A pipetting system and a method of controlling the same

Abstract

The application discloses a pipetting system and a control method thereof, and relates to the technical field of magnetic washing devices. In the pipetting system, a liquid port of a main pump is communicated with a needle cavity of a main needle, and is used for pipetting, wherein the pipetting is liquid suction or liquid injection; a liquid port of an overflow pump is communicated with an overflow needle, and is used for discharging redundant liquid exceeding a design liquid level; an output end of a first power assembly is transmissionally connected to a needle set assembly, and is used for driving the main needle and the overflow needle to ascend and descend; a bubble sensor is arranged between the overflow pump and the overflow needle, and is used for detecting a fluid state in an overflow channel; and a control unit is signal-connected to the main pump, the overflow pump, the first power assembly and the bubble sensor, and is used for controlling actions of the main pump, the overflow pump and the first power assembly, so as to realize anti-overflow pipetting, receiving a detection result of the bubble sensor, and controlling actions of an anti-overflow pipetting unit according to the detection result of the bubble sensor, thereby ensuring that a liquid surface height in a reaction cup in a liquid processing process meets a process requirement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of magnetic washing device technology, and more specifically, to a pipetting system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Laboratory equipment typically includes injection needles and aspiration needles for liquid transfer. During cleaning, the aspiration needle is driven to descend by a drive mechanism, and a peristaltic pump draws out the liquid from the reaction vessel until the bottom of the aspiration needle contacts the bottom of the vessel, thus emptying the vessel. Then, the drive mechanism slowly raises the aspiration needle, removing it from the reaction vessel. The injection needle is then driven to descend near the bottom of the vessel and slowly rises, injecting liquid into the reaction vessel using a peristaltic pump. However, if the needle assembly becomes clogged, the aspiration needle cannot draw out the liquid from the reaction vessel. When the liquid is then injected into the reaction vessel as designed, the cleaning solution easily overflows.

[0003] In summary, ensuring that the liquid level in the reaction vessel meets the process requirements in the liquid handling process is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a pipetting system and its control method, which can ensure that the liquid level in the reaction vessel meets the process requirements in the liquid handling process.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution: A pipetting system includes: an anti-overflow pipetting unit, a bubble sensor, and a control unit, wherein the anti-overflow pipetting unit includes a needle assembly, a main pump, an overflow pump, and a first power assembly, and the needle assembly includes a main needle and an overflow needle; The main pump's inlet is connected to the needle chamber of the main needle for pipetting, which can be either suction or injection. The overflow pump's inlet is connected to the overflow needle, used to overflow and discharge excess liquid that exceeds the design level; The output end of the first power component is connected to the needle assembly to drive the main needle and the overflow needle to rise and fall. The bubble sensor is located between the overflow pump and the overflow needle, and is used to detect the fluid state in the overflow channel where it is located. The control unit is signal-connected to the main pump, the overflow pump, the first power assembly, and the bubble sensor. It is used to control the operation of the main pump, the overflow pump, and the first power assembly to achieve anti-overflow pipetting. It is also used to receive the detection results of the bubble sensor and control the operation of the anti-overflow pipetting unit based on the detection results of the bubble sensor.

[0006] Preferably, it also includes a feeding unit and a transfer unit; The transfer unit is used to support and transfer the reaction cup, and the needle assembly is located at the anti-overflow pipetting station; The feeding unit is used to pick up the reaction cup from the designated position and place the reaction cup in the transfer unit; The control unit is connected to the feeding unit and the transfer unit to control the feeding and transfer of the reaction vessel.

[0007] Preferably, the number of needle assemblies and the number of bubble sensors are both several; Several of the aforementioned needle assemblies are located at the corresponding anti-overflow pipetting stations; Several of the bubble sensors are disposed between the overflow needle and the overflow pump.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a suction needle, which is located at the suction station and the suction station is located between adjacent anti-overflow transfer stations.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes a level probe and a second power assembly; The liquid level probe is located at the detection station; The second power component is connected to the liquid level probe and is used to drive the liquid level probe to move up and down; The control unit is connected to the liquid level probe and is used to output a blocked needle signal or a non-blocked needle signal based on the detection result of the liquid level probe.

