Pipetting workstation

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of pipetting technology, and specifically provides a pipetting workstation. The present application aims to solve the problem that the existing fully automatic pipetting equipment is easy to contaminate the unused consumables when recycling the waste pipetting gun and waste liquid, thereby causing biological safety risk. To this end, the pipetting workstation of the present application comprises a mounting seat, a sample transfer device and a pipetting device; the mounting seat is provided with a sample storage station, a sample pipetting station, a pipetting gun storage station, a cryopreservation box storage station and a waste recovery station, the sample storage station, the sample pipetting station and the waste recovery station are sequentially arranged along a first horizontal direction, the sample pipetting station, the pipetting gun storage station and the cryopreservation box storage station are sequentially arranged along a second horizontal direction, and the second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The pipetting workstation of the present application can avoid contaminating the unused consumables in the process of recycling the waste pipetting gun and waste liquid, and effectively ensures the biological safety of the pipetting process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pipetting technology, specifically providing a pipetting workstation. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of global biotechnology and medical research methods, higher demands are being placed on biological sample processing. More and more biological samples will undergo a shift from manual to automated processing. Fully automated biological sample pipetting equipment, while achieving high precision, high efficiency, intelligence, and safe storage and retrieval, can further address the issues of standardization, normalization, and informatization in biological sample management processes.

[0003] Existing fully automated pipetting equipment requires the collection and discharge of discarded pipettes and waste liquid after pipetting. However, in the process of collecting and discharging discarded pipettes and waste liquid, the existing fully automated pipetting equipment is prone to contaminating unused consumables (such as pipettes, cryopreservation tubes, sample tubes, etc.), which poses a biosafety risk.

[0004] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that existing fully automated pipetting equipment is prone to contaminating unused consumables when recycling waste pipetting guns and waste liquids, thereby posing a biosafety risk.

[0006] This invention provides a pipetting workstation, comprising a mounting base and a sample transfer device and a pipetting device mounted on the mounting base. The mounting base is provided with a sample storage station, a sample pipetting station, a pipette storage station, a cryopreservation box storage station, and a waste collection station. The sample storage station, the sample pipetting station, and the waste collection station are arranged sequentially along a first horizontal direction, and the sample pipetting station, the pipette storage station, and the cryopreservation box storage station are arranged sequentially along a second horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The sample transfer device is configured to hold a sample tube and move along the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction, and a vertical direction to transfer the sample tube. The pipetting device is configured to seal the pipette and perform pipetting operations, and is also configured to move along the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction, and a vertical direction to perform pipetting operations at different positions.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the pipetting workstation further includes a sample carrier, which is mounted on the mounting base and located at the sample storage station. The sample carrier contains multiple sample racks, and each sample rack contains multiple sample tubes arranged along its length. And / or, the pipetting workstation further includes a pipette carrier, which is mounted on the mounting base and located at the pipette storage station. The pipette carrier can simultaneously hold multiple pipette boxes, and each pipette box contains multiple pipettes arranged in an array along the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction. The pipetting workstation includes a first placement hole for placing pipettes; and / or, the pipetting workstation further includes a cryopreservation container carrier, which is mounted on the mounting base and located at the cryopreservation container storage station, the cryopreservation container carrier being capable of simultaneously holding multiple cryopreservation containers, and the cryopreservation container having multiple second placement holes for placing cryopreservation tubes arranged in an array along the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction; and / or, the pipetting workstation further includes a waste collection component, which is mounted on the mounting base and located at the waste collection station, the waste collection component being capable of collecting discarded pipettes and waste liquid.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the pipetting workstation further includes a pipetting holder, which is installed on the mounting base and located at the sample pipetting station. The pipetting holder has a fixing groove inside, which can secure the sample holder.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-described pipetting workstation, the sample carrier is slidably connected to the mounting base and is slidable relative to the mounting base along the second horizontal direction, so that the sample carrier can be removed from the sample storage area to replace new sample holders and sample tubes; and / or, the pipette carrier is slidably connected to the mounting base and is slidable relative to the mounting base along the first horizontal direction, so that the pipette carrier can be removed from the pipette storage area to replenish new pipettes; and / or, the cryopreservation box carrier is slidably connected to the mounting base and is slidable relative to the mounting base along the first horizontal direction, so that the cryopreservation box carrier can be removed from the cryopreservation box storage area to remove cryopreservation boxes and replenish new cryopreservation boxes; and / or, the waste recovery assembly is slidably connected to the mounting base and is slidable relative to the mounting base along the second horizontal direction, so that the waste recovery assembly can be removed from the waste recovery area to clean the waste liquid and discarded pipettes inside its internal handpiece.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the pipetting workstation further includes a detection device, which includes a first camera, a first plane mirror, and a second plane mirror. The first plane mirror and the second plane mirror are mounted on the mounting base. The first plane mirror and the second plane mirror are located on both sides of the pipetting fixture along the width direction of the pipetting fixture, and the first plane mirror and the second plane mirror extend along the length direction of the pipetting fixture. The ends of the first plane mirror and the second plane mirror near the pipetting fixture are inclined downwards. The mirror surfaces of the first plane mirror and the second plane mirror face the pipetting fixture and can reflect the sample holder and the sample tube located in the fixing groove. The first camera is located above the first plane mirror and the second plane mirror and can simultaneously capture the images inside the mirror surfaces of the first plane mirror and the second plane mirror.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the sample holder is provided with a plurality of receiving slots along its length, and a plurality of sample tubes are respectively located in the plurality of receiving slots. The receiving slots have perforations on the slot walls facing the first plane mirror so that the first plane mirror can reflect the layering of the sample in the sample tube through the perforations. The receiving slots have through slots on the slot walls facing the second plane mirror so that the second plane mirror can reflect the information code on the sample tube through the through slots, thereby enabling the first camera to scan the code; and / or, the angle between the first plane mirror and the second plane mirror and the horizontal plane is 45°.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the pipetting workstation further includes a cryopreservation box scanning component and a box transfer device, wherein the cryopreservation box scanning component and the box transfer device are mounted on the mounting base; the cryopreservation box scanning component is configured to scan the box code of the cryopreservation box located at the scanning station and the tube code of the cryopreservation tube inside the cryopreservation box; the box transfer device is configured to clamp the cryopreservation box and the pipette box and be able to move along the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction and the vertical direction, so as to move the cryopreservation box and the pipette box.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the cryopreservation box scanning component includes a scanning box, a second camera, and a third plane mirror. The scanning box is mounted on the mounting base and located at the scanning station. The second camera and the third plane mirror are mounted on the scanning box. The second camera is positioned upwards, and the third plane mirror is located to one side of and above the second camera. The end of the third plane mirror away from the second camera is tilted downwards, and the mirror surface of the third plane mirror faces the second camera. When the cryopreservation box is located at the scanning station, the third plane mirror can reflect the box code of the cryopreservation box, and the second camera can scan the tube code of the cryopreservation tube inside the cryopreservation box and the box code on the mirror surface of the third plane mirror.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the angle between the third plane mirror and the horizontal plane is 45°.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the pipetting workstation further includes a consumables rack, which is mounted on the mounting base and located on the side of the cryopreservation box storage station away from the pipette storage station. The consumables rack is used to place the pipette boxes and the cryopreservation boxes in batches. The box transfer device is also configured to dock with the consumables rack to transfer the cryopreservation boxes and the pipette boxes.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the consumables rack is provided with multiple storage positions for placing the pipetting gun cartridges and the cryopreservation boxes. The multiple storage positions are arranged in an array along the length and height of the consumables rack. Each storage position has two opposing access ports, one of which is located facing the cryopreservation box storage position.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the mounting base is further provided with at least one spare workstation, which is located between the consumable material rack and the cryopreservation box storage workstation.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the sample transfer device includes a first horizontal sliding mechanism, a second horizontal sliding mechanism, a connector, a first vertical sliding mechanism, a second vertical sliding mechanism, a first clamping mechanism, and a second clamping mechanism; the first horizontal sliding mechanism is mounted on the mounting base, the second horizontal sliding mechanism is connected to the first horizontal sliding mechanism, the connector is mounted on the second horizontal sliding mechanism, both the first and second vertical sliding mechanisms are mounted on the connector, the first clamping mechanism is mounted on the first vertical sliding mechanism, and the second clamping mechanism is mounted on the second vertical sliding mechanism; the first horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the second vertical sliding mechanism... The horizontal sliding mechanism, the connecting member, the first vertical sliding mechanism, the second vertical sliding mechanism, the connecting member, the first clamping mechanism, and the second clamping mechanism move along the second horizontal direction; the second horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the connecting member, the first vertical sliding mechanism, the second sliding mechanism, the first clamping mechanism, and the second clamping mechanism to move along the first horizontal direction; the first vertical sliding mechanism is configured to drive the first clamping mechanism to move along the vertical direction, and the first clamping mechanism can clamp the sample holder; the second vertical sliding mechanism is configured to drive the second clamping mechanism to move along the vertical direction, and the second clamping mechanism can clamp the sample holder.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the first camera is connected to the connector via a third vertical sliding mechanism, and the third vertical sliding mechanism is configured to drive the first camera to move in the vertical direction.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the pipette carrier includes a first support body and a plurality of fourth plane mirrors. The first support body has a plurality of first receiving cavities for placing pipette cartridges. The fourth plane mirrors are mounted on the first support body. Each first receiving cavity is correspondingly provided with one fourth plane mirror, and the fourth plane mirror is located on one side of the first receiving cavity. The fourth plane mirror is tilted and its mirror surface can reflect the pipette cartridge and the pipette located in the pipette cartridge within its corresponding first receiving cavity. And / or, the cryopreservation box carrier includes a second support body and a plurality of fifth plane mirrors. The second support body has a plurality of second receiving cavities for placing cryopreservation boxes. The fifth plane mirrors are mounted on the second support body. Each second receiving cavity is correspondingly provided with one fifth plane mirror, and the fifth plane mirror is located on one side of the second receiving cavity. The fifth plane mirror is tilted and its mirror surface can reflect the cryopreservation box and the cryopreservation tube within its corresponding second receiving cavity.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the pipetting device includes a third horizontal sliding mechanism, a mounting component, a fourth horizontal sliding mechanism, and an automatic pipetting mechanism; the third horizontal sliding mechanism is mounted on the mounting base, the mounting component is mounted on the third horizontal sliding mechanism, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism is mounted on the mounting component, and the automatic pipetting mechanism is mounted on the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism; the third horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the mounting component, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism, and the automatic pipetting mechanism to move along the second horizontal direction, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the automatic pipetting mechanism to move along the first horizontal direction, and the automatic pipetting mechanism is configured to seal the pipetting gun and drive the pipetting gun to move vertically to complete the pipetting operation.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned pipetting workstation, the container transfer device includes a fifth horizontal sliding mechanism, a fourth vertical sliding mechanism, and a third clamping mechanism; the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism is mounted on the mounting component, the fourth vertical sliding mechanism is mounted on the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism, and the third clamping mechanism is mounted on the fourth vertical sliding mechanism. The fifth horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the fourth vertical sliding mechanism and the third clamping mechanism to move along the first horizontal direction, the fourth vertical sliding mechanism is configured to drive the third clamping mechanism to move along the vertical direction, and the third clamping mechanism is configured to clamp the cryopreservation container and the pipette container.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the pipetting workstation of the present invention arranges the sample storage station, the sample pipetting station, and the waste collection station sequentially along the first horizontal direction, and arranges the sample pipetting station, the pipette storage station, and the cryopreservation box storage station sequentially along the second horizontal direction. By orderly arranging the sample storage station, the sample pipetting station, the pipette storage station, the cryopreservation box storage station, and the waste collection station, the pipetting route and the waste collection route are separated and do not intersect. This avoids contamination of unused consumables during the recycling of discarded pipettes and waste liquid, effectively ensuring the biosafety of the pipetting process. In addition, the pipetting workstation of the present invention avoids space waste, improves space utilization efficiency, and thus reduces the volume of the pipetting workstation.

