Nozzle adapter, liquid collection device and working method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nozzle adapter, a liquid extraction device, and a method for operating the same. The nozzle adapter comprises an adapter body, the adapter body comprising a mounting rod extending in a longitudinal direction, the mounting rod being configured to be inserted into a nozzle to mount the nozzle on the nozzle adapter, a first detection mechanism fixed relative to the mounting rod, and a movable sleeve sleeved over the mounting rod, the movable sleeve being configured to be pushed upward in the longitudinal direction by the nozzle when the nozzle is inserted into the mounting rod. The first detection mechanism is configured to detect movement of the movable sleeve relative to the mounting rod in the longitudinal direction to determine whether a nozzle is mounted on the mounting rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical diagnostic equipment, and in particular to a nozzle adapter. The present invention also relates to a liquid collection device and a method for operating the liquid collection device. Background Art

[0002] The liquid collection device is an essential hardware for medical diagnostic equipment, which is used to collect samples and obtain the reagents required for the test items. Existing liquid collection devices generally include a nozzle adapter with a liquid collection pump for aspirating liquids, and a disposable nozzle (TIP head). The outer peripheral surface of the end of the nozzle adapter is designed to be a smooth cylindrical surface or a conical surface. When the end of the nozzle adapter is inserted into the nozzle, the outer peripheral surface forms an interference fit with the inner surface of the nozzle, thereby realizing the installation of the nozzle adapter and the nozzle together to form a complete liquid collection device. The installed liquid collection device can aspirate liquids, such as samples and reagents, through the principle of vacuum suction.

[0003] In the prior art, the descending distance of the nozzle adapter is usually controlled so that it descends a predetermined distance and is inserted into the nozzle for fitting and installation. However, the inventors of the present invention found that in actual applications, it cannot be guaranteed that the nozzles located on the nozzle holder are all in the same plane, or strictly in the same plane. This results in the inability to guarantee the depth of the nozzle adapter inserted into the nozzle, and thus the degree of interference fit between the outer peripheral surface of the end of the nozzle adapter and the inner surface of the nozzle cannot be guaranteed. This can easily lead to insufficient sealing between the nozzle adapter and the nozzle (this problem can easily be caused by excessive interference fit due to too deep insertion or too small interference fit due to shallow insertion), or it can easily cause the nozzle to fall off unexpectedly from the nozzle adapter. These problems will affect subsequent inspection work.

[0004] Furthermore, for automatic or semi-automatic liquid dispensing devices, it's possible for the nozzle adapter to be lowered and inserted into an empty space on the nozzle holder (i.e., a location where no nozzle actually exists). In this case, no nozzle is actually attached to the nozzle adapter. However, the liquid dispensing device will mistakenly believe that a nozzle is already installed and proceed with subsequent operations. This can hinder subsequent liquid dispensing and testing, and may even damage the liquid dispensing device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a nozzle adapter, a liquid collection device including the same, and a working method thereof. The nozzle adapter, the liquid collection device, and the working method thereof can solve at least one of the above problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a suction nozzle adapter is proposed, comprising: an adapter main body, the adapter main body comprising: a mounting rod extending in a longitudinal direction, the mounting rod being configured to be inserted into a suction nozzle so as to mount the suction nozzle on the suction nozzle adapter, and a first detection mechanism, the first detection mechanism being fixed relative to the mounting rod; and a movable sleeve being sleeved outside the mounting rod, the movable sleeve being configured to be pushed upward in the longitudinal direction by the suction nozzle when the suction nozzle is inserted into the mounting rod; wherein the first detection mechanism is configured to detect the movement of the movable sleeve relative to the mounting rod in the longitudinal direction, so as to determine whether a suction nozzle is mounted on the mounting rod.

