Pitch changing device and pipetting equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a variable-pitch device and pipetting equipment, the variable-pitch device comprises a variable-pitch assembly and a power assembly, the variable-pitch assembly comprises a first moving part and a second moving part, and the power assembly comprises a motor, a first transmission mechanism, a second transmission mechanism and a clutch mechanism. According to the distance changing device, the clutch mechanism is ingeniously introduced into the power assembly, and therefore synchronous movement of the two moving parts and independent movement of one moving part are achieved under driving of a single motor. The innovative design is beneficial to reducing the manufacturing and using cost of the variable-pitch device and also beneficial to reducing the size and occupied space of the device, so that the variable-pitch device has more advantages in application scenes with limited space. And by simplifying the power transmission system, the reliability and maintenance convenience of the equipment are improved, and the fault risk caused by a complex mechanical structure can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of liquid transfer equipment, and in particular to a variable distance device and a liquid transfer equipment. Background Art

[0002] The contents in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] In known pipetting equipment, multiple pipettes are often arranged side by side to form a pipetting array to improve pipetting efficiency. Because the storage devices for the liquids to be transferred (such as well plates and test tube racks) vary in specifications, the pipetting array needs to be able to adjust the distance between adjacent pipettes (variable distance) and move the entire device.

[0004] In the technology of related pipetting linkages, a scissor-type distance-changing mechanism is usually used to achieve distance change and overall movement of multiple pipettes. In this type of distance-changing mechanism, two moving parts that can move along the arrangement direction of the multiple pipettes are generally set as power input ends to enable the scissor-type connecting rod group to perform corresponding actions to achieve distance change and overall movement. Specifically, when the two moving parts move synchronously, the pipetting linkage moves as a whole; when only one moving part moves, the scissor-type connecting rod group is extended and retracted to achieve distance change. For example, the patent document with publication number "CN117019254A" and titled "A distance-changing device and pipetting equipment" discloses this type of distance-changing mechanism. In this patent document, two pipettes among the multiple pipettes are respectively used as two moving parts.

[0005] However, with regard to the above-mentioned variable pitch mechanism, in order to achieve synchronous and independent movement of the two moving parts, two power sources (generally motors) are generally provided for providing power. This not only leads to higher manufacturing and use costs, but also the two power sources occupy more installation space, which is not conducive to the compact and miniaturized design of the variable pitch mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a variable distance device and a pipetting device, so as to realize the synchronous movement of two moving parts and the independent movement of one of the moving parts through a power source, thereby reducing the manufacturing and use costs, and helping to reduce the overall volume of the variable distance device.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention discloses a pitch-changing device, comprising:

[0009] A pitch-changing assembly is configured to selectively move and change the pitch of a plurality of pitch-changing members as a whole along a first direction; the pitch-changing assembly includes a first moving member and a second moving member;

[0010] A power assembly, comprising:

[0011] Motor;

[0012] a first transmission mechanism, always in transmission connection with the output shaft of the motor, for driving the first moving member to move along the first direction;

[0013] a second transmission mechanism selectively connected to the output shaft of the motor via a clutch mechanism, for driving the second moving member to move along the first direction;

[0014] The clutch mechanism is configured as follows:

[0015] When engaged, the power of the motor is transmitted to the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism simultaneously, so that the first moving member and the second moving member move synchronously along the first direction;

[0016] During separation, the power of the motor is transmitted only to the first transmission mechanism, so that the first moving member moves alone along the first direction.

[0017] Optionally, the clutch mechanism is an electromagnetic clutch, and the clutch rotor of the electromagnetic clutch is drivingly connected to the output shaft of the motor;

[0018] The power input end of the second transmission mechanism is transmission-connected to the clutch armature of the electromagnetic clutch to selectively transmit the power of the motor to the second transmission mechanism.

