High-throughput array automatic sample application equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses high-throughput array automatic sample application equipment, and relates to the technical field of sample treatment equipment, and the high-throughput array automatic sample application equipment comprises a sample application unit which comprises an ultrasonic vibration part and a liquid suction device; the spray head storage unit is used for storing a plurality of disposable spray heads; the sample ultrasonic unit comprises a sample groove for containing a sample; the ultrasonic cleaning unit comprises a cleaning tank used for containing cleaning liquid; the sample drying unit comprises a heating drying layer and a plurality of clamping grooves used for placing sample application substrates, and the clamping grooves are formed in the heating drying layer in an array mode; the waste nozzle unit is used for recycling nozzles; the three-dimensional motion unit is used for driving the sample application unit to freely move in a three-dimensional space; and the control unit is in signal connection with the heating drying layer, the liquid absorber, the ultrasonic vibration piece and the three-dimensional motion unit. The equipment can realize automatic, efficient and accurate sample application of samples, is high in compatibility, and is suitable for sample application of various samples.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sample processing equipment, and more specifically, to a high-throughput array automatic spotting equipment. Background Art

[0002] Spot sampling technology is to add droplets of sample solution to be separated and identified onto media such as filter paper, film, glass plate, etc. It is mainly used in chemical analysis to separate samples and identify their components.

[0003] In the process of implementing the invention, the inventors found that the conventional spotting technology has at least the following problems:

[0004] First, the experimental efficiency is low: manual spotting is required, and the spotting speed is slow, which makes it difficult to meet the requirements of high-throughput screening for rapid processing of a large number of samples, and the experimental efficiency is severely limited;

[0005] Second, the experimental process is complicated: the sample needs to be subjected to ultrasonic dispersion, drying and other operations, and these steps often need to be completed separately, which makes the process complicated;

[0006] Third, it is difficult to accurately control the sample amount, and manual intervention is required between different steps, which increases the difficulty of operation and the risk of error, resulting in inconsistent sample amounts during high-throughput screening, affecting the accuracy of the experimental results.

[0007] In summary, how to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned traditional spotting technology is an urgent problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0008] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device, which can realize automatic, efficient and accurate spotting of samples, has strong compatibility, and is suitable for spotting of a variety of samples.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0010] A high-throughput array automatic spotting device, comprising:

[0011] A spotting unit, including an ultrasonic vibrator and a liquid pipette;

[0012] A nozzle storage unit, used for storing a plurality of disposable nozzles;

[0013] A sample ultrasonic unit, comprising a sample tank for holding the sample;

[0014] An ultrasonic cleaning unit, comprising a cleaning tank for containing a cleaning solution;

[0015] The sample drying unit comprises a heating and drying layer and a plurality of card slots for placing the sample spotting substrate, wherein the plurality of card slots are arranged in an array on the heating and drying layer;

[0016] A discarded nozzle unit, used for recovering the nozzle;

[0017] A three-dimensional motion unit, used to drive the spotting unit to move freely in a three-dimensional space;

[0018] A control unit, signals connecting the heating and drying layer, the liquid absorber, the ultrasonic vibrator and the three-dimensional motion unit.

[0019] Preferably, the aspirator comprises a aspirator body and a needle lowering mechanism, wherein the needle lowering mechanism is disposed on the aspirator body and is used to push the nozzle mounted on the aspirator body to fall into the discarded nozzle unit.

[0020] Preferably, the needle lowering mechanism comprises a pusher and a sleeve, the sleeve is sleeved on the pipette body and cooperates with the sliding clearance therewith, and the pusher is arranged at the top end of the pipette body and drives the sleeve.

[0021] Preferably, the nozzle storage unit comprises a nozzle box, and the nozzle box is provided with a plurality of slots arranged in an array, and each of the slots is used for inserting the nozzle.

[0022] Preferably, the ultrasonic cleaning unit further comprises an infusion device connected to the control unit by signal, the infusion device being connected to the cleaning tank and being used for conveying cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank and discharging waste liquid from the cleaning tank.

