A sample box stacking cylinder and a large-throughput sample rack

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of sample box stack placing cylinder and large flux sample rack, the sample box is cylindrical structure, the stack placing cylinder is the cylindrical structure of lower end closed, upper end opening, the bottom wall of the bottom of stack placing cylinder is provided with sample box export, the bottom of sample box export is flush with the bottom surface of stack placing cylinder, the wall of the stack placing cylinder is installed with the arc door that can slide up and down on wall at sample box export place, so that sample box export is closed or opened.Sample box is stacked in stack placing cylinder, to avoid the sample box that stacks and falls, and through the setting of slidable arc door, ensure that sample box can be taken out from the bottom of stack placing cylinder, and ensure that sample box does not slip from bottom during loading, through the setting of guide rib, ensure that stack placing cylinder can be applicable to the stack of sample box of different diameters;While multiple stack placing cylinders are installed on sample rack, realize the large flux of sample rack, small volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sample rack technology, and in particular to a sample box stacking cylinder suitable for high-throughput sample racks and a high-throughput sample rack based on the sample box stacking cylinder. Background Technology

[0002] Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) devices (such as high-purity germanium spectrometers and gamma spectrometers) can detect the types and activities of radioactive nuclides in substances such as soil, food, water, air aerosols, and cosmetics. They are primarily used in important fields such as ecological environment monitoring, nuclear resource exploration, nuclear power, nuclear emergency response, nuclear security, military defense, theoretical physics research, disease control and prevention centers, and customs inspection and quarantine. EDS devices mainly consist of a sample rack, sampling mechanism, lead chamber, detector, cooling mechanism, digital multichannel analyzer, and supporting software and computer. Currently, sample cassettes in EDS devices are typically laid flat on the sample rack, resulting in a low sample throughput (e.g., 10-50 samples). If the sample throughput is increased (100-200 samples), the size of the instrument will become very large. For example, the large-scale high-purity germanium energy spectrum detection device currently sold by the applicant increases the sample throughput to 220 samples. The size of the detection device can reach 2.5m*1.35m*2.1m, which occupies a large experimental space and is also inconvenient to transport. It needs to be disassembled and transported in separate boxes, and then reassembled and debugged on the customer's site. The after-sales installation cost is also very high.

[0003] Currently, stacking sample boxes on a sample rack could be considered to increase sample throughput while ensuring that the sample rack area does not increase significantly. However, stacked sample boxes are prone to scattering; moreover, when the sampling mechanism of the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detector picks up sample boxes, it can only start from the topmost sample box, but usually it is necessary to prioritize the detection of the sample boxes placed at the bottom. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings in existing technologies, this utility model provides a sample box stacking cylinder and a high-throughput sample rack. Sample boxes are stacked inside the stacking cylinder to prevent them from scattering. A sliding arc-shaped door ensures that sample boxes can be removed from the bottom of the stacking cylinder and prevents them from slipping off during loading. Guide ribs ensure that the stacking cylinder is suitable for stacking sample boxes of different diameters. Furthermore, multiple stacking cylinders can be installed on the sample rack to achieve a high-throughput, compact sample rack.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A sample box stacking cylinder is provided, wherein the sample box is a cylindrical structure and the stacking cylinder is a cylindrical structure that is closed at the bottom and open at the top. A sample box outlet is provided on the bottom wall of the stacking cylinder, and the bottom of the sample box outlet is flush with the bottom surface of the stacking cylinder. An arc-shaped door that can slide up and down along the cylinder wall is installed on the cylinder wall at the sample box outlet to close or open the sample box outlet.

[0007] The stacking cylinder has a split structure, including an upper cylindrical tube and a bottom cylinder. The bottom cylinder has a first opening groove on its wall, and the bottom of the first opening groove is flush with the bottom surface of the bottom cylinder. The upper cylindrical tube has a second opening groove on its bottom wall. The bottom cylinder is tightly fitted onto the upper cylindrical tube, and the first and second opening grooves overlap. The openings at the first and second opening grooves are the sample box outlets.

