Filtering device and filtering method

Abstract

The invention discloses a filtering device and a filtering method, and relates to the technical field of solid-liquid separation.The filtering device comprises a reverse filtering pipe and an outer sleeve used for containing liquid to be filtered and arranged on the periphery of the reverse filtering pipe in a sleeving mode, a filtering assembly is arranged in the reverse filtering pipe, the inner diameter of the outer sleeve is matched with the outer diameter of the reverse filtering pipe, one end of the outer sleeve is closed, and the other end of the outer sleeve is open. The filtering assembly and the closed end of the outer sleeve are arranged at intervals; in the process that the reverse filter pipe is inserted into the outer sleeve, the force applied by inserting the reverse filter pipe and the gravity of the reverse filter pipe can exert pressure on the liquid to be filtered contained in the outer sleeve, and under the pressure effect, the liquid to be filtered can be filtered; the liquid to be filtered contained in the outer sleeve reversely enters the reverse filtering pipe through the filtering assembly in the reverse filtering pipe, reverse filtering is achieved, other pressure supply equipment does not need to be connected, compared with a centrifugal machine, the operation time can be effectively saved, the filtering efficiency is improved, meanwhile, filtered solid and liquid are not mixed any more, and the filtering effect is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of solid-liquid separation, and in particular to a filtering device and a filtering method. Background Art

[0002] The commonly used equipment in the field of solid-liquid separation technology is the filtration device. Taking the pretreatment process of biological samples as an example, the pretreatment process usually includes the following steps: sample crushing, extraction of the substance to be tested in the sample, solid-liquid separation, purification and enrichment of the substance to be tested, elution and purification of the substance to be tested, etc. Among them, the solid-liquid separation step will use a filtration device to complete the separation of solid and liquid.

[0003] At present, the filtration devices known to the applicant that can be used for the solid-liquid separation step in the biological sample pretreatment process mainly include two types, one is a centrifugal filtration device, and the other is a forward filtration device. The centrifugal filtration device mainly relies on the centrifugal motion generated by the centrifuge to complete the solid-liquid separation, but centrifugation usually takes 10 minutes or longer, plus the time for acceleration and deceleration of the centrifuge during the centrifugation process, it will take longer, especially when multiple steps require centrifugation during the operation, then the operation time will be very long, which seriously affects the filtration efficiency, and after centrifugation, the solid and liquid will separate into upper and lower layers, the precipitation is not firm, and the precipitation effect is poor. In the subsequent operation of taking and placing the centrifuge tube and absorbing the supernatant, it is easy to shake the precipitation. The centrifugal product becomes turbid or partially turbid again due to the movement of the centrifugal filter, which seriously affects the subsequent operation. In addition, the centrifugal filter device is relatively complex and has a high cost. The forward filtration device mainly relies on pressure to achieve solid-liquid separation. Its principle is: the mixture to be filtered is loaded into a filter tube or filter column with a filter medium for filtration. This filtration method requires a filtration pressure to be given to the mixture to be filtered, so that the liquid part of the mixture to be filtered passes through the filter medium under pressure. Although it can ensure that the separated solid and liquid are no longer mixed, it is necessary to connect the pressure supply device after the medium to be filtered is loaded, and then start the pressure supply device, which prolongs the overall filtration time and affects the filtration efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, people are in urgent need of a filtering device that can improve filtering efficiency while ensuring filtering effect. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a filtering device and a filtering method to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art. By using the reverse filtering method, the reverse filtering tube is inserted into the outer sleeve to complete the solid-liquid separation, thereby ensuring the filtering effect and improving the filtering efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides a filtering device, comprising a reverse filtering tube and an outer sleeve for holding the liquid to be filtered and sleeved on the outer periphery of the reverse filtering tube, a filtering assembly is arranged in the reverse filtering tube, the inner diameter of the outer sleeve matches the outer diameter of the reverse filtering tube, one end of the outer sleeve is closed, and the filtering assembly is spaced apart from the closed end of the outer sleeve.

[0007] Preferably, the filtering device also includes a filtering unit, which includes a first driving component for generating horizontal movement, a second driving component for generating vertical movement, and a clamp for clamping the reverse filtering tube, the second driving component is arranged on the moving end of the first driving component, the clamp is arranged on the moving end of the second driving component, and the reverse filtering tube and the outer sleeve are both located on the moving path of the clamp.

[0008] Preferably, the filtering device also includes a pipetting unit, which includes a third driving component for generating horizontal movement, a fourth driving component for generating vertical movement, an infusion hose, and a liquid pump for sucking and discharging liquid, the fourth driving component is arranged on the moving end of the third driving component, the free end of the infusion hose is arranged on the moving end of the fourth driving component, the end of the infusion hose away from the fourth driving component is connected to the liquid pump, and the outer sleeve is located on the movement path of the free end of the infusion hose.