[0007] When the adapter body moves downward in the longitudinal direction, the first detection mechanism can be used to detect whether the movable sleeve has undergone a relative upward displacement in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod. If there is a relative displacement, it means that the movable sleeve has been pushed by the suction nozzle. This can indicate that a suction nozzle has been installed on the mounting rod. Otherwise, it means that the movable sleeve has not been pushed by the suction nozzle. This can indicate that no suction nozzle has been installed on the mounting rod. In this way, it can be timely and accurately known whether the operation of installing the suction nozzle is performed on an empty space on the suction nozzle rack, so that subsequent operations can be selectively performed based on the detection results. Especially in the case of automatic or semi-automatic operation, this ensures the effectiveness of subsequent operations and can avoid errors and damage caused by the failure to install the suction nozzle.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first detection mechanism is a first photoelectric sensor, which is configured to detect that the movable sleeve moves upward to a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod, so as to determine that a suction nozzle is installed on the mounting rod and / or to determine that the suction nozzle is installed to a predetermined depth on the mounting rod.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the top end of the movable sleeve is constructed with a first detection protrusion extending radially outward; the first photoelectric sensor includes a first light emitter and a first light receiver arranged opposite to the first light emitter, and the first light receiver is constructed to receive light from the first light emitter; the movable sleeve is detected to move to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod by moving the first detection protrusion between the first light receiver and the first light emitter and preventing the first light receiver from receiving light from the first light emitter, or by moving the first detection protrusion away from between the first light receiver and the first light emitter and allowing the first light receiver to receive light from the first light emitter.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the first detection protrusion is a wing extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the inner side wall of the movable sleeve is constructed with a movable sleeve abutment surface facing longitudinally upward, and the outer side wall of the mounting rod is constructed with a mounting rod abutment surface facing longitudinally downward, the mounting rod abutment surface is located above the movable sleeve abutment surface in the longitudinal direction and is spaced apart from the movable sleeve abutment surface, and a first elastic member extending in the longitudinal direction is provided between the mounting rod abutment surface and the movable sleeve abutment surface, the first elastic member is compressed when the movable sleeve moves upward in the longitudinal direction, and pushes the movable sleeve downward in the longitudinal direction after the suction nozzle is detached from the mounting rod.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle adapter also includes: a fixed mounting bracket, which is configured to be connected to an adapter driving mechanism that drives the nozzle adapter to move in the longitudinal direction; and a second detection mechanism, which is fixedly mounted on the fixed mounting bracket and is configured to detect the movement distance of the adapter body relative to the fixed mounting bracket in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the second detection mechanism is a second photoelectric sensor, which includes a second light emitter and a second light receiver arranged opposite to the second light emitter, and the second light receiver is configured to receive light from the second light emitter; the nozzle adapter also includes a second detection protrusion that moves with the adapter body; wherein, the adapter body is detected to have moved a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed mounting bracket by the second detection protrusion moving between the second light receiver and the second light emitter and preventing the second light receiver from receiving light from the second light emitter, or by the second detection protrusion moving away from between the second light receiver and the second light emitter and allowing the second light receiver to receive light from the second light emitter.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the suction nozzle adapter also includes a movable mounting bracket, which is fixedly connected to the adapter body and can move with the adapter body, the movable mounting bracket including a movable mounting surface facing longitudinally upward; the fixed mounting bracket includes a fixed mounting surface facing longitudinally downward, the fixed mounting surface is located above the movable mounting surface in the longitudinal direction and is spaced apart from the movable mounting surface; and a second elastic member, which extends between the movable mounting surface and the fixed mounting surface in the longitudinal direction; wherein, when the suction nozzle is inserted into the mounting rod, the movable mounting bracket moves upward in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed mounting bracket together with the adapter body to compress the second elastic member, and the longitudinal upward pressure on the mounting rod is detected by the cooperation between the second elastic member and the second detection mechanism.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a guide hole passing through the movable mounting bracket is constructed at the movable mounting surface of the movable mounting bracket; a guide rod extending downward in the longitudinal direction through the guide hole is provided on the fixed mounting surface of the fixed mounting bracket, and the guide rod passes through the second elastic member so that the deformation of the second elastic member is limited by the guide rod.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a liquid collection device is proposed, comprising: the above-mentioned nozzle adapter; and a control mechanism, wherein the control mechanism is configured to determine whether a nozzle is mounted on the mounting rod in response to the first detection mechanism detecting the movement of the movable sleeve relative to the mounting rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the control mechanism is constructed to determine that a suction nozzle is installed on the mounting rod and / or determine that the suction nozzle is installed on the mounting rod to a predetermined depth in response to the first detection mechanism detecting that the movable sleeve moves upward to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the suction nozzle adapter also includes: a fixed mounting bracket, which is configured to be connected to an adapter driving mechanism that drives the suction nozzle adapter to move in the longitudinal direction; and a second detection mechanism, which is fixedly mounted on the fixed mounting bracket and is configured to detect the moving distance of the adapter body relative to the fixed mounting bracket in the longitudinal direction; wherein the control mechanism is configured to determine that the suction nozzle is installed in place on the mounting rod in response to the second detection mechanism detecting that the adapter body has moved a predetermined distance relative to the fixed mounting bracket in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] According to the third aspect of the present invention, a working method of the above-mentioned liquid extraction device is proposed, including the following steps: driving the adapter body to move downward in the longitudinal direction; when driving the adapter body to move downward in the longitudinal direction, detecting whether the movable sleeve moves upward in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod to determine whether a suction nozzle is installed on the mounting rod.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, when driving the adapter body to move downward in the longitudinal direction, in response to detecting that the movable sleeve moves upward to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod, it is determined that a suction nozzle is installed on the mounting rod and / or that the suction nozzle is installed to a predetermined depth on the mounting rod; when it is determined that the suction nozzle is installed in place on the mounting rod, driving the adapter body to move downward in the longitudinal direction is stopped.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the suction nozzle adapter also includes: a fixed mounting bracket, which is configured to be connected to an adapter driving mechanism that drives the suction nozzle adapter to move in the longitudinal direction; and a second detection mechanism, which is fixedly mounted on the fixed mounting bracket and is configured to detect the movement distance of the adapter body relative to the fixed mounting bracket in the longitudinal direction; wherein, the working method also includes the following steps: when driving the adapter body to move downward in the longitudinal direction, detecting the distance that the adapter body moves relative to the fixed mounting bracket in the longitudinal direction; in response to detecting that the adapter body has moved a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed mounting bracket, determining that the suction nozzle is installed in place on the mounting rod, and stopping driving the adapter body to move downward in the longitudinal direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a nozzle adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a nozzle adapter;

