Liquid treatment apparatus and liquid treatment system including the same

Abstract

A liquid processing apparatus and a liquid processing system including the same are provided. The liquid processing apparatus includes: a container storing a liquid; a chamber accommodating at least a portion of the container; at least one sensor in the chamber; a sealing device connected to the chamber and configured to seal the container; and a driving device configured to provide a driving force to the chamber and the sealing device, where the chamber and the sealing device reciprocate while remaining in a one-way state, and where the at least one sensor senses an interior of the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A method and apparatus consistent with an embodiment relate to a liquid handling device and a liquid handling system including the liquid handling device. Background Art

[0002] In a liquid handling device, an analysis technique is needed that can apply an external force to a liquid while analyzing the liquid in real time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One or more embodiments can at least solve the above problems and / or disadvantages, as well as other disadvantages not mentioned above. Additionally, an embodiment may not need to overcome and may not overcome any of the above problems and disadvantages.

[0004] According to one aspect of an embodiment, a liquid handling device includes: a container configured to store a liquid; a chamber configured to receive at least a portion of the container; at least one sensor in the chamber; a sealing device connected to the chamber and configured to seal the container; and a driving device configured to provide a driving force to the chamber and the sealing device, the driving force causing reciprocating motion of the chamber and the sealing device, the chamber and the sealing device being configured to reciprocate while maintaining a unidirectional state in which the position of the chamber relative to the position of the sealing device remains unchanged, the at least one sensor being configured to sense the interior of the container.

[0005] In the unidirectional state, the chamber and the sealing device can reciprocate together along a closed - curve trajectory without rotating relative to each other.

[0006] The driving device may include: a frame including an actuator; a first rotating plate disposed on an upper side of the frame and configured to rotate about a first axis; a second rotating plate disposed on the upper side of the frame and configured to rotate about a second axis; a first connector configured to connect the first rotating plate to the chamber; and a second connector configured to connect the second rotating plate to the sealing device.

[0007] A central axis of the first connector is offset relative to the first axis of the first rotating plate, and a central axis of the second connector is offset relative to the second axis of the second rotating plate.

[0008] The sealing device may include: a lid disposed on an upper side of an opening of the container; and a connecting element including a first end supporting the lid and a second end connected to the second connector.

[0009] The chamber may be configured to heat the container, and the lid may be configured to adjust the pressure in the container and guide gas generated by evaporation of the liquid to flow out of the liquid handling device.

[0010] The liquid handling device may further include: a lid assembly disposed between the container and the lid, the lid assembly being removably attachable to the container and the lid.

[0011] The lid assembly may include a first lid, the first lid may include: a first body element; a first gripping element extending from a side surface of the first body element; and at least one other sensor in addition to the at least one sensor, disposed on a surface of the first body element and facing the inner side of the container.

[0012] The first lid may further include at least one first hole in the first body element.

[0013] The lid assembly may further include a second lid disposed between the first lid and the container, the second lid may include: a second body element; a second gripping element extending from a side surface of the second body element; a window at a surface of the second body element; and at least one second hole in the window.

[0014] The at least one first hole and the at least one second hole may be misaligned with respect to each other.

[0015] The lid may be further configured to direct gas generated by evaporation of the liquid to flow outwards from the liquid handling device by flowing through the at least one first hole and the at least one second hole to the lid.

[0016] The second lid may be configured to prevent the dispersed liquid from moving to the first lid by heating.

[0017] A bending region may be on the first body element of the first lid or the second body element of the second lid, the bending region may include an elastic material.

[0018] According to an aspect of an embodiment, a liquid handling system includes: a liquid handling device configured to handle a liquid; and an operating device disposed outside the liquid handling device, the liquid handling device including: a container configured to store the liquid; a chamber configured to receive at least a portion of the container; at least one sensor disposed in the chamber; a sealing device connected to the chamber and configured to seal the container; and a driving device configured to provide a driving force to the chamber and the sealing device, the driving force causing reciprocating motion of the chamber and the sealing device, the chamber and the sealing device being configured to reciprocate together along a trajectory of a closed curve without rotating relative to each other, such that a position of the chamber remains unchanged relative to a position of the sealing device, the at least one sensor being configured to sense the container.

