A liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer having multiple detection stations

Abstract

The utility model relates to liquid phase mass spectrometer related technical field especially, it is a kind of liquid phase mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations, including mass spectrometer shell, the one side lower end of mass spectrometer shell is connected with sample tube, the side of mass spectrometer shell is close to the position of sample tube and is provided with mounting assembly, the surface of mounting assembly is provided with limit component. This one kind of liquid phase mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations, through the mutual cooperation of mounting assembly and limit component, both can realize the stable, convenient assembly of limit component and mass spectrometer shell by mounting assembly, also can be accurately clamped sample tube by limit component, effectively avoid sample tube to shake, displacement or dump when lifting mechanism rises and moving mechanism station switching due to vibration, collision, ensure sample tube and detector, quadrupole accurate docking, prevent sample sample amount inaccurate and detection signal interference, reduce the risk of sample leakage pollution instrument simultaneously, significantly improve detection accuracy and device operation reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and in particular to a LC-MS with multiple detection stations. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is an analytical instrument that combines the separation capabilities of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the high sensitivity and specificity of mass spectrometry (MS). Its core principle is to separate components in a complex mixture based on their retention time differences using an HPLC module. The separated components then sequentially enter the mass spectrometry module, where they are ionized into charged ions in an ion source. These ions are then screened and separated by a mass analyzer based on their mass-to-charge ratio. Finally, a detector acquires the ion signals and converts them into electrical signals. A data processing system then converts these electrical signals into mass spectra and chromatograms, enabling qualitative and quantitative analysis of the target components. However, traditional single-station LC-MS spectrometers suffer from low detection efficiency and difficulty in simultaneously processing multiple types of samples. Therefore, a multi-station LC-MS spectrometer is particularly needed.

[0003] Chinese patent CN217007142U, published on July 19, 2022, discloses a high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations. Through the linkage of a moving mechanism and a lifting mechanism, when the moving mechanism moves the detector and quadrupole, it automatically raises the baffle plate, facilitating the detection of the sample in the sample tube by the detector and quadrupole. However, this liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer lacks a limiting and fixing function for the sample tube during detection. This makes the sample tube prone to shaking, displacement, or even tipping due to vibration and collision when the lifting mechanism rises and the moving mechanism moves the detector and quadrupole. This causes deviations when the sample tube is aligned with the detector or quadrupole, leading to inaccurate sample injection volume, interference with the detection signal, and other problems, severely affecting detection accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations, including a mass spectrometer housing, a sample tube connected to the lower end of one side of the mass spectrometer housing, an installation component disposed on the side of the mass spectrometer housing near the sample tube, and a limit component disposed on the surface of the installation component; The limiting component includes a connecting plate disposed on the surface of the mounting component. A miniature push rod is mounted on the upper center of the connecting plate. A guide rod is connected through the side of the connecting plate. A compression spring is connected to the outer side of the guide rod. A stop block is connected to the top of the guide rod and one end of the compression spring. A wear-resistant pad is fixedly connected to the bottom output end of the miniature push rod and the bottom end of the guide rod. A fixing plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the wear-resistant pad. An arc-shaped clamping plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixing plate.

[0006] Preferably, multiple identical groups of sample tubes are arranged on the side of the mass spectrometer housing, and the sample tubes in each group are distributed at equal intervals.

[0007] Preferably, the mounting assembly includes a slot located on the side of the mass spectrometer housing near the sample tube. A locking block is engaged inside the slot. One end of the locking block extends to the outer end of the slot and is fixedly connected to a lever. The lever is bolted to the outside of the mass spectrometer housing. A positioning hole is provided inside the locking block, and a telescopic spring is connected to the inner end of the positioning hole. The other end of the telescopic spring is connected to a limiting plate, and a positioning block is attached to the surface of the limiting plate. A locking hole is provided inside the slot, and a connecting plate is fixedly connected to the surface of the lever.

[0008] Preferably, the dial is installed on the outside of the mass spectrometer housing via a card block and a card slot, and the outer wall size of the card block matches the inner wall size of the card slot.

[0009] Preferably, the end of the positioning block away from the limiting plate is designed in a hemispherical shape, and the outer wall size of the positioning block is precisely matched with the inner wall size of the card hole.