[0025] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of the nozzle adapter in another direction.

[0026] In the drawings, like parts are given like reference numerals, but the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 An embodiment of a nozzle adapter 100 according to the present invention is schematically shown. The nozzle adapter 100 includes an adapter body 110. The adapter body 110 may include a mounting rod 112 extending in the longitudinal direction. The mounting rod 112 is configured to be inserted into the nozzle 200 and to seal therewith. The interior of the mounting rod 112 is configured to have a hollow channel (see FIG. Figure 2 After the nozzle 200 is engaged with the mounting rod 112, liquid (e.g., a sample or reagent, etc.) can be drawn into or released from the nozzle 200 via the hollow passage within the mounting rod 112 by a pump included in the adapter body 110 or a pump connected to or engaged with the adapter body 110.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the device 100 further includes a movable sleeve 120 sleeved on the outside of the mounting rod 112. The movable sleeve 120 can move on the mounting rod 112 along the longitudinal direction.

[0030] The device 100 may further include a first detection mechanism 111. The first detection mechanism 111 may be part of the adapter body 110 and may be fixed relative to the mounting rod 112. The first detection mechanism 111 is configured to detect movement of the movable sleeve 120 relative to the mounting rod 112. The first detection mechanism 111 may be any suitable detection mechanism, such as a displacement sensor, a velocity sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the preferred embodiment shown, the first detection mechanism 111 is configured as a first photoelectric sensor for detecting whether the movable sleeve 120 has reached a predetermined position relative to the mounting rod 112 in the longitudinal direction. The photoelectric sensor serving as the first detection mechanism 111 may include a first light emitter 111A and a first light receiver 111B disposed opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first light receiver 111B is opposite to the first light emitter 111A so as to be able to receive light from the first light emitter 111A. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, a first detection protrusion 121 extending radially outward is configured at the top end of the movable sleeve 120. The first detection protrusion 121 is configured in the form of a wing extending in the longitudinal direction. It should be understood that, as needed, the first detection protrusion 121 can also be configured in any other appropriate form.

[0032] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, it can be determined that the movable sleeve 120 has moved to the predetermined position by the first detection protrusion 121 moving upward in the longitudinal direction to between the first light receiver 111A and the first light emitter 111B and preventing the first light receiver 111B from receiving light from the first light emitter 111A.

[0033] Alternatively, the movement of the movable sleeve 120 to the predetermined position may be detected by the first detecting protrusion 121 moving upward away from between the first light receiver 111A and the first light emitter 111B and allowing the first light receiver 111B to receive the light from the first light emitter 111A.

[0034] The adapter body 110 of the nozzle adapter 100 can be moved above the nozzle rack (not shown) where the nozzle 200 is located and moved downward in the longitudinal direction so that the mounting rod 112 therein can be inserted into the nozzle 200 for installation. However, the nozzle rack typically has multiple nozzle positions for placing the nozzle 200. When the adapter body 110 moves downward, the nozzle position it is targeting may not necessarily have a nozzle placed therein, that is, it may be an empty position. Through the above arrangement, during the downward movement of the adapter body 110, if the mounting rod 112 is inserted into the nozzle 200, the nozzle 200 will push the movable sleeve 120 mounted on its outer side upward in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod 112. When the first detection mechanism 111 detects that the movable sleeve 120 has moved upward in the longitudinal direction or moved to a predetermined position, it indicates or determines that the nozzle 200 is installed on the mounting rod 112. In other words, the above-mentioned movement operation of the adapter body 110 is not performed in an empty position.

