Chemical high-throughput experiment sample module screw automatic tightening device and method

Abstract

The application provides a chemical high-throughput experiment sample module screw automatic tightening device and method, the device comprises a fixing device and a tightening device; the tightening device comprises a motorized head, a first L-shaped column and a second L-shaped column, the motorized head is vertically placed, the first L-shaped column comprises a first vertical plate arranged vertically and a first horizontal plate arranged horizontally, the second L-shaped column comprises a second vertical plate arranged vertically and a second horizontal plate arranged horizontally, the connecting plate can slide on the side of the first vertical plate to drive the motorized head to move up and down, the side of the first horizontal plate is slidably connected with the side of the second vertical plate, the lower part of the second horizontal plate is connected with an L-shaped auxiliary block, and the second horizontal plate and the L-shaped auxiliary block are provided with through holes for the motorized head to pass through. The device has low cost, can seal liquid storage bottles in batches, greatly reduces cost and consumed time, and is more suitable for the chemical experiment environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of chemical laboratory technology, and more particularly to an automatic bolt tightening device and method for high-throughput chemical experimental sample modules. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the development and application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, computer technology, and intelligent manufacturing, traditional equipment has achieved breakthroughs and innovations. Intelligent manufacturing improves production efficiency, reduces production costs, and enhances product quality through technological means. Robotics is one of the key technologies in intelligent manufacturing, possessing advantages such as high efficiency, precision, and flexibility. It can replace human labor in completing repetitive tasks on the production line. Robotics not only improves production efficiency and reduces costs but also enhances product quality and workplace safety. Robots have been used in chemical experiments since the early 1980s. These robots can be programmed to perform many different tasks, including sample preparation and processing. Robots are suitable for use in laboratories because processes involve repetitive actions. Delegating these highly repetitive actions to robots can effectively improve work efficiency and free up researchers' time for innovative and designed chemical experiments.

[0003] However, this technology also has some drawbacks and limitations. Due to the high costs of manufacturing, maintaining, and updating the robots, and the need to improve their stability and reliability in long-term, complex environments, such robots are generally used in large, well-funded laboratories. Furthermore, chemical experiments involve complex chemical reactions, the handling of different materials and reagents, and diverse experimental methods. Current chemical laboratory robots have limitations in handling complexity and diversity, making them unsuitable for most types of experiments. In view of these limitations, this invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problem of the complex structure of existing chemical experimental robot devices, this invention provides an automatic bolt tightening device and method for high-throughput chemical experimental sample modules. This invention primarily utilizes the automatic tightening device to accurately seal liquid storage bottles, requiring no other complex technologies and offering simple operation. It also avoids the programming operations that are difficult for chemical experimenters to perform.

[0005] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0006] An automatic bolt tightening device for a chemical high-throughput experimental sample module includes a fixing device and a tightening device;

[0007] The fixing device includes a base plate with a liquid storage bottle hole. A liquid storage bottle is placed in the liquid storage bottle hole. A rubber pad and a top cover are arranged sequentially on the upper part of the liquid storage bottle. The base plate, rubber pad, and top cover are the same size. The base plate has several threaded holes. Threaded holes are also opened on the rubber pad and top cover at the vertical positions of the threaded holes on the base plate. The threaded holes are opened between the liquid storage bottles. Bolts are threadedly connected to the threaded holes of the base plate, rubber pad, and top cover at the same vertical position.

[0008] The tightening device includes an electric screwdriver bit, a first L-shaped post, and a second L-shaped post. The electric screwdriver bit is placed vertically. The first L-shaped post includes a vertically arranged first vertical plate and a horizontally arranged first horizontal plate. The second L-shaped post includes a vertically arranged second vertical plate and a horizontally arranged second horizontal plate. The side of the electric screwdriver bit is connected to the side of the first vertical plate through a connecting plate. The connecting plate can slide on the side of the first vertical plate to drive the electric screwdriver bit to move up and down. The side of the first horizontal plate is slidably connected to the side of the second vertical plate. An L-shaped auxiliary block is connected to the lower part of the second horizontal plate. The second horizontal plate and the L-shaped auxiliary block are provided with through holes for the electric screwdriver bit to pass through.

[0009] Furthermore, the front of the second vertical plate is connected to one end of the spring, and the other end of the spring is connected to the front of the first horizontal plate.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a base, which is rectangular, and a fixed baffle is provided at each of the four corners of the base.

