Full-automatic solid-phase extraction instrument

Abstract

The invention discloses a full-automatic solid-phase extraction instrument which comprises a main machine shell and a main machine in the main machine shell, a plunger module, a test tube rack module and a concentration constant volume module in the main machine are mounted on a rack provided with various axial movement modules for continuous operation of extraction and concentration; wherein in each group of solid-phase extraction assembly in the plunger module, a solution is injected and added into the SPE column through a plunger rod; a plurality of test tubes corresponding to the solid-phase extraction assembly are arranged in the test tube rack module so as to receive corresponding filtrate; in the concentration constant volume module, corresponding elution sample liquid is received through a constant volume pipe, air blowing and liquid adding are performed by an air blowing and liquid adding assembly arranged on one side of the constant volume pipe, and then constant volume is performed on the elution sample liquid by sensing the liquid level height in the constant volume pipe through a constant volume module arranged at the bottom of the constant volume pipe. According to the invention, the structure of each module in the solid-phase extraction process is more compact, and the adaptability of the whole instrument to different samples is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biochemical analysis sample pretreatment technology, specifically to a fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument. Background Technology

[0002] Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is a sample pretreatment technique based on solid-phase adsorbents. Its core function is to separate, enrich, and purify target analytes from samples. The core principle of SPE is to utilize the different interaction forces between the adsorbent and the target analyte and interfering substances to achieve selective adsorption and desorption. The appropriate adsorbent can be selected according to the properties of the target analyte.

[0003] Existing automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) instruments add different solutions, such as activating reagents, samples, and elution reagents, into the SPE column during the solid-phase extraction process. To achieve batch SPE, this increases the number of pipelines and valves used for adding various solutions, resulting in a larger equipment size, more pipeline connections, and a more complex structure. Fully automated SPE instruments, exemplified by CN202211682226, have made some improvements to address these issues, but their structure remains relatively complex, contains redundancies, and has poor adaptability to different samples. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument that makes the structure of each module in the solid-phase extraction process more compact and improves the overall adaptability of the instrument to different samples. To achieve the above objective, this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] This invention discloses a fully automated solid phase extraction instrument, comprising: a main unit housing and a main unit installed inside the main unit housing.

[0006] The main unit includes a frame, a plunger module, a test tube rack module, and a concentration and volume-degradation module. An X-axis moving module and a Z-axis moving module are mounted on the frame. The test tube rack module and the concentration and volume-degradation module are fixed to the frame and arranged along the X-axis. The plunger module is mounted on the Z-axis moving module, and the Z-axis moving module is mounted on the X-axis moving module. The plunger module moves up and down under the control of the Z-axis moving module and passes sequentially above the test tube rack module and the concentration and volume-degradation module under the control of the X-axis moving module.

[0007] The plunger module is equipped with multiple solid phase extraction components. Each solid phase extraction component includes a plunger rod and an SPE column. The plunger rod is externally connected to a liquid injection pump and injects solution into the SPE column.

[0008] The test tube rack module is equipped with multiple test tubes, which correspond to the solid phase extraction component to receive the corresponding filtrate.

[0009] The concentration and volume-fixing module includes an air-blowing liquid addition assembly, a volume-fixing module, and multiple volume-fixing tubes. These tubes correspond to the solid-phase extraction assembly and receive the appropriate eluent. The air-blowing liquid addition assembly is located on one side of each volume-fixing tube and is externally connected to an air pump and a liquid addition pump to blow air and add liquid into the tube. The volume-fixing module is located at the bottom of each volume-fixing tube and adjusts the volume of the eluent by sensing the liquid level within the tube.

[0010] Furthermore, the plunger module also includes a plunger fixing plate and a guide rod, and each solid phase extraction assembly also includes a plunger rod mounting sleeve, with the plunger rod in each solid phase extraction assembly mounted on the corresponding plunger rod mounting sleeve.

[0011] The plunger fixing plate is provided with multiple first slots and second slots, and each first slot and second slot corresponds to each solid phase extraction component. The plunger rod mounting sleeve in each solid phase extraction component is movably installed in the first slot, and the SPE column is fixedly placed on the second slot.

[0012] Multiple guide rods are provided and located on one side of the plunger fixing plate. Each guide rod corresponds to each solid phase extraction assembly. One end of the plunger rod mounting sleeve in each solid phase extraction assembly is fitted onto the corresponding guide rod, so that the plunger rod mounting sleeve can move up and down in the first slot along the guide rod.

[0013] The plunger module further includes a slot plate, which is installed on the other side of the guide rod. The slot plate is provided with multiple slots, which are divided into multiple groups along the horizontal direction. Each group of slots corresponds to each group of solid phase extraction components, and the slots in each group are distributed along the vertical direction.

[0014] The plunger rod mounting sleeve also includes a limiting component, which comprises a button, a first spring, and a top pin. The top pin is movably mounted in the plunger rod mounting sleeve and has a fifth slot. The plunger rod mounting sleeve has a boss with a fourth slot that connects the plunger rod to the outside. The boss is located in the fifth slot, and the first spring is installed between the boss and the fifth slot, causing the end of the top pin to extend out of the plunger rod mounting sleeve and engage in a corresponding slot. One end of the button protrudes from the plunger rod mounting sleeve, and the other end has an inclined surface that abuts against the edge of the fifth slot. When the button is pressed, the inclined surface presses against the fifth slot, thereby pushing the top pin to move, causing the end of the top pin to disengage from the slot and adjusting the position of the plunger rod mounting sleeve.

[0015] Furthermore, the test tube rack module also includes: a test tube rack support base and a test tube rack placed on the test tube rack support base, wherein the test tubes are placed on the test tube rack, and the test tube rack support base is provided with at least one pair and fixed on the frame.

