Liquid preparation device and liquid preparation method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a liquid preparation device and a liquid preparation method. The liquid dispensing device comprises a liquid transferring mechanism, a first weighing mechanism, a second weighing mechanism and a controller, a material box assembly is placed on the first weighing mechanism, and the liquid transferring mechanism is connected with a gun head on the material box assembly so as to suck target liquid in a liquid storage container through the gun head and release the target liquid into a target container. The pipetting mechanism further discharges the gun head after the target liquid is released back to the material box assembly, the first weighing mechanism weighs the weight G1 of the material box assembly before the pipetting mechanism is connected with the gun head, and the first weighing mechanism weighs the weight G2 of the material box assembly after the pipetting mechanism discharges the gun head after the target liquid is released back to the material box assembly. The second weighing mechanism weighs the weight G3 of the target liquid sucked by the liquid transfer mechanism from the liquid storage container, the controller calculates the weight G4 of the target liquid released into the target container, G4 = G3-(G2-G1), and then the adaptive parameters of the prepared liquid added into the target container are determined according to the weight G4. And the controller can calculate the weight G4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid preparation technology, and more specifically, to a liquid preparation device and a liquid preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] In high-precision chemical analysis experiments such as liquid chromatography (HPLC / UPLC), moisture detection (e.g., Karl Fischer method), and others, the accuracy of pipetting operations directly affects the reliability of experimental results.

[0003] Traditional pipetting methods rely on manual or electric pipettes, which quantitatively transfer liquids using volumetric graduations. However, due to factors such as liquid viscosity, temperature, volatility, and operational errors, the accuracy of volumetric pipetting often falls short of the requirements for high-sensitivity experiments, especially for micro-volume (μL) or trace (nL) pipetting, where errors caused by volumetric methods are significantly amplified. To improve pipetting accuracy, existing technologies have introduced gravimetric pipetting, which uses a high-precision electronic balance to weigh the pipetted liquid in real time, thereby enhancing the reliability of experimental results.

[0004] However, after pipetting, some liquid will inevitably remain on the pipette tip. Therefore, the weight measured by a high-precision electronic balance will be greater than the actual weight of the pipette, resulting in relatively low reliability of the experimental results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To at least partially address the problems existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid dispensing device is provided. The liquid dispensing device includes a pipetting mechanism, a first weighing mechanism, a second weighing mechanism, and a controller. The first weighing mechanism is used to hold a cartridge assembly. The pipetting mechanism can be connected to a nozzle on the cartridge assembly to draw a target liquid from a storage container and release the target liquid into a target container. The pipetting mechanism can also discharge the nozzle after releasing the target liquid back onto the cartridge assembly. The first weighing mechanism is used to weigh the weight G1 of the cartridge assembly before the pipetting mechanism is connected to the nozzle, and to weigh the weight G2 of the cartridge assembly after the pipetting mechanism discharges the nozzle back onto the cartridge assembly. The second weighing mechanism is used to weigh the weight G3 of the target liquid drawn from the storage container by the pipetting mechanism. The controller is used to calculate the weight G4 of the target liquid released into the target container, G4 = G3 - (G2 - G1), and then determine the appropriate parameters for adding the dispensing solution to the target container based on the weight G4.

[0006] For example, the second weighing mechanism is used to weigh the weight G5 of the storage container before the pipetting mechanism draws the target liquid from the storage container through the pipette tip, and to weigh the weight G6 of the storage container after the pipetting mechanism draws the target liquid from the storage container through the pipette tip. The controller is also used to calculate the weight G3, where G3 = G5 - G6.

[0007] For example, the liquid preparation device also includes a detection instrument. The controller is used to control the detection instrument to add liquid with appropriate parameters to the target container according to the weight G4. The detection instrument is also used to detect the liquid in the target container after the liquid preparation is added.

[0008] For example, the first weighing mechanism includes a base, a lifting assembly, and a weighing device. The lifting assembly is disposed on the base, and the driving end of the lifting assembly is used to connect to the material box assembly. The material box assembly is movable between the pick-up and place station and the weighing station, which are spaced apart, under the drive of the lifting assembly. The pick-up and place station is the station where the material box assembly is removed from the weighing device, and the weighing station is the station where the material box assembly is placed on the weighing device. The liquid transfer mechanism can connect to the nozzle on the material box assembly when the material box assembly is in the pick-up and place station, and can discharge the nozzle after releasing the target liquid back onto the material box assembly. The weighing device is used to weigh weight G1 and weight G2 when the material box assembly is in the weighing station.