[0023] Preferably, the infusion device includes two pumps, the liquid inlet of the first pump is used to be connected to an external liquid supply device, the liquid outlet of the first pump is connected to the cleaning tank through an inlet pipe, the liquid inlet of the second pump is connected to the cleaning tank through a waste liquid pipe, and the liquid outlet of the second pump is used to be connected to an external wastewater tank.

[0024] Preferably, the three-dimensional motion unit includes an X-axis slide rail, an X-axis slider, a Y-axis slide rail, a Y-axis slider, a Z-axis slide rail and a Z-axis slider, the Y-axis slide rail is extended along the Y-axis, the Y-axis slider is slidably arranged on the Y-axis slide rail and connected to the Y-axis driver, the X-axis slide rail is arranged on the Y-axis slider along the X-axis, the X-axis slider is slidably arranged on the X-axis slide rail and connected to the X-axis driver, the Z-axis slide rail is arranged on the X-axis slider along the Z-axis, the Z-axis slider is slidably arranged on the Z-axis slide rail and connected to the Z-axis driver, and the spotting unit is arranged on the Z-axis slider.

[0025] Preferably, the number of the Y-axis slide rails is two, and the two Y-axis slide rails are arranged at intervals along the X-axis to form a accommodating space, the nozzle storage unit, the ultrasonic cleaning unit, the sample ultrasonic unit, the sample drying unit, and the discarded nozzle unit are all arranged in the accommodating space, and one X-axis slide rail is connected between the Y-axis sliders and is located above the accommodating space.

[0026] Preferably, it further comprises a workbench, and the nozzle storage unit, the ultrasonic cleaning unit, the sample ultrasonic unit, the sample drying unit, the three-dimensional motion unit and the waste nozzle unit are all arranged on the workbench.

[0027] Preferably, the sample drying unit further comprises a buffering and shock absorbing layer, and the buffering and shock absorbing layer is arranged between the heating and drying layer and the workbench.

[0028] The high-throughput array automatic spotting device provided by the present invention has the following steps during use:

[0029] Step 1: Control the three-dimensional motion unit to move the aspirator to the nozzle storage unit to pick up the disposable nozzle;

[0030] Step 2: Control the three-dimensional motion unit to move the ultrasonic vibrator down into the sample slot of the sample ultrasonic unit, then start the ultrasonic vibrator to ultrasonically disperse the sample, and after a period of time, turn off the ultrasonic vibrator, and the sample is fully dispersed;

[0031] Step 3: Control the three-dimensional motion unit to move the ultrasonic vibrator down into the cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning unit, then start the ultrasonic vibrator for ultrasonic cleaning, and after a period of time, turn off the ultrasonic vibrator, and the cleaning of the ultrasonic vibrator is completed;

[0032] Step 4: Control the three-dimensional motion unit to move the aspirator that has picked up the nozzle down to the sample slot of the sample ultrasonic unit to absorb the sample;

[0033] Step 5: Control the three-dimensional motion unit to move the pipette that has absorbed the sample to the top of the sample spotting base of the sample drying unit to start the sample spotting operation. After the sample spotting is completed, control the heating drying layer to start drying the sample spotting base;

[0034] Step 6: Control the three-dimensional motion unit to move the pipette after the sample is spotted to the waste nozzle unit, and the waste nozzle unit recycles the waste nozzle;

[0035] Step 7: Control the three-dimensional motion unit to reset the pipette;

[0036] Step 8: After taking away the sample-spotting substrate, the heating drying layer is controlled to stop heating.

[0037] Therefore, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0038] First, it integrates ultrasonic dispersion, drying, spotting and automated operations into one, realizing full-process automation, avoiding human intervention and greatly improving experimental efficiency.

[0039] Second, the use of disposable sample nozzles eliminates cross contamination and improves experimental accuracy.

[0040] Third, ultrasonic vibrators are used to ultrasonically disperse samples, which is suitable for the distribution and spotting of samples containing solid particles, high viscosity, large volume and liquid, and has strong compatibility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] 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 or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying creative work.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device provided by the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the high-throughput arrayed automated spotting device is shown.