[0016] The test tube rack support is provided with a test tube rack placement slot at the top, and limit posts are provided on both sides of the test tube rack placement slot. The test tube rack is provided with a second limit groove. When the test tube rack is placed on the test tube rack support, the test tube rack is placed in the test tube rack placement slot and the limit posts are engaged in the second limit groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the concentration and volume-fixing module also includes a volume-fixing tube rack, on which the volume-fixing tube and the volume-fixing module are placed, and the air-blowing liquid addition assembly is hinged to one side of the volume-fixing tube rack. A heating rod and a temperature sensor are also installed on the volume-fixing tube rack to heat the volume-fixing tube.

[0018] The air-blowing liquid dispensing assembly includes: a needle mounting base and a liquid dispensing needle and an air-blowing needle mounted on the needle mounting base. The liquid dispensing needle is provided with a first connector for connecting to an external liquid dispensing pump, and the air-blowing needle is provided with a second connector for connecting to an external air pump.

[0019] The needle mounting base is also provided with an angle adjustment block, which has a top bolt. When the air-blowing liquid addition assembly is flipped along the hinge end until the liquid addition needle and the air-blowing needle are inserted into the volume-fixing tube, the bottom of the angle adjustment block abuts against the volume-fixing tube support. By unscrewing the top bolt in the angle adjustment block, the air-blowing liquid addition assembly is moved upward to adjust the angle of the liquid addition needle and the air-blowing needle.

[0020] The volume-fixing tube frame includes a base, a first clamping plate, and a second clamping plate. The first clamping plate is fixed on the base, and the second clamping plate is connected to the first clamping plate by a second bolt. The volume-fixing tube is placed between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, and the second clamping plate is clamped to the first clamping plate by the second bolt.

[0021] The heating rod and temperature sensor are installed in the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, and the volume-regulating module is installed on the base.

[0022] Furthermore, the fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument further includes: a dehydration column assembly, which is installed above the concentration and volume-fixing module. The dehydration column assembly includes: a column rack and multiple sets of desiccant column assemblies mounted on the column rack. Each desiccant column assembly corresponds to the volume-fixing tube, and each set of desiccant column assemblies includes: interconnected desiccant columns and a seventh connector. Elevating blocks are provided at both ends of the column rack, and these elevating blocks are connected to the volume-fixing tube rack via snap fasteners.

[0023] The dewatering column assembly further includes a second pressure plate, a third pressure plate, a pressure ring, and a third spring. The column frame has multiple eighth slots, and each eighth slot has a circumferential fifth limiting groove. The pressure ring is placed in one of the eighth slots. The third spring is fitted onto the outer wall of the pressure ring and contained within the fifth limiting groove. The second pressure plate is installed above the column frame, fixing the pressure ring in the eighth slot.

[0024] The pressure ring is provided with a ninth groove and a sixth limiting groove is provided around the circumference of the ninth groove. The desiccant column assembly is placed in the ninth groove, and a fourth protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the desiccant column. The fourth protrusion is engaged with the sixth limiting groove. The third pressure plate is installed above the second pressure plate to fix the desiccant column assembly in the ninth groove.

[0025] Furthermore, the fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument also includes a backwashing column module. The frame is also provided with a first side plate, a second side plate, and an axis rotation module. The first side plate and the second side plate are respectively disposed on one side of the X-axis moving module. The axis rotation module is mounted on the first side plate and the second side plate. The backwashing column module is mounted on the axis rotation module and flips up and down under the control of the axis rotation module.

[0026] The backwash column module is provided with multiple backwash column assemblies corresponding to the solid phase extraction assembly. Each backwash column assembly includes a fifth connector and a sixth connector that are connected to each other. The other end of the sixth connector is connected to a liquid injection pump. When the end of the fifth connector is flipped to the lower end of the SPE column, rinsing liquid is injected into the SPE column.

[0027] The backwash column module further includes a backwash column frame and a first pressure plate. The backwash column frame is provided with multiple seventh slots, and the backwash column assembly is placed in the seventh slots. The first pressure plate is installed on the backwash column frame to fix the backwash column assembly in the seventh slots.

[0028] The shaft rotation module includes: a first backwash column mounting base, a second backwash column mounting base, a servo mechanism, and a rotating shaft. The first backwash column mounting base is movably mounted on a first side plate, and the second backwash column mounting base and the servo mechanism are mounted on a second side plate, with the servo mechanism connected to the second backwash column mounting base via the rotating shaft.

[0029] The two ends of the backwash column are respectively placed on the first backwash column mounting base and the second backwash column mounting base. The servo mechanism controls the second backwash column mounting base to rotate, thereby driving the backwash column to flip up and down.

[0030] Preferably, the end of the second backwash column mounting base is provided with a first positioning pin, and the second side plate is provided with a first limiting groove. The first limiting groove is a semi-circular groove, and the end of the first positioning pin is engaged in the first limiting groove, so that the second backwash column mounting base can be rotated up and down at an angle of 0-180°.

[0031] Furthermore, the fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument further includes a waste discharge module, which is fixed on the frame and positioned along the X-axis on the other side of the test tube rack module. The waste discharge module includes a waste discharge tank, an SPE column connector, and a vacuum pump adapter. A waste discharge pipe is provided at the bottom of the waste discharge tank, one end of which is connected to the waste discharge tank to discharge the waste liquid in the waste discharge tank.

[0032] The SPE column connector is installed on one side of the waste discharge tank, and the SPE column connector is provided with multiple sets of adapter column assemblies corresponding to the solid phase extraction component. The adapter column assembly includes a third connector and a fourth connector that are connected to each other. The other end of the fourth connector is connected to the vacuum pump adapter. The vacuum pump adapter is externally connected to a vacuum pump. When the end of the third connector is connected to the SPE column, the waste liquid inside the SPE column is extracted.

[0033] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following effects: 1. This invention installs the plunger module, test tube rack module, and concentration and volume adjustment module on a frame equipped with multiple axis motion modules, simplifying the overall structure of the instrument. Furthermore, the specific installation positions of the plunger module, reagent tube rack module, and concentration and volume adjustment module enable continuous operation of extraction and concentration, making the structure of each module more compact during solid phase extraction.

