Pressure supply module and liquid supply system

Abstract

A liquid supply system comprises a base, a liquid storage device and a pressure supply module. The liquid storage device is arranged on the base, the liquid storage device is provided with a plurality of liquid grooves used for containing liquid, and each liquid groove is provided with an inlet and an outlet used for enabling the liquid to flow out. The pressure supply module comprises a connecting unit and a driving unit, the connecting unit comprises a connecting piece and a plurality of first flow valves, the connecting piece is provided with an air inlet and a plurality of air outlets connected with the air inlet, and the air outlets are used for being connected to an inlet of the liquid tank; the first flow valves are respectively arranged at the air outlets of the connecting pieces; the driving unit is arranged on the base and connected to the air inlet of the connecting piece. The driving unit is used for providing constant-pressure air to the air inlet of the connecting piece.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply module and a supply system, in particular, to a pressure supply module and a liquid supply system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in experiments (such as pharmaceutical experiments, etc.) that use multiple liquids, multiple air pumps can be used to pressurize the liquids respectively, so as to flow the liquids to a target object, and the proportion of the liquids can be controlled by the output power of the air pumps. However, such an operation mode has limitations such as space requirement and power requirement. Therefore, more different liquid supply modes or pressurized liquid modes are needed to meet the requirements of various experiments. SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a pressure supply module that can improve at least one problem in the prior art.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a pressure supply module that can improve at least one problem in the prior art.

[0005] In some embodiments, the driving unit comprises a gas cylinder connected to the air inlet of the connecting unit, a push rod arranged in the gas cylinder, and at least one constant force spring connected to the push rod, wherein the constant force spring is arranged to provide a constant force to the push rod to drive the push rod to push the gas in the gas cylinder to the air inlet.

[0006] In some embodiments, the driving unit further comprises a base, the gas cylinder is arranged in the base, the driving unit comprises two constant force springs connected between the push rod and the base, and the two constant force springs are respectively arranged on both sides of the push rod.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a pressure supply module that can improve at least one problem in the prior art.

[0008] Therefore, the liquid supply system of the present invention includes a base, a liquid storage device, and a pressure supply module. The liquid storage device is disposed on the base and has multiple liquid tanks for holding liquid, each liquid tank having an inlet and an outlet for allowing the liquid to flow out. The pressure supply module includes a connection unit and a drive unit. The connection unit includes a connector and multiple first flow valves. The connector has an air inlet and multiple air outlets communicating with the air inlet. The air outlets are respectively connected to the inlets of the liquid tanks, and the first flow valves are respectively disposed at the air outlets of the connector. The drive unit is connected to the air inlet of the connector and disposed on the base. The drive unit is used to provide a constant pressure of gas to the air inlet of the connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drive unit includes an air cylinder connected to the air inlet of the connector, a push rod disposed on the air cylinder, and at least one constant force spring connected to the push rod, the constant force spring being used to provide a constant force to the push rod to drive the push rod to push the gas in the air cylinder to the air inlet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drive unit further includes a base disposed on the base, the air cylinder disposed on the base, and the constant force spring connected between the push rod and the base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the liquid supply system is adapted to install a liquid processing unit. The liquid supply system further includes a liquid collection device disposed on the base and a liquid delivery module. The liquid collection device has multiple collection tanks corresponding to multiple outlets of the liquid processing unit. The liquid delivery module includes multiple first delivery pipes and multiple second delivery pipes. The first delivery pipes are respectively connected between the outlet of the liquid tank and multiple inlets of the liquid processing unit, and the second delivery pipes are respectively connected between the outlet of the liquid processing unit and the collection tank.

