Needle cleaning module and pipetting workstation

Abstract

The present application provides a cleaning module for needles and a pipetting and spotting workstation. The cleaning module includes a cleaning area, which includes: a cleaning tank, the bottom of which is provided with a discharge port for discharging liquid; a cleaning column, which is provided in the cleaning tank, and one or more cleaning holes are provided in the cleaning column, and the cleaning holes can spray cleaning liquid vertically upward, and the spraying height of the cleaning liquid is greater than the highest point of the cleaning column, and the top surface of the cleaning column includes two surfaces with different degrees of inclination, and the two surfaces with different degrees of inclination are between a turning part, and the turning part passes through the center of the cleaning hole. The pipetting and spotting workstation includes the above-mentioned cleaning module and a droplet module, the droplet module can absorb and spray liquid, and the droplet module includes a needle, and when the needle moves to the cleaning hole to be cleaned, the needle is located above the highest point of the cleaning column.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a needle cleaning module and a liquid transfer and spotting workstation. Background Art

[0002] For example, in a gene chip spotting device, when adding samples or reagents, a pipette is typically used for sampling, pipetting, and spotting. After spotting, the pipette is typically cleaned to prevent contamination, and then a new round of sampling, pipetting, and spotting is performed.

[0003] For picoliter and nanoliter spotting devices, the needles need to be cleaned after each spotting. For example, in the cleaning device disclosed in CN217017686U, the needle needs to be inserted into a specific position inside the device before cleaning. The alignment accuracy is high, and it takes a long time, which is not convenient. For some corrosive and easily diffusible liquid samples, inserting them into the cleaning device means that these samples will come into contact with the inside of the cleaning device. In order to avoid cross contamination and increase the service life of the cleaning equipment, this situation should be avoided as much as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a needle cleaning module and a pipetting and spotting workstation.

[0005] The needle cleaning module includes a cleaning area, which includes:

[0006] A cleaning tank, wherein the bottom of the cleaning tank is provided with a discharge port for discharging liquid;

[0007] A cleaning column is provided in the cleaning tank, wherein one or more cleaning holes are provided in the cleaning column, and the cleaning holes can spray cleaning liquid vertically upward, and the spraying height of the cleaning liquid is greater than the highest point of the cleaning column.

[0008] The top surface of the cleaning column includes two surfaces with different inclinations. A turning portion is formed between the two surfaces with different inclinations, and the turning portion passes through the center of the cleaning hole.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the two surfaces with different inclinations include a horizontal surface and an inclined surface.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the height of the inclined surface gradually decreases as it moves away from the turning portion.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, in a horizontal direction, the inclined surface is closer to the discharge port than the horizontal surface.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, a side of the cleaning column away from the discharge port is provided with a curved surface.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the bottom inner surface of the cleaning tank is an inclined surface, and the discharge port is located at the lowest point of the bottom inner surface of the cleaning tank.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the needle cleaning module includes a cleaning liquid supply source, the cleaning liquid supply source is connected to the cleaning hole, and a check valve is provided between the cleaning liquid supply source and the cleaning hole.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the needle cleaning module further comprises a drying area, wherein the drying area comprises a drying block, a base and a guide rail.

[0016] The base is slidably mounted on the guide rail, the drying block is connected to the base, and the drying block abuts against the cleaning tank.

[0017] The liquid transfer and spotting workstation provided in the present application includes the cleaning module as described above; and

[0018] A droplet module, the droplet module can absorb and spray liquid, the droplet module includes a needle,

[0019] When the needle moves to the cleaning hole to be cleaned, the needle is located above the highest point of the cleaning column.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the liquid handling and spotting workstation includes a cleaning module as described above; and

[0021] The sample spotting station module, the drying area is located between the sample spotting station module and the cleaning area.

[0022] The cleaning module provided in the present application sprays cleaning liquid vertically, and the needle does not need to be inserted into the interior of the cleaning module, which is highly efficient and avoids the problem of cross contamination as much as possible.

[0023] The pipetting and spotting workstation also has the above advantages due to the cleaning module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the overall structure of a pipetting and spotting workstation according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a partial structure of a pipetting and spotting workstation according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a droplet module of a pipetting and spotting workstation according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3Schematic diagram of the structure of the droplet module body of the droplet module.

[0028] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the needle of the droplet module body.

[0029] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a sample spotting station module and a cleaning module of a pipetting sample spotting workstation according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0030] Figure 7 A top view of a mounting slot in a spotting station module of a pipetting and spotting workstation according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0031] Figure 8 An axonometric view of a cleaning area of a cleaning module of a pipetting and spotting workstation according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0032] Figure 9 Shown Figure 8 A top view of the cleaning area in the.