[0024] Furthermore, sample carriers are set up at the sample storage station, which can hold multiple sample racks and multiple sample tubes, enabling batch placement of sample tubes and facilitating batch pipetting operations.

[0025] Furthermore, a pipette carrier is installed at the pipette storage station, which can hold multiple pipette boxes and multiple pipettes, enabling batch placement of pipettes and facilitating batch pipetting operations.

[0026] Furthermore, a cryopreservation container carrier is set up at the cryopreservation container storage station, which can hold multiple cryopreservation containers and multiple cryopreservation tubes, enabling batch placement of cryopreservation tubes and facilitating batch pipetting operations.

[0027] Furthermore, waste recycling components are installed at the waste recycling station to facilitate the timely collection and recycling of used pipettes and waste liquids.

[0028] Furthermore, a pipetting holder is installed on the sample pipetting station to fix the sample holder there, thereby securing multiple sample tubes simultaneously and facilitating batch pipetting operations. In addition, when transferring sample tubes, the sample holder can be directly transferred to achieve batch transfer of sample tubes, making the operation more convenient.

[0029] Furthermore, the sample carrier is slidably connected to the mounting base so that the sample carrier can be manually pulled out for easy replacement of new sample holders and sample tubes.

[0030] Furthermore, the pipette carrier is slidably connected to the mounting base so that the pipette carrier can be manually pulled out for easy replenishment of new pipettes.

[0031] Furthermore, the cryopreservation container carrier is slidably connected to the mounting base so that the cryopreservation container carrier can be manually pulled out, thereby facilitating the removal of the cryopreservation container after pipetting and the replenishment of new cryopreservation containers.

[0032] Furthermore, the waste recycling component is slidably connected to the mounting base so that the waste recycling component can be manually pulled out to facilitate the cleaning of the recycled discarded pipettes and waste liquid.

[0033] Furthermore, a detection device is provided, which includes a first camera, a first plane mirror, and a second plane mirror. The first and second plane mirrors can reflect the sample tubes in the sample holder from two directions respectively. The first camera can simultaneously capture the images inside the mirrors of the first and second plane mirrors. In this configuration, the first camera, in combination with the first and second plane mirrors, identifies the sample tubes in the sample holder. The structure is simple, easy to use, and occupies a small volume.

[0034] Furthermore, the sample holder has multiple receiving slots along its length, and the walls of the receiving slots have perforations and through slots. The perforations face the first plane mirror, allowing the first plane mirror to reflect the layering of the samples inside the sample tubes. The through slots face the second plane mirror, allowing the second plane mirror to reflect the information codes on the sample tubes. This arrangement helps the first camera to easily capture the state of the samples in each sample tube through the first plane mirror for analysis. At the same time, it enables the first camera to simultaneously complete the scanning operation through the second plane mirror, recording the information of each sample tube, which helps to achieve automated management.

[0035] Furthermore, both the first and second plane mirrors are at an angle of 45° to the horizontal plane, resulting in a more uniform and easier-to-identify reflected image.

[0036] Furthermore, the pipetting workstation also includes a cryopreservation box scanning component and a box transfer device. The cryopreservation box scanning component can scan the box code of the cryopreservation box and the tube code of the cryopreservation tube inside the cryopreservation box located at the scanning station, thereby matching the pipetting sample solution with the cryopreservation tube one by one, binding the sample solution with the cryopreservation tube, facilitating positioning and storage, and thus helping to achieve automated management. The box transfer device can move the cryopreservation box and the pipette box to automatically transfer the cryopreservation box and the pipette box, so as to realize the automatic feeding of consumables and transfer the cryopreservation box to the scanning station for scanning.

[0037] Furthermore, the third plane mirror has an angle of 45° with the horizontal plane, resulting in a more uniform and easier-to-identify reflected image.

[0038] Furthermore, a consumables rack is installed on the side of the cryopreservation box storage station away from the pipette storage station. The consumables rack can hold pipette boxes and cryopreservation boxes in batches, and can achieve automatic feeding of consumables in conjunction with the box transfer device.

[0039] Furthermore, the consumables rack has multiple storage positions for storing cryovials and pipette cartridges. Each storage position has two opposing access ports. One access port faces the cryovial storage station and is used to connect with the cartridge transfer device to transfer cryovials and pipette cartridges. The other access port connects to the external environment of the pipetting workstation to receive new cryovials and pipette cartridges and to facilitate the output of used cryovials and pipette cartridges from the pipetting workstation. The consumables rack can also connect to external equipment through its channels to improve the performance of the pipetting workstation.

