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WO2021224611A1 - Agencement de connexion électrique - Google Patents

Agencement de connexion électrique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021224611A1
WO2021224611A1 PCT/GB2021/051077 GB2021051077W WO2021224611A1 WO 2021224611 A1 WO2021224611 A1 WO 2021224611A1 GB 2021051077 W GB2021051077 W GB 2021051077W WO 2021224611 A1 WO2021224611 A1 WO 2021224611A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrical
module
connector
connection arrangement
electrical connection
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2021/051077
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Pham Hoang Vu Ngo
Arvind RANGAN
Carl Chen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Micromass UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Micromass UK Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Micromass UK Ltd filed Critical Micromass UK Ltd
Priority to GB2215062.7A priority Critical patent/GB2609137A/en
Publication of WO2021224611A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021224611A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
    • H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
    • H05K7/1438—Back panels or connecting means therefor; Terminals; Coding means to avoid wrong insertion
    • H05K7/1452—Mounting of connectors; Switching; Reinforcing of back panels
    • H05K7/1454—Alignment mechanisms; Drawout cases
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J49/00—Particle spectrometers or separator tubes
    • H01J49/02—Details
    • H01J49/10—Ion sources; Ion guns

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical connection arrangement for creating an electrical connection between a first module and a second module. More particularly, the invention relates to an electrical connection arrangement for creating an electrical connection between an ion source and a mass spectrometer.
  • the invention generally relates to an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP).
  • ASAP atmospheric solids analysis probe
  • Such probes, and the associated instrument for use with ASAP, are provided by several manufacturers, including Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, U.S.A.
  • ASAP is a useful and relatively cheap tool for use in the direct analysis of volatile and semi-volatile, solid and liquid samples and may be used in the analysis of speciality chemicals, synthetic polymers, energy sources and food.
  • a sample is introduced into an ion source housing (e.g. an API source), in which the sample is volatilised using a heated gas, such as nitrogen, and the sample is then ionised using, for example, a corona discharge pin.
  • a heated gas such as nitrogen
  • the ionised sample may subsequently be analysed in a mass spectrometer.
  • the sample is introduced into the source by loading it onto the tip of a capillary.
  • the capillary may comprise a conventional glass capillary.
  • a holder comprising a clamp mechanism which serves to retain the proximal end of the capillary (opposite the tip at the distal end which carries a sample) in the capillary holder. This may provide a user with a more robust method of handling the capillary, and may also assist in the guiding of the capillary into the source.
  • the holder, loaded with a capillary may be inserted into a guide arrangement, mountable to the housing of the source assembly, for introducing the capillary into the source assembly.
  • the source assembly further comprises a heater arrangement.
  • the distal end of the capillary is arranged adjacent to the outlet of a nozzle of the heater arrangement for directing heated gas onto the capillary to heat up and volatilise the sample.
  • the ion source arrangement further comprises a corona discharge pin, arranged adjacent the capillary, to ionise the heated sample.
  • a mass spectrometer is used in order to analyse the heated and ionised sample. The vaporised and ionised sample is introduced into the inlet cone of the mass spectrometer.
  • the apparatus comprises various components and modules, each of which may be manufactured and assembled to within predetermined tolerances. As the components are assembled, the tolerances may stack up. In addition to mechanical, pneumatic or otherwise functional connections being made between the various components, there may be a need for electrical connections (e.g. power, signals, data communications) to be established therebetween.
  • electrical connections e.g. power, signals, data communications
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved electrical connection.
  • the present invention provides an electrical connection arrangement for creating an electrical connection between a first module and a second module, wherein the first module and second module are matable together through a mechanical connection separate to the electrical connection arrangement, the arrangement comprising co-operating first and second electrical connectors, the first electrical connector configured to be mounted to the first module and the second electrical connector configured to be mounted to the second module, wherein at least one of the first and second electrical connectors is configured to be mounted to the respective module with a floating connection.
  • the first electrical connector is configured to be substantially rigidly mounted to the first module, and the second electrical connector is configured to be mounted to the second module with said floating connection.
  • the second electrical connector is configured to be mounted to a substantially planar surface of the second module with said floating connection and constrained to movement within a plane substantially parallel to said planar surface.
  • one of the first and second electrical connectors comprises a first alignment feature
  • the other of the second and first electrical connectors comprises a second alignment feature
  • the first and second alignment features being configured to mate with one another.
  • one of the first and second alignment features is receivable by the other of the second and first alignment features, and the first and second alignment features are configured such that as said one of the first or second electrical connectors is progressively received into the other of the second or first electrical connectors, the first and second electrical connectors are caused to align with one another.
  • the second electrical connector comprises a male alignment feature
  • the first electrical connector comprises a female alignment feature, the male alignment feature receivable in the female alignment feature
  • the second electrical connector comprises: a first connector plate secured to an electrical port, and a second connector plate connectable to the first connector plate configured such that, in use, a part of the second module is receivable between the first and second connector plates to provide said floating connection.
