A pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of pipetting equipment technology, specifically a pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying, comprising a large-volume pipetting module and a micro-volume spraying module. The large-volume pipetting module includes a motor, lead screw, slider seat, bearing seat, pipette tip holder, pipette tip, and push rod. The micro-volume spraying module includes an electromagnet and a microcontroller connected to the electromagnet. During aspiration, the slider seat moves upward, causing the push rod and piston head to move upward to draw in liquid. During large-volume discharge, the electromagnet controls the microcontroller to move downward, pressing the control block against the slider seat, and the slider seat moves downward, causing the push rod to move downward synchronously to discharge liquid. During micro-volume spraying, the slider seat first moves downward by a preset distance, and the electromagnet controls the microcontroller to impact the control block at high speed, causing the push rod to move downward at high speed and spray out a micro-volume of liquid. This invention integrates large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying into one compact structure, enabling micro-volume non-contact spraying and avoiding cross-contamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipetting equipment technology, specifically a pipetting channel that is compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying. Background Technology

[0002] In biomedical testing, drug screening, molecular diagnostics, and chemical analysis, pipetting is a core step in sample processing and reagent distribution. The performance of pipetting equipment directly affects the accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency of experimental results. Currently, pipetting equipment on the market is mainly divided into two categories: one type is mainly for large-volume pipetting, with a single pipetting volume typically in the milliliter range, suitable for batch liquid transfer, but lacking precision when handling micro-volume liquids, making it difficult to meet the experimental needs below the microliter level; the other type is mainly for micro-volume pipetting, with pipetting precision reaching the nanoliter or even picoliter level, but when handling large-volume liquids, multiple repetitions are required, resulting in slow pipetting speed, low efficiency, and the tendency for prolonged operation to lead to equipment wear and decreased precision.

[0003] Furthermore, existing micropipette devices typically employ a contact dispensing method, where the pipette tip or nozzle must be inserted below or close to the liquid surface in the target container to release the liquid. This contact dispensing method presents several problems: First, it easily leads to cross-contamination, especially when handling different samples or reagents, as residual liquid on the outer wall of the pipette tip may contaminate the target container or sample. Second, for high-value or easily contaminated samples, contact dispensing increases experimental risks. Third, in high-throughput automated experimental platforms, frequent contact dispensing reduces operating speed and affects overall experimental efficiency.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, current technologies lack an integrated pipetting channel capable of simultaneously handling both large-volume, high-efficiency pipetting and small-volume, non-contact spraying. Some existing solutions attempt to balance large-volume and small-volume pipetting by replacing pipetting tips of different sizes or employing a dual-module design, but these methods are structurally complex, costly, and require manual intervention or complex control logic when switching between large-volume and small-volume modes, making true automation and integration difficult. Therefore, developing a compact, flexible pipetting channel capable of both large-volume, high-efficiency pipetting and small-volume, non-contact spraying, with no manual intervention required during the switching process, has significant practical application value and is a technical problem urgently needing to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pipetting channel that is compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying includes: a large-volume pipetting module and a micro-volume spraying module; the large-volume pipetting module includes a drive unit and a pipetting execution unit for realizing the intake and discharge of large volumes of liquid; the micro-volume spraying module is linked to the large-volume pipetting module for realizing non-contact high-speed spraying of micro-volume liquids.

[0008] As a further aspect of the present invention: the driving unit includes:

[0009] A motor mounting bracket, and a motor fixedly mounted on the motor mounting bracket;

[0010] Pump body, the pump body being connected to the motor mounting base;

[0011] A lead screw, which is connected to the output shaft of the motor via a coupling, and a lead screw flange is provided on the lead screw;

[0012] The slider seat is fixedly connected to the lead screw flange and driven by the lead screw to slide up and down along the guide rail set on the pump body.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention: the pipetting execution unit includes:

[0014] A bearing housing is fixedly connected to the pump body, and a limiting surface is provided on the inner side of the bottom end of the bearing housing;

[0015] A gun head fixing seat is installed on the outer side of the bottom end of the bearing seat, and a positioning groove is provided on the inner side of the gun head fixing seat;

[0016] The gun head includes a tube body and a piston head slidably disposed within the tube body. The piston head abuts against the inner wall of the tube body. A plug rod is provided on the piston head. A buckle is provided on the gun head. The gun head is engaged and fixed with the positioning slot by the buckle.

[0017] A push rod is slidably connected to a guide member mounted on a bearing seat. The bottom end of the push rod is provided with a plug hole for insertion and engagement with the plug rod. The top end of the push rod is fixedly provided with a transmission and control block that engages with the micro-volume liquid spraying module.