[0012] In some embodiments, the base has a top wall, two side walls extending downward from two opposite sides of the top wall, and a receiving space defined by the top wall and the two side walls for accommodating the liquid collection device. The liquid collection device also has a mounting portion facing the top wall of the base for mounting the liquid processing unit. The top wall of the base has a plurality of first connecting portions for connecting the first infusion tube to the inlet of the liquid processing unit, a plurality of second connecting portions for connecting the outlet of the liquid processing unit to the second infusion tube, and a plurality of third connecting portions for connecting the second infusion tube to the collection tank of the liquid collection device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base also has a plurality of slide rails formed on the two sidewalls, and at least one first latching portion, and the liquid collecting device also has a plurality of sliding portions that are slidably fitted into the slide rails, and at least one second latching portion for latching onto the at least one first latching portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the infusion module further includes a plurality of second flow valves respectively disposed on the first infusion tube.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The pressure supply module's connecting unit can deliver constant-pressure gas provided by the driving unit to the liquid tank, thereby actuating the liquid within the tank to achieve the purpose of liquid supply. This eliminates the need for multiple air pumps to pressurize the liquid in the tank, thus saving experimental space. Furthermore, by controlling the opening degree of the first flow valve, the supply ratio of the liquid in the tank can be adjusted to meet the different needs of experiments using multiple liquids. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the liquid supply system of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the embodiment from another viewpoint;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a partial exploded perspective view of the embodiment described;

[0020] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 3 However, a partial 3D exploded view from a different perspective;

[0021] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 1 A perspective view showing that a push rod of a pressure supply module in the embodiment is being pulled;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment described.

[0023] BCPI-240357, page 4 / 6 Detailed Implementation

[0024] See Figures 1 to 4An embodiment of the liquid supply system 100 of the present invention is suitable for installation in a liquid processing unit 200, the liquid processing unit 200 being, for example, but not limited to, an organ-on-a-chip for drug experiments. The liquid supply system 100 includes a base 1, a liquid storage device 2, a pressure supply module 3, a liquid collection device 4, and an infusion module 5.

[0025] The base 1 has a top wall 11, two side walls 12 extending downward from two opposite sides of the top wall 11, a rear wall 13 extending downward from the top wall 11 and connected to the two side walls 12, a receiving space 14 defined by the top wall 11, the two side walls 12 and the rear wall 13 and used to accommodate the liquid collection device 4, a plurality of slide rails 15 formed by the recesses of the inner surfaces of the two side walls 12, and two first latching portions 16 formed in the top wall 11 and perforated in shape.

[0026] The liquid storage device 2 is located at the rear end of the top wall 11 of the base 1 and above the rear wall 13. The liquid storage device 2 has multiple liquid tanks 21 arranged laterally for holding various liquids, such as various experimental drug liquids. Each liquid tank 21 has an inlet 211 for air intake and a lower outlet 212 for liquid outflow.

[0027] The pressure supply module 3 includes a connection unit 31 and a drive unit 32. The connection unit 31 includes a connector 311 and a plurality of first flow valves 312. The connector 311 has a main pipeline 311a, a plurality of branch pipelines 311b connected to the main pipeline 311a, an air inlet 311c located at the end of the main pipeline 311a, and a plurality of air outlets 311d located at the ends of the branch pipelines 311b and communicating with the air inlet 311c. The air outlets 311d are respectively connected to the inlet 211 of the liquid tank 21, and the first flow valves 312 are respectively disposed at the air outlets 311d of the connector 311.