  • the present invention further provides an assembly comprising: a first module; a second module mechanically mated to the first module; and an electrical connection arrangement according to the invention, wherein the first electrical connector is mounted to the first module and the second electrical connector is mounted to the second module.
  • the first module is an ion source and the second module is a mass spectrometer.
  • the mass spectrometer comprises a housing and at least one component of the mass spectrometer protrudes from the housing and is received in the ion source.
  • Figure 1 shows a partially exploded view of an electrical connection arrangement embodying the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the arrangement of Figure 1 , when assembled
  • Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of part of Figure 2
  • Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a part of an electrical connection arrangement embodying the present invention
  • Figure 4a is an enlarged view of detail A from Figure 4.
  • Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a first electrical connector of an electrical connection arrangement embodying the present invention.
  • the figures illustrate an electrical connection arrangement 1 for creating an electrical connection between a first module 10 and a second module 30.
  • the first module 10 and second module 30 are matable together through a mechanical connection which is separate to the electrical connection arrangement 1 embodying the present invention.
  • the first module 10 is an ion source and the second module 30 is a mass spectrometer.
  • a guide arrangement 2 may be mounted to the outside of the housing of the ion source 10, for receiving a capillary holder 3 therein.
  • the holder 3 may be translated in the guide arrangement 2 to introduce a capillary into the ion source 10.
  • the mass spectrometer 30 comprises a housing 31 having an end panel 32.
  • the mass spectrometer 30 and/or ion source 10 may be provided with a further cover(s), to provide aesthetic appeal.
  • the cover(s) may additionally or alternatively provide additional safety to the arrangement, since the mass spectrometer 30 and/or ion source 10 may have exposed high voltage and/or hot components.
  • At least one locating pin 35 further protrudes from the end panel 32 of the mass spectrometer housing 31.
  • the or each locating pin 35 is receivable in a corresponding aperture (not shown) in the ion housing 10. As described below, this provides a rough initial alignment guide for the ion source 10.
  • Two locating pins 35 are present on the arrangement in figure 1 , though one locating pin 35 is obscured from view.
  • the locating pins 35 may be diametrically opposed from one another.
  • the distal end(s) of the locating pin(s) 35 may be threaded, either internally or externally.
  • the electrical connection is to supply high voltage to the corona pin of the ion source 10.
  • This connection may be made using an electrical connection arrangement embodying the present invention. Electrical connections may otherwise be made between two modules 10, 30 using flexible cables and known connection terminals. However, there is a need for a user separately to connect these terminals after mechanically connecting the first 10 and second 30 modules together. Not only may this be time consuming, but a user may incorrectly connect the electrical connectors together, or may forget to connect them at all. At least some of the electrical connections may be high voltage or otherwise dangerous to the user, so the need for a user to manually connect the arrangement may be preferably avoided.
  • An electrical connection arrangement 1 embodying the present invention further comprises a first electrical connector 20 and a second electrical connector 40.
  • the first electrical connector 20 is configured to be mounted to the first module 10.
  • the second electrical connector 40 is configured to be mounted to the second module 30.
  • the first electrical connector 20 is mounted on the outside of the ion source housing. Further details of the first electrical connector 20 are shown in figure 5.
  • the second electrical connector 40 is configured to be mounted to the substantially planar end wall 32 of the housing 31 with a floating connection such that the second electrical connector 40 is constrained to movement within a plane substantially parallel to the planar surface of the end panel 32.
  • the extent of movement may be limited to within a range of 1 - 2mm.
  • the second electrical connector 40 may be translatable in one axis to a greater extent than in another, perpendicular, axis.
  • the second electrical connector 40 may be translatable within a range of 2mm in the vertical direction and 1mm in the horizontal direction.
  • the extent of any translation may be greater than the maximum tolerable play in the mating of the electrical ports 23, 43.
  • one of the first 20 and second 40 electrical connectors comprises a first alignment feature
  • the other of the second 40 and first 20 electrical connectors comprises a second alignment feature, wherein the first and second alignment features are configured to mate with one another.
  • the first electrical connector 20 comprises a recess 21 extending inwardly from a mating face 22 of the first connector 20.
  • the second electrical connector 40 comprises an alignment protrusion 41 which is sized so as to be receivable in the recess 21 of the first electrical connector 20.
  • the recess 21 of the first electrical connector 20 defines a female alignment feature and the alignment protrusion 41 of the second electrical connector defines a male alignment feature which is receivable in the female alignment feature.
  • the alignment protrusion 41 may be greater than 30mm in length.
  • the distal end 42 of the alignment protrusion 41 may be tapered. Consequently, as the alignment protrusion 41 is received in the aperture 21, any slight misalignment of the alignment protrusion 41 and recess 21 causes the tapered distal end 42 of the alignment protrusion 41 to engage with the side of the aperture 21 of the first electrical connector 20.
  • the first 20 and second 40 electrical connectors are caused to align with one another.
  • the recess 21 may be shaped so as to correspond substantially to the shape of the alignment protrusion 41.
  • the alignment protrusion 41 and/or recess 21 may be substantially cylindrical or any other shape. As shown in figure 4A, the alignment protrusion 41 of the illustrated embodiment is wide and thin, having a general ‘duck bill’ shape.
  • the alignment protrusion 41 may be sized so as to be receivable in the recess 21 of the first electrical connector 20 with a sliding fit. The sliding fit of the alignment protrusion 41 in the recess 21 may be such that translation in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the protrusion 41 is substantially prevented.