[0009] For example, the cartridge assembly includes a cartridge support and a cartridge detachably seated on the cartridge support. The cartridge support is provided with a placement hole for the pipetting mechanism to discharge the pipette tip after releasing the target liquid back into the placement hole. The cartridge is provided with a storage hole, and the pipetting mechanism can connect to the pipette tip in the storage hole.

[0010] For example, the material box support includes a base plate, a frame, a connecting rod, and a lug. A first weighing mechanism is connected to the base plate, and the connecting rod is connected between the base plate and the frame so that the base plate and the frame are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The material box is detachably seated on the frame. A storage hole passes through the material box and is used to insert a gun head. The lug is connected to the side of the frame, and a placement hole passes through the lug and is used to insert a gun head after releasing the target liquid.

[0011] For example, the first weighing mechanism and the second weighing mechanism are spaced apart along the first horizontal direction, the first weighing mechanism and the second weighing mechanism are located on one side of the pipetting mechanism along the second horizontal direction, and the other side of the pipetting mechanism along the second horizontal direction is used to place the target container, and the second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a liquid preparation method is also provided. The liquid preparation method includes: step S100: a pipetting mechanism is connected to a pipette tip on a cartridge assembly; step S200: the pipetting mechanism draws a target liquid from a storage container through the pipette tip and then releases the target liquid into a target container; step S300: the pipetting mechanism returns the pipette tip after releasing the target liquid to the cartridge assembly; step S400: a first weighing mechanism weighs the weight G1 of the cartridge assembly before step S100 and weighs the weight G2 of the cartridge assembly after step S300; and step S500: a second weighing mechanism weighs the weight G3 of the target liquid drawn by the pipetting mechanism; step S600: a controller calculates the weight G4 of the target liquid released by the pipetting mechanism into the target container, G4 = G3 - (G2 - G1), and then determines the matching parameters of the prepared liquid to be added to the target container based on the weight G4.

[0013] For example, step S500 includes: step S510: the second weighing mechanism weighs the liquid storage container G5 before step S200 and weighs the liquid storage container G6 after step S200; and step S520: the controller calculates the weight G3, G3 = G5 - G6.

[0014] For example, step S600 includes: the controller controls the detection instrument to add a solution with appropriate parameters to the target container according to the weight G4, and the detection instrument is also used to detect the liquid in the target container after the solution is added.

[0015] For example, the first weighing mechanism includes a base, a lifting assembly, and a weighing device. The lifting assembly is disposed on the base, and the driving end of the lifting assembly is used to connect to the material box assembly. The liquid dispensing method further includes: step S700: during steps S100 and S300, the lifting assembly drives the material box assembly to move to a position above the weighing device; and step S800: during step S400, the lifting assembly drives the material box assembly to be placed on the weighing device.

[0016] The liquid preparation device provided in this embodiment of the invention allows the controller to calculate the weight of the target liquid remaining at the pipette tip (i.e., G2-G1), thereby calculating the actual weight G4 of the target liquid released by the pipetting mechanism into the target container. Based on this, the controller can accurately calculate the adaptation parameters for subsequent liquid preparation, thereby improving the reliability of subsequent experiments.

[0017] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the description of the invention, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0018] The advantages and features of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following figures are included as part of this invention for understanding its principles. The figures illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the invention. In the figures,

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first weighing mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention from one angle;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged view of the first weighing mechanism shown in the figure;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the first weighing mechanism from another angle, as shown in the figure; and