[0034] 2. The concentration and volume-fixing module in this invention can perform air blowing, liquid addition, heating, and volume fixation during solid phase extraction, further improving the overall adaptability of the instrument to different samples and accelerating the concentration and volume-fixing efficiency of the eluent.

[0035] 3. The present invention adds a water removal column module above the concentration and volume fixation module, which can remove water from the sample during the elution process. The connection structure of the water removal column module installed on the concentration and volume fixation module is simple and easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0036] 4. The present invention adds a backwash column module below the plunger module, which can realize fully automatic backwashing of the SPE column. The connection structure of the backwash column module installed on the frame is simple and easy to disassemble and assemble. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the host computer in this invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the host computer in this invention.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the frame in this invention.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a side view of the central axis rotation module of the present invention (the first side plate is hidden, and only the second side plate is shown).

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 5 AA-direction cross-sectional view.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first positioning pin being engaged in the first limiting groove in this invention.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the plunger module in this invention.

[0045] Figure 9 This is an elevation view of the plunger module in this invention.

[0046] Figure 10 for Figure 9 BB-direction cross-sectional view.

[0047] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of point C.

[0048] Figure 12 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of point D.

[0049] Figure 13 This is an exploded view of the test tube rack module in this invention.

[0050] Figure 14This is an elevation view of the test tube rack module in this invention.

[0051] Figure 15 for Figure 14 EE-directed cross-sectional view.

[0052] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first state of the concentrated and constant volume module in this invention.

[0053] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second state of the concentrated and constant volume module in this invention.

[0054] Figure 18 This is a back structure diagram of the concentration and volume control module in this invention.

[0055] Figure 19 This is an elevation view of the concentration and volume control module in this invention.

[0056] Figure 20 for Figure 19 FF section view.

[0057] Figure 21 for Figure 19 GG cross-sectional view.

[0058] Figure 22 for Figure 19 HH section view.

[0059] Figure 23 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the waste discharge module in this invention.

[0060] Figure 24 This is a top view of the waste discharge module in this invention.

[0061] Figure 25 This is an elevation view (partial cross-section) of the waste discharge module in this invention.

[0062] Figure 26 for Figure 25 Enlarged view of point I.

[0063] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the backwash column module in this invention.

[0064] Figure 28 This is an exploded view of the backwash column module in this invention.

[0065] Figure 29 This is an elevation view of the backwash column module in this invention.

[0066] Figure 30 for Figure 29 The JJ-direction cross-sectional view.

[0067] Figure 31This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the water removal column assembly installed on the concentration and volume-degradation module in this invention.

[0068] Figure 32 This is an exploded view of the water removal column assembly in this invention.

[0069] Figure 33 This is an elevation view of the water removal column assembly in this invention.

[0070] Figure 34 for Figure 33 KK section view.

[0071] Main component symbols: 1: Main unit casing; 2: Main unit; 21: Frame; 211: X-axis moving module; 212: Z-axis moving module; 213: Axis rotation module; 2131: First backwash column mounting base; 2132: Second backwash column mounting base; 2133: Servo mechanism; 2134: Rotating shaft; 2135: Bearing seat; 2136: First bearing; 2137: Optical sheet; 2138: First positioning pin; 214: First side plate; 215: Second side plate; 2151: First limiting groove; 2152: Photoelectric sensor. 22: Plunger module; 221: Plunger fixing plate; 2211: First end plate; 2212: Second end plate; 2213: First slot; 2214: Second slot; 222: Plunger rod mounting sleeve; 2221: Upper shell; 2222: Lower shell; 2223: Third slot; 2224: Boss; 2225: Fourth slot; 2226: Protective coil; 223: Plunger rod; 224: SPE column; 225: Button; 2251: Inclined surface; 226: Top pin block; 2261: Fifth slot; 227: First spring; 228: Slot plate; 2281: Slot; 229: Guide rod; 2291: Second bearing; 230: Mounting plate. 23: Test tube rack module; 231: Test tube rack; 2311: Second limiting groove; 2312: First magnet; 232: Test tube; 233: Test tube rack support; 2331: Test tube rack placement slot; 2332: Limiting post; 2333: First bolt. 24: Concentration and volume control module; 241: Volume control tube holder; 2411: Base; 2412: First clamping plate; 2413: Second clamping plate; 2414: Second bolt; 2415: Second positioning pin; 2416: Air-blowing liquid addition assembly mounting block; 2417: Support column; 2418: Second magnet; 2419: Second proximity switch; 242: Volume control tube; 243: Needle mounting seat; 2431: Angle adjustment block; 2432: Top bolt; 2433: Baffle; 2434: Third magnet; 244: Liquid addition needle; 2441: First connector; 245: Air-blowing needle; 2451: Second connector; 246: Heating rod; 247: Temperature sensor; 248: Infrared beam sensor mounting seat; 2481: Volume control tube placement slot; 249: First proximity switch. 25: Waste discharge module; 251: Waste discharge tank; 2511: Waste discharge pipe; 252: Liquid level sensor; 253: SPE column connector; 2531: Sixth slot; 2532: Third limiting slot; 254: Third connector; 2541: First protrusion; 255: Second spring; 256: Fourth connector; 257: Vacuum pump adapter. 26: Backwash column module; 261: Backwash column bracket; 2611: Seventh slot; 2612: Fourth limiting slot; 2613: First plunger hole; 2614: Positioning pin; 262: First pressure plate; 2621: First opening; 2622: Positioning pin hole; 2623: Second plunger hole; 263: Fifth connector; 2631: Second protrusion; 264: Sixth connector; 2641: Third protrusion; 265: Plunger. 27: Desiccant column module, 271: Column frame, 2711: Eighth slot, 2712: Fifth limiting slot, 272: Second pressure plate, 2721: Second opening, 273: Third pressure plate, 2731: Third opening, 2732: Fourth opening, 274: Desiccant column, 2741: Fourth protrusion, 275: Seventh connector, 2751: Fifth protrusion, 276: Pressure ring, 2761: Ninth slot, 2762: Sixth limiting slot, 277: Third spring, 278: Heightening block, 279: Buckle, 280: Third bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0072] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this invention discloses a fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument, comprising: a main unit housing 1 and a main unit 2 installed inside the main unit housing 1. In this embodiment, the main unit housing 1 mainly includes instrument appearance components, electrical control components, a power pump, a switching valve, etc. This part only involves layout and arrangement, and will not be described in detail in the description of this invention.