[0010] Preferably, two sets of guide rods are symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the miniature push rod on the side of the connecting plate, and the compression springs on the outer sides of the two sets of guide rods have the same stiffness coefficient, and the diameter of the stop block is larger than the diameter of the guide rod.

[0011] Preferably, the inner sidewall of the arc-shaped clamp is provided with several sets of anti-slip grooves along the length direction, and the anti-slip grooves are consistent with the arc trajectory of the arc-shaped clamp.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations, through the cooperation of the installation component and the limiting component, can not only achieve a stable and convenient assembly of the limiting component and the mass spectrometer shell with the help of the installation component, but also accurately clamp the sample tube with the limiting component, effectively avoiding shaking, displacement or tilting of the sample tube due to vibration and collision when the lifting mechanism rises and the moving mechanism switches positions, ensuring accurate docking of the sample tube with the detector and quadrupole, preventing inaccurate sample injection volume and interference with the detection signal, while reducing the risk of sample leakage and contamination of the instrument, and significantly improving detection accuracy and device operation reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view of the structure of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation component structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting component structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This utility model Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Mass spectrometer housing; 2. Sample tube; 3. Mounting assembly; 301. Slot; 302. Block; 303. Paddle; 304. Positioning hole; 305. Telescopic spring; 306. Limiting plate; 307. Positioning block; 308. Slot; 4. Limiting assembly; 401. Connecting plate; 402. Miniature push rod; 403. Guide rod; 404. Compression spring; 405. Stop; 406. Wear-resistant pad; 407. Fixing plate; 408. Arc-shaped clamp. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0016] Please see Figure 1-4 This utility model provides a technical solution: a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations, including a mass spectrometer housing 1, a sample tube 2 connected to the lower end of one side of the mass spectrometer housing 1, an installation component 3 provided on the side of the mass spectrometer housing 1 near the sample tube 2, and a limit component 4 provided on the surface of the installation component 3. The limiting component 4 includes a connecting plate 401, which is disposed on the surface of the mounting component 3. A miniature push rod 402 is mounted on the upper center of the connecting plate 401. A guide rod 403 is connected through the side of the connecting plate 401. A compression spring 404 is connected to the outer side of the guide rod 403. A stop block 405 is connected to the top of the guide rod 403 and one end of the compression spring 404. A wear-resistant pad 406 is fixedly connected to the bottom output end of the miniature push rod 402 and the bottom end of the guide rod 403. A fixing plate 407 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the wear-resistant pad 406. An arc-shaped clamping plate 408 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixing plate 407. Through the setting of the limiting component 4, in the initial state, the miniature push rod 402 is... In the contracted state, the compression spring 404 on the outside of the guide rod 403 remains naturally extended due to the limiting effect of the stop 405. At this time, the arc-shaped clamp 408 maintains a certain distance from the outer wall of the sample tube 2, making it convenient for the operator to place the sample tube 2 into the designated testing position. After the sample tube 2 is in place, the limiting component 4 is activated. After receiving the control signal, the micro push rod 402 extends downward to the output end, pushing the fixing plate 407 to move down synchronously through the wear-resistant pad 406 at the bottom. When the fixing plate 407 moves down, it drives the guide rods 403 on both sides to slide down along the through hole of the connecting plate 401. The stop 405 at the top of the guide rod 403 moves down accordingly, squeezing the compression spring 404 and causing the compression spring 404 to contract. It stores elastic potential energy. During this process, the guide rod 403 always moves in a straight line along the through hole of the connecting plate 401 to prevent the fixing plate 407 from tilting when it moves down, ensuring that the arc-shaped clamping plate 408 and the sample tube 2 are coaxially aligned. As the fixing plate 407 continues to move down, the bottom arc-shaped clamping plate 408 gradually fits against the outer wall of the sample tube 2. When the arc-shaped clamping plate 408 contacts the sample tube 2 and reaches the preset clamping force, the micro push rod 402 stops extending. At this time, the reaction force of the compression spring 404 is transmitted to the arc-shaped clamping plate 408 through the guide rod 403 and the fixing plate 407, so that the arc-shaped clamping plate 408 fits tightly against the sample tube 2. At the same time, the wear-resistant gasket 406 can reduce the impact between the micro push rod 402 and the guide rod 403. The direct frictional wear of the fixed plate 407 extends the service life of the components. When the sample tube 2 needs to be removed after the sample testing is completed, the micro push rod 402 retracts its output end upward, and the compressed spring 404 releases the stored elastic potential energy, pushing the stop block 405 to move upward. The stop block 405 drives the guide rod 403 and the fixed plate 407 to move upward simultaneously. The arc-shaped clamp 408 then separates from the outer wall of the sample tube 2 and returns to its initial state, making it easy for operators to remove the sample tube 2 or replace it with a new sample tube. The whole process does not require manual intervention and is suitable for the automated switching requirements of multiple testing stations. It ensures that each sample tube remains stably positioned during the testing process and avoids the sample tube shifting due to vibration or station movement, which would affect the testing accuracy.