[0019] The sealing device may include: a lid disposed on the upper side of the opening of the container; and a connecting element including a first end supporting the lid and a second end connected to the driving device. The liquid processing device may further include a lid assembly disposed between the container and the lid, and the operating device may be configured to replace at least one of the container and the lid assembly.

[0020] The lid assembly may include a first lid, and the first lid may include: a first body element; a first gripping element extending from a side surface of the first body element; at least one other sensor in addition to the at least one sensor, disposed on one surface of the first body element and facing the inner side of the container; and at least one first hole in the first body element.

[0021] The lid assembly may further include a second lid disposed between the first lid and the container, and the second lid may include: a second body element; a second gripping element extending from a side surface of the second body element; a window formed on one surface of the second body element; and at least one second hole in the window.

[0022] The liquid processing system may further include at least one of the following: a bending region on either the first body element of the first lid or the second body element of the second lid, the bending region including an elastic material; and a guiding hole at either the edge of the first body element of the first lid or the edge of the second body element of the second lid.

[0023] The chamber may be configured to heat the container, and the lid is configured to do either of the following: regulate the pressure in the container and guide the gas generated by the evaporation of the liquid to flow outwards from the liquid processing device. The at least one first hole and the at least one second hole may be misaligned with respect to each other. The lid may be further configured to guide the gas generated by the evaporation of the liquid to flow outwards from the liquid processing device by flowing through the at least one first hole and the at least one second hole to the lid. The second lid may be configured to prevent the liquid dispersed by heating from moving to the first lid. Description of the Drawings

[0024] The above and / or other aspects will become more apparent by describing certain embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a liquid processing device according to one or more embodiments;

[0026] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a liquid processing device according to one or more embodiments;

[0027] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 3C and Figure 3Dis a diagram showing a chamber and a sealing device of a liquid processing apparatus in a reciprocating state according to one or more embodiments; Figure 1 of the liquid processing apparatus;

[0028] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a lid, a first lid, and a container of a liquid processing apparatus according to one or more embodiments; Figure 1 of the liquid processing apparatus;

[0029] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an interchangeable relationship according to one or more embodiments, depicting the possibility of replacing the first lid of the liquid processing apparatus with various other first lids; Figure 1 of the liquid processing apparatus;

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first lid according to one or more embodiments;

[0031] Figure 7 is a rear view of a first lid according to one or more embodiments;

[0032] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first lid according to one or more embodiments;

[0033] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second lid according to one or more embodiments;

[0034] Figure 10 is a rear view of a second lid according to one or more embodiments;

[0035] Figure 11 is a rear view according to one or more embodiments, showing a state in which the first lid is coupled to the second lid;

[0036] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view according to one or more embodiments, showing a state in which the first lid is coupled to the second lid;

[0037] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a liquid processing system according to one or more embodiments; and

[0038] Figure 14 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 are diagrams showing operating states of a liquid processing system according to one or more embodiments. Detailed Description

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments. Here, the embodiments are not to be construed as being limited to the present disclosure. The embodiments should be understood to include all variations, equivalents, and substitutions within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprising / including ..." and / or "comprises / includes ..." when used herein specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0041] As used herein, expressions such as "at least one of ..." when following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements within the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood to include only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted as being idealized or overly formal unless expressly so defined herein.

[0043] When describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals denote like constituent elements, and repetitive descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the description of the embodiments, when a detailed description of a related structure or function that is considered well-known would result in a blurred interpretation of the present disclosure, such descriptions will be omitted.

[0044] In addition, in the description of components, when describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used herein. These terms are for the sole purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another, and the nature, order, or sequence of the constituent elements is not limited by these terms. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "attached" to another component, it should be understood that a component can be directly connected or attached to another component, and an intermediate component can also be "connected," "coupled," or "attached" to these components.

[0045] The same name can be used to describe the elements included in the above-described embodiments and elements having a common function. Unless otherwise stated, the description of an embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, and repetitive descriptions related thereto are omitted.