[0074] The main unit 2 includes: a frame 21, a plunger module 22, a test tube rack module 23, and a concentration and volume adjustment module 24.

[0075] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the frame 21 is equipped with an X-axis moving module 211 and a Z-axis moving module 212. The test tube rack module 23 and the concentration and volume fixation module 24 are fixed on the frame 21 and arranged along the X-axis direction. The plunger module 22 is mounted on the Z-axis moving module 212, and the Z-axis moving module 212 is mounted on the X-axis moving module 211. The plunger module 22 moves up and down under the control of the Z-axis moving module 212 and passes above the test tube rack module 23 and the concentration and volume fixation module 24 in sequence under the control of the X-axis moving module 211.

[0076] like Figures 8 to 12 As shown, the plunger module 22 is equipped with multiple solid phase extraction components. Each solid phase extraction component includes a plunger rod 223 and an SPE column 224. The plunger rod 223 is externally connected to a liquid injection pump and injects solution into the SPE column 224.

[0077] In this embodiment, the plunger module 22 further includes a plunger fixing plate 221 and a guide rod 229. Each solid phase extraction assembly further includes a plunger rod mounting sleeve 222, and the plunger rod 223 in each solid phase extraction assembly is mounted on the corresponding plunger rod mounting sleeve 222.

[0078] The plunger fixing plate 221 is provided with multiple first slots 2213 and second slots 2214, and each first slot 2213 and second slot 2214 corresponds to each solid phase extraction assembly. The plunger rod mounting sleeve 222 in each solid phase extraction assembly is movably installed in the first slot 2213, and the SPE column 224 is fixedly placed on the second slot 2214. In this embodiment, the plunger fixing plate 221 is an L-shaped plate, wherein the vertical end plate is the first end plate 2211, the horizontal end plate is the second end plate 2212, the first slot 2213 is provided on the first end plate 2211, and the second slot 2214 is provided on the second end plate 2212.

[0079] Multiple guide rods 229 are provided and located on one side of the plunger fixing plate 221, with each guide rod 229 corresponding to each solid phase extraction assembly. One end of the plunger rod mounting sleeve 222 in each solid phase extraction assembly is fitted onto the corresponding guide rod 229, allowing the plunger rod mounting sleeve 222 to reciprocate up and down along the guide rod 229 in the first slot 2213. In this embodiment, a second bearing 2291 is installed between the plunger rod mounting sleeve 222 and the guide rod 229, and the plunger module 22 is also provided with a mounting plate 230 on one side of the plunger fixing plate 221 for mounting the plunger module 22 onto the Z-axis moving module 212.

[0080] The plunger module 22 also includes a slot plate 228, which is installed on the other side of the guide rod 229. The slot plate 228 is provided with multiple slots 2281, which are divided into multiple groups along the horizontal direction. Each group of slots 2281 corresponds to each group of solid phase extraction components, and each group of slots 2281 is distributed along the vertical direction.

[0081] The plunger rod mounting sleeve 222 also includes a limiting component, which comprises a button 225, a first spring 227, and a top pin block 226. The top pin block 226 is movably mounted in the plunger rod mounting sleeve 222 and has a fifth slot 2261. The plunger rod mounting sleeve 222 has a boss 2224, which has a fourth slot 2225. The fourth slot 2225 connects the plunger rod 223 to the outside. Meanwhile, the boss 2224 is located in the fifth slot 2261, and the first spring 227 is installed between the boss 2224 and the fifth slot 2261, so that the end of the top pin block 226 extends out of the plunger rod mounting sleeve 222 and is engaged in the corresponding slot 2281. One end of button 225 protrudes outside plunger rod mounting sleeve 222, and the other end is provided with an inclined surface 2251. The inclined surface 2251 abuts against the edge of the fifth groove 2261. When button 225 is pressed, the inclined surface 2251 squeezes the fifth groove 2261, thereby pushing the top pin block 226 to move, causing the end of the top pin block 226 to disengage from the slot 2281 and adjust the position of plunger rod mounting sleeve 222.

[0082] In this embodiment, the plunger rod mounting sleeve 222 is composed of an upper shell 2221 and a lower shell 2222. A boss 2224 is provided on the lower shell 2222, and the upper shell 2221 is provided with a third slot 2223. The third slot 2223 is connected to the fourth slot 2225, and a protective coil 2226 is installed at the end of the third slot 2223 that is connected to the outside.

[0083] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the test tube rack module 23 is provided with multiple test tubes 232, which correspond to the solid phase extraction component to receive the corresponding filtrate.

[0084] In this embodiment, the test tube rack module 23 further includes: a test tube rack support 233 and a test tube rack 231 placed on the test tube rack support 233, with test tubes 232 placed on the test tube rack 231, and a pair of test tube rack supports 233 being fixed to the frame 21.

[0085] The test tube rack support 223 has a test tube rack placement slot 2331 on its top, and limit posts 2332 on both sides of the test tube rack placement slot 2331. A second limit groove 2311 is provided on the test tube rack 231. When the test tube rack 231 is installed on the test tube rack support 233, the test tube rack 231 is placed in the test tube rack placement slot 2331, and the limit posts 2332 are engaged in the second limit groove 2311. Furthermore, in this embodiment, to ensure the stability of the test tube rack 231 after installation on the test tube rack support 233, a first magnet 2312 is provided at the bottom of the test tube rack 231, and a first bolt 2333 is provided in the test tube rack placement slot 2331. When the test tube rack 231 is placed in the test tube rack placement slot 2331, the first magnet 2312 is magnetically attracted to the first bolt 2333.