[0023] Figure 4 A perspective view of a second weighing mechanism and a liquid storage container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid preparation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating a solution preparation method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 A block diagram of a solution preparation method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of a solution preparation method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0029] 100, Base; 110, Base frame; 120, Marble platform; 200, Lifting assembly; 210, Lifting cylinder; 220, Cylinder support; 300, Weighing device; 400, Material box assembly; 401, Placement hole; 402, Storage hole; 410, Material box support; 411, Base plate; 412, Frame; 413, Connecting rod; 414, Lug; 420, Material box; 430, Liquid receiving tank; 510, Unpipended pipette tip; 520, Pipised pipette tip; 600, Liquid dispensing device; 610, First weighing mechanism; 620, Second weighing mechanism; 630, Pipette mechanism; 640, Liquid storage container; 650, Target container. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention, and that the invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid obscuring the invention, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, a solution preparation apparatus is provided. The solution preparation apparatus can be applied to any suitable device, including but not limited to solution preparation equipment or detection equipment. According to another aspect of the present invention, a solution preparation method is also provided. The solution preparation apparatus and solution preparation method according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the liquid preparation device 600 may include a pipetting mechanism 630, a first weighing mechanism 610, a second weighing mechanism 620, and a controller (not shown).

[0033] The first weighing mechanism 610 can be used to place the cartridge assembly 400. The cartridge assembly 400 can be used to place pipette tips (including unpipette tips 510 and / or pipette tips 520). The pipette tips can include any suitable type of pipette tip, including but not limited to TIP tips. The cartridge assembly 400 can be fixed to the first weighing mechanism 610 by means of snap-fit ​​or screw connection, or it can simply sit on the first weighing mechanism 610. The cartridge assembly 400 can be detachably connected to the first weighing mechanism 610 so that the cartridge assembly 400 can be removed separately, thereby allowing the pipette tips on the cartridge assembly 400 to be loaded and unloaded. The pipetting mechanism 630 can be connected to the pipette tips (i.e., unpipette tips 510) on the cartridge assembly 400 to draw the target liquid from the storage container 640. Then, the pipetting mechanism 630 can release the drawn target liquid into the target container 650, thus completing one pipetting operation. For a single pipetting operation, the unpipette tip 510 and the pipetting tip 520 can be the same tip in two states before and after pipetting by the pipetting mechanism 630. The unpipette tip 510 on the pipetting mechanism 630 has become the pipetting tip 520. Then, the pipetting mechanism 630 can also discharge the tip (i.e., the pipetting tip 520) after discharging the target liquid back onto the return container assembly 400.

[0034] Before the pipetting mechanism 630 is connected to the pipette tip, the first weighing mechanism 610 can be used to weigh the weight of the cartridge assembly 400, which is denoted as G1. After the pipetting mechanism 630 discharges the pipette tip containing the target liquid back onto the cartridge assembly 400, the first weighing mechanism 610 can also be used to weigh the weight of the cartridge assembly 400, which is denoted as G2. The main difference between the cartridge assembly 400 with weight G2 and weight G1 is that the same pipette tip has changed from a non-pipetted pipette tip 510 to a pipette tip 520. Since the pipetting mechanism 630 inevitably leaves some target liquid residue on the pipette tip after using it, G2-G1 (i.e., the difference between G2 and G1) is the weight of the target liquid residue on the pipette tip. The first weighing mechanism 610 can be any type of weighing mechanism known in the art or that may appear in the future, including but not limited to high-precision electronic balance weighing mechanisms or mechanical scale weighing mechanisms.

[0035] The second weighing mechanism 620 can be used to weigh the target liquid drawn from the storage container 640 by the pipetting mechanism 630, and this weight is denoted as G3. The second weighing mechanism 620 can be any type of weighing mechanism known in the art or that may appear in the future, including but not limited to high-precision electronic balance weighing mechanisms or mechanical scale weighing mechanisms. For example, the second weighing mechanism 620 can directly weigh the target liquid drawn from the storage container 640 by the pipetting mechanism 630; or, the second weighing mechanism 620 can also obtain the volume of the target liquid drawn from the storage container 640 by the pipetting mechanism 630 by controlling the suction force of the pipetting mechanism 630, and thus obtain the weight of the target liquid drawn from the storage container 640 by the pipetting mechanism 630.