[0033] Figure 10 A side view of the guide rails and base of the drying area of the cleaning module of the pipetting and spotting workstation according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0034] Description of Reference Numerals

[0035] 1 frame; 11 substrate;

[0036] 2 motion module; 21 first slider; 22 second slider; 23 third slider;

[0037] 3 Droplet module; 31 Gas source; 32 Gas source controller; 33 Droplet body module; 331 First flow channel; 332 Second flow channel; 333 Third flow channel; 3331 First end; 3332 Second end; 3333 End opening; 334 Needle; 3341 First end; 3342 Second end; 335 Housing structure; 336 Flow channel control structure; 3361 Sealing plug; 3362 Connector; 3363 Body; 3371 First baffle; 3372 Second baffle;

[0038] 4 detection module; 41 detection camera; 42 fill light device;

[0039] 5 reagent modules;

[0040] 6. Sample spotting station module; 61. First base; 611. Mounting slot; 612. First redundant space; 613. Second redundant space; 614. Through hole; 62. Base column; 63. Second base;

[0041] 7 Cleaning module; 71 Cleaning area; 711 Cleaning tank; 7111 Discharge outlet; 712 Cleaning column; 7121 Cleaning hole; 7122 Turning point; 7123 Horizontal surface; 7124 Inclined surface; 7125 Arc surface; 713 Connecting block; 72 Drying area; 721 Drying block; 722 Base; 723 Guide rail;

[0042] L1 waistline; L2 axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these specific descriptions are only used to teach those skilled in the art how to implement the present application, and are not intended to exhaust all possible embodiments of the present application, nor to limit the scope of the present application.

[0044] The present application embodiment provides a pipetting and spotting workstation. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The pipetting and spotting workstation may include a frame 1 , a motion module 2 , a droplet module 3 (not shown in the figure), a detection module 4 , a reagent module 5 , a spotting station module 6 , and a cleaning module 7 .

[0045] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The frame 1 can include a base plate 11, a housing, and an electrical cabinet. The motion module 2, reagent module 5, sample application module 6, and cleaning module 7 can be mounted on the base plate 11. An electrical cabinet can be located at the bottom of the base plate 11. The housing can be made of materials such as transparent glass or plastic, providing a seal while facilitating observation of the pipetting and sample application processes.

[0046] See also Figure 2 , where the X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to each other. The motion module 2 can be mounted on the substrate 11. The motion module 2 can be a three-axis motion platform, allowing components mounted on the motion module 2, such as the droplet module 3 (not shown) and the detection module 4, to move in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0047] For example, the motion module 2 can be composed of structures such as sliders, guide rails, and motors. For example, two guide rails are set side by side in the Y direction. Of course, two guide rails can also be set side by side in the X direction and the Z direction to increase stability. The sliders can include a first slider 21 that moves in the Z direction, a second slider 22 that moves in the X direction, and a third slider 23 that moves in the Y direction. Guide rails can be set on the sliders to play a guiding role. The second slider 22 can be or include the guide rail of the first slider 21, and the third slider 23 can be or include the guide rail of the second slider 22. The droplet module 3 and the detection module 4 can be connected to the first slider 21, so that movement in the three directions of X, Y, and Z can be achieved.

[0048] See also Figure 3 The droplet module 3 may include an air source 31, an air source controller 32, and a droplet module body 33, which are connected in sequence. The droplet module 3 can achieve the functions of aspirating and ejecting liquid. The air source 31 may include an air tank, etc. The air source controller 32 may be a valve, an air pressure sensor, etc. The droplet module body 33 may be a nozzle. By controlling the air pressure of the droplet module body 33, for example, by providing negative pressure or positive pressure to the droplet module body 33, the liquid can be aspirated and ejected.

[0049] See also Figure 4 The droplet module body 33 may include a flow channel, which may include a first flow channel 331, a second flow channel 332, a third flow channel 333, a needle 334, a shell structure 335, and a flow channel control structure 336. The first flow channel 331, the second flow channel 332, and the third flow channel 333 may be disposed inside the shell structure 335.

[0050] The first flow channel 331 may be a cylindrical flow channel, which is connected to the air source controller 32 and the second flow channel 332 .

[0051] The cross section of the second flow channel 332 can be a circular ring. The second flow channel 332 is connected to the first flow channel 331 and the third flow channel 333. Of course, the cross section of the second flow channel 332 does not have to be a circular ring. The cross section of the second flow channel 332 at the location where it connects to the third flow channel 333 can be a circular ring.

[0052] The first end 3331 of the third flow channel 333 is connected to the second flow channel 332. The first end 3331 can be a hollow cylinder with a circular cross-section. The second end 3332 of the third flow channel 333 can also have a circular cross-section. It can be understood that the circular cross-sections of the third and second flow channels 333 and 333 maximize the volume of liquid that can be accommodated and the amount of liquid that can be ejected in a single shot. This allows for spotting in picoliter and nanoliter volumes, as well as microliter and milliliter volumes.