[0028] The drive unit 32 is disposed on the base 1 and connected to the air inlet 311c of the connector 311. The drive unit 32 includes a base 321 detachably disposed on one side wall 12 of the base 1, an air cylinder 322 disposed on the base 321 and connected to the air inlet 311c of the connector 311, a push rod 323 disposed on the air cylinder 322, and two constant force springs 324 connected between the push rod 323 and the base 321 and respectively located on both sides of the push rod 323. Each constant force spring 324 is used to provide a certain force to the push rod 323 to drive the push rod 323 to push the gas in the air cylinder 322 to the air inlet 311c. It should be noted that the number of constant force springs 324 is not limited to two in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the number of constant force springs 324 may also be one or more. The drive unit 32 is used to provide constant-pressure gas to the air inlet 311c of the connector 311. In actual operation, the push rod 323 can be pulled a predetermined distance away from the air cylinder 322 as needed. Figure 5 As shown, the two constant-force springs 324 are stretched to generate a constant force that elastically recovers, thereby driving the push rod 323 to push the gas in the air cylinder 322 to the air inlet 311c. Since the force on the push rod 323 is a constant force (the magnitude of the force is a fixed value), and the cross-sectional area of ​​the air cylinder 322 is also fixed, the generated gas pressure is a fixed value. Therefore, the drive unit 32 can provide constant-pressure gas to the air inlet 311c of the connector 311. By controlling the opening degree of the first flow valve 312 of the connector 31, the gas flow ratio between the air inlets 311c of the connector 311 can be adjusted, thus further adjusting the supply ratio of the liquid in the liquid tank 21.

[0029] The pressure supply module 3 of the present invention does not require electricity or multiple air pumps, and can stably and uniformly pressurize the liquid in the liquid tank 21 with different proportions, thus saving energy (electricity) and space required for experiments.

[0030] The liquid collection device 4 is detachably disposed in the accommodating space 14 of the base 1. The liquid collection device 4 has a plurality of liquid collection tanks 41, a mounting part 42 facing the top wall 11 of the base 1 and used for mounting the liquid treatment unit 200, a plurality of sliding parts 43 that are protruding and slidably fitted into the slide rail 15 of the base 1, and two second snap-fit ​​parts 44 that are hook-shaped and used for snapping into the two first snap-fit ​​parts 16. During the assembly of the liquid collection device 4, the liquid processing unit 200 is first installed on the mounting part 42 of the liquid collection device 4, and then the liquid collection device 4 is assembled into the receiving space 14 of the base 1. In this embodiment, the slide rail 15 of the base 1 is approximately L-shaped. The liquid collection device 4 must first be pushed backward into the receiving space 14, and then pushed upward so that the two second latching parts 44 of the liquid collection device 4 are latched onto the two first latching parts 16 of the base 1.

[0031] The liquid processing unit 200 has a plurality of liquid inlets 201 corresponding to the liquid tank 21 of the liquid storage device 2, and a plurality of liquid outlets 202 corresponding to the liquid collection tank 41 of the liquid collection device 4.

[0032] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 The infusion module 5 includes multiple first infusion tubes 51, multiple second infusion tubes 52, and multiple second flow valves 53 respectively disposed on the first infusion tubes 51. The first infusion tubes 51 are respectively connected between the outlet 212 and the inlet 201 of the liquid tank 21, and the second infusion tubes 52 are respectively connected between the outlet 202 and the collection tank 41. The top wall 11 of the base 1 has multiple first connecting portions 111 respectively connected between the first infusion tubes 51 and the inlet 201 of the liquid processing unit 200, multiple second connecting portions 112 respectively connected between the outlet 202 of the liquid processing unit 200 and the second infusion tubes 52, and multiple third connecting portions 113 respectively connected between the second infusion tubes 52 and the collection tank 41 of the liquid collection device 4. Each first connecting portion 111 and each second connecting portion 112 has an elastic joint with the liquid processing unit 200 to prevent leakage.

[0033] Specifically, the liquid flows from the liquid tank 21 of the liquid storage device 2 to the liquid processing unit 200, then flows through the circuitry within the liquid processing unit 200 and reacts with the substances there. The reacted substances then flow from the liquid processing unit 200 to the collection tank 41 of the liquid collection device 4 for subsequent analysis. During operation, the drug experiment can be paused or stopped if necessary by closing the second flow valve 53.

[0034] In summary, this invention, through the connecting unit 31 in the pressure supply module 3, can deliver the constant-pressure gas provided by the drive unit 32 to the liquid tank 21 to push the liquid in the liquid tank 21 to achieve the purpose of liquid supply. This eliminates the need for multiple air pumps to pressurize the liquid in the liquid tank 21, and even eliminates the need for electricity, thus saving energy and space required for experiments. Furthermore, by controlling the opening degree of the first flow valve 312, the supply ratio of the liquid in the liquid tank 21 can be adjusted to meet the different needs of experiments using multiple liquids.