[0046] Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. shows a liquid handling device according to one or more embodiments.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIGS., the liquid handling device 10 may include a container 110 for storing a liquid L, a chamber 120 accommodating at least a part of the container 110, at least one sensor 130 disposed in the chamber 120, a sealing device 140 connected to the chamber 120 and sealing the container 110, and a driving device 150 for providing a driving force to the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the sealing device 140 may include a lid 141 disposed on the upper side of the opening of the container 110 and a connecting element 142. One end of the connecting element 142 may support the lid 141. The other end of the connecting element 142 may be connected to a second connector 155 of the driving device 150, which will be described below.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the liquid handling device 10 may further include a lid assembly disposed between the container 110 and the lid 141. The lid assembly may include a first lid 161. The first lid 161 may be detachably attached to the container 110 and the lid 141.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the first lid 161 may include a first body element 1611, a first gripping element 1612 extending from a side surface of the first body element 1611, and at least one sensor 1613 disposed on one surface of the first body element 1611 and facing the inside of the container 110.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, since the reciprocating motion of the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 is caused by the driving force from the driving device, and the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 reciprocate in a one-way state in which the position of the chamber remains unchanged relative to the position of the sealing device, an appropriate external force can be applied to the liquid L in the container 110 accommodated in the chamber 120. The reciprocating motion does not need to be linear (only back-and-forth motion), but may include, for example, Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3DThe bending back-and-forth movement therein. The chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 can reciprocate periodically along a predetermined trajectory, which is described below. For example, the reciprocating movement can include translational movement, circular movement, etc. For example, the predetermined trajectory can take various forms, such as a straight line, a circle, an ellipse, an angular shape, etc. For example, the external force applied to the liquid L can be a linear or non-linear force or a rotational force.

[0052] Meanwhile, at least one sensor 130 disposed in the chamber 120 or at least one sensor 1613 disposed in the first lid 161 can sense the state inside the container 110 in real time. At least one sensor 130 disposed in the chamber 120 and at least one sensor 1613 disposed in the first lid 161 can both be arranged to face the internal space of the container 110 or the liquid L stored in the container 110.

[0053] As needed, in the chamber 120 or the first lid 161, a single sensor can be provided, or multiple sensors can be provided simultaneously. The sensor can be a wired or wireless sensor.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the sensor can sense the temperature inside the container or the temperature of the liquid stored in the container. For example, the sensor can be a non-contact infrared sensor, a temperature sensor using a thermal imaging camera, or a contact-type thermistor sensor.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the sensor can be used to measure the pH value of the liquid stored in the container.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the sensor can be an ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopic analysis sensor.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the sensor can be a vision sensor. For example, the sensor can be a camera sensor to obtain an image of the upper surface or the side surface inside the container, and can be a distance sensor to obtain surface information inside the container.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the sensor can be a sensor capable of measuring the pressure inside the container.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the sensor can be a gas sensor capable of detecting the type of gas in the container.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the chamber 120 can heat the container 110. The lid 141 can adjust the pressure in the container 110 or allow the gas generated by the evaporation of the liquid L to flow out of the liquid treatment device 10.

[0061] To this end, a heating element 121 may be disposed in the chamber 120. Heat may be transferred to the container 110 through the heating element 121. This heat may cause the solvent of the liquid L in the container 110 to evaporate and flow out of the liquid processing apparatus 10, leaving only the solute in the container 110. According to one or more embodiments, a cooling element may be disposed in the chamber 120.

[0062] In addition, the lid 141 may press against the first lid 161 and the container 110 to seal the container 110. The lid 141 may include a pump 1411 and a flow path 1412 extending outside the liquid processing apparatus 10. The pressure in the container 110 may be adjusted by the pump 1411. In addition, the inside of the container 110 may be maintained in a vacuum state. In addition, the gas generated by the evaporation of the solvent of the liquid L may be discharged outside the liquid processing apparatus 10 through the flow path 1412. The flow path 1412 may be connected to a condensing device. The evaporated gas may be converted back to a liquid state recovered by the condensing device.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the driving device 150 may include: a frame 151 including an actuator; a first rotating plate 152 disposed on the upper side of the frame 151 and rotating about a first axis X1; a second rotating plate 153 disposed on the upper side of the frame 151 and rotating about a second axis X2; a first connector 154 connecting the first rotating plate 152 to the chamber 120; and a second connector 155 connecting the second rotating plate 153 to the sealing device 140. In addition, the driving device 150 may include additional mass weights to reduce vibration.

[0064] The first rotating plate 152 and the second rotating plate 153 may be driven simultaneously by a single actuator or separately by two actuators.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the central axis Y1 of the first connector 154 may be eccentrically (offset) disposed with respect to the first axis X1 of the first rotating plate 152. The central axis Y2 of the second connector 155 may be eccentrically (offset) disposed with respect to the second axis X2 of the second rotating plate 153.

