Rotary sample depositing mechanism, sample introduction system and nuclear magnetic resonance device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, and more particularly to a rotating sample storage mechanism, a sample introduction system, and an NMR device. The rotating sample storage mechanism includes a turntable and a detection component. The turntable is rotatable around a rotation axis and has multiple sample storage holes for placing sample tubes. The first part of the sample tube passes through the sample storage hole and is located on the first side of the turntable. The detection end of the detection component is located on the first side of the turntable, and the detection component can detect the first part to detect whether each sample storage hole contains a sample tube. The sample introduction system includes a clamping mechanism and the aforementioned rotating sample storage mechanism. The clamping mechanism is located on the second side of the turntable, opposite to the first side. The NMR device includes the aforementioned sample introduction system. This rotating sample storage mechanism, sample introduction system, and NMR device can help determine whether the sample introduction and changing operation at the turntable is successful, and can help improve sample introduction efficiency when the turntable is not full of sample tubes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer technology, and in particular to a rotating sample storage mechanism, a sample introduction system, and a nuclear magnetic resonance device. Background Technology

[0002] The sample introduction system of an MRI scanner features a rotating sample storage mechanism, which includes a turntable with multiple sample storage holes into which sample tubes can be inserted. However, in existing technologies, the control components cannot automatically determine whether a sample tube has been successfully removed from or placed back into the sample storage hole, thus failing to detect and provide feedback on sample introduction and replacement actions. When only some of the sample storage holes contain sample tubes (i.e., the turntable is not full), the control components cannot automatically determine which sample storage holes contain sample tubes, causing them to perform unnecessary sample introduction actions and resulting in low sample introduction efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] One objective of this invention is to provide a rotating sample storage mechanism that helps determine whether the sample introduction and replacement action at the turntable is successful, and can help improve sample introduction efficiency when the turntable is not full of sample tubes.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A rotating sample storage mechanism is provided, comprising:

[0006] A turntable that can rotate around a rotation axis has multiple sample storage holes for placing sample tubes, with the first part of the sample tube passing through the sample storage hole and located on the first side of the turntable.

[0007] The detection component has its detection end disposed on the first side of the turntable. The detection component is capable of detecting the first part to detect whether each of the sample storage holes contains the sample tube.

[0008] Optionally, the turntable has 2M rings of sample storage holes, each ring of sample storage holes including multiple sample storage holes spaced apart circumferentially, and the virtual center of the 2M rings of sample storage holes is located on the rotation axis, where M is a positive integer.

[0009] Optionally, the detection components are provided in M ​​groups, with each group consisting of two circles of the sample storage holes, and each group of the detection components is used to detect one group of the sample storage holes.

[0010] Optionally, the first virtual center of any one of the sample storage holes in each group and the second virtual center of any other sample storage hole satisfy the condition that the extension of the line connecting the first virtual center and the second virtual center does not intersect the rotation axis.

[0011] Optionally, the detection component is a photoelectric sensor, and the detection end includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0012] Optionally, M is 2, and the turntable has a first ring, a second ring, a third ring, and a fourth ring of sample storage holes arranged in sequence. One of the transmitting end and the receiving end of one set of detection components is located between the second ring and the third ring, and one of the transmitting end and the receiving end of another set of detection components is located between the second ring and the third ring.

[0013] Optionally, the detection component is configured such that the straight line containing the detection ray of the detection component intersects the rotation axis;

[0014] And / or, the detection component is configured such that the detection light of the detection component is parallel to the surface of the turntable.

[0015] Optionally, it also includes a support member and a cover, the cover being disposed over the first side of the turntable, and the support member being located within the cavity of the cover;

[0016] The detection assembly includes a first detection assembly and a second detection assembly. The first detection assembly is further away from the rotation axis than the second detection assembly. The second transmitting end and the second receiving end of the second detection assembly are selectively connected to the support member and the other is connected to the bottom surface of the cover. The first transmitting end and the first receiving end of the first detection assembly are both connected to the bottom surface of the cover.

[0017] Another objective of this invention is to provide a sample introduction system that helps determine whether the sample introduction and changing action at the turntable is successful, and can help improve sample introduction efficiency when the turntable is not full of sample tubes.

