Liquid flow rate control method and liquid flow rate control equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid flow rate control method and liquid flow rate control equipment. The liquid flow rate control method comprises the following steps that S1, a calibrated pressure value is obtained, specifically, an injection assembly injects a calibration solution into consumables at a preset flow rate through a calibration liquid path; detecting a pressure value in the calibration liquid path, wherein the pressure value after numerical value stabilization is a calibration pressure value; and emptying the calibration solution in the consumable, and recording the calibration pressure value to the consumable. According to the technical scheme, the calibrated pressure value is measured before the consumable leaves the factory, the calibrated pressure value is recorded on the consumable, after a user obtains the consumable, liquid injection can be directly carried out according to the calibrated pressure value calibrated on the consumable, the user does not need to repeatedly adjust the air pressure during liquid injection, and therefore in the actual liquid transfer process, solution and time are saved. Meanwhile, the liquid injection device of a user does not need to be provided with a flow meter and other flow velocity detection pieces to measure the actual flow velocity and does not need to calibrate the flow velocity, and the equipment cost and the time cost of the user are saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microfluidics, and more particularly to a liquid flow rate control method and a liquid flow rate control device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the development of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, numerous methods are involved that require liquid-driven transfer. Commonly used methods include pneumatic liquid transfer, peristaltic pumps, and plunger or syringe pumps. Among these, pneumatic liquid transfer has advantages such as the driving device not needing direct physical contact with the liquid being transferred and a small dead volume, making it widely used in the transfer of precious or contaminated samples. In reagent reactions, some scenarios require precise and stable flow rates of the liquid output, such as drug synthesis and cell culture.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, in the prior art, during the liquid transfer process, under the pressure of a pressure source (gas tank or air compressor), the liquid in the liquid storage container is squeezed out and flows into the microfluidic chip. To accurately control the liquid flow rate, a pressure gauge is connected to the gas path of the pressure source to monitor the pressure in the gas path. Simultaneously, a proportional valve is connected to the gas path to adjust the output pressure. A flow meter measures the output liquid flow rate and determines whether the flow rate detected by the flow meter matches the required flow rate. If it does not match the required flow rate, the control unit of the device continuously and repeatedly adjusts the gas pressure applied to the liquid storage container by adjusting the proportional valve until the liquid output flow rate matches the preset flow rate.

[0004] This method can output liquid by air pressure to obtain a stable flow rate. However, in order to achieve the preset flow rate, the output air pressure needs to be repeatedly adjusted. It takes about tens of seconds to adjust to the preset flow rate. Before adjusting to the required flow rate, the output liquid flow is very unstable, resulting in a lot of time and liquid waste.

[0005] For the same type of microfluidic chip, due to manufacturing errors and other reasons, the gas pressure required for the same flow rate during liquid injection varies for different microfluidic chips. This results in each microfluidic chip requiring tens of seconds of liquid flow rate adjustment time during use, leading to a significant waste of both time and liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a liquid flow rate control method to at least solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of the present invention provides a liquid flow rate control method, comprising the following steps:

[0008] S1. Obtain the calibration pressure value, including:

[0009] The injection unit injects the calibration solution into the consumable at a preset flow rate through the calibration fluid path;

[0010] The pressure value in the calibration fluid circuit is detected, and the pressure value after the value stabilizes is the calibration pressure value.

[0011] The calibration solution inside the consumable is drained, and the calibration pressure value is recorded in the consumable.

[0012] Optionally, after step S1, the following step is also included:

[0013] S2. Inject the solution into the consumable at the calibrated pressure.

[0014] Optionally, step S2 includes:

[0015] S21. The liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism inputs the calibrated pressure value into the liquid injection container containing the solution, and the solution in the liquid injection container flows into the consumable at the preset flow rate under the action of the air pressure.

[0016] Optionally, the liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism includes a liquid injection compressed air supply component, a liquid injection air circuit, a liquid injection proportional valve, and a second pressure detection unit; step S21 includes:

[0017] S211, The liquid injection compressed air supply unit inputs compressed air into the liquid injection air circuit;

[0018] S212, The second pressure detection unit detects the pressure value in the liquid injection gas path;

[0019] S213. The injection proportional valve adjusts the pressure in the injection gas path to the calibrated pressure value according to the detection value of the second pressure detection unit.