[0036] The controller can be electrically connected to the first weighing mechanism 610 and the second weighing mechanism 620. Based on weights G1, G2, and G3, the controller can calculate the weight of the target liquid released by the pipetting mechanism 630 into the target container 650, denoted as G4. Where: G4 = G3 - (G2 - G1). That is, the weight of the target liquid actually released by the pipetting mechanism 630 into the target container 650 is the weight of the target liquid drawn by the pipetting mechanism 630 from the storage container 640 minus the weight of the target liquid remaining on the pipette tip. After obtaining the actual released target liquid weight G4, the controller can also determine the matching parameters for the solution added to the target container 650 based on weight G4. In this way, the target liquid and the solution can react within the target container 650 to conduct relevant experiments, such as moisture determination experiments. The matching parameters include, but are not limited to, the ratio and / or weight of the solution. Adding the solution can be done manually by an operator; alternatively, the controller can control other solution-adding mechanisms to automatically add the solution. The controller can be built using electronic components such as timers, comparators, registers, and digital logic circuits, or implemented using processor chips such as microcontrollers, microprocessors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and their peripheral circuits.

[0037] In summary, the liquid preparation device 600 provided in this embodiment of the invention allows the controller to calculate the weight of the target liquid remaining at the pipette tip (i.e., G2-G1), thereby calculating the actual weight G4 of the target liquid released by the pipetting mechanism 630 into the target container 650. Based on this, the controller can accurately calculate the adaptation parameters for subsequent liquid preparation, thereby improving the reliability of subsequent experiments.

[0038] Exemplarily, the solution preparation device 600 may also include a detection instrument (not shown). A controller may also be electrically connected to the detection instrument. The controller may also be used to control the detection instrument to add the prepared solution with appropriate parameters to the target container 650 according to the weight G4. The detection instrument may also be used to detect the liquid in the target container 650 after the addition of the prepared solution. The detection instrument includes, but is not limited to, a moisture analyzer. With this configuration, the solution preparation device 600 can also perform subsequent solution preparation and experiments via the detection instrument, making the solution preparation device 600 more functional and more automated.

[0039] For example, the pipetting mechanism 630, the first weighing mechanism 610, and the second weighing mechanism 620, etc., can be arranged in any suitable manner, such as along a straight line or along an arc. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, along the first horizontal direction XX, the first weighing mechanism 610 and the second weighing mechanism 620 can be arranged alternately. Along the second horizontal direction YY, the first weighing mechanism 610 and the second weighing mechanism 620 can be located on one side of the pipetting mechanism 630 (e.g., the left side in the figure). Along the second horizontal direction YY, the other side of the pipetting mechanism (e.g., the right side in the figure) can be used to place the target container 650. The second horizontal direction YY can be perpendicular to the first horizontal direction XX. With this arrangement, the position of the pipetting mechanism 630 is more central, and its trajectory to the first weighing mechanism 610, the second weighing mechanism 620, and the target container 650 is relatively short. The pipetting mechanism 630 does not need to have long tracks or other structures, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The structure of the dispensing device 600 is more compact, thus achieving miniaturization. Furthermore, placing the first weighing mechanism 610 and the second weighing mechanism 620 on the same side, while placing the target container 650 on the other side, facilitates more space for dispensing the target container 650, as well as for installing and removing the target container 650.

[0040] For example, before the pipetting mechanism 630 draws the target liquid from the storage container 640 through the pipette tip, the second weighing mechanism 620 can be used to weigh the storage container, and this weight is denoted as G5. Furthermore, after the pipetting mechanism 630 draws the target liquid from the storage container 640 through the pipette tip, the second weighing mechanism 620 can be used to weigh the storage container, and this weight is denoted as G6. The controller can also be used to calculate weight G3, where G3 = G5 - G6. That is, by weighing the storage container 640 before and after the pipetting mechanism 630 draws the target liquid through the pipette tip, the weight of the target liquid missing from the storage container 640 can be calculated, and this weight is the weight G3 of the target liquid drawn by the pipetting mechanism 630 from the storage container 640. With this configuration, the second weighing mechanism 620 can directly weigh weight G3, and the accuracy of weight G3 is high. Moreover, this embodiment is relatively easy to implement.