[0066] The first rotating plate 152 and the second rotating plate 153 may respectively transmit driving forces to the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140. However, the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 are connected to each other and are interdependent. Therefore, the chamber 120 may reciprocate along a closed curve trajectory together with the sealing device 140 while remaining in a one-way state without rotating 360 degrees relative to the sealing device 140.

[0067] In other words, each of the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 may not rotate 360 degrees around an axis alone, and the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 may reciprocate along a predetermined trajectory while being connected to each other.

[0068] This structure can effectively prevent the entanglement of the wires of the wired sensor disposed in the chamber 120 or the first lid 161. In addition, when an external force is applied to the liquid L stored in the container 110, the state of the interior of the container 110 or the liquid L can be sensed in real time.

[0069] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D are diagrams showing Figure 1 the reciprocating motion states of the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 of the liquid processing apparatus 10.

[0070] Hereinafter, the reciprocating states of the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 of the liquid processing apparatus 10 are described with reference to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D .

[0071] Referring to Figure 3A , as the first rotating plate 152 and the second rotating plate 153 rotate, when the first connector 154 and the second connector 155 are in the first position, as Figure 3A shown, the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 can be parallel to the first side of the frame 151.

[0072] Referring to Figure 3B , as the first rotating plate 152 and the second rotating plate 153 rotate, when the first connector 154 and the second connector 155 are in the second position, as Figure 3B shown, the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 can be parallel to the second side of the frame 151.

[0073] Referring to Figure 3C , as the first rotating plate 152 and the second rotating plate 153 rotate, when the first connector 154 and the second connector 155 are in the third position, as Figure 3C shown, the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 can be parallel to the third side of the frame 151.

[0074] Referring to Figure 3D , as the first rotating plate 152 and the second rotating plate 153 rotate, when the first connector 154 and the second connector 155 are in the fourth position, as Figure 3D shown, the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 can be parallel to the fourth side of the frame 151.

[0075] Through this repetitive motion, the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 can reciprocate along the Figure 3A trajectory P of the closed curve shown.

[0076] Figure 4 FIG. is a view showing the arrangement of the lid 141, the first lid 161, and the container 110 of the liquid processing apparatus 10. Figure 5 FIG. is a view showing an interchangeable relationship, depicting the possibility of replacing the first lid 161 of the liquid processing apparatus 10 with various other first lids.

[0077] Referring to Figure 4 , the opening portion of the container 110 can contact one surface of the first lid 161. The lid 141 can contact the other surface of the first lid 161. Thus, when the container 110, the first lid 161, and the lid 141 are in close contact, the interior of the container 110 can be sealed. On the other hand, the first lid 161 can be optionally detachable from the container 110 and the lid 141.

[0078] Referring to Figure 5 , the liquid processing apparatus 10 can include a plurality of first lids (e.g., 161-1, 161-2,..., 161-n). In this case, different types of sensors can be provided in each first lid.

[0079] For example, the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 can be provided in the (1-1)th lid 161-1, the third sensor S3 and the fourth sensor S4 can be provided in the (1-2)th lid 161-2, and the nth sensor Sn and the (n + 1)th sensor Sn+1 can be provided in the (1-n)th lid 161-n.

[0080] Therefore, the first lid provided with a suitable sensor can be selected and set between the container 110 and the lid 141 as needed to effectively detect the interior or the liquid state of the container 110.

[0081] Figure 6 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of the first lid according to one or more embodiments. Figure 7 FIG. is a rear view of the first lid according to one or more embodiments.

[0082] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , in one or more embodiments, the first lid 161 can include a first body element 1611, a first gripping element 1612 extending from a side surface of the first body element 1611, the at least one sensor 1613 provided on one surface of the first body element 1611, at least one first hole 1614 passing through the first body element 1611, a bending region 1615 formed of an elastic material on one surface or the other surface of the first body element 1611, and a guiding hole 1617 formed at an edge of the first body element 1611.

[0083] The first gripping element 1612 is the part to be gripped by the operating device, which will be described below. The first hole 1614 is a flow path through which the gas generated by the evaporation of the solvent can flow. There may be a single first hole or multiple first holes. The bending region 1615, as the part in contact with the lid 141 or the container 110, can improve the adhesion between the lid 141 or the container 110 and the first lid 161. When adjusting the position of the first lid 161 by the operating device, the guiding hole 1617 can be used as a guide to reduce errors, which will be described below.

