Sample introduction system and nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, and more particularly to a sample introduction system and NMR device. The sample introduction system includes a turntable, a clamping unit, and a height detection unit. The turntable is rotatable around a rotation axis, the turntable surface is horizontal, and the rotation axis extends vertically. At least one sample storage hole is provided on the turntable for storing sample tubes. The clamping unit includes a clamping assembly located above the turntable, capable of gripping the sample tube in the sample storage hole. The height detection unit's detection end is located above the turntable. The height detection unit detects whether the top of the sample tube is above the normal position, preventing the clamping assembly from accidentally contacting sample tubes with tops above the normal position, thus ensuring the accuracy and normal operation of the sample introduction system. The NMR device includes the above-described sample introduction system, which prevents the clamping unit from accidentally contacting sample tubes with abnormal heights, ensuring the accuracy and normal operation of the sample introduction system.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The sample introduction system of an NMR device includes a turntable and a clamping unit. The turntable has multiple sample storage holes into which sample tubes can be inserted. The clamping unit removes the sample tubes from the storage holes. The clamping unit is located above the turntable and must move downwards to clamp the sample tubes. However, manual insertion of the sample tube into the storage holes of the turntable can lead to operational errors, such as inserting an unsuitable sample tube or placing the sample tube at an angle without inserting it to the bottom of the storage hole. These problems can cause the sample tube to be higher than its normal position, resulting in the clamping unit accidentally hitting the sample tube during its downward movement. This can damage the clamping unit, affecting clamping accuracy, or even damage the sample tube and contaminate the turntable. Utility Model Content

[0003] One objective of this invention is to provide a sample injection system that can prevent the clamping unit from accidentally touching a sample tube with an abnormal height, thereby ensuring the accuracy and normal operation of the sample injection system.

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

[0005] A sample introduction system is provided, comprising:

[0006] A turntable, the turntable being able to rotate around a rotation axis, the surface of the turntable being a horizontal plane, the rotation axis extending in a vertical direction, and the turntable having at least one sample storage hole for storing sample tubes;

[0007] A clamping unit, comprising a clamping assembly located above the turntable, the clamping assembly being capable of clamping the sample tube within the sample storage orifice;

[0008] A height detection unit is provided, with its detection end positioned above the turntable. The height detection unit is used to detect whether the top of the sample tube is higher than the normal position, in order to prevent the clamping assembly from accidentally touching the sample tube whose top is higher than the normal position.

[0009] Optionally, the height detection unit includes a lever positioned above the turntable, the lever being able to contact the sample tube whose top is higher than the normal position.

[0010] Optionally, the sample storage holes are arranged in multiple rings, and each ring of sample storage holes includes multiple sample storage holes spaced apart circumferentially, with the virtual center of each ring of sample storage holes located on the rotation axis.

[0011] Optionally, the lever extends horizontally, and the projection of the lever toward the turntable is a first projection area. As the turntable rotates, the first projection area can be located within the outermost sample storage hole, and the first projection area can also be located within the innermost sample storage hole.

[0012] Optionally, the extension line of the projection of the lever toward the turntable intersects the axis of rotation.

[0013] Optionally, the height detection unit further includes a vibration sensor, and the lever is connected to the vibration sensor, which is used to detect whether the lever is touched.

[0014] Optionally, the height detection unit further includes a lifting drive component, the lever and the vibration sensor are connected to the output end of the lifting drive component, and the lifting drive component is used to adjust the vertical height of the lever.

[0015] Optionally, the clamping assembly includes a clamping drive, two connecting rods, and two grippers. One end of each of the two connecting rods is connected to the output end of the clamping drive, and the other end of each of the two connecting rods is connected to one of the grippers. The two connecting rods extend vertically. When the two grippers clamp the sample tube in the sample storage hole, the clamping drive is located above the lever.

[0016] Optionally, the projection of the clamping unit toward the turntable does not overlap with the projection of the height detection unit toward the turntable.

[0017] Another objective of this invention is to provide a nuclear magnetic resonance device that can prevent the clamping unit from accidentally touching a sample tube with an abnormal height, thereby ensuring the accuracy and normal operation of the sample introduction system.

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

[0019] A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) device is provided, including the sample introduction system described above.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This invention provides a sample introduction system, including a turntable, a clamping unit, and a height detection unit. The turntable is rotatable around a rotation axis, with a horizontal surface and the rotation axis extending vertically. The turntable has at least one sample storage hole for storing sample tubes. The clamping unit includes a clamping assembly located above the turntable, capable of gripping the sample tube in the sample storage hole. The height detection unit's detection end is positioned above the turntable. This unit detects whether the top of the sample tube is above its normal position, preventing the clamping assembly from accidentally contacting a sample tube with its top above the normal position. This prevents damage to the clamping assembly, insufficient operational accuracy, or sample contamination of the turntable caused by accidental contact, ensuring the accuracy and normal operation of the sample introduction system.