[0053] The second end 3332 of the third flow channel 333 may be deflected radially inward, and the end opening 3333 of the second end 3332 may be close to the needle 334. Furthermore, the end opening 3333 of the second end 3332 may face radially inward.

[0054] The needle 334 may be a cylindrical flow channel, which may be disposed outside the housing structure 335. The first end 3341 of the needle 334 is connected to the interior of the housing structure 335, and the second end 3342 of the needle 334 is directly connected to the external environment.

[0055] The flow channel control structure 336 may include a sealing plug 3361 and a sealing plug displacement device. The sealing plug displacement device can control the displacement of the sealing plug 3361 to control the flow between the third flow channel 333 and the needle 334. For example, the sealing plug 3361 moves to block the first end 3341 of the needle 334, or the sealing plug 3361 moves out of the blocking position, thereby connecting the third flow channel 333 and the needle 334.

[0056] Illustratively, the sealing plug displacement device may include a connector 3362 and a main body 3363. A sealing plug 3361 may be disposed at the end of the connector 3362. Axial movement of the connector 3362 may be achieved by electromagnetic force or other means, causing the sealing plug 3361 to press against or move away from the first end 3341 of the needle 334, thereby blocking or releasing the needle. The connector 3362 may be a push rod, a spring, or the like.

[0057] This application controls the on-off of the flow channel through a sealing plug and realizes pressure adjustment through an air source controller. Compared with no physical on-off control and relying only on air pressure to control whether the liquid is sprayed out, the implementation method of this application physically controls the on-off of the flow channel, making the spray amount more accurate.

[0058] It is understood that placing the sealing plug displacement device on the axis can save space. However, in other embodiments of the present application, the sealing plug displacement device may not be placed on the axis. For example, the structure of the flow channel can be adjusted to place the sealing plug displacement device on the side. Of course, the sealing plug displacement device can also have other structures that enable the sealing plug 3361 to block the needle 334, and this application is not limited to such specific structures.

[0059] A baffle structure may also be provided in the housing structure 335. For example, the baffle structure may include a first baffle 3371 and a second baffle 3372.

[0060] The first baffle 3371 may be located at the deflected second end 3332 of the third flow channel 333. The diameter of the sealing plug 3361 may be larger than the diameter of the connecting piece 3362. After the sealing plug 3361 moves away from the needle 334, the first baffle 3371 may limit the axial movement range of the sealing plug 3361.

[0061] Furthermore, when the droplet module 3 is aspirating liquid, the liquid in the needle 334 may not be promptly absorbed into the third flow channel 333, but may remain within the housing structure 335. The first baffle 3371 can block this retained liquid, thereby allowing the liquid to enter the third flow channel 333 as much as possible, thereby improving the sensitivity and precision of liquid control.

[0062] More specifically, even if the liquid does not completely enter the third flow channel 333 during aspiration, the liquid will at most overflow into a small space surrounded by the connecting piece 3362 , the sealing plug 3361 , the deflected second end 3332 of the third flow channel 333 and the first baffle 3371 .

[0063] Preferably, the deflected second end 3332 of the third flow channel 333 is sealed at the location where it passes through the first baffle 3371. Preferably, a seal is formed between the first baffle 3371 and the connector 3362. For example, a seal may be provided between the first baffle 3371 and the connector 3362, or the first baffle 3371 may be made of a material that easily forms a seal with the connector 3362, such as rubber, silicone, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or may include such materials.

[0064] The first baffle 3371 may be provided with a hollow hole to achieve splicing with the third channel 333. The first baffle 3371 may be a split structure located inside and outside the third channel 333; or the baffle and channel may be manufactured as an integrated whole by 3D printing.

[0065] Similarly, the second baffle 3372 can be provided with a hollow hole to achieve splicing with the third flow channel 333. The second baffle 3372 can be a separate structure located on both the inner and outer sides of the third flow channel 333. The second baffle 3372 can be used to fix the position of the main body 3363 of the sealing plug displacement device, for example, by gluing the main body 3363 to the second baffle 3372.

[0066] See also Figure 5 The needle 334 may include a flow channel wall 3343 and a flow path 3344 located in the flow channel wall 3343. The end of the flow channel wall 3343 (eg Figure 4 The lower end of the needle 3343 may or may not have an inclined surface, resulting in a truncated cone or cylindrical end. In a cross-sectional view along the axis of the needle 334, the angle between the waistline L1 (or generatrix) of the flow channel wall 3343 and the axis L2 is α, where α satisfies the following: α ≤ 30°. The cross-section of the flow channel 3344 may be circular.

[0067] The diameter of the flow channel 3344 is R1, and the diameter of the end surface of the flow channel wall 3343 is R2, which has experimental results as shown in the following table.

