Automatic liquid adding device of chemical synthesis automatic platform

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic liquid adding device of an automatic chemical synthesis platform. The automatic liquid adding device comprises a liquid adding module and a liquid storage module, the liquid adding module comprises an infusion pump and a liquid outlet control unit, and the liquid outlet control unit is connected with the infusion pump; the liquid adding module further comprises a backflow preventing unit, and the backflow preventing unit is arranged at a liquid outlet of the liquid adding module. The liquid storage module is connected with the liquid adding module; a magnetic attraction male socket is arranged at the front end of the liquid adding module and used for being in magnetic attraction coupling with a magnetic attraction female socket on a mechanical gripper. The periphery of the magnetic attraction male socket is provided with an anti-false-grabbing structure. Reliable connection between the liquid adding module and the mechanical paw is achieved in a magnetic attraction coupling mode, and a mistaken grabbing prevention structure is arranged, so that the coupling process is stable and safe, and the misoperation risk is avoided; by integrating the precise control unit and the anti-backflow unit and combining a real-time monitoring mechanism, the liquid adding process is precise and controllable, and the problems of reagent backflow pollution and discontinuous filling are effectively prevented; and the purposes of improving the liquid adding precision, the experiment efficiency and the device universality are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated chemical synthesis equipment, and more specifically, to an automated liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automated chemical synthesis, liquid dosing devices are key equipment for achieving automated operations. Currently, the addition of liquid reagents in chemical synthesis processes still mainly relies on manual operation, which suffers from high labor costs, susceptibility to human factors, and low accuracy and efficiency. Although some automated liquid dosing devices exist on the market, these devices are generally complex in structure and cumbersome to operate. Furthermore, gas accumulation in the pipelines often leads to discontinuous dosing, requiring interruptions in the experiment to resume, severely impacting work efficiency. In addition, existing devices lack effective backflow prevention mechanisms, easily causing reagent backflow and contamination of the original solution. The coupling method with the robotic gripper also poses safety hazards, with insufficient gripping reliability, making it difficult to meet the demands of high-precision, automated experiments.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies such as the automatic liquid dispensing device for a disinfection robot disclosed in CN111204697A, while capable of automatic liquid dispensing, have structural designs that require optimization in terms of ease of maintenance; and the multi-mode automatic venting and liquid dispensing device disclosed in CN116081559A, while avoiding gas accumulation in pipelines, still have shortcomings in intelligent control and dispensing accuracy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automatic liquid dispensing device with a reasonable structure, simple operation, precise and continuous liquid dispensing capabilities, and anti-backflow and safe coupling functions to improve the experimental efficiency and reliability of automated chemical synthesis platforms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems in related technologies, the present invention proposes an automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform, which can overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows: An automatic liquid dispensing device for an automated chemical synthesis platform; The automated liquid addition device of this automated chemical synthesis platform includes a liquid addition module and a liquid storage module; the liquid addition module includes a liquid pump and a liquid outlet control unit, the liquid outlet control unit being connected to the liquid pump; the liquid addition module also includes an anti-backflow unit, the anti-backflow unit being located at the liquid outlet of the liquid addition module; the liquid storage module is connected to the liquid addition module; the front end of the liquid addition module is provided with a magnetic male socket for magnetic coupling with a magnetic female socket on a robotic gripper; the magnetic male socket is surrounded by an anti-mis-grip structure.

[0006] Furthermore, the anti-mis-grabbing structure includes a guide groove, a limiting protrusion, and a photoelectric sensor for detecting the coupling state of the magnetic male socket.

[0007] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing control unit includes a controller and a titration signal coupling device connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the liquid pumping operation. The controller is equipped with a touch control interface and has a built-in standard program library for optimizing the liquid pumping and dispensing modes based on reagent properties, environmental parameters, or historical liquid addition records.

[0008] Furthermore, the anti-backflow unit includes a one-way valve.

[0009] Furthermore, the liquid storage module is connected to the liquid addition module via a PTFE tube; the liquid storage module has multiple liquid storage chambers inside, each of which is equipped with a liquid level sensor; and the bottom of the liquid storage module has an elastic adjustment port.