[0017] Furthermore, multiple identical sets of sample tubes 2 are arranged on the side of the mass spectrometer housing 1, with each set of sample tubes 2 evenly spaced. Through the arrangement of sample tubes 2, multiple sets of sample tubes 2 can simultaneously carry different batches or types of test samples without frequently replacing individual sample tubes 2, greatly improving the detection efficiency of batch samples. The evenly spaced distribution can be adapted to the travel of the device's moving mechanism, ensuring that the moving mechanism can accurately align each set of sample tubes 2 and avoid positioning deviations during station switching. At the same time, the uniform specification and evenly spaced layout of sample tubes 2 facilitates standardized clamping by the limiting component 4, eliminating the need to adjust clamping parameters for sample tubes 2 at different positions, simplifying the operation process. In addition, the independent arrangement of multiple sets of sample tubes 2 can avoid cross-contamination between samples, ensuring the accuracy of the test results of each set of samples and fully leveraging the advantages of large-scale testing at multiple detection stations.

[0018] Furthermore, the mounting component 3 includes a slot 301, which is located on the side of the mass spectrometer housing 1 near the sample tube 2. A locking block 302 is engaged inside the slot 301. One end of the locking block 302 extends to the outer end of the slot 301 and is fixedly connected to a lever 303. The lever 303 is bolted to the outside of the mass spectrometer housing 1. A positioning hole 304 is provided inside the locking block 302, and a telescopic spring 305 is connected to the inner end of the positioning hole 304. The other end of the telescopic spring 305 is connected to a limiting plate 306, and a positioning block 307 is attached to the surface of the limiting plate 306. A locking hole 308 is provided inside the slot 301, and a connecting plate 401 is fixedly connected to the lever 303. On the surface of the instrument, through the setting of the mounting component 3, when installing the limiting component 4, firstly, the connecting plate 401 is fixed to the surface of the dial plate 303. Then, the operator holds the dial plate 303, aligns the inner locking block 302 with the slot 301 on the side of the mass spectrometer housing 1, and pushes it in. During the process of the locking block 302 sliding into the slot 301, the telescopic spring 305 in the positioning hole 304 inside the locking block 302 is in a naturally extended state, pushing the limiting plate 306 and the positioning block 307 on the surface to extend into the slot 301. When the locking block 302 slides until the positioning block 307 is aligned with the locking hole 308 inside the slot 301, the positioning block 307 springs into the locking hole 308 under the elastic force of the telescopic spring 305. This initial fixation of the locking block 302 is achieved. At this point, the lever plate 303 is in contact with the surface of the mass spectrometer housing 1. The limiting component 4 is initially positioned by connecting the lever plate 303 to the connecting plate 401. Subsequently, the bolts on the surface of the lever plate 303 are screwed into the threaded holes at the corresponding positions on the mass spectrometer housing 1. The tightening force of the bolts further strengthens the connection between the lever plate 303 and the mass spectrometer housing 1, preventing the locking block 302 from loosening from the locking slot 301 due to vibration during the detection process. This ensures the stability of the limiting component 4. When it is necessary to disassemble the limiting component 4 for maintenance or replacement, simply use a tool to loosen the bolts on the surface of the lever plate 303, releasing the bolts' reinforcing effect on the lever plate 303, and then pull the lever plate 303 outward. The lever 303 drives the locking block 302 to move outward from the slot 301. At this time, the inner wall of the slot 301 exerts a squeezing force on the positioning block 307. The positioning block 307 overcomes the elastic force of the telescopic spring 305 and retracts into the positioning hole 304, disengaging from the locking hole 308 and releasing the initial fixation of the locking block 302. By continuing to pull the lever 303, the locking block 302 can be completely removed from the slot 301. Then, the connecting plate 401 drives the entire limiting component 4 to separate from the mass spectrometer housing 1, completing the disassembly. The entire installation and disassembly process does not require complicated tools and is easy to operate. Moreover, the double fixing structure ensures the installation stability of the limiting component 4, adapting to the needs of multiple detection stations for rapid debugging and maintenance of components.