[0068] Table 1:

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] Table 2:

[0073]

[0074]

[0075] Table 3:

[0076]

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] Table 4:

[0080]

[0081]

[0082] Table 5:

[0083]

[0084] Table 6:

[0085]

[0086]

[0087] As shown in Tables 1 to 4, when other parameters remain constant, the smaller the angle α between the waistline L1 of the flow channel wall 3343 and the axis L2, the smaller the coefficient of variation of the liquid output, indicating a more stable liquid output from the needle 334. When the angle α is ≤ 30°, the coefficient of variation is reduced to no more than 15%. Preferably, when the angle α is ≤ 10°, the coefficient of variation is reduced to no more than 10%.

[0088] As can be seen from any of Tables 1 to 4, when other parameters remain constant, the lower the air pressure, the smaller the liquid output (droplet volume) from the needle 334. In other words, micro-spotting can be achieved by controlling the air pressure by controlling the air source controller 32.

[0089] As can be seen from Table 5, when other parameters remain unchanged, the smaller the diameter R1 of the flow path 3344 is, the smaller the coefficient of variation of the liquid output is, which means that the liquid output of the needle 334 is more stable.

[0090] As can be seen from Table 6, when other parameters remain unchanged, the smaller the diameter R2 of the end surface of the flow channel wall 3343, the smaller the coefficient of variation of the liquid discharge, which means that the liquid discharge of the needle 334 is more stable.

[0091] The diameter R1 of the flow channel 3344 of the present application may satisfy: 130 μm ≤ R1 ≤ 250 μm. The diameter R2 of the end surface of the flow channel wall 3343 may satisfy: 350 μm ≤ R2 ≤ 700 μm.

[0092] As you can understand, the spotting method used in this application is non-contact. Compared to traditional contact spotting, the droplet output is stable, the coefficient of variation is small, and the needle can carry a relatively large amount of reagent. Compared to traditional syringe pumps, air pressure control allows for smaller droplet output, meeting more application scenarios.

[0093] See also Figure 2 , the detection module 4 may include a detection camera 41 and a fill light device 42. The detection camera 41 may be tilted and aimed at the needle 334. The fill light device 42 may be a fill light or the like, which provides sufficient light source for the detection camera 41. The fill light device 42 may be set on the opposite side of the detection camera 41, that is, in the horizontal direction, the needle 334 ( Figure 2 (not shown) is set in the middle position between the detection camera 41 and the fill light device 42.

[0094] The detection module 4 and the droplet module 3 can be connected together to achieve synchronous movement.

[0095] In traditional solutions, a detection camera is typically mounted on top of the frame structure. After the droplet module 3 spots the sample, the detection camera monitors the size and distribution of the droplets to determine whether the sample meets the requirements. Its fixed position means that, for example, the detection camera can only take a picture and determine whether the sample meets the processing requirements after the needle has finished spotting the sample on the chip. This results in low efficiency. For example, if there are 10 spotting operations and the fifth spot fails, the acceptance cannot be determined until the tenth spot is finished. This wastes time and materials, resulting in low efficiency.

[0096] The inspection camera 41 in this application can move synchronously with the droplet module 3, and its focal length can be fixed, allowing for continuous sampling and detection, resulting in higher efficiency. For example, if there are 10 sampling operations and the fifth sampling operation fails, the inspection module 4 will detect the failure after the fifth sampling operation. The corresponding program can then alert the operator or control other robotic arms to discard the unqualified chip, improving efficiency and saving materials.

[0097] The detection camera 41 can be broadly understood as a device capable of recognizing images.

[0098] See also Figure 2 The reagent module 5 can be a structure for storing and holding reagents. The liquid module 3 can absorb liquid from the reagent module 5 and move it to the sample application station module 6 to implement subsequent processes.

[0099] See also Figure 2 、 Figure 6、 Figure 7 The spotting station module 6 may include a first base 61, a base column 62, and a second base 63. The second base 63 is mounted on the base plate 11 of the frame 1. In addition, the second base 63 supports the first base 61 through the base column 62.

[0100] A mounting groove 611 is provided in the first base 61. For example, taking the product to be sampled as a rectangular chip as an example, the mounting groove 611 can be roughly rectangular. A first redundant space 612 can be provided at least one of the four corners of the mounting groove 611, and a second redundant space 613 can be provided at at least one of the two sets of opposite sides of the mounting groove 611. For example, the first redundant space 612 and the second redundant space 613 can be spaces beyond the rectangular sides of the mounting groove 611. Figure 7 As shown, the edges of the first redundant space 612 and the second redundant space 613 may be arc-shaped. The first redundant space 612 may be a ¾ circle, and the second redundant space 613 may be a semicircle.

[0101] The first redundant space 612 prevents the right angles of rectangular products, such as those in the mounting slot 611, from aligning with the right angles. This prevents the product from being damaged by the forces between the product and the mounting slot 611 when placing or removing the product. The second redundant space 613 provides operating space for placing and removing the product. For example, tweezers or grippers can be inserted into the second redundant space 613 for clamping and other operations. Due to the role played by the redundant space, the area of the second redundant space 613 can be larger than that of the first redundant space 612, further facilitating clamping operations.

