Pipette tip module and pipetting device

Abstract

The application relates to a pipetting head module and a pipetting device. The pipetting head module comprises a driving mechanism, a pipetting mechanism and a connecting module. The pipetting mechanism comprises a piston cavity assembly and a piston shaft assembly, and the piston shaft assembly is slidably connected to the piston cavity assembly. The connecting module detachably connects the pipetting mechanism to the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism drives the piston shaft assembly to reciprocally slide to provide positive pressure or negative pressure to the piston cavity assembly. The connecting module detachably connects the pipetting mechanism to the driving mechanism, so that the pipetting mechanism can be separated from the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism can be connected to pipetting mechanisms of different channels. According to real-time experimental requirements, an experimenter can quickly replace a pipetting mechanism of a corresponding specification without the need to re-adjust the power system of the whole set of equipment. The experimental scene can be flexibly switched, the maintenance cost and equipment downtime are reduced, and the experimental efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of liquid transfer technology, and in particular to pipetting head modules and pipetting devices. Background Technology

[0002] Pipettes are core equipment in biological, chemical, and medical testing fields, and the performance of their pipette tips directly determines the accuracy and efficiency of experimental operations. Pipettes generally use a motor to drive the piston shaft inside the pipette tip to move up and down to achieve the aspiration and spraying function.

[0003] In existing technologies, the pipetting head assembly and drive assembly of pipetting devices are usually designed as a single unit, with each pipetting device equipped with only one type of pipetting head assembly. Since the number of channels in the pipetting head is fixed, one pipetting head can only be adapted to a single channel specification. Therefore, when different throughputs need to be switched in experimental scenarios, the experimenters need to equip themselves with multiple pipetting devices with different channel specifications. This not only significantly increases the equipment procurement cost, but also causes the experimental process to be interrupted due to equipment switching, thus reducing experimental efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, a pipetting head module and a pipetting device are provided to solve the problem of the inability to flexibly change channels of different specifications.

[0005] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a pipette module, comprising:

[0006] Drive mechanism;

[0007] A pipetting mechanism, comprising a piston chamber assembly and a piston shaft assembly, wherein the piston shaft assembly is slidably connected to the piston chamber assembly;

[0008] The connection module detachably connects the pipetting mechanism to the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism drives the piston shaft assembly to reciprocate and slide to provide positive or negative pressure to the piston cavity assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, the piston shaft assembly includes:

[0010] A piston shaft pressure plate is used to connect to the connecting module, and can be detachably connected to the drive mechanism via the connecting module.

[0011] The piston shaft is slidably connected to the piston cavity assembly;

[0012] A flexible fixing component flexibly connects the piston shaft to the piston shaft pressure plate, and the piston shaft slides back and forth with the piston shaft pressure plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flexible fixing component includes:

[0014] A piston shaft fixing plate is fixed below the piston shaft pressure plate; the piston shaft fixing plate is provided with a first fixing groove and a second fixing groove that are connected to each other and pass through the piston shaft fixing plate, and the top end of the piston shaft passes through the first fixing groove and extends into the second fixing groove;

[0015] A flexible component is disposed in the second fixing groove, the flexible component filling the space between the piston shaft and the piston shaft fixing plate, and / or filling the space between the piston shaft and the piston shaft pressure plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the flexible element includes a first sealing ring and a silicone pad.

[0017] In one embodiment, the piston chamber assembly further includes:

[0018] The piston cavity is configured as a cavity structure with several independent channels or a multi-channel cavity structure;

[0019] The pipette tip connection is located at one end of the piston cavity away from the piston shaft and communicates with the piston cavity. The pipette tip connection is used for a detachable and sealed connection with the pipette tip.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pipette tip module further includes a tip retraction mechanism, the tip retraction mechanism comprising:

[0021] The tip retraction plate is used to contact the pipette tip.