[0019] Optionally, the second transmission mechanism is a belt transmission mechanism, and includes a second driving wheel, a second driven wheel and a second transmission belt; the second driving wheel serves as the power input end of the second transmission mechanism, and the second moving member is connected to one side of the second transmission belt;

[0020] Also included is a brake mechanism configured to selectively brake the second driven wheel;

[0021] Wherein, when the second driven wheel is in a braked state, the second transmission wheel cannot rotate.

[0022] Optionally, the brake mechanism is an electromagnetic brake, and the second driven wheel is coaxially connected to the brake armature of the electromagnetic brake.

[0023] Optionally, the pitch-changing device further includes a position detection component;

[0024] The position detection component is configured to detect positions of the first moving member and the second moving member in the first direction.

[0025] Optionally, the position detection component includes:

[0026] a grating ruler extending along the first direction and fixedly arranged;

[0027] a first grating ruler reader, provided on the first movable member and configured to cooperate with the grating ruler to obtain position information of the first movable member in the first direction;

[0028] The second grating ruler reader is provided on the second movable member and is used for cooperating with the grating ruler to obtain position information of the second movable member in the first direction.

[0029] Optionally, the first transmission mechanism is a belt transmission mechanism and includes a first driving wheel, a first driven wheel and a first transmission belt; the first driving wheel is always in transmission connection with the output shaft of the motor, and the first moving member is connected to one side of the first transmission belt.

[0030] Optionally, the pitch-changing device further includes a guide member, the guide member extending along the first direction and fixedly arranged;

[0031] The guide member passes through the first moving member and the second moving member in sequence, and is slidably engaged with the first moving member and the second moving member.

[0032] Optionally, the pitch changing device further includes a frame, and the pitch changing assembly and the power assembly are arranged on the frame.

[0033] On the other hand, the present invention discloses a pipetting device, comprising the above-mentioned variable distance device; the variable distance member is a pipette.

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0035] The pitch-changing device disclosed in this invention cleverly incorporates a clutch mechanism into the power assembly, enabling the synchronous movement of two moving parts and the independent movement of one of the moving parts, all driven by a single motor. This innovative design helps reduce the manufacturing and operating costs of the pitch-changing device, as well as its size and footprint, making it more advantageous in space-constrained applications. By simplifying the power transmission system, the present invention also improves the reliability and ease of maintenance of the device, helping to reduce the risk of failure associated with complex mechanical structures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a pitch-changing device provided in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the partial structure of the pitch-changing device shown in FIG.

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the local structure at point A;

[0039] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the local structure at point B in the middle;

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of multiple connecting rod units in a pitch-changing assembly provided in Example 2 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of the pitch-variable assembly provided in Example 2 of the present invention.

[0042] Icons: 10-frame, 11-avoidance, 20-pitch-changing assembly, 21-first moving member, 211-first slide, 22-second moving member, 221-second slide, 23-connecting rod unit, 231-first connecting rod, 232-second connecting rod, 24-first hinge shaft, 25-second hinge shaft, 26-first sliding part, 27-second sliding part, 30-power assembly, 31-motor, 32-first transmission mechanism, 321-first driving wheel, 322-first driven wheel, 323-first transmission belt, 33-second transmission mechanism, 331-second driving wheel, 332-second driven wheel, 333-second transmission belt, 34-clutch mechanism, 341-clutch base, 342-clutch rotor, 343-clutch armature, 40-brake mechanism, 41-brake body, 42-brake armature, 50-guide, 60-position detection assembly, 61-grating scale, 62-first grating scale reader, 63-second grating scale reader, 100-variable distance member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific implementation methods. The same figure marks in the accompanying drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described 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.

[0044] Compared to the embodiments shown in the drawings, feasible embodiments within the scope of protection of the present invention may have fewer components, additional components not shown in the drawings, different components, differently arranged components, or differently connected components, etc. In addition, two or more components in the drawings may be implemented in a single component, or a single component shown in the drawings may be implemented as multiple separate components.

[0045] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a pitch-changing device. Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary pitch-changing device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the pitch-changing device may include a frame 10 , a pitch-changing assembly 20 , and a power assembly 30 .