[0102] In the traditional solution, when the mounting groove 611 is smooth or there is liquid such as water in the mounting groove 611, it will be difficult to pick up the product after it is installed in the mounting groove 611. In the embodiment of the present application, a through hole 614 that passes through the first base 61 in the height direction can be provided in the mounting groove 611. On the one hand, the through hole 614 can reduce the pressure of vacuum adsorption, and on the other hand, it can provide a force application point. For example, relevant tools can be used to push the product up from the through hole 614 at the bottom of the first base 61, and then tools such as tweezers and clamps can be used to clamp the product from above, thereby facilitating the removal of the product. This prevents damage to the product due to the small contact area and strong clamping force when it is directly taken from above.

[0103] Of course, this application does not limit the number of mounting slots 611 provided in the spotting station module 6. For example, multiple mounting slots 611 may be provided to enable simultaneous spotting of multiple products. The base column 62 may be connected to the first base 61 and the second base 63, for example, by threads. It will be appreciated that the detachable connection between the base and the base column in this application increases flexibility, allowing the first base 61 with the corresponding mounting slot 611 to be replaced according to the desired product to be spotted.

[0104] See also Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 The cleaning module 7 may include a cleaning area 71 and a drying area 72 .

[0105] The cleaning area 71 may include a cleaning tank 711, a cleaning column 712, and a connection block 713. The cleaning tank 711 may be connected to the connection block 713 and mounted to the base plate 11 of the frame 1 via the connection block 713.

[0106] The cleaning column 712 is disposed in the cleaning tank 711. The cleaning column 712 can spray liquid in a controlled manner. For example, after a sample is applied, the needle 334 of the droplet module 3 can be moved here for cleaning to perform the next round of liquid collection, sample application, and cleaning operations.

[0107] For example, a cleaning hole 7121 can be provided in the cleaning column 712, and the cleaning liquid can be sprayed vertically from the cleaning hole 7121, and the spraying height of the cleaning liquid is higher than the highest point of the cleaning column 712. The number of the cleaning holes 7121 can be one or more, for example Figure 8 There are three cleaning holes 7121 in the middle, which can realize the simultaneous cleaning of three needles. Of course, the number of cleaning holes 7121 is not limited in this application.

[0108] The top surface of the cleaning column 712 may be provided with a transition portion 7122. The transition portion 7122 may include surfaces with different inclinations on either side, such as a horizontal surface 7123 and an inclined surface 7124. The horizontal surface 7123 may be parallel to the substrate 11, while the inclined surface 7124 may be inclined relative to the substrate 11. Furthermore, the height of the inclined surface 7124 gradually decreases as it moves away from the transition portion 7122. The transition portion 7122 may pass through the center of the cleaning hole 7121.

[0109] The inclined surface 7124 can reduce the retention of the cleaning liquid on the top surface of the cleaning column 712 and guide the flow of the cleaning liquid. Figure 9 , a discharge port 7111 can be provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 711 on the side of the inclined surface 7124 (i.e., the bottom of the cleaning tank) so that the cleaning liquid can be discharged smoothly. Figure 6 The inclined surface 7124 may face the side away from the sample spotting station module 6 to avoid the cleaning liquid from splashing onto the sample spotting station module 6 as much as possible.

[0110] The horizontal plane 7123 can maintain the height of the liquid in the cleaning hole 7121. For example, under the same pressure, if the cleaning column 712 is set as an integral inclined plane, the ejection height of the solution will be quite limited. In order to ensure that the needle 334 can be cleaned, the needle 334 needs to extend into the cleaning hole 7121 to a certain extent, for example, the needle 334 must be lower than the highest point of the cleaning hole 7121. After the sample is applied, the needle 334 is likely to have residual corrosive and diffusive substances. If the needle 334 extends into the cleaning hole 7121, its corrosive and diffusive substances can easily diffuse along the cleaning hole 7121 to the supply source of the cleaning liquid, causing cross contamination. The horizontal plane 7123 in the present application can maintain the ejection height of the cleaning liquid, and the needle 334 can be located above the horizontal plane 7123 (or the highest point of the cleaning column 712) and be cleaned by the ejected water column, thereby avoiding the problem of cross contamination as much as possible.

[0111] The cleaning module 7 includes a cleaning liquid supply source, which is connected to the cleaning hole 7121. A check valve (not shown) can be provided between the cleaning liquid supply source and the cleaning hole 7121 to prevent cross contamination.

[0112] An arcuate surface 7125 may be provided on the side of the cleaning column 712 away from the discharge port 7111 , and an inclined surface may be provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 711 , with the discharge port 7111 being the lowest point of the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 711 , so that waste liquid can be recovered in time.