[0041] For example, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the first weighing mechanism 610 may include a base 100, a lifting assembly 200, and a weighing device 300. The base 100 can be mounted on a platform such as a table or the ground. As the base of the first weighing mechanism 610, the base 100 can have any suitable structure. Exemplarily, the base 100 may include a base frame 110 and a marble platform 120. The base frame 110 can be mounted on a platform such as a table or the ground. The marble platform 120 can be mounted on top of the base frame 110. The lifting assembly 200 can be mounted on the base 100. Specifically, the lifting assembly 200 can be mounted on the marble platform 120. The drive end of the lifting assembly 200 can be used to connect to the hopper assembly 400. The hopper assembly 400 can be connected to the drive end of the lifting assembly 200 via a snap-fit ​​or screw connection; alternatively, the hopper assembly 400 can be connected to the drive end of the lifting assembly 200 simply by sitting down. The lifting assembly 200 can be used to drive the cassette assembly 400 between a weighing station and a pick-up / placement station. The weighing station can be the station where the cassette assembly 400 is placed on the weighing device 300. The weighing device 300 can be mounted on the base 100. Specifically, the weighing device 300 can be mounted on the marble platform 120. Furthermore, the weighing device 300 can be located beside the lifting assembly 200. That is, when the lifting assembly 200 drives the cassette assembly 400 to move to the weighing station, the cassette assembly 400 can fall onto the weighing device 300. The weighing device 300 can be used to weigh weights G1 and G2 when the cassette assembly 400 is in the weighing station. The weighing device 300 can be any type of weighing device known in the art or that may appear in the future, including but not limited to high-precision electronic balances or mechanical scales. For example, when the lifting assembly 200 drives the cassette assembly 400 to move to the weighing station, the driving end of the lifting assembly 200 can continue to move to detach from the cassette assembly 400. In this way, the lifting assembly 200 does not bear the weight of the cassette assembly 400, and the cassette assembly 400 can rest completely on the weighing device 300, thereby ensuring high accuracy in the weighing of the cassette assembly 400's weights G1 and G2 by the weighing device 300. The weighing station and the pick-up / placement station can be arranged alternately. Furthermore, the pick-up / placement station can be located above the weighing station. The pick-up / placement station is the station for detaching the cassette assembly 400 from the weighing device 300. When the cassette assembly 400 is in the pick-up / placement station, the cassette assembly 400 can be spaced apart from the weighing device 300 and located above the weighing device 300. The lifting assembly 200 can employ various types of lifting assemblies known in the art or that may appear in the future, including but not limited to motor-driven lifting assemblies or cylinder-driven lifting assemblies. When the cartridge assembly 400 is in the pick-and-place position, the pipetting mechanism 630 can connect to the pipette tip (i.e., the unpipetted tip 510) on the cartridge assembly 400, and can discharge the pipette tip (i.e., the pipetted tip 520) after releasing the target liquid back onto the cartridge assembly 400.In other words, the pick-up and drop-off station is designed so that when operating on the material box assembly 400 (the pipetting mechanism 630 is connected to the pipette head or the discharge pipette head), the material box assembly is removed from the weighing device 300, thereby ensuring the accuracy of subsequent weighing.

[0042] In practical applications, before the pipetting mechanism 630 connects to the pipette tip on the cartridge assembly 400, the weighing device 300 can weigh the cartridge assembly 400 at the weighing station (G1). Then, the lifting component 200 can drive the cartridge assembly 400 to the pick-and-place station, causing the cartridge assembly 400 to detach from the weighing device 300, allowing the pipetting mechanism 630 to attach the unpipette tip 510 to the cartridge assembly 400. The pipetting mechanism 630 can then use the unpipette tip 510 to draw the target liquid from the storage container 640 and release it into the target container 650, thus completing one pipetting operation. After pipetting is complete, the unpipette tip 510 becomes a pipetted tip 520. The pipetting mechanism 630 can then discharge the pipetted tip 520 onto the cartridge assembly 400 (at this point, the cartridge assembly 400 is still detached from the weighing device 300). Thus, the weighing device 300 will not be damaged by the transfer of the pipetting mechanism 630 and the cartridge assembly 400. Then, the lifting assembly 200 can drive the cartridge assembly 400 back to the weighing station. The weighing device 300 can then weigh the cartridge assembly 400 at the weighing station again. Since the cartridge assembly 400 at the pick-and-place station has been detached from the weighing device 300, the impact force exerted by the pipetting mechanism 630 on the cartridge assembly 400 will not be transmitted to the weighing device 300, whether connecting to the pipetting tip on the cartridge assembly 400 or returning the pipetting tip to the cartridge assembly 400. Therefore, the weighing device 300 will not exceed its weighing range due to impact, its risk of damage is low, and the service life of the first weighing mechanism 610 is long.