[0040] Furthermore, the mounting base is also equipped with at least one spare station, which is located between the consumables rack and the cryopreservation box storage station. This arrangement allows for the installation of other devices by setting up spare stations, so as to add other functional modules to the pipetting workstation and improve the application range of the pipetting workstation.

[0041] Furthermore, the sample transfer device includes a first horizontal sliding mechanism, a second horizontal sliding mechanism, a connecting member, a first vertical sliding mechanism, a second vertical sliding mechanism, a first clamping mechanism, and a second clamping mechanism. The first horizontal sliding mechanism can drive the second horizontal sliding mechanism, the connecting member, the first vertical sliding mechanism, the second vertical sliding mechanism, the first clamping mechanism, and the second clamping mechanism to move along a second horizontal direction. The second horizontal sliding mechanism can drive the connecting member, the first vertical sliding mechanism, the second vertical sliding mechanism, the first clamping mechanism, and the second clamping mechanism to move along a first horizontal direction. The vertical sliding mechanism can drive the first clamping mechanism to move vertically, and the second vertical sliding mechanism can drive the second clamping mechanism to move vertically. The first clamping mechanism and the second clamping mechanism can clamp the sample holder. This arrangement integrates two clamping mechanisms for clamping sample holders on a single sample transfer device. When changing sample tubes at the sample pipetting station, after the first clamping mechanism removes the sample holder from the sample pipetting station, the second clamping mechanism can then move the new sample holder to the sample pipetting station, thus saving one round trip and improving pipetting efficiency.

[0042] Furthermore, the first camera is connected to the connector via a third vertical sliding mechanism. This third vertical sliding mechanism can move the first camera vertically. With this configuration, the first camera can move to different positions under the influence of the first horizontal sliding mechanism, the second horizontal sliding mechanism, and the third vertical sliding mechanism. This allows the first camera to monitor the consumable information within the pipetting workstation globally. When the quantity of consumables is insufficient to support subsequent pipetting operations, consumables can be replenished in a timely manner to improve the working efficiency of the pipetting workstation.

[0043] Furthermore, the pipette carrier includes a first support body and a fourth plane mirror. The fourth plane mirror can reflect the pipettes inside the pipette box, so as to cooperate with the first camera and enable the first camera to better collect information about the pipettes inside the pipette box, so as to analyze the number of pipettes, reduce the difficulty of detection and analysis, and help to realize the automated management of consumables.

[0044] Furthermore, the cryopreservation box carrier includes a second support body and a fifth plane mirror. The fifth plane mirror can reflect the cryopreservation tubes inside the cryopreservation box, so as to cooperate with the first camera and enable the first camera to better collect information about the cryopreservation tubes inside the cryopreservation box, so as to analyze the number of cryopreservation tubes, reduce the difficulty of detection and analysis, and help to realize the automated management of consumables.

[0045] Furthermore, the pipetting device includes a third horizontal sliding mechanism mounting component, a fourth horizontal sliding mechanism, and an automatic pipetting mechanism. The third horizontal sliding mechanism can drive the mounting component, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism, and the automatic pipetting mechanism to move along a second horizontal direction. The fourth horizontal sliding mechanism can drive the automatic pipetting mechanism to move along a first horizontal direction. The automatic pipetting mechanism can seal the pipette and drive the pipette to move vertically to complete the pipetting operation. In this configuration, the third and fourth horizontal sliding mechanisms work together to change the position of the automatic pipetting mechanism so as to realize pipetting operations at different positions.

[0046] Furthermore, the box transfer device includes a fifth horizontal sliding mechanism, a fourth vertical sliding mechanism, and a third clamping mechanism. The fifth horizontal sliding mechanism is mounted on the mounting component and can drive the fourth vertical sliding mechanism and the third clamping mechanism to move along the first horizontal direction. The fourth vertical sliding mechanism can drive the third clamping mechanism to move along the vertical direction. The third clamping mechanism can clamp the cryopreservation box and the pipette box. With this arrangement, the third clamping mechanism can change its position under the action of the third horizontal sliding mechanism, the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism, and the fourth vertical sliding mechanism, thereby transferring the cryopreservation box and the pipette box. This, combined with the consumables rack, enables automatic feeding of consumables. In addition, mounting the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism on the mounting component and sharing the third horizontal sliding mechanism with the automatic pipetting mechanism can save space and reduce the volume of the pipetting workstation. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of each station in the pipetting workstation of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the pipetting workstation of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sample transfer device and pipetting device of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sample transfer device and pipetting device of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0052] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sample transfer device of the present invention connected to the first camera;

[0053] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the sample carrier of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection between the pipette holder and the sample holder of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the pipette carrier of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the cryopreservation box carrier of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the waste recycling component of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the cryopreservation box barcode scanning component of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the consumable material rack of the present invention.

[0060] List of reference numerals :

[0061] 1. Mounting base; 101. Support base; 102. Mounting platform; 103. Mounting frame; 1a. Sample storage station; 1b. Sample pipetting station; 1c. Pipette storage station; 1d. Cryopreservation box storage station; 1e. Waste recycling station; 1f. Barcode scanning station; 1g. Spare station;

[0062] 2. Sample transfer device; 21. First horizontal sliding mechanism; 22. Second horizontal sliding mechanism; 23. Connector; 24. First vertical sliding mechanism; 25. Second vertical sliding mechanism; 26. First clamping mechanism; 27. Second clamping mechanism;

[0063] 3. Pipetting device; 31. Third horizontal sliding mechanism; 32. Mounting component; 33. Fourth horizontal sliding mechanism; 34. Automatic pipetting mechanism;

[0064] 4. Sample carrier; 41. Sample rack; 411. Receiving slot; 4111. Hole; 4112. Through slot; 42. Sample tube;

[0065] 5. Pipette carrier; 501. First support body; 502. Fourth plane mirror; 503. First receiving cavity; 51. Pipette box; 511. First placement hole;

[0066] 6. Cryopreservation container carrier; 601. Second support body; 602. Fifth plane mirror; 603. Second receiving cavity; 61. Cryopreservation container; 611. Second placement hole;

[0067] 7. Waste recycling assembly; 71. Bottom support; 72. Pipette collection box; 73. Waste liquid collection box;

[0068] 8. Pipette holder; 81. Fixing tank;

[0069] 9. Detection device; 91. First camera; 92. First plane mirror; 93. Second plane mirror; 94. Third vertical sliding mechanism;

[0070] 10. Cryopreservation box barcode scanning component; 1001. Barcode scanning box; 1002. Second camera; 1003. Third plane mirror;

[0071] 11. Box transfer device; 111. Fifth horizontal sliding mechanism; 112. Fourth vertical sliding mechanism; 113. Third clamping mechanism;

[0072] 12. Consumable material rack; 121. Rack body; 122. Storage location; 123. Retrieval port. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0074] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0075] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connect," and "install" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through other components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0076] As mentioned in the background section, existing fully automated pipetting equipment can easily contaminate unused consumables (such as pipettes and cryovials) when recycling discarded pipettes and waste liquids, thus posing a biosafety risk.

[0077] The pipetting workstation of the present invention arranges the sample storage station, the sample pipetting station, and the waste collection station sequentially along a first horizontal direction, and arranges the sample pipetting station, the pipette storage station, and the cryopreservation box storage station sequentially along a second horizontal direction. By orderly arranging the sample storage station, sample pipetting station, pipette storage station, cryopreservation box storage station, and waste collection station, the pipetting route and the waste collection route are separated and do not intersect. This avoids contamination of unused consumables when recycling discarded pipettes and waste liquid, effectively ensuring the biosafety of the pipetting process. In addition, the pipetting workstation of the present invention can avoid space waste, improve space utilization efficiency, and reduce the volume of the pipetting workstation.