[0035] Furthermore, if the first detection mechanism 111 detects that the movable sleeve 120 has moved to a predetermined position, it can indicate or determine that the suction nozzle 200 has moved upward longitudinally relative to the mounting rod 112 to a predetermined depth. In some embodiments, this can be used to determine that the suction nozzle 200 is properly installed. Compared to conventional methods of controlling the lowering distance of the adapter body 110, this control method is more efficient and stable, and can ensure a stable and effective installation of the suction nozzle 200 with a greater probability.

[0036] The interference fit between the suction nozzle 200 and the mounting rod 112 may be an interference fit between conical surfaces or cylindrical surfaces, an interference fit between a conical surface or cylindrical surface and a raised sealing ring, or any other form of interference fit.

[0037] like Figure 2As shown, the inner sidewall of the movable sleeve 120 is constructed with a longitudinally upward-facing movable sleeve abutment surface 120A. Correspondingly, the outer sidewall of the mounting rod 112 is constructed with a longitudinally downward-facing mounting rod abutment surface 112A. The mounting rod abutment surface 112A is longitudinally located above and spaced apart from the movable sleeve abutment surface 120A. A first elastic member 150 extending longitudinally may be disposed between the movable sleeve abutment surface 120A and the mounting rod abutment surface 112A. The first elastic member 150 may be, for example, a helical compression spring. When the movable sleeve 120 is subjected to an upward longitudinal force and moves upward relative to the mounting rod 112 (which may be subjected to an opposing downward force), the first elastic member 150 is compressed. Once the upward longitudinal force on the movable sleeve 120 or the downward force on the mounting rod 112 weakens or disappears, the first elastic member 150 releases its elastic potential energy, thereby pushing the movable sleeve 120 downward longitudinally back to its original position. Preferably, the first elastic member 150 remains in a compressed state. That is, when the movable cover 120 returns to its original position, the first elastic member 150 can still be in a compressed state. At this time, a stopper or similar structure can be used to prevent the movable cover 120 from moving further downward. This arrangement helps ensure that the movable cover 120 can effectively return to its original position during multiple and frequent up and down movements.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the nozzle adapter 100 may further include a fixed mounting bracket 130. The fixed mounting bracket is connected to an adapter drive mechanism (not shown) used to drive the nozzle adapter 100 to move in the longitudinal direction. "Fixed" here refers to being fixed relative to the portion of the adapter drive mechanism that is connected to the fixed mounting bracket 130. It should be understood that the adapter drive mechanism can also be used to drive the nozzle adapter 100 to move in other directions (e.g., transversely). The fixed mounting bracket 130 is configured with a fixed mounting surface 130A facing longitudinally downward. The nozzle adapter 100 also includes a movable mounting bracket 180 fixedly connected relative to the adapter body 110. The movable mounting bracket 180 is configured with a movable mounting surface 180A facing longitudinally upward. The movable mounting surface 180A is located below the fixed mounting surface 130A in the longitudinal direction and is relatively spaced therefrom. A guide hole (not shown) is configured at the movable mounting surface 180A of the movable mounting bracket 180 that passes through the movable mounting bracket 180. Accordingly, a guide rod 140 extending longitudinally downward through the guide hole is provided on the fixed mounting surface 130A of the fixed mounting bracket 130. The arrangement of the guide rod 140 and the guide hole limits the movement of the movable mounting bracket 180 relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130 to longitudinal movement.

[0039] The lower end of the guide rod 140, which passes through the guide hole, may be configured with a positioning hole 141 that radially extends through the guide rod 140. A positioning pin (not shown) may be disposed within the positioning hole 141 and extend radially beyond the positioning hole 141. This positioning pin may be used to limit the maximum distance between the movable mounting surface 180A of the movable mounting bracket 180 and the fixed mounting surface 130A of the fixed mounting bracket 130. In other words, when the movable mounting bracket 180 moves downward (away from) relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130 in the longitudinal direction to this maximum distance, the positioning pin may abut against the movable mounting bracket 180, thereby preventing the movable mounting bracket 180 from further moving downward relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130. In the present invention, this state is defined as the "initial state."

[0040] In addition, a second elastic member 160 extending in the longitudinal direction may be provided between the fixed installation surface 130A and the movable installation surface 180A. The second elastic member 160 may be a helical compression spring.