[0010] Preferably, the control unit includes a first detection subunit, a main control subunit, and a second detection subunit; The first detection subunit is connected to the bubble sensor and is used to determine and record the number of times the detection exceeds the set threshold A3 based on the detection data received from the bubble sensor. The second detection subunit is connected to the liquid level probe and is used to determine the liquid level signal or the liquid level missing signal based on the detection result received from the liquid level probe. The main control subunit is connected to the first detection subunit and the second detection subunit, and is used to determine whether the main needle is blocked based on the signals received from the first detection subunit and the second detection subunit, and to control the operation of the anti-overflow pipetting unit.

[0011] Preferably, the assembly further includes a mounting base, and the needle assembly further includes a needle hub; The needle tail end of the main needle and the needle tail end of the overflow needle are both located at the needle seat, and the needle tip of the main needle is lower than the needle tip of the overflow needle. The needle holder is vertically and flexibly mounted on the mounting base, and the output end of the first power component is connected to the needle holder for driving the needle holder to move up and down.

[0012] Preferably, the needle hub has a main channel and a branch channel, and the branch channel is connected to the main channel; The tail ends of the main needle and the overflow needle are both inserted into the main channel, and the overflow needle is sleeved on the outside of the main needle. There is a liquid guiding gap between the overflow needle and the main needle, and the liquid guiding gap is connected to the branch channel. The tip of the main needle extends out of the tip of the overflow needle.

[0013] A control method for a pipetting system, applied to any of the pipetting systems described above, the control method for the pipetting system comprising: S1: Obtain anti-overflow pipetting command; S2: After receiving the anti-overflow pipetting command, control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to perform anti-overflow pipetting according to the process requirements, and control the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to start synchronously with the overflow pump; acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit; During a single anti-overflow pipetting process, based on the detection data from the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, the number of overflows N that occur through the overflow needle and overflow pump in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit is determined, and it is determined whether the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1. S3: If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, output a pin blockage signal.

[0014] Preferably, S3 includes: S31': If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to complete the current anti-overflow pipetting operation; S32': Control the feeding unit to provide the reaction cup to the transfer unit, and control the transfer unit to transfer the newly fed reaction cup to the target liquid injection station, and control the liquid injection unit at the target liquid injection station to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup until the full cup overflow prevention liquid height H3 is reached; Then transfer the reaction cup containing the cleaning solution to below the overflow needle in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, control the first power component to drive the overflow needle in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to descend to the lowest position required by the process, and control the overflow pump in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to work for the first target overflow time T4, and then control the first power component to raise the overflow needle in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to above the reaction cup; S33': Controls S32' to cycle M times; S34': Control the overflow pump in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to start, wait for the second evacuation time T2, control the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to start, and acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit within a detection cycle T3; Based on the detection data of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, within one detection cycle T3, determine the number of overflows N' that occur through the overflow needle and overflow pump in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, and determine whether the number of overflows N' is equal to 0; S35': If the overflow count N' is 0, stop working; If the number of overflows N' is greater than 0, repeat S32' once and then repeat S34'; until the number of overflows N' is equal to 0, or, stop the cycle after M1 cycles and output a fault signal for the bubble detection system in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit.

[0015] Preferably, it further includes: S01: Obtain calibration instructions; S02: After receiving the calibration command, control the overflow pump and bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to start, wait for the first evacuation time T1, acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, and store the acquired detection data of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit as the calibration lower limit A1. S03: Control the feeding unit to provide the reaction cup to the transfer unit, and control the transfer unit to transfer the newly fed reaction cup to the target liquid injection station. Control the liquid injection unit at the target liquid injection station to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup until the full cup overflow prevention liquid height H3 is reached. Then transfer the reaction cup containing the cleaning solution to below the overflow needle in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, control the first power component to drive the overflow needle in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to descend to the lowest position required by the process, and control the overflow pump in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to work for the second target overflow time T5, and then control the first power component to raise the overflow needle in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to above the reaction cup; S04: Control S03 to cycle M3 times; S05: Acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit again, and store the newly acquired detection data of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit as the calibration upper limit A2; S06: Control the overflow pump in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to start, wait for the second evacuation time T2, control the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to start, and acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit within one detection cycle T3; Based on the detection data of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, within one detection cycle T3, determine the number of overflows N' that occur through the overflow needle and overflow pump in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, and determine whether the number of overflows N' is equal to 0; S07: If the overflow count N' is equal to 0, stop working; If the number of overflows N' is greater than 0, repeat S03 once and then repeat S06; until the number of overflows N' is equal to 0, or, stop the cycle after M1 cycles and output a fault signal for the bubble detection system in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit.