[0046] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the frame 10 is mainly used to provide a carrier for the installation of components such as the pitch change assembly 20 and the power assembly 30, so as to facilitate the installation of the entire pitch change device to the target position for use.

[0047] The variable-distance assembly 20 is primarily used to provide the functions of variable distance and overall movement. Specifically, the variable-distance assembly 20 is configured to selectively enable the plurality of variable-distance members 100 to move and change distance as a whole along a first direction. In other words, the variable-distance assembly 20 can both enable the plurality of variable-distance members 100 to move as a whole along the first direction and also enable the plurality of variable-distance members 100 to change distance along the first direction to change the spacing between adjacent variable-distance members 100. The plurality of variable-distance members 100 can be arranged in a straight line along the first direction, or in other suitable arrangements. The variable-distance member 100 can be a pipette.

[0048] The specific structure of the distance-changing assembly 20 can be the same as the distance-changing mechanism known in the prior art, for example, it can be the same as the distance-changing mechanism disclosed in the patent document with publication number "CN117019254A" and titled "A distance-changing device and pipetting device". Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, the distance-changing mechanism can also be the structure disclosed in embodiment 2 of the present invention. The first direction of the present invention can be understood as Figure 1 The X-axis direction shown in .

[0049] This type of pitch-changing assembly 20 generally includes two movable members that can move in a first direction. When the two movable members move synchronously in the first direction, the plurality of pitch-changing members 100 move as a whole in the first direction. When only one movable member moves in the first direction, the plurality of pitch-changing members 100 change pitch in the first direction. If the structure of the pitch-changing assembly 20 is the same as the pitch-changing mechanism described in the aforementioned patent documents, the two pitch-changing members 100 can be used as the two movable members.

[0050] For the convenience of description, the present invention defines two moving members as a first moving member 21 and a second moving member 22 .

[0051] The power assembly 30 is mainly used to provide power to two moving parts, namely the first moving part 21 and the second moving part 22, so that the first moving part 21 and the second moving part 22 can move synchronously along the first direction, or only one of the moving parts, specifically the second moving part 22, can move along the first direction, thereby realizing the above-mentioned overall movement and distance change.

[0052] Specifically, combined Figure 2 As shown, the power assembly 30 may include a motor 31, a first transmission mechanism 32, a second transmission mechanism 33, and a clutch mechanism 34. The motor 31 is used to output rotational motion through its own output shaft.

[0053] The first transmission mechanism 32 is always connected to the output shaft of the motor 31 to convert the rotational motion output by the motor 31 into reciprocating linear motion in the first direction. The first movable member 21 is arranged at the output end of the first transmission mechanism 32 to drive the first movable member 21 to reciprocate along the first direction through the first transmission mechanism 32.

[0054] The first transmission mechanism 32 may be, but is not limited to, a belt transmission mechanism, a chain transmission mechanism, or other known mechanisms suitable for converting rotational motion into linear motion.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in the drawings of the present invention, the first transmission mechanism 32 is a belt transmission mechanism, and the power input end of the first transmission mechanism 32 is always in transmission connection with the output shaft of the motor 31. Figure 2 Shown, the first transmission mechanism 32 can comprise the first driving wheel 321, the first driven wheel 322 and the first transmission belt 323.The first driving wheel 321 is as the power input end of the first transmission mechanism 32, and its transmission is connected to the output shaft of the motor 31, so that it can always follow the output shaft of the motor 31 and rotate synchronously.The first driven wheel 322 is rotatably arranged on the frame 10, and the first driven wheel 322 and the first driving wheel 321 are relatively arranged along the first direction.The first transmission belt 323 is wound between the first driving wheel 321 and the first driven wheel 322, and the first mobile member 21 is connected to one of them side of the first transmission belt 323.Design like this, when motor 31 is worked, by the first transmission belt 323 around the annular closed path motion of self, the first mobile member 21 can be driven to move in the first direction.