[0022] A tip retraction drive is provided, which is driven to the tip retraction plate and is used to drive the tip retraction plate to abut against the pipette tip and push the pipette tip away from the tip connection part.

[0023] In one embodiment, the head-retardation drive includes:

[0024] The pipette tip ejector is slidably disposed in the piston cavity and fixedly connected to the pipette tip ejector plate. The drive mechanism drives the pipette tip ejector to slide through the piston shaft pressure plate, thereby causing the pipette tip ejector plate to abut against the pipette tip and push the pipette tip.

[0025] A reset element is connected between the ejector rod and the piston cavity, and / or between the ejector plate and the piston cavity. The reset element is used to drive the ejector rod and the ejector plate to reset in a direction away from the pipette tip.

[0026] In one embodiment, the pipetting mechanism further includes a sealing assembly disposed at the mating connection between the piston cavity assembly and the piston shaft assembly.

[0027] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a pipetting device, comprising:

[0028] Equipment body;

[0029] The pipette head module as described in any of the above embodiments is mounted on the main body of the device.

[0030] In one embodiment, the pipetting device further includes:

[0031] The specification identification module includes an identification element and a sensing element. The identification element is disposed on the pipetting mechanism, and the sensing element is disposed on the main body of the device. The sensing element identifies the specification of the pipetting mechanism through the identification element.

[0032] According to the pipetting head module and pipetting device of the embodiments of this application, the connecting module detachably connects the pipetting mechanism to the driving mechanism, so that the pipetting mechanism can be separated from the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism can connect to pipetting mechanisms with different channels, such as 96 channels and 384 channels, which can adapt to the pipetting needs of different experimental scenarios such as high throughput and low throughput, without the need to configure a complete set of equipment separately for different throughputs; or pipetting mechanisms of different volumes, covering a variety of specifications such as 10ul, 30ul, 50ul, 200ul and 1000ul, which can meet the liquid transfer operations of micro-volume, regular volume and even large range, and adapt to the accuracy and range requirements of different experiments; or pipetting mechanisms of different specifications and different types of consumables from different manufacturers. With the above setup, since the drive mechanism is reusable, the functions of different pipette sizes can be achieved simply by replacing the pipetting mechanism with one of different specifications. This eliminates the need to purchase a complete set of pipetting equipment for each pipetting need, significantly reducing the overall procurement cost of the equipment. At the same time, during maintenance, faulty pipetting mechanisms can be disassembled, repaired, or replaced individually without stopping the entire set of equipment for maintenance. Experimenters can quickly replace the pipetting mechanism with the corresponding specification according to real-time experimental needs without having to readjust the power system of the entire set of equipment. This allows for flexible switching of experimental scenarios, reduces maintenance costs and equipment downtime, and improves experimental efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the drive mechanism in a pipetting device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pipette tip module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the piston shaft assembly structure in a pipette module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the pipetting mechanism in a pipetting head module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 5for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0038] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the piston shaft assembly in a pipette module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the retractor mechanism after resetting in a pipette head module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the pipette tip retraction mechanism in an embodiment of this application during the retraction process.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] 100. Drive mechanism;

[0043] 200. Pipetting mechanism;

[0044] 210. Piston cavity assembly;

[0045] 211, Piston cavity; 2111, First fixing plate; 2111a, Second receiving groove; 2112, Second fixing plate;

[0046] 212. Pipette tip connection; 2120. Pipette tip; 2121. First receiving groove; 2122. Second sealing ring;

[0047] 220. Piston shaft assembly;

[0048] 221. Piston shaft pressure plate;

[0049] 222, Piston shaft; 2221, Rod; 2222, Fixing part;

[0050] 223, Flexible fixing component; 2231, Piston shaft fixing plate; 2231a, First fixing groove; 2231b, Second fixing groove;

[0051] 2232. Flexible components;

[0052] 230. Sealing components;

[0053] 300. Head-returning agency;

[0054] 310. Remove the top plate;

[0055] 320. Head retraction drive component; 321. Head retraction rod; 3211. Protrusion; 322. Reset component;

[0056] 400. Specification identification module; 410. Identification element; 420. Sensing element;

[0057] 500. Connection module. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0059] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and 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 of this application.