[0008] The inner wall of the bottom cylinder is provided with a clamping block, and the bottom of the upper round tube is provided with a corresponding clamping groove. The clamping groove of the upper round tube is clamped on the clamping block of the bottom cylinder, so that the bottom cylinder is tightly fitted on the upper round tube.

[0009] The cylindrical walls on both sides of the first opening slot are provided with radial grooves. The two sides of the arc-shaped door are slidably installed in the two grooves respectively, and the arc-shaped door slides up and down along the grooves. Baffles are installed on the top of the cylindrical walls on both sides of the first opening slot. The baffles are located above the grooves to prevent the arc-shaped door from sliding down from the top of the grooves.

[0010] Multiple sets of guide ribs are radially distributed on the stacking cylinder. Each set of guide ribs includes multiple circumferentially distributed guide ribs. Each guide rib includes an installation part and a guide part. The installation part is installed on the cylinder wall of the stacking cylinder and the guide part is located inside the stacking cylinder. The inner circle diameter formed between the guide parts of each set of guide ribs matches the diameter of the sample box. The guide parts of two adjacent sets of guide ribs are connected end to end or overlap end to guide and limit the sample box and ensure that the sample box can fall vertically and freely.

[0011] The stacking cylinder has elongated holes arranged radially on its wall. The guide ribs are made of soft rubber material. The mounting part of the guide rib is connected to a limiting part on both sides. The size of the mounting part is the same as the size of the elongated hole. When the guide rib is installed in the elongated hole, the limiting part is against the inner wall on both sides of the elongated hole. Both ends of the mounting part are locked in the elongated hole by screws and washers. The diameter of the screw head is larger than the width of the elongated hole. Both ends of the guide rib have a chamfered structure.

[0012] The top of the stacking cylinder is detachably connected to a top cover; elastic rings are distributed on the outer wall of the stacking cylinder.

[0013] This embodiment also provides a high-throughput sample rack based on a sample box stacking cylinder. The sample rack has multiple circular mounting holes distributed on it, and multiple stacking cylinders are respectively installed on the circular mounting holes, so that the sample box outlet is located below the circular mounting holes, and the arc-shaped door is lifted above the circular mounting holes, so that the sample box outlet is opened.

[0014] The outer diameter of the stacking cylinder at the sample box outlet matches the diameter of the circular mounting hole. An arc-shaped door is installed on the outer wall of the stacking cylinder. An mounting block is fixed on the outer wall of the stacking cylinder. An arc-shaped groove is provided circumferentially on the inner wall of the circular mounting hole. One end of the arc-shaped groove is provided with an installation opening that communicates with the upper surface of the circular mounting hole. The mounting block is installed in the arc-shaped groove from the installation opening and the mounting block is rotated so that the mounting block is installed at the end of the arc-shaped groove away from the installation opening.

[0015] Each of the arc-shaped grooves has a ball-shaped contact at the bottom of the end furthest from the mounting opening, and a corresponding groove is provided on the mounting block. When the mounting block is installed at the end of the arc-shaped groove furthest from the mounting opening, the groove and the ball-shaped contact cooperate to ensure that the mounting block is installed in place. There are two mounting blocks, which are different in size, and there are two arc-shaped grooves and two mounting openings respectively.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: (1) In this utility model, the sample boxes are stacked in the stacking tube to avoid the stacked sample boxes from falling apart. The bottom of the stacking tube is provided with a sample box outlet, which can prioritize the detection of the sample boxes placed at the bottom of the stacking tube. At the same time, by setting a sliding arc door, the sample box outlet can be closed and opened. This can prevent the stacking tube full of sample boxes from sliding off the bottom sample box outlet during transportation and loading. It can also facilitate the arc door to be opened to leave the sample box outlet after it is loaded into the sample rack.