[0056] The second transmission mechanism 33 is selectively connected to the output shaft of the motor 31 via the clutch mechanism 34. That is, under the action of the clutch mechanism 34, the second transmission mechanism 33 can be connected to the output shaft of the motor 31 or disconnected from the output shaft of the motor 31. When the second transmission mechanism 33 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 31, the second transmission mechanism 33 can receive power from the motor 31 to convert the rotational motion output by the motor 31 into reciprocating linear motion in the first direction. The second moving member 22 is disposed at the output end of the second transmission mechanism 33 to drive the second moving member 22 to reciprocate along the first direction via the second transmission mechanism 33.

[0057] Specifically, the clutch mechanism 34 is configured as follows: when engaged, the second transmission mechanism 33 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 31, so that the power of the motor 31 is simultaneously transmitted to the first transmission mechanism 32 and the second transmission mechanism 33, so that the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 move synchronously along the first direction; when disengaged, the second transmission mechanism 33 is disconnected from the output shaft of the motor 31, so that the power of the motor 31 is only transmitted to the first transmission mechanism 32, so that the first movable member 21 moves alone along the first direction and the second movable member 22 is stationary.

[0058] Based on the above settings, when the pitch-changing device is actually used, if it is necessary to make the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 move synchronously to realize the overall movement of multiple variable-pitch members 100 in the first direction, it is only necessary to control the clutch mechanism 34 to engage so that the second transmission mechanism 33 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 31. If it is necessary to make the first movable member 21 move alone along the first direction to realize the pitch change of multiple variable-pitch members 100, it is only necessary to control the clutch mechanism 34 to separate so that the second transmission mechanism 33 is disconnected from the output shaft of the motor 31.

[0059] The specific structures of the second transmission mechanism 33 and the clutch mechanism 34 will be further described below.

[0060] As can be seen, the pitch-variable device disclosed herein, by incorporating a clutch mechanism 34 into the power assembly 30, can achieve synchronized movement of two moving parts and independent movement of one of the moving parts, driven by a single motor 31. This design helps reduce the manufacturing and operating costs of the pitch-variable device, as well as its size and footprint, making it more advantageous in space-constrained applications.

[0061] In some embodiments, the clutch mechanism 34 can be any clutch device capable of selectively transmitting power. For example, the clutch mechanism 34 can be an electromagnetic clutch.

[0062] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the electromagnetic clutch may include a clutch base 341, a clutch rotor 342, and a clutch armature 343. The clutch base 341 is fixedly arranged, for example, fixedly arranged on the frame 10, and an electromagnetic coil (not shown in the figure) is arranged inside it. The clutch rotor 342 is transmission-connected to the output shaft of the motor 31 so that it can rotate coaxially with the output shaft of the motor 31. For example, the clutch rotor 342 can be fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 31 by a key or a tight fit. The clutch armature 343 is rotatably arranged in a position opposite to the clutch rotor 342. Under normal conditions, there is a certain gap between the clutch armature 343 and the clutch rotor 342.

[0063] As for this type of clutch mechanism 34, the principle of achieving selective power transmission is as follows: when the electromagnetic coil in the clutch base 341 is not energized, due to the gap between the clutch armature 343 and the clutch rotor 342, the clutch armature 343 and the clutch rotor 342 are in a separated state, and the clutch rotor 342 will rotate independently following the output shaft of the motor 31, and the clutch armature 343 remains stationary, thereby not transmitting power; correspondingly, when the electromagnetic coil in the clutch base 341 is energized, the electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field and attracts the clutch armature 343, so that the clutch armature 343 and the clutch rotor 342 are tightly fitted. At this time, the clutch armature 343 and the clutch rotor 342 are in an engaged state, and the clutch armature 343 and the clutch rotor 342 will rotate synchronously with the output shaft of the motor 31, thereby achieving power transmission.

[0064] It can be seen that for the second transmission mechanism 33 , it is only necessary to connect the power input end of the second transmission mechanism 33 to the clutch armature 343 of the electromagnetic clutch to achieve the selective transmission of the power of the motor 31 to the second transmission mechanism 33 .