[0011] Furthermore, a base plate is provided on the base between the four fixed baffles.

[0012] Furthermore, the electric screwdriver bit is connected to a servo motor via a ball screw.

[0013] This invention also provides an automatic tightening method for bolts on a high-throughput chemical experimental sample module, based on any of the above-mentioned automatic tightening devices for bolts on a high-throughput chemical experimental sample module, comprising the following steps:

[0014] Place the liquid storage bottle into the liquid storage bottle hole on the base plate, cover the liquid storage bottle with a rubber pad and a top cover, put the bolt into the threaded hole, and place the tightening device on the base.

[0015] A servo motor drives a ball screw to align the electric screwdriver bit with the center of the bolt. With the worktable as the positive direction and the middle bolt as the reference, a coordinate system is established to tighten the bolts in sequence.

[0016] During the downward pressing of the electric screwdriver bit, the L-shaped auxiliary block first touches the top cover. The motor drives the electric screwdriver bit downward to align with the cross hole of the bolt and rotates. The spring is stretched. When the electric screwdriver bit separates from the bolt, the spring pulls the L-shaped auxiliary block to generate downward pressure, causing the electric screwdriver bit to separate from the bolt, and the tightening is completed.

[0017] Furthermore, when tightening the bolts in sequence, a symmetrical tightening sequence should be adopted, first tightening the middle bolt, and then tightening the bolts around the perimeter.

[0018] Furthermore, as the electric screwdriver bit approaches the bolt, it decelerates and moves downwards.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] This invention requires only a single tool, an electric screwdriver bit. It eliminates the need for complex machines like other general-purpose robotic arms. This invention offers low-cost machinery that can seal liquid storage bottles in batches, significantly reducing costs and time, making it more suitable for chemical experimental environments.

[0021] This invention features a chemical laboratory design, characterized by its simplicity, reliability, and low cost. Tightening and loosening of bolts are accomplished using an electric screwdriver bit. The various and reliable motion methods do not involve technologies from other fields such as vision, greatly simplifying experimental programming. This design allows for the batch sealing of liquid storage bottles, saving both time and money. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tightening device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the tightening method of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the base of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the base plate of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary block for extending the electric screwdriver bit of the present invention.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Fixed baffle; 2. Threaded hole; 3. Electric screwdriver bit; 4. First vertical plate; 5. First horizontal plate; 6. Second vertical plate; 7. Second horizontal plate; 8. Connecting plate; 9. L-shaped auxiliary block; 10. Spring; 11. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0034] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0036] like Figure 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides an automatic bolt tightening device for chemical high-throughput experimental sample modules, including a fixing device and a tightening device;

[0037] The fixing device includes a base plate with a liquid storage bottle hole. A liquid storage bottle is placed in the liquid storage bottle hole. A rubber pad and a top cover are sequentially arranged on the upper part of the liquid storage bottle. The base plate, rubber pad, and top cover are of the same size. The base plate has several threaded holes 2. Threaded holes 2 are also provided on the rubber pad and top cover at the vertical positions corresponding to the threaded holes 2 on the base plate. The threaded holes 2 are located between the liquid storage bottles. Bolts are threadedly connected to the threaded holes 2 on the base plate, rubber pad, and top cover at the same vertical position. The device also includes a rectangular base 11. A fixing baffle 1 is provided at each of the four corners of the base 11. A base plate is provided on the base 11 between the four fixing baffles 1.

[0038] The tightening device includes an electric screwdriver bit 3, a first L-shaped post, and a second L-shaped post. The electric screwdriver bit 3 is placed vertically and is connected to a servo motor via a ball screw. The first L-shaped post includes a vertically arranged first vertical plate 4 and a horizontally arranged first horizontal plate 5. The second L-shaped post includes a vertically arranged second vertical plate 6 and a horizontally arranged second horizontal plate 7. The side of the electric screwdriver bit 3 is connected to the side of the first vertical plate 4 via a connecting plate 8. The connecting plate 8 can slide on the side of the first vertical plate 4 to drive the electric screwdriver bit 3 to move up and down. The side of the first horizontal plate 5 is slidably connected to the side of the second vertical plate 6. An L-shaped auxiliary block 9 is connected to the lower part of the second horizontal plate 7. The second horizontal plate 7 and the L-shaped auxiliary block 9 are provided with through holes for the electric screwdriver bit 3 to pass through. The front of the second vertical plate 6 is connected to one end of a spring 10, and the other end of the spring 10 is connected to the front of the first horizontal plate 5.