[0016] Preferably, determining the number of overflows occurring through the overflow needle and overflow pump in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit includes: The real-time detection value A of the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit is obtained at every target detection time t1; Compare the real-time detected value A with the set threshold A3. If the real-time detected value A is greater than or equal to the set threshold A3, record it once. Sum the recorded times to determine the number of overflows in the target overflow sub-unit.

[0017] Preferably, S3 includes: If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, a needle blockage signal is output, and the bubble sensor in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit is activated to alarm.

[0018] Preferably, S3 includes: If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, a needle blockage signal is output, and a target suction needle blockage signal is also output. The target suction needle includes the main needle in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, the suction needle of the target anti-overflow pipetting station and the suction station located between the adjacent anti-overflow pipetting stations in the incoming material direction.

[0019] Preferably, S3 includes: S31'': If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, control the feeding unit to provide the reaction cup to the transfer unit; S32'': Control the transfer unit to transfer the newly loaded reaction cup to the target liquid injection station, and control the liquid injection unit at the target liquid injection station to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup until the cleaning liquid reaches the high H4 level. S33'': Transfer the reaction cup containing the cleaning solution to the area below the main needle and overflow needle in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit, and control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit to perform anti-overflow aspiration according to the process requirements; S34'': The control unit then moves the reaction cup below the liquid level probe, controls the second power unit to lower the liquid level probe to the detection position, controls the liquid level probe to start liquid level detection, and acquires the detection signal of the liquid level probe; S35'': If the detection signal reflects the liquid level status, output a needle blockage signal; If the detection signal reflects a liquid level deficiency, an unblocked needle signal will be output.

[0020] In this application, the anti-overflow pipetting unit consists of a needle assembly, a main pump, an overflow pump, and a first power assembly. To achieve anti-overflow pipetting, the needle assembly includes a main needle, which works with the main pump to aspirate or inject liquid, and also includes an overflow needle, which works with the overflow pump to aspirate liquid from the reaction cup.

[0021] In conjunction with this, a bubble sensor is placed between the overflow pump and the tail of the overflow needle to form an overflow channel. When the liquid in the reaction cup is drawn through the overflow needle, the bubble sensor can detect the fluid state in the overflow channel in real time in a non-contact manner, such as whether there are bubbles, empty tubes, or flow interruption in the overflow channel.

[0022] Furthermore, the control unit signal is connected to the main pump, overflow pump, first power component, and bubble sensor, which enables full monitoring during the process of injecting or extracting liquid from the reaction cup through the anti-overflow pipetting unit, so as to determine whether the suction needle used during the process is clogged.

[0023] During the anti-overflow aspiration process, the first power component drives both the main needle and the overflow needle to descend slowly, so that the tip of the overflow needle is higher than the tip of the main needle. This ensures that during the descent, if the main needle is not blocked, the liquid can be aspirated through the main needle, or if the main needle is blocked, the liquid can be aspirated through the overflow needle.

[0024] During the anti-overflow injection process, the main needle and the overflow needle are slowly raised by the first power component, so that the tip of the overflow needle is higher than the tip of the main needle. During the rise, the main needle injects liquid and the overflow needle draws liquid away.

[0025] The beneficial effect is that when the main needle of the anti-overflow pipetting unit is blocked or the liquid level in the reaction cup is abnormal after the previous working part of the anti-overflow pipetting unit is dispensing liquid (such as the liquid level being too high due to the blockage of the suction needle), the anti-overflow pipetting unit can be used to pipe the liquid. This means that the liquid in the reaction cup can be drawn up as much as possible through the overflow needle, which helps to ensure that the liquid level in the reaction cup meets the process requirements in the liquid treatment process.