  • the first electrical connector 20 comprises an electrical port 23 and the second electrical connector 40 comprises an electrical port 43.
  • the electrical ports 23, 43 are configured to cooperate with one another.
  • one of the first 23 and second 43 electrical ports may comprise a male electrical port member, and the other of the second 43 and first 23 electrical ports comprises a female electrical port member.
  • a cable 50 is connected to the second electrical port 43, to deliver high voltage through the first electrical port 23 to the corona discharge device/pin.
  • the connection of the cable 50 to the electrical port 43 may be protected by a shrink sleeve 51.
  • the shrink sleeve 51 may provide some strain relief to the electrical connection between the cable 50 and the electrical port 43, serving to reduce or prevent the transfer of forces into a soldered joint between the cable 50 and the electrical port 43. This is advantageous since the second electrical port 43 floats with respect to the mass spectromerer in use, and so repeated movement of the electrical port 43 over time could otherwise weaken the electrical connection.
  • the distance between the electrical port 23, 43 and the corresponding alignment feature 21 , 41 is the same for both electrical connectors 20, 40. Accordingly, the distance between the electrical port 23 and the alignment feature (recess 21) on the first connector 20 is substantially equal to the distance between the electrical port 43 of the second electrical connector 40 and the alignment feature (alignment protrusion 41) on the second electrical connector 40.
  • the distances referred to are between the centres of the port 23, 43 and alignment feature 21 , 41.
  • the electrical connection arrangement is configured such that by the time the first 23 and second 43 electrical ports mate with one another, they will be coaxially aligned with one another, so as to ensure a good connection therebetween.
  • the alignment protrusion 41 of the second electrical connector 40 protrudes beyond that of the electrical port 43, such that as the electrical connectors 20, 40 are brought into engagement with one another, the alignment features 21 , 41 will be the first to engage with one another, before the first 23 and second 43 electrical ports make a connection.
  • the second electrical connector 40 comprises a first connector plate 44 secured to an electrical port 43.
  • the second electrical connector 40 further comprises a second connector plate 45 connectable to the first connector plate 44.
  • the second connector plate 45 may comprise an aperture 46 through which a screw 47 (e.g. a Hex screw) is receivable.
  • the screw 47 may be screwed into a threaded aperture 48 in the first connector plate 44.
  • the distance between the first 44 and second 45 connector plates is greater than the thickness of the end plate 32, so as to allow a floating connection of the second electrical connector 40 relative to the end plate 32 of the housing 31.
  • the extent of the floating connection may be determined by the size of the aperture 36 in the end plate 32 of the housing 31.
  • the end plate 32 further comprises a circular aperture 37, sized so as to correspond with the electrical port 43.
  • the second connector plate 45 comprises a corresponding circular aperture 49.
  • Aperture 37 may be larger in diameter than aperture 49, to account for the floating connection afforded by the size of aperture 36.
  • the weight of the first connector plate 44, second connector plate 45 and electrical port 43 of the second electrical connector 40 may be such that gravity causes it to move downwards, until the screw 47 abuts the bottom surface of the aperture 36.
  • the second electrical connector 40 may be biased towards a particular position relative to the end plate 32 of the housing 31.
  • the electrical port 23, 43 may comprise a high voltage electrical port. They may be off-the-shelf components such as those manufactured by LEMO Group, of Switzerland.
  • FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the first electrical connector 20 of an arrangement embodying the present invention.
  • the first electrical connector 20 comprises an enclosure 24, which may be formed of PEEK.
  • the enclosure 24 includes an opening 25 to receive at least a part of the electrical port 23 therein.
  • a wire 26 of the electrical port 23 may then be routed through the enclosure 24, for connection to the corona discharge device/pin of the ion source 10.
  • the arrangement may facilitate easy removal/cleaning of the corona pin assembly.
  • Electrical connections many comprise hard gold plated surfaces.
  • the electrical connection arrangement serves to mitigate the effects of tolerance stack up. Even if the first and second modules are misaligned initially, the electrical connection arrangement allows for the electrical connectors to be realigned as required.
  • the seal may be to substantially prevent any gas, e.g. nitrogen, from leaking from the ion source chamber in use.
  • a benefit of an electrical connection embodying the present invention is that it may promote the accurate seating of the seal(s).
  • a further advantage of an electrical connection arrangement 1 embodying the present invention is that it allows for manufacturing tolerances of the assembly, for example in the positioning of the apertures 36 and 37 in the mass spectrometer housing 31 , while still ensuring a good and safe electrical connection (which may be high voltage) between the electrical ports 23, 43. Furthermore, the arrangement allows for the interchangeability of different ion sources. Still further, the arrangement of the present invention provides for a reliable, substantially ‘fool proof way of connecting modules together and allowing substantially automatic high voltage connections to be made with a reduced risk to the user.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Other Investigation Or Analysis Of Materials By Electrical Means (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un agencement de connexion électrique pour créer une connexion électrique entre un premier module et un second module, le premier module et le second module pouvant être couplés l'un à l'autre par l'intermédiaire d'une connexion mécanique, séparée de l'agencement de connexion électrique, l'agencement comprenant des premier et second connecteurs électriques coopérant, le premier connecteur électrique étant configuré pour être monté sur le premier module et le second connecteur électrique étant configuré pour être monté sur le second module, au moins l'un des premier et second connecteurs électriques étant configuré pour être monté sur le module respectif avec une connexion flottante.
PCT/GB2021/051077 2020-05-05 2021-05-05 Agencement de connexion électrique Ceased WO2021224611A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2215062.7A GB2609137A (en) 2020-05-05 2021-05-05 An electrical connection arrangement