[0113] See also Figure 6 、 Figure 10 The drying area 72 may include a drying block 721, a base 722, and a guide rail 723. The drying area 72 may be disposed between the cleaning tank 711 and the sample spotting station module 6. The drying block 721 may be dust-free cotton or the like.

[0114] Providing a certain distance between the sample spotting module 6 and the cleaning tank 711 minimizes liquid splashing onto the sample spotting module 6 during the cleaning process. A drying area 72 is provided between the sample spotting module 6 and the cleaning tank 711, which not only makes the module more compact but also absorbs splashing liquid to a certain extent, reducing the possibility of contamination. After cleaning the needle 334, the needle 334 can be inserted into the drying block 721 to dry it as much as possible.

[0115] A guide rail 723 can be provided on the base plate 11, and a base 722 can be slidably mounted on the guide rail 723. The drying block 721 is connected to the base 722. This allows for easy retraction of the base, thereby facilitating replacement of the drying block 721. The drying block 721 can include a housing and a core. The housing can be provided with a magnet to secure it to the cleaning tank 711 or the sample spotting station module 6 by suction, thereby reducing vibration.

[0116] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present application. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0117] In addition, the above-mentioned liquid in this application should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the liquid may include a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a dispersion, a melt, water, etc.

[0118] The embodiments of the present application disclose the following solutions.

[0119] The liquid handling workstation includes:

[0120] substrate;

[0121] A motion module is mounted on the substrate and includes a guide rail and a slider. The slider can move in three mutually perpendicular directions: X, Y, and Z.

[0122] A droplet module, the droplet module comprising a needle, the needle being connected to the external environment, the droplet module being configured to control the needle to inhale and eject liquid by controlling air pressure; and

[0123] A detection module, wherein the detection module and the droplet module are connected to the same slider in the motion module so that the droplet module and the detection module can move synchronously. The detection module includes a detection camera and a fill light device. The detection camera can take pictures of the liquid sprayed by the needle. In the horizontal direction, the needle is located between the detection camera and the fill light device.

[0124] In at least one embodiment, the needle includes a flow channel wall and a flow path located in the flow channel wall. In a cross section along the axis of the needle, the angle between the waistline of the flow channel wall and the axis is α, satisfying: α≤30°, and the cross section of the flow path is circular.

[0125] In at least one embodiment, α≤10°.

[0126] In at least one embodiment, the diameter of the flow path is R1, and the diameter of the end surface of the flow channel wall is R2, satisfying:

[0127] 130μm≤R1≤250μm;

[0128] 350μm≤R2≤700μm.

[0129] In at least one embodiment, the droplet module further comprises:

[0130] a housing structure, wherein a flow channel is provided in the housing structure, and one end of the flow channel is controllably connected to the needle; and

[0131] A flow channel control structure includes a sealing plug. The flow channel control structure controls the connection between the flow channel and the needle by controlling whether the sealing plug blocks or does not block the connection position between the needle and the flow channel.

[0132] In at least one embodiment, a cleaning module is further included, wherein the cleaning module includes a cleaning area,

[0133] The cleaning area includes:

[0134] A cleaning tank, wherein the bottom of the cleaning tank is provided with a discharge port for discharging liquid;

[0135] A cleaning column is arranged in the cleaning tank, and one or more cleaning holes are provided in the cleaning column, and the cleaning hole can spray cleaning liquid vertically upward, and the spraying height of the cleaning liquid is greater than the highest point of the cleaning column.

[0136] In at least one embodiment, the top surface of the cleaning column includes two surfaces with different inclinations, a turning portion is formed between the two surfaces with different inclinations, and the turning portion passes through the center of the cleaning hole.

[0137] In at least one embodiment, the two surfaces with different inclinations include a horizontal surface and an inclined surface.

[0138] In at least one embodiment, the height of the inclined surface gradually decreases as it moves away from the turning portion, and in the horizontal direction, the inclined surface is closer to the discharge port than the horizontal surface.

[0139] The needle cleaning module includes a cleaning area, which includes:

[0140] A cleaning tank, wherein the bottom of the cleaning tank is provided with a discharge port for discharging liquid;

[0141] A cleaning column is provided in the cleaning tank, wherein one or more cleaning holes are provided in the cleaning column, and the cleaning holes can spray cleaning liquid vertically upward, and the spraying height of the cleaning liquid is greater than the highest point of the cleaning column.

[0142] The top surface of the cleaning column includes two surfaces with different inclinations. A turning portion is formed between the two surfaces with different inclinations, and the turning portion passes through the center of the cleaning hole.

[0143] In at least one embodiment, the two surfaces with different inclinations include a horizontal surface and an inclined surface.

[0144] In at least one embodiment, the height of the inclined surface gradually decreases as it moves away from the turning portion.

[0145] In at least one embodiment, in a horizontal direction, the inclined surface is closer to the discharge port than the horizontal surface.

