Ion source spray head and electro-spray device

Abstract

This application relates to the field of ion source spray technology, and discloses an ion source spray head and an electro-spray device. The ion source spray head includes: a gas guiding assembly, which has a ventilation channel for accommodating atomized gas, and a gas outlet at the distal end of the ventilation channel; an electro-spray needle, which is disposed inside the ventilation channel, with its distal end located within the gas outlet; and a limiting member, which is disposed inside the ventilation channel, connected to the inner wall of the ventilation channel, and the electro-spray needle is connected to the limiting member. The ion source spray head and electro-spray device provided in this application are used to solve the problem of unstable spray effect formed at the tip of the electro-spray needle in related technologies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ion source spray technology, and in particular to an ion source spray head and an electro-spray device. Background Technology

[0002] In ESI (Electrospray Ionization) ion source spray heads, a gas guiding component and an electrospray needle are usually used together. The air passage of the atomizing gas in the gas guiding component and the electrospray needle are required to be arranged coaxially. The air passage is provided with an outlet, and the tip of the electrospray needle is set at the outlet. The atomizing gas and the tip of the electrospray needle form a spray at the outlet.

[0003] In related technologies, the spray effect formed by the ion source spray head at the tip of the electro-spray needle is not stable enough. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an ion source spray head and an electro-spray device to solve the problem of unstable spray effect formed at the tip of the electro-spray needle in related technologies.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an ion source spray head, comprising:

[0006] An air guiding component is provided with an air passage for containing atomized gas, and an air outlet is provided at the distal end of the air passage.

[0007] An electro-spray needle, wherein the electro-spray needle is disposed inside the electro-spray needle, and the distal end of the electro-spray needle is located within the air outlet; and

[0008] A limiting member is disposed inside the air passage and connected to the inner wall of the air passage, and the electro-spray needle is connected to the limiting member.

[0009] The ion source spray head provided in this application embodiment has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0010] By setting a limiting component inside the air passage, which is connected to the inner wall of the air passage, and the electro-spray needle is also connected to the limiting component, the limiting component can restrict the position of the electro-spray needle within the air passage. This ensures that the distance between the distal tip of the electro-spray needle and the inner wall of the distal outlet of the air passage is equal everywhere, thereby improving the coaxiality between the distal tip of the electro-spray needle and the outlet. Consequently, the atomization effect of the needle tip of the electro-spray needle can be improved, forming droplets of uniform size. This solves the problem of unstable spray effect at the needle tip in related technologies.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air guiding assembly includes a conduit and a nozzle connected together, the air passage includes a first channel disposed in the conduit and a second channel disposed in the nozzle, the first channel and the second channel are connected, and the end of the second channel away from the first channel is the air outlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the limiting member is disposed inside the second channel, and the outer surface of the limiting member abuts against the inner wall of the second channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, one of the conduit and the nozzle is provided with an external thread, and the other of the conduit and the nozzle is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread, the axis of the internal thread being parallel to the length direction of the second channel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the limiting member is provided with a limiting hole, and the electro-spray needle passes through the limiting hole, such that the axis of the electro-spray needle coincides with the axis of the air outlet.

[0015] In some embodiments, the limiting hole includes a first hole and a second hole that are connected, the first hole being located on the side of the second hole closer to the air outlet, and the diameter of the second hole being larger than the diameter of the first hole.

[0016] In some embodiments, the limiting member is provided with a communicating space, and the ventilation channel located on the side of the limiting member away from the air outlet is connected to the ventilation channel located on the side of the limiting member facing the air outlet through the communicating space.

[0017] In some embodiments, the communicating space is configured as a communicating channel, the axis of which is parallel to the axial direction of the ventilation duct.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the connecting channel facing the air outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the connecting channel away from the air outlet; or, the connecting channel includes a third hole and a fourth hole that are connected, the fourth hole being located on the side of the third hole closer to the air outlet, the diameter of the third hole being larger than the diameter of the fourth hole, and there being a plurality of fourth holes.