[0078] Specifically, please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pipetting workstation of the present invention includes a mounting base 1 and a sample transfer device 2 and a pipetting device 3 mounted on the mounting base 1. The mounting base 1 is used to mount the sample transfer device 2, the pipetting device 3, and other structural components. The present invention does not limit the structure of the mounting base 1; those skilled in the art can design the structure of the mounting base 1 according to actual needs. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mounting base 1 includes a support base 101, a mounting platform 102, and a mounting frame 103. The mounting platform 102 is connected to the support base 101, is horizontally positioned, and is located above the support base 101. The mounting frame 103 is connected to the mounting platform 102 and is located above the mounting platform 102. Specifically, the pipetting device 3 and the sample transfer device 2 are mounted on the mounting frame 103. Furthermore, when the sample to be pipetted is contaminated or volatile, the mounting base 1 also includes a sealing plate. The sealing plate surrounds the mounting frame 103 and is connected to the mounting frame 103 to seal the internal space of the mounting frame 103, thereby preventing sample leakage.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 1 The mounting base 1 is equipped with a sample storage station 1a, a sample pipetting station 1b, a pipette storage station 1c, a cryopreservation box storage station 1d, and a waste recycling station 1e. Specifically, the sample storage station 1a, sample pipetting station 1b, pipette storage station 1c, cryopreservation box storage station 1d, and waste recycling station 1e are located on the mounting platform 102. The sample storage station 1a, sample pipetting station 1b, and waste recycling station 1e are aligned along a first horizontal direction (e.g., ...). Figure 1 and Figure 2In the direction 1), the sample pipetting station 1b, the pipette storage station 1c, and the cryopreservation box storage station 1d are set sequentially along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the first horizontal direction, the sample storage station 1a, sample pipetting station 1b, and waste collection station 1e are arranged sequentially along the first horizontal direction. Meanwhile, the sample pipetting station 1b, pipette storage station 1c, and cryopreservation box storage station 1d are arranged sequentially along the second horizontal direction. With this arrangement, after pipetting is completed, the pipetting device 3 directly moves the used pipette and waste liquid along the first horizontal direction to the waste collection station 1e for recycling, without passing through other stations. This effectively ensures that residual waste liquid will not contaminate unused consumables, thus guaranteeing biosafety and pipetting safety. Furthermore, this arrangement, with multiple stations arranged in an orderly manner, also improves space utilization and reduces the volume of the pipetting workstation.

[0080] The sample transfer device 2 is configured to hold the sample tube 42 and to move along a first horizontal direction, a second horizontal direction, and a vertical direction (e.g., ...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sample transfer device 2 moves in the direction 3) to transfer the sample tube 42; the sample transfer device 2 is used to transfer the sample tube 42 to the sample pipetting station 1b so that the pipetting device 3 can draw the sample liquid in the sample tube 42 at the pipetting station, and can transfer the sample tube 42 after pipetting back to the sample storage station 1a so that a new sample tube 42 can be replaced at the sample pipetting station 1b.

[0081] The pipetting device 3 is configured to seal the pipette and perform pipetting operations. The pipetting device 3 is also configured to move along a first horizontal direction, a second horizontal direction, and a vertical direction, enabling pipetting operations at different positions. The ability of the pipetting device 3 to move along these directions facilitates its use.

[0082] It should be noted that the appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 In the diagram, direction 1 is the first horizontal direction, direction 2 is the second horizontal direction, and direction 3 is the vertical direction.

[0083] The pipetting workstation of the present invention arranges the sample storage station 1a, sample pipetting station 1b, pipette storage station 1c, cryopreservation box storage station 1d, and waste collection station 1e in an orderly manner. The sample storage station 1a, sample pipetting station 1b, and waste collection station 1e are distributed sequentially along a first horizontal direction, while the sample pipetting station 1b, pipette storage station 1c, and cryopreservation box storage station 1d are distributed sequentially along a second horizontal direction. This separates the pipetting route and the waste collection route, preventing them from intersecting. This avoids contamination of unused consumables during the recycling of discarded pipettes and waste liquid, effectively ensuring the biosafety of the pipetting process. In addition, the pipetting workstation of the present invention can improve space utilization, avoid space waste, and thus reduce the volume of the pipetting workstation.

[0084] The process of pipetting operation in the pipetting workstation of the present invention is as follows: the sample transfer device 2 moves the sample tube 42 to be pipetted from the sample storage station 1a to the sample pipetting station 1b, the pipetting device 3 moves to the pipette storage station 1c, seals the pipette, and then moves to the sample pipetting station 1b to perform the aspiration operation in the pipetting operation, aspirating a set volume of sample liquid from the sample tube 42 into the pipette, and then transfers it to the cryopreservation box storage station 1d, injecting the sample liquid aspirated from the pipette into the cryopreservation tube in the cryopreservation box 61 at the cryopreservation box storage station 1d, and then moves it to the waste recycling station 1e to recycle the waste liquid and the discarded pipette, and finally the sample transfer device 2 transfers the sample tube 42 with the collected sample from the sample pipetting station 1b back to the sample storage station 1a, and then moves the new sample tube 42 to be pipetted to the sample pipetting station 1b to perform the next round of pipetting.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 The pipetting workstation also includes a sample carrier 4, which is mounted on the mounting base 1 and located at the sample storage station 1a. Multiple sample racks 41 are placed inside the sample carrier 4, and multiple sample tubes 42 are placed within each sample rack 41 along its length. The sample carrier 4 is configured to place sample tubes 42 in batches, and the sample racks 41 are used to place the sample tubes 42. Each sample rack 41 can hold multiple sample tubes 42, and multiple sample tubes 42 can be transferred at once by transferring the sample racks 41, which helps to achieve batch pipetting operations and improves pipetting efficiency.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, please continue reading Figure 2 The sample carrier 4 is slidably connected to the mounting base 1 and can slide relative to the mounting base 1 in a second horizontal direction, so that the sample carrier 4 can be removed from the sample storage station 1a to replace the new sample rack 41 and sample tube 42. By slidably connecting the sample carrier 4 to the mounting base 1, the sample carrier 4 can be manually pulled out, thus facilitating the replacement of the new sample rack 41 and sample tube 42.

[0087] In another embodiment, the sample carrier 4 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 1.

[0088] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific connection method between the sample carrier 4 and the mounting base 1. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the specific connection method between the sample carrier 4 and the mounting base 1 according to actual needs. The specific implementation forms of the above embodiments should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Of course, it is preferable to slide the sample carrier 4 and the mounting base 1, so as to facilitate manual pulling out of the sample carrier 4 to replace the sample holder 41 and the sample tube 42, which is convenient for use.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 8 The pipetting workstation also includes a pipette carrier 5, which is mounted on the mounting base 1 and located at the pipette storage station 1c. The pipette carrier 5 can simultaneously hold multiple pipette boxes 51. Each pipette box 51 has multiple first placement holes 511 arranged in an array along a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction for placing pipettes. The pipette carrier 5 enables batch placement of pipettes, facilitating batch pipetting operations.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, please continue reading Figure 2 The pipette carrier 5 is slidably connected to the mounting base 1 and can slide relative to the mounting base 1 in a first horizontal direction, so that the pipette carrier 5 can be removed from the pipette storage station 1c to replenish new pipettes. By sliding the pipette carrier 5 to the mounting base 1, the pipette carrier 5 can be manually pulled out, thereby facilitating the replacement of new pipette boxes 51 and pipettes.

[0091] In another embodiment, the pipette carrier 5 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 1.

[0092] It should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific connection method between the pipette carrier 5 and the mounting base 1. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the specific connection method between the pipette carrier 5 and the mounting base 1 according to actual needs. The specific implementation forms of the above embodiments should not limit the scope of protection of this invention. Of course, it is preferable to slide the pipette carrier 5 and the mounting base 1, so as to facilitate manual pulling out of the pipette carrier 5 to replenish the pipette or replace the new pipette cartridge 51, which is more convenient to use.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 9The pipetting workstation also includes a cryopreservation container carrier 6, which is mounted on the mounting base 1 and located at the cryopreservation container storage station 1d. The cryopreservation container carrier 6 can simultaneously hold multiple cryopreservation containers 61. Each cryopreservation container 61 has multiple second placement holes 611 arranged in an array along a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction for placing cryopreservation tubes. The cryopreservation container carrier 6 enables batch placement of cryopreservation tubes, facilitating batch pipetting operations.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, please continue reading Figure 2 The cryopreservation container carrier 6 is slidably connected to the mounting base 1 and can slide relative to the mounting base 1 in a first horizontal direction, so that the cryopreservation container carrier 6 can be moved out from the cryopreservation container storage station 1d to remove the cryopreservation container 61 and replenish it with a new cryopreservation container 61. By slidably connecting the cryopreservation container carrier 6 to the mounting base 1, the cryopreservation container carrier 6 can be manually pulled out, thereby facilitating the replacement of new cryopreservation containers 61 and cryopreservation tubes.