[0010] Furthermore, the magnetic male socket is connected to the controller, and the controller is connected to a pressure sensor for determining the coupling state.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer shell of the liquid filling module is made of die-cast aluminum alloy; the bottom of the liquid filling module is provided with a detachable mounting groove, and the mounting groove is provided with a standardized interface.

[0012] Furthermore, the pump is a micro pump with a pumping capacity ranging from 0.1 microliters to 10 milliliters.

[0013] Furthermore, the liquid addition module, liquid storage module, and connecting pipeline are made of corrosion-resistant materials suitable for organic chemical environments.

[0014] Furthermore, the device also includes a vision camera connected to the liquid discharge control unit, the vision camera being positioned to face the visual detection window of the anti-backflow unit for real-time monitoring of the backflow status.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By employing magnetic coupling to achieve a reliable connection between the liquid addition module and the robotic gripper, and by setting up an anti-mis-grip structure, the coupling process is made stable and safe, avoiding the risk of misoperation; by integrating a precise control unit and an anti-backflow unit, combined with a real-time monitoring mechanism, the liquid addition process is made precise and controllable, effectively preventing reagent backflow contamination and discontinuous addition problems; thereby achieving the goals of improving liquid addition accuracy, experimental efficiency, and device versatility, and meeting the automation requirements in complex chemical synthesis environments. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] An automatic liquid dispensing device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid dispensing module and a liquid storage module; the liquid dispensing module includes a liquid pump and a liquid outlet control unit, the liquid outlet control unit being connected to the liquid pump; the liquid dispensing module further includes an anti-backflow unit, the anti-backflow unit being disposed at the liquid outlet of the liquid dispensing module; the liquid storage module is connected to the liquid dispensing module; the front end of the liquid dispensing module is provided with a magnetic male socket for magnetic coupling with a magnetic female socket on a robotic gripper; the magnetic male socket is surrounded by an anti-mis-grip structure.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic liquid dispensing device for an automated chemical synthesis platform includes, in a specific embodiment, a mis-grabbing structure comprising a guide groove, a limiting protrusion, and a photoelectric sensor for detecting the coupling state of the magnetic male socket.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic liquid dispensing device for an automated chemical synthesis platform includes, in a specific embodiment, a liquid dispensing control unit comprising a controller and a titration signal coupling device connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the liquid pumping operation. The controller is equipped with a touch-screen control interface and has a built-in standard program library for optimizing the liquid pumping and dispensing modes based on reagent properties, environmental parameters, or historical liquid dispensing records.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform includes, in a specific embodiment, a one-way valve as the anti-backflow unit.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform is provided. In a specific embodiment, the liquid storage module is connected to the liquid addition module via a PTFE tube; the liquid storage module has multiple liquid storage chambers inside, each of which is equipped with a liquid level sensor; and the bottom of the liquid storage module has an elastic adjustment port.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform is provided. In a specific embodiment, the magnetic male socket is connected to the controller, and the controller is connected to a pressure sensor for determining the coupling state.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform is provided. In a specific embodiment, the outer shell of the liquid addition module is made of die-cast aluminum alloy; the bottom of the liquid addition module is provided with a detachable mounting groove, and the mounting groove is provided with a standardized interface.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform is provided. In a specific embodiment, the liquid pump is a micro-pump with a pumping capacity ranging from 0.1 μL to 10 mL.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform is provided. In a specific embodiment, the liquid addition module, the liquid storage module, and the connecting pipeline are made of corrosion-resistant materials suitable for organic chemical environments.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform further includes, in a specific embodiment, a vision camera connected to the liquid dispensing control unit. The vision camera is positioned to face the visual detection window of the anti-backflow unit for real-time monitoring of the backflow status.

[0027] To facilitate understanding of the above technical solutions of the present invention, the following detailed description of the above technical solutions of the present invention will be provided through specific embodiments and principles.

[0028] In practical use, the automatic liquid addition device of the chemical synthesis automatic platform according to the present invention includes a liquid addition module and a liquid storage module.