[0020] S214. Compressed air squeezes the solution in the injection container, and the solution flows into the consumable at the preset flow rate under the action of compressed air.

[0021] Optionally, the physical properties of the calibration solution are the same as the material properties of the solution; and / or

[0022] After emptying the calibration solution from the consumable, the process also includes:

[0023] Dry the consumables;

[0024] Optionally, the process between steps S1 and S2 may further include:

[0025] S3. Verify the accuracy of the calibrated pressure value.

[0026] Optionally, step S3 includes:

[0027] Inject the calibration solution or the solution into the test container;

[0028] The test pneumatic pressure mechanism is sealed and connected to the test container, the consumables are connected to the test liquid circuit, one end of the test liquid circuit extends into the calibration solution or the solution, and a flow rate detection unit is connected to the test liquid circuit;

[0029] The test pneumatic pressure mechanism continuously inputs the calibrated pressure value into the test container;

[0030] Determine whether the error value between the flow rate of the calibration solution or the solution detected by the flow rate detection unit and the preset flow rate is less than the preset error.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid flow rate control device to at least solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0032] To achieve this objective, the second aspect of the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0033] A liquid flow rate control device, performing the liquid flow rate control method, includes:

[0034] A calibration pressure measuring device is used to inject a calibration solution into consumables at a preset flow rate and to detect the pressure value of the calibration solution when it flows at the preset flow rate.

[0035] Optionally, the calibration pressure measuring device includes an injection assembly, a calibration fluid path, and a first pressure detection unit. The injection assembly is connected to one end of the calibration fluid path, and the other end of the calibration fluid path is detachably connected to a consumable. The injection assembly stores a calibration solution, and the injection assembly injects the calibration solution into the consumable at the preset flow rate. The first pressure detection unit is used to detect the pressure value in the calibration fluid path.

[0036] Optionally, the injection assembly includes a syringe and an injection pump, the injection pump being used to push the syringe at a preset speed, the syringe storing the calibration solution and injecting the calibration solution into the calibration circuit.

[0037] Optionally, the liquid flow rate control device further includes a liquid injection device, the liquid injection device comprising:

[0038] The liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism includes a liquid injection compressed air supply component, a liquid injection air circuit, a liquid injection proportional valve, and a second pressure detection unit. The liquid injection compressed air supply component is connected to the liquid injection air circuit. The liquid injection proportional valve is used to adjust the air pressure in the liquid injection air circuit. The second pressure detection unit is used to detect the air pressure in the liquid injection air circuit.

[0039] A liquid injection container is used to store the solution, and one end of the liquid injection gas passage extends into the liquid injection container and is located above the liquid surface;

[0040] The liquid injection circuit has one end extending into the solution and the other end being detachably connected to the consumable.

[0041] As can be seen from the above, the technical solution provided by this invention first obtains the pressure value of the liquid when the calibration solution flows at a preset speed. Since the pressure value in the calibration liquid path (i.e., the calibration pressure value) is detected simultaneously with the injection of the calibration solution at a known preset flow rate, the injection component can quickly adjust the flow rate to the preset flow rate, thereby injecting the calibration solution at the preset flow rate. This allows for the rapid detection of a stable pressure value (i.e., the calibration pressure value) when injecting the solution at the preset flow rate within a short time. Therefore, obtaining the calibration pressure value is quick and efficient. Furthermore, since the calibration pressure value is obtained using the calibration solution, the solution used in actual application of the consumables is saved, avoiding solution waste, especially when the solution is scarce and expensive, significantly reducing economic costs. After obtaining the calibration pressure, there is no need to repeatedly adjust the injection pressure during the injection process into the consumables, greatly improving injection efficiency and reducing solution waste caused by unqualified flow rates.