[0086] like Figures 16 to 22 As shown, the concentration and volume-fixing module 24 includes an air-blowing liquid addition assembly, a volume-fixing module, and multiple volume-fixing tubes 242. The volume-fixing tubes 242 correspond to the solid-phase extraction assembly to receive the corresponding eluent. The air-blowing liquid addition assembly is located on one side of the volume-fixing tube 242 and is externally connected to an air pump and a liquid addition pump to blow air and add liquid into the volume-fixing tube. The volume-fixing module is located at the bottom of the volume-fixing tube 242 and adjusts the volume of the eluent by sensing the liquid level within the tube.

[0087] In this embodiment, the concentration and volume-fixing module 24 further includes: a volume-fixing tube frame 241, on which the volume-fixing tube 242 and the volume-fixing module are placed, and the air-blowing liquid addition assembly is hinged to one side of the volume-fixing tube frame 241. A heating rod 246 and a temperature sensor 247 are also installed on the volume-fixing tube frame 241 to heat the volume-fixing tube 242.

[0088] The air-blowing liquid addition assembly includes: a needle mounting base 243 and a liquid addition needle 244 and an air-blowing needle 245 mounted on the needle mounting base 243. The liquid addition needle 244 is provided with a first connector 2441 for connecting to an external liquid addition pump, and the air-blowing needle 245 is provided with a second connector 2451 for connecting to an external air pump.

[0089] The needle mounting base 243 is also provided with an angle adjustment block 2431, and a top bolt 2432 is provided in the angle adjustment block 2431. When the air-blowing liquid addition assembly is flipped along the hinge end until the liquid addition needle 244 and the air-blowing needle 245 are inserted into the volume-fixing tube 242, the bottom of the angle adjustment block 2431 abuts against the volume-fixing tube support 241. By unscrewing the top bolt 2432 in the angle adjustment block 2431, the air-blowing liquid addition assembly is moved upward to adjust the angle of the liquid addition needle 244 and the air-blowing needle 245.

[0090] The volume-fixing tube holder 241 includes a base 2411, a first clamping plate 2412, and a second clamping plate 2413. The first clamping plate 2412 is fixed to the base 2411, and the second clamping plate 2413 is connected to the first clamping plate 2412 by a second bolt 2414. The volume-fixing tube 242 is placed between the first clamping plate 2412 and the second clamping plate 2413, and the second clamping plate 2413 and the first clamping plate 2412 are clamped together by the second bolt 2414. In this embodiment, multiple second positioning pins 2415 are also provided between the first clamping plate 2412 and the second clamping plate 2413. One end of each second positioning pin 2415 is fixed to the second clamping plate 2413, and the other end extends out of the first clamping plate 2412, so that the position of the second clamping plate 2413 does not shift when the second clamping plate 2413 and the first clamping plate 2412 clamp the volume-fixing tube 242.

[0091] Meanwhile, a gas-blowing liquid addition assembly mounting block 2416 is provided on one side of the volume-regulating tube holder 241, and a support column 2417 is provided at the bottom of the gas-blowing liquid addition assembly mounting block 2416. The needle mounting seat 243 in the gas-blowing liquid addition assembly is hinged to the gas-blowing liquid addition assembly mounting block 2416. Furthermore, a second magnet 2418 and a second proximity switch 2419 are also provided on the gas-blowing liquid addition assembly mounting block 2416. A baffle 2433 is provided on the hinged end side of the needle mounting seat 243, and a third magnet 2434 is provided on the baffle 2433. When the gas-blowing liquid addition assembly is flipped along the hinged end until the liquid addition needle 244 and the gas-blowing needle 245 extend into the volume-regulating tube 242, the second proximity switch 2419 senses the needle mounting seat 243. When the air-blowing liquid filling assembly flips along the hinge end until the liquid filling needle 244 and the air blowing needle 245 leave the constant volume tube 242, the second magnet 2418 and the third magnet 2434 attract each other magnetically, so that the position of the air-blowing liquid filling assembly is stable and does not shift.

[0092] Heating rods 246 and temperature sensors 247 are installed in the first clamping plate 2412 and the second clamping plate 2413, and the volume-regulating module is installed on the base. In this embodiment, multiple heating rods 246 are installed in the first clamping plate 2412 and the second clamping plate 2413, corresponding to the volume-regulating tube 242. Simultaneously, the volume-regulating module uses an infrared through-beam sensor to sense the liquid level in the volume-regulating tube 242. The volume-regulating module includes an infrared through-beam sensor mounting base 248 and an infrared through-beam sensor (not shown in the figure) installed in the infrared through-beam sensor mounting base 248. The top of the infrared through-beam sensor mounting base 248 is provided with a volume-regulating tube placement groove 2481, and the end of the volume-regulating tube 242 is engaged in the volume-regulating tube placement groove 2481.

[0093] like Figure 31As shown, the fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument further includes a dehydration column assembly 27, which is installed above the concentration and volume-degradation module 24. The dehydration column assembly 27 includes a column rack 271 and multiple sets of desiccant column assemblies mounted on the column rack 271. Each desiccant column assembly corresponds to the volume-degradation tube 242, and each set of desiccant column assemblies includes interconnected desiccant columns 274 and a seventh connector 275. In this embodiment, the desiccant column 274 is an anhydrous sodium sulfate column; in other embodiments, other desiccants may be used for dehydration.

[0094] The column support 271 has heightening blocks 278 at both ends, and the heightening blocks 278 are connected to the volume-fixing tube support 241 by a snap fastener. In this embodiment, the volume-fixing tube support 241 is provided with a first proximity switch 249 to sense the installation status of the water removal column module 27.

[0095] Combination Figures 32 to 34 As shown, in this embodiment, the water removal column module 27 further includes: a second pressure plate 272, a third pressure plate 273, a pressure ring 276, and a third spring 277. The column frame 271 is provided with multiple eighth slots 2711, and each eighth slot 2711 has a circumferential fifth limiting groove 2712. The pressure ring 276 is placed in the eighth slot 2711. The third spring 277 is fitted onto the outer wall of the pressure ring 276 and contained within the fifth limiting groove 2712. The second pressure plate 272 is installed above the column frame 271, fixing the pressure ring 276 in the eighth slot 2711.