[0009] Preferably, the free end of the infusion hose is detachably covered with a pipette head.

[0010] Preferably, a suction head withdrawal assembly is provided on the movable end of the fourth driving assembly, and the suction head withdrawal assembly includes a first servo motor, a first screw rod, a slider, a push rod, an abutment plate and a reset spring, the first servo motor is transmission-connected to the first screw rod, the first screw rod is threadedly connected to the slider, the slider is fixedly connected to the abutment plate through the push rod, the first screw rod and the push rod are both vertically arranged, the abutment plate is connected to the movable end of the fourth driving assembly through the reset spring, and the abutment plate contacts the upper edge of the pipette head.

[0011] Preferably, the plurality of reverse filter tubes are integrated into a filter tube group through a connecting plate, the plurality of outer sleeves are arranged on a tube rack by arrangement, and the arrangement of the plurality of reverse filter tubes is the same as the arrangement of the plurality of outer sleeves.

[0012] Preferably, the filtering device also includes a base, which includes a lower base body, a sample loading platform, columns and a crossbeam, the sample loading platform is arranged on the lower base body, the columns are arranged on both sides of the sample loading platform, the two ends of the crossbeam are respectively connected to the columns on both sides, the first driving assembly and the third driving assembly are both arranged on the crossbeam, and the first conveyor belt, the second conveyor belt and the third conveyor belt are sequentially arranged on the sample loading platform along the movement direction of the first driving assembly, the upper surface of the first conveyor belt is sequentially provided with a plurality of filter tube placement areas for placing the filter tube group along the conveying direction, the upper surface of the second conveyor belt is arranged side by side along the conveying direction with a plurality of to-be-processed sample areas for placing the tube rack and a plurality of filtered sample areas for placing containers carrying filtered liquid, and the upper surface of the third conveyor belt is sequentially provided with a plurality of clean pipette tip storage areas for placing containers for holding pipette tips along the conveying direction.

[0013] Preferably, a waste area is provided between the second conveyor belt and the third conveyor belt, and the bottom of the waste area is connected to a collection box.

[0014] Preferably, the liquid pump includes a fifth drive assembly that generates translational motion, a push plate, a connecting rod, a piston and a plunger pump column. The moving end of the fifth drive assembly is connected to the piston via the push plate and the connecting rod in turn. The piston is slidably disposed in the plunger pump column. The end of the plunger pump column away from the fifth drive assembly is connected to an infusion hose.

[0015] The present invention also provides a filtering method of the above-mentioned filtering device, comprising the following steps:

[0016] S1: Load the mixed liquid to be filtered into the outer sleeve;

[0017] S2: using the coordinated movement of the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly to drive the clamping claws to clamp the reverse filter tube, and then bring the reverse filter tube to the top of the outer sleeve;

[0018] S3: Control the second driving assembly to move downward to insert the reverse filter tube into the outer sleeve. During the process of inserting the reverse filter tube into the outer sleeve, the liquid part of the mixed liquid to be filtered in the outer sleeve passes through the filter assembly and enters the reverse filter tube, and the solid part is retained by the filter assembly;

[0019] S4: utilizing the coordinated movement of the third driving assembly and the fourth driving assembly to drive the free end of the infusion hose into the reverse filtering tube, and starting the liquid extraction pump to extract the liquid portion from the reverse filtering tube.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention mainly achieves the following technical effects:

[0021] During the process of inserting the reverse filter tube into the outer sleeve, the force applied by inserting the reverse filter tube and the gravity of the reverse filter tube will both exert pressure on the liquid to be filtered contained in the outer sleeve. Under the action of this pressure, the liquid to be filtered contained in the outer sleeve passes through the filter assembly in the reverse filter tube and enters the reverse filter tube in the reverse direction, thereby realizing reverse filtration. There is no need to connect other pressure supply equipment, and compared with the centrifuge, it can effectively save operating time and improve filtration efficiency. At the same time, the filtered solid and liquid are no longer mixed, thereby ensuring the filtration effect.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, other solutions of the present invention have achieved the following technical effects:

[0023] The setting of the filter tube group and the tube rack enables the connection of multiple groups of reverse filter tubes and the outer sleeve by one insertion, thereby filtering more liquids to be filtered, increasing the one-time filtering sample volume of the filtering device, which is equivalent to improving the filtering efficiency.

[0024] The arrangement of multiple conveyor belts enables multiple groups of filter components to be arranged on the conveyor belts in advance, and the next group of filter components can be switched through the conveying action of the conveyor belts. In combination with multiple drive components, the degree of automation is improved and the filtering efficiency is improved.