[0039] This invention also provides an automatic tightening method for bolts in a high-throughput chemical experimental sample module, based on an automatic tightening device for bolts in a high-throughput chemical experimental sample module, comprising the following steps:

[0040] Place the liquid storage bottle into the liquid storage bottle hole on the base plate, cover the liquid storage bottle with a rubber pad and a top cover, put the bolt into the threaded hole 2, and place the tightening device on the base 11.

[0041] A servo motor drives a ball screw to align the electric screwdriver bit 3 with the center of the bolt. Using the workbench as the positive direction and the central bolt as the reference point, a coordinate system is established, and the bolts are tightened sequentially. This design employs a symmetrical tightening sequence. Based on force analysis, the tightening method is from the center outwards, which facilitates force diffusion. If tightened from the outside inwards, the liquid storage bottle would be prone to breakage due to excessive localized force.

[0042] When the electric screwdriver bit 3 approaches the bolt in the hole, the electric screwdriver bit 3 will decelerate and move downwards (e.g. Figure 4 This design is to ensure that the electric screwdriver bit 3 is aligned with the bolt, so as to prevent excessive force from causing a large impact on the bolt and causing the liquid storage bottle to break.

[0043] During the downward pressing of the electric screwdriver bit 3, the L-shaped auxiliary block 9 first touches the top cover. The motor drives the electric screwdriver bit 3 downward to align with the cross hole of the bolt and rotate. The spring 10 is stretched. When the electric screwdriver bit 3 separates from the bolt, the spring 10 pulls the L-shaped auxiliary block 9 to generate downward pressure, causing the head of the electric screwdriver bit 3 to separate from the bolt, and the tightening is completed.

[0044] After multiple tests, the electric screwdriver bit 3 tightened the bolt precisely with a force of 4N. Once the torque requirement was met, the electric screwdriver bit 3 would reverse one full rotation and then tighten again. This reversal step is to prevent bolt misalignment and positional shift, which could lead to uneven stress distribution. Therefore, it reverses one full rotation before tightening again until the torque requirement is met.

[0045] This invention incorporates dual protection when the electric screwdriver bit 3 is aligned.

[0046] 1. After prolonged use, the cross-shaped hole of the bolt may become damaged. This damage may cause the electric screwdriver bit 3 to stick to the bolt after tightening, resulting in the entire hole plate tilting when the bit is lifted. Therefore, the electric screwdriver bit 3 should be aligned with the bolt's cross-shaped hole and inserted into the bolt. After tightening, the plate will rise 3mm, then be pressed down again to the original height to align the base plate before fully lifting it. This design helps prevent the electric screwdriver bit 3 from sticking to the bolt and potentially damaging the liquid reservoir during separation.

[0047] 2. Springs 10 are installed on the sides of the first and second L-shaped pillars, and L-shaped auxiliary blocks 9 are installed on the electric screwdriver bit holes. During the downward pressing of the electric screwdriver bit 3, the L-shaped auxiliary block 9 will touch the top cover before the electric screwdriver bit 3. The motor drives the electric screwdriver bit 3 downward to align with the bolt cross hole and rotate, and the spring 10 is stretched. When the electric screwdriver bit 3 separates from the bolt, the spring 10 pulls the L-shaped auxiliary block 9 to generate downward pressure, making it easier for the electric screwdriver bit 3 to separate from the bolt, preventing them from sticking together and bringing the reaction plate out.

[0048] After all the bolts have been tightened, some looseness may occur due to the initial tightening force. To address this, after tightening all bolts to a torque of 4N, a second tightening will be performed. During this second tightening, the bolts will be tightened directly to the specified torque without reversing the rotation.

[0049] The steps to loosen the bolts are as follows:

[0050] At this time, the servo motor drives the Z2 axis to reverse, and the electric screwdriver bit 3 rotates counterclockwise.

[0051] When loosening the bolt, the electric screwdriver bit 3 will rotate at a constant speed, and the compression force of the spring 10 will exert an upward force on the bolt, which will then pull the bolt out.