[0018] As a further aspect of the present invention: the micro-volume spraying module includes:

[0019] An electromagnet is fixedly mounted on the slider seat;

[0020] A microcontroller is connected to the electromagnet and moves up and down under the control of the electromagnet. The bottom end of the microcontroller is provided with an arc surface, and the top surface of the control block is provided with a contact surface that cooperates with the arc surface.

[0021] In the case of small-volume liquid discharge, a micro-liquid volume control distance is provided between the bottom end of the control block and the slider seat.

[0022] As a further aspect of the present invention: the lead screw is rotatably mounted between the motor mounting base and the bearing housing via a bearing, and a locking ring for axial positioning is also provided on the lead screw.

[0023] As a further aspect of the present invention, the pump body is also provided with a sensor for detecting the reset position of the slider seat. When the slider seat moves upward and triggers the sensor, the mechanism reset is completed.

[0024] As a further aspect of the present invention: the positioning slot of the gun head fixing seat is a slot and notch structure, and the buckle of the gun head engages or disengages with the positioning slot by rotation.

[0025] As a further aspect of the present invention: the size of the micro-liquid volume control gap is proportional to the volume of the micro-liquid to be discharged.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0027] 1. Multifunctional integration: Through the coordinated operation of the large-volume pipetting module and the micro-volume spraying module, the functions of large-volume high-efficiency pipetting, micro-volume non-contact spraying, and automatic loading and unloading of pipette tips are integrated into the same pipetting channel structure, which simplifies the equipment structure and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0028] 2. Flexible and adjustable pipetting modes: Through the micro-volume control spacing design between the slider seat and the control block, combined with the precise control of the micro-control rod by the electromagnet, flexible switching between large-volume dispensing and micro-volume spraying modes is achieved without the need to replace the pipetting head or manual intervention, which significantly improves operating efficiency.

[0029] 3. Precise and reliable micro-volume spraying: Micro-volume liquid is sprayed by using an electromagnet to drive a micro-control rod to impact the control block at high speed. The spraying speed is fast and the precision is high. It does not need to contact the liquid surface of the target container, which effectively avoids cross-contamination. It is especially suitable for high-throughput automated experimental platforms.

[0030] 4. Stable transmission and long service life: The push rod slides in the bearing seat through the guide component, ensuring the consistency and stability of the push rod movement; the gun head is snapped into the gun head fixing seat through a buckle, which is convenient for disassembly and assembly and reliable for connection; the piston head and the push rod are connected by a plug-in method, which has good sealing performance during liquid suction and discharge, ensuring the stability and reliability of long-term operation.

[0031] 5. Compact structure and strong applicability: This invention integrates the drive unit, the pipetting execution unit and the micro-volume spraying module into one unit, which is compact and occupies little space. It is especially suitable for multi-channel pipetting equipment, automated liquid handling workstations and other occasions with high requirements for space and precision, and has broad application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a pipetting channel designed to accommodate both large-volume pipetting and small-volume spraying.

[0033] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a pipetting channel designed to accommodate both large-volume pipetting and small-volume spraying.

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.

[0035] In the diagram: 1. Motor; 2. Motor mounting base; 3. Pump body; 4. Lead screw; 5. Slider seat; 6. Bearing seat; 7. Gun head; 8. Gun head mounting base; 9. Guide component; 10. Push rod; 11. Electromagnet; 12. Stop post; 13. Guide rail; 14. Sensor; 15. Coupling; 16. Locking ring; 17. Bearing 1; 18. Bearing 2; 19. Lead screw flange; 20. Microcontroller rod; 21. Transmission and control block; 22. Piston head; 23. Insert rod; 24. Insert hole; 25. Snap fastener; 26. Positioning slot; 27. Limiting surface. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solution of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0037] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0038] Please see Figure 1-3In one embodiment of the present invention, a pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying includes: a large-volume pipetting module and a micro-volume spraying module; the large-volume pipetting module includes a drive unit and a pipetting execution unit for realizing the intake and discharge of large-volume liquids; the micro-volume spraying module is linked to the large-volume pipetting module for realizing non-contact high-speed spraying of micro-volume liquids.

[0039] The drive unit includes: a motor mounting base 2 and a motor 1 fixedly mounted on the motor mounting base 2; a pump body 3 connected to the motor mounting base 2; a lead screw 4 connected to the output shaft of the motor 1 via a coupling 15, and a lead screw flange 19 provided on the lead screw 4; and a slider seat 5 fixedly connected to the lead screw flange 19 and driven by the lead screw 4 to slide up and down along the guide rail 13 provided on the pump body 3.