[0025] The suction head withdrawal assembly can realize the convenient withdrawal of the suction tube head at the free end of the infusion hose. A new suction tube head is replaced before each suction to avoid the residue of the previous suction affecting the quality of the next filtered liquid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an axonometric schematic diagram of a filtering device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 It is an axonometric schematic diagram of the base structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 It is an axonometric schematic diagram of the sample carrier structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the matching structure of the reverse filter tube and the outer sleeve in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 An exploded view of the matching structure of the reverse filter tube and the outer sleeve in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 An exploded view of the matching structure of the filter tube group and the tube rack in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 is an axonometric schematic diagram of a filter unit in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of an axonometric view of a liquid transfer unit in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 9 This is an isometric diagram of the structure of the suction head ejection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.10 An exploded view of a liquid pump in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Among them, 1, machine base; 11, lower base body; 12, column; 13, crossbeam; 2, sample loading platform; 21, filter tube placement area; 22, sample area to be processed; 23, filtered sample area; 24, clean tip storage area; 25, waste area; 26, first conveyor belt; 27, second conveyor belt; 28, third conveyor belt; 3, filter unit; 31, first slide; 32, first drive assembly; 33, second slide; 34, clamp; 35, second drive assembly; 4, pipetting unit; 41, third slide; 42, third drive assembly; 43, fourth slide; 44, fourth drive assembly; 441, second servo motor; 442, second screw rod; 443, guide rail; 45, The pipette head; 46, the liquid pump; 461, the plunger pump cylinder; 462, the piston; 463, the connecting rod; 464, the push plate; 465, the fifth drive assembly; 47, the infusion hose; 48, the suction head withdrawal assembly; 481, the first servo motor; 482, the first screw rod; 483, the slider; 484, the push rod; 485, the abutment plate; 486, the reset spring; 487, the guide column; 5, the control unit; 51, the control panel; 6, the reverse filter tube; 61, the tube body; 62, the grid plate; 63, the filter screen plate; 64, the tube edge; 7, the outer sleeve; 8, the connecting plate; 9, the tube rack; 10, the positioning unit; 101, the positioning protrusion; 102, the positioning sensor; 20, the collection box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a filtering device and a filtering method to solve the problems existing in the prior art. By using the reverse filtering method, the reverse filtering tube 6 is inserted into the outer sleeve to complete the solid-liquid separation, thereby ensuring the filtering effect and improving the filtering efficiency.

[0040] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 As shown, a filtering device is provided, including a reverse filtering tube 6 and an outer sleeve 7 for holding a liquid to be filtered, the outer sleeve 7 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the reverse filtering tube 6, the reverse filtering tube 6 and the outer sleeve 7 are both cylindrical structures or square cylindrical structures, etc. A filtering component is arranged in the reverse filtering tube 6, the inner diameter of the outer sleeve 7 matches the outer diameter of the tube body 61 of the reverse filtering tube 6, one end of the outer sleeve 7 is closed, the filtering component and the closed end of the outer sleeve 7 are spaced apart, and the spacing is arranged to provide a certain storage space for the filtered solid. The principle of this device is: in the process of inserting the reverse filtering tube 6 into the outer sleeve 7, the force applied by inserting the reverse filtering tube 6 and the gravity of the reverse filtering tube 6 will both play a role in applying pressure to the liquid to be filtered contained in the outer sleeve 7. Under the action of this pressure, the liquid to be filtered contained in the outer sleeve 7 enters the reverse filtering tube 6 in the reverse direction through the filtering component in the reverse filtering tube 6, so as to realize reverse filtration, without connecting other pressure supply equipment, and compared with the centrifuge, it can effectively save operation time and improve filtration efficiency. At the same time, the filtered solid and liquid are no longer mixed, so the filtration effect is guaranteed.

[0042] In this embodiment, the filter assembly includes a mesh plate 62, a filter screen plate 63 and a mesh plate 62 which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The filter screen plate 63 plays a main filtering role, and the mesh plates 62 on both sides play a supporting role and also play a certain auxiliary filtering role to improve the filtering effect. In other embodiments, other filter assemblies that can achieve filtering effects can also be selected.

[0043] In order to improve the degree of automation, save manpower and improve the filtering efficiency, a filtering unit 3 is provided. The filtering unit 3 includes a first driving component 32 for generating horizontal movement, a second driving component 35 for generating vertical movement and a clamp 34 for clamping the reverse filter tube 6. The clamp 34 can be an electric two-finger clamp or other clamps 34 that can clamp the reverse filter tube 6. The second driving component 35 is arranged on the moving end of the first driving component 32, and the clamp 34 is arranged on the moving end of the second driving component 35, that is, the first driving component 32 drives the second driving component 35 to move, and the second driving component 35 drives the clamp 34 to move. The reverse filter tube 6 and the outer sleeve 7 are both located on the movement path of the clamp 34. Through the coordinated movement of the first driving component 32 and the second driving component 35, the clamp 34 can be driven to move above the reverse filter tube 6, and the clamp 34 can be made to correspond to the reverse filter tube 6 by moving downward, thereby completing the clamping of the reverse filter tube 6. After clamping, the reverse filter tube 6 can be driven to move above the outer sleeve 7 and the reverse filter tube 6 can be inserted into the outer sleeve 7.

