Ion source device for a mass spectrometer

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of mass spectrometers, and relates to an ion source device for a mass spectrometer, which comprises an ion source module and a waste discharge module, wherein the waste discharge module comprises a waste discharge seat and a base assembly, the base assembly is connected with the ion source module, the waste discharge seat is at least partially arranged in the containing cavity, and the waste discharge seat is detachably connected with the base assembly. The technical scheme provided in the application can realize efficient cleaning and waste discharge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mass spectrometry technology, and more specifically, to an ion source device for a mass spectrometer. Background Technology

[0002] A mass spectrometer, also known as a mass spectrometer, is an instrument used to separate and detect different isotopes. Its principle is based on the deflection characteristics of charged particles in an electromagnetic field, separating and detecting substances according to the mass differences of atoms, molecules, or molecular fragments. Electrospray ionization (ESI), a soft ionization technique that converts liquid ions into gaseous ions, is particularly suitable for the analysis of polar molecules and biomacromolecules. In a mass spectrometer, the ESI ion source plays a crucial role, enabling high-sensitivity detection. However, charged droplets in the ion source can negatively impact the performance of the mass spectrometer, thus affecting its sensitivity. Furthermore, current technologies are not always thorough enough for cleaning mass spectrometers.

[0003] Therefore, existing technology cannot meet the needs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of this application is that charged droplets in the ion source may have a negative impact on the performance of the mass spectrometer, thereby affecting the sensitivity of the instrument. At the same time, the existing technology does not clean the mass spectrometer thoroughly enough.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide an ion source device for a mass spectrometer, employing the following technical solution, including:

[0006] An ion source device for a mass spectrometer, comprising:

[0007] An ion source module, wherein a receiving cavity is provided within the ion source module;

[0008] The waste discharge module is connected to the ion source module;

[0009] The waste discharge module includes a discharge seat and a base assembly. The base assembly is connected to the ion source module. The discharge seat is at least partially disposed within the receiving cavity, and the discharge seat is detachably connected to the base assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the base assembly includes a main body and an adapter, both of which are disposed on the peripheral surface of the ion source module, and the discharge seat is detachably connected to the main body.

[0011] Furthermore, one of the discharge seat and the main body is provided with a first limiting part, and the other is provided with a second limiting part. The first limiting part and the second limiting part cooperate to restrict the discharge seat from moving along its axial direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the discharge seat and the main body are provided with a second limiting part having a protruding connecting part, and the second limiting part is disposed on the connecting part.

[0013] Furthermore, the second limiting part includes an insertion section and a fixing section, and the first limiting part is inserted into the fixing section through the insertion section.

[0014] Furthermore, a limiting protrusion is also provided on the circumferential surface of the discharge seat; and / or,

[0015] The discharge seat is also provided with a discharge port located inside the receiving cavity.

[0016] Furthermore, the main body is fixedly connected to the ion source module; and / or,

[0017] A sealing ring is provided between the main body and the adapter.

[0018] Furthermore, the main body is provided with a first channel, and the adapter is provided with a second channel and a third channel. The first channel is connected to the second channel and the third channel, and the first channel and the second channel are inclined in the direction away from the receiving cavity.

[0019] Furthermore, the tilt angle α between the first channel and the second channel and the horizontal plane is both 1-10°; and / or,

[0020] The aperture of both the first and second channels is 1-10mm.

[0021] Furthermore, the main body is fixedly connected to the ion source module; and / or,

[0022] The ion source module is equipped with several heat dissipation slots.

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, the embodiments of this application have the following main advantages: Waste samples and solvent vapors generated in the ion source chamber can be discharged through the waste removal module, avoiding corrosive damage to the mass spectrometer. This effectively removes water vapor and turbulent airflow from the electrospray ion source chamber, improving the stability and lifespan of the mass spectrometer. The discharge seat and the base assembly are detachably connected, allowing the discharge seat to be removed from the receiving cavity during cleaning, facilitating thorough cleaning of the discharge seat, the receiving cavity, and the base assembly, achieving efficient cleaning and waste removal. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the solution of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a side view of an ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a rear view of an ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged diagram of A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the discharge seat and the main body according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the discharge seat removed from the ion source module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the discharge seat and the main body according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Reference numerals: 100, ion source module; 101, receiving cavity; 1, discharge seat; 10, first limiting part; 11, limiting protrusion; 12, discharge port; 13, heat dissipation groove; 200, base assembly; 2, main body; 20, second limiting part; 201, insertion section; 202, fixing section; 21, connecting part; 22, first channel; 3, adapter; 31, second channel; 32, third channel; 4, sealing ring; 5, connecting handle; 300, mass spectrometer interface module. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.