[0026] In addition, the control unit executes the control method for the pipetting system, which can automatically achieve anti-overflow pipetting and can determine whether the needle is blocked based on the detection results of the bubble sensor, so as to facilitate subsequent processing. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pipetting system provided in the specific embodiments of this application; Figure 2 A front view of the aspiration needle assembly provided in the specific embodiments of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of AA section; Figure 4 A top view of the needle assembly of a specific embodiment provided in this application; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the BB cross section; Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of a portion of point C in the middle; Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the normal liquid aspiration process of a specific embodiment provided in this application; Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the abnormal liquid aspiration process of a specific embodiment provided in this application; Figure 9 A front view of the injection needle assembly for a specific embodiment provided in this application; Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of a portion of point D; Figure 11 An axial cross-sectional view of the injection needle assembly for a specific embodiment provided in this application; Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the normal injection process of a specific embodiment provided in this application; Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an abnormal fluid injection process for a specific embodiment provided in this application; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the liquid level probe in a detection state according to a specific embodiment provided in this application; Figure 15 A flowchart of a control method for a pipetting system provided in a specific embodiment of this application; Figure 16 A flowchart of a control method for a self-maintaining pipetting system provided in a specific embodiment of this application; Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating the self-calibration process in the control method for a pipetting system provided in the specific embodiments of this application; Figure 18 Another flowchart of the control method for the pipetting system provided in the specific embodiments of this application; Figure 19 This is a flowchart of a control method for a pipetting system capable of secondary confirmation of needle blockage, as provided in a specific embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure label: 1-Anti-overflow pipetting unit; 11-Needle assembly; 111-Main needle; 1111-Chamfer; 112-Overflow needle; 1121-Positioning protrusion; 113-Needle seat; 1131-Guide tube; 114-Main connector; 115-Overflow connector; 116-Connecting tube; 12-Main pump; 13-Overflow pump; 2-Bubble sensor; 3-Control unit; 31-First detection subunit; 32-Main control subunit; 33-Second detection subunit; 4-Mounting base; 5-Level probe; 6-Feeding unit; 7-Transfer unit; 8-Reaction cup. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] The core of this application is to provide a pipetting system and its control method, which can ensure that the liquid level in the reaction vessel meets the process requirements in the liquid handling process.

[0032] This application provides a pipetting system, including an anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, a bubble sensor 2, and a control unit 3. The anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 includes a needle assembly 11, a main pump 12, an overflow pump 13, and a first power assembly. The needle assembly 11 includes a main needle 111 and an overflow needle 112. The liquid outlet of the main pump 12 is connected to the needle cavity of the main needle 111 for pipetting, which can be either aspiration or injection. The liquid outlet of the overflow pump 13 is connected to the overflow needle 112 for overflowing excess liquid exceeding the designed liquid level. The output end of the first power assembly is driven and connected to... The needle assembly 11 is used to drive the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 to rise and fall; the bubble sensor 2 is located between the overflow pump 13 and the overflow needle 112 to detect the fluid state in the overflow channel where it is located; the control unit 3 is signal-connected to the main pump 12, the overflow pump 13, the first power assembly, and the bubble sensor 2 to control the operation of the main pump 12, the overflow pump 13, and the first power assembly to achieve anti-overflow pipetting, and to receive the detection result of the bubble sensor 2, and to control the operation of the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 according to the detection result of the bubble sensor 2.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 The anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 consists of a needle assembly 11, a main pump 12, an overflow pump 13, and a first power assembly. To achieve anti-overflow pipetting (or anti-overflow protected pipetting), the needle assembly 11 includes a main needle 111, which works with the main pump 12 to aspirate or inject liquid, and an overflow needle 112, which works with the overflow pump 13 to aspirate liquid from the reaction cup 8. Correspondingly, the output end of the first power assembly is connected to the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 to drive the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 to descend or ascend, so that the tip of the overflow needle 112 is higher than the tip of the main needle 111, and there is a target height difference between the tip of the overflow needle 112 and the tip of the main needle 111.

[0034] It should be noted that the way the first power assembly is matched with the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 is not limited, as long as it can achieve anti-overflow pipetting.

[0035] Optionally, when the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are independent of each other, the first power assembly has two synchronously moving output ends, and the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are respectively connected to the corresponding output ends of the first power assembly; or, the first power assembly includes two independent first power sub-units, and the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are respectively connected to the output ends of the corresponding first power sub-units.

[0036] Optionally, when the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are connected as one unit through the needle holder 113, the output end of the first power component is connected to the needle holder 113.

[0037] Correspondingly, the bubble sensor 2 is disposed between the overflow pump 13 and the needle tail of the overflow needle 112 to form an overflow channel. The bubble sensor 2 can be an optical bubble sensor 2, an ultrasonic bubble sensor 2, a capacitive bubble sensor 2, etc. When the liquid in the reaction cup 8 is drawn through the overflow needle 112, the bubble sensor 2 can detect the fluid state in the overflow channel in real time in a non-contact manner, such as bubbles, empty tubes, or flow interruption in the overflow channel.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 3 is connected to the main pump 12, the overflow pump 13, the first power assembly, and the bubble sensor 2, which enables the automatic execution of the following control method for the pipetting system, realizing real-time detection during the anti-overflow pipetting process to determine whether the aspiration needle is clogged.