[0044] A tube edge 64 can be set at the tube mouth of the reverse filter tube 6, and the free end of the clamping arm of the clamping jaw 34 is bent inward. In the process of clamping the reverse filter tube 6, the bent part of the clamping arm can be stuck at the tube edge 64 to prevent falling and improve the clamping stability.

[0045] In order to facilitate the removal of the filtered liquid portion from the reverse filtering tube 6 and ensure the degree of automation, a pipetting unit 4 is provided, which includes a third driving component 42 for generating horizontal movement, a fourth driving component 44 for generating vertical movement, an infusion hose 47, and a liquid pump 46 for sucking and discharging liquid. The fourth driving component 44 is provided on the moving end of the third driving component 42, and the free end of the infusion hose 47 is provided on the moving end of the fourth driving component 44, that is, the third driving component 42 drives the fourth driving component 44 to move, and the fourth driving component 44 drives The free end of the infusion hose 47 moves, and one end of the infusion hose 47 away from the fourth drive component 44 is connected to the liquid pump 46. The outer sleeve 7 is located on the movement path of the free end of the infusion hose 47. Through the coordinated movement of the third drive component 42 and the fourth drive component 44, the free end of the infusion hose 47 can be driven to move above the outer sleeve 7, and the free end of the infusion hose 47 is inserted into the reverse filter tube 6 inserted in the outer sleeve 7 by moving downward, and then the liquid pump 46 completes the absorption of the filtered liquid part in the reverse filter tube 6.

[0046] In this embodiment, the liquid pump 46 includes a fifth drive component 465 that generates translational motion, a push plate 464, a connecting rod 463, a piston 462 and a plunger pump column 461. The moving end of the fifth drive component 465 is connected to the piston 462 through the push plate 464 and the connecting rod 463 in turn. The piston 462 is slidably arranged in the plunger pump column 461. The end of the plunger pump column 461 away from the fifth drive component 465 is connected to the infusion hose 47. The fifth drive component 465 outputs motion to drive the piston 462 to move upward in the plunger pump column 461, thereby generating negative pressure in the plunger pump column 461, and then sucking the filtered liquid in the reverse filter tube 6 through the infusion hose 47. The fifth drive component 465 outputs motion to drive the piston 462 to move downward in the plunger pump column 461, thereby discharging the absorbed filtered liquid through the infusion hose 47.

[0047] Because when performing multiple groups of filtration, the infusion hose 47 needs to be inserted into different reverse filter tubes 6 to absorb the filtered liquid portion, the free end of the infusion hose 47 is detachably provided with a pipette head 45. The pipette head 45 is used as a disposable contact pipe to replace the infusion hose 47 to contact the liquid portion. A new pipette head 45 is replaced before each aspiration to avoid the residual liquid on the outer wall surface from the previous aspiration affecting the quality of the next filtered liquid.

[0048] On the basis of setting the pipette head 45, a suction head withdrawal assembly 48 is arranged on the moving end of the fourth driving assembly 44, and the suction head withdrawal assembly 48 includes a first servo motor 481, a first screw rod 482, a slider 483, a push rod 484, an abutment plate 485 and a return spring 486. The first servo motor 481 is connected to the first screw rod 482 in transmission, driving the first screw rod 482 to rotate, the first screw rod 482 is threadedly connected to the slider 483, and the rotation of the first screw rod 482 is converted into a linear movement of the slider 483. The slider 483 is fixedly connected to the abutment plate 485 through the push rod 484. The first screw rod 482 and the push rod 484 are both vertically arranged. The push rod 484 is hollow to provide a movement space for the first screw rod 482. The abutment plate 485 is connected to the moving end of the fourth driving assembly 44 through the return spring 486. The movable end is connected, that is, one end of the return spring 486 is fixedly connected to the abutment plate 485, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fourth drive assembly 44. The abutment plate 485 contacts the upper edge of the pipette tip 45, and the first servo motor 481 can drive the abutment plate 485 to move downward by transmission, thereby pushing the pipette tip 45 to move downward. On the basis of the fourth drive assembly 44 and the infusion hose 47 being stationary, the downward movement of the pipette tip 45 is manifested as withdrawal from the infusion hose 47, realizing the automation of the withdrawal of the pipette tip 45, which is beneficial to improving the replacement efficiency of the pipette tip 45. At the same time, after the pipette tip 45 withdraws, the first servo motor 481 can be reversed to drive the abutment plate 485 to reset. At the same time, after the return spring 486 abuts against the plate 485 and moves downward, the return spring 486 is stretched.