[0044] Reference numerals:

[0045] 100-three-dimensional motion unit; 101-fixed base; 102-Y-axis slide rail; 103-Y-axis slider; 104-connecting rod; 105-X-axis slide rail; 106-X-axis slider; 107-Z-axis slide rail; 108-Z-axis slider; 109-ultrasonic vibration element; 110-liquid aspirator; 111-first controller;

[0046] 200-Sprinkler storage unit;

[0047] 300-ultrasonic cleaning unit; 301-cleaning tank; 302-liquid inlet pipe; 303-waste liquid pipe;

[0048] 400 - sample ultrasonic unit; 401 - ultrasonic platform; 402 - sample slot; 403 - second controller;

[0049] 500-sample drying unit; 501-buffering and shock-absorbing layer; 502-heating and drying layer; 503-card slot; 504-spotting base; 505-third controller;

[0050] 600-discarded sprinkler unit;

[0051] 700 - Workbench. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] 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.

[0053] The core of the present invention is to provide a high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device, which can realize automatic, efficient and accurate spotting of samples, has strong compatibility, and is suitable for spotting of a variety of samples.

[0054] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the directions or positional relationships indicated by "upper", "lower", etc. are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, "first", "second", and "third" are only used to describe the effect, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 1 The present invention provides a high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device, including a spotting unit, a nozzle storage unit 200, a sample ultrasonic unit 400, an ultrasonic cleaning unit 300, a sample drying unit 500, a discarded nozzle unit 600, a three-dimensional motion unit 100 and a control unit.

[0056] Among them, Figure 2 As shown, the spotting unit includes an ultrasonic vibrator 109 and a liquid aspirator 110; the nozzle storage unit 200 is used to store multiple disposable nozzles; the sample ultrasonic unit 400 includes a sample slot 402 for holding samples; the ultrasonic cleaning unit 300 includes a cleaning slot 301 for holding cleaning liquid; the sample drying unit 500 includes a heating and drying layer 502 and a plurality of card slots 503 for placing a spotting substrate 504, and the plurality of card slots 503 are arranged in an array on the heating and drying layer 502; the discarded nozzle unit 600 is used to recycle the nozzles; the three-dimensional motion unit 100 is used to drive the spotting unit to move freely in a three-dimensional space; the control unit signal connects the heating and drying layer 502, the liquid aspirator 110, the ultrasonic vibrator 109 and the three-dimensional motion unit 100.

[0057] It should be noted that the ultrasonic vibrator 109 mainly includes an ultrasonic transducer and a horn. The transducer converts high-frequency electrical energy into mechanical energy, i.e., ultrasonic waves, through the piezoelectric effect or magnetostrictive effect of piezoelectric ceramic materials. The horn amplifies the vibration generated by the transducer and transmits it, thereby generating ultrasonic waves. The specific structure of the ultrasonic vibrator 109 can refer to the prior art, which is not the focus of protection of the present invention and will not be described in detail herein. In addition, the ultrasonic vibrator 109 is connected to a host computer via a communication transmission line, and the host computer is used to control the opening and closing of the ultrasonic operation of the ultrasonic vibrator 109.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the pipette 110 mainly includes a body, a needle and a vacuum pump, the needle is arranged at the bottom of the body, and the vacuum pump is arranged inside the body and connected to the needle, for providing the power of suction and discharge. Of course, the pipette 110 can also adopt a piston type pipette 110, as long as the sample can be pumped out. In addition, the pipette 110 is also connected to a host computer via a communication transmission line, and the host computer is used to control the suction and discharge functions of the pipette 110, as well as the suction and discharge amount.

[0059] In this embodiment, the nozzle storage unit 200 includes a nozzle box, which is provided with a plurality of slots arranged in an array, each of which can be inserted with a nozzle, so that the nozzle is placed upright, and a nozzle that matches the bottom shape of the aspirator 110 is selected, and the aspirator 110 is controlled to move downward to insert the nozzle, so that the nozzle can be picked up. This nozzle picking method is simple and convenient. Among them, the nozzle box can be set to multiple, the number is not limited, and can be set according to actual working conditions.