[0146] In at least one embodiment, a side of the cleaning column away from the discharge port is provided with a curved surface.

[0147] In at least one embodiment, the bottom inner surface of the cleaning tank is an inclined surface, and the discharge port is located at the lowest point of the bottom inner surface of the cleaning tank.

[0148] In at least one embodiment, the needle cleaning module includes a cleaning liquid supply source, the cleaning liquid supply source is connected to the cleaning hole, and a check valve is provided between the cleaning liquid supply source and the cleaning hole.

[0149] In at least one embodiment, the needle cleaning module further comprises a drying area, wherein the drying area comprises a drying block, a base and a guide rail.

[0150] The base is slidably mounted on the guide rail, the drying block is connected to the base, and the drying block abuts against the cleaning tank.

[0151] The liquid transfer and spotting workstation provided in the present application includes the cleaning module as described above; and

[0152] A droplet module, the droplet module can absorb and spray liquid, the droplet module includes a needle,

[0153] When the needle moves to the cleaning hole to be cleaned, the needle is located above the highest point of the cleaning column.

[0154] In at least one embodiment, the liquid handling and spotting workstation includes a cleaning module as described above; and

[0155] The sample spotting station module, the drying area is located between the sample spotting station module and the cleaning area.

[0156] The droplet module is used to inhale and spray liquid. The droplet module includes an air source controller and a droplet module body. The droplet module body is connected to the air source through the air source controller.

[0157] The main body of the droplet module includes a needle, which is connected to the external environment. The droplet module is configured to control the needle to inhale and eject liquid by controlling air pressure.

[0158] The needle includes a flow channel wall and a flow path located in the flow channel wall. In a cross section along the axis of the needle, an angle α is formed between a waistline of the flow channel wall and the axis, and α satisfies: α≤30°.

[0159] In at least one embodiment, the droplet module further comprises:

[0160] a housing structure, wherein a flow channel is provided in the housing structure, one end of the flow channel is connected to the air source controller, and the other end of the flow channel is connected to the needle in an on-off controllable manner; and

[0161] A flow channel control structure includes a sealing plug. The flow channel control structure controls the connection between the other end of the flow channel and the needle by controlling whether the sealing plug blocks or does not block the connection position between the needle and the flow channel.

[0162] In at least one embodiment, the flow channel comprises:

[0163] a first flow channel, one end of the first flow channel being connected to the gas source controller;

[0164] a second flow channel, wherein the cross section of the second flow channel is a circular ring, and one end of the second flow channel is connected to the other end of the first flow channel;

[0165] The third flow channel, the structure of the first end of the third flow channel is a hollow cylinder, the first end of the third flow channel is connected to the other end of the second flow channel, the second end of the third flow channel is deflected inward along its radial direction, and the cross-section of the second end of the third flow channel is a circular ring. When the sealing plug is not blocked, the liquid can flow through the second end and the needle.

[0166] In at least one embodiment, the flow channel control structure further includes a sealing plug displacement device, the sealing plug displacement device including a connecting member and a main body, the sealing plug is provided at the end of the connecting member, the connecting member is movably connected to the main body, and the main body is configured to enable the connecting member to perform axial movement.

[0167] The sealing plug displacement device and the sealing plug are arranged in the central cavity of the third flow channel. When the sealing plug is pushed by the connecting member to abut against the needle, the sealing plug blocks the communication between the third flow channel and the needle.

[0168] In at least one embodiment, a baffle structure is provided in the housing structure, the baffle structure includes a first baffle, the first baffle is provided with a hole for the third flow channel and the connecting member to pass through, and the diameter of the sealing plug is larger than the diameter of the connecting member.

[0169] After the sealing plug moves away from the needle, the sealing plug abuts against the first baffle, and a sealed space is formed between the first baffle and the needle.

[0170] In at least one embodiment, a baffle structure is provided in the shell structure, and the baffle structure includes a second baffle, which is provided at the connection between the second flow channel and the third flow channel, and the main body of the sealing plug displacement device is connected to the second baffle.

[0171] In at least one embodiment, α≤10°.

[0172] In at least one embodiment, the diameter of the flow path is R1, and the diameter of the end surface of the flow channel wall is R2, satisfying:

[0173] 130μm≤R1≤250μm;

[0174] 350μm≤R2≤700μm.

[0175] The pipetting and spotting workstation provided in this application includes:

[0176] A droplet module as described above; and

[0177] A cleaning module, the cleaning module comprising a cleaning area,

[0178] The cleaning area includes:

[0179] A cleaning tank, wherein the bottom of the cleaning tank is provided with a discharge port for discharging liquid;

[0180] A cleaning column is arranged in the cleaning tank, and one or more cleaning holes are provided in the cleaning column, and the cleaning hole can spray cleaning liquid vertically upward, and the spraying height of the cleaning liquid is greater than the highest point of the cleaning column.