[0042] In this invention, the calibration pressure value of consumables such as microfluidic chips can be measured before they leave the factory, and this calibration pressure value is recorded on the consumable. That is, the manufacturer of consumables such as microfluidic chips performs batch calibration of the calibration pressure values ​​of the consumables. After obtaining the consumables, users can directly inject liquid according to the calibration pressure value marked on the consumables. Users do not need to repeatedly adjust the gas pressure during injection, thus saving solution and time in the actual liquid transfer process. At the same time, the user's injection device does not need to be equipped with flow meters or other flow rate detection devices to measure the actual flow rate, and no flow rate calibration is required, saving users equipment costs and time costs. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a flow rate control method in the prior art;

[0044] Figure 2a This is a flowchart of the liquid flow rate control method provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2bThis is a schematic diagram of the calibration pressure measuring device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of step S2 of the liquid flow rate control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid injection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flow rate verification device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In the picture:

[0050] 1. Calibration pressure measuring device; 11. Injection assembly; 111. Syringe; 112. Injection pump; 12. Calibration fluid path; 13. First pressure detection unit;

[0051] 2. Injection device; 21. Injection pneumatic pressure mechanism; 211. Injection compressed air supply unit; 212. Injection air path; 213. Injection proportional valve; 214. Second pressure detection unit; 22. Injection container; 23. Injection liquid path;

[0052] 3. Flow rate verification device; 31. Test pneumatic pressure mechanism; 311. Test compressed air supply unit; 312. Test air path; 313. Test proportional valve; 314. Third pressure detection unit; 32. Test container; 33. Test liquid path; 34. Flow rate detection unit;

[0053] 10. Consumables. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0055] This invention defines certain directional terms. Unless otherwise stated, the directional terms used, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," are used for ease of understanding and therefore do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention.

[0056] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0057] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0058] This embodiment provides a liquid flow rate control method to inject a solution into a microfluidic chip or other consumable 10 at a certain flow rate, thereby improving injection efficiency and reducing solution waste.

[0059] like Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, the liquid flow rate control method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0060] S1. Obtain the calibration pressure value, including:

[0061] The injection assembly 11 injects the calibration solution into the consumable 10 through the calibration fluid path 12 at a preset flow rate;

[0062] The pressure value in the calibration fluid circuit 12 is detected, and the pressure value after the value stabilizes is the calibration pressure value.

[0063] Drain the calibration solution from consumable 10 and record the calibration pressure value into consumable 10.

[0064] It is understandable that the preset flow rate can be the flow rate required when the solution enters the consumable 10 during actual applications of microfluidic chips and other consumables 10, such as in actual detection, drug synthesis, cell culture, etc.

[0065] In this embodiment, the pressure value of the liquid when the calibration solution flows at a preset speed is first obtained. Since the pressure value in the calibration fluid path 12 (i.e., the calibration pressure value) is detected while the calibration solution is injected at a known preset flow rate, the injection component 11 can quickly adjust the flow rate to the preset flow rate, thereby injecting the calibration solution at the preset flow rate. This allows for the rapid detection of a stable pressure value (i.e., the calibration pressure value) when injecting the solution at the preset flow rate within a short time. Therefore, obtaining the calibration pressure value is quick and efficient. Furthermore, since the calibration solution is used to obtain the calibration pressure value, the solution used in actual application of the consumable 10 is saved, avoiding solution waste. This is especially beneficial when solutions are scarce and expensive, significantly reducing economic costs. After obtaining the calibration pressure, there is no need to repeatedly adjust the injection pressure during the injection process into the consumable 10, greatly improving injection efficiency and reducing solution waste caused by unqualified flow rates.

[0066] In this embodiment, the calibration pressure value of consumables 10, such as microfluidic chips, can be measured before they leave the factory and recorded on the consumables 10. That is, the manufacturer of the consumables 10 calibrates the calibration pressure values ​​of the consumables 10 in batches. After obtaining the consumables 10, the user can directly inject liquid according to the calibration pressure value calibrated on the consumables 10. The user does not need to repeatedly adjust the gas pressure during injection, thus saving solution and time in the actual liquid transfer process. At the same time, the user's injection device 2 does not need to install flow meters or other flow rate detection devices to measure the actual flow rate and does not need to calibrate the flow rate, saving the user's equipment and time costs.

[0067] Optionally, after draining the calibration solution from consumable 10, the following may also be included:

[0068] Dry the consumable 10. This ensures the cleanliness of the consumable 10 and prevents it from becoming contaminated.