[0049] In order to ensure the movement stability of the abutment plate 485 , a guide column 487 is provided on the fourth driving assembly 44 , and the return spring 486 is sleeved on the guide column 487 , and the abutment plate 485 and the guide column 487 are slidably matched.

[0050] The abutment plate 485 is provided with a hole for the infusion hose 47 to pass through. The infusion hose 47 is connected to the pipette head 45 after passing through the hole.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first drive assembly 32, the second drive assembly 35, the third drive assembly 42, the fourth drive assembly 44 and the fifth drive assembly 465 are all screw transmission structures, the principle of which is to use a servo motor to drive the screw to rotate, thereby driving the slide seat threaded on the screw to perform linear motion, wherein the clamping jaw 34 is arranged on the second slide seat 33 of the second drive assembly 35, the servo motor of the second drive assembly 35 is arranged on the first slide seat 31 of the first drive assembly 32, the slide seat of the fifth drive assembly 465 is fixedly connected to the push plate 464, and the fourth drive assembly 44 includes a second servo motor 441, a second screw rod 442 and a fourth slide seat 4 3, wherein the second servo motor 441 is transmission-connected with the second screw rod 442, the second servo motor 441 is arranged on the third slide 41 of the third drive assembly 42, the fourth slide 43 is threadedly connected to the second screw rod 442 to realize transmission, wherein the guide column 487 is arranged on the fourth slide 43, the end of the return spring 486 is fixedly connected with the fourth slide 43, and the push rod 484 passes through the fourth slide 43 and is fixedly connected with the abutment plate 485; in other embodiments, the first drive assembly 32, the second drive assembly 35, the third drive assembly 42, the fourth drive assembly 44 and the fifth drive assembly 465 can be electric / pneumatic / hydraulic telescopic rods, etc.

[0052] The first slide 31 is provided with a guide rail for guiding the movement of the second slide 33 , and the third slide 41 is provided with a guide rail 443 for guiding the movement of the fourth slide 43 .

[0053] In the present embodiment, a plurality of reverse filter tubes 6 are integrated into a filter tube group through a connecting plate 8, and a plurality of outer sleeves 7 are arranged on a tube rack 9. The arrangement of the plurality of reverse filter tubes 6 is the same as the arrangement of the plurality of outer sleeves 7, so that a plurality of groups of reverse filter tubes 6 can be connected to the outer sleeves 7 by one insertion, thereby achieving filtration of more liquids to be filtered, increasing the one-time filtration sample volume of the filtration device, which is equivalent to improving the filtration efficiency.

[0054] On the basis of setting up the filter tube group, a plurality of holes matching the reverse filter tube 6 are arranged on the connecting plate 8, and the reverse filter tube 6 is inserted into the holes. The clamping claw 34 can directly clamp the connecting plate 8 for movement, and the tube edge 64 of the reverse filter tube 6 can prevent the reverse filter tube 6 from falling off the connecting plate 8 downward.

[0055] On the basis of setting the filter tube group and the pipe rack 9, the mobile end of the fourth drive component 44 needs to be provided with multiple infusion hoses 47, and the multiple infusion hoses 47 are arranged in an array, and the arrangement method is the same as the arrangement method of the multiple outer sleeves 7, or the multiple infusion hoses 47 are arranged in a single row, and the single row arrangement method is the same as the arrangement method of the multiple outer sleeves 7 in a single row. The fifth drive component 465 needs to be connected to multiple connecting rods 463 through a push plate 464, each connecting rod 463 corresponds to a plunger pump column 461, and the multiple plunger pump columns 461 are arranged in an array, and the arrangement method is the same as the arrangement method of the multiple outer sleeves 7, or the multiple plunger pump columns 461 are arranged in a single row, and the single row arrangement method is the same as the setting method of the multiple outer sleeves 7 in a single row.