[0039] When liquid aspiration is required, first start the main pump 12 and overflow pump 13, then start the first power assembly to drive the needle assembly 11 to move downward from its initial position, so that the main needle 111 moves from above the mouth of the reaction cup 8 to the initial aspiration position inside the reaction cup 8. At this time, the tip of the main needle 111 is near the liquid surface inside the reaction cup 8, and then: If the liquid level in reaction vessel 8 is normal and the main needle 111 is not clogged, liquid can be aspirated normally through the main needle 111. For details on the aspiration process, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 7 The first power unit drives the needle assembly 11 to move downwards slowly, so that the tip of the main needle 111 is inserted into the liquid, and the length of the tip of the main needle 111 submerged in the liquid is always less than H1, so that the tip of the overflow needle 112 is always above the liquid in the reaction cup 8 without contacting the liquid in the reaction cup 8, until the main needle 111 descends to the lowest position required by the process to complete the liquid aspiration. Optionally, when the tip of the main needle 111 is not a flat end, the lowest position of the main needle 111 in the process requirements refers to the height position of contacting the bottom of the reaction cup 8; then, during this process, the main needle 111 aspirates liquid normally, and the overflow needle 112 does not contact the liquid. Finally, the first power unit drives the needle assembly 11 to rise until the needle assembly 11 returns to the above-mentioned initial position, that is, the first power unit drives the needle assembly 11 to rise back above the reaction cup 8, and then the main pump 12 and the overflow pump 13 are stopped. If the liquid level in reaction vessel 8 is higher than the theoretical level, liquid can be aspirated abnormally through overflow needle 112. During aspiration, overflow needle 112 will come into contact with the liquid in the reaction vessel, and the liquid in contact with overflow needle 112 will be drawn away by it. For details on the aspiration process, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 8The first power unit drives the needle assembly 11 to move it slowly downwards, causing the tip of the main needle 111 to insert into the liquid until it touches the bottom. During this process, if the main needle 111 is not blocked and the tip of the overflow needle 112 is submerged in the liquid in the reaction cup, then both the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 will draw liquid from the reaction cup. If the main needle 111 is blocked, then the tip of the overflow needle 112 will be submerged in the liquid in the reaction cup, and only the overflow needle 112 will draw liquid. Take liquid from the reaction cup to remove at least the liquid below the tip of the overflow needle 112. The final liquid height in the reaction cup 8 is less than or equal to H1, which ensures that there will be no overflow when the washing solution is injected into the reaction cup 8 during the cleaning process. Finally, control the first power component to drive the needle assembly 11 to rise until the needle assembly 11 is reset to the above-mentioned initial position, that is, control the first power component to drive the needle assembly 11 to rise back to above the reaction cup 8, and then control the main pump 12 and the overflow pump 13 to stop.

[0040] When injection is required, first start the overflow pump 13, then start the first power unit to drive the needle assembly 11 to move downward from the initial position, so that the main needle 111 moves from above the mouth of the reaction cup 8 to the initial injection position inside the reaction cup 8, and then: If reaction cup 8 is empty, meaning it does not contain any unabsorbed liquid, the tip of the main needle 111 in the needle assembly 11 at the initial injection position is a certain distance from the bottom of the reaction cup 8. This prevents sample contamination during injection. In this case, normal injection can be performed through the main needle 111, while the overflow needle 112 remains idle. For details on the injection process, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 After the main pump 12 is started, the first power component drives the needle assembly 11 to move slowly upward, so that the tip of the main needle 111 always maintains a certain distance from the liquid surface of the reaction cup 8. During this process, since there is a height difference between the tip of the overflow needle 112 and the tip of the main needle 111, the overflow needle 112 will not draw away the liquid injected into the reaction cup by the main needle 111 until the theoretical height is reached and the main pump 12 is stopped to stop the liquid injection. At this time, the needle assembly 11 is at the highest liquid injection position. Next, the first power component continues to drive the needle assembly 11 to rise until the needle assembly 11 returns to the above initial position, that is, the first power component drives the needle assembly 11 to rise back to the top of the reaction cup 8, and then the overflow pump 13 is stopped. If the liquid level in reaction cup 8 is abnormally high, the tip of the main needle 111 in the needle assembly 11 at the initial injection position can be submerged in the liquid in reaction cup 8. In this case, during normal injection via the main needle 111, the overflow needle 112 can be used to remove liquid exceeding the set height. For details on the injection process, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 13After the main pump 12 is started, the first power component drives the needle assembly 11 to move slowly upward until the needle assembly 11 rises to the highest injection level. Then, the main pump 12 is stopped to stop the injection. During the injection process, if the liquid level is close to the needle orifice of the overflow needle 112, the overflow pump 13 will keep running to remove the liquid above the tip of the overflow needle 112. Next, the first power component continues to drive the needle assembly 11 to rise until the needle assembly 11 returns to the initial position. That is, the first power component drives the needle assembly 11 to rise back above the reaction cup 8, and then the overflow pump 13 is stopped to maximize the time for liquid to be drawn through the overflow needle 112.