[0060] In this embodiment, the waste nozzle unit 600 includes a recycling box, which is also provided with a plurality of slots arranged in an array, which are adapted to the shape of the nozzle, and the bottom of the aspirator 110 after the sample is applied can be inserted into the slot to complete the recycling of the waste nozzle. This nozzle recycling method is simple and convenient. Among them, the recycling box can be set to multiple, the number is not limited, and can be set according to the actual working conditions.

[0061] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The sample ultrasonic unit 400 mainly includes a sample tank 402 for holding the sample. The ultrasonic vibrator 109 can be submerged into the sample tank 402 to fully disperse the sample in the sample tank 402 by using ultrasonic waves.

[0062] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The ultrasonic cleaning unit 300 mainly includes a cleaning tank 301 for holding a cleaning solution. The ultrasonic vibrator 109 that has completed ultrasonic dispersion can be submerged into the cleaning tank 301. The ultrasonic vibrator 109 can be self-vibrated for cleaning to prevent cross-contamination of the sample during subsequent ultrasonic dispersion operations of the ultrasonic vibrator 109, thereby improving the accuracy of the experiment.

[0063] In this embodiment, the main function of the heating and drying layer 502 is to provide heat to the sample spotting substrate 504 to achieve a sample drying operation.

[0064] In this embodiment, the main function of the three-dimensional motion unit 100 is to drive the ultrasonic vibrator 109 and the pipette 110 in the spotting unit to move freely in three-dimensional space, especially to realize the movement of the ultrasonic vibrator 109 and the pipette 110 in any direction along the X, Y, and Z axes, so as to accurately move the ultrasonic vibrator 109 and the pipette 110 to the nozzle box in the nozzle storage unit 200, the sample slot 402 in the sample ultrasonic unit 400, the cleaning slot 301 in the ultrasonic cleaning unit 300, the various card slots 503 in the sample drying unit 500, and the recovery box in the discarded nozzle unit 600.

[0065] The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device provided in the above embodiment has the following effects: First, it integrates ultrasonic dispersion, drying, spotting and automated operation, realizes full process automation, avoids human intervention, and greatly improves experimental efficiency. Second, a disposable spotting nozzle is used to prevent cross contamination and improve experimental accuracy. Third, an ultrasonic vibrator 109 is used to ultrasonically disperse the sample, which is suitable for the distribution and spotting of samples containing solid particles, high viscosity, large volume and liquid, and has strong compatibility.

[0066] Based on the above embodiment, as a further preference, the pipette 110 is provided in plurality, and the sample slot 402 is provided in plurality. Thus, each sample slot 402 can carry the same or different samples respectively, and the plurality of pipettes 110 can process multiple groups of samples at the same time, thereby improving the sampling efficiency and meeting the requirements of high-throughput screening.

[0067] Regarding the specific configuration of the multiple sample slots 402, in a specific embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The sample ultrasonic unit 400 further includes an ultrasonic platform 401 , and a plurality of sample slots 402 are arranged in an array on the ultrasonic platform 401 .

[0068] Regarding the specific configuration of the plurality of pipettes 110, in a specific embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 , multiple pipettes 110 are arranged in an array on the mounting plate, and the row spacing and column spacing of the array arrangement of the multiple pipettes 110, the multiple slots in the nozzle box, the multiple sample slots 402 in the sample ultrasonic unit 400, and the multiple card slots 503 in the sample drying unit 500 are consistent to ensure that the multiple pipettes 110 can pick up the nozzles, absorb samples and spot samples at the same time.

[0069] Optionally, the ultrasonic vibrator 109 is disposed on the mounting plate and located beside the array of pipettes 110 , so as to prevent the ultrasonic vibrator 109 from interfering with the pipettes 110 in sucking and dropping samples.