[0018] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0019] A sample introduction system is provided, including a clamping mechanism and the aforementioned rotating sample storage mechanism, wherein the clamping mechanism is located on a second side of the turntable, and the second side is disposed opposite to the first side.

[0020] Another objective of this invention is to provide a nuclear magnetic resonance device that can help determine whether the sample introduction and replacement operation at the turntable is successful, and can help improve sample introduction efficiency when the turntable is not full of sample tubes.

[0021] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0022] A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) device is provided, including the sample introduction system described above.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] This invention provides a rotary sample storage mechanism, including a turntable and a detection component. The turntable is rotatable around a rotation axis and has multiple sample storage holes for holding sample tubes. The first part of each sample tube passes through a storage hole and is located on the first side of the turntable. The detection component's detection end is located on the first side of the turntable, and the detection component can detect the first part to determine whether each sample storage hole contains a sample tube. This rotary sample storage mechanism, by detecting whether each sample storage hole contains a sample tube, can detect whether the sample introduction and changing operation is successful. Furthermore, it can determine which sample storage holes contain sample tubes as the turntable rotates, even when the turntable is not full, thereby improving sample introduction efficiency.

[0025] This invention also provides a sample introduction system, including a clamping mechanism and the aforementioned rotating sample storage mechanism. The clamping mechanism is located on the second side of the turntable, opposite to the first side. This sample introduction system helps determine whether the sample introduction and changing action at the turntable is successful, and can improve sample introduction efficiency when the turntable is not full of sample tubes.

[0026] This invention also provides an nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) device, including the aforementioned sample introduction system. This NMR device can help determine whether the sample introduction and changing operation at the turntable is successful, and can help improve sample introduction efficiency when the turntable is not full of sample tubes. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating sample storage mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a first-view schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the rotating sample storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the rotating sample storage mechanism provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 1. Turntable; 11. First revolution; 111. Sample storage hole; 12. Second revolution; 13. Third revolution; 14. Fourth revolution;

[0032] 2. First detection component; 21. First transmitter; 22. First receiver;

[0033] 3. Second detection component; 31. Second transmitter; 32. Second receiver;

[0034] 4. Supporting components; 5. Cover; 6. Rotation driving components;

[0035] 100. Sample tube; 101. Part 1. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this utility model and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this utility model are shown in the drawings, not all of them.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between 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.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] The sample introduction system of an MRI scanner features a rotating sample storage mechanism, which includes a turntable with multiple sample storage holes into which sample tubes can be inserted. However, in existing technologies, the control components cannot automatically determine whether a sample tube has been successfully removed from or placed back into the sample storage hole, thus failing to detect and provide feedback on sample introduction and replacement actions. When only some of the sample storage holes contain sample tubes (i.e., the turntable is not full), the control components also cannot automatically determine which holes contain sample tubes, causing them to perform unnecessary sample introduction actions and resulting in low sample introduction efficiency.

[0040] Therefore, this embodiment provides a rotating sample storage mechanism that can help determine whether the sample introduction and replacement action at the turntable 1 is successful, and can help improve the sample introduction efficiency when the turntable 1 is not full of sample tubes 100.

[0041] like Figures 1-3As shown, the rotating sample storage mechanism of this embodiment includes a turntable 1 and a detection assembly. The turntable 1 is rotatable around a rotation axis and has multiple sample storage holes 111 for placing sample tubes 100. The first portion 101 of the sample tube 100 passes through the sample storage hole 111 and is located on the first side of the turntable 1. The detection end of the detection assembly is located on the first side of the turntable 1, and the detection assembly can detect the first portion 101 to determine whether a sample tube 100 is present in each sample storage hole 111.

[0042] This rotating sample storage mechanism detects whether each sample storage hole 111 contains a sample tube 100 using a detection component, thus verifying the success of the sample introduction and replacement operation. Specifically, when a sample tube 100 is removed from the target sample storage hole 111, the detection component should detect that the target sample storage hole 111 is empty of a sample tube 100, indicating successful removal. When a sample tube 100 that has been detected is placed into the target sample storage hole 111, the detection component should detect that the target sample storage hole 111 has changed from empty to full, indicating successful insertion. Furthermore, when the turntable 1 is not full of sample tubes 100, the rotating sample storage mechanism can determine which sample storage holes 111 contain sample tubes 100 as the turntable 1 rotates, and only performs the clamping action on the sample tubes 100 in those sample storage holes 111, avoiding clamping actions on sample storage holes 111 without sample tubes 100, thereby improving sample introduction efficiency.