[0069] Following step S1, the following steps may also be included:

[0070] S2. Inject the solution into consumable 10 using the calibrated pressure. After obtaining the calibrated pressure, simply inject the solution into consumable 10 using the calibrated pressure. The flow rate of the solution is the preset flow rate. During the injection process, there is no need to repeatedly adjust the injection pressure, which greatly improves the injection efficiency and reduces solution waste caused by unqualified solution flow rate.

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, optionally, step S2 includes:

[0072] S21, the liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism 21 inputs a calibrated pressure value into the liquid injection container 22 containing the solution. Under the action of the pressure, the solution in the liquid injection container 22 flows into the consumable 10 at a preset flow rate. The liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism 21 has advantages such as allowing the driving device to avoid direct physical contact with the liquid being transferred and having a small dead volume.

[0073] For example, the liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism 21 includes a liquid injection compressed air supply component 211, a liquid injection air passage 212, a liquid injection proportional valve 213, and a second pressure detection unit 214. Furthermore, step S21 includes:

[0074] Step S21 includes:

[0075] S211, the liquid injection compressed air supply unit 211 inputs compressed air into the liquid injection air passage 211;

[0076] S212, the second pressure detection unit 214 detects the pressure value in the liquid injection gas path 212;

[0077] S213, the liquid injection proportional valve 213 adjusts the pressure in the liquid injection gas path 212 to the calibrated pressure value according to the detection value of the second pressure detection unit 214;

[0078] S214. Compressed air compresses the solution in the injection container 22, and the solution flows into the consumable 10 at a preset flow rate under the action of compressed air. The air pressure in the injection air circuit 212 can be quickly adjusted to the calibrated pressure value through the second pressure detection unit 214 and the injection proportional valve 213, reducing the time of unstable solution flow rate and saving solution.

[0079] Furthermore, the liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism 21 may also include a controller, which is connected to both the second pressure detection unit 214 and the liquid injection proportional valve 213. The second pressure detection unit 214 transmits the detected pressure value to the controller, and the controller controls the opening degree of the liquid injection proportional valve 213 according to the received pressure value information.

[0080] Optionally, the calibration pressure value can be written into a barcode such as a QR code, and the barcode can be pasted or engraved onto the consumable 10. Before performing step S2, the calibration pressure value may also be read. Specifically, the calibration pressure value and other information in the barcode can be read using a barcode scanner.

[0081] Optionally, steps S1 and S2 may also include:

[0082] S3. Verify the accuracy of the calibrated pressure value. This allows the liquid flow rate control method to be stably used in consumable 10.

[0083] Optionally, step S3 is not performed for every consumable 10. The manufacturer may perform step S3 in the initial stage of implementing the liquid flow rate control method, or for consumable 10 of a model or type that has not used the method before, to verify the accuracy of the calibrated pressure value.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, exemplarily, step S3 includes:

[0085] Inject the calibration solution or solution into the test container 32;

[0086] The test pneumatic pressure mechanism 31 is sealed and connected to the test container 32. The microfluidic chip and other consumables 10 are connected to the test liquid path 33. One end of the test liquid path 33 extends into the calibration solution or solution. A flow rate detection unit 34 is connected to the test liquid path 33.

[0087] The test pneumatic pressure mechanism 31 continuously inputs the calibrated pressure value into the test container 32;

[0088] Determine whether the error value between the flow rate of the calibration solution or solution detected by the flow rate detection unit 34 and the preset flow rate is less than the preset error.

[0089] For example, if the error value between the flow rate of the calibration solution or solution detected by the flow rate detection unit 34 and the preset flow rate is less than the preset error, step S2 can be executed; if the error value between the flow rate of the calibration solution or solution detected by the flow rate detection unit 34 and the preset flow rate is greater than the preset error, the pressure value corresponding to the flow rate when the accuracy of the calibration pressure value is verified can be calibrated onto the consumable 10. However, after multiple experimental verifications and numerous verifications in the actual production of the consumable 10, it has been proven that the calibration pressure values ​​obtained in step S1 are all accurate.

[0090] It is understandable that steps S1 and S3 are performed during the mass production process of the manufacturer of consumable 10, while only step S2 is performed by the user. Therefore, the liquid flow rate control method can greatly reduce the user's costs and improve the user's operating efficiency.