[0017] (2) In this utility model, the stacking cylinder is a split structure, and the arc-shaped door is installed on the bottom cylinder, which reduces the processing and assembly difficulty of the stacking cylinder.

[0018] (3) In this utility model, the stacking tube is equipped with guide ribs. The sample boxes inside the stacking tube are limited by the guide ribs of appropriate thickness, so that the sample boxes can fall freely without swaying left or right. At the same time, for sample boxes of different diameters, it is only necessary to quickly replace the guide ribs of different thicknesses, without the need to design stacking tubes of different sizes for sample boxes of different sizes. After being installed on the sample rack, it can share all the installation positions on the sample rack, without the need to set up installation positions of different sizes on the sample rack.

[0019] (4) In this utility model, multiple stacked tubes are installed on the sample rack, which can realize the storage of high-throughput sample boxes on a small-volume sample rack. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the stacking cylinder in this utility model. Figure 1 The arched door in the picture is closed;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the stacking cylinder in this utility model. Figure 2 The arched door in the picture is open;

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the stacked cylinder in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the upper circular tube in this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the bottom cylinder and the arc-shaped door in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the upper circular tube and the bottom cylinder in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the guide rib structure in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the guide ribs installed on the stacking cylinder in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the guide ribs installed on the stacking cylinder in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sample holder structure in this utility model;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of multiple stacked cylinders installed on a sample rack in this utility model;

[0031] In the diagram, 1-sample box, 2-stacking cylinder, 21-upper round tube, 211-second opening slot, 212-clamping slot, 213-elongated hole, 22-bottom cylinder, 221-first opening slot, 222-clamping block, 223-sliding groove, 224-mounting block, 225-push rod opening, 23-sample box outlet, 24-arc door, 25-baffle, 26-top cover, 27-guide rib, 271-mounting part, 272-guide part, 273-limiting part, 28-screw and washer, 29-elastic ring, 3-sample rack, 31-circular mounting hole, 311-arc groove, 312-mounting opening, 4-conveyor belt. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] The structure of the sample box stacking cylinder provided in this embodiment is as follows: Figures 1-3As shown, sample boxes 1 are stacked inside stacking cylinder 2. Sample boxes in energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) devices are typically cylindrical; therefore, in this embodiment, all sample boxes are cylindrical, and the stacking cylinder is also cylindrical. Figure 3 The middle section shows multiple sample boxes stacked together.

[0034] The stacking cylinder is a cylindrical structure closed at the bottom and open at the top. A sample box outlet 23 is located on the bottom wall of the stacking cylinder, with the bottom of the outlet flush with the bottom surface of the cylinder. An arc-shaped door 24, which can slide up and down along the cylinder wall at the sample box outlet, is installed on the cylinder wall to close or open the outlet. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the stacking cylinder has a split structure, including an upper cylindrical tube 21 and a bottom cylinder 22. A first opening groove 221 is provided on the wall of the bottom cylinder, with the bottom of the first opening groove flush with the bottom surface of the bottom cylinder. A second opening groove 211 is provided on the bottom wall of the upper cylindrical tube. The bottom cylinder is tightly fitted onto the upper cylindrical tube, with the first and second opening grooves overlapping. The openings at the first and second opening grooves serve as sample box outlets. Figures 4-6 As shown. Specifically, a clamping block 222 is provided on the inner wall of the bottom cylinder, and a corresponding clamping groove 212 is provided at the bottom of the upper cylindrical tube, see... Figure 4 The clamping groove of the upper round tube is clamped onto the clamping block of the bottom cylinder, thereby tightly fitting the bottom cylinder onto the upper round tube. Figure 6 Furthermore, the clamping block can also connect and position the upper cylindrical tube and the bottom cylinder. Specifically, radial grooves 223 are provided on the cylinder walls on both sides of the first opening groove. The two sides of the arc-shaped door are slidably installed in the two grooves, and the arc-shaped door slides up and down along the grooves. Further, baffles 25 are installed on the top of the cylinder walls on both sides of the first opening groove. The baffles are located above the grooves to prevent the arc-shaped door from sliding down from the top of the grooves. The bottom of the grooves can be limited by the bottom surface of the bottom cylinder. See Figure 5 In this embodiment, a top cover 26 is detachably connected to the top of the stacking cylinder. After the sample boxes are stacked inside the stacking cylinder, the top cover is closed. When loading the sample boxes, the arc-shaped door of the stacking cylinder slides down to the bottom to close the sample box outlet. After the sample boxes are loaded, the top cover is closed, and the stacking cylinder is loaded onto the sample rack. During loading and transportation, the sample boxes will not slip due to the sliding door. When taking samples later, simply lift the sliding door to expose the sample box outlet.