[0022] This invention also provides an nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) device, including the aforementioned sample introduction system. This NMR device can prevent the clamping unit from accidentally contacting a sample tube of abnormal height, ensuring the operational accuracy and normal operation of the sample introduction system. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a first-view schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the sample introduction system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a second-view schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the sample introduction system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a third-view structural diagram of a portion of the sample introduction system provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1. Turntable; 11. Sample storage port;

[0028] 2. Clamping unit; 21. Clamping drive component; 22. Connecting rod; 23. Gripper; 24. Vertical drive component;

[0029] 3. Height detection unit; 31. Toggle lever; 32. Vibration sensor;

[0030] 100. Sample tube; 101. Top end. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The sample introduction system of an NMR device includes a turntable and a clamping unit. The turntable has multiple sample storage holes into which sample tubes can be inserted. The clamping unit removes the sample tubes from the storage holes. The clamping unit is located above the turntable and must move downwards to clamp the sample tubes. However, manual insertion of the sample tube into the storage holes of the turntable can lead to operational errors, such as inserting an unsuitable sample tube or placing the sample tube at an angle without inserting it to the bottom of the storage hole. These problems can cause the sample tube to be higher than its normal position, resulting in the clamping unit accidentally hitting the sample tube during its downward movement. This can damage the clamping unit, affecting clamping accuracy, or even damage the sample tube and contaminate the turntable.

[0035] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment provides a sample introduction system that prevents the clamping unit 2 from accidentally contacting the sample tube 100 at an abnormal height, thus ensuring the accuracy and normal operation of the sample introduction system.

[0036] like Figures 1-3As shown, the sample introduction system of this embodiment includes a turntable 1, a clamping unit 2, and a height detection unit 3. The turntable 1 is rotatable around a rotation axis, its surface is horizontal, and the rotation axis extends vertically. The turntable 1 has at least one sample storage hole 11 for storing sample tubes 100. The clamping unit 2 includes a clamping assembly located above the turntable 1, capable of gripping the sample tubes 100 within the sample storage hole 11. The detection end of the height detection unit 3 is positioned above the turntable 1. The height detection unit 3 detects whether the top end 101 of the sample tube 100 is above its normal position, preventing the clamping assembly from accidentally contacting a sample tube 100 whose top end 101 is above its normal position. This prevents damage to the clamping assembly, insufficient operational accuracy, or sample contamination of the turntable 1 due to accidental contact with the sample tube 100, ensuring the operational accuracy and normal operation of the sample introduction system.

[0037] Optionally, in this embodiment, the sample storage hole 11 is provided in multiple rings, and each ring of sample storage hole 11 includes multiple sample storage holes 11 arranged at intervals along the circumference, and the virtual center of the multiple rings of sample storage holes 11 is located on the rotation axis.

[0038] Optionally, in this embodiment, the height detection unit 3 includes a lever 31, which is positioned above the turntable 1 and can reach the sample tube 100 whose top 101 is higher than the normal position.

[0039] To ensure that the lever 31 can contact the sample tube 100, which is higher than its normal position at the top 101 of any of the sample storage holes 11, the lever 31 can optionally extend horizontally. This ensures that the vertical distance between the lever 31 and the turntable 1 is consistent at all points, guaranteeing a consistent detection height for the sample tubes 100 in each of the sample storage holes 11. The projection of the lever 31 toward the turntable 1 is the first projection area. As the turntable 1 rotates, the first projection area can be located within the outermost sample storage hole 11, and it can also be located within the innermost sample storage hole 11.

[0040] Optionally, the extension line of the projection of the lever 31 toward the turntable 1 intersects the axis of rotation. This setting ensures that the length of the lever 31 is minimized while covering all sample tubes 100 in each circle, resulting in more accurate detection.

[0041] Optionally, the height detection unit 3 further includes a vibration sensor 32, with the lever 31 connected to the vibration sensor 32. The vibration sensor 32 is used to detect whether the lever 31 is activated. Optionally, the vibration sensor 32 is connected to the end of the lever 31 near the outermost sample storage hole 11. Optionally, the vibration sensor 32 is connected to the housing of the vertical drive member 24 of the clamping unit 2.

[0042] To facilitate the adjustment of the height of the lever 31 to accommodate sample tubes 100 of different heights, the height detection unit 3 may optionally include a lifting drive (not shown in the figure). The lever 31 and the vibration sensor 32 are connected to the output end of the lifting drive, which is used to adjust the vertical height of the lever 31.