[0035] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure supply module adapted to be mounted in a liquid supply system, said liquid supply system comprising a base and a liquid storage appliance, said liquid storage appliance being provided in said base and having a plurality of liquid tanks for holding liquid, each of said liquid tanks having an inlet and an outlet for outflow of said liquid, characterized in that: The pressure supply module comprises: a connection unit including a connection member having an air inlet and a plurality of air outlets in communication with the air inlet, the air outlets being adapted to be connected to the inlets of the liquid tanks respectively, and a plurality of first flow valves respectively arranged at the air outlets of the connection member; and a driving unit connected to the air inlet of the connection member and adapted to be arranged at the base, the driving unit being adapted to provide the air inlet of the connection member with air at a constant pressure. The driving unit includes an air cylinder connected to the air inlet of the connection member, a push rod arranged at the air cylinder, and at least one constant force spring connected to the push rod, the constant force spring being adapted to provide the push rod with a constant force to drive the push rod to push the air in the air cylinder to the air inlet.

2. The pressure supply module of claim 1, wherein: The driving unit further includes a base, the air cylinder being arranged at the base, the driving unit including two constant force springs connected between the push rod and the base, and the two constant force springs being respectively located at two sides of the push rod.

3. The pressure supply module of claim 2, wherein: The liquid supply system comprises:

4. A liquid supply system characterized by comprising: a base, a liquid storage device arranged at the base and having a plurality of liquid tanks for containing liquid, each of the liquid tanks having an inlet and an outlet for flowing out the liquid; and The pressure supply module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving unit of the pressure supply module is arranged at the base. The driving unit includes an air cylinder connected to the air inlet of the connection member, a push rod arranged at the air cylinder, and at least one constant force spring connected to the push rod, the constant force spring being adapted to provide the push rod with a constant force to drive the push rod to push the air in the air cylinder to the air inlet.

5. The liquid supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driving unit further includes a base arranged at the base, the air cylinder being arranged at the base, and the constant force spring being connected between the push rod and the base.

6. The liquid supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid supply system is adapted to be installed with a liquid processing unit, the liquid supply system further comprising a liquid collection device arranged at the base and having a plurality of liquid collection tanks corresponding to a plurality of liquid outlets of the liquid processing unit respectively, and a liquid delivery module including a plurality of first liquid delivery tubes and a plurality of second liquid delivery tubes, the first liquid delivery tubes being connected between the outlets of the liquid tanks and a plurality of liquid inlets of the liquid processing unit respectively, and the second liquid delivery tubes being connected between the liquid outlets of the liquid processing unit and the liquid collection tanks respectively.

7. The liquid supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that: ​ 8. The liquid supply system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The base has a top wall, two side walls respectively extending downward from two opposite sides of the top wall, and a receiving space defined by the top wall and the two side walls and used for receiving the liquid collecting device, the liquid collecting device also has a mounting portion facing the top wall of the base and used for mounting the liquid treatment unit, the top wall of the base has a plurality of first connecting portions respectively connected between the first liquid delivery pipe and the liquid inlet of the liquid treatment unit, a plurality of second connecting portions respectively connected between the liquid outlet of the liquid treatment unit and the second liquid delivery pipe, and a plurality of third connecting portions respectively connected between the second liquid delivery pipe and the liquid collecting groove of the liquid collecting device.

9. The liquid supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The base also has a plurality of sliding rails formed on the two side walls, and at least one first clamping portion, the liquid collecting device also has a plurality of sliding portions respectively slidably fitted on the sliding rails, and at least one second clamping portion used for clamping on the at least one first clamping portion.

10. The liquid supply system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The liquid delivery module also includes a plurality of second flow valves respectively arranged on the first liquid delivery pipe.

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