[0035] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0036] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] In ion source devices, charged droplets can negatively impact mass spectrometer performance in several ways. First, they may collide with ion optics or the mass analyzer, triggering ion pulses and generating interfering spikes in the mass spectrum. This not only affects the accuracy of ion detection but also shortens the detector's lifespan. Second, solvent evaporation leaves residual solvent and water vapor in the ion source. When these gases enter the vacuum region of the mass spectrometer, they cool rapidly due to free-jet expansion. During this process, polar molecules may combine with sample ion clusters to form new ion clusters, further affecting instrument sensitivity. Third, charged droplets and their resulting gas flow can interfere with the pressure stability within the ion source chamber, necessitating a waste removal module to remove waste samples and solvent vapors generated by the ion source. Since auxiliary gas and nebulizing gas enter the ion source chamber, the internal pressure is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure; positive pressure forces the waste gases out through the outlet. However, during the use of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer, ionization of the ion source generates a large amount of waste solvent and sample residue. These substances reflux within the sealed chamber, causing memory effects and contamination of the ion source, thus affecting instrument sensitivity.

[0038] This application provides an ion source device for a mass spectrometer. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the ion source device for the mass spectrometer includes:

[0039] An ion source module 100 is provided, wherein a receiving cavity 101 is provided inside the ion source module 100;

[0040] The waste discharge module is connected to the ion source module 100;

[0041] The waste discharge module includes a discharge seat 1 and a base assembly 200. The base assembly 200 is connected to the ion source module 100. The discharge seat 1 is at least partially disposed in the receiving cavity 101, and the discharge seat 1 is detachably connected to the base assembly 200.

[0042] Waste samples and solvent vapors generated in the ion source chamber can be discharged through the waste removal module, avoiding corrosive damage to the mass spectrometer. This effectively removes water vapor and turbulent airflow from the electrospray ion source chamber, improving the stability and lifespan of the mass spectrometer. Furthermore, the discharge seat 1 is detachably connected to the base assembly 200, allowing it to be removed from the receiving cavity 101 during cleaning. This facilitates thorough cleaning of the discharge seat 1, the receiving cavity 101, and the base assembly 200, achieving efficient cleaning and waste removal.

[0043] As attached Figure 3 To be continued Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the base assembly 200 includes a main body 2 and an adapter 3. Both the main body 2 and the adapter 3 are disposed on the peripheral surface of the ion source module 100, and the discharge seat 1 is detachably connected to the main body 2. Existing waste discharge devices are typically directly fixed to the ion source device, thus only a small area can be cleaned during cleaning, making it impossible to clean the entire waste discharge device. Compared to the prior art, the waste discharge module of this application allows the discharge seat 1 to be removed from the receiving cavity 101 during cleaning. At this time, the inner wall of the receiving cavity 101 and the main body 2 connected to the discharge seat 1 are fully exposed. Users can insert cleaning tools into the receiving cavity 101 to thoroughly clean the main body 2 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 101, avoiding any impact from the discharge seat 1 on the cleaning of the main body 2 and the receiving cavity 101. This facilitates thorough cleaning of the discharge seat 1, the receiving cavity 101, and the main body 2, increases the cleaning area, and achieves efficient cleaning and waste discharge.

[0044] As attached Figure 6 To be continued Figure 8As shown, in one embodiment, one of the discharge seat 1 and the main body 2 is provided with a first limiting part 10, and the other is provided with a second limiting part 20. The first limiting part 10 and the second limiting part 20 cooperate to restrict the discharge seat 1 from moving along its axial direction. The discharge seat 1 and the main body 2 are connected by a rotational engagement connection, which facilitates the user to install and remove the discharge seat 1 from the main body 2 by rotation within the relatively narrow receiving cavity 101. The structure is simple, the connection is convenient, and efficient cleaning and waste discharge are achieved.

[0045] Furthermore, the first limiting part 10 is configured as a connecting post, and the second limiting part 20 is configured as a connecting groove. The connecting post and the connecting groove are easy to connect, achieving efficient cleaning and waste discharge.