[0035] Since customers may use sample boxes of different diameters and heights at the site, if the sample box size is larger than the stacking cylinder size, a new stacking cylinder and sample rack need to be replaced; if the sample box size is significantly smaller than the stacking cylinder size, the sample box will sway significantly from side to side during transportation and loading, which is not conducive to subsequent sampling. Therefore, in a new embodiment, multiple sets of guide ribs 27 are installed radially on the stacking cylinder, see... Figures 1-3Each set of guide ribs includes multiple guide ribs distributed circumferentially, and each guide rib includes a mounting part 271 and a guiding part 272, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the mounting part is installed on the wall of the stacking cylinder, and the guide part is located inside the stacking cylinder. The inner diameter of the circle formed between the guide parts of each set of guide ribs matches the diameter of the sample box (here, "matching" means that there is a very small gap between the sample box and the guide part, allowing the sample box to fall vertically and freely). Figure 9 As shown, the guide sections of adjacent sets of guide ribs are connected end-to-end or overlapped end-to-end, guiding and limiting the sample box and ensuring that the sample box can fall vertically and freely. For sample boxes of different sizes, only a larger stacking cylinder needs to be designed, and by changing the guide ribs of different thicknesses, a stacking cylinder matching the size of the sample box can be quickly switched to limit the position of the sample box, flexibly adapting to sample boxes of different sizes, and enabling the installation of sample boxes of different sizes on the same sample rack. At the same time, it avoids the left and right displacement of the sample box during transportation and loading when the size difference between the sample box and the stacking cylinder is large. In the embodiment, six sets of guide ribs are provided, and each set of guide ribs includes three guide ribs. The guide sections of adjacent sets of guide ribs overlap end-to-end, as shown in the figure. Figure 3 and Figure 8 This design ensures the strength of the stacking cylinders without affecting the guidance and positioning of the sample boxes. Specifically, elongated holes 213 are radially distributed on the cylinder wall of the stacking cylinder. The guide ribs are made of soft rubber material, and limiting parts 273 are connected to both sides of the mounting part of the guide ribs. The dimensions of the mounting parts are consistent with the dimensions of the elongated holes. When the guide ribs are installed in the elongated holes, the limiting parts abut against the inner walls on both sides of the elongated holes. Figure 9 As shown, both ends of the mounting part are secured in the elongated hole with screws and washers 28. The diameter of the screw head is larger than the width of the elongated hole to ensure the guide rib is securely fixed. Furthermore, both ends of the guide rib have a chamfered structure to facilitate the sliding of the sample box. In this embodiment, elastic rings 29 are distributed on the outer wall of the stacking cylinder to prevent slippage. Specifically, the elastic rings are placed on the stacking cylinder at both ends of the guide rib, covering the screws and washers, improving the aesthetics and grip feel of the stacking cylinder.