[0095] In another embodiment, the cryopreservation box carrier 6 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 1.

[0096] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific connection method between the cryopreservation container carrier 6 and the mounting base 1. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the specific connection method between the cryopreservation container carrier 6 and the mounting base 1 according to actual needs. The specific implementation forms of the above embodiments should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Of course, it is preferable to slide the cryopreservation container carrier 6 and the mounting base 1, so as to facilitate manual pulling out of the cryopreservation container carrier 6 to remove the cryopreservation container 61 and cryopreservation tube after pipetting, and to be able to replenish new cryopreservation containers 61 and cryopreservation tubes in a timely manner, making it more convenient to use.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 10 The pipetting workstation also includes a waste collection component 7, which is mounted on the mounting base 1 and located at the waste collection station 1e. The waste collection component 7 can collect discarded pipettes and waste liquid. The waste collection component 7 is designed to promptly collect discarded pipettes and waste liquid, ensuring the cleanliness of the pipetting workstation.

[0098] It should be noted that the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure of the waste recycling component 7 or the specific connection method between the waste recycling component 7 and the mounting base 1. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the specific structure of the waste recycling component 7 and the connection method between it and the mounting base 1 according to actual needs.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, please continue reading Figure 2The waste recovery assembly 7 is slidably connected to the mounting base 1 and can slide relative to the mounting base 1 in a second horizontal direction, so that the waste recovery assembly 7 can be removed from the waste recovery station 1e to clean the waste liquid and discarded pipettes collected inside. The slidable connection between the waste recovery assembly 7 and the mounting base 1 allows the waste recovery assembly 7 to be manually pulled out, facilitating timely cleaning of waste liquid and waste gas pipettes, thus maintaining a good cleanliness inside the pipetting workstation.

[0100] For further preferred options, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 10 The waste recycling assembly 7 includes a bottom support 71, a pipette collection box 72, and a waste liquid collection box 73. The bottom support 71 is connected to the mounting base 1, and the pipette collection box 72 and the waste liquid collection box 73 are secured to the bottom support 71. By configuring the waste recycling assembly 7 with the bottom support 71, the pipette collection box 72, and the waste liquid collection box 73, the pipette collection box 72 is used to collect discarded pipettes, and the waste liquid collection box 73 is used to collect waste liquid. Being secured to the bottom support 71 ensures the stability of the pipette collection box 72 and the waste liquid collection box 73 and facilitates their removal for cleaning.

[0101] In another preferred embodiment, the waste recycling assembly 7 includes a pipette collection box, a waste liquid collection box, a pipette channel, and a waste liquid channel. The mounting base 1 is provided with a pipette through hole and a waste liquid through hole. The pipette channel and the waste liquid channel are fixedly installed on the mounting base 1 and are respectively located above the pipette through hole and the waste liquid through hole. The pipette collection box and the waste liquid collection box are located at the bottom of the mounting base 1. The pipette collection box is connected to the pipette channel through the pipette through hole, and the waste liquid collection box is connected to the waste liquid channel through the waste liquid through hole.

[0102] More preferably, a first control valve is provided in the pipette channel to connect and disconnect the pipette channel; a second control valve is provided in the waste liquid channel to connect and disconnect the waste liquid channel. The first and second control valves control the opening and closing of the channels, which can prevent the collection box from being connected to the pipetting area inside the pipetting workstation in real time, thereby improving the cleanliness and safety of the environment inside the pipetting workstation.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7The pipetting workstation of the present invention also includes a pipetting holder 8, which is mounted on the mounting base 1 and located on the sample pipetting station 1b. The pipetting holder 8 has a fixing groove 81 inside, which can secure the sample holder 41. The pipetting holder 8 can fix the sample holder 41, thereby fixing multiple sample tubes 42 at the same time, which helps to realize batch pipetting operations. In addition, this setting allows the sample holder 41 to be transferred directly when transferring sample tubes 42, thus realizing batch transfer of sample tubes 42, which is convenient.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pipetting workstation of the present invention also includes a detection device 9, which includes a first camera 91, a first plane mirror 92, and a second plane mirror 93.

[0105] The first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93 are mounted on the mounting base 1. The first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93 are located on both sides of the pipette holder 8 along the width direction of the pipette holder 8, and the first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93 extend along the length direction of the pipette holder 8. The ends of the first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93 near the pipette holder 8 are inclined downwards. The mirror surfaces of the first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93 face the pipette holder 8 and can reflect the sample holder 41 located in the fixing groove 81 and the sample tube 42 located in the sample holder 41. The first camera 91 is located above the first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93 and can simultaneously capture the images inside the mirror surfaces of the first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93.

[0106] By setting up a detection device 9, and configuring the detection device 9 as a first camera 91, a first plane mirror 92, and a second plane mirror 93, the first camera 91, in combination with the first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93, can identify the sample tube 42 in the sample holder 41. The overall structure is simple, easy to use, and small in size.

[0107] It should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific installation method of the first camera 91. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the specific installation method of the first camera 91 according to actual needs. For example, the first camera 91 can be connected to the mounting base 1, and its position relative to the first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93 can be fixed; or, the first camera 91 can be connected to the mounting base 1 through a sliding module, which can drive the first camera 91 to move along a first horizontal direction, a second horizontal direction, and a vertical direction, so as to change the horizontal position and height of the first camera 91. Such adjustments and changes to the specific installation method of the first camera 91 do not deviate from the basic principles of this invention and should all be limited to the protection scope of this invention.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7 The sample holder 41 has multiple receiving slots 411 along its length, and multiple sample tubes 42 are respectively located in the multiple receiving slots 411. The receiving slots 411 have perforated holes 4111 on their walls facing the first plane mirror 92 so that the first plane mirror 92 can reflect the layering of the sample in the sample tube 42 through the perforated holes 4111. The receiving slots 4111 have through slots 4112 on their walls facing the second plane mirror 93 so that the second plane mirror 93 can reflect the information code on the sample tube 42 through the through slots 4112 so that the first camera 91 can scan the code. Holes 4111 and through slots 4112 are made in the wall of the receiving slot 411 of the sample holder 41, so that the first plane mirror 92 can reflect the layering of the sample liquid in the sample tube 42 through the holes 4111. For some samples that need to be centrifuged before pipetting, the first camera 91 can detect the condition of each sample liquid through the first plane mirror 92. When an unqualified sample is detected and the controller of the pipetting workstation analyzes that the sample liquid is unqualified, an alarm can be set so that manual inspection and replacement can be carried out, thereby ensuring the accuracy of pipetting and improving the quality of pipetting. In addition, the second plane mirror 93 can reflect the information code of the sample tube 42 through the through slots 4112, so that the first camera 91 can identify the information code in the second plane mirror 93 and scan it, which helps to realize automated management.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93 both make an angle of 45° with the horizontal plane. Making the angles of the first plane mirror 92 and the second plane mirror 93 both 45° with the horizontal plane results in a more uniform reflected image, making it easier to identify.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pipetting workstation of the present invention further includes a cryopreservation box scanning component 10 and a box transfer device 11, which are mounted on a mounting base 1. The cryopreservation box scanning component 10 is configured to scan the box code of the cryopreservation box 61 located at the scanning station 1f and the tube code of the cryopreservation tube inside the cryopreservation box 61. The box transfer device 11 is configured to clamp the cryopreservation box 61 and the pipette box 51 and move them along a first horizontal direction, a second horizontal direction and a vertical direction, so as to move the cryopreservation box 61 and the pipette box 51.