[0029] The liquid addition module consists of a liquid pump, a liquid dispensing control unit, an anti-backflow unit, and an anti-mis-grabbing structure. The liquid pump is a high-precision miniature pump capable of accurately drawing liquid in the range of 0.1 microliters to 10 milliliters. The liquid dispensing control unit, installed at the pump outlet, includes a titration signal coupling device and a controller. The titration signal coupling device is connected to a computer via the controller to achieve precise control of the liquid addition process. The anti-backflow unit, located at the outlet, includes a one-way valve and a backflow pipeline. Combined with a visual detection window and a vision camera, it enables real-time monitoring of the backflow status, preventing liquid backflow from contaminating the original liquid.

[0030] The liquid storage module is made of environmentally compatible materials with corrosion-resistant organic chemicals. It contains multiple liquid storage chambers, each equipped with an independent level sensor. The liquid storage module connects to the liquid addition module via PTFE tubing with internal threads for easy disassembly and maintenance. The bottom of the liquid storage module features flexible adjustment ports of various sizes to accommodate different sizes of flow phase bottles.

[0031] The liquid dispensing module has a magnetic male socket at its front end, with a high-strength magnet coated on its surface for coupling with a magnetic female socket on the robotic gripper. The magnetic male socket is connected to a controller, which is equipped with a pressure sensor. The controller determines the coupling status and monitors the magnetic force and docking angle in real time to prevent malfunctions caused by mis-coupling. The magnetic male socket is surrounded by an anti-mis-grip structure, including several guide grooves and limiting protrusions, which, when used with the robotic gripper, prevents accidental clamping.

[0032] The controller features a touch-screen interface for intuitive operation, supporting multiple language options and help functions. It has a built-in standard program library that automatically optimizes the extraction and dispensing modes based on reagent properties, ambient temperature and humidity, and historical dispensing records. The controller also has data acquisition and analysis capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring and recording of key parameters during the dispensing process. Upon detecting abnormal dispensing behavior, it automatically pauses and issues a warning.

[0033] The anti-mis-coupling structure also includes a photoelectric sensor to detect the coupling status of the magnetic male socket. When mis-coupling occurs, the photoelectric sensor will issue an alarm and automatically decouple to prevent damage. Simultaneously, the anti-mis-coupling structure is equipped with a self-locking mechanism to ensure stability during correct coupling.

[0034] The outer shell of the liquid filling module is made of die-cast aluminum alloy, which has good heat dissipation performance and electromagnetic shielding effect. The bottom of the liquid filling module is equipped with a detachable mounting slot for easy connection with different models of robotic grippers. The mounting slot has a standardized interface for quick module replacement and maintenance.

[0035] This invention provides an automatic liquid dispensing device for an automated chemical synthesis platform, comprising a liquid dispensing module and a liquid storage module. The liquid dispensing module consists of a pump, a dispensing control unit, an anti-backflow unit, and an anti-mis-grabbing structure. The pump is a domestically produced high-precision miniature pump, model BL-1CP, with a pumping capacity range of 0.1 μL to 10 mL and a pumping accuracy of ±0.1%. The dispensing control unit is installed at the pump outlet and includes a titration signal coupling device and a controller. The titration signal coupling device is model SS-2A and is connected to the controller via an RS-485 bus. The controller is an industrial control computer, model IPC-610L, equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen capable of displaying Chinese and English characters. The anti-backflow unit is located at the dispensing port and consists of a one-way valve and a backflow pipeline.

[0036] The liquid storage module is made of stainless steel and has five internal storage chambers, each equipped with a floating level sensor. The module connects to the filling module via an internal thread with an M16×1.5 thread specification. The bottom of the module has six adjustable ports of 10 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml, and 500 ml, accommodating different sizes of flow flasks.

[0037] The front end of the liquid filling module is equipped with a magnetic male socket, the surface of which is coated with high-strength neodymium magnets with a magnetic force of 50kg. The magnetic male socket is connected to the controller via a CAN bus, and the controller determines the coupling status by detecting voltage changes. The magnetic male socket is surrounded by an anti-mis-grip structure, including three guide grooves and two limiting protrusions, which, when used in conjunction with the robotic gripper, can prevent accidental clamping.

