improving the fixing stability of the separation cone 20, and avoiding the risk of vacuum leakage. This, in turn, can improve the vacuum level of the vacuum system, enhance the mass spectrometer signal, and reduce detector aging time.

[0034] Please see Figures 3 to 5In some embodiments, the fixing mechanism 40 includes a first fixing member 41 and a second fixing member 42. The first fixing member 41 is disposed on the separating cone 20. The second fixing member 42 is disposed on the interface plate 10. The first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42 are detachably connected to mechanically fix and lock the separating cone 20 to the interface plate 10. Exemplarily, the fixing mechanism 40 can be a mechanical fixing method such as a threaded connection or a snap-fit ​​connection. The first fixing member 41 can be a threaded fastener or a snap-fit ​​structure, etc., used to directly transmit the force of the separating cone 20 to the interface plate 10. The second fixing member 42 can be a threaded hole 421 or a snap-fit ​​groove, etc., used to form a stable bearing base. The detachable connection between the first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42 facilitates quick disassembly and assembly during maintenance and ensures the preload force during locking.

[0035] Thus, the separating cone 20 and the interface disk 10 are rigidly connected through the cooperation of the first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42. During assembly, the first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42 are interlocked by screwing in or snapping in, and the pre-tightening force generated during locking ensures that the separating cone 20 and the interface disk 10 fit tightly together. This connection method replaces the traditional adsorption fixation that relies on vacuum suction, avoiding connection failure caused by vacuum fluctuations. The force on the separating cone 20 is directly transmitted to the interface disk 10 through the fixing mechanism 40, ensuring the structural stability of the interface device 100 in a vacuum environment.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42 are threaded together to mechanically fix and lock the separating cone 20 and the interface plate 10. Thus, the axial locking of the separating cone 20 and the interface plate 10 is achieved through the threaded connection, and the self-locking characteristic of the threaded connection generates a continuous clamping force to ensure a stable rigid connection between the separating cone 20 and the interface plate 10.

[0037] Please see Figures 4 to 5 In some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the separating cone 20 is provided with at least two circumferentially evenly distributed extensions 24. The first fixing member 41 includes at least two fixing screws 411 corresponding to the extensions 24, and the second fixing member 42 includes at least two threaded holes 421 corresponding to the fixing screws 411. The fixing screws 411 pass through the extensions 24 and connect to the threaded holes 421 of the interface disk 10. Exemplarily, the extension 24 refers to a protruding structure extending outward from the outer peripheral wall of the separating cone 20, which can be implemented by integral molding or machining, and is used to provide the installation position for the fixing screws 411. Thus, the circumferentially evenly distributed extensions 24 make the locking force evenly distributed along the axial direction of the interface disk 10, balancing the force and avoiding stress concentration. By replacing simple suction adsorption with multi-point mechanical locking, even if the vacuum system load fluctuates, the fixing screws 411 can still maintain a stable axial locking force, avoiding seal failure.

[0038] For example, there may be two, three, or four extensions 24, and there may also be two, three, or four corresponding fixing screws 411 and threaded holes 421. Circumferential uniform distribution means that the multiple extensions 24 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the central axis of the separating cone 20. When there are three extensions 24, they are distributed at 120-degree intervals to ensure uniform transmission of locking force.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the interface plate 10 has a first docking platform 12 on the side facing the outlet end 23. The first docking platform 12 is used for the extension 24 to abut against, and at least two threaded holes 421 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the first docking platform 12. The first docking platform 12 refers to the flat annular area formed on the side of the interface plate 10 near the outlet end 23. The planar support of the first docking platform 12 ensures that the contact surface between the extension 24 and the interface plate 10 is uniformly stressed, avoiding uneven compression of the sealing structure 30 due to localized stress concentration. The evenly distributed circumferentially distributed threaded holes 421 generate a symmetrically distributed clamping force during the tightening process of the fixing screw 411. This symmetrical force is transmitted to the interface plate 10 through the extension 24, preventing deformation of the interface plate 10 due to unilateral stress. When the fixing screw 411 is screwed into the threaded hole 421, the extension 24 is pressed against the first docking platform 12. At this time, the sealing structure 30 undergoes stable deformation under uniform pressure, ensuring a tight seal between the inlet end 22 and the interface plate 10.

[0040] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the interface disk 10 has a second docking platform 13 near the entrance of the through hole 11, and the inlet end 22 abuts against the second docking platform 13. A sealing structure 30 is disposed between the second docking platform 13 and the inlet end 22. The second docking platform 13 refers to an annular boss or stepped surface machined on the interface disk 10 near the entrance of the through hole 11, providing an axial positioning reference surface for the inlet end 22 of the separation cone 20. When the separation cone 20 is installed on the interface disk 10, the end face of the inlet end 22 fits against the second docking platform 13 to form a rigid support. The sealing structure 30 is compressed between the inlet end 22 and the second docking platform 13, and under the action of axial locking force, it generates uniform radial deformation, thereby sealing the gas leakage channel around the ion transport path.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sealing structure 30 is made of an elastic material. Here, an elastic material refers to a material with compressible deformation capability, specifically materials such as rubber, silicone rubber, or polytetrafluoroethylene. Its deformation characteristics can fill the microscopic gaps in the contact surface, forming a dynamic seal.