[0091] like Figure 2a and 2b As shown, in a specific embodiment, step S1 specifically includes:

[0092] Use a 30ml injection assembly 11, which is filled with a calibration solution (an exemplary calibration solution is a PBS solution);

[0093] The injection assembly 11 injects the calibration solution at a flow rate of 3 ml / min. At this time, the pressure value detected in the injection channel 23 gradually increases from 0, reaches 400 kPa after about 10 seconds, and stabilizes at 400 kPa. After 10 minutes, all the calibration solution is injected.

[0094] Remove consumable 10 (consumable 10 is exemplarily a microfluidic chip), drain the calibration solution inside consumable 10, and dry it for later use.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, step S3 specifically includes:

[0096] Inject the calibration solution or solution into the test container 32;

[0097] The test pneumatic pressure mechanism 31 is sealed and connected to the test container 32. The microfluidic chip is connected to the test liquid path 33. One end of the test liquid path 33 extends into the calibration solution or solution. The flow rate detection unit 34 is connected to the test liquid path 33.

[0098] The test pneumatic pressure mechanism 31 continuously inputs compressed air into the test container 32, and the air pressure in the test container 32 continuously increases until about 10 seconds later, the air pressure rises to 400 kPa and remains stable.

[0099] The flow rate of the calibration solution or solution detected by the flow rate detection unit 34 gradually increases until it reaches 3 ml / min after about 10 seconds and remains stable.

[0100] As shown in Table 1 below, this embodiment verifies the accuracy of the calibrated pressure values ​​of multiple consumables 10. For example, consumable 10 is a microfluidic chip; however, consumable 10 is not limited to microfluidic chips.

[0101] Table 1 shows the preset flow rate, calibration pressure value, and flow rate detected when verifying the calibration pressure value for different microfluidic chips.

[0102]

[0103]

[0104] Verification shows that the error between the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit 34 and the original preset value is less than 2%, which meets the output stability requirements of the solution flow rate.

[0105] This embodiment also verifies through experiments that the method used is as follows Figure 1The prior art flow rate control method shown illustrates the process of adjusting the gas pressure over time and the corresponding solution flow rate when the solution flow rate reaches the preset flow rate (as shown in Table 2), and the process of adjusting the gas pressure over time and the corresponding solution flow rate when the flow rate reaches the preset flow rate using the calibration pressure in this embodiment (as shown in Table 3).

[0106] Table 2 shows the gas pressure and solution flow rate at different times when injecting liquid into a microfluidic chip using existing technology.

[0107]

[0108]

[0109] As shown in Table 2, using the existing flow rate control method, the time required to achieve a stable flow rate with a difference of ≤1% from the preset flow rate is approximately 65 seconds.

[0110] Table 3 shows the gas pressure and solution flow rate at different times when the flow rate is adjusted using the calibrated pressure.

[0111]

[0112] As shown in Table 3, when injecting solution into consumable 10 at the calibrated pressure in step S2, the time required to achieve a stable flow rate with a difference of ≤1% from the preset flow rate is approximately 10 seconds. Compared with existing technologies, this embodiment can greatly save user time and significantly reduce solution loss caused by unstable solution flow rates in the early stages, thereby reducing costs.

[0113] Optionally, to further improve the accuracy of the calibration pressure, the physical properties of the calibration solution are the same as the material properties of the solution. For example, the physical properties may include the concentration and viscosity of the liquid. The calibration solution is non-polluting, effectively avoiding contamination of consumable 10 and ensuring that it does not affect the subsequent use of consumable 10, while also reducing solution waste and lowering the production cost of consumable 10.

[0114] like Figure 2b , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment also provides a liquid flow rate control device that executes the above-described liquid flow rate control method. The liquid flow rate control device includes a calibration pressure measuring device 1, which is used to inject a calibration solution into the consumable 10 at a preset flow rate and detect the pressure value of the calibration solution flowing at the preset flow rate. This pressure value is the calibration pressure. The calibration pressure measuring device 1 can detect the calibration pressure value, thereby calibrating the microfluidic chip and other consumables 10 to the calibration pressure value. This allows the user to quickly adjust the flow rate of the solution to the preset flow rate based on the calibration pressure value, greatly improving work efficiency and reducing time and solution consumption costs.