[0041] Thus, when the movable mounting surface 180A is subjected to an upward longitudinal force and moves upward (relatively) relative to the fixed mounting surface 130A, which is subjected to a downward force, the second elastic member 160 is compressed. In the present invention, this state is defined as a "compressed state." When the upward longitudinal force on the movable mounting surface 180A or the downward force on the fixed mounting surface 130A weakens or disappears, the second elastic member 160 releases its elastic potential energy, pushing the movable mounting bracket 180 back to its original position relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130, i.e., returning to its initial state.

[0042] The above structure enables a movable connection between the movable mounting bracket 180 and the fixed mounting bracket 130. When the adapter drive mechanism drives the connected fixed mounting bracket 130 to move in the longitudinal direction, the movable mounting bracket 180 and the adapter body 110 can move therewith. When the adapter body 110 is subjected to an upward force in the longitudinal direction (for example, after the mounting rod 110 is inserted into the suction nozzle 200 placed in the suction nozzle holder), the movable mounting bracket 180 moves upward in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130 together with the adapter body 110. Thereafter, when the adapter drive mechanism drives the fixed mounting bracket 130 to move upward, the second elastic member 160 presses down the movable mounting bracket 180 to return to the above-mentioned initial state.

[0043] exist Figure 3 In the preferred embodiment shown, the guide rod 140 passes through the interior of the second elastic member 160 to limit the deformation of the second elastic member 160 to longitudinal compression and longitudinal extension.

[0044] like Figure 3As shown, the movable mounting bracket 180 is configured with a second detection protrusion 181. Thus, the second detection protrusion 181 can move with the movable mounting bracket 180 and, thereby, with the adapter body 110. The second detection protrusion 181 can be, for example, a wing extending in the longitudinal direction. It should be understood that the second detection protrusion 181 can also be provided directly on the adapter body 110.

[0045] The nozzle adapter 100 further includes a second detection mechanism 170. The second detection mechanism 170 can be fixedly mounted on the fixed mounting bracket 130. For example, Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the second detection mechanism 170 is fixedly mounted above the fixed mounting bracket 130. The second detection mechanism 170 is configured to detect the longitudinal movement distance of the adapter body 110 relative to the fixed mounting bracket, for example, by detecting the movement distance of the second detection protrusion 181 relative to the fixed mounting bracket.

[0046] The second detection mechanism 170 may be, for example, a second photosensor. The second photosensor may include a second light emitter 171 and a second light receiver 172 spaced apart from the second light emitter 171. The second light receiver 172 may receive light from the second light emitter 171.

[0047] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, in an initial state, the second detection protrusion 181 is located between the second light emitter 171 and the second light receiver 172. The upward movement of the adapter body 110 relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130 by a predetermined distance is detected by the second detection protrusion 181 moving upward and away from between the second light receiver 172 and the second light emitter 171, allowing the second light receiver 172 to receive light from the second light emitter 171.

[0048] Alternatively, in the initial state, the second detection protrusion 181 is located below the second light emitter 171 and the second light receiver 172. The upward movement of the adapter body 110 relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130 by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction is detected by the second detection protrusion 181 moving upward to between the second light receiver 172 and the second light emitter 171 and obstructing the second light receiver 172 from receiving the light from the second light emitter 171.

[0049] When the second elastic member 160 is provided, the movement distance of the adapter body 110 relative to the fixed mounting bracket detected by the second detection mechanism 170 can be converted into the compression distance of the second elastic member 160, and further converted into the compression pressure of the second elastic member 160. The compression pressure of the second elastic member 160 is correlated with the longitudinal upward pressure exerted on the mounting rod 112. In other words, the second detection mechanism 170 cooperates with the second elastic member 160 to detect the longitudinal upward pressure exerted on the mounting rod 112.

[0050] It should be understood that when the mounting rod 112 of the adapter body 110 engages with the suction nozzle 200, the mounting rod 112 is subjected to longitudinal upward pressure. At this point, the adapter body 110 moves relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130. If the second detection mechanism 170 detects that the adapter body 110 has moved a predetermined distance relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130 (i.e., the second elastic member 160 has compressed a predetermined height), this can indicate or determine that the force exerted by the mounting rod 112 against the suction nozzle 200 has reached a certain pressure threshold. In a preferred embodiment, this can be used to determine whether the suction nozzle 200 is properly installed. This facilitates controlling the interference fit between the suction nozzle 200 and the mounting rod 112, thereby ensuring a stable and effective fit between the suction nozzle 200 and the mounting rod 112. Compared to conventional methods that control the lowering distance of the adapter body 110, this control method is more efficient and stable. This method of determining whether the suction nozzle 200 is properly installed based on pressure is particularly advantageous in practical applications where the roundness of the suction nozzle 200 may vary.