[0052] After loosening the bolt, the electric screwdriver bit 3 will first rise 2mm, then descend back to its original position, and then rise again to complete the operation. This design is to make it easier to separate the electric screwdriver bit 3 from the bolt, preventing them from sticking together and causing the bolt to be pulled out.

[0053] In summary, this design is specifically designed for chemical laboratories, featuring a simple, reliable, and low-cost structure. Tightening and loosening bolts are both accomplished using an electric screwdriver bit. The various and reliable motion methods do not involve technologies from other fields such as vision, greatly simplifying experimental programming. This design can also seal liquid storage bottles in batches, saving both time and money.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic bolt tightening device for a chemical high-throughput experimental sample module, characterized in that: Includes fixing devices and tightening devices; The fixing device includes a base plate, on which a liquid storage bottle hole is provided. A liquid storage bottle is placed in the liquid storage bottle hole. A rubber pad and a top cover are arranged sequentially on the upper part of the liquid storage bottle. The base plate, the rubber pad and the top cover are the same size. Several threaded holes (2) are opened on the base plate. Threaded holes (2) are also opened on the rubber pad and the top cover at the vertical position of the threaded holes (2) on the base plate. The threaded holes (2) are opened between the liquid storage bottles. Bolts are threadedly connected to the threaded holes (2) of the base plate, the rubber pad and the top cover at the same vertical position. The tightening device includes an electric screwdriver bit (3), a first L-shaped post and a second L-shaped post. The electric screwdriver bit (3) is placed vertically. The first L-shaped post includes a vertically arranged first vertical plate (4) and a horizontally arranged first horizontal plate (5). The second L-shaped post includes a vertically arranged second vertical plate (6) and a horizontally arranged second horizontal plate (7). The side of the electric screwdriver bit (3) is connected to the side of the first vertical plate (4) through a connecting plate (8). The connecting plate (8) can slide on the side of the first vertical plate (4) to drive the electric screwdriver bit (3) to move up and down. The side of the first horizontal plate (5) is slidably connected to the side of the second vertical plate (6). The lower part of the second horizontal plate (7) is connected to an L-shaped auxiliary block (9). The second horizontal plate (7) and the L-shaped auxiliary block (9) are provided with through holes for the electric screwdriver bit (3) to pass through. The front of the second vertical plate (6) is connected to one end of the spring (10), and the other end of the spring (10) is connected to the front of the first horizontal plate (5).

2. The automatic bolt tightening device for chemical high-throughput experimental sample modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing device also includes a base (11), which is rectangular, and a fixing baffle (1) is provided at each of the four corners of the base (11).

3. The automatic bolt tightening device for chemical high-throughput experimental sample modules according to claim 2, characterized in that, A base plate is provided on the base (11) between the four fixed baffles (1).

4. The automatic bolt tightening device for chemical high-throughput experimental sample modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric screwdriver bit (3) is connected to the servo motor via a ball screw.

5. A method for automatically tightening bolts in a high-throughput chemical experimental sample module, implemented based on the automatic bolt tightening device for a high-throughput chemical experimental sample module as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Place the liquid storage bottle into the liquid storage bottle hole on the base plate, cover the liquid storage bottle with a rubber pad and a top cover, put the bolt into the threaded hole (2), and place the tightening device on the base (11). The servo motor drives the ball screw to align the electric screwdriver bit (3) with the center of the bolt. With the workbench facing the positive direction and the middle bolt as the reference, a coordinate system is constructed and the bolts are tightened in sequence. During the downward pressing of the electric screwdriver bit (3), the L-shaped auxiliary block (9) first touches the top cover. The motor drives the electric screwdriver bit (3) downward to align with the cross hole of the bolt and rotate. The spring (10) is stretched. When the electric screwdriver bit (3) separates from the bolt, the spring (10) pulls the L-shaped auxiliary block (9) to generate downward pressure, so that the electric screwdriver bit (3) separates from the bolt, and the tightening is completed.

6. The automatic bolt tightening method for chemical high-throughput experimental sample module according to claim 5, characterized in that, When tightening bolts in sequence, use a symmetrical tightening order, tightening the middle bolts first, and then tightening the bolts around the perimeter.

7. The automatic bolt tightening method for chemical high-throughput experimental sample module according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the electric screwdriver bit (3) approaches the bolt, the electric screwdriver bit (3) will decelerate and move downwards.

Images