[0036] In a new embodiment, multiple stacked tubes can be mounted on the sample rack 3 to obtain a high-throughput, small-volume sample rack. Specifically, the sample rack is provided with multiple circular mounting holes 31, such as... Figure 10 As shown, multiple stacking cylinders are respectively installed on the circular mounting holes, so that the sample box outlet is located below the circular mounting holes, and the arc-shaped door is pushed up above the circular mounting holes, allowing the sample box outlet to open. Figure 1It is important to note that, for ease of subsequent sampling, the outlets of each sample box are arranged in parallel to avoid overlapping sampling routes. The outer diameter of the stacking cylinder at the sample box outlet (i.e., the outer diameter of the bottom cylinder) matches the diameter of the circular mounting hole. The arc-shaped door is installed on the outer wall of the stacking cylinder (the outer wall of the bottom cylinder), so the diameter of the arc-shaped door is larger. After the bottom cylinder is installed below the circular mounting hole, the arc-shaped door is lifted by the limit of the circular mounting hole, thereby opening the sample box outlet and ensuring sampling. Furthermore, a mounting block 224 is fixed on the outer wall of the stacking cylinder. An arc-shaped groove 311 is provided circumferentially on the inner wall of the circular mounting hole, and one end of the arc-shaped groove is provided with a mounting opening 312 communicating with the upper surface of the circular mounting hole. The mounting block is installed into the arc-shaped groove from the mounting opening and rotated so that the mounting block is installed at the end of the arc-shaped groove away from the mounting opening, thereby fixing the stacking cylinder to the mounting base. Furthermore, two mounting blocks of different sizes are provided, each with two corresponding arc-shaped grooves and mounting openings. The dimensions of the two arc-shaped grooves and mounting openings correspond to the dimensions of the two mounting blocks. During installation, the two different-sized mounting blocks are placed into the corresponding arc-shaped grooves through the two mounting openings. Then, the entire stacking cylinder is rotated so that the two mounting blocks are installed at the ends of the arc-shaped grooves furthest from the corresponding mounting openings. This ensures the stability of the stacking cylinder and the sample rack, and also incorporates a foolproof design to prevent the stacking cylinder from being installed incorrectly on the sample rack. This foolproof design also helps to position the sample box outlet on the circular mounting hole. Furthermore, each arc-shaped groove has a catch (not shown in the figure) at its bottom at the end furthest from the mounting opening. A corresponding groove is provided on the mounting block. When the mounting block is installed at the end of the arc-shaped groove furthest from the mounting opening, the groove engages with the catch to ensure the mounting block is properly installed.

[0037] When using the sample rack, a sample delivery mechanism can be installed. This application addresses the problem of stacking and storing high-throughput sample boxes, and does not involve subsequent sample delivery. Therefore, the sample delivery mechanism will not be described in detail, but only briefly in the instruction manual. The sample delivery mechanism can remove sample boxes from the sample box outlet. For example, a robotic arm or suction cup can be installed under the sample rack to grab the sample box from the outlet. Using robotic arms and suction cups to grab items is a conventional technique in this field and will not be described in detail here. Alternatively, a push rod opening 225 can be provided on the stacking cylinder, see... Figure 6 The sample box is pushed out from the sample box outlet onto conveyor belt 4 by the push rod, and then transported to the designated position by the conveyor belt. Figure 11 Pushing items onto a conveyor belt using a push rod is a conventional technique and will not be described in detail here. When setting up the system, ensure that the axis of the stacking cylinder lies on the plane formed by the vertical center line of the push rod opening and the vertical center line of the sample box outlet, ensuring that the push rod pushes the sample box out from the center of the sample box outlet.

Claims

1. A sample box stacking cylinder, wherein the sample box has a cylindrical structure, characterized in that: The stacking cylinder is a cylindrical structure that is closed at the bottom and open at the top. A sample box outlet is provided on the bottom wall of the stacking cylinder. The bottom of the sample box outlet is flush with the bottom surface of the stacking cylinder. An arc-shaped door that can slide up and down along the cylinder wall is installed at the sample box outlet to close or open the sample box outlet.