[0070] On the basis of the above embodiments, as a further preference, the pipette 110 includes a pipette body and a lower needle mechanism, wherein the lower needle mechanism is disposed on the pipette body and is used to push the nozzle mounted on the pipette body to fall into the discarded nozzle unit 600.

[0071] Therefore, when recycling discarded nozzles, after controlling the three-dimensional motion unit 100 to move the pipette 110 that has completed the spotting to the top of the discarded nozzle unit 600, the lower needle mechanism is directly controlled to push the nozzle into the recycling box in the discarded nozzle unit 600. This method can enable the discarded nozzle unit 600 to better recycle the nozzles on multiple pipettes 110 at the same time, which is suitable for high-throughput screening conditions, and the recycling operation is more convenient and the efficiency of recycling nozzles is higher.

[0072] It should be noted that any of the above methods can be selected to achieve waste nozzle recovery according to actual working conditions.

[0073] Regarding the specific setting method of the lower needle mechanism, in a specific embodiment, the lower needle mechanism includes a pusher and a sleeve, the sleeve is sleeved on the pipette body and cooperates with the sliding clearance therewith, and the pusher is arranged at the top of the pipette body and drives the connecting sleeve.

[0074] Specifically, the aspirator body includes a tube body, a needle and a vacuum pump. The needle is arranged at the bottom end of the tube body, and the vacuum pump is arranged inside the tube body and connected to the needle, for providing power for suction and discharge. The sleeve is sleeved on the tube body and cooperates with the sliding clearance of the tube body. The pusher is arranged at the top of the tube body and its output shaft is connected to the sleeve, which can drive the sleeve to move up and down along the tube body. In this way, when the aspirator 110 carries the spray head for operation, the output shaft of the pusher is in a retracted state, and the sleeve is located above the spray head. When the discarded spray head needs to be recovered, the output shaft of the pusher is controlled to extend, and the sleeve moves downward to push the spray head to fall. After the spray head falls, the output shaft of the pusher is controlled to retract, and the sleeve is reset.

[0075] It should be pointed out that since the nozzle is sleeved on the needle of the pipette 110, the nozzle is arranged around the axis of the pipette 110. By adopting the needle lowering mechanism of the above structure, the sleeve can be used to effectively support the top of the nozzle, increase the force application area, and quickly and effectively push down the nozzle to prevent the nozzle from being stuck on the pipette 110 and affecting subsequent spotting operations.

[0076] On the basis of the above embodiment, as a further preference, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 300 further includes an infusion device connected to the control unit signal, the infusion device is connected to the cleaning tank 301, and is used to transport cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank 301 and discharge the waste liquid in the cleaning tank 301. In this way, after completing one spotting operation, the infusion device can be controlled to start, first discharge the waste liquid in the cleaning tank 301, and then discharge clean cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank 301 for the next spotting operation, thereby realizing automatic liquid aspiration and liquid discharge in the cleaning tank 301, avoiding manual intervention, and further improving the experimental efficiency.

[0077] Regarding the specific setting of the infusion device, in a specific embodiment, the infusion device includes two pumps, the liquid inlet of the first pump is used for an external liquid supply device, the liquid outlet of the first pump is connected to the cleaning tank 301 through the liquid inlet pipe 302, the liquid inlet of the second pump is connected to the cleaning tank 301 through the waste liquid pipe 303, and the liquid outlet of the second pump is used for an external waste water tank.

[0078] When the infusion device adopting the above structure is used, Figure 2 As shown, the second pump can be started first to suck the waste liquid in the cleaning tank 301 into the waste water tank through the waste liquid pipe 303, and then the first pump can be started to pump the cleaning liquid of the liquid supply device into the cleaning tank 301 through the liquid inlet pipe 302, thereby completing the liquid replacement operation of the cleaning tank 301. The use of two independent pumps to be responsible for the liquid inlet and liquid discharge of the cleaning tank 301 can avoid cross contamination between clean cleaning liquid and contaminated cleaning liquid, thereby ensuring that the ultrasonic vibrator 109 is clean, avoiding the ultrasonic vibrator 109 from contaminating the sample, and improving the accuracy of the experiment.