[0060] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0061] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0062] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0063] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0064] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 At least one embodiment of this application provides a pipette tip module, which includes a drive mechanism 100, a pipetting mechanism 200, and a connection module 500. The pipetting mechanism 200 includes a piston cavity assembly 210 and a piston shaft assembly 220. The piston cavity assembly 210 includes a pipetting tip 2120, and the piston shaft assembly 220 is slidably connected to the piston cavity assembly 210. The connection module 500 detachably connects the pipetting mechanism 200 to the drive mechanism 100. The drive mechanism 100 drives the piston shaft assembly 220 to reciprocate and slide to provide positive or negative pressure to the piston cavity assembly 210.

[0065] According to the pipette head module of this application embodiment, the connecting module 500 detachably connects the pipetting mechanism 200 to the driving mechanism 100, so that the pipetting mechanism 200 can be separated from the driving mechanism 100. The driving mechanism 100 can connect to pipetting mechanisms 200 with different channels, such as 96 channels and 384 channels, which can adapt to the pipetting needs of different experimental scenarios such as high throughput and low throughput, without the need to configure a complete set of equipment separately for different throughputs; or pipetting mechanisms 200 with different volumes, covering a variety of specifications such as 10ul, 30ul, 50ul, 200ul and 1000ul, which can meet the liquid transfer operations of micro-volume, regular volume and even large range, and adapt to the accuracy and range requirements of different experiments; or pipetting mechanisms 200 with different specifications and different types of consumables from different manufacturers. With the above setup, since the drive mechanism 100 is reusable, only different specifications of pipetting mechanism 200 need to be replaced to achieve the functions of different specifications of pipettes. There is no need to purchase a complete set of pipetting equipment for each pipetting need, which greatly reduces the overall procurement cost of the equipment. At the same time, in the maintenance process, the faulty pipetting mechanism 200 can be disassembled, repaired or replaced separately without stopping the entire set of equipment for maintenance. Experimenters can quickly replace the corresponding specification of pipetting mechanism 200 according to real-time experimental needs without re-adjusting the power system of the entire set of equipment. This allows for flexible switching of experimental scenarios, reduces maintenance costs and equipment downtime, and improves experimental efficiency.

[0066] In some embodiments, the connecting module 500 can be configured as a bolted connection structure, etc. Other detachable connecting structures can be configured according to actual needs, such as snap-fit ​​connections, magnetic connections, pin connections, etc. Different connecting structures can adapt to different usage scenarios. For example, snap-fit ​​connections can achieve quick assembly and disassembly without tools, while magnetic connections can reduce mechanical wear during assembly and disassembly. The overall selection can be flexibly made based on factors such as the weight of the pipetting mechanism 200, the frequency of use, and the accuracy requirements.

[0067] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the piston shaft assembly 220 includes a piston shaft pressure plate 221, a piston shaft 222, and a flexible fixing assembly 223. The piston shaft pressure plate 221 is used to connect to the connection module 500, which is detachably connected to the drive mechanism 100. The piston shaft 222 is slidably connected to the piston cavity assembly 210. The flexible fixing assembly 223 flexibly connects the piston shaft 222 to the piston shaft pressure plate 221, and the piston shaft 222 slides back and forth with the piston shaft pressure plate 221. The power of the drive mechanism 100 is first transmitted to the piston shaft pressure plate 221. Since the piston shaft 222 is connected to the piston shaft pressure plate 221 through the flexible fixing assembly 223, the reciprocating sliding of the piston shaft pressure plate 221 will synchronously drive the piston shaft 222 to reciprocate, thereby completing the power transmission of liquid suction and spraying within the piston cavity assembly 210.