[0065] Specifically, combined Figure 2 As shown, the second transmission mechanism 33 can also be, but is not limited to, a belt transmission mechanism, a chain transmission mechanism, or other known mechanisms suitable for converting rotational motion into linear motion.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in the drawings of the present invention, the second transmission mechanism 33 is also a belt transmission mechanism. Figure 2 As shown, the second transmission mechanism 33 may include a second driving wheel 331, a second driven wheel 332 and a second transmission belt 333. The second driving wheel 331 serves as the power input end of the second transmission mechanism 33, and its transmission is connected to the clutch armature 343 of the electromagnetic clutch so that it can rotate synchronously with the clutch armature 343. The second driven wheel 332 serves as the driven end of the second transmission mechanism 33, wherein the second driven wheel 332 is rotatably arranged on the frame 10, and the second driven wheel 332 and the second driving wheel 331 are relatively arranged along the first direction. The second transmission belt 333 is wound between the second driving wheel 331 and the second driven wheel 332, and the second moving member 22 is connected to one of the sides of the second transmission belt 333.

[0067] With such a design, when it is necessary to allow the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 to move synchronously along the first direction, the electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic clutch is energized, so that the clutch armature 343 is engaged with the clutch rotor 342, so as to realize that the power of the motor 31 is simultaneously transmitted to the first driving wheel 321 of the first transmission mechanism 32 and the second driving wheel 331 of the second transmission mechanism 33, thereby realizing the synchronous movement of the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22, and then realizing the overall movement of multiple variable-distance members 100 along the first direction; correspondingly, when it is necessary to allow only the first movable member 21 to move along the first direction, the electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic clutch is deenergized, so that the clutch armature 343 is separated from the clutch rotor 342, so as to realize that the power of the motor 31 is only transmitted to the first driving wheel 321 of the first transmission mechanism 32, thereby realizing the independent movement of the first movable member 21 along the first direction, and then realizing the variable distance of multiple variable-distance members 100 along the first direction.

[0068] In some embodiments, combined Figure 1 or Figure 2 The content shown is based on the second transmission mechanism 33 being a belt transmission mechanism of the above structure. The pitch changing device can further include a brake mechanism 40. The brake mechanism 40 is configured to selectively brake and release the second driven wheel 332. When the second driven wheel 332 is braked, the second driven wheel 332 cannot rotate.

[0069] It can be understood that, by setting the brake mechanism 40, the second driven wheel 332 can remain absolutely stationary when there is no need to transmit the power of the motor 31 to the second transmission mechanism 33, thereby reducing the risk of displacement of the second movable member 22 due to easy rotation of the second driven wheel 332, and ensuring that the pitch change process is carried out stably and reliably.

[0070] The brake mechanism 40 may be, but is not limited to, an electromagnetic brake.

[0071] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the electromagnetic brake can include a brake body 41 and a brake armature 42. The brake body 41 is fixedly mounted, for example, on the frame 10, and an electromagnetic coil (not shown) is disposed within the brake body 41. The brake armature 42 is rotatably mounted relative to the brake body 41. Under normal conditions, a certain gap exists between the brake armature 42 and the brake body 41. The second driven wheel 332 is coaxially connected to the brake armature 42.

[0072] As for this brake mechanism 40, when the electromagnetic coil inside the brake body 41 is not energized, there is a gap between the brake armature 42 and the brake body 41, and the two are in a separated state. At this time, the brake armature 42 and the second driven wheel 332 can rotate freely coaxially, so that the power of the motor 31 can be normally transmitted to the second transmission mechanism 33, so that the second movable member 22 moves along the first direction; correspondingly, when the electromagnetic coil inside the brake body 41 is energized, the electromagnetic coil inside the brake body 41 will generate a magnetic field and attract the brake armature 42, so that the brake armature 42 and the brake body 41 are tightly fitted. At this time, the brake armature 42 and the brake body 41 are in an engaged state, and the brake armature 42 and the second driven wheel 332 will be fixed and immovable, thereby reducing the risk of the second driven wheel 332 rotating easily.