[0046] As attached Figure 6 To be continued Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the discharge seat 1 and the main body 2 are provided with a second limiting part 20 and a connecting part 21 with a protrusion, the second limiting part 20 being disposed on the connecting part 21. The connecting part 21 exposes the second limiting part 20, facilitating the insertion of the first limiting part 10 into the second limiting part 20, thereby connecting via a rotational engagement. This allows the user to easily install and remove the discharge seat 1 from the main body 2 within the relatively narrow receiving cavity 101 by rotation. Simultaneously, the discharge seat 1 is partially inserted into the main body 2, providing a axial hole fit between the discharge seat 1 and the main body 2 for positioning, preventing the discharge seat 1 from shaking after installation, ensuring that waste samples and solvent vapors are discharged through the internal channel of the discharge seat 1, and avoiding contamination of the entire ion source internal device.

[0047] As attached Figure 6 To be continued Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the second limiting part 20 includes an insertion section 201 and a fixing section 202. The first limiting part 10 is inserted into the fixing section 202 through the insertion section 201. During connection, the first limiting part 10 is inserted into the insertion section 201. By rotating the discharge seat 1, the first limiting part 10 is locked in the fixing section 202, which restricts the movement of the discharge seat 1 along its axial direction, thus completing the connection. The structure is simple and the connection is convenient.

[0048] Furthermore, the first limiting part 10 is disposed on the discharge seat 1, and the second limiting part 20, the connecting part 21 and the insertion section 201 are disposed on the main body 2. When connected, the discharge seat 1 is partially inserted into the main body 2.

[0049] As attached Figure 5 To be continued Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, a limiting protrusion 11 is also provided on the circumferential surface of the discharge seat 1. The limiting protrusion 11 not only increases the strength of the discharge seat 1 and prevents deformation, but also contacts the upper end face of the connecting part 21 of the main body 2 when the discharge seat 1 is screwed onto the main body 2, thus playing a positioning role. This enhances the positioning effect between the discharge seat 1 and the main body 2, prevents the discharge seat 1 from shaking after installation, and ensures that waste samples and solvent vapors are discharged through the internal channel of the discharge seat 1, avoiding contamination of the entire ion source internal device.

[0050] As attached Figure 5 To be continued Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the discharge seat 1 is further provided with a discharge outlet 12 located within the receiving cavity 101. The discharge outlet 12 allows waste liquid dripping into the receiving cavity 101 to enter the internal channel of the discharge seat 1 through the discharge outlet 12 and be discharged from the waste discharge module.

[0051] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 and attached Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the main body 2 is fixedly connected to the ion source module 100. The fixed connection between the main body 2 and the ion source module 100 ensures that waste samples and solvent vapors are discharged through the internal channel of the discharge seat 1, preventing contamination of the entire ion source internal device. Furthermore, in this application, the discharge seat 1 can be removed from the receiving cavity 101, allowing cleaning tools to be inserted into the receiving cavity 101 for thorough cleaning of the main body 2 without disassembling the main body 2, thus improving cleaning efficiency.

[0052] As attached Figure 3 To be continued Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, a sealing ring 4 is provided between the main body 2 and the adapter 3. The sealing ring 4 improves the sealing performance of the ion source device and prevents leakage of waste samples and solvent vapors generated in the containment cavity 101. At the same time, the waste discharge module of this application only needs to provide one sealing ring 4 between the main body 2 and the adapter 3. Compared with the prior art, which requires multiple sealing rings, this application reduces the risk of leakage and has a better sealing effect.

[0053] As attached Figure 3 To be continued Figure 6As shown, in one embodiment, the main body 2 is provided with a first channel 22, and the adapter 3 is provided with a second channel 31 and a third channel 32. The first channel 22 is connected to the second channel 31 and the third channel 32. The first channel 22 and the second channel 31 are inclined in a direction away from the receiving cavity 101. The first channel 22 and the second channel 31 together form a continuous inclined surface, thereby improving the waste sample and solvent vapor discharge efficiency generated by the receiving cavity 101. After the waste is discharged, it can improve the anti-contamination capability and durability of the mass spectrometer, and also improve the transmission efficiency of charged ions, ensuring the performance of the ion source device in the mass spectrometer.