[0019] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the connecting channel includes a flow-guiding slope for causing the atomized gas to flow in a direction close to the axis of the outlet.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electrospray device, which includes an ion source spray head as described in the first aspect.

[0021] The electro-spray device provided in this application embodiment has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0022] By setting a limiting component inside the air passage, which is connected to the inner wall of the air passage, and the electro-spray needle is also connected to the limiting component, the limiting component can restrict the position of the electro-spray needle within the air passage. This ensures that the distance between the distal tip of the electro-spray needle and the inner wall of the distal outlet of the air passage is equal everywhere, thereby improving the coaxiality between the distal tip of the electro-spray needle and the outlet. Consequently, the atomization effect of the needle tip of the electro-spray needle can be improved, forming droplets of uniform size. This solves the problem of unstable spray effect at the needle tip in related technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the ion source spray head in one embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The ion source spray head shown is a cross-sectional view along the MM direction;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the limiting component in the ion source spray head;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of the limiting component from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The bottom view of the limiting component shown.

[0030] The markings in the diagram mean:

[0031] 100. Ion source spray head;

[0032] 10. Air guiding assembly;

[0033] 101. Air passage; 102. Air outlet;

[0034] 11. Conduit; 111. First channel; 12. Nozzle; 121. Second channel;

[0035] 20. Electrospray needle;

[0036] 21. Needle tip;

[0037] 30. Limiting components;

[0038] 301, limiting hole; 302, connecting space;

[0039] 31. First hole; 32. Second hole. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0041] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0043] In this specification, references to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or simply "embodiment" mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0044] To illustrate the technical solution of this application, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0045] In ESI ion source spray heads, a combination of a gas guiding component and an electro-spray needle is typically used. The air passage of the atomized gas in the gas guiding component and the electro-spray needle are required to be arranged coaxially. The air passage is provided with an air outlet, and the tip of the electro-spray needle is located at the air outlet. The atomized gas, together with the tip of the electro-spray needle, forms a spray at the air outlet.

[0046] In related technologies, due to the existence of processing and installation errors of the gas guiding components and electro-spray needles in the ion source spray head, such as insufficient rigidity and poor straightness of the electro-spray needle, and easy deformation during installation, the needle tip at the distal end of the electro-spray needle may not be coaxial with the gas outlet. This results in uneven axial atomization of the atomized gas blown out through the gas outlet, which in turn reduces the atomization effect of the needle tip of the electro-spray needle, forms droplets of uneven size, reduces signal strength, and makes the spray effect of the ion source spray head unstable.

[0047] In view of this, this application provides an ion source spray head and an electro-spray device. By setting a limiting member inside the air passage, the limiting member is connected to the inner wall of the air passage, and the electro-spray needle is connected to the limiting member. The limiting member can restrict the position of the electro-spray needle inside the air passage, so that the distance between the distal tip of the electro-spray needle and the inner wall of the distal outlet of the air passage is equal everywhere. This improves the coaxiality between the distal tip of the electro-spray needle and the outlet, thereby improving the atomization effect of the needle tip of the electro-spray needle and forming uniformly sized droplets. This solves the problem of unstable spray effect formed at the needle tip of the electro-spray needle in related technologies.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the ion source spray head 100 in one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The ion source spray head 100 shown is a cross-sectional view along the MM direction. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the middle.

[0049] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an ion source spray head 100, including a gas guiding assembly 10, an electro-spray needle 20, and a limiting member 30.

[0050] The air guiding assembly 10 is provided with an air passage 101 for containing atomized gas, and an air outlet 102 is provided at the far end of the air passage 101.

[0051] The atomized gas can enter the interior of the atomized gas through the proximal end of the ventilation channel 101 and can flow out of the ventilation channel 101 through the air outlet 102.

[0052] The electro-spray needle 20 is located inside the air passage 101, and the distal end of the electro-spray needle 20 is located inside the air outlet 102.

[0053] The electrospray needle 20 can be a stainless steel capillary, such as a stainless steel capillary with an inner diameter of 0.1 mm, an outer diameter of 0.2 mm, and a length of 160 mm, with its proximal end fixedly connected to the sample solvent injection interface.