[0042] Please see Figure 5In some embodiments, the inlet end 22 of the separating cone 20 is provided with an annular groove 25, and the sealing structure 30 is an annular sealing ring adapted to the annular groove 25. The sealing structure 30 is disposed in the annular groove 25 and abuts against the second docking platform 13, so that the inlet end 22 and the interface plate 10 are sealed and fitted together. The annular groove 25 refers to an annular groove structure machined on the end face of the inlet end 22 of the separating cone 20, used to accommodate and position the sealing ring. During the assembly process of the separating cone 20 and the interface plate 10, the annular sealing ring undergoes elastic deformation under axial pressure, filling the tiny gap between the groove and the docking platform to form a continuous sealing interface. Because the sealing ring is confined within the groove, it will not undergo axial displacement or fall off even under vibration or temperature changes, ensuring the long-term stability of the sealing performance.

[0043] In some embodiments, the through-hole 11 is located at the center of the interface disk 10, and the inlet end 22 and / or outlet end 23 of the ion channel 21 are coaxially aligned with the through-hole 11. The through-hole 11 being located at the center of the interface disk 10 means that the axis of the through-hole 11 coincides with the geometric center of the interface disk 10, which helps to avoid transmission path deviation caused by eccentric distribution of the ion flow. The coaxial alignment of the inlet end 22 with the through-hole 11 means that the axis of the inlet end 22 of the separation cone 20 coincides with the axis of the through-hole 11, thereby eliminating installation misalignment between the interface disk 10 and the separation cone 20. The coaxial alignment of the outlet end 23 with the through-hole 11 means that the axis of the outlet end 23 of the separation cone 20 coincides with the axis of the through-hole 11, to maintain consistency in the ion transmission direction.

[0044] In some embodiments, the ion channel 21 is a conical channel. A conical channel refers to a channel whose cross-section gradually decreases along the ion transport direction. This tapered structure guides the ion beam to converge axially, reducing lateral diffusion. By constraining the ion trajectory, the probability of ions colliding with the channel wall is reduced, thereby reducing energy loss during ion transport and improving transport efficiency from atmospheric pressure to vacuum.

[0045] This application also provides a mass spectrometer including the interface device 100 described above. It is understood that the mass spectrometer having the interface device 100 also possesses all the technical effects of the interface device 100, namely, it solves the problem of vacuum system instability caused by the separation cone 20 relying on mechanical pump suction for adsorption, avoids the risk of vacuum level decrease, ion transmission efficiency reduction, and mass analysis failure when the suction force is insufficient, and simultaneously reduces detector aging time and improves instrument operational reliability.

[0046] Without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0047] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An interface device for a mass spectrometer, characterized in that, The interface device includes: The interface panel has through holes; A separation cone is provided at the through hole. The separation cone includes an ion channel and an inlet end and an outlet end communicating with the ion channel. The inlet end is communicating with the through hole and located inside the through hole. The outlet end extends out of the through hole to communicate with the primary vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. A sealing structure is provided at the connection between the inlet end and the interface plate, so that the inlet end and the interface plate are sealed and fitted together. A fixing mechanism is connected to the separating cone and the interface plate, and the fixing mechanism is used to mechanically fix and lock the separating cone and the interface plate.

2. The interface device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing mechanism includes: A first fixing element is provided on the separation cone; A second fixing member is provided on the interface plate; The first fixing member and the second fixing member are detachably connected to mechanically fix and lock the separating cone to the interface plate.

3. The interface device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first fixing member and the second fixing member are threaded together to mechanically fix and lock the separating cone to the interface plate.

4. The interface device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the separating cone is provided with at least two circumferentially evenly distributed extensions. The first fixing member includes at least two fixing screws corresponding to the extensions. The second fixing member includes at least two threaded holes corresponding to the fixing screws. The fixing screws pass through the extensions and are connected to the threaded holes.

5. The interface device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The interface plate is provided with a first docking platform on the side facing the outlet end. The first docking platform is used for the extension to abut. The at least two threaded holes are evenly distributed circumferentially on the first docking platform.

6. The interface device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The interface plate has a second docking platform near the entrance of the through hole, the inlet end abuts against the second docking platform, and the sealing structure is located between the second docking platform and the inlet end.

7. The interface device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The inlet end of the separation cone is provided with an annular groove, and the sealing structure is an annular sealing ring adapted to the annular groove. The sealing structure is located in the annular groove and abuts against the second docking platform so that the inlet end is sealed and fitted with the interface plate.

8. The interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The through hole is located at the center of the interface plate, and the inlet end and / or the outlet end are coaxially aligned with the through hole.

9. The interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The ion channel is a conical channel; and / or the sealing structure is made of an elastic material.

10. A mass spectrometer, characterized in that, Includes the interface device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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