[0115] like Figure 2b As shown, the calibration pressure measuring device 1 includes an injection assembly 11, a calibration liquid path 12, and a first pressure detection unit 13. The injection assembly 11 is connected to one end of the calibration liquid path 12, and the other end of the calibration liquid path 12 is detachably connected to the consumable 10. The injection assembly 11 stores a calibration solution, and the injection assembly 11 injects the calibration solution into the consumable 10 at a preset flow rate. The first pressure detection unit 13 is used to detect the pressure value in the calibration liquid path 12.

[0116] By controlling the injection assembly 11, the flow rate of the calibration solution can be directly made to reach the preset flow rate. Then, by detecting the pressure in the calibration liquid path 12 through the first pressure detection unit 13, the gas pressure required for the calibration solution to flow at the preset flow rate can be obtained, that is, the calibration pressure can be obtained.

[0117] Optionally, the injection assembly 11 includes a syringe 111 and an injection pump 112. The injection pump 112 is used to push the syringe 111 at a preset speed. The syringe 111 stores a calibration solution and injects the calibration solution into the calibration fluid path 12. The injection pump 112 can provide a stable injection speed, thereby facilitating the acquisition of a stable and accurate calibration pressure value.

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid flow rate control device also includes a liquid injection device 2, which includes a liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism 21, a liquid injection container 22, and a liquid injection passage 23. The liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism 21 includes a liquid injection compressed air supply component 211, a liquid injection air passage 212, a liquid injection proportional valve 213, and a second pressure detection unit 214. The liquid injection compressed air supply component 211 can be an air compressor or an air tank. The liquid injection compressed air supply component 211 is connected to the liquid injection air passage 212. The liquid injection proportional valve 213 is used to adjust the air pressure in the liquid injection air passage 212, and the second pressure detection unit 214 is used to detect the air pressure in the liquid injection air passage 212. The liquid injection container 22 is used to store the solution. One end of the liquid injection air passage 212 extends into the liquid injection container 22 and is located above the liquid surface. One end of the liquid injection passage 23 extends into the solution, and the other end of the liquid injection passage 23 is detachably connected to the consumable 10.

[0119] When the injection device 2 needs to inject liquid into the consumable 10, the injection compressed air supply unit 211 provides compressed air. The injection proportional valve 213 adjusts its opening according to the air pressure value fed back by the second pressure detection unit 214, so that the air pressure in the injection air path 212 is the calibrated pressure value. The compressed air enters the injection container 22 from the outlet of the injection air path 212 and is positioned above the solution. Under the pressure of the compressed air, the solution is forced into the injection liquid path 23 and flows into the consumable 10 from the injection liquid path 23. The injection device 2 provided in this embodiment does not need to be equipped with a detection unit for detecting the solution flow rate. The injection device 2 has a simple structure and low cost.

[0120] like Figure 5 As shown, optionally, the liquid flow rate control device may also include a flow rate verification device 3. The specific structure of the flow rate verification device 3 is roughly the same as that of the liquid injection device 2. The main difference between the two is that the flow rate verification device 3 also includes a flow rate detection unit 34, which can be a flow meter, etc.

[0121] Specifically, the liquid injection device 2 may further include a test pneumatic pressure mechanism 31, a test container 32, and a test liquid path 33. The test pneumatic pressure mechanism 31 includes a test compressed air supply component 311, a test air path 312, a test proportional valve 313, and a third pressure detection unit 314. The test compressed air supply component 311 can be an air compressor. The test compressed air supply component 311 is connected to the test air path 312. The test proportional valve 313 is used to adjust the air pressure in the test air path 312, and the third pressure detection unit 314 is used to detect the air pressure in the test air path 312. The test container 32 is used to store the solution or calibration solution. One end of the test air path 312 extends into the test container 32 and is located above the liquid surface. One end of the test liquid path 33 extends into the solution or calibration solution, and the other end of the test liquid path 33 is detachably connected to the consumable 10. The flow rate detection unit 34 is connected to the test liquid path 33 to detect the flow rate of the solution or calibration solution in the test liquid path 33.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions, specific embodiments, and experiments, modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling liquid flow rate, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Obtain the calibration pressure value, including: The injection assembly (11) injects the calibration solution into the consumable (10) through the calibration fluid path (12) at a preset flow rate; The pressure value in the calibration fluid path (12) is detected, and the pressure value after the value stabilizes is the calibration pressure value; The calibration solution in the consumable (10) is drained, and the calibration pressure value is recorded in the consumable (10).