[0054] The electrospray needle 20 can be connected to a high-voltage power supply. The distal end of the electrospray needle 20 has a needle tip 21. High voltage is applied to the electrospray needle 20, and the sample solvent is "atomized" at the needle tip 21 in conjunction with the nebulizing gas.

[0055] The limiting member 30 is disposed inside the air passage 101 and is connected to the inner wall of the air passage 101. The electrospray needle 20 is also connected to the limiting member 30.

[0056] The limiting member 30 can be connected to the inner wall of the air passage 101 by means of abutment, bonding, welding, snap-fit ​​or threaded connection. The electro-spray needle 20 can be connected to the limiting member 30 by means of abutment, bonding, welding, snap-fit ​​or threaded connection.

[0057] The limiting member 30 can restrict the position of the electro-spray needle 20 within the air passage 101, thereby limiting the position of the distal end of the electro-spray needle 20 and the air outlet 102, improving the coaxiality of the needle tip 21 at the distal end of the electro-spray needle 20 and the air outlet 102, so that the distance between the needle tip 21 and the inner wall of the air outlet 102 is equal everywhere, and the gap between the needle tip 21 and the air outlet 102 is relatively uniform, thereby making the atomized gas evenly discharged at the air outlet 102, forming small droplets of uniform size, optimizing the spray effect, and improving the signal strength.

[0058] In the ion source spray head 100 provided in this application embodiment, a limiting member 30 is provided inside the air passage 101. The limiting member 30 is connected to the inner wall of the air passage 101, and the electro-spray needle 20 is connected to the limiting member 30. The limiting member 30 can restrict the position of the electro-spray needle 20 in the air passage 101, so that the distance between the distal tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and the inner wall of the distal outlet 102 of the air passage 101 is equal everywhere. This improves the coaxiality between the distal tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and the outlet 102, thereby improving the atomization effect of the tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and forming uniformly sized droplets, thus solving the problem of unstable spray effect formed at the tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 in related technologies.

[0059] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 1 to 3 In this embodiment, the air guiding assembly 10 includes a conduit 11 and a nozzle 12 connected to each other. The air passage 101 includes a first channel 111 disposed in the conduit 11 and a second channel 121 disposed in the nozzle 12. The first channel 111 and the second channel 121 are connected. The end of the second channel 121 away from the first channel 111 is the air outlet 102.

[0060] By adopting the above scheme, the limiting member 30 can be installed inside the first channel 111 or the second channel 121 first, and then the conduit 11 and the nozzle 12 can be connected, thereby facilitating the installation of the limiting member 30 inside the air passage 101.

[0061] As one possible implementation method, the limiting member 30 is disposed inside the second channel 121, and the outer surface of the limiting member 30 abuts against the inner wall surface of the second channel 121.

[0062] By adopting the above scheme, the limiting member 30 can be inserted into the interior of the second channel 121 first, so that the limiting member 30 and the second channel 121 are interference-fitted. Then, the guide tube 11 and the nozzle 12 are connected, which makes it easier to install the limiting member 30 inside the second channel 121. It also makes the limiting member 30 closer to the air outlet 102, thereby further improving the coaxiality between the distal tip 21 of the electrospray needle 20 and the air outlet 102.

[0063] Optionally, one of the conduit 11 and the nozzle 12 is provided with an external thread, and the other of the conduit 11 and the nozzle 12 is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread, the axis of the internal thread being parallel to the length direction of the second channel 121.

[0064] With this setup, the limiting member 30 can be installed inside the second channel 121 first, and then the conduit 11 and the nozzle 12 can be threaded together, which makes it easier to install the limiting member 30 inside the ventilation channel 101.

[0065] It is understandable that due to the existence of processing errors and installation errors, the coaxiality of the electro-spray needle 20 with the first channel 111 and the coaxiality of the electro-spray needle 20 with the second channel 121 will be affected, resulting in uneven gaps between the electro-spray needle 20 and the nozzle 12. This, in turn, leads to uneven gaps between the needle tip 21 and the air outlet 102, affecting the spraying effect.