[0056] The filtering device also includes a base 1, which includes a lower base body 11, a sample carrier 2, a column 12 and a crossbeam 13. The sample carrier 2 is arranged on the lower base body 11, and columns 12 are arranged on both sides of the sample carrier 2. The two ends of the crossbeam 13 are respectively connected to the columns 12 on both sides. The first drive assembly 32 and the third drive assembly 42 are both arranged on the crossbeam 13. Specifically: the servo motors of the first drive assembly 32 and the second drive assembly 35 are arranged on the crossbeam 13, and the first slide of the first drive assembly 32 and the second drive assembly 35 The first drive assembly 32 and the second drive assembly 35 are in sliding cooperation with the crossbeam 13, and the screw rods of the first drive assembly 32 and the second drive assembly 35 are parallel to the crossbeam 13; the first conveyor belt 26, the second conveyor belt 27 and the third conveyor belt 28 are sequentially arranged on the sample loading platform 2 along the movement direction of the first drive assembly 32, and the upper surface of the first conveyor belt 26 is sequentially provided with a plurality of filter tube placement areas 21 for placing filter tube groups along the conveying direction, and the upper surface of the second conveyor belt 27 is arranged side by side along the conveying direction. The third conveyor belt 28 is provided with a plurality of clean pipette tip storage areas 24 for placing containers for holding pipette tips 45 in sequence along the conveying direction. When the third conveyor belt 28 moves, a clean pipette tip storage area 24 corresponds to the movement path of the infusion hose 47. The coordinated movement of the third drive assembly 42 and the fourth drive assembly 44 can drive the infusion hose 47 to enter the clean pipette tip storage area 24 and plug and cooperate with the pipette tip 45 in the container, thereby improving the degree of automation. The arrangement of the plurality of pipette tips 45 in the container for holding the pipette tips 45 is the same as the arrangement of the plurality of outer sleeves 7 on the tube rack 9. The arrangement of the plurality of conveyor belts of the device enables a plurality of groups of filter components to be arranged on the conveyor belt in advance. The filter components include a filter tube group, a tube rack 9, a container for holding the filtered liquid, and a container for holding the pipette tip 45. The next group of filter components can be switched by the conveying action of the conveyor belt, and the plurality of drive components are coordinated to improve the degree of automation and the filtering efficiency.

[0057] On the basis of setting the column 12, an additional square vertical rod can be set on one side of the column 12. The servo motor of the fifth filter component 465 and the plunger pump column 461 are fixed between the column 12 and the square vertical rod. The push plate 464 is a rectangular plate structure. The two side ends of the push plate 464 are respectively slidably matched with the column 12 and the square vertical rod, that is, the column 12 and the square vertical rod are used to guide the push plate 464.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first conveyor belt 26 , the second conveyor belt 27 and the third conveyor belt 28 are all driven by a single servo motor. The first conveyor belt 26 and the second conveyor belt 27 move in the same direction, and the third conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt 27 move in the opposite direction.

[0059] In order to facilitate the conveyor belt to accurately transport the next group of filter tube groups, tube racks 9, containers carrying filtered liquid or containers for holding pipette tips 45 corresponding to the movement path of the upper clamping claws 34 or the infusion hose 47, a corresponding positioning unit 10 is set. The positioning unit 10 used in this embodiment includes a positioning sensor 102 and a positioning protrusion 101. Each filter tube placement area 21, the sample area to be processed 22, the filtered sample area 23 and the clean pipette tip storage area 24 are provided with a group of positioning protrusions 101 on both sides along the conveying direction. The second slide 33 of the second drive assembly 35 and the fourth slide 43 (or abutment plate 485) of the fourth drive assembly 44 are provided with positioning sensors 102 on both sides of the lower surface along the conveyor belt arrangement direction. When the two upper positioning sensors 102 are opposite to the two positioning protrusions 101 on the two side edges of the lower group along the conveyor belt arrangement direction, the filter tube placement area 21, the sample area to be processed 22, the filtered sample area 23 and the clean pipette tip storage area 24 are provided with a group of positioning protrusions 101. 3 and the clean pipette tip storage area 24 are in place, and the conveyor belt stops conveying at this time, that is, the filter tube placement area 21, the sample area 22 to be processed, the filtered sample area 23 and the clean pipette tip storage area 24 are accurately positioned by the cooperation of the positioning sensor 102 and the positioning protrusion 101, so as to ensure that the device can work normally, and at the same time ensure that the filter unit 3 and the pipette unit 4 are accurately positioned with each area when they move to the top of each area. In this embodiment, the positioning principle of the positioning sensor 102 and the positioning protrusion 101 can adopt the principle of laser beam sensor, that is, the positioning sensor 102 and the positioning protrusion 101 are respectively the transmitting end and the receiving end. When the two groups of positioning sensors 102 and the positioning protrusion 101 are beamed, it represents that they are in place; in other embodiments, the conveying speed of the conveyor belt can also be determined by a speed sensor to determine the conveying position, or other sensors that can determine the movement position of the filter tube group, the tube rack 9, the container carrying the filtered liquid or the container holding the pipette tip 45.

[0060] On the basis of setting up the first conveyor belt 26, the second conveyor belt 27 and the third conveyor belt 28, since the pipette tip 45 needs to be withdrawn after use, a waste area 25 is set between the second conveyor belt 27 and the third conveyor belt 28. The waste area 25 needs to correspond to the movement path of the free end of the infusion hose 47. The bottom of the waste area 25 is connected to the collecting box 20. The waste area 25 is actually a cylindrical structure or a funnel-shaped structure. The upper opening receives the withdrawn pipette tip 45, and the lower opening corresponds to the top opening of the collecting box 20. The collecting box 20 can be pulled out from the bottom of the waste area 25 to facilitate regular cleaning of the internal pipette tip 45.