[0043] Optionally, the turntable 1 has 2M rings of sample storage holes 111, each ring of sample storage holes 111 including multiple sample storage holes 111 spaced apart circumferentially, and the virtual center of the 2M rings of sample storage holes 111 is located on the rotation axis, where M is a positive integer. Optionally, in this embodiment, the rotation axis is perpendicular to the surface of the turntable 1 and passes through the center of the turntable 1.

[0044] Optionally, the detection components are provided in M ​​groups, with each group consisting of two rings of sample storage holes 111, and each group of detection components is used to detect one group of sample storage holes 111.

[0045] Optionally, the first virtual center of any one of the sample storage holes 111 in each group and the second virtual center of any other sample storage hole 111 satisfy the condition that the extension of the line connecting the first virtual center and the second virtual center does not intersect the axis of rotation. This ensures that the two rings of sample storage holes 111 in the same group do not completely block each other, and that the sample tube 100 at any sample storage hole 111 can be detected.

[0046] Optionally, in this embodiment, the detection component is a photoelectric sensor, and the detection end includes a transmitter and a receiver. When the target sample storage hole 111 has a sample tube 100, when the turntable 1 rotates to a suitable position for detecting the sample storage hole 111, the first part 101 of the sample tube 100 will block the detection light emitted by the transmitter, and the receiver will not receive the detection light, thus determining that the target sample storage hole 111 contains a sample tube 100. When the target sample storage hole 111 does not have a sample tube 100, when the turntable 1 rotates to a suitable position for detecting the sample storage hole 111, the detection light emitted by the transmitter is completely received by the receiver, thus determining that the target sample storage hole 111 does not contain a sample tube 100.

[0047] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, M is 2. The turntable 1 has sample storage holes 111 arranged in sequence as a first ring 11, a second ring 12, a third ring 13, and a fourth ring 14, which are nested from the inside out. One set of detection components has its transmitter and receiver located between the second ring 12 and the third ring 13, and another set of detection components has its transmitter and receiver located between the second ring 12 and the third ring 13.

[0048] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first detection component 2 is used to detect whether there is a sample tube 100 in the sample storage holes 111 of the third ring 13 and the fourth ring 14, and the second detection component 3 is used to detect whether there is a sample tube 100 in the sample storage holes 111 of the first ring 11 and the second ring 12.

[0049] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first transmitting end 21 of the first detection component 2 is disposed between the second ring 12 and the third ring 13, and the first receiving end 22 of the first detection component 2 is disposed outside the fourth ring 14. The second transmitting end 31 of the second detection component 3 is disposed between the second ring 12 and the third ring 13, and the second receiving end 32 of the second detection component 3 is disposed inside the first ring 11.

[0050] Optionally, the detection component is configured such that the line containing the detection ray of the detection component intersects the rotation axis. Optionally, the detection component is configured such that the detection ray of the detection component is parallel to the surface of the turntable 1.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, optionally, the sample storage mechanism also includes a support member 4 and a cover 5. The cover 5 is positioned over the first side of the turntable 1, with its opening facing the turntable 1 to protect the detection components and other elements on the first side of the turntable 1. The support member 4 is located within the cavity of the cover 5. Since the first side is vertically downward, the support member 4 supports the turntable 1 to ensure its stable rotation. Optionally, the support member 4 is a cylindrical structure with its axis vertical. A rotation drive member 6 is installed inside the cylindrical structure. The turntable 1 is connected to the output end of the rotation drive member 6, so that the rotation drive member 6 drives the turntable 1 to rotate. Optionally, the rotation drive member 6 is a servo motor to ensure that the rotation accuracy of the turntable 1 meets the requirements of the nuclear magnetic resonance equipment.