[0096] The pressure ring 276 is provided with a ninth groove 2761 and a sixth limiting groove 2762 is provided around the ninth groove 2761. The desiccant column assembly is placed in the ninth groove 2761, and a fourth protrusion 2741 is provided on the outer wall of the desiccant column 274. The fourth protrusion 2741 is engaged with the sixth limiting groove 2762. The third pressure plate 273 is installed above the second pressure plate 272 to fix the desiccant column assembly in the ninth groove 2761.

[0097] In this embodiment, the second pressure plate 272 is mounted above the column frame 271 by the third bolt 280, and the second pressure plate 272 has a second opening 2721 to expose the desiccant column assembly. The third pressure plate 273 has a third opening 2731, which is gourd-shaped and corresponds to the third bolt 280. The third pressure plate 273 is mounted above the second pressure plate 272 by engaging with the third bolt 280 through the third opening 2731. In addition, the third pressure plate 273 also has a fourth opening 2732 to expose the desiccant column assembly, and the seventh connector 275 has a fifth protrusion 2751 on the outer wall of the end connected to the desiccant column 274. The radius of the fifth protrusion 2751 is larger than the radius of the fourth opening 2732 to prevent the seventh connector 275 from detaching from the desiccant column 274 due to excessive flow velocity.

[0098] like Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, the fully automated solid phase extraction instrument also includes a backwashing column module 26. The frame 21 is also provided with a first side plate 214, a second side plate 215 and an axis rotation module 213. The first side plate 214 and the second side plate 215 are respectively disposed on one side of the X-axis moving module 211. The axis rotation module 213 is mounted on the first side plate 214 and the second side plate 215. The backwashing column module 26 is mounted on the axis rotation module 213 and flips up and down under the control of the axis rotation module 213.

[0099] The backwash column module 26 is equipped with multiple backwash column assemblies corresponding to the solid phase extraction assembly. Each backwash column assembly includes a fifth connector 263 and a sixth connector 264 that are connected to each other. The other end of the sixth connector 264 is connected to a liquid pump. When the end of the fifth connector 263 is flipped to the lower end of the SPE column 224, rinsing liquid is injected into the SPE column 224.

[0100] Combination Figure 29 and Figure 30 As shown, in this embodiment, the backwash column module 26 further includes a backwash column frame 261 and a first pressure plate 262. The backwash column frame 261 is provided with a plurality of seventh slots 2611, and the backwash column assembly is placed in the seventh slots 2611. The first pressure plate 262 is installed on the backwash column frame 261 to fix the backwash column assembly in the seventh slots 2611.

[0101] In this embodiment, the backwash column 261 is provided with a plurality of first plunger holes 2613, and the first pressure plate 262 is provided with second plunger holes 2623 corresponding to the first plunger holes 2613. When the first pressure plate 262 is installed on the backwash column 261, it is fixed by installing plungers 265 in the first plunger holes 2613 and the second plunger holes 2623. At the same time, the backwash column 261 is also provided with a pair of positioning pins 2614, and the first pressure plate 262 is provided with positioning pin holes 2622 corresponding to the positioning pins 2614, to prevent the position of the first pressure plate 262 from shifting when it is installed.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fourth limiting groove 2612 is provided around the seventh slot 2611, and a third protrusion 2641 is provided at the end of the sixth connector 264. When the backwash column assembly is placed in the seventh slot 2611, the third protrusion 2641 is engaged in the fourth limiting groove 2612. A first opening 2621 is provided on the first pressure plate 262 to expose the backwash column assembly, and a second protrusion 2631 is provided on the outer wall of the fifth connector 263 at the end connected to the sixth connector 264. The radius of the second protrusion 2631 is larger than the radius of the first opening 2621 to prevent the fifth connector 263 from separating from the sixth connector 264 due to excessive flow velocity.

[0103] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the shaft rotation module 213 includes: a first backwash column mounting base 2131, a second backwash column mounting base 2132, a servo mechanism 2133, and a rotating shaft 2134. The first backwash column mounting base 2131 is movably mounted on a first side plate 214. The second backwash column mounting base 2132 and the servo mechanism 2133 are mounted on a second side plate 215, and the servo mechanism 2133 is connected to the second backwash column mounting base 2132 via the rotating shaft 2134. In this embodiment, a bearing seat 2135 is provided between the rotating shaft 2134 and the servo mechanism 2133, and a first bearing 2136 is installed in the bearing seat 2135.

[0104] The two ends of the backwash column 261 are placed on the first backwash column mounting base 2131 and the second backwash column mounting base 2132 respectively. The servo mechanism 2133 controls the second backwash column mounting base 2132 to rotate, thereby driving the backwash column 261 to flip up and down.

[0105] Among them, such as Figure 7As shown, a first positioning pin 2138 is provided at the end of the second backwash column mounting base 2132, and a first limiting groove 2151 is provided on the second side plate 215. The first limiting groove 2151 is a semi-circular groove, and the end of the first positioning pin 2138 is engaged in the first limiting groove 2151, so that the second backwash column mounting base 2132 can be rotated up and down at an angle of 0-180°. At the same time, in this embodiment, a photoelectric sensor 2152 is installed on the second side plate 215, and a light sheet 2137 is installed on the second backwash column mounting base 2132. The rotation angle of the second backwash column mounting base 2132 is monitored by the photoelectric sensor 2152 sensing the light sheet 2137.

[0106] In addition, as shown in the figure Figures 23 to 26 As shown, the fully automated solid phase extraction instrument also includes a waste discharge module 25, which is fixed on the frame 21 and set on the other side of the test tube rack module 23 along the X-axis. The waste discharge module 25 includes a waste discharge tank 251, an SPE column connector 253, and a vacuum pump adapter 257.