[0061] In this embodiment, a control unit 5 is also provided, and a control panel 51 is provided on the control unit 5 for controlling the movement of the first drive assembly 32, the second drive assembly 35, the third drive assembly 42, the fourth drive assembly 44, the fifth drive assembly 465, the suction head withdrawal assembly 48, the first conveyor belt 26, the second conveyor belt 27, the third conveyor belt 28 and the clamp 34.

[0062] The present invention also provides a filtering method using the above filtering device, comprising the following steps:

[0063] S1: The experimenter places a clean filter tube group in the filter tube placement area 21, places a tube rack 9 with multiple outer sleeves 7 in the sample area 22 to be processed, and loads the mixed liquid to be filtered into the outer sleeve 7, places a clean centrifuge tube in the filtered sample area 23 as a container for the filtered liquid, places a tip box in the clean tip storage area 24 as a container for holding the pipette tips 45, and installs multiple clean pipette tips 45 in the tip box, and controls the first conveyor belt 26, the second conveyor belt 27 and the third conveyor belt 28 to transmit power through the control unit 5. With the cooperation of the positioning protrusion 101 and the positioning sensor 102, the first conveyor belt 26, the second conveyor belt 27 and the third conveyor belt 28 are stopped after being transmitted to the specified position. At this time, the first group of filter tube groups, the tube rack 9, the centrifuge tubes and the tip box are located in the corresponding working area below the filter unit 3 and the pipetting unit 4;

[0064] S2: Under the control of the control unit 5, the first driving assembly 32 and the second driving assembly 35 cooperate to drive the clamping jaw 34 to move to the position of the filter tube group, and after clamping the filter tube group where the reverse filter tube 6 is located, cooperate with the positioning sensor 102 provided on the second slide seat 33 and the positioning protrusion 101 in the sample area 22 to be processed to bring the reverse filter tube 6 to the top of the outer sleeve 7;

[0065] S3: Control the second driving assembly 35 to move downward to insert the reverse filter tube 6 into the outer sleeve 7. During the process of inserting the reverse filter tube 6 into the outer sleeve 7, the liquid part of the mixed liquid to be filtered in the outer sleeve 7 passes through the filter assembly and enters the reverse filter tube 6, and the solid part is intercepted by the filter assembly. Then, the clamping jaw 34 is controlled to release the connecting plate 8 and move out of the sample area 22 to be processed, waiting for the next clamping operation.

[0066] S4: By utilizing the coordinated movement of the third drive assembly 42 and the fourth drive assembly 44, in cooperation with the positioning sensor 102 set on the fourth slide 43 or the abutment plate 485 and the positioning protrusion 101 in the sample area 22 to be processed, the free end of the infusion hose 47 is driven to move above the reverse filter tube 6, and the free end of the infusion hose 47 is driven into the reverse filter tube 6 through the fourth drive assembly 44, and the liquid extraction pump 46 is started to extract the filtered liquid part from the reverse filter tube 6.

[0067] On the basis of setting the filtered sample area 23, after the completion of step S4, it is necessary to utilize the coordinated movement of the third drive component 42 and the fourth drive component 44, cooperate with the positioning sensor 102 set on the fourth slide 43 or the abutment plate 485 and the positioning protrusion 101 in the filtered sample area 23, drive the free end of the infusion hose 47 to move above the centrifuge tube, and drive the free end of the infusion hose 47 into the centrifuge tube through the fourth drive component 44, and reversely start the liquid pump 46 to transfer the filtered liquid portion to the centrifuge tube.

[0068] Before step S4, the third drive assembly 42 and the fourth drive assembly 44 cooperate with each other in movement, cooperate with the positioning sensor 102 set on the fourth slide 43 or the abutment plate 485 and the positioning protrusion 101 in the clean tip storage area 24, and drive the free end of the infusion hose 47 to enter the clean tip storage area 24 and connect with the pipette tip 45 in the tip box; after the transfer to the centrifuge tube is completed, the third drive assembly 42 and the second drive assembly 35 cooperate to move the free end of the infusion hose 47 to move above the waste area 25, and at this time, the first servo motor 481 is started to drive the abutment plate 485 to move downward, and the pipette tip 45 at the free end of the infusion hose 47 is withdrawn, and the withdrawn pipette tip 45 automatically falls into the waste area 25 and finally enters the collection box 20.

[0069] When performing multiple groups of filtering, just repeat steps S1 to S4.