[0084] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a first lid according to another embodiment.

[0085] Referring to Figure 8 , in another embodiment, the first lid 161' may include a first body element 1611', a first gripping element 1612' extending from a side surface of the first body element 1611', at least one sensor 1613' provided on one surface of the first body element 1611', at least one first hole 1614' passing through the first body element 1611', a bending region 1615' formed of an elastic material on one surface or the other surface of the first body element 1611', and a first receiving element 1616' on the other surface of the first body element 1611.

[0086] Unlike Figure 6 the first lid 161 of Figure 8 the first lid 161' of

[0087]

[0088] Figure 9 Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second lid according to one or more embodiments. Figure 10 is a rear view showing a second lid according to one or more embodiments.

[0089] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10, in one or more embodiments, the lid assembly may include a second lid 162, and the second lid 162 may be disposed between the first lid and the container. The second lid 162 may include a second body element 1621, a second gripping element 1622 extending from a side surface of the second body element 1621, a window 1623 formed on one surface of the second body element 1621, at least one second hole 1624 passing through the window 1623, a bending region 1625 formed of an elastic material on one surface or the other surface of the second body element 1621, a second receiving element 1626 formed on the other surface of the second body element 1621, and a guiding hole 1627 formed at an edge of the second body element 1621.

[0090] The second gripping element 1622 is a portion held by the operating device, which will be described below. The second hole 1624 is a flow path through which the gas generated by the evaporation of the solvent can flow. There may be a single second hole or multiple second holes. The bending region 1625, as a portion in contact with the first lid 161 or the container 110, can improve the adhesion between the first lid 161 or the container 110 and the second lid 162. When adjusting the position of the second lid 162 by the operating device, the guiding hole 1627 can be used as a guide to reduce errors, which will be described below.

[0091] In addition, the window 1623 can prevent the liquid from boiling violently due to the heating of the container, thereby avoiding contaminating the sensor 1613 of the first lid 161 while ensuring the measurement field of view of the sensor 1613 of the first lid 161. Therefore, the window 1623 can be made of a transparent material such as glass. The window 1623 contaminated by the liquid can be easily cleaned. However, although the window 1623 can prevent the liquid from splashing caused by boiling, the evaporated gas can easily flow through the second hole 1624 formed on the window 1623 to the first lid 161.

[0092] In addition, the rear portion of one surface of the second body element 1621 (where the window 1623 is formed) can be formed as a second receiving element 1626 of an empty space. With this structure, when the first lid 161 is stacked on the rear portion of the second lid 162, the sensor 1613 of the first lid 161 can be stably disposed in the second receiving element 1626 of the second lid 162.

[0093] Figure 11 is a rear view showing the state where the first lid is coupled to the second lid according to one or more embodiments. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the first lid is coupled to the second lid according to one or more embodiments.

[0094] Refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12, the second lid 162 can be disposed in front of the first lid 161 and in contact with the first lid 161. Since the curved region formed on the other surface of the second lid 162 contacts the curved region formed on one surface of the first lid 161, the adhesion between the first lid 161 and the second lid 162 can be improved. The sensor 1613 of the first lid 161 can be stably disposed in the second receiving element 1626 of the second lid 162.

[0095] In addition, the at least one first hole 1614 of the first lid 161 and the at least one second hole 1624 of the second lid 162 may not be located on the same straight line. In addition, the field of view of the sensor 1613 of the first lid 161 can be stably ensured by the window 1623 of the second lid 162.

[0096] With this structure of the first lid 161 and the second lid 162 of the lid assembly, the gas G generated by the evaporation of the liquid can flow to the lid through the at least one first hole 1614 of the first lid 161 and the at least one second hole 1624 of the second lid 162. The window 1623 of the second lid 162 can prevent the liquid L' dispersed by heating from moving toward the sensor 1613 of the first lid 161.

[0097] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a liquid processing system according to one or more embodiments.