[0043] Optionally, the clamping assembly includes a clamping drive 21, two connecting rods 22 and two grippers 23. One end of each of the two connecting rods 22 is connected to the output end of the clamping drive 21, and the other end of each of the two connecting rods 22 is connected to a gripper 23. The two connecting rods 22 extend vertically. When the two grippers 23 clamp the sample tube 100 in the sample storage hole 11, the clamping drive 21 is located above the lever 31, that is, the clamping drive 21 and the lever 31 will not interfere with each other in the height direction.

[0044] Optionally, the clamping assembly includes a vertical drive 24, which drives other components of the clamping assembly to move vertically. When the gripper 23 moves down to a suitable height, the clamping drive 21 drives the two grippers 23 to move closer together to clamp the sample tube 100, and then the grippers 23 can move up to transfer the sample tube 100.

[0045] Optionally, the projection of the clamping unit 2 toward the turntable 1 does not overlap with the projection of the height detection unit 3 toward the turntable 1.

[0046] Optionally, the sample introduction system also includes a controller, with the vibration sensor 32 and the vertical drive 24 both communicatively connected to the controller. When a sample tube 100 touches the lever 31, the vibration sensor 32 sends a signal to the controller, which then controls the vertical drive 24 to ensure that other components of the clamping assembly do not move downwards, thus preventing the gripper 23 from colliding with the sample tube 100. The controller can also transmit signals to an alarm component or a display component, using the alarm component to issue an audible and visual alarm signal to prompt timely adjustments, or using the display component to display an alarm image to prompt timely adjustments.

[0047] Optionally, the vertical drive component 24 is a vertical cylinder, and the clamping drive component 21 is a clamping cylinder.

[0048] This embodiment also provides an nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) device, including the sample introduction system described above. This NMR device can prevent the clamping unit 2 from accidentally contacting the sample tube 100 at an abnormal height, ensuring the operational accuracy and normal operation of the sample introduction system.

[0049] 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 sample introduction system characterized by, include: Turntable (1), the turntable (1) is rotatable around the rotation axis, the surface of the turntable (1) is a horizontal plane, the rotation axis extends in the vertical direction, and at least one sample storage hole (11) is provided on the turntable (1), the sample storage hole (11) is used to store sample tubes (100); The clamping unit (2) includes a clamping assembly located above the turntable (1) and capable of clamping the sample tube (100) inside the sample storage hole (11). A height detection unit (3) is provided, with its detection end positioned above the turntable (1). The height detection unit (3) is used to detect whether the top end (101) of the sample tube (100) is higher than the normal position, so as to prevent the clamping assembly from accidentally touching the sample tube (100) whose top end (101) is higher than the normal position.

2. The sample introduction system of claim 1, wherein, The height detection unit (3) includes a lever (31) which is positioned above the turntable (1) and can reach the sample tube (100) whose top end (101) is higher than the normal position.

3. The sample introduction system of claim 2, wherein, The sample storage hole (11) is provided in multiple rings, and each ring of the sample storage hole (11) includes multiple sample storage holes (11) arranged at intervals along the circumference. The virtual center of the multiple rings of sample storage holes (11) is located on the rotation axis.

4. The sample introduction system of claim 3, wherein, The lever (31) extends horizontally, and the projection of the lever (31) toward the turntable (1) is the first projection area. As the turntable (1) rotates, the first projection area can be located in the outermost sample storage hole (11), and the first projection area can also be located in the innermost sample storage hole (11).

5. The sample introduction system of claim 2, wherein, The extension line of the projection of the lever (31) toward the turntable (1) intersects the axis of rotation.

6. The sample introduction system according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The height detection unit (3) also includes a vibration sensor (32), and the lever (31) is connected to the vibration sensor (32). The vibration sensor (32) is used to detect whether the lever (31) is touched.

7. The sample introduction system of claim 6, wherein, The height detection unit (3) also includes a lifting drive component. The lever (31) and the vibration sensor (32) are connected to the output end of the lifting drive component. The lifting drive component is used to adjust the vertical height of the lever (31).

8. The sample introduction system of any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The clamping assembly includes a clamping drive (21), two connecting rods (22) and two grippers (23). One end of each of the two connecting rods (22) is connected to the output end of the clamping drive (21), and the other end of each of the two connecting rods (22) is connected to one of the grippers (23). The two connecting rods (22) extend vertically. When the two grippers (23) clamp the sample tube (100) in the sample storage hole (11), the clamping drive (21) is located above the lever (31).

9. The sample introduction system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The projection of the clamping unit (2) toward the turntable (1) does not overlap with the projection of the height detection unit (3) toward the turntable (1).

10. A nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus characterized by A sample introduction system comprising any of claims 1-9.

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