[0068] Specifically, in actual production and assembly processes, slight deviations in the machining accuracy and installation position of the piston shaft pressure plate 221 and the piston shaft 222 are inevitable. If a rigid connection is used, these errors will cause the piston shaft 222 to deviate from its movement trajectory, or even cause problems such as jamming and sealing failure. However, the piston shaft 222 achieves a flexible connection with the piston shaft pressure plate 221 through the flexible fixing component 223. The flexible connection can compensate for these errors through its own deformation or gaps, ensuring that the piston shaft 222 always slides along the preset trajectory. At the same time, the elimination of assembly errors can ensure the sealing and smooth movement between the piston shaft 222 and the piston cavity assembly 210, avoiding air pressure leakage or uneven movement resistance caused by shaft misalignment, thereby stabilizing the liquid volume accuracy of the suction and spraying liquid.

[0069] In some embodiments, the piston shaft 222 is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and good wear resistance, such as ceramic or stainless steel. This design reduces friction during piston shaft 222 sliding, lowers power loss in the drive mechanism 100, ensures drive efficiency, and prevents piston shaft 222 from jamming or deviating due to excessive frictional resistance, thus ensuring smooth liquid suction and spraying accuracy. Since the piston shaft 222 requires long-term, high-frequency reciprocating motion, the wear resistance of the material prevents rapid wear and scratches on its surface, ensuring sealing, preventing leakage, extending the service life of the piston shaft 222, and reducing equipment maintenance and replacement costs.

[0070] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the flexible fixing assembly 223 includes a piston shaft fixing plate 2231 and a flexible element 2232. The piston shaft fixing plate 2231 is fixed below the piston shaft pressure plate 221. The piston shaft fixing plate 2231 is provided with a first fixing groove 2231a and a second fixing groove 2231b that are connected to each other and pass through the piston shaft fixing plate 2231. The top end of the piston shaft 222 passes through the first fixing groove 2231a and extends into the second fixing groove 2231b. The flexible element 2232 is disposed in the second fixing groove 2231b and fills between the piston shaft 222 and the piston shaft fixing plate 2231, and / or fills between the piston shaft 222 and the piston shaft pressure plate 221.

[0071] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 5In some embodiments, the piston shaft 222 includes a rod portion 2221 and a fixing portion 2222 disposed at the top end of the rod portion 2221. The rod portion 2221 is placed in a first fixing groove 2231a, and the fixing portion 2222 is placed in a second fixing groove 2231b. The top end of the fixing portion 2222 abuts against the bottom of the piston shaft pressure plate 221, and a flexible member 2232 fills the gap between the bottom end of the fixing portion 2222 and the bottom of the second fixing groove 2231b. The flexible member 2232 fills the gap between the piston shaft pressure plate 221 and the piston shaft fixing plate 2231, eliminating backlash.

[0072] Specifically, the reciprocating sliding of the rod 2221 provides positive or negative pressure to the piston cavity assembly 210, thereby enabling the pipetting tip 2120 to perform liquid suction and spraying actions. The fixing part 2222 is configured as a protrusion 3211 with a diameter larger than that of the rod 2221, used for assembly and connection with the piston shaft fixing plate 2231 and the piston shaft pressure plate 221. The flexible part 2232 itself has compressible deformation characteristics, which can fill the gap between the bottom end of the fixing part 2222 and the bottom of the second fixing groove 2231b, so that the components form a tight contact.

[0073] In some embodiments, the flexible element 2232 includes a first sealing ring, a silicone pad, etc., and is made of a flexible material.

[0074] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the piston cavity assembly 210 further includes a piston cavity 211 and a suction head connection 212, wherein the piston cavity 211 is configured as a plurality of cavity structures with independent channels or a multi-channel cavity structure.