[0098] Referring to Figure 13 , the liquid processing system 1 may include a liquid processing device 10 for processing a liquid and an operating device 20 disposed outside the liquid processing device 10. The liquid processing device 10 may include a container 110 for storing the liquid, a chamber 120 for accommodating at least a part of the container 110, the at least one sensor 130 disposed in the chamber 120, a sealing device 140 connected to the chamber 120 and sealing the container 110, a driving device 150 for providing a driving force to the chamber 120 and the sealing device 140, and a first lid 161 of a lid assembly disposed between the container 110 and the lid 141 of the sealing device 140.

[0099] The chamber 120 and the sealing device 140 may reciprocate together along a closed curve trajectory without rotating relative to each other. The at least one sensor 130 may sense the container 110.

[0100] The sealing device 140 may include a lid 141 disposed on the upper side of the opening of the container 110 and a connecting element 142. The container 110 or the first lid 161 of the lid assembly can be replaced using the operating device 20. The replacement of the first lid 161 can be automatically performed by a previously input program.

[0101] In one or more embodiments, the operating device 20 may be formed as a manipulator.

[0102] In one or more embodiments, the position of the lid 141 can be vertically controlled to facilitate the process of the operating device 20 replacing the first lid 161. Additionally, the chamber 120 can be equipped with a separate lifting element to vertically control the position of the container 110 housed in the chamber 120.

[0103] Furthermore, the operating device 20 can be used to replace the container 110 and the first lid 161.

[0104] When the first lid 161 is coupled to the second lid 162, the operating device 20 can be used to replace the first lid 161 and the second lid 162 simultaneously. In other words, the operating device 20 can hold both the first lid 161 and the second lid 162 stacked together.

[0105] Figure 14 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 are diagrams showing the operating states of the liquid handling system according to one or more embodiments.

[0106] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 14 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 the process of the liquid handling system automatically replacing the (1-1)th lid 161-1 with the (1-2)th lid 161-2 is described.

[0107] With reference to Figure 14 , the operating device 20 can hold the (1-1)th holding element of the (1-1)th lid 161-1. The lid 141 can be moved upward while the container 110 can be moved downward so that the (1-1)th lid 161-1 can be easily attached to and separated from the container 110 and the lid 141.

[0108] With reference to Figure 15 , the operating device 20 can move the (1-1)th lid 161-1 removed from the container 110 and the lid 141 outward from the liquid handling device 10. Then, the operating device 20 can place the (1-1)th lid 161-1 at a preset position.

[0109] Then, with reference to Figure 16 , the operating device 20 can hold the (1-2)th holding element of the (1-2)th lid 161-2 (the newly attached lid) and place the (1-2)th lid 161-2 between the container 110 and the lid 141.

[0110] When the (1-2)nd lid 161-2 is correctly set at a preset position, the lid 141 can be moved downward again, and the container 110 can be moved upward. As a result, the lid 141, the (1-2)nd lid 161-2, and the container 110 can come into firm contact with each other.

[0111] As needed, according to one or more embodiments, either the lid 141 or the container 110 (but not both) can be moved upward or downward.

[0112] In one embodiment, the liquid handling system can be applied to various technical fields, such as manufacturing equipment, experimental facilities, etc., where it may be necessary to analyze the state of a liquid by rotating or evaporating the liquid.

[0113] Although example embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art can make various technical modifications and changes based on them. For example, suitable results can be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner, and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0114] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0172638, filed on December 1, 2023, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A liquid processing device, comprising: a container configured to store a liquid; a chamber configured to receive at least a portion of the container; at least one sensor in the chamber; a sealing device connected to the chamber and configured to seal the container; as well as a driving device configured to provide a driving force to the chamber and the sealing device, wherein the driving force causes the chamber and the sealing device to reciprocate, wherein the chamber and the sealing device are configured to reciprocate while being maintained in a unidirectional state in which the position of the chamber relative to the position of the sealing device remains unchanged by the reciprocating motion, and Wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense an interior of the container.

2. The liquid treatment device according to claim 1, wherein: The chamber and the sealing device are configured to reciprocate together along a trajectory of a closed curve in the one-way state without rotating relative to each other.

3. The liquid handling device according to claim 2, wherein the driving device comprises: a frame, including an actuator; a first rotating plate disposed on an upper side of the frame and configured to rotate about a first axis; a second rotating plate disposed on the upper side of the frame and configured to rotate about a second axis; a first connector configured to connect the first rotating plate to the chamber; as well as A second connector is configured to connect the second rotating plate to the sealing device.