[0073] It should be noted that the electromagnetic clutch and the electromagnetic brake described in the embodiments of the present invention are both devices known in the prior art, and their specific structures and working principles are not described in detail here.

[0074] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the pitch changing device may further include a guide member 50 extending along the first direction, and the guide member 50 may be a guide rod fixedly provided on the frame 10. Moreover, the guide member 50 sequentially passes through the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22, and slides with the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22.

[0075] By providing the guide member 50 , the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22 can be guided, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22 when moving along the first direction.

[0076] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the pitch-changing device disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention may further include a position detection component 60 .

[0077] The position detection component 60 is configured to detect the positions of the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22 in the first direction.

[0078] It can be understood that the setting of the position detection component 60 is conducive to more accurately controlling the positions of the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22 in the first direction based on the position detection results of the position detection component 60, so as to more accurately control the positions of multiple variable distance members 100 in the first direction, or the spacing between adjacent variable distance members 100 after the multiple variable distance members 100 are changed in distance.

[0079] Specifically, the position detection assembly 60 may include a grating scale 61, a first grating scale reader 62, and a second grating scale reader 63. The grating scale 61 extends along a first direction and is fixedly disposed, for example, fixedly disposed on the frame 10.

[0080] The first grating scale reader 62 can be disposed on the first movable member 21 and used to cooperate with the grating scale 61 to obtain position information of the first movable member 21 in the first direction. The second grating scale reader 63 can be disposed on the second movable member 22 and used to cooperate with the grating scale 61 to obtain position information of the second movable member 22 in the first direction.

[0081] With such a design, when the first movable member 21 drives the first grating scale reader 62 to move synchronously along the first direction, the position of the first movable member 21 in the first direction can be detected based on the first grating scale reader 62; correspondingly, when the second movable member 22 drives the second grating scale reader 63 to move synchronously along the first direction, the position of the second movable member 22 in the first direction can be detected based on the second grating scale reader 63.

[0082] On the other hand, embodiment 1 of the present invention further discloses a liquid transfer device, which uses the above-mentioned variable distance device. In this case, the above-mentioned variable distance member 100 is a pipette.

[0083] By adopting the above-mentioned variable distance device, multiple pipettes arranged in sequence along the first direction in the pipetting device can be moved and varied as a whole along the first direction under the drive of a single motor 31, thereby helping to reduce the manufacturing and use costs of the pipetting device, and at the same time helping to achieve a compact and miniaturized design of the pipetting device.

[0084] Example 2

[0085] Based on Example 1, Example 2 of the present invention discloses a pitch-changing device. Different from Example 1, Example 2 further defines the structure of the pitch-changing assembly 20 in the pitch-changing device.

[0086] Specifically, in Example 2 of the present invention, referring to Figure 5 As shown, the pitch change assembly 20 may further include a plurality of connecting rod units 23 arranged sequentially along the first direction, each connecting rod unit 23 including a first connecting rod 231 and a second connecting rod 232. For example, the drawings of the present invention illustrate a pitch change assembly 20 having eight connecting rod units 23. Of course, the number of connecting rod units 23 is not limited thereto and may be more or less.

[0087] The first link 231 and the second link 232 of each link unit 23 can be hingedly connected via the first hinge shaft 24 to form a first hinge point a. In this case, the first hinge points a of the plurality of link units 23 are located on the same straight line extending along the first direction.

[0088] In two adjacent link units 23, the first link 231 of one link unit 23 and the second link 232 of the other link unit 23, as well as the second link 232 of one link unit 23 and the first link 231 of the other link unit 23, can be hingedly connected via a second hinge axis 25 to form a second hinge point b. It can be seen that there are two second hinge points b in the two adjacent link units 23, and the line connecting the two second hinge points b is perpendicular to the line connecting the first hinge points a in the plurality of link units 23. That is, the two second hinge points b are located on the same straight line extending along the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0089] It is understood that the above-mentioned multiple connecting rod units 23 can be collectively regarded as a scissor-type connecting rod group. At the same time, the second direction described in the present invention can be understood as Figure 1 The Y-axis direction shown in .