[0052] Optionally, the first detection component 2 is further away from the rotation axis than the second detection component 3. The second transmitting end 31 and the second receiving end 32 of the second detection component 3 are selectively connected to the support member 4 and the other to the bottom surface of the housing 5. The first transmitting end 21 and the first receiving end 22 of the first detection component 2 are both connected to the bottom surface of the housing 5. Optionally, in this embodiment, the second receiving end 32 is connected to the support member 4, and the second transmitting end 31 is connected to the bottom surface of the housing 5.

[0053] This embodiment also provides a sample introduction system, including a clamping mechanism and the aforementioned rotating sample storage mechanism. The clamping mechanism is located on the second side of the turntable 1, opposite to the first side. That is, the clamping mechanism and the detection component are located on opposite sides of the turntable 1, which can prevent the clamping mechanism from blocking the detection light of the detection component and causing detection errors.

[0054] In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes common components such as drive cylinders and grippers, which are common structures in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0055] This sample introduction system can help determine whether the sample introduction and replacement operation at turntable 1 is successful, and can help improve the sample introduction efficiency when turntable 1 is not full of sample tubes 100.

[0056] This embodiment also provides an nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) device, including the sample introduction system described above. This NMR device can help determine whether the sample introduction and replacement operation at the turntable 1 is successful, and can help improve sample introduction efficiency when the turntable 1 is not fully filled with sample tubes 100.

[0057] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A rotary sample storage mechanism, characterized by, include: A turntable (1) is rotatable around a rotation axis. The turntable (1) has a plurality of sample storage holes (111) for placing sample tubes (100). The first part (101) of the sample tube (100) passes through the sample storage hole (111) and is located on the first side of the turntable (1). The detection component has its detection end located on the first side of the turntable (1). The detection component is capable of detecting the first part (101) to detect whether each of the sample storage holes (111) contains the sample tube (100).

2. The rotary sample-dumping mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The turntable (1) has 2M rings of sample storage holes (111), each ring of sample storage holes (111) includes multiple sample storage holes (111) arranged circumferentially, and the virtual center of the 2M rings of sample storage holes (111) is located on the rotation axis, where M is a positive integer.

3. The rotary sample saving mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The detection components are provided in M ​​groups, with each group consisting of two circles of the sample storage holes (111). Each group of the detection components is used to detect one group of the sample storage holes (111).

4. The rotary sample saving mechanism of claim 3, wherein, The first virtual center of any one of the sample storage holes (111) in each group satisfies the condition that the extension of the line connecting the first virtual center and the second virtual center does not intersect the rotation axis.

5. The rotary sample-dosing mechanism of claim 3, wherein, The detection component is a photoelectric sensor, and the detection end includes a transmitter and a receiver.

6. The rotating sample storage mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The value of M is 2. The turntable (1) has a first ring (11), a second ring (12), a third ring (13), and a fourth ring (14) of sample storage holes (111) arranged in sequence. The transmitting end and the receiving end of one set of the detection components are located between the second ring (12) and the third ring (13), and the transmitting end and the receiving end of another set of the detection components are located between the second ring (12) and the third ring (13).

7. The rotary sample saving mechanism of claim 5, wherein, The detection component is configured such that the line containing the detection ray of the detection component intersects the rotation axis; And / or, the detection component is configured such that the detection light of the detection component is parallel to the surface of the turntable (1).

8. The rotary sample saving mechanism of claim 6, wherein, It also includes a support member (4) and a cover (5), the cover (5) covering the first side of the turntable (1), and the support member (4) located in the cavity of the cover (5); The detection components include a first detection component (2) and a second detection component (3). The first detection component (2) is further away from the rotation axis than the second detection component (3). The second transmitting end (31) and the second receiving end (32) of the second detection component (3) are selectively connected to the support member (4) and the other is connected to the bottom surface of the cover (5). The first transmitting end (21) and the first receiving end (22) of the first detection component (2) are both connected to the bottom surface of the cover (5).

9. A sample introduction system characterized by, It includes a clamping mechanism and a rotating sample storage mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the clamping mechanism is located on the second side of the turntable (1), and the second side is disposed opposite to the first side.

10. A nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus characterized by A sample introduction system comprising the system of claim 9.

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