[0066] The ion source spray head 100 provided in this application embodiment can improve the coaxiality between the distal tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and the outlet 102 by setting a limiting member 30 in the second channel 121, thereby improving the atomization effect of the tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and forming droplets of uniform size.

[0067] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the limiting member 30 in the ion source spray head 100. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of the limiting member 30 from another perspective. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The bottom view of the limiting member 30 shown.

[0068] In this embodiment, the limiting member 30 is provided with a limiting hole 301, and the electro-spray needle 20 passes through the limiting hole 301, so that the axis of the electro-spray needle 20 coincides with the axis of the air outlet 102.

[0069] By adopting the above scheme, the electro-spray needle 20 can be inserted through the limiting hole 301 to limit the electro-spray needle 20, thereby improving the coaxiality between the distal tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and the air outlet 102.

[0070] It is understandable that the outer ring of the limiting member 30 can be positioned coaxially with the nozzle 12, and the limiting hole 301 of the inner ring of the limiting member 30 positions the electro-spray needle 20.

[0071] The limiting hole 301 includes a first hole 31 and a second hole 32 that are connected. The first hole 31 is located on the side of the second hole 32 that is close to the air outlet 102, and the diameter of the second hole 32 is larger than the diameter of the first hole 31.

[0072] This design allows the electro-spray needle 20 to be smoothly inserted into the second hole 32 and the first hole 31, and the first hole 31 can be used to limit the electro-spray needle 20, ensuring the coaxiality between the needle tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and the limiting member 30.

[0073] It should be noted that the electrospray needle 20 can be fitted with the first hole 31 with a clearance. The connection between the first hole 31 and the second hole 32 can be transitioned by a guide bevel, so that the electrospray needle 20 can enter the first hole 31 from the second hole 32.

[0074] Optionally, the limiting member 30 is provided with a connecting space 302, and the ventilation channel 101 located on the side of the limiting member 30 away from the air outlet 102 is connected to the ventilation channel 101 located on the side of the limiting member 30 facing the air outlet 102 through the connecting space 302.

[0075] This configuration allows the atomized gas to flow through the connecting space 302 to the outlet 102.

[0076] It is understandable that the first channel 111 can be connected to the second channel 121 through the connecting space 302.

[0077] In this embodiment, the connecting space 302 is configured as a connecting channel, and the axis of the connecting channel is parallel to the axis of the ventilation duct 101.

[0078] This design simplifies the structure of the connecting space 302, making it easier to manufacture.

[0079] Optionally, there are multiple connecting channels, and the multiple connecting channels are evenly and spaced around the electrospray needle 20.

[0080] This configuration ensures that sufficient atomized gas passes evenly through the limiting component 30.

[0081] It should be noted that the length direction of the connecting channel can be an arc around the electrospray needle 20, in which case the connecting channel forms an oblong channel hole. For example, the number of connecting channels is 3.

[0082] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the connecting channel facing the air outlet 102 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the connecting channel away from the air outlet 102.

[0083] By adopting the above scheme, the flow velocity of the atomized airflow after passing through the connecting channel can be increased, thereby improving the atomization effect at the air outlet 102.

[0084] For example, the connecting channel can be conical or frustum-shaped. The cross-section of the end of the connecting channel facing the air outlet 102 is a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the vent 101 at that end. The cross-section of the end of the connecting channel away from the air outlet 102 is a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the vent 101 at that end.

[0085] In some embodiments, the connecting channel includes a third hole and a fourth hole that are connected to each other. The fourth hole is located on the side of the third hole near the air outlet 102. The diameter of the third hole is larger than the diameter of the fourth hole. There are multiple fourth holes.

[0086] By adopting the above scheme, the flow velocity of the atomized airflow after passing through the connecting channel can be increased, thereby improving the atomization effect at the air outlet 102.

[0087] Understandably, all the fourth holes are connected to the third hole.