[0041] It should be noted that when using the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to aspirate liquid, the aspiration speed of the overflow needle 112 needs to be controlled to be greater than the injection speed of the main needle 111.

[0042] In summary, during the anti-overflow aspiration process, the first power component drives both the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 to descend slowly, ensuring that the tip of the overflow needle 112 is higher than the tip of the main needle 111. This allows for aspiration of liquid through the main needle 111 if it is not blocked during the descent, or aspiration of liquid through the overflow needle 112 if it is blocked.

[0043] During the anti-overflow injection process, the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are driven to rise slowly by the first power component, so that the tip of the overflow needle 112 is higher than the tip of the main needle 111. During the rise, the main needle 111 injects liquid and the overflow needle 112 draws liquid.

[0044] When the main needle 111 in the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 becomes clogged or the liquid level in the reaction cup becomes abnormal after the previous process in the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 has been displaced (e.g., the liquid level is too high due to the clogged suction needle), the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is used for displacing. This allows the overflow needle 112 to draw liquid from the reaction cup 8, which helps to ensure that the liquid level in the reaction cup 8 meets the process requirements in the liquid treatment process.

[0045] Based on the above embodiments, it also includes a feeding unit 6 and a transfer unit 7; the transfer unit 7 is used to support and transfer the reaction cup 8, and the needle assembly 11 is located at the anti-overflow pipetting station; the feeding unit 6 is used to pick up the reaction cup 8 from the designated position and place the reaction cup 8 in the transfer unit 7; the control unit 3 is connected to the feeding unit 6 and the transfer unit 7 to control the feeding and transfer of the reaction cup 8 accordingly.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1The feeding unit 6 is located at the starting end of the transfer unit 7, so that it can pick up the reaction cup 8 from the designated position or designated area, and transfer the reaction cup 8 to the starting end of the transfer unit 7 after picking it up. Then, during the continuous movement of the transfer unit 7, the reaction cup 8 can be carried through each station in sequence to complete the target operation through the device equipped at each station, such as liquid aspiration, liquid injection or liquid level detection. Correspondingly, the control unit 3 is connected to the feeding unit 6 and the transfer unit 7, so that it can feed new reaction cup 8 and transfer the target reaction cup 8 to the designated station according to the control decision.

[0047] Based on the above embodiments, the number of needle assemblies 11 and the number of bubble sensors 2 are both several; several needle assemblies 11 are located at the corresponding anti-overflow pipetting station; several bubble sensors 2 are located between the corresponding overflow needle 112 and the overflow pump 13.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, the pipetting system is configured with several sets of needle assemblies 11, including a main needle 111 and an overflow needle 112, and each set of needle assemblies 11 is set at a corresponding anti-overflow pipetting station so that anti-overflow aspiration or anti-overflow injection can be performed as needed; and, in order to detect whether overflow occurs when pipetting with each set of needle assemblies 11, a bubble sensor 2 is configured to correspond one-to-one with each set of needle assemblies 11, and thus, in conjunction with the control unit 3, can be synchronously detected when anti-overflow pipetting is performed at any step in the entire process.

[0049] In some specific embodiments, a suction needle is also included. The suction needle is located at the suction station, and the suction station is located between adjacent anti-overflow pipetting stations. That is, the suction station can be arranged between adjacent anti-overflow pipetting stations along the transfer direction. The suction station is equipped with a suction needle. When the transfer unit 7 moves the reaction cup 8 along the transfer direction, the liquid is first injected into the reaction cup 8 through the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 arranged at the anti-overflow pipetting station. Then, the liquid in the reaction cup 8 is drawn off by the suction needle arranged at the suction station. Then, when the bubble sensor 2 in the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 arranged at the anti-overflow pipetting station is alarmed in conjunction with the control unit 3, it can be known that the suction needle at the suction station is blocked.