[0038] The controller has a built-in standard program library, supports Chinese and English switching, and has a help function. Parameters can be set and programs edited according to different experimental needs. The controller also has data acquisition and analysis functions, which can monitor and record key parameters such as the amount of liquid drawn, the amount of liquid discharged, and the liquid level in real time during the liquid addition process.

[0039] The housing of the liquid filling module is made of die-cast aluminum alloy with a thickness of 3 mm. The bottom of the liquid filling module has a removable mounting slot with a depth of 20 mm and a width of 30 mm, which allows for quick replacement and maintenance of the module.

[0040] The working process of the automatic liquid addition device for the automated chemical synthesis platform provided by this invention is as follows: First, connect the liquid storage module to the liquid filling module via an internal thread connection, and then install the liquid storage module onto the liquid filling module. Next, install the magnetic female connector onto the front end of the robotic gripper, aligning it with and bringing it close to the magnetic male connector, causing them to attract each other. The controller detects that the coupling is active and prompts the user to complete the gripping action of the robotic gripper.

[0041] Next, turn on the controller power, and the system automatically enters standby mode. Operation settings are configured via the touchscreen, selecting parameters such as the storage chamber number, liquid addition volume, and dispensing rate. Based on the set parameters, the controller sends control commands to the titration signal coupling device via the RS-485 bus. The titration signal coupling device outputs the corresponding voltage signal according to the command, controlling the pump to start operation.

[0042] Once the liquid extraction is complete, the controller receives a signal from the liquid level sensor and automatically adjusts the dispensing rate to ensure the dispensing volume precisely reaches the set value. Simultaneously, the one-way valve of the anti-backflow unit closes to prevent liquid backflow and contamination of the original solution. After the entire dispensing process is complete, the system automatically returns to standby mode.

[0043] The main technical parameters of the automatic liquid addition device for the automated chemical synthesis platform provided by this invention are as follows: 1. Liquid dosing module: Liquid pump: Model BL-1CP, pumping capacity range 0.1 μL - 10 mL, pumping accuracy ±0.1%; Liquid dispensing control unit: The titration signal coupling device is model SS-2A, with a resolution of 1 μL. Controller: Model IPC-610L, 10-inch touchscreen, RS-485 bus interface; Anti-backflow unit: Check valve model YK610X, inner diameter 10 mm; 2. Liquid storage module: Material: Stainless steel; Volume: 500 ml; Liquid level sensor: Model HC-SR04, measuring range 0-500 ml; 3. Magnetic coupling system: Magnetic male socket: Surface coated with high-strength neodymium magnets, magnetic force 50kg; Guide grooves: 3, each 10 mm wide; Limiting protrusions: 2, each 5 mm in height; 4. Control system: The controller has a built-in program library that supports switching between Chinese and English. Data acquisition frequency: 10Hz; 5. Shell material: Aluminum alloy, 3 mm thick; 6. Mounting slot dimensions: 20 mm long, 30 mm wide, and 20 mm deep.

[0044] In use, the operator first reliably connects the liquid storage module to the corresponding interface of the liquid filling module via its PTFE tubing using internal threads. Then, the operator roughly aligns and brings the magnetic female connector at the front of the robotic gripper to the magnetic male connector at the front of the liquid filling module. Under strong magnetic force, the two automatically attract and physically couple. The guide groove and limiting protrusion of the anti-mis-grip structure ensure accurate alignment and prevent accidental clamping. An integrated photoelectric sensor monitors the coupling status in real time; once the connection is confirmed to be stable, the system prompts that the next step can be performed.

[0045] Next, the operator selects the target storage chamber and sets parameters such as the liquid addition volume and dispensing rate through the touch-screen control interface on the controller. Based on the preset program and historical data, the controller sends instructions to the titration signal coupling device, driving the high-precision micro-pump to start operation. The pump draws liquid from the designated storage chamber, and the liquid is transported to the liquid addition module via a PTFE tube. The dispensing control unit precisely controls the dispensing process, and the liquid level sensor in the storage chamber provides real-time feedback on the liquid volume, allowing the controller to perform closed-loop regulation. As the liquid flows through the outlet, the one-way valve in the anti-backflow unit effectively prevents backflow, protecting the original liquid from contamination; the configured visual camera, through an aligned visual detection window, allows the operator or system to monitor the flow status.