[0079] Based on the above embodiments, as a further preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The three-dimensional motion unit 100 includes an X-axis slide 105, an X-axis slider 106, a Y-axis slide 102, a Y-axis slider 103, a Z-axis slide 107, and a Z-axis slider 108. The Y-axis slide 102 is arranged along the Y-axis, the Y-axis slider 103 is slidably disposed on the Y-axis slide 102 and connected to the Y-axis driver, the X-axis slide 105 is disposed on the Y-axis slider 103 along the X-axis, the X-axis slider 106 is slidably disposed on the X-axis slide 105 and connected to the X-axis driver, the Z-axis slide 107 is disposed on the X-axis slider 106 along the Z-axis, the Z-axis slider 108 is slidably disposed on the Z-axis slide 107 and connected to the Z-axis driver, and a spotting unit is arranged on the Z-axis slider 108. In this way, the three-dimensional motion unit 100 using the above structure can accurately control the ultrasonic vibrator 109 and the aspirator 110 in the spotting unit to move in any direction along the X, Y, and Z axes.

[0080] For further information, please refer to Figure 1, two Y-axis slide rails 102 are provided, and the two Y-axis slide rails 102 are arranged at intervals along the X-axis to form a receiving space, and the nozzle storage unit 200, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 300, the sample ultrasonic unit 400, the sample drying unit 500, and the discarded nozzle unit 600 are all arranged in the receiving space, and an X-axis slide rail 105 is connected between the Y-axis sliders 103 and is located above the receiving space. This layout is compact and can ensure that the spotting unit moves to any unit among the nozzle storage unit 200, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 300, the sample ultrasonic unit 400, the sample drying unit 500, and the discarded nozzle unit 600.

[0081] Optional, please refer to Figure 1 A reinforcing rod is provided between the two Y-axis slide rails 102 to improve the structural stability of the two Y-axis slide rails 102 .

[0082] It should be noted that the host computer is mainly used for system-level monitoring, data analysis and human-computer interaction to avoid the real-time control performance being affected by complex algorithm processing. The host computer controls each component through the controller signal, and the controller can accurately control the components directly connected to it in real time to avoid the real-time control performance being affected by the complex algorithm processing of the host computer. In this way, the three-dimensional motion unit 100 also includes a first controller 111, and the Y-axis driver, the X-axis driver and the Z-axis driver are all connected to the control unit (i.e., the host computer) through the first controller 111 signal.

[0083] Of course, the three-dimensional motion unit 100 can adopt a robotic arm, which can use the characteristic of the robotic arm to move flexibly in three-dimensional space to drive the ultrasonic vibrator 109 and the pipette 110 in the spotting unit to move to any one of the nozzle storage unit 200, ultrasonic cleaning unit 300, sample ultrasonic unit 400, sample drying unit 500, and discarded nozzle unit 600.

[0084] Based on the above embodiments, as a further preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The nozzle storage unit 200, ultrasonic cleaning unit 300, sample ultrasonic unit 400, sample drying unit 500, three-dimensional motion unit 100 and waste nozzle unit 600 are all arranged on the workbench 700. It can be understood that each unit is centrally arranged on the workbench 700, which is convenient for carrying the equipment and reduces the equipment footprint.

[0085] In a specific embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The two Y-axis slide rails 102 are arranged on the workbench 700 along the X-axis at intervals through the fixed base frame 101, and a storage space is left between the two. The second controller 403 and the third controller 505 are arranged in sequence along the X-axis on the workbench 700 located in the storage space. The nozzle storage unit 200, the sample ultrasonic unit 400 and the ultrasonic cleaning unit 300 are all arranged on the second controller 403, and the sample drying unit 500 and the waste nozzle unit 600 are arranged on the third controller 505.

[0086] The above-mentioned arrangement of each unit not only has a compact structure and optimizes the equipment layout, but also separates the sample drying unit 500 from the sample ultrasonic unit 400 and the ultrasonic cleaning unit 300, thereby weakening the influence of ultrasonic waves on the sample spot substrate 504 in the sample drying unit 500, preventing the sample spot substrate 504 from being displaced or broken due to external force impact, and even causing the sample drop to detach.