[0043] For example, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lifting assembly 200 may include a lifting cylinder 210 and a cylinder support 220. The cylinder support 220 may include, but is not limited to, a plate-like structure, a rod-like structure, or a block-like structure. The cylinder support 220 may be connected between the base 100 and the cylinder body of the lifting cylinder 210. The cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder 210 may be used to connect to the material box assembly 400. With this configuration, the lifting cylinder 210 can drive the material box assembly 400 to move between the weighing station and the pick-up / placement station through its telescopic cylinder rod. In this way, the first weighing mechanism 610 has a high degree of automation, thereby reducing labor costs.

[0044] For example, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the lifting assembly 200 may include two sets. The two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be located on both sides of the weighing device 300. Specifically, the two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be located on both sides of the weighing device 300 in the horizontal direction. The two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be used to connect the two ends of the material box assembly 400. The structures of the two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be the same or different. The two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the weighing device 300. For example, each set of lifting assemblies 200 may include a lifting cylinder 210 and a cylinder support 220. The two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be used to synchronously drive the material box assembly 400 to move between the weighing station and the pick-up / placement station. With this configuration, the lifting assemblies 200 can be connected to multiple locations on the material box assembly 400, thereby improving the connection strength and the balance of forces between the two, preventing the material box assembly 400 from falling during movement. Furthermore, the two sets of lifting components 200 can support the material box assembly 400 on both sides of the weighing device 300, thereby preventing the material box assembly 400 from falling and hitting the weighing device 300 due to operational errors when picking up or putting down the material box assembly 400. Therefore, the two sets of lifting components 200 can protect the weighing device 300.

[0045] For example, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cartridge assembly includes a cartridge support 410 and a cartridge 420. The cartridge support 410 can be placed on the first weighing mechanism 610. The cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder 210 can be connected to the cartridge support 410. The cartridge 420 is detachably seated on the cartridge support 410. This facilitates the replacement of the cartridge 420. The cartridge support 410 may be provided with a placement hole 401. The placement hole 401 can be used to insert a pipette tip 520. The pipetting mechanism 630 can discharge the pipette tip (i.e., the pipette tip 520) after dispensing the target liquid back into the placement hole 401. The cartridge 420 may be provided with a storage hole 402. The storage hole 402 can be used to insert an unpipended pipette tip 510. The pipetting mechanism 630 can be connected to the pipette tip (i.e., the unpipended pipette tip 510) in the storage hole 402. With this design, the material box assembly 400 has a relatively simple structure, making it easier to process and manufacture.

[0046] For example, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the material box support 410 may include a base plate 411, a frame 412, a connecting rod 413, and a lug 414. The first weighing mechanism 610 may be connected to the base plate 411. Specifically, the cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder 210 may be connected to the base plate 411. The frame 412 may be located above the base plate 411. The connecting rod 413 may be connected between the base plate 411 and the frame 412, so that the base plate 411 and the frame 412 are vertically spaced apart. The material box 420 is detachably seated on the frame 412. A storage hole 402 may penetrate the material box 420 vertically. The lug 414 may be connected to the side of the frame 412. A placement hole 401 may penetrate the lug 414 vertically. With this configuration, the material box assembly 400 can be used to hold nozzles of different lengths, thus improving the applicability of the dispensing device 600.

[0047] For example, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cartridge assembly 400 may also include a liquid receiving tank 430. The liquid receiving tank 430 can be connected to the base plate 411. Vertically, the liquid receiving tank 430 can be located below the placement hole 401. When the pipette tip 520 is inserted into the placement hole 401, the residual target liquid on the pipette tip 520 will drip downwards under gravity. Thus, the liquid receiving tank 430 can collect the dripping target liquid from the pipette tip 520, thereby preventing the target liquid from splashing onto other components and affecting them. Especially for the weighing device 300, if the target liquid splashes onto the weighing device 300, it will affect the accuracy of the weighing. Furthermore, since the receiving tank 430 can collect the target liquid dripped from the pipette tip 520, and the receiving tank 430 is connected to the base plate 411, the weighing device 300 can still weigh the dripping target liquid, so that the weighing result will not be changed due to the target liquid dripping from the pipette tip 520.