2. The liquid flow rate control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Following step S1, the following steps are also included: S2. Inject the solution into the consumable (10) at the calibrated pressure.

3. The liquid flow rate control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S2 includes: S21, the liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism (21) inputs the calibrated pressure value into the liquid injection container (22) containing the solution, and the solution in the liquid injection container (22) flows into the consumable (10) at the preset flow rate under the action of the air pressure.

4. The liquid flow rate control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism (21) includes a liquid injection compressed air supply unit (211), a liquid injection air passage (212), a liquid injection proportional valve (213), and a second pressure detection unit (214); step S21 includes: S211, the liquid injection compressed air supply unit (211) inputs compressed air into the liquid injection air passage (211); S212, The second pressure detection unit (214) detects the pressure value in the liquid injection gas path (212); S213, the injection proportional valve (213) adjusts the pressure in the injection gas path (212) to the calibrated pressure value according to the detection value of the second pressure detection unit (214); S214. Compressed air squeezes the solution in the injection container (22), and the solution flows into the consumable (10) at the preset flow rate under the action of compressed air.

5. The liquid flow rate control method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The physical properties of the calibration solution are the same as the material properties of the solution; and / or After emptying the calibration solution from the consumable (10), the process also includes: Dry the consumable (10); and / or The step between S1 and S2 also includes: S3. Verify the accuracy of the calibrated pressure value.

6. The liquid flow rate control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Step S3 includes: Inject the calibration solution or the solution into the test container (32); The test pneumatic pressure mechanism (31) is sealed and connected to the test container (32), the consumable (10) is connected to the test liquid path (33), one end of the test liquid path (33) extends into the calibration solution or the solution, and a flow rate detection unit (34) is connected to the test liquid path (33). The test pneumatic pressure mechanism (31) continuously inputs the calibrated pressure value into the test container (32); Determine whether the error value between the flow rate of the calibration solution or the solution detected by the flow rate detection unit (34) and the preset flow rate is less than the preset error.

7. A liquid flow rate control device, characterized in that, The liquid flow rate control method according to any one of claims 1-6 includes: The calibration pressure measuring device (1) is used to inject a calibration solution into the consumable (10) at a preset flow rate and to detect the pressure value of the calibration solution when it flows at the preset flow rate.

8. The liquid flow rate control device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The calibration pressure measuring device (1) includes an injection assembly (11), a calibration liquid path (12), and a first pressure detection unit (13). The injection assembly (11) is connected to one end of the calibration liquid path (12), and the other end of the calibration liquid path (12) is detachably connected to the consumable (10). The injection assembly (11) stores a calibration solution. The injection assembly (11) injects the calibration solution into the consumable (10) at the preset flow rate. The first pressure detection unit (13) is used to detect the pressure value in the calibration liquid path (12).

9. The liquid flow rate control device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The injection assembly (11) includes a syringe (111) and an injection pump (112), the injection pump (112) being used to push the syringe (111) at a preset speed, the syringe (111) storing the calibration solution and injecting the calibration solution into the calibration fluid path (12).

10. The liquid flow rate control device according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The liquid flow rate control device further includes a liquid injection device (2), which includes: The liquid injection pneumatic pressure mechanism (21) includes a liquid injection compressed air supply unit (211), a liquid injection air passage (212), a liquid injection proportional valve (213), and a second pressure detection unit (214). The liquid injection compressed air supply unit (211) is connected to the liquid injection air passage (212). The liquid injection proportional valve (213) is used to adjust the air pressure in the liquid injection air passage (212). The second pressure detection unit (214) is used to detect the air pressure in the liquid injection air passage (212). The liquid injection container (22) is used to store the solution, and one end of the liquid injection gas passage (212) extends into the liquid injection container (22) and is located above the liquid surface; The liquid injection path (23) has one end extending into the solution and the other end being detachably connected to the consumable (10).

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