[0019] Furthermore, the lever 303 is installed on the outside of the mass spectrometer housing 1 via the locking block 302 and the locking slot 301. The outer wall size of the locking block 302 matches the inner wall size of the locking slot 301. The matching size of the locking slot 301 and the locking block 302 ensures that there is no obvious gap when the locking block 302 slides in the locking slot 301, avoiding shaking when the lever 303 drives the limiting component 4, and ensuring the clamping and positioning accuracy of the limiting component 4 for the sample tube 2. At the same time, the locking slot 301 provides a clear installation guide path for the locking block 302, which makes it easy for the operator to quickly align the installation position, shorten the installation time of the limiting component 4, and adapt to the needs of multiple detection stations for rapid component debugging.

[0020] Furthermore, the end of the positioning block 307 furthest from the limiting plate 306 is designed in a hemispherical shape, and the outer wall size of the positioning block 307 is precisely matched with the inner wall size of the locking hole 308. Through the setting of the positioning block 307 and the locking hole 308, the hemispherical design can reduce the frictional resistance between the positioning block 307 and the inner wall of the locking groove 301, so that the positioning block 307 can smoothly spring into or out of the locking hole 308 during the sliding of the locking block 302, avoiding obstruction of installation or disassembly due to jamming. The precisely matched size can ensure that the positioning block 307 is not easy to loosen after being locked into the locking hole 308, enhancing the initial fixing effect between the locking block 302 and the locking groove 301, providing a stable foundation for subsequent bolt reinforcement, and preventing the limiting component 4 from shifting due to vibration during the testing process.

[0021] Furthermore, two sets of guide rods 403 are symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the micro push rod 402 on the side of the connecting plate 401, and the compression springs 404 on the outer side of the two sets of guide rods 403 have the same stiffness coefficient. The diameter of the stop block 405 is larger than the diameter of the guide rod 403. Through the arrangement of guide rods 403, compression springs 404 and stop blocks 405, the symmetrically distributed guide rods 403 and compression springs 404 with the same stiffness coefficient can make the force balanced when the micro push rod 402 drives the fixed plate 407 to move downward, avoiding the fixed plate 407 tilting and causing the arc clamping plate 408 to shift the clamping position of the sample tube 2. The stop block 405 can limit the movement stroke of the guide rod 403, prevent the guide rod 403 from coming out of the connecting plate 401, and at the same time provide stable support for the compression spring 404, ensuring that the compression spring 404 can extend and retract normally to assist the arc clamping plate 408 in resetting, and ensuring the reliability of the cyclic use of the limiting component 4.

[0022] Furthermore, the inner wall of the arc-shaped clamp 408 is provided with several sets of anti-slip grooves along its length, and the anti-slip grooves are consistent with the arc trajectory of the arc-shaped clamp 408. Through the setting of the arc-shaped clamp 408, the anti-slip grooves can increase the contact friction between the arc-shaped clamp 408 and the outer wall of the sample tube 2, effectively preventing the sample tube 2 from sliding due to vibration or station switching during clamping. This is especially suitable for the stability requirements of liquid sample detection. The groove design consistent with the arc trajectory can ensure that the outer wall of the sample tube 2 is subjected to uniform force, avoiding excessive local pressure that could cause deformation and damage to the sample tube 2. At the same time, it further conforms to the shape of the sample tube 2, improves clamping stability, and provides a guarantee for accurate detection.