[0051] In addition, after the mounting rod 112 of the adapter body 110 is engaged with the suction nozzle 200, during the process of taking or discharging liquid, the adapter body 110 is also required to move longitudinally so that the suction nozzle 200 is close to the container containing reagents or samples or the container to be distributed of the reagents or samples of the medical diagnostic equipment. If during this process, the second detection mechanism 170 detects that the adapter body 110 has moved relative to the fixed mounting bracket, or has moved a predetermined distance, it means that the mounting rod 112 has been subjected to an unexpected longitudinal upward force. This may be caused by the suction nozzle 200 mounted on the mounting rod 112 unexpectedly resting against the container wall or other structure (for example, because the suction nozzle 200 is not aligned with the container). In this case, the liquid collection device including the suction nozzle adapter 100 can stop further actions (for example, suction and discharge actions) and issue an alarm to the operator.

[0052] The predetermined distance that the adapter body 110 moves relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130 , or the predetermined height that the second elastic member 160 is compressed, is, for example, 3 mm.

[0053] The liquid collection device of the present invention may include the above-mentioned nozzle adapter 100, and the above-mentioned adapter driving mechanism. In addition, the liquid collection device may further include a control mechanism. The control mechanism is constructed to determine whether a nozzle 200 is installed on the mounting rod in response to the first detection mechanism 111 detecting the movement of the movable sleeve 120 relative to the mounting rod 112 in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the control mechanism is constructed to determine whether a nozzle 200 is installed on the mounting rod 112 in response to the first detection mechanism 111 detecting that the movable sleeve 120 moves upward to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod 112. Thus, the control mechanism can control the nozzle adapter 100 to perform subsequent liquid suction and discharge operations. Otherwise, the control mechanism can stop the subsequent operation of the nozzle adapter 100 and issue a warning, or control the nozzle adapter 100 to move to another position to reinstall the nozzle 200.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the control mechanism can determine that the nozzle 200 has been installed to a predetermined depth on the mounting rod 112 in response to the first detection mechanism 111 detecting that the movable sleeve 120 has moved upward to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod 112, thereby determining that the nozzle 200 is properly installed. Thus, the control mechanism can control the nozzle adapter 100 to perform subsequent liquid aspiration and discharge operations.

[0055] In addition, the control mechanism can determine that the suction nozzle 200 is installed in place on the mounting rod 112 in response to the second detection mechanism 170 detecting that the adapter body 110 has moved a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130. Therefore, the control mechanism can control the suction nozzle adapter 100 to perform subsequent suction and discharge operations.

[0056] Furthermore, if the adapter driving mechanism drives the nozzle adapter 100 to move downward for a considerable distance, for example, exceeding a preset threshold, and the second detection mechanism 170 still fails to detect that the adapter body 110 has moved longitudinally relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130 or has moved a predetermined distance, it may be indicated that no nozzle 200 has been mounted on the mounting rod 112. The control mechanism may stop subsequent operations of the nozzle adapter 100 and issue a warning, or control the nozzle adapter 100 to move to another location to reinstall the nozzle 200.

[0057] In particular, when the second elastic member 160 is provided, the second monitoring mechanism 170 can detect whether the mounting rod 112 is subjected to a sufficiently large force in the longitudinal direction, and the control mechanism determines whether the nozzle 200 is properly installed based on this.

[0058] During liquid dispensing and dispensing operations after the nozzle 200 is installed, if the second monitoring mechanism 170 detects that the adapter body 110 has moved longitudinally relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130, or has moved a predetermined distance, the control mechanism may instruct the nozzle adapter 100 to cease further operations and issue an alarm to the operator. This is because the nozzle 200 may have accidentally contacted a structure it should not have contacted.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the control mechanism may instruct the adapter body 110 to move upward for a certain distance to prevent the suction nozzle 200, the mounting rod 112 and other structures from being damaged due to improper longitudinal upward force.

[0060] The working method of the liquid taking device of the present invention includes the following steps.

[0061] First, the nozzle adapter 100 is moved to a nozzle position on the nozzle rack. This movement can be performed by the adapter drive mechanism.

[0062] Then, the nozzle adapter 100 is driven to move downward as a whole. This movement can be performed by the adapter driving mechanism.