2. The sample box stacking tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stacking cylinder has a split structure, including an upper cylindrical tube and a bottom cylinder. The bottom cylinder has a first opening groove on its wall, and the bottom of the first opening groove is flush with the bottom surface of the bottom cylinder. The upper cylindrical tube has a second opening groove on its bottom wall. The bottom cylinder is tightly fitted onto the upper cylindrical tube, and the first and second opening grooves overlap. The openings at the first and second opening grooves are the sample box outlets.

3. The sample box stacking tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner wall of the bottom cylinder is provided with a clamping block, and the bottom of the upper round tube is provided with a corresponding clamping groove. The clamping groove of the upper round tube is clamped on the clamping block of the bottom cylinder, so that the bottom cylinder is tightly fitted on the upper round tube.

4. The sample box stacking tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cylindrical walls on both sides of the first opening slot are provided with radial grooves. The two sides of the arc-shaped door are slidably installed in the two grooves respectively, and the arc-shaped door slides up and down along the grooves. Baffles are installed on the top of the cylindrical walls on both sides of the first opening slot. The baffles are located above the grooves to prevent the arc-shaped door from sliding down from the top of the grooves.

5. The sample box stacking tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple sets of guide ribs are radially distributed on the stacking cylinder. Each set of guide ribs includes multiple circumferentially distributed guide ribs. Each guide rib includes an installation part and a guide part. The installation part is installed on the cylinder wall of the stacking cylinder and the guide part is located inside the stacking cylinder. The inner circle diameter formed between the guide parts of each set of guide ribs matches the diameter of the sample box. The guide parts of two adjacent sets of guide ribs are connected end to end or overlap end to guide and limit the sample box and ensure that the sample box can fall vertically and freely.

6. The sample box stacking tube according to claim 5, characterized in that: The stacking cylinder has elongated holes arranged radially on its wall. The guide ribs are made of soft rubber material. The mounting part of the guide rib is connected to a limiting part on both sides. The size of the mounting part is the same as the size of the elongated hole. When the guide rib is installed in the elongated hole, the limiting part is against the inner wall on both sides of the elongated hole. Both ends of the mounting part are locked in the elongated hole by screws and washers. The diameter of the screw head is larger than the width of the elongated hole. Both ends of the guide rib have a chamfered structure.

7. The sample box stacking tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the stacking cylinder is detachably connected to a top cover; elastic rings are distributed on the outer wall of the stacking cylinder.

8. A high-throughput sample rack based on the sample box stacking tube according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The sample rack is provided with multiple circular mounting holes, and multiple stacking cylinders are respectively installed on the circular mounting holes, so that the sample box outlet is located below the circular mounting holes, and the arc-shaped door is pushed up above the circular mounting holes, so that the sample box outlet is opened.

9. The high-throughput sample rack based on a sample box stacking tube according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the stacking cylinder at the sample box outlet matches the diameter of the circular mounting hole. An arc-shaped door is installed on the outer wall of the stacking cylinder. An mounting block is fixed on the outer wall of the stacking cylinder. An arc-shaped groove is provided circumferentially on the inner wall of the circular mounting hole. One end of the arc-shaped groove is provided with an installation opening that communicates with the upper surface of the circular mounting hole. The mounting block is installed in the arc-shaped groove from the installation opening and the mounting block is rotated so that the mounting block is installed at the end of the arc-shaped groove away from the installation opening.

10. The high-throughput sample rack based on a sample box stacking tube according to claim 9, characterized in that: Each of the arc-shaped grooves has a ball-shaped contact at the bottom of the end furthest from the mounting opening, and a corresponding groove is provided on the mounting block. When the mounting block is installed at the end of the arc-shaped groove furthest from the mounting opening, the groove and the ball-shaped contact cooperate to ensure that the mounting block is installed in place. There are two mounting blocks, which are different in size, and there are two arc-shaped grooves and two mounting openings respectively.

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