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SG10202004136P 2020-05-05
SG10202004136P 2020-05-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021224611A1 true WO2021224611A1 (fr) 2021-11-11

Family

ID=75954143

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2021/051077 Ceased WO2021224611A1 (fr) 2020-05-05 2021-05-05 Agencement de connexion électrique

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2609137A (fr)
WO (1) WO2021224611A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5385481A (en) * 1991-12-20 1995-01-31 Tandem Computers Incorporated Alignment mechanism for blind-matable connection for two or more connectors
US20100055951A1 (en) * 2007-04-04 2010-03-04 Nec Corporation Back plug-in connector device
US20140148043A1 (en) * 2012-11-29 2014-05-29 Eaton Corporation Systems and methods for aligning and connecting electrical components
GB2575354A (en) * 2018-06-01 2020-01-08 Micromass Ltd An inner source assembly and associated components

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5385481A (en) * 1991-12-20 1995-01-31 Tandem Computers Incorporated Alignment mechanism for blind-matable connection for two or more connectors
US20100055951A1 (en) * 2007-04-04 2010-03-04 Nec Corporation Back plug-in connector device
US20140148043A1 (en) * 2012-11-29 2014-05-29 Eaton Corporation Systems and methods for aligning and connecting electrical components
GB2575354A (en) * 2018-06-01 2020-01-08 Micromass Ltd An inner source assembly and associated components

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2609137A (en) 2023-01-25
GB202215062D0 (en) 2022-11-23

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