[0087] It should be noted that the host computer controls the infusion device in the sample ultrasonic unit 400 through the second controller 403 signal to control the cleaning liquid to enter and the waste liquid to be discharged from the cleaning tank 301. The host computer controls the heating and drying layer 502 in the sample drying unit 500 through the third controller 505 signal to control the opening and closing of the heating and drying layer 502 and the heating temperature.

[0088] For further information, please refer to Figure 2 The sample drying unit 500 further includes a buffering and shock absorbing layer 501 , which is disposed between the heating and drying layer 502 and the workbench 700 .

[0089] It is understandable that since the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 109 in the sample tank 402 and the cleaning tank 301 will cause the workbench 700 to generate tiny vibrations, a buffer and shock-absorbing layer 501 is added between the heating and drying layer 502 and the workbench 700. The buffer and shock-absorbing layer 501 can absorb the vibration of the workbench 700, effectively block the impact of external forces on the sample substrate 504, ensure the stability of the sample substrate 504, and thus improve the accuracy and reliability of the experiment.

[0090] Optionally, the buffering and shock absorbing layer 501 may be a rubber pad, or a buffering and shock absorbing layer 501 supported by other materials, as long as it can play the role of buffering and vibration reduction.

[0091] In summary, the high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device of the present invention has the following steps during use:

[0092] Step 1: Control the three-dimensional motion unit 100 to move the aspirator 110 to the top of the nozzle storage unit 200, and then control the aspirator 110 to descend to pick up the nozzle, and lift the aspirator 110 to a safe height after picking up;

[0093] Step 2: Control the three-dimensional motion unit 100 to move the ultrasonic vibrator 109 to the top of the sample ultrasonic unit 400, then control the ultrasonic vibrator 109 to dive into the sample tank 402, and then start the ultrasonic vibrator 109 to ultrasonically disperse the sample. After a period of time, turn off the ultrasonic vibrator 109, and when the sample is fully dispersed, lift the ultrasonic vibrator 109 to a safe height;

[0094] Step 3: Control the three-dimensional motion unit 100 to move the ultrasonic vibrator 109 to the top of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 300, then control the ultrasonic vibrator 109 to dive into the cleaning tank 301, and then start the ultrasonic vibrator 109 to perform ultrasonic cleaning. After a period of time, turn off the ultrasonic vibrator 109. After the ultrasonic vibrator 109 is cleaned, lift the ultrasonic vibrator 109 to a safe height;

[0095] Step 4: Control the three-dimensional motion unit 100 to move the pipette 110 with the nozzle picked up to the top of the sample ultrasonic unit 400, and then control the pipette 110 to dive into the sample tank 402 to absorb the sample. After the liquid is collected, lift the pipette 110 to a safe height;

[0096] Step 5: Control the three-dimensional motion unit 100 to move the pipette 110 that has absorbed the sample to the top of the sample spotting base 504 of the sample drying unit 500 to start the sample spotting operation. After the sample spotting is completed, control the heating drying layer 502 to start drying the sample spotting base 504;

[0097] Step 6: Control the three-dimensional motion unit 100 to move the pipette 110 after the sample is spotted to the discarded nozzle unit 600, and the lower needle mechanism pushes the discarded nozzle into the discarded nozzle unit 600;

[0098] Step 7: The controller of the three-dimensional motion unit 100 resets the aspirator 110 and the ultrasonic vibrator 109, and uses the second controller 403 to control the infusion device to first discharge the waste liquid from the cleaning tank 301 through the waste liquid pipe 303, and then deliver the cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank 301 through the liquid inlet pipe 302;

[0099] Step 8: After the spotted substrate 504 is removed, the heating drying layer 502 is controlled to stop heating.