[0075] Specifically, the piston chamber 211 can be configured in two structures to suit different experimental scenarios based on pipetting throughput requirements. When the piston chamber 211 is configured as a combination of several independent single-channel chambers, each corresponding to a pipetting unit, the channels are independent of each other. If one channel malfunctions or needs replacement, it will not affect the normal operation of other channels. The number of channels can be flexibly combined to meet small to medium throughput pipetting needs, while also facilitating future maintenance and component replacement. When the piston chamber 211 is configured as a multi-channel chamber structure, its integrated chamber integrates multiple independent channels. This high integration and small space occupation enables high-throughput synchronous pipetting, significantly improving the efficiency of batch pipetting.

[0076] The suction head connection 212 is located at the end of the piston cavity 211 away from the piston shaft 222 and communicates with the piston cavity 211. Specifically, when the piston shaft 222 slides upward, a negative pressure is formed inside the suction and spray cavity, and liquid can be suctioned by the pipette head 2120; when the piston shaft 222 slides downward, the pressure inside the suction and spray cavity increases, and liquid is sprayed.

[0077] The pipette tip connector 212 is used for a detachable and sealed connection with the pipette tip 2120. Specifically, the detachable connection allows for quick replacement of the pipette tip 2120, meeting the requirements for disposable consumables in experiments and avoiding cross-contamination; the sealing connection ensures the airtightness of the cavity during the aspiration and spraying process, preventing problems such as inaccurate pipetting volume and aspiration failure caused by air pressure leakage.

[0078] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, a first receiving groove 2121 is formed on the bottom outer wall of the pipette tip connection 212, and a second sealing ring 2122 is installed in the first receiving groove 2121. The top opening of the pipette tip 2120 is wrapped around the bottom outer wall of the pipette tip connection 212, and the second sealing ring 2122 achieves a sealing connection between the pipette tip connection 212 and the pipette tip 2120. When the pipette tip 2120 needs to be replaced, it can be disassembled by separating from the pipette tip connection 212 through its top opening under the action of external force. When the top opening of the pipette tip 2120 is wrapped around the bottom outer wall of the pipette tip connection 212, the inner wall of the pipette tip 2120 will fit tightly against the second sealing ring 2122. The elasticity of the second sealing ring 2122 itself will cause it to undergo a certain degree of compression deformation, filling the gap between the outer wall of the pipette tip connection 212 and the inner wall of the pipette tip 2120, thereby forming a reliable sealing layer between the two. The first receiving groove 2121 provides installation and limiting space for the second sealing ring 2122, preventing the second sealing ring 2122 from shifting or falling off during the assembly or pipetting of the pipette tip 2120, thus ensuring the stability of the sealing structure. When replacing the pipette tip 2120, only a certain external force needs to be applied to overcome the friction between the second sealing ring 2122 and the inner wall of the pipette tip 2120, causing the top opening of the pipette tip 2120 to separate from the tip connection part 212, completing the disassembly and replacement of the pipette tip 2120. Through the above settings, the requirements for the use of disposable pipette tips 2120 in experiments are met, cross-contamination of samples is avoided, and the reliability of the seal is maintained during pipetting.

[0079] In some embodiments, the bottom outer wall of the pipette tip connector 212 and the inner wall of the opening of the pipette tip 2120 can be configured for an interference fit to form a seal. Specifically, the inner diameter of the inner wall of the opening of the pipette tip 2120 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom outer wall of the pipette tip connector 212. When the pipette tip 2120 is fitted onto the bottom of the pipette tip connector 212, a certain amount of external force is required for assembly. After assembly, the inner wall of the pipette tip 2120 will generate a clamping force on the outer wall of the pipette tip connector 212 due to elastic deformation, so that the two form a tight fit without gaps. With the above configuration, no additional flexible sealing elements such as sealing rings are needed to achieve a seal.