[0070] Adaptive changes made according to actual needs are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0071] It should be noted that it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-restrictive from any point of view, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims are included in the present invention. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be regarded as limiting the claims involved.

[0072] The present invention uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only used to help understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the ideas of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. A filtering device, characterized in that: It comprises a reverse filter tube and an outer sleeve for holding liquid to be filtered and sleeved on the outer circumference of the reverse filter tube. A filter assembly is arranged inside the reverse filter tube. The inner diameter of the outer sleeve matches the outer diameter of the reverse filter tube. One end of the outer sleeve is closed, and the filter assembly is spaced apart from the closed end of the outer sleeve.

2. The filtering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filtering device also includes a filtering unit, which includes a first driving component that generates horizontal movement, a second driving component that generates vertical movement, and a clamp for clamping the reverse filtering tube, wherein the second driving component is arranged on the moving end of the first driving component, and the clamp is arranged on the moving end of the second driving component, and the reverse filtering tube and the outer sleeve are both located on the movement path of the clamp.

3. The filtering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The filtering device also includes a pipetting unit, which includes a third driving component that generates horizontal movement, a fourth driving component that generates vertical movement, an infusion hose, and a liquid pump for sucking and discharging liquid. The fourth driving component is arranged on the moving end of the third driving component, the free end of the infusion hose is arranged on the moving end of the fourth driving component, the end of the infusion hose away from the fourth driving component is connected to the liquid pump, and the outer sleeve is located on the movement path of the free end of the infusion hose.

4. The filtering device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The free end of the infusion hose is detachably sleeved with a pipette head.

5. The filtering device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A suction head withdrawal assembly is arranged on the movable end of the fourth driving assembly, and the suction head withdrawal assembly includes a first servo motor, a first screw rod, a slider, a push rod, an abutment plate and a reset spring. The first servo motor is drivingly connected to the first screw rod, the first screw rod is threadedly connected to the slider, the slider is fixedly connected to the abutment plate through the push rod, the first screw rod and the push rod are both vertically arranged, the abutment plate is connected to the movable end of the fourth driving assembly through the reset spring, and the abutment plate contacts the upper edge of the pipette head.

6. The filtering device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plurality of reverse filter tubes are integrated into a filter tube group through a connecting plate, and the plurality of outer sleeves are arranged on a tube rack by being arranged in a manner that is the same as the arrangement manner of the plurality of reverse filter tubes.

7. The filtering device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The filtering device also includes a machine base, which includes a lower seat body, a sample loading platform, columns and a crossbeam, wherein the sample loading platform is arranged on the lower seat body, the columns are arranged on both sides of the sample loading platform, and the two ends of the crossbeam are respectively connected to the columns on both sides, the first driving assembly and the third driving assembly are both arranged on the crossbeam, and the first conveyor belt, the second conveyor belt and the third conveyor belt are sequentially arranged on the sample loading platform along the movement direction of the first driving assembly, and the upper surface of the first conveyor belt is sequentially provided with a plurality of filter tube placement areas for placing the filter tube group along the conveying direction, and the upper surface of the second conveyor belt is arranged side by side along the conveying direction. A plurality of to-be-processed sample areas for placing the tube rack and a plurality of filtered sample areas for placing containers carrying filtered liquid are arranged side by side, and a plurality of clean pipette tip storage areas for placing containers for holding pipette tips are sequentially arranged on the upper surface of the third conveyor belt along the conveying direction.

8. The filtering device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A waste area is arranged between the second conveyor belt and the third conveyor belt, and the bottom of the waste area is communicated with the collecting box.

9. The filtering device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The liquid pump includes a fifth drive component that generates translational motion, a push plate, a connecting rod, a piston and a plunger pump column. The moving end of the fifth drive component is connected to the piston through the push plate and the connecting rod in turn. The piston is slidably arranged in the plunger pump column. The end of the plunger pump column away from the fifth drive component is connected to the infusion hose.

10. A filtering method, characterized in that: Using the filtering device according to any one of claims 3 to 9 comprises the following steps: S1: Load the mixed liquid to be filtered into the outer sleeve; S2: using the coordinated movement of the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly to drive the clamping claws to clamp the reverse filter tube, and then bring the reverse filter tube to the top of the outer sleeve; S3: Control the second driving assembly to move downward to insert the reverse filter tube into the outer sleeve. During the process of inserting the reverse filter tube into the outer sleeve, the liquid part of the mixed liquid to be filtered in the outer sleeve passes through the filter assembly and enters the reverse filter tube, and the solid part is retained by the filter assembly; S4: utilizing the coordinated movement of the third driving assembly and the fourth driving assembly to drive the free end of the infusion hose into the reverse filtering tube, and starting the liquid extraction pump to extract the liquid portion from the reverse filtering tube.

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