[0090] On this basis, refer to Figure 6 As shown, assuming that two adjacent connecting rod units 23 among a plurality of connecting rod units 23 are defined as a group of connecting rod unit groups, then: the first moving member 21 is movably connected to the two second hinge points b in one group of connecting rod unit groups, so that the two second hinge points b in the connecting rod unit group can move along the second direction relative to the first moving member 21; correspondingly, the second moving member 22 is movably connected to the two second hinge points b in the other group of connecting rod unit groups, so that the two second hinge points b in the connecting rod unit group can move along the second direction relative to the second moving member 22.

[0091] For example, the movable connection between the first moving member 21 and the corresponding two second hinge points b, and between the second moving member 22 and the corresponding two second hinge points b can be achieved by, but is not limited to, the following method.

[0092] Continue to refer to Figure 6 As shown, the first moving member 21 can be provided with a first chute 211 that cooperates with the corresponding second hinge point b and extends along the second direction. At this time, the second hinge shaft 25 at the second hinge point b corresponding to the first moving member 21 can be provided with a first sliding portion 26, and the first sliding portion 26 is slidably arranged in the corresponding first chute 211. In this way, the second hinge point b corresponding to the first moving member 21 can be moved in the second direction relative to the first moving member 21, and the power of the first moving member 21 when moving in the first direction can be transmitted to the multiple connecting rod units 23.

[0093] Similarly, continue to refer to Figure 6The second movable member 22 may be provided with a second chute 221 that cooperates with the corresponding second hinge point b and extends along the second direction. In this case, a second sliding portion 27 may be provided on the second hinge shaft 25 at the second hinge point b corresponding to the second movable member 22, and the second sliding portion 27 is slidably disposed in the corresponding second chute 221. In this way, the second hinge point b corresponding to the second movable member 22 can be moved relative to the second movable member 22 in the second direction, and the power of the second movable member 22 when it moves in the first direction can be transmitted to the multiple connecting rod units 23.

[0094] Among them, the first movable member 21 can be movably connected with the two second hinge points b in the connecting rod unit group at the center of the multiple connecting rod units 23, and the second movable member 22 can be movably connected with the two second hinge points b in the connecting rod unit group at one end of the multiple connecting rod units 23 to achieve reliable transmission of power.

[0095] On this basis, by simply installing the variable distance member 100 described in the first embodiment at the first hinge point a of each link unit 23, the distance between two adjacent variable distance members 100 can be changed through the distance changing assembly 20 to achieve variable distance of multiple variable distance members 100 along the first direction, or to allow multiple variable distance members 100 to move as a whole along the first direction. The variable distance member 100 corresponding to the first hinge point a can be connected to the first hinge shaft 24 at the first hinge point a.

[0096] Specifically, the working principle of the pitch-changing assembly 20 is as follows:

[0097] If the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22 move in the same direction along the first direction at the same speed, the multiple connecting rod units 23 will not extend or retract, but will move synchronously with the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22, thereby achieving the purpose of allowing the multiple variable distance members 100 to move as a whole along the first direction.

[0098] Correspondingly, if the second movable member 22 is fixed and the first movable member 21 moves along the first direction, the multiple connecting rod units 23 will be correspondingly extended and contracted, and the distance between two adjacent first hinge points a will change, thereby achieving the purpose of changing the distance between two adjacent variable-distance members 100, that is, achieving the distance change of multiple variable-distance members 100 along the first direction.

[0099] In addition, the variable distance member 100 connected to the first hinge point a can be configured to be movable along the first direction to improve the stability of the variable distance member 100 when moving along the first direction. The variable distance member 100 can be slidably connected to the frame 10 so that the variable distance member 100 can slide along the first direction. For example, the sliding connection between the variable distance member 100 and the frame 10 can be achieved by providing a slide rail (not shown) extending along the first direction on the frame 10, and providing a slider (not shown) on the slide rail that can slide along the slide rail and connect to the corresponding variable distance member 100.