[0080] See Figure 4In some embodiments, the pipette tip module further includes a tip retraction mechanism 300, which includes a tip retraction plate 310 and a tip retraction drive 320. The tip retraction plate 310 is used to abut against the pipette tip 2120. The tip retraction drive 320 is drivenly connected to the tip retraction plate 310 and is used to drive the tip retraction plate 310 to abut against the pipette tip 2120 and push the pipette tip 2120 away from the tip connection portion 212. When the pipetting operation is completed and the pipette tip 2120 needs to be replaced, the tip retraction drive 320 outputs power to drive the tip retraction plate 310 to move towards the pipette tip 2120. After the tip retraction plate 310 moves to the preset position, it abuts against the pipette tip 2120. The tip retraction drive 320 continues to output thrust, and the tip retraction plate 310 transmits the force to the pipette tip 2120. This force overcomes the connection force between the pipette tip 2120 and the tip connection part 212. When the force reaches the preset threshold, the pipette tip 2120 will separate from the bottom outer wall of the tip connection part 212, completing the disassembly. Afterward, the tip retraction drive 320 drives the tip retraction plate 310 to reset, waiting for the next tip retraction.

[0081] In some embodiments, the tip retraction drive 320 includes a tip retraction rod 321 and a resetting member 322. The tip retraction rod 321 is slidably disposed in the piston cavity 211 and fixedly connected to the tip retraction plate 310. The drive mechanism 100 drives the tip retraction rod 321 to slide via the piston shaft pressure plate 221, causing the tip retraction plate 310 to abut against and push the pipette tip 2120. The resetting member 322 is connected between the tip retraction rod 321 and the piston cavity 211, and / or, between the tip retraction plate 310 and the piston cavity 211. The resetting member 322 is used to drive the tip retraction rod 321 and the tip retraction plate 310 to reset in a direction away from the pipette tip 2120. This implements a drive mechanism 100 as a power source to control the liquid suction / dispensing function and the tip retraction function.

[0082] Specifically, see Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The drive mechanism 100 first drives the piston shaft pressure plate 221 to reciprocate, and drives the piston shaft 222 to move synchronously through the flexible fixing component 223. The piston shaft 222 changes the air pressure in the suction and spray chamber of the pipette tip connection 212, thereby completing the suction and spraying action. During this stage, the retraction rod 321 and the retraction plate 310 do not participate in the work and are in a standby position. When the suction and spraying are completed and the pipette tip 2120 needs to be disassembled, the drive mechanism 100 continues to drive the piston shaft pressure plate 221 to move towards the pipette tip 2120. At this time, the piston shaft pressure plate 221 will touch the retraction rod 321 and drive it to slide synchronously. The retraction rod 321 then pushes the retraction plate 310 to move towards the pipette tip 2120 until the retraction plate 310 abuts against the pipette tip 2120 and applies a pushing force, finally overcoming the connection force between the pipette tip 2120 and the pipette tip connection 212, and realizing the disassembly of the pipette tip 2120. After the pipetting tip retraction action is completed, the driving force of the drive mechanism 100 is removed, and the reset member 322 releases its stored elastic potential energy, generating a pulling force in the direction away from the pipetting tip 2120, which drives the pipetting tip retraction rod 321 and the pipetting tip retraction plate 310 back to the initial position, preparing for the next pipetting and retraction cycle.

[0083] With the above settings, there is no need to configure a separate drive source for the head retraction function, which reduces the number of parts in the equipment, simplifies the overall mechanical structure, and reduces production and maintenance costs.

[0084] In some embodiments, the reset member 322 is configured as a spring. Specifically, the spring is sleeved on the outside of the retracting rod 321, with one end of the spring abutting against the piston cavity 211 and the other end connected to the protrusion 3211 of the retracting rod 321, forming an axial elastic constraint. Alternatively, one end of the spring can be fixed to the bottom of the piston cavity 211, and the other end can be connected to the retracting plate 310.

[0085] Understandably, the head-down drive unit 320 can also be configured as other power-independent drive units.