[0181] In at least one embodiment, the top surface of the cleaning column includes two surfaces with different inclinations, a turning portion is formed between the two surfaces with different inclinations, and the turning portion passes through the center of the cleaning hole.

[0182] The spotting station module includes a first base, a mounting groove is provided in the first base, a through hole is provided in the mounting groove and penetrates the first base in the thickness direction of the first base, the mounting groove is rectangular, and a first redundant space is provided in at least one of the four corners of the mounting groove.

[0183] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the two groups of opposite sides of the installation slot is respectively provided with a second redundant space.

[0184] In at least one embodiment, the spotting station module further includes a base column and a second base, and the first base is detachably connected to the second base via the base column.

[0185] The pipetting and spotting workstation provided in the present application comprises: the spotting station module as described above;

[0186] a droplet module comprising a needle capable of controllably sucking and ejecting liquid; and

[0187] A cleaning module, wherein the cleaning module can clean the needle of the droplet module.

[0188] In at least one embodiment, the cleaning module includes a cleaning area, the cleaning area including:

[0189] a cleaning tank, wherein the cleaning tank is provided with a discharge port for discharging liquid;

[0190] A cleaning column is arranged in the cleaning tank, and one or more cleaning holes are provided in the cleaning column, and the cleaning hole can spray cleaning liquid vertically upward, and the spraying height of the cleaning liquid is greater than the highest point of the cleaning column.

[0191] In at least one embodiment, the top surface of the cleaning column includes two surfaces with different inclinations, a turning portion is formed between the two surfaces with different inclinations, and the turning portion passes through the center of the cleaning hole.

[0192] In at least one embodiment, the two surfaces with different inclinations include a horizontal surface and an inclined surface.

[0193] In at least one embodiment, the height of the inclined surface gradually decreases as it moves away from the turning portion.

[0194] In at least one embodiment, the inclined surface is farther away from the spotting station module than the horizontal surface.

[0195] In at least one embodiment, the needle includes a flow channel wall and a flow path located in the flow channel wall. In a cross section along the axis of the needle, the angle between the waistline of the flow channel wall and the axis is α, and α satisfies: α≤30°, and the cross section of the flow path is circular.

[0196] In at least one embodiment, the cleaning module includes a drying area, the drying area including a drying block, a base and a guide rail, the base is slidably mounted on the guide rail, the drying block is connected to the base, and the drying block abuts against the cleaning tank.

Claims

1. A needle cleaning module, characterized in that: The cleaning area (71) includes: A cleaning tank (711), wherein the bottom of the cleaning tank (711) is provided with a discharge port (7111) for discharging liquid; A cleaning column (712), the cleaning column (712) is arranged in the cleaning tank (711), the cleaning column (712) is provided with one or more cleaning holes (7121), the cleaning holes (7121) can spray cleaning liquid vertically upward, and the spraying height of the cleaning liquid is greater than the highest point of the cleaning column (712), The top surface of the cleaning column (712) is formed into two surfaces with different degrees of inclination, and a turning portion (7122) is formed between the two surfaces with different degrees of inclination. The turning portion (7122) passes through the center of the cleaning hole (7121). The two surfaces with different inclinations include a horizontal surface (7123) and an inclined surface (7124). The height of the inclined surface (7124) gradually decreases as it moves away from the turning portion (7122).

2. The needle cleaning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the horizontal direction, the inclined surface (7124) is closer to the discharge outlet (7111) than the horizontal surface (7123).

3. The needle cleaning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A curved surface (7125) is provided on the side of the cleaning column (712) away from the discharge port (7111).

4. The needle cleaning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner surface of the bottom of the cleaning tank (711) is an inclined surface, and the discharge port (7111) is located at the lowest point of the inner surface of the bottom of the cleaning tank (711).

5. The needle cleaning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The needle cleaning module includes a cleaning liquid supply source, which is connected to the cleaning hole (7121). A check valve is provided between the cleaning liquid supply source and the cleaning hole (7121).

6. The needle cleaning module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The needle cleaning module further comprises a drying area (72), wherein the drying area (72) comprises a drying block (721), a base (722) and a guide rail (723). The base (722) is slidably mounted on the guide rail (723), the drying block (721) is connected to the base (722), and the drying block (721) abuts against the cleaning tank (711).

7. A liquid transfer and spotting workstation, characterized in that: include: The cleaning module according to any one of claims 1 to 5; as well as A droplet module (3), wherein the droplet module (3) is capable of absorbing and ejecting liquid, and the droplet module (3) includes a needle (334), When the needle (334) moves to the cleaning hole (7121) to be cleaned, the needle (334) is located above the highest point of the cleaning column (712).

8. A liquid transfer and spotting workstation, characterized in that: include: The cleaning module according to claim 6; as well as The sample spotting station module (6) is provided, wherein the drying area (72) is located between the sample spotting station module (6) and the cleaning area (71).

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