[0040] The pipetting execution unit includes: a bearing seat 6, which is fixedly connected to the pump body 3, and a limiting surface 27 is provided on the inner side of the bottom end of the bearing seat 6; a pipette head fixing seat 8, which is installed on the outer side of the bottom end of the bearing seat 6, and a positioning groove 26 is provided on the inner side of the pipette head fixing seat 8; a pipette head 7, which includes a tube body and a piston head 22 slidably disposed in the tube body, the piston head 22 abutting against the inner wall of the tube body, a plug-in rod 23 is provided on the piston head 22, and a buckle 25 is provided on the pipette head 7, and the pipette head 7 is fixedly engaged with the positioning groove 26 by the buckle 25; and a push rod 10, which is slidably connected to a guide member 9 disposed on the bearing seat 6, the bottom end of the push rod 10 is provided with a plug-in hole 24 for plugging into the plug-in rod 23, and the top end of the push rod 10 is fixedly provided with a transmission and control block 21 that cooperates with the micro-volume spraying module.

[0041] The micro-volume liquid spraying module includes: an electromagnet 11, which is fixedly mounted on the slider seat 5; and a micro-control rod 20, which is connected to the electromagnet 11 and moves up and down under the control of the electromagnet 11. The bottom end of the micro-control rod 20 is provided with an arc surface, and the top surface of the control block 21 is provided with a contact surface that cooperates with the arc surface. When discharging small volumes of liquid, a micro-liquid volume control gap is provided between the bottom end of the control block 21 and the slider seat 5.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, a bearing 17 is fixedly disposed on the inner side of the motor mounting base 2, and a bearing 18 is fixedly disposed on the inner side of the bearing seat 6. The lead screw 4 is rotatably mounted between the motor mounting base 2 and the bearing seat 6 via the bearing 17 and the bearing 18. A locking ring 16 for axial limiting is also provided on the lead screw 4.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide rail 13 is fixedly installed inside the pump body 3, and the slider seat 5 is slidably connected to the guide rail 13.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor 14 for detecting the reset position of the slider seat 5 is further provided inside the pump body 3. A stop post 12 is provided on the slider seat 5 opposite to the sensor 14. When the slider seat 5 drives the stop post 12 to move upward, the stop post 12 triggers the sensor 14, thus completing the mechanism reset.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the positioning slot 26 of the gun head fixing seat 8 is a slot and notch structure, and the buckle 25 of the gun head 7 is engaged or disengaged from the positioning slot 26 by rotation.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the size of the micro-liquid volume control gap is proportional to the volume of micro-liquid to be discharged.

[0047] The working principle of this pipetting channel, which is compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying, is as follows:

[0048] Installation and Reset: Insert the clip 25 of the gun head 7 into the positioning slot 26 of the gun head fixing seat 8 and rotate to lock it in place. Start the motor 1, which drives the slider seat 5, electromagnet 11, microcontroller 20, etc. to move upward through the lead screw 4 until the slider seat 5 triggers the sensor 14, completing the mechanism reset.

[0049] Liquid suction: Motor 1 drives slider seat 5 to move upward. Slider seat 5 drives push rod 10 to move upward through control block 21. Push rod 10 drives piston head 22, which is inserted with it, to move upward. Under the sealing action between piston head 22 and inner wall of tube, liquid is sucked into tube of nozzle 7.

[0050] Large-volume liquid discharge: When electromagnet 11 is energized, it controls the microcontroller 20 to move downward. The bottom end of the microcontroller 20 contacts the top surface of the control block 21. Under the pressure of the microcontroller 20, the bottom end of the control block 21 is pressed tightly onto the slider seat 5. Motor 1 drives the slider seat 5 to move downward. The slider seat 5 drives the push rod 10 to move downward synchronously through the micro-volume liquid spraying module (i.e., electromagnet 11 and microcontroller 20). The piston head 22 moves downward, discharging the liquid from the nozzle 7.

[0051] Micro-volume dispensing: Motor 1 first drives the slider seat 5 and electromagnet 11 to move downwards a short distance. At this time, push rod 10 remains stationary, and a gap is formed between the bottom end of control block 21 and slider seat 5. The size of this gap is proportional to the volume of micro-volume liquid to be dispensed. When the required gap is reached, motor 1 stops rotating. At this moment, electromagnet 11 is instantly energized, controlling micro-control rod 20 to strike the top surface of control block 21 at high speed, causing the bottom end of control block 21 to move downwards at high speed and press tightly against slider seat 5. This causes push rod 10 and piston head 22 to move downwards at high speed, spraying the micro-volume liquid in nozzle 7 at high speed, thus achieving non-contact dispensing.