[0100] It is worth noting that, in actual implementation, a variable distance member 100 can be provided at each first hinge point a in the variable distance assembly 20. Of course, the variable distance member 100 can also be provided only at some of the first hinge points a. For example, two adjacent variable distance members 100 can be provided at intervals of one or more first hinge points a, which is not limited here.

[0101] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 As shown, the multiple connecting rod units 23 and the two moving members in the pitch change assembly 20 can be distributed on opposite sides of the frame 10. For example, the multiple connecting rod units 23 are arranged on the outside of the frame 10, and the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22 are arranged on the inside of the frame 10. The frame 10 is provided with an escape opening 11 extending along the first direction. The escape opening 11 is mainly used to allow the first moving member 21 and the second moving member 22 to smoothly connect with the corresponding second hinge points b in the multiple connecting rod units 23. Through this layout design, the compactness and aesthetics of the pitch change device are further improved.

[0102] It is worth noting that the specific structure of the pitch-changing assembly 20 described in Example 2 of the present invention has been separately applied for a utility model patent, but it has not been published. The application number is "202520244811X." The pitch-changing mechanism disclosed in this utility model patent also requires two motors as power sources to drive the first movable member 21 and the second movable member 22, respectively. Compared with the pitch-changing device disclosed in the present invention, this device also suffers from the technical problems of high manufacturing and use costs and large size.

[0103] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pitch-changing device, characterized in that: include: a pitch-changing assembly configured to selectively move and change the pitch of the plurality of pitch-changing members as a whole along a first direction; The pitch-changing assembly includes a first moving member and a second moving member; A power assembly, comprising: Motor; a first transmission mechanism, always in transmission connection with the output shaft of the motor, for driving the first moving member to move along the first direction; a second transmission mechanism selectively connected to the output shaft of the motor via a clutch mechanism, for driving the second moving member to move along the first direction; The clutch mechanism is configured as follows: When engaged, the power of the motor is transmitted to the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism simultaneously, so that the first moving member and the second moving member move synchronously along the first direction; During separation, the power of the motor is transmitted only to the first transmission mechanism, so that the first moving member moves alone along the first direction.

2. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clutch mechanism is an electromagnetic clutch, and the clutch rotor of the electromagnetic clutch is drivingly connected to the output shaft of the motor; The power input end of the second transmission mechanism is transmission-connected to the clutch armature of the electromagnetic clutch to selectively transmit the power of the motor to the second transmission mechanism.

3. The pitch-changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second transmission mechanism is a belt transmission mechanism and includes a second driving wheel, a second driven wheel and a second transmission belt; the second driving wheel serves as the power input end of the second transmission mechanism, and the second moving member is connected to one side of the second transmission belt; Also included is a brake mechanism configured to selectively brake the second driven wheel; Wherein, when the second driven wheel is in a braked state, the second transmission wheel cannot rotate.

4. The pitch-changing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The brake mechanism is an electromagnetic brake, and the second driven wheel is coaxially connected to the brake armature of the electromagnetic brake.

5. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a position detection component; The position detection component is configured to detect positions of the first moving member and the second moving member in the first direction.

6. The pitch-changing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The position detection component includes: a grating ruler extending along the first direction and fixedly arranged; a first grating ruler reader, provided on the first movable member and configured to cooperate with the grating ruler to obtain position information of the first movable member in the first direction; The second grating ruler reader is provided on the second movable member and is used for cooperating with the grating ruler to obtain position information of the second movable member in the first direction.

7. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transmission mechanism is a belt transmission mechanism and includes a first driving wheel, a first driven wheel and a first transmission belt; the first driving wheel is always in transmission connection with the output shaft of the motor, and the first moving member is connected to one side of the first transmission belt.

8. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a guide member, which extends along the first direction and is fixedly arranged; The guide member passes through the first moving member and the second moving member in sequence, and is slidably engaged with the first moving member and the second moving member.

9. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a frame, on which the variable pitch assembly and the power assembly are arranged.

10. A pipetting device, characterized in that: It comprises the distance-variable device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; the distance-variable member is a pipette.

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