[0100] It should be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are merely used to distinguish one entity from other entities, but do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0101] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0102] The above is a detailed introduction to a high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device provided by the present invention. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method of the present invention and its core idea. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, without departing from the principles of the present invention, the present invention can also be improved and modified in a number of ways, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-throughput array automatic spotting device, characterized in that: include: A spotting unit, comprising an ultrasonic vibrator (109) and a liquid aspirator (110); A nozzle storage unit (200), used for storing a plurality of disposable nozzles; A sample ultrasonic unit (400), comprising a sample tank (402) for holding a sample; An ultrasonic cleaning unit (300), comprising a cleaning tank (301) for containing a cleaning liquid; A sample drying unit (500) comprises a heating and drying layer (502) and a plurality of slots (503) for placing a spotting substrate (504), wherein the plurality of slots (503) are arranged in an array on the heating and drying layer (502); A discarded nozzle unit (600) for recovering the nozzle; A three-dimensional motion unit (100), used to drive the spotting unit to move freely in a three-dimensional space; A control unit, signal-connecting the heating and drying layer (502), the liquid absorber (110), the ultrasonic vibrator (109) and the three-dimensional motion unit (100).

2. The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aspirator (110) comprises a aspirator body and a needle lowering mechanism, wherein the needle lowering mechanism is arranged on the aspirator body and is used to push the nozzle sleeved on the aspirator body to fall into the discarded nozzle unit (600).

3. The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The needle lowering mechanism comprises a pusher and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is sleeved on the pipette body and cooperates with the pipette body with a sliding clearance, and the pusher is arranged on the top end of the pipette body and drives the sleeve.

4. The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle storage unit (200) comprises a nozzle box, the nozzle box is provided with a plurality of slots arranged in an array, each of the slots is used for inserting the nozzle.

5. The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic cleaning unit (300) further comprises an infusion device connected to the control unit by signal, the infusion device being connected to the cleaning tank (301) and being used for conveying cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank (301) and discharging waste liquid from the cleaning tank (301).

6. The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The infusion device comprises two pumps, wherein the liquid inlet of the first pump is used to be connected to an external liquid supply device, and the liquid outlet of the first pump is connected to the cleaning tank (301) via a liquid inlet pipe (302); the liquid inlet of the second pump is connected to the cleaning tank (301) via a waste liquid pipe (303), and the liquid outlet of the second pump is used to be connected to an external waste water tank.

7. The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-dimensional motion unit (100) comprises an X-axis slide rail (105), an X-axis slider (106), a Y-axis slide rail (102), a Y-axis slider (103), a Z-axis slide rail (107) and a Z-axis slider (108); the Y-axis slide rail (102) is arranged to extend along the Y-axis; the Y-axis slider (103) is slidably disposed on the Y-axis slide rail (102) and is connected to a Y-axis driver; the X-axis slide rail (105) is disposed on the Y-axis slider (103) along the X-axis; the X-axis slider (106) is slidably disposed on the X-axis slide rail (105) and is connected to the X-axis driver; the Z-axis slide rail (107) is disposed on the X-axis slider (106) along the Z-axis; the Z-axis slider (108) is slidably disposed on the Z-axis slide rail (107) and is connected to the Z-axis driver; and the spotting unit is arranged on the Z-axis slider (108).

8. The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The Y-axis slide rails (102) are provided in two numbers, and the two Y-axis slide rails (102) are arranged at intervals along the X-axis to form a storage space, the nozzle storage unit (200), the ultrasonic cleaning unit (300), the sample ultrasonic unit (400), the sample drying unit (500), and the discarded nozzle unit (600) are all arranged in the storage space, and one X-axis slide rail (105) is connected between the Y-axis sliders (103) and is located above the storage space.

9. The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: It also includes a workbench (700), and the nozzle storage unit (200), the ultrasonic cleaning unit (300), the sample ultrasonic unit (400), the sample drying unit (500), the three-dimensional motion unit (100) and the discarded nozzle unit (600) are all arranged on the workbench (700).

10. The high-throughput arrayed automatic spotting device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The sample drying unit (500) further comprises a buffering and shock absorbing layer (501), wherein the buffering and shock absorbing layer (501) is arranged between the heating and drying layer (502) and the workbench (700).

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