[0023] Working principle: First, the limiting component 4 is fixed by the installation component 3. The connecting plate 401 is fixed to the lever 303. The locking block 302 on the inner side of the lever 303 is pushed into the slot 301 of the mass spectrometer housing 1. The telescopic spring 305 inside the locking block 302 pushes the positioning block 307 into the locking hole 308 to achieve initial fixation. Then, the bolts on the surface of the lever 303 are tightened to complete the reinforcement. Then, the operator puts the sample to be tested into multiple groups of sample tubes 2 that are evenly distributed on the side of the mass spectrometer housing 1. At this time, the miniature push rod 402 of the limiting component 4 is in the retracted state, the compression spring 404 is naturally extended, and the arc-shaped clamp 408 maintains a distance from the sample tube 2. After the device is started, the miniature push rod 402 extends downward and pushes the fixing plate 407 down through the wear-resistant pad 406. This causes the guide rods 403 on both sides to slide along the connecting plate 401 and squeeze the compression spring 404. 03 Ensure that the fixing plate 407 is not tilted until the arc-shaped clamping plate 408 fits the sample tube 2 and reaches the preset clamping force. The reaction force of the compression spring 404 enhances the clamping stability. During the detection process, the moving mechanism can accurately align the sample tubes 2 at equal intervals to achieve multi-station switching. The shock-absorbing structure, together with the anti-slip groove of the arc-shaped clamping plate 408, prevents the sample tube 2 from sliding or shifting. After the detection is completed, the micro push rod 402 retracts, and the compression spring 404 releases potential energy to drive the guide rod 403, fixing plate 407 and arc-shaped clamping plate 408 to reset. The operator can then remove the sample tube 2. If the limiting component 4 needs to be maintained, loosen the bolt and pull the lever 303 to make the positioning block 307 disengage from the card hole 308, and the limiting component 4 can be removed. The whole process realizes automated and accurate detection of multiple samples, taking into account both efficiency and stability. This completes the use of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations.

[0024] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations, comprising a mass spectrometer housing (1), characterized in that: A sample tube (2) is connected to the lower end of one side of the mass spectrometer housing (1). A mounting component (3) is provided on the side of the mass spectrometer housing (1) near the sample tube (2). A limit component (4) is provided on the surface of the mounting component (3). The limiting component (4) includes a connecting plate (401), which is disposed on the surface of the mounting component (3). A miniature push rod (402) is installed in the upper middle part of the connecting plate (401). A guide rod (403) is connected through the side of the connecting plate (401). A compression spring (404) is connected to the outer side of the guide rod (403). A stop block (405) is connected to the top of the guide rod (403) and one end of the compression spring (404). A wear-resistant pad (406) is fixedly connected to the bottom output end of the miniature push rod (402) and the bottom end of the guide rod (403). A fixing plate (407) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the wear-resistant pad (406). An arc-shaped clamp (408) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixing plate (407).

2. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample tubes (2) are arranged in multiple identical groups on the side of the mass spectrometer housing (1), and each group of sample tubes (2) is distributed at equal intervals.

3. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting assembly (3) includes a slot (301) located on the side of the mass spectrometer housing (1) near the sample tube (2). A locking block (302) is engaged inside the slot (301). One end of the locking block (302) extends to the outer end of the slot (301) and is fixedly connected to a lever (303). The lever (303) is bolted to the outside of the mass spectrometer housing (1). A positioning hole (304) is provided inside the locking block (302). A telescopic spring (305) is connected to the inner end of the positioning hole (304). A limiting plate (306) is connected to the other end of the telescopic spring (305). A positioning block (307) is connected to the surface of the limiting plate (306). A locking hole (308) is provided inside the slot (301). A connecting plate (401) is fixedly connected to the surface of the lever (303).

4. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations according to claim 3, characterized in that: The dial (303) is installed on the outside of the mass spectrometer housing (1) via a card block (302) and a card slot (301), and the outer wall size of the card block (302) matches the inner wall size of the card slot (301).

5. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the positioning block (307) away from the limiting plate (306) is designed in a hemispherical shape, and the outer wall size of the positioning block (307) is precisely matched with the inner wall size of the card hole (308).

6. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two sets of guide rods (403) are symmetrically arranged on the side of the connecting plate (401) along the central axis of the micro push rod (402), and the spring constants of the compression springs (404) on the outer side of the two sets of guide rods (403) are the same. The diameter of the stop block (405) is larger than the diameter of the guide rod (403).

7. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiple detection stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the arc-shaped clamp (408) is provided with several sets of anti-slip grooves along the length direction, and the anti-slip grooves are consistent with the arc trajectory of the arc-shaped clamp (408).

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