[0046] When the liquid volume reaches the set value, the controller instructs the liquid pump to stop working and the liquid dispensing control unit to shut down, completing one liquid dispensing cycle. Throughout the process, the controller continuously collects and records key data. After the liquid dispensing task is completed, the robotic arm can be safely detached, and the system automatically returns to standby mode, ready to execute the next command. Through the above process, this device achieves precise, continuous, and reliable automated liquid dispensing operation.

[0047] In summary, the following beneficial effects are achieved by utilizing the above-described technical solution of the present invention: 1. This invention uses a magnetic male and female connector to connect the liquid filling module to the robotic gripper, avoiding the grasping failure problem that may be caused by traditional coupling methods, and significantly improving the reliability and stability of the liquid filling process; 2. The present invention incorporates an anti-mis-grabbing structure in the liquid addition module, which, in conjunction with the design of the robotic gripper side, effectively prevents misjudgment of coupling signals, avoids liquid addition failure or other accidents caused by misoperation, and further ensures the safety of the liquid addition process; 3. By installing a titration signal coupling device in the liquid addition module and combining it with a precise control algorithm, accurate monitoring and automatic adjustment of the liquid addition process are achieved, which significantly improves the liquid addition accuracy and solves the problem of inaccurate liquid addition in the prior art; 4. The liquid storage module is made of special materials and is suitable for environments with organic chemical substances. It is connected to the liquid filling module through a PTFE tube, which realizes the rapid extraction and filling of liquid and effectively solves the problem of discontinuous filling caused by air in the pipeline in the existing technology. 5. The present invention has an elastic adjustment port at the bottom of the liquid addition module, which can be adapted to various sizes of mobile phase bottles, improving the versatility and adaptability of the device and meeting the liquid addition requirements under different experimental environments.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform, characterized in that, The system includes a liquid filling module and a liquid storage module. The liquid filling module includes a liquid pump and a liquid outlet control unit, with the liquid outlet control unit connected to the liquid pump. The liquid filling module also includes an anti-backflow unit located at the liquid outlet of the liquid filling module. The liquid storage module is connected to the liquid filling module. The front end of the liquid filling module is provided with a magnetic male socket for magnetic coupling with a magnetic female socket on a robotic gripper. An anti-mis-grip structure is provided around the magnetic male socket.

2. The automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-mis-grabbing structure includes a guide groove, a limiting protrusion, and a photoelectric sensor for detecting the coupling state of the magnetic male socket.

3. The automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid dispensing control unit includes a controller and a titration signal coupling device connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the liquid pumping operation. The controller has a touch control interface and a built-in standard program library for optimizing the liquid pumping and dispensing modes based on reagent properties, environmental parameters, or historical liquid addition records.

4. The automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backflow prevention unit includes a one-way valve.

5. The automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage module is connected to the liquid filling module via a PTFE tube; the liquid storage module has multiple liquid storage chambers inside, each of which is equipped with a liquid level sensor; the bottom of the liquid storage module has an elastic adjustment port.

6. The automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The magnetic male socket is connected to the controller, and the controller is connected to a pressure sensor for determining the coupling state.

7. The automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell of the liquid filling module is made of die-cast aluminum alloy; the bottom of the liquid filling module is provided with a detachable mounting groove, and the mounting groove is provided with a standardized interface.

8. The automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pump is a miniature pump with a pumping capacity ranging from 0.1 microliters to 10 milliliters.

9. The automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid addition module, liquid storage module, and connecting pipelines are made of corrosion-resistant materials suitable for organic chemical environments.

10. The automatic liquid addition device for an automated chemical synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a vision camera connected to the liquid discharge control unit. The vision camera is positioned to be aimed at the visual detection window of the anti-backflow unit for real-time monitoring of the backflow status.