[0111] By setting up the cryopreservation box scanning component 10 to scan the box code of the cryopreservation box 61 and the tube code of the cryopreservation tube inside the cryopreservation box 61 at the scanning station 1f, the pipette sample solution is matched with the cryopreservation tube, and different sample solutions are bound to the cryopreservation tube, which helps to achieve automated management; the box transfer device 11 can move the cryopreservation box 61 and the pipette box 51 to automatically transfer the cryopreservation box 61 and the pipette box 51, so as to realize the automatic feeding of consumables and transfer the cryopreservation box 61 to the scanning station 1f for scanning.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 11 The cryopreservation box scanning component 10 includes a scanning box 1001, a second camera 1002 (not shown in the figure), and a third plane mirror 1003. The scanning box 1001 is mounted on the mounting base 1 and located at the scanning station 1f. The second camera 1002 and the third plane mirror 1003 are mounted on the scanning box 1001. The second camera 1002 is positioned upwards, and the third plane mirror 1003 is located to one side of the second camera 1002 and above the second camera 1002. The end of the third plane mirror 1003 away from the second camera 1002 is tilted downwards, and the mirror surface of the third plane mirror 1003 is positioned facing the second camera 1002. When the cryopreservation box 61 is located at the scanning station 1f, the third plane mirror 1003 can reflect the box code of the cryopreservation box 61, and the second camera 1002 can scan the tube code of the cryopreservation tube inside the cryopreservation box 61 and the box code on the mirror surface of the third plane mirror 1003.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the third plane mirror 1003 and the horizontal plane is 45°. By ensuring that the angle between the third plane mirror 1003 and the horizontal plane is always 45°, the reflected image is more uniform and easier to identify.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 12 The pipetting workstation of the present invention also includes a consumables rack 12, which is mounted on the mounting base 1. The consumables rack 12 is located on the side of the cryopreservation box storage station 1d away from the pipette storage station 1c. The consumables rack 12 is used for batch placement of pipette boxes 51 and cryopreservation boxes 61. The box transfer device 11 is also configured to dock with the consumables rack 12 to transfer the cryopreservation boxes 61 and pipette boxes 51. By setting up the consumables rack 12 to batch place pipette boxes 51 and cryopreservation boxes 61, and in conjunction with the box transfer device 11, automatic feeding of consumables can be achieved, thereby saving manpower.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, please continue reading Figure 12The consumable material rack 12 includes a frame 121, on which multiple storage positions 122 for placing pipette boxes 51 and cryopreservation boxes 61 are provided. The multiple storage positions 122 are arranged in an array along the length and height of the consumable material rack 12. Each storage position 122 has two opposite access ports 123, one of which is facing the cryopreservation box storage station 1d.

[0116] The consumables rack 12 has multiple storage positions 122 for storing cryovials 61 and pipette boxes 51. Each storage position 122 has two opposing access ports 123. One access port 123 faces the cryovial storage station 1d and is used to connect with the box transfer device 11 to transfer the cryovials 61 and pipette boxes 51. The other access port 123 connects to the outside of the pipetting workstation to receive new cryovials 61 and pipette boxes 51 and to facilitate the output of used cryovials 61 and pipette boxes 51 from the pipetting workstation. This arrangement allows the consumables rack 12 to connect with external equipment, forming a connection channel, thereby enabling the pipetting workstation to connect with different devices (e.g., cryovial capping devices, cryovial box capping devices), improving the ease of use of the pipetting workstation.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, please refer to the following... Figure 1 The mounting base 1 is also equipped with at least one spare workstation 1g, which is located between the consumables rack 12 and the cryopreservation box storage workstation 1d. The spare workstation 1g allows for the installation of other modules to increase the performance and application range of the pipetting workstation; for example, a centrifuge module can be installed.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figures 1 to 4 The sample transfer device 2 includes a first horizontal sliding mechanism 21, a second horizontal sliding mechanism 22, a connector 23, a first vertical sliding mechanism 24, a second vertical sliding mechanism 25, a first clamping mechanism 26, and a second clamping mechanism 27.

[0119] A first horizontal sliding mechanism 21 is mounted on the mounting base 1. A second horizontal sliding mechanism 22 is connected to the first horizontal sliding mechanism 21. A connecting piece 23 is mounted on the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22. A first vertical sliding mechanism 24 and a second vertical sliding mechanism 25 are both mounted on the connecting piece 23. A first clamping mechanism 26 is connected to the first vertical sliding mechanism 24, and a second clamping mechanism 27 is connected to the second vertical sliding mechanism 25. The first horizontal sliding mechanism 21 is configured to drive the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22, the connecting piece 23, the first vertical sliding mechanism 24, the second vertical sliding mechanism 25, and the connecting piece 23. The first clamping mechanism 26 and the second clamping mechanism 27 move along the second horizontal direction; the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22 is configured to drive the connector 23, the first vertical sliding mechanism 24, the second vertical sliding mechanism 25, the first clamping mechanism 26 and the second clamping mechanism 27 to move along the first horizontal direction; the first vertical sliding mechanism 24 is configured to drive the first clamping mechanism 26 to move along the vertical direction, and the first clamping mechanism 26 can clamp the sample rack 41; the second vertical sliding mechanism 25 is configured to drive the second clamping mechanism 27 to move along the vertical direction, and the second clamping mechanism 27 can clamp the sample rack 41.

[0120] The first horizontal sliding mechanism 21, the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22, and the first vertical sliding mechanism 24 work together to move the first clamping mechanism 26, thereby transferring the sample holder 41. In addition, the first horizontal sliding mechanism 21, the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22, and the second vertical sliding mechanism 25 work together to move the second clamping mechanism 27, thereby transferring the sample holder 41. When the two clamping mechanisms work together to change the sample tube 42 on the sample pipetting station 1b, the first clamping mechanism 26 moves the sample holder 41 off the sample pipetting station 1b, and the second clamping mechanism 27 can then move the new sample holder 41 to the sample pipetting station 1b, thereby saving one round trip and improving pipetting efficiency.

[0121] Although the sample transfer device 2 is configured in the preferred embodiment described above as comprising a first horizontal sliding mechanism 21, a second horizontal sliding mechanism 22, a connector 23, a first vertical sliding mechanism 24, a second vertical sliding mechanism 25, a first clamping mechanism 26, and a second clamping mechanism 27, this should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can also configure the sample transfer device 2 with other structural forms. For example, the sample transfer device 2 can include a first horizontal moving mechanism, a second horizontal moving mechanism, a vertical moving mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. The first horizontal moving mechanism is mounted on the mounting base 1, the second horizontal moving mechanism is mounted on the first horizontal moving mechanism, the vertical moving mechanism is mounted on the second horizontal moving mechanism, and the clamping mechanism is mounted on the vertical moving mechanism, configured to clamp the sample holder 41. Such adjustments and changes to the specific structure of the sample transfer device 2 do not deviate from the basic principles of the present invention and should all be limited to the scope of protection of the present invention. Of course, the preferred embodiment described above is preferred because it saves space and the combined use of the two clamping mechanisms improves efficiency.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The first camera 91 is connected to the connector 23 via a third vertical sliding mechanism 94. The third vertical sliding mechanism 94 is configured to move the first camera 91 vertically. Connecting the first camera 91 to the connector 23 via the third vertical sliding mechanism 94 allows the first camera 91, the first clamping mechanism 26, and the second clamping mechanism 27 to share the first horizontal sliding mechanism 21 and the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22, effectively saving space. Furthermore, by moving the first camera 91, it can monitor the consumable information within the pipetting workstation. When the quantity of consumables is insufficient to support the next pipetting operation, an alarm will sound to remind timely replenishment of consumables, thereby improving the pipetting efficiency of the pipetting workstation.

[0123] It should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structure of the first horizontal sliding mechanism 21 and the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the specific structure of the first horizontal sliding mechanism 21 and the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22 according to actual needs. For example, the first horizontal sliding mechanism 21 and the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22 can be configured as a linear sliding module, or they can be configured as a structure of motor + gear + rack as the driving mechanism and cooperating with linear guide rail and linear slider; or they can be configured as a structure of motor + ball screw as the driving mechanism and cooperating with linear guide rail and linear slider; and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific structure of the first horizontal sliding mechanism 21 and the second horizontal sliding mechanism 22 do not deviate from the basic principles of this invention and should all be limited to the protection scope of this invention.