[0052] Gun head unloading: Motor 1 drives slider seat 5 to move upward. When piston head 22 moves upward with push rod 10 to the limiting surface 27 at the bottom of bearing seat 6, the limiting surface 27 blocks piston head 22 from moving further upward, while push rod 10 continues to move upward, thus separating push rod 10 from piston head 22. Then, rotate gun head 7 in the opposite direction to separate buckle 25 from positioning slot 26, and gun head 7 can be removed.

[0053] This pipetting channel, compatible with both large-volume and small-volume dispensing, enables two different dispensing modes. During aspiration, the slider 5 moves upward, driving the push rod 10 and piston head 22 upward via the control block 21 to complete the aspiration operation. During large-volume dispensing, the electromagnet 11 controls the microcontroller 20 to move downward, pressing the control block 21 against the slider 5. The motor 1 drives the slider 5 downward, which in turn drives the push rod 10 downward synchronously via the small-volume dispensing module. The piston head 22 moves downward to dispense liquid from the nozzle 7. During small-volume dispensing, the motor 1 first drives the slider 5 downward by a preset small-volume control distance, creating a gap between the bottom of the control block 21 and the slider 5. Then, the electromagnet 11 controls the microcontroller 20 to strike the control block 21 at high speed, causing the push rod 10 to move downward a short distance at high speed, thus dispensing the small amount of liquid from the nozzle 7 at high speed. This invention has a compact structure, enabling both rapid transfer of large volumes of liquid and non-contact spraying of small amounts of liquid, avoiding cross-contamination and significantly improving the flexibility and efficiency of pipetting operations.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent.

Claims

1. A pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying, characterized in that, include: The system includes a large-volume pipetting module and a micro-volume spraying module. The large-volume pipetting module comprises a drive unit and a pipetting execution unit, used to realize the intake and discharge of large volumes of liquid. The micro-volume spraying module is linked to the large-volume pipetting module to realize the non-contact high-speed spraying of micro-volume liquid.

2. The pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving unit includes: A motor mounting bracket, and a motor fixedly mounted on the motor mounting bracket; Pump body, the pump body being connected to the motor mounting base; A lead screw, which is connected to the output shaft of the motor via a coupling, and a lead screw flange is provided on the lead screw; The slider seat is fixedly connected to the lead screw flange and driven by the lead screw to slide up and down along the guide rail set on the pump body.

3. The pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pipetting execution unit includes: A bearing housing is fixedly connected to the pump body, and a limiting surface is provided on the inner side of the bottom end of the bearing housing; A gun head fixing seat is installed on the outer side of the bottom end of the bearing seat, and a positioning groove is provided on the inner side of the gun head fixing seat; The gun head includes a tube body and a piston head slidably disposed within the tube body. The piston head abuts against the inner wall of the tube body. A plug rod is provided on the piston head. A buckle is provided on the gun head. The gun head is engaged and fixed with the positioning slot by the buckle. A push rod is slidably connected to a guide member mounted on a bearing seat. The bottom end of the push rod is provided with a plug hole for insertion and engagement with the plug rod. The top end of the push rod is fixedly provided with a transmission and control block that engages with the micro-volume liquid spraying module.

4. The pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying according to claim 3, characterized in that, The micro-volume liquid spraying module includes: An electromagnet is fixedly mounted on the slider seat; A microcontroller is connected to the electromagnet and moves up and down under the control of the electromagnet. The bottom end of the microcontroller is provided with an arc surface, and the top surface of the control block is provided with a contact surface that cooperates with the arc surface. In the case of small-volume liquid discharge, a micro-liquid volume control distance is provided between the bottom end of the control block and the slider seat.

5. The pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lead screw is rotatably mounted between the motor mounting base and the bearing housing via a bearing, and a locking ring for axial positioning is also provided on the lead screw.

6. The pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pump body is also equipped with a sensor for detecting the reset position of the slider seat. When the slider seat moves upward and triggers the sensor, the mechanism reset is completed.

7. The pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning slot of the gun head fixing seat is a slot and notch structure, and the buckle of the gun head engages or disengages with the positioning slot by rotation.

8. The pipetting channel compatible with both large-volume pipetting and micro-volume spraying according to claim 4, characterized in that, The size of the micro-liquid volume control gap is proportional to the volume of the micro-liquid to be discharged.

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