[0088] In some embodiments, the inner wall surface of the connecting channel includes a flow guide slope, which is used to cause the atomized gas to flow in a direction close to the axis of the outlet 102.

[0089] By adopting the above scheme, the atomized airflow can flow through the connecting channel toward the axis near the air outlet 102, thereby improving the atomization effect at the air outlet 102.

[0090] Understandably, the connecting channel can be set to a conical or frustum shape, etc.

[0091] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electrospray device, which includes an ion source spray head 100 as described in the first aspect.

[0092] In the electro-spray device provided in this application embodiment, a limiting member 30 is provided inside the air passage 101. The limiting member 30 is connected to the inner wall of the air passage 101, and the electro-spray needle 20 is connected to the limiting member 30. The limiting member 30 can restrict the position of the electro-spray needle 20 in the air passage 101, so that the distance between the distal tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and the inner wall of the distal outlet 102 of the air passage 101 is equal everywhere. This improves the coaxiality between the distal tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and the outlet 102, thereby improving the atomization effect of the tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 and forming uniformly sized droplets, thus solving the problem of unstable spray effect formed at the tip 21 of the electro-spray needle 20 in related technologies.

[0093] It should be noted that the electrospray device provided in this application embodiment may also include a high-voltage power supply and a sample solvent supply system, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0094] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An ion source showerhead, comprising: include: An air guiding assembly (10) is provided with an air passage (101) for containing atomized gas, and an air outlet (102) is provided at the far end of the air passage (101). An electro-spray needle (20) is disposed inside the air passage (101), the distal end of the electro-spray needle (20) being located within the air outlet (102); and A limiting member (30) is disposed inside the air passage (101), the limiting member (30) is connected to the inner wall of the air passage (101), and the electro-spray needle (20) is connected to the limiting member (30).

2. The ion source spray head of claim 1, wherein, The air guiding assembly (10) includes a conduit (11) and a nozzle (12) connected together. The air passage (101) includes a first channel (111) provided in the conduit (11) and a second channel (121) provided in the nozzle (12). The first channel (111) and the second channel (121) are connected. The end of the second channel (121) away from the first channel (111) is the air outlet (102).

3. The ion source spray head of claim 2, wherein, The limiting member (30) is disposed inside the second channel (121), and the outer surface of the limiting member (30) abuts against the inner wall surface of the second channel (121).

4. The ion source spray head of claim 3, wherein, One of the conduit (11) and the nozzle (12) is provided with an external thread, and the other of the conduit (11) and the nozzle (12) is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread, wherein the axis of the internal thread is parallel to the length direction of the second channel (121).

5. The ion source spray head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting member (30) is provided with a limiting hole (301), and the electro-spray needle (20) passes through the limiting hole (301) so that the axis of the electro-spray needle (20) coincides with the axis of the air outlet (102).

6. The ion source spray head according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting hole (301) includes a first hole (31) and a second hole (32) that are connected to each other. The first hole (31) is located on the side of the second hole (32) that is close to the air outlet (102), and the diameter of the second hole (32) is larger than the diameter of the first hole (31).

7. The ion source spray head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The limiting member (30) is provided with a communicating space (302), and the ventilation channel (101) located on the side of the limiting member (30) away from the air outlet (102) is connected to the ventilation channel (101) located on the side of the limiting member (30) facing the air outlet (102) through the communicating space (302).

8. The ion source spray head according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting space (302) is configured as a connecting channel, and the axis of the connecting channel is parallel to the axial direction of the ventilation duct (101).

9. The ion source spray head according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the connecting channel facing the air outlet (102) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the connecting channel away from the air outlet (102); or, the connecting channel includes a third hole and a fourth hole that are connected, the fourth hole is located on the side of the third hole closer to the air outlet (102), the diameter of the third hole is larger than the diameter of the fourth hole, and there are multiple fourth holes.

10. The ion source spray head according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inner wall of the connecting channel includes a flow guide slope, which is used to cause the atomized gas to flow in a direction close to the axis of the outlet (102).

11. An electro-spraying device, characterized in that, The electrospray device includes an ion source spray head (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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