[0124] It should also be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structures of the first vertical sliding mechanism 24, the second vertical sliding mechanism 25, and the third vertical sliding mechanism 94. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can customize the specific structures of the first vertical sliding mechanism 24, the second vertical sliding mechanism 25, and the third vertical sliding mechanism 94 according to actual needs. For example, the first vertical sliding mechanism 24, the second vertical sliding mechanism 25, and the third vertical sliding mechanism 94 can be configured as a linear sliding module. Alternatively, the first vertical sliding mechanism 24, the second vertical sliding mechanism 25, and the third vertical sliding mechanism 94 can be configured as a motor + gear + rack as the driving mechanism and a structure that cooperates with the linear guide rail and the linear slider; or, the first vertical sliding mechanism 24, the second vertical sliding mechanism 25, and the third vertical sliding mechanism 94 can be configured as a motor + ball screw as the driving mechanism and a structure that cooperates with the linear guide rail and the linear slider; and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific structures of the first vertical sliding mechanism 24, the second vertical sliding mechanism 25, and the third vertical sliding mechanism 94 do not deviate from the basic principles of the present invention and should all be limited to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, please refer to the following... Figure 8The pipette carrier 5 includes a first support body 501 and multiple fourth plane mirrors 502. The first support body 501 has multiple first receiving cavities 503 for placing pipette cartridges 51. The fourth plane mirrors 502 are mounted on the first support body 501, with one fourth plane mirror 502 corresponding to each first receiving cavity 503. The fourth plane mirrors 502 are located on one side of each first receiving cavity 503 and are tilted, reflecting the pipette cartridges 51 and the pipettes located within them. The fourth plane mirrors 502 on the pipette carrier 5 facilitate the first camera 91 in collecting information on the number of pipettes in the pipette cartridges 51, enabling automated management of consumables.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the fourth plane mirror 502 and the horizontal plane is 45°. By ensuring that the angle between the fourth plane mirror 502 and the horizontal plane is always 45°, the reflected image is more uniform and easier to identify.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, please refer to the following... Figure 9 The cryopreservation container carrier 6 includes a second support body 601 and multiple fifth plane mirrors 602. The second support body 601 has multiple second receiving cavities 603 for placing cryopreservation containers 61. The fifth plane mirrors 602 are mounted on the second support body 601, with one fifth plane mirror 602 corresponding to each second receiving cavity 603. The fifth plane mirrors 602 are tilted, and their surfaces can reflect the cryopreservation containers 61 and cryopreservation tubes within their corresponding second receiving cavity 603. The placement of the fifth plane mirrors 602 on the cryopreservation container carrier 6 facilitates the first camera 91 in collecting information on the number of cryopreservation tubes within the cryopreservation containers 61, thereby enabling automated management of consumables.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the fifth plane mirror 602 and the horizontal plane is 45°. By ensuring that the angle between the fifth plane mirror 602 and the horizontal plane is always 45°, the reflected image is more uniform and easier to identify.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, please also refer to Figures 1 to 4The pipetting device 3 includes a third horizontal sliding mechanism 31, a mounting component 32, a fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33, and an automatic pipetting mechanism 34. The third horizontal sliding mechanism 31 is mounted on the mounting base 1, the mounting component 32 is mounted on the third horizontal sliding mechanism 31, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33 is mounted on the mounting component 32, and the automatic pipetting mechanism 34 is mounted on the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33. The third horizontal sliding mechanism 31 is configured to drive the mounting component 32, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33, and the automatic pipetting mechanism 34 to move along a second horizontal direction. The fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33 is configured to drive the automatic pipetting mechanism 34 to move along a first horizontal direction. The automatic pipetting mechanism 34 is configured to seal the pipetting gun and drive the pipetting gun to move vertically to complete the pipetting operation.

[0130] The third horizontal sliding mechanism 31 and the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33 work together to change the position of the automatic pipetting mechanism 34, so that the automatic pipetting mechanism 34 can move between the pipette storage station 1c, the sample pipetting station 1b, the cryopreservation tube storage station and the waste recycling station 1e, so as to facilitate operations such as sealing pipettes, aspirating, pipetting and transferring discarded pipettes and waste liquids, making it more convenient to use.

[0131] In a preferred embodiment, please continue reading Figures 1 to 4 The box transfer device 11 includes a fifth horizontal sliding mechanism 111, a fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112, and a third clamping mechanism 113. The fifth horizontal sliding mechanism 111 is mounted on the mounting member 32, the fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112 is mounted on the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism 111, and the third clamping mechanism 113 is mounted on the fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112. The fifth horizontal sliding mechanism 111 is configured to drive the fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112 and the third clamping mechanism 113 to move along the first horizontal direction. The fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112 is configured to drive the third clamping mechanism 113 to move along the vertical direction. The third clamping mechanism 113 is configured to clamp the cryopreservation box 61 and the pipette box 51.

[0132] The box transfer device 11 is mounted on the mounting part 32, thereby sharing the third horizontal sliding mechanism 31 with the automatic pipetting mechanism 34, which can save space and reduce costs, and is more convenient to use.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, please continue reading. Figures 1 to 4 The third horizontal sliding mechanism 31 and the first horizontal sliding mechanism 21 share the same sliding track. This saves space in the pipetting workstation, facilitates installation and use, and reduces costs.

[0134] It should be noted that this invention does not impose any restrictions on the specific structures of the third horizontal sliding mechanism 31, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33, and the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism 111. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can customize the specific structures of the third horizontal sliding mechanism 31, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33, and the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism 111 according to actual needs. For example, the third horizontal sliding mechanism 31, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33, and the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism 111 can be configured as a linear sliding module; or, they can be configured as a structure with a motor + gear + rack as the drive mechanism and cooperating with a linear guide rail and a linear slider; or, they can be configured as a structure with a motor + ball screw as the drive mechanism and cooperating with a linear guide rail and a linear slider; and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific structures of the third horizontal sliding mechanism 31, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism 33, and the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism 111 do not deviate from the basic principles of this invention and should all be limited to the protection scope of this invention.

[0135] It should also be noted that this invention does not impose any limitations on the specific structure of the fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can customize the specific structure of the fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112 according to actual needs. For example, the fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112 can be configured as a linear sliding module. Alternatively, the fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112 can be configured as a structure consisting of a motor, gear, and rack as the driving mechanism, cooperating with a linear guide rail and a linear slider. Furthermore, the fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112 can be configured as a structure consisting of a motor and a ball screw as the driving mechanism, cooperating with a linear guide rail and a linear slider; and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific structure of the fourth vertical sliding mechanism 112 do not deviate from the basic principles of this invention and should all be limited to the scope of protection of this invention.

[0136] Finally, it should be noted that the automatic pipetting mechanism 34 described in this invention is a commonly used automatic pipetting mechanism in the art. It has a spacing adjustment mechanism and multiple pipetting drive components. The multiple pipetting drive components are mounted on the spacing adjustment mechanism and can change the spacing between two adjacent pipetting drive components under the action of the spacing adjustment mechanism, thereby adapting to the use of multiple sample tubes 42 with different spacings. The pipetting drive components can be connected to pipettes for aspiration and dispensing operations. The aforementioned pipetting drive components and spacing adjustment mechanism are conventional technologies in the art and will not be described in detail here. Preferably, in order to improve pipetting efficiency, the spacing between two adjacent sample tubes 42 in the sample holder 41, the spacing between two adjacent pipettes in the pipette box 51, and the spacing between two adjacent cryopreservation tubes in the cryopreservation box 61 are the same, thereby avoiding spacing changes during pipetting and improving pipetting efficiency.