4. The liquid processing device according to claim 3, in, The central axis of the first connector is offset relative to the first axis of the first rotating plate, and Wherein, a central axis of the second connector is offset relative to the second axis of the second rotating plate.

5. The liquid handling device according to claim 3, wherein the sealing device comprises: a lid disposed on an upper side of the opening of the container; as well as A connecting element includes a first end supporting the cover and a second end connected to the second connector.

6. The liquid handling apparatus of claim 5, wherein the chamber is configured to heat the container, and The cover is configured to regulate the pressure in the container or to direct gas generated by evaporation of the liquid to flow outward from the liquid handling device.

7. The liquid processing device according to claim 6, further comprising: a cap assembly between the container and the lid, wherein the cap assembly is removably attached to the container and the lid.

8. The liquid handling device of claim 7, wherein the cover assembly comprises a first cover, and The first cover comprises: a first body element; a first gripping element extending from a side surface of the first body element; as well as At least one other sensor, other than the at least one sensor, is disposed on a surface of the first body member and faces the inner side of the container.

9. The liquid treatment device according to claim 8, wherein: The first cover further includes at least one first hole in the first body member.

10. The liquid handling device according to claim 9, wherein the cover assembly further comprises a second cover disposed between the first cover and the container, and The second cover comprises: a second body element; a second gripping element extending from a side surface of the second body element; a window on a surface of the second body element; as well as At least one second aperture in the window.

11. The liquid handling device of claim 10, wherein the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture are not aligned relative to each other.

12. The liquid treatment device according to claim 11, wherein: The cover is further configured to direct the gas generated by evaporation of the liquid to flow outwardly from the liquid handling device by flowing through the at least one first hole and the at least one second hole to the cover.

13. The liquid treatment device according to claim 10, wherein: The second cover is configured to prevent the liquid dispersed by heating from moving to the first cover.

14. The liquid handling device according to claim 10, wherein the bending area is located on the first body element of the first cover or the second body element of the second cover, Wherein the bending region comprises an elastic material.

15. A liquid processing system comprising: a liquid handling device configured to handle a liquid; as well as An operating device outside the liquid handling device, The liquid handling device comprises: a container configured to store a liquid; a chamber configured to receive at least a portion of the container; at least one sensor in the chamber; a sealing device connected to the chamber and configured to seal the container; and a driving device configured to provide a driving force to the chamber and the sealing device, wherein the driving force causes the chamber and the sealing device to reciprocate, wherein the chamber and the sealing device are configured to reciprocate together along a closed curve trajectory by the reciprocating motion without rotating relative to each other, so that the position of the chamber remains unchanged relative to the position of the sealing device, and Wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense the container.

16. The liquid handling system of claim 15, wherein the sealing device comprises: a cover on an upper side of the opening of the container; as well as a connecting element including a first end supporting the cover and a second end connected to the drive device, wherein the liquid handling device further comprises a cover assembly between the container and the cover, and The operating device is configured to replace at least one of the container and the cap assembly.

17. The liquid handling system of claim 16, wherein the cover assembly comprises a first cover, and The first cover comprises: a first body element; a first gripping element extending from a side surface of the first body element; at least one other sensor besides the at least one sensor, on a surface of the first body member and facing the inside of the container; as well as At least one first aperture in said first body member.

18. The liquid handling system of claim 17, wherein the cap assembly further comprises a second cap between the first cap and the container, and The second cover comprises: a second body element; a second gripping element extending from a side surface of the second body element; a window formed on a surface of the second body element; as well as At least one second aperture in the window.

19. The liquid handling system of claim 18, further comprising at least one of the following: a flex region on the first body element of the first cover or the second body element of the second cover, wherein the flex region comprises a resilient material, and A guide hole at an edge of the first body element of the first cover or an edge of the second body element of the second cover.

20. The liquid treatment system of claim 18, wherein the chamber is configured to heat the container, wherein the cover is configured to regulate the pressure in the container or to direct the gas generated by evaporation of the liquid to flow outward from the liquid handling device, in, the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture are not aligned with respect to each other, wherein the cover is further configured to direct the gas generated by evaporation of the liquid to flow outwardly from the liquid handling device by flowing through the at least one first hole and the at least one second hole to the cover, and wherein the second cover is configured to prevent the liquid dispersed by heating from moving to the first cover.

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