[0107] A waste discharge pipe 2511 is provided at the bottom of the waste discharge tank 251, and one end of the waste discharge pipe 2511 is connected to the waste discharge tank 251 to discharge the waste liquid in the waste discharge tank 251. In this embodiment, a liquid level sensor 252 is also installed in the waste discharge tank 251.

[0108] The SPE column connector 253 is installed on one side of the waste discharge tank 251, and the SPE column connector 253 is provided with multiple sets of adapter column assemblies corresponding to the solid phase extraction component. The adapter column assembly includes a third connector 254 and a fourth connector 256 connected to each other. The other end of the fourth connector 256 is connected to a vacuum pump adapter 257, which is externally connected to a vacuum pump. When the end of the third connector 254 is connected to the SPE column 224, the waste liquid inside the SPE column 224 is extracted. In this embodiment, the SPE column connector 253 is provided with multiple sixth slots 2531, and the adapter column assemblies are installed in the corresponding sixth slots 2531. Furthermore, a third limiting groove 2532 is provided circumferentially in the sixth slot 2531, and a first protrusion 2541 is provided on the outer wall of the third connector 254. When the third connector 254 is installed in the sixth slot 2531, the first protrusion 2541 is engaged in the third limiting groove 2532, and a second spring 255 is fitted on the outer wall of the third connector 254. The second spring 255 is housed between the first protrusion 2541 and the third limiting groove 2532.

[0109] The method of using this invention for solid-phase extraction is as follows: S1. Activation: Install the SPE column 224 on the plunger module 22, and then inject the activation reagent into the SPE column 224.

[0110] S2, rinsing: The sample is added into the SPE column 224. After the sample is extracted by the SPE column 224, the filtrate is collected by the corresponding test tube 232 in the test tube rack module 23.

[0111] S3, Elution: The plunger module 22 moves forward so that the concentration and volume adjustment module 24 is located below the plunger module 22. Elution reagent is added into the SPE column 224 to soak and elute the SPE column 224, and the eluent is introduced into the corresponding volume adjustment tube 242.

[0112] During this process, a dehydration column module 27 can be installed above the concentration and volume-degradation module 24 to allow the eluent to be dehydrated and dried before flowing into the volume-degradation tube 242. Furthermore, the eluent also needs to be dried before addition; typically, this is done by designing the eluent flow path to pass through a cleaning column containing a desiccant. In this embodiment, the desiccant added to the cleaning column is anhydrous sodium sulfate.

[0113] S4. Volume Adjustment: The volume adjustment module 24 heats and blows air into the volume adjustment tube 242, thereby accelerating the concentration efficiency of the eluent. At the same time, the auxiliary volume adjustment module adjusts the volume of the eluent using an infrared beam sensor.

[0114] S5. Backwashing: A backwashing column module 26 and a waste discharge module 25 can be installed below the plunger module 22. At this time, the flushing liquid is injected into the SPE column 224 by an external liquid pump to backwash the SPE column 224, and then the waste liquid is discharged out of the device through the waste discharge tank module 25.

[0115] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument, characterized in that, include: The main unit casing and the main unit installed inside the main unit casing; The main unit includes: a frame, a plunger module, a test tube rack module, and a concentration and volume-degradation module. An X-axis moving module and a Z-axis moving module are mounted on the frame. The test tube rack module and the concentration and volume-degradation module are fixed to the frame and arranged along the X-axis. The plunger module is mounted on the Z-axis moving module, and the Z-axis moving module is mounted on the X-axis moving module. The plunger module moves up and down under the control of the Z-axis moving module and passes sequentially above the test tube rack module and the concentration and volume-degradation module under the control of the X-axis moving module. The plunger module is equipped with multiple solid phase extraction components. Each solid phase extraction component includes a plunger rod and an SPE column. The plunger rod is externally connected to a liquid injection pump and injects a solution into the SPE column. The test tube rack module is provided with multiple test tubes, which correspond to the solid phase extraction component to receive the corresponding filtrate. The concentration and volume-fixing module includes an air-blowing liquid addition component, a volume-fixing module, and multiple volume-fixing tubes. The volume-fixing tubes correspond to the solid-phase extraction component to receive the corresponding eluent. The air-blowing liquid addition component is located on one side of the volume-fixing tube and is externally connected to an air pump and a liquid addition pump to blow air and add liquid into the volume-fixing tube. The volume-fixing module is located at the bottom of the volume-fixing tube and adjusts the volume of the eluent by sensing the liquid level in the tube.

2. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The plunger module also includes: a plunger fixing plate and a guide rod. Each solid phase extraction assembly also includes: a plunger rod mounting sleeve. The plunger rod in each solid phase extraction assembly is mounted on the corresponding plunger rod mounting sleeve. The plunger fixing plate is provided with multiple first slots and second slots, and each first slot and second slot corresponds to each solid phase extraction component. The plunger rod mounting sleeve in each solid phase extraction component is movably installed in the first slot, and the SPE column is fixedly placed on the second slot. Multiple guide rods are provided and located on one side of the plunger fixing plate. Each guide rod corresponds to each solid phase extraction assembly. One end of the plunger rod mounting sleeve in each solid phase extraction assembly is fitted onto the corresponding guide rod, so that the plunger rod mounting sleeve can move up and down in the first slot along the guide rod.

3. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The plunger module further includes a slot plate, which is installed on the other side of the guide rod. The slot plate is provided with multiple slots, which are divided into multiple groups along the horizontal direction. Each group of slots corresponds to each group of solid phase extraction components, and the slots in each group are distributed along the vertical direction. The plunger rod mounting sleeve also includes a limiting component, which comprises a button, a first spring, and a top pin. The top pin is movably mounted in the plunger rod mounting sleeve and has a fifth slot. The plunger rod mounting sleeve has a boss with a fourth slot that connects the plunger rod to the outside. The boss is located in the fifth slot, and the first spring is installed between the boss and the fifth slot, causing the end of the top pin to extend out of the plunger rod mounting sleeve and engage in a corresponding slot. One end of the button protrudes from the plunger rod mounting sleeve, and the other end has an inclined surface that abuts against the edge of the fifth slot. When the button is pressed, the inclined surface presses against the fifth slot, thereby pushing the top pin to move and disengaging its end from the slot, thus adjusting the position of the plunger rod mounting sleeve.

4. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The test tube rack module further includes: a test tube rack support base and a test tube rack placed on the test tube rack support base, wherein the test tubes are placed on the test tube rack, and the test tube rack support base is provided with at least one pair and fixed on the frame; The test tube rack support is provided with a test tube rack placement slot at the top, and limit posts are provided on both sides of the test tube rack placement slot. The test tube rack is provided with a second limit groove. When the test tube rack is placed on the test tube rack support, the test tube rack is placed in the test tube rack placement slot and the limit posts are engaged in the second limit groove.

5. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The concentration and volume-fixing module further includes: a volume-fixing tube frame, on which the volume-fixing tube and the volume-fixing module are placed, and the air-blowing liquid addition assembly is hinged to one side of the volume-fixing tube frame; a heating rod and a temperature sensor are also installed on the volume-fixing tube frame to heat the volume-fixing tube. The air-blowing liquid dispensing assembly includes: a needle mounting base and a liquid dispensing needle and an air-blowing needle mounted on the needle mounting base. The liquid dispensing needle is provided with a first connector for connecting to an external liquid dispensing pump, and the air-blowing needle is provided with a second connector for connecting to an external air pump. The needle mounting base is also provided with an angle adjustment block, which has a top bolt. When the air-blowing liquid addition assembly is flipped along the hinge end until the liquid addition needle and the air-blowing needle are inserted into the volume-fixing tube, the bottom of the angle adjustment block abuts against the volume-fixing tube support. By unscrewing the top bolt in the angle adjustment block, the air-blowing liquid addition assembly is moved upward to adjust the angle of the liquid addition needle and the air-blowing needle.

6. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The volume-fixing tube frame includes: a base, a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate. The first clamping plate is fixed on the base, and the second clamping plate is connected to the first clamping plate by a second bolt. The volume-fixing tube is placed between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, and the second clamping plate and the first clamping plate are clamped together by the second bolt. The heating rod and temperature sensor are installed in the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate, and the volume-regulating module is installed on the base.

7. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that: Also includes: A dehydration column assembly is installed above the concentration and volume-fixing module. The dehydration column assembly includes a column frame and multiple sets of desiccant column assemblies installed on the column frame. The desiccant column assemblies correspond to the volume-fixing tube, and each set of desiccant column assemblies includes: interconnected desiccant columns and a seventh connector. The column rack has heightening blocks at both ends, and the heightening blocks are connected to the volume-fixing tube rack by fasteners.

8. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The dewatering column module further includes: a second pressure plate, a third pressure plate, a pressure ring, and a third spring; the column frame is provided with multiple eighth slots and a fifth limiting groove is provided around the circumference of the eighth slot; the pressure ring is placed in the eighth slot; the third spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the pressure ring and stored in the fifth limiting groove; the second pressure plate is installed above the column frame to fix the pressure ring in the eighth slot; The pressure ring is provided with a ninth groove and a sixth limiting groove is provided around the circumference of the ninth groove. The desiccant column assembly is placed in the ninth groove, and a fourth protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the desiccant column. The fourth protrusion is engaged with the sixth limiting groove. The third pressure plate is installed above the second pressure plate to fix the desiccant column assembly in the ninth groove.

9. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The backwash column module, the frame is also provided with a first side plate, a second side plate and an axis rotation module. The first side plate and the second side plate are respectively provided on one side of the X-axis moving module. The axis rotation module is installed on the first side plate and the second side plate. The backwash column module is installed on the axis rotation module and flips up and down under the control of the axis rotation module. The backwash column module is provided with multiple backwash column assemblies corresponding to the solid phase extraction assembly. Each backwash column assembly includes a fifth connector and a sixth connector that are connected to each other. The other end of the sixth connector is connected to a liquid injection pump. When the end of the fifth connector is flipped to the lower end of the SPE column, rinsing liquid is injected into the SPE column.

10. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The backwash column module further includes: a backwash column frame and a first pressure plate. The backwash column frame is provided with a plurality of seventh slots, and the backwash column assembly is placed in the seventh slots. The first pressure plate is installed on the backwash column frame to fix the backwash column assembly in the seventh slots. The shaft rotation module includes: a first backwash column mounting base, a second backwash column mounting base, a servo mechanism, and a rotating shaft. The first backwash column mounting base is movably mounted on a first side plate, and the second backwash column mounting base and the servo mechanism are mounted on a second side plate, with the servo mechanism connected to the second backwash column mounting base via the rotating shaft. The two ends of the backwash column are respectively placed on the first backwash column mounting base and the second backwash column mounting base. The servo mechanism controls the second backwash column mounting base to rotate, thereby driving the backwash column to flip up and down.

11. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 10, characterized in that: The second backwash column mounting base is provided with a first positioning pin at its end and a first limiting groove on the second side plate. The first limiting groove is a semi-circular groove. The end of the first positioning pin is engaged in the first limiting groove, so that the second backwash column mounting base can be rotated up and down at an angle of 0-180°.

12. The fully automated solid-phase extraction apparatus as described in claim 9, characterized in that: Also includes: Waste discharge module, which is fixed on the frame and arranged on the other side of the test tube rack module along the X-axis, includes: waste discharge tank, SPE column connector and vacuum pump adapter; The bottom of the waste discharge tank is equipped with a waste discharge pipe, one end of which is connected to the waste discharge tank to discharge the waste liquid in the waste discharge tank; The SPE column connector is installed on one side of the waste discharge tank, and the SPE column connector is provided with multiple sets of adapter column assemblies corresponding to the solid phase extraction component. The adapter column assembly includes a third connector and a fourth connector that are connected to each other. The other end of the fourth connector is connected to the vacuum pump adapter. The vacuum pump adapter is externally connected to a vacuum pump. When the end of the third connector is connected to the SPE column, the waste liquid inside the SPE column is extracted.

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