[0137] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipetting workstation, characterized in that, Includes a mounting base and a sample transfer device and a pipetting device mounted on the mounting base; The mounting base is provided with a sample storage station, a sample pipetting station, a pipette storage station, a cryopreservation box storage station, and a waste recycling station. The sample storage station, the sample pipetting station, and the waste recycling station are arranged sequentially along a first horizontal direction, and the sample pipetting station, the pipette storage station, and the cryopreservation box storage station are arranged sequentially along a second horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The sample transfer device is configured to clamp the sample tube and move along the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction, and the vertical direction to transfer the sample tube. The pipetting device is configured to seal the pipette and perform pipetting operations. The pipetting device is also configured to move along the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction and the vertical direction so as to perform pipetting operations at different positions. The pipetting workstation also includes a sample carrier, which is mounted on the mounting base and located at the sample storage station. The sample carrier contains multiple sample racks, and each sample rack contains multiple sample tubes arranged along its length. The pipetting workstation also includes a pipetting fixation frame, which is mounted on the mounting base and located at the sample pipetting station. The pipetting fixation frame has a fixing groove that can secure the sample racks. The pipetting workstation also includes a detection device, which comprises a first camera, a first plane mirror, and a second plane mirror. The first plane mirror and the second plane mirror are mounted on the mounting base. The first plane mirror and the second plane mirror are located on both sides of the pipette holder along the width direction of the pipette holder, and the first plane mirror and the second plane mirror extend along the length direction of the pipette holder. The first and second plane mirrors are inclined downwards at the ends near the pipette holder. The mirror surfaces of the first and second plane mirrors face the pipette holder and can reflect the sample holder and sample tube located in the fixing groove. The first camera is positioned above the first and second plane mirrors and can simultaneously capture the images inside the mirror surfaces of the first and second plane mirrors. The sample holder has multiple receiving slots along its length, and multiple sample tubes are respectively located in the multiple receiving slots. The receiving slots have perforated holes on the slot walls facing the first plane mirror so that the first plane mirror can reflect the layering of the sample inside the sample tube through the perforated holes. The receiving slots have through slots on the slot walls facing the second plane mirror so that the second plane mirror can reflect the information code on the sample tube through the through slots, thereby enabling the first camera to scan the code.

2. The pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipetting workstation also includes a pipette carrier, which is mounted on the mounting base and located at the pipette storage station. The pipette carrier can hold multiple pipette boxes at the same time. The pipette box has multiple first placement holes for placing pipettes arranged in an array along the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction.

3. The pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipetting workstation also includes a cryopreservation box carrier, which is mounted on the mounting base and located at the cryopreservation box storage station. The cryopreservation box carrier can hold multiple cryopreservation boxes at the same time. The cryopreservation box has multiple second placement holes for placing cryopreservation tubes arranged in an array along the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction.

4. The pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipetting workstation also includes a waste collection component, which is mounted on the mounting base and located at the waste collection station. The waste collection component is capable of collecting discarded pipettes and waste liquid.

5. The pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample carrier is slidably connected to the mounting base and can slide relative to the mounting base along the second horizontal direction so that the sample carrier can be removed from the sample storage facility to replace new sample racks and sample tubes.

6. The pipetting workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pipette carrier is slidably connected to the mounting base and can slide relative to the mounting base along the first horizontal direction so that the pipette carrier can be moved out of the pipette storage area to replenish new pipettes.

7. The pipetting workstation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cryopreservation box carrier is slidably connected to the mounting base and can slide relative to the mounting base along the first horizontal direction so that the cryopreservation box carrier can be moved out of the cryopreservation box storage site to remove the cryopreservation box and replenish new cryopreservation boxes.

8. The pipetting workstation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The waste recovery assembly is slidably connected to the mounting base and is capable of sliding relative to the mounting base in a second horizontal direction so that the waste recovery assembly can be displaced from the waste recovery unit to clean up the waste liquid and discarded pipettes collected inside.

9. The pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first plane mirror and the second plane mirror and the horizontal plane is 45°.

10. The pipetting workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pipetting workstation also includes a cryopreservation box barcode scanning component and a box transfer device, which are mounted on the mounting base; The cryopreservation box scanning component is configured to scan the box code of the cryopreservation box located at the scanning station and the tube code of the cryopreservation tube inside the cryopreservation box. The container transfer device is configured to clamp the cryopreservation container and the pipette container and to move along the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction, and the vertical direction, so as to move the cryopreservation container and the pipette container.

11. The pipetting workstation according to claim 10, characterized in that, The pipetting workstation also includes a consumables rack, which is mounted on the mounting base and located on the side of the cryopreservation box storage station away from the pipette storage station. The consumables rack is used to store the pipette boxes and the cryopreservation boxes in batches. The box transfer device is also configured to dock with the consumable material rack to transfer the cryopreservation box and pipette box.

12. The pipetting workstation according to claim 11, characterized in that, The mounting base is also provided with at least one spare workstation, which is located between the consumable material rack and the cryopreservation box storage workstation.

13. The pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample transfer device includes a first horizontal sliding mechanism, a second horizontal sliding mechanism, a connector, a first vertical sliding mechanism, a second vertical sliding mechanism, a first clamping mechanism, and a second clamping mechanism; The first horizontal sliding mechanism is mounted on the mounting base, the second horizontal sliding mechanism is connected to the first horizontal sliding mechanism, the connecting member is mounted on the second horizontal sliding mechanism, the first vertical sliding mechanism and the second vertical sliding mechanism are both mounted on the connecting member, the first clamping mechanism is mounted on the first vertical sliding mechanism, and the second clamping mechanism is mounted on the second vertical sliding mechanism; The first horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the second horizontal sliding mechanism, the connecting member, the first vertical sliding mechanism, the second vertical sliding mechanism, the first clamping mechanism, and the second clamping mechanism to move along the second horizontal direction; The second horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the connector, the first vertical sliding mechanism, the second vertical sliding mechanism, the first clamping mechanism, and the second clamping mechanism to move along the first horizontal direction; The first vertical sliding mechanism is configured to drive the first clamping mechanism to move in the vertical direction, and the first clamping mechanism is able to clamp the sample holder; The second vertical sliding mechanism is configured to drive the second clamping mechanism to move in the vertical direction, and the second clamping mechanism is able to clamp the sample holder.

14. The pipetting workstation according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first camera is connected to the connector via a third vertical sliding mechanism, which is configured to move the first camera in a vertical direction.

15. The pipetting workstation according to claim 14, characterized in that, The pipette carrier includes a first support body and a plurality of fourth plane mirrors. The first support body is provided with a plurality of first receiving cavities for placing pipette boxes. The fourth plane mirrors are mounted on the first support body. Each first receiving cavity is provided with a corresponding fourth plane mirror, and the fourth plane mirror is located on one side of the first receiving cavity. The fourth plane mirror is tilted and its mirror surface can reflect the pipette box in the corresponding first receiving cavity and the pipette in the pipette box. And / or, the cryopreservation box carrier includes a second support body and a plurality of fifth plane mirrors. The second support body is provided with a plurality of second receiving cavities for placing cryopreservation boxes. The fifth plane mirrors are mounted on the second support body. Each second receiving cavity is provided with a corresponding fifth plane mirror, and the fifth plane mirror is located on one side of the second receiving cavity. The fifth plane mirror is tilted and its mirror surface can reflect the cryopreservation box in the corresponding second receiving cavity and the cryopreservation tubes located in the cryopreservation box.

16. The pipetting workstation according to claim 11, characterized in that, The pipetting device includes a third horizontal sliding mechanism, a mounting component, a fourth horizontal sliding mechanism, and an automatic pipetting mechanism. The third horizontal sliding mechanism is mounted on the mounting base, the mounting component is mounted on the third horizontal sliding mechanism, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism is mounted on the mounting component, and the automatic pipetting mechanism is mounted on the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism; The third horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the mounting component, the fourth horizontal sliding mechanism, and the automatic pipetting mechanism to move along the second horizontal direction; The fourth horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the automatic pipetting mechanism to move along the first horizontal direction; The automatic pipetting mechanism is configured to seal the pipette and move it vertically to complete the pipetting operation.

17. The pipetting workstation according to claim 16, characterized in that, The box transfer device includes a fifth horizontal sliding mechanism, a fourth vertical sliding mechanism, and a third clamping mechanism; The fifth horizontal sliding mechanism is mounted on the mounting component, the fourth vertical sliding mechanism is mounted on the fifth horizontal sliding mechanism, and the third clamping mechanism is mounted on the fourth vertical sliding mechanism. The fifth horizontal sliding mechanism is configured to drive the fourth vertical sliding mechanism and the third clamping mechanism to move along the first horizontal direction, the fourth vertical sliding mechanism is configured to drive the third clamping mechanism to move along the vertical direction, and the third clamping mechanism is configured to clamp the cryopreservation box and the pipette box.

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