[0048] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the liquid preparation device 600 can prepare liquids according to the following liquid preparation method.

[0049] Solution preparation methods may include:

[0050] Step S100: The pipetting mechanism 630 is connected to the pipette tip on the cartridge assembly 400.

[0051] Step S200: The pipetting mechanism 630 draws the target liquid from the storage container 640 through the pipette tip, and then releases the target liquid into the target container 650.

[0052] Step S300: The pipetting mechanism 630 discharges the pipette tip after releasing the target liquid back onto the material box assembly 400.

[0053] Step S400: Before step S100, the first weighing mechanism 610 can weigh the weight G1 of the material box assembly 400. And after step S300, the first weighing mechanism 610 can weigh the weight G2 of the material box assembly.

[0054] Step S500: The second weighing mechanism 620 can weigh the target liquid G3 absorbed by the pipetting mechanism 630. Step S500 can be executed immediately after step S200.

[0055] Step S600: The controller can calculate the weight G4 of the target liquid released by the pipetting mechanism 630 into the target container 650, where G4 = G3 - (G2 - G1). Then, the controller can determine the fitting parameters of the solution added by the pipetting mechanism 630 to the target container 650 based on the weight G4.

[0056] For example, step S500 may specifically include:

[0057] Step S510: Before step S200, the second weighing mechanism 620 can weigh the liquid storage container 640 by weight G5. And after step S200, the second weighing mechanism 620 can weigh the liquid storage container 640 by weight G6.

[0058] Step S520: The controller can calculate the weight G3, G3 = G5 - G6.

[0059] For example, step S600 may further include: the controller can control the detection instrument to add a solution with appropriate parameters to the target container 650 according to the weight G4. The detection instrument can also be used to detect the liquid in the target container 650 after the solution has been added.

[0060] Exemplarily, the first weighing mechanism 610 may include a base 100, a lifting assembly 200, and a weighing device 300. The lifting assembly 200 may be disposed on the base 100. The drive end of the lifting assembly 200 may be used to connect to the material box assembly 400. The liquid dispensing method may further include:

[0061] Step S700: The lifting assembly 200 can drive the material box assembly 400 to a pick-up / placement station spaced above the weighing device 300 to execute steps S100 and S300. If the lifting assembly 200 has already driven the material box assembly 400 to the pick-up / placement station before executing step S300, the lifting assembly 200 can drive the material box assembly 400 to remain at the pick-up / placement station to execute step S300.

[0062] Step S800: The lifting assembly 200 can drive the material box assembly 400 to move to the weighing station, so that it can be placed on the weighing device 300 to perform step S400.

[0063] The technical effects of the above-mentioned liquid preparation devices are all applicable to the liquid preparation method. Therefore, the technical effects of each technical solution for the protection of the liquid preparation method will not be elaborated here.

[0064] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0065] For ease of description, relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used here to describe the regional positional relationship of one or more components or features shown in the figures to other components or features. It should be understood that relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figure but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.

[0066] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0067] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0068] The present invention has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention to the scope of the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid preparation device, characterized in that, The device includes a pipetting mechanism, a first weighing mechanism, a second weighing mechanism, and a controller. The first weighing mechanism is used to hold a cartridge assembly. The pipetting mechanism can connect to a pipette tip on the cartridge assembly to draw the target liquid from a storage container and release the target liquid into a target container. The pipetting mechanism can also return the pipette tip, after releasing the target liquid, to the cartridge assembly. The first weighing mechanism is used to weigh the weight G1 of the cartridge assembly before the pipetting mechanism is connected to the pipette tip, and to weigh the weight G2 of the cartridge assembly after the pipetting mechanism discharges the pipette tip back onto the cartridge assembly. The second weighing mechanism is used to weigh the weight G3 of the target liquid drawn by the pipetting mechanism from the storage container. The controller is used to calculate the weight G4 of the target liquid released into the target container, G4 = G3 - (G2 - G1), and then determine the matching parameters of the solution to be added to the target container based on the weight G4.