[0054] Furthermore, the third channel 32 is arranged parallel to the discharge seat 1, i.e., vertically downward, to facilitate the discharge of waste samples and solvent vapors. During operation, a negative pressure can be generated in the third channel 32, causing waste samples and solvent vapors to pass sequentially through the discharge seat 1, the first channel 22, the second channel 31, and the third channel 32, thereby being discharged from the ion source device.

[0055] As attached Figure 3 To be continued Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the inclination angle α between the first channel 22 and the second channel 31 and the horizontal plane is both 1-10°. Setting a suitable angle can improve the waste sample and solvent vapor discharge efficiency generated by the receiving cavity 101, and also facilitate the preparation of the first channel 22 and the second channel 31, reducing costs.

[0056] As attached Figure 3 To be continued Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the aperture of both the first channel 22 and the second channel 31 is 1-10 mm. Setting appropriate apertures prevents waste samples from clogging the first channel 22 and the second channel 31, ensuring the effective removal of waste samples and solvent vapors by the first channel 22 and the second channel 31.

[0057] Furthermore, the angle α of both the first channel 22 and the second channel 31 is 5°. The aperture of both the first channel 22 and the second channel 31 is 5mm.

[0058] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 and attached Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the ion source module 100 is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation slots 13. The heat dissipation slots 13 increase the heat dissipation area, making the heat distribution more uniform and avoiding local overheating, thereby improving the heat dissipation capacity of the ion source module 100 and extending the component life.

[0059] Furthermore, the ion source module 100 also includes a mass spectrometer interface module 300. The ion source module 100 is connected to the mass spectrometer via the mass spectrometer interface module 300. The main body 2 is fixedly mounted on the ion source module 100, and the adapter 3 is fixedly mounted on the mass spectrometer interface module 300. The ion source module 100 is also provided with a connecting handle 5, and the mass spectrometer interface module 300 is provided with a mounting base. The connecting handle 5 includes a connecting rod and a baffle. The connecting rod passes through the ion source module 100 and connects to the mounting base. The baffle abuts against the side wall of the ion source module 100 to connect the mass spectrometer interface module 300 and the ion source module 100. Disassembly is achieved by rotating the baffle to release its contact with the ion source module 100 and the connection between the connecting rod and the mounting base. Then, the connecting rod can be pulled out from the mounting base and the ion source module 100.

[0060] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of this application, but do not limit the patent scope of this application. This application can be implemented in many different forms; rather, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing specific embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ion source device for a mass spectrometer, characterized in that, include: An ion source module (100) is provided with a receiving cavity (101); The waste discharge module is connected to the ion source module (100); The waste discharge module includes a discharge seat (1) and a base assembly (200). The base assembly (200) is connected to the ion source module (100). The discharge seat (1) is at least partially disposed in the receiving cavity (101), and the discharge seat (1) is detachably connected to the base assembly (200).

2. The ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base assembly (200) includes a main body (2) and an adapter (3), both of which are disposed on the circumferential surface of the ion source module (100), and the discharge seat (1) is detachably connected to the main body (2).

3. The ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The discharge seat (1) and the main body (2) are provided with a first limiting part (10) and a second limiting part (20), respectively. The first limiting part (10) and the second limiting part (20) cooperate to restrict the discharge seat (1) from moving along its axial direction.

4. The ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The discharge seat (1) and the main body (2) are provided with a second limiting part (20) with a protruding connecting part (21), and the second limiting part (20) is provided on the connecting part (21).

5. The ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second limiting part (20) includes an insertion section (201) and a fixing section (202), and the first limiting part (10) is inserted into the fixing section (202) through the insertion section (201).

6. The ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The discharge seat (1) is also provided with a limiting protrusion (11) on its circumferential surface; and / or, The discharge seat (1) is also provided with a discharge port (12) located in the receiving cavity (101).

7. The ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main body (2) is fixedly connected to the ion source module (100); and / or, A sealing ring (4) is provided between the main body (2) and the adapter (3).

8. The ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main body (2) is provided with a first channel (22), and the adapter (3) is provided with a second channel (31) and a third channel (32). The first channel (22) is connected to the second channel (31) and the third channel (32). The first channel (22) and the second channel (31) are inclined in a direction away from the receiving cavity (101).

9. The ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The tilt angle α between the first channel (22) and the second channel (31) and the horizontal plane is 1-10°; and / or, The aperture of the first channel (22) and the second channel (31) is 1-10 mm.

10. The ion source device for a mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The ion source module (100) is provided with several heat dissipation slots (13).

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