[0063] During the downward movement of the suction nozzle adapter 100, if the first detection mechanism 111 detects that the movable sleeve 120 has undergone the relative movement described above or has moved to a predetermined position, the control mechanism can determine that a suction nozzle 200 is installed on the mounting rod 112, and / or the suction nozzle 200 is installed in place on the mounting rod 112.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, if the second detection mechanism 170 detects that the adapter body 110 has undergone the relative movement described above or has moved a predetermined distance, the control mechanism may determine that the nozzle 200 has been mounted on the mounting rod 112 and / or that the nozzle 200 is properly mounted on the mounting rod 112. After determining that the nozzle 200 is properly mounted, the adapter drive mechanism stops driving the nozzle adapter 100 downward and may drive the nozzle adapter 100 upward.

[0065] If it is determined that the nozzle 200 is installed on the mounting rod 112 and / or the nozzle 200 is properly installed on the mounting rod 112, the control mechanism controls the nozzle adapter 100 to perform subsequent liquid collection and discharge operations. Otherwise, the control mechanism may stop subsequent operations of the nozzle adapter 100 and issue a warning, or control the nozzle adapter 100 to move to another location to reinstall the nozzle 200.

[0066] During the liquid collection or discharge operation after the suction nozzle 200 is installed, the second detection mechanism 170 remains activated and detects whether the adapter body 110 has moved in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed mounting bracket 130, or has moved a predetermined distance. If movement is detected or movement is detected a predetermined distance, the control mechanism may instruct the suction nozzle adapter 100 to stop the next operation and issue an alarm to the operator. In addition, the control mechanism may also instruct the adapter body 110 to move upward a certain distance to prevent the suction nozzle 200 and the mounting rod 112 and other structures from being damaged due to improper longitudinal upward force. If no movement is detected, or no movement of the predetermined distance is detected, it indicates that the liquid collection device is operating normally. The control mechanism instructs the liquid collection device to perform the next operation normally.

[0067] Through the above-mentioned suction nozzle adapter 100, liquid collection device and working method of the liquid collection device of the present invention, it is possible to effectively determine whether the suction nozzle adapter 100 is installed and matched with the suction nozzle, or whether the suction nozzle installation operation is performed in an empty position. This determination is accurate and efficient, and is very beneficial for the automatic or semi-automatic operation of the liquid collection device. In addition, through the above-mentioned suction nozzle adapter 100, liquid collection device and working method of the liquid collection device of the present invention, it is also possible to achieve effective and expected sealing cooperation between the suction nozzle adapter and the suction nozzle, and to prevent the suction nozzle from falling off unexpectedly. For batch operations, the above-mentioned suction nozzle adapter 100, liquid collection device and working method of the liquid collection device of the present invention can also ensure that the joining force between the mounting rod 112 and different suction nozzles 200 remains uniform, which is very important for quality control.

[0068] While the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made and equivalent components may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner, provided no structural conflicts exist. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but encompasses all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A nozzle adapter, characterized in that: include: An adapter body, the adapter body comprising: a mounting rod extending in a longitudinal direction, the mounting rod being configured to be inserted into the suction nozzle to mount the suction nozzle on the suction nozzle adapter, and a first detection mechanism, the first detection mechanism being fixed relative to the mounting rod, the first detection mechanism being a first photoelectric sensor, the first photoelectric sensor comprising a first light emitter and a first light receiver disposed opposite to the first light emitter, the first light receiver being configured to receive light from the first light emitter; and A movable sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the mounting rod, and the movable sleeve is configured to be pushed upward in the longitudinal direction by the suction nozzle when the suction nozzle is inserted into the mounting rod; the top of the movable sleeve is configured with a first detection protrusion extending radially outward, and the first detection protrusion is a wing extending in the longitudinal direction; the inner side wall of the movable sleeve is configured with a movable sleeve abutment surface facing longitudinally upward, and the outer side wall of the mounting rod is configured with a mounting rod abutment surface facing longitudinally downward; Wherein, the first detection mechanism is configured to detect the movement of the movable sleeve relative to the mounting rod in the longitudinal direction, so as to determine whether a suction nozzle is mounted on the mounting rod; The nozzle adapter also includes: a fixed mounting bracket configured to be connected to an adapter driving mechanism for driving the nozzle adapter to move in a longitudinal direction; and a second detection mechanism, the second detection mechanism being fixedly mounted on the fixed mounting bracket and configured to detect a movement distance of the adapter body relative to the fixed mounting bracket in a longitudinal direction; The movable mounting bracket comprises a movable mounting surface facing vertically upward.