2. The liquid preparation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second weighing mechanism is used to weigh the liquid storage container (G5) before the pipetting mechanism draws the target liquid from the storage container through the pipette tip, and to weigh the liquid storage container (G6) after the pipetting mechanism draws the target liquid from the storage container through the pipette tip. The controller is also used to calculate the weight G3, where G3 = G5 - G6.

3. The liquid preparation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid preparation device also includes a detection instrument. The controller is used to control the detection instrument to add the liquid preparation with the matching parameters to the target container according to the weight G4. The detection instrument is also used to detect the liquid in the target container after the liquid preparation is added.

4. The liquid preparation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first weighing mechanism includes a base, a lifting assembly, and a weighing device. The lifting assembly is disposed on the base, and its drive end is used to connect to the material box assembly. The material box assembly is movable between a pick-up / placement station and a weighing station, which are spaced apart, under the drive of the lifting assembly. The pick-up / placement station is the station where the material box assembly is detached from the weighing device, and the weighing station is the station where the material box assembly is placed on the weighing device. The liquid transfer mechanism can connect to the pipette tip on the material box assembly when the material box assembly is in the pick-up / placement station, and can discharge the pipette tip back onto the material box assembly after releasing the target liquid. The weighing device is used to weigh the weight G1 and the weight G2 when the material box assembly is in the weighing station.

5. The liquid preparation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge support and a cartridge detachably seated on the cartridge support. The cartridge support is provided with a placement hole for the pipetting mechanism to discharge the pipette tip after releasing the target liquid back into the placement hole. The cartridge is provided with a storage hole, and the pipetting mechanism can connect to the pipette tip in the storage hole.

6. The liquid preparation device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The material box support includes a base plate, a frame, a connecting rod, and a lug. The first weighing mechanism is connected to the base plate, and the connecting rod is connected between the base plate and the frame so that the base plate and the frame are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The material box is detachably seated on the frame. The storage hole passes through the material box and is used to insert the nozzle. The lug is connected to the side of the frame, and the placement hole passes through the lug and is used to insert the nozzle after releasing the target liquid.

7. The liquid preparation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first weighing mechanism and the second weighing mechanism are spaced apart along a first horizontal direction. The first weighing mechanism and the second weighing mechanism are located on one side of the pipetting mechanism along a second horizontal direction. The other side of the pipetting mechanism along the second horizontal direction is used to place the target container. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

8. A method for preparing a solution, characterized in that, include: Step S100: Connect the pipetting mechanism to the pipette tip on the cartridge assembly; Step S200: The pipetting mechanism draws the target liquid from the storage container through the pipette tip, and then releases the target liquid into the target container; Step S300: The pipetting mechanism discharges the pipette tip, after releasing the target liquid, back onto the cartridge assembly; Step S400: The first weighing mechanism weighs the weight G1 of the material box assembly before step S100, and weighs the weight G2 of the material box assembly after step S300. as well as Step S500: The second weighing mechanism weighs the target liquid G3 drawn up by the pipetting mechanism; Step S600: The controller calculates the weight G4 of the target liquid released into the target container by the pipetting mechanism, G4 = G3 - (G2 - G1), and then determines the matching parameters of the solution to be added to the target container based on the weight G4.

9. The solution preparation method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Step S500 includes: Step S510: The second weighing mechanism weighs the liquid storage container G5 before step S200, and weighs the liquid storage container G6 after step S200; and Step S520: The controller calculates the weight G3, G3 = G5 - G6.

10. The solution preparation method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Step S600 includes: the controller controls the detection instrument to add the solution with the matching parameters to the target container according to the weight G4, and the detection instrument is also used to detect the liquid in the target container after the solution is added.

11. The solution preparation method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first weighing mechanism includes a base, a lifting assembly, and a weighing device. The lifting assembly is mounted on the base, and its drive end is connected to the material box assembly. The liquid dispensing method further includes: Step S700: During steps S100 and S300, the lifting assembly drives the material box assembly to move above the weighing device; and Step S800: In step S400, the lifting assembly drives the material box assembly to be placed on the weighing device.

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