[0086] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, the pipetting mechanism 200 further includes a sealing assembly 230, which is disposed at the mating connection between the piston cavity assembly 210 and the piston shaft assembly 220. The sealing assembly 230 is used to eliminate mating gaps and ensure the airtightness of the cavity during pipetting.

[0087] Combination Figure 4In some embodiments, the piston cavity assembly 210 includes a first fixing plate 2111 and a second fixing plate 2112. The first fixing plate 2111 is installed above the piston cavity 211, and the second fixing plate 2112 has a first through hole for sliding connection of the piston shaft 222. The second fixing plate 2112 is installed below the piston cavity 211, and the second fixing plate 2112 has a second through hole for the suction head connection part 212 to pass through.

[0088] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the sealing assembly 230 includes a third sealing ring fitted onto the rod portion 2221 of the piston shaft 222. Specifically, a second receiving groove 2111a is formed on the inner wall of the first through hole, and the third sealing ring is received in the second receiving groove 2111a.

[0089] Understandably, the sealing assembly 230 can also be configured as other sealing structures with sealing effect to achieve sealing of the piston shaft 222.

[0090] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 At least one embodiment of this application provides a pipetting device, which includes a device body and a pipetting head module as described in any of the above embodiments, mounted on the device body.

[0091] According to the pipetting device of the present application embodiment, since the pipetting head module itself is detachable and can be replaced with different specifications, after being assembled into the main body of the device, the entire pipetting device does not need to be replaced. Only by replacing the pipetting head module can it be adapted to pipetting scenarios with different channels, different ranges and different consumables, which greatly improves the scenario coverage capability of the device.

[0092] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the pipetting device further includes a specification recognition module 400, comprising a recognition element 410 and a sensing element 420. The recognition element 410 is disposed on the pipetting mechanism 200, and the sensing element 420 is disposed on the device body. The sensing element 420 identifies the specification of the pipetting mechanism 200 through the recognition element 410. The specification recognition module 400 identifies the specification of the pipetting mechanism 200. When the pipetting mechanism 200 is assembled to the device body via the connection module 500, the recognition element 410 and the sensing element 420 enter the sensing range and form a signal connection. The pipetting device can automatically adjust its operating parameters according to the identified specification of the pipetting mechanism 200, eliminating the need for manual settings and improving pipetting accuracy and efficiency.

[0093] It is understandable that the identification method of the identification element 410 and the sensing element 420 can be configured as contact identification and non-contact identification.

[0094] In some embodiments, the identification element 410 includes a magnet, and the sensing element 420 includes a Hall sensor. When the magnet is installed on the outer wall of the piston cavity 211, the Hall sensor is installed on the device body at the position corresponding to the magnet. After the pipetting mechanism 200 is installed on the device body, the magnet on the outer wall of the piston cavity 211 enters the sensing area of ​​the Hall sensor. The sensor senses the change in magnetic field strength and then outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the magnetic field. The electronic control system of the device body will pre-store the specification data of the pipetting mechanism 200 corresponding to different magnet configurations. After receiving the electrical signal from the sensor, the system matches it with the data in the database to automatically determine the specific specifications of the pipetting mechanism 200 and synchronously adjust the operating parameters of the device.

[0095] Among them, the magnet and the Hall sensor have no mechanical contact, which is a non-contact identification method. It will not cause wear and jamming, can adapt to the high-frequency replacement scenario of the pipetting mechanism, extend the service life of the component, and has high identification stability and reliability.

[0096] In some embodiments, multiple magnets may be provided, which may have different shapes and arrangements in various positions. Different numbers, shapes and arrangements of magnets can be used to distinguish different specifications of pipetting mechanisms 200.