2. The nozzle adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The first photoelectric sensor is configured to detect that the movable sleeve moves upward to a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod, so as to determine that a suction nozzle is installed on the mounting rod and / or to determine that the suction nozzle is installed to a predetermined depth on the mounting rod.

3. The nozzle adapter according to claim 2, wherein: The movement of the movable sleeve to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod is detected by the first detection protrusion moving between the first light receiver and the first light emitter and preventing the first light receiver from receiving light from the first light emitter, or by the first detection protrusion moving away from between the first light receiver and the first light emitter and allowing the first light receiver to receive light from the first light emitter.

4. The nozzle adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting rod abutment surface is located above the movable sleeve abutment surface in the longitudinal direction and is spaced apart from the movable sleeve abutment surface. A first elastic member extending in the longitudinal direction is provided between the mounting rod abutment surface and the movable sleeve abutment surface. The first elastic member is compressed when the movable sleeve moves upward in the longitudinal direction, and pushes the movable sleeve downward in the longitudinal direction after the suction nozzle is detached from the mounting rod.

5. The nozzle adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The second detection mechanism is a second photoelectric sensor, which includes a second light emitter and a second light receiver arranged opposite to the second light emitter, and the second light receiver is configured to receive light from the second light emitter; The nozzle adapter further includes a second detection protrusion that moves along with the adapter body; The adapter body is detected to have moved a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed mounting bracket by the second detection protrusion moving between the second light receiver and the second light emitter and preventing the second light receiver from receiving light from the second light emitter, or by the second detection protrusion moving away from between the second light receiver and the second light emitter and allowing the second light receiver to receive light from the second light emitter.

6. The nozzle adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The movable mounting bracket is fixedly connected to the adapter body and can move with the adapter body, the fixed mounting bracket includes a fixed mounting surface facing downward in the longitudinal direction, the fixed mounting surface is located above the movable mounting surface in the longitudinal direction and is spaced apart from the movable mounting surface; The nozzle adapter further includes a second elastic member extending in a longitudinal direction between the movable mounting surface and the fixed mounting surface; When the suction nozzle is inserted into the mounting rod, the movable mounting bracket moves upward along the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed mounting bracket together with the adapter body to compress the second elastic member, and the longitudinal upward pressure on the mounting rod is detected by the cooperation between the second elastic member and the second detection mechanism.

7. The nozzle adapter according to claim 6, characterized in that A guide hole penetrating the movable mounting bracket is configured on the movable mounting surface of the movable mounting bracket; A guide rod extending downwardly along the longitudinal direction and passing through the guide hole is provided on the fixed mounting surface of the fixed mounting bracket. The guide rod passes through the second elastic member so that deformation of the second elastic member is limited by the guide rod.

8. A liquid taking device, characterized in that: include: The nozzle adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7; as well as A control mechanism is configured to determine whether a suction nozzle is mounted on the mounting rod in response to the first detection mechanism detecting the movement of the movable sleeve relative to the mounting rod in the longitudinal direction.

9. The liquid extraction device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control mechanism is configured to determine that a suction nozzle is mounted on the mounting rod and / or that the suction nozzle is mounted to a predetermined depth on the mounting rod in response to the first detection mechanism detecting that the movable sleeve moves upward to a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod.

10. The liquid extraction device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control mechanism is configured to determine that the suction nozzle is mounted in place on the mounting rod in response to the second detection mechanism detecting that the adapter body has moved a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed mounting bracket.

11. A method for operating a liquid extraction device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: driving the adapter body to move downward in the longitudinal direction; When the adapter body is driven to move downward in the longitudinal direction, it is detected whether the movable sleeve moves upward in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod to determine whether a suction nozzle is mounted on the mounting rod.

12. The working method according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the adapter body is driven to move downward in the longitudinal direction, determining that a suction nozzle is mounted on the mounting rod and / or determining that the suction nozzle is mounted on the mounting rod to a predetermined depth in response to detecting that the movable sleeve moves upward in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting rod to a predetermined position; When it is determined that the suction nozzle is installed on the installation rod to a predetermined depth, the adapter body is stopped from being driven to move downward in the longitudinal direction.

13. The working method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The working method further comprises the following steps: When driving the adapter body to move downward in the longitudinal direction, detecting a distance that the adapter body moves relative to the fixed mounting bracket in the longitudinal direction; In response to detecting that the adapter body has moved a predetermined distance relative to the fixed mounting bracket in the longitudinal direction, it is determined that the suction nozzle is mounted in place on the mounting rod, and driving the adapter body to move downward in the longitudinal direction is stopped.

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