[0097] In some embodiments, the identification element 410 includes a micro switch, and the sensing element 420 includes a mechanical triggering structure. When the micro switch is installed on the outer wall of the piston cavity 211, the mechanical triggering structure is installed on the device body at the position corresponding to the micro switch. After the pipetting mechanism 200 is installed on the device body, the mechanical triggering structure on the device body will make precise contact with the micro switch on the outer wall of the piston cavity 211 and apply a preset mechanical pressure to change the circuit state of the micro switch, such as from open to closed, or from closed to open. The electronic control system of the device body will pre-store the specification data of the pipetting mechanism 200 corresponding to different micro switch triggering states or triggering combinations. After receiving the on / off signal of the micro switch, the system will match it with the data in the database to automatically determine the specific specifications of the pipetting mechanism 200 and adjust the operating parameters of the device synchronously.

[0098] Understandably, multiple microswitches can be configured with different shapes or different arrangements to distinguish different specifications of pipetting mechanisms 200.

[0099] Among them, microswitches and mechanical triggering structures are contact-based identification methods, which provide stable and reliable signals, more accurate identification results, and low cost.

[0100] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0101] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pipette tip module, characterized in that, include: Drive mechanism; A pipetting mechanism, comprising a piston chamber assembly and a piston shaft assembly, wherein the piston shaft assembly is slidably connected to the piston chamber assembly; A connection module detachably connects the pipetting mechanism to the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism drives the piston shaft assembly to reciprocate and slide to provide positive or negative pressure to the piston cavity assembly; The piston shaft assembly includes: A piston shaft pressure plate is used to connect to the connecting module, and can be detachably connected to the drive mechanism via the connecting module. The piston shaft is slidably connected to the piston cavity assembly; A flexible fixing assembly flexibly connects the piston shaft to the piston shaft pressure plate, and the piston shaft slides back and forth with the piston shaft pressure plate; the flexible fixing assembly includes a piston shaft fixing plate and a flexible element, the piston shaft fixing plate is fixed below the piston shaft pressure plate; the piston shaft fixing plate is provided with a first fixing groove and a second fixing groove that are interconnected and pass through the piston shaft fixing plate, the top end of the piston shaft passes through the first fixing groove and extends into the second fixing groove; the flexible element is disposed in the second fixing groove, and the flexible element fills the space between the piston shaft and the piston shaft fixing plate, and / or fills the space between the piston shaft and the piston shaft pressure plate; The piston cavity assembly includes: The piston cavity is configured as a cavity structure with several independent channels or a multi-channel cavity structure; A pipette tip connection is located at one end of the piston cavity away from the piston shaft and communicates with the piston cavity. The pipette tip connection is used for a detachable and sealed connection with a pipette tip.

2. The pipette tip module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible component includes a first sealing ring and a silicone gasket.

3. The pipette tip module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipette tip module further includes a tip retraction mechanism, which includes: A tip retraction plate is used to abut against the pipette tip; A tip retraction drive is provided, which is driven to the tip retraction plate and is used to drive the tip retraction plate to abut against the pipette tip and push the pipette tip away from the tip connection part.

4. The pipette tip module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The head-retardation drive component includes: The pipette tip ejector is slidably disposed in the piston cavity and fixedly connected to the pipette tip ejector plate. The drive mechanism drives the pipette tip ejector to slide through the piston shaft pressure plate, thereby causing the pipette tip ejector plate to abut against the pipette tip and push the pipette tip. A reset element is connected between the ejector rod and the piston cavity, and / or between the ejector plate and the piston cavity. The reset element is used to drive the ejector rod and the ejector plate to reset in a direction away from the pipette tip.

5. The pipette tip module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipetting mechanism further includes a sealing assembly disposed at the mating connection between the piston cavity assembly and the piston shaft assembly.

6. A pipetting device, characterized in that, include: Equipment body; The pipette head module as described in any one of claims 1-5 is installed on the main body of the device.

7. The pipetting apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pipetting device also includes: The specification identification module includes an identification element and a sensing element. The identification element is disposed on the pipetting mechanism, and the sensing element is disposed on the main body of the device. The sensing element identifies the specification of the pipetting mechanism through the identification element.

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