[0050] Based on the above embodiment, it also includes a liquid level probe 5 and a second power component; the liquid level probe 5 is located at the detection station; the second power component is connected to the liquid level probe 5 for driving the liquid level probe 5 to rise and fall; and the control unit 3 is connected to the liquid level probe 5 for outputting a blocked needle signal or a non-blocked needle signal according to the detection result of the liquid level probe 5.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 1Along the transfer direction of transfer unit 7, in addition to the pipetting station, a detection station is also arranged, with a liquid level probe 5 installed at the detection station. It should be noted that the layout of the detection station is not limited; for example, it can be arranged as follows: Figure 1 The reaction cup 8 can be arranged at the end of the transfer unit 7, or between adjacent anti-overflow pipetting stations, as long as the transfer unit 7 can be controlled by the control unit 3 to transfer the reaction cup 8 to the detection station when detection is required.

[0052] During the detection, please refer to Figure 14 After moving the reaction cup 8 below the liquid level probe 5, the second power component is first controlled to drive the liquid level probe 5 down to the detection position, and then the liquid level probe 5 is started to complete the liquid level detection to determine whether there is liquid at the position of the tip of the liquid level probe 5.

[0053] Based on the above embodiments, a mounting base 4 is also included, and the needle assembly 11 also includes a needle holder 113; the needle tail end of the main needle 111 and the needle tail end of the overflow needle 112 are both located on the needle holder 113, and the needle tip of the main needle 111 is lower than the needle tip of the overflow needle 112; the needle holder 113 is vertically and vertically mounted on the mounting base 4, and the output end of the first power assembly is drivenly connected to the needle holder 113 to drive the needle holder 113 to rise and fall.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 Both the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are open at the tail end of the needle, and the needle tip has a needle mouth. The upper needle tail ends of the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are fixedly connected to the needle seat 113. The lower needle tip of the main needle 111 is lower than the lower needle tip of the overflow needle 112. At the same time, the needle seat 113 is slidably fitted to the mounting base 4 so that it can be raised and lowered vertically. The output end of the first power component is connected to the needle seat 113. When the first power component drives the needle seat 113 to rise and fall, it can drive the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 to rise and fall synchronously.

[0055] Optionally, the needle holder 113 has two flow channels, with the tail end of the main needle 111 inserted into the lower opening of one flow channel and the tail end of the overflow needle 112 inserted into the lower opening of the other flow channel; thus, the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0056] Optionally, the needle holder 113 has a main channel and a branch channel, with the branch channel connected to the main channel; the needle tail end of the main needle 111 and the needle tail end of the overflow needle 112 are both inserted into the main channel, and the overflow needle 112 is sleeved on the outside of the main needle 111. There is a liquid guiding gap between the overflow needle 112 and the main needle 111, and the liquid guiding gap is connected to the branch channel. The needle tip of the main needle 111 extends out of the needle tip of the overflow needle 112.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 The main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are nested together. The main needle 111 is inserted inside the overflow needle 112. The inner diameter of the overflow needle 112 is larger than the outer diameter of the main needle 111. A fluid guiding gap is left between the overflow needle 112 and the main needle 111.

[0058] Correspondingly, the needle holder 113 has a main channel and a branch channel inside. The main channel is a through hole, and the branch channel is a blind hole. At the same time, the needle tails of the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 both face the needle holder 113. The main channel is a round hole, and the overflow needle 112 is inserted into the first opening of the main channel. The needle tail of the main needle 111 extends to the outside of the needle tail of the overflow needle 112 to fix the needle tail of the main needle 111. The inner end of the branch channel extends to the channel section between the main needle 111 and the peripheral wall of the main channel to achieve communication with the liquid guiding gap and form an overflow channel. The needle cavity of the main needle 111 is a suction / injection channel, and the overflow channel and the suction / injection channel are independent of each other.

[0059] It should be noted that the needle tail fixing method of the main needle 111 is not limited, as long as it can achieve fixing while forming independent overflow channels and aspiration / injection channels. Optionally, please refer to... Figure 5 The tail end of the main needle 111 is inserted into the second opening of the main channel; optionally, please refer to Figure 11 The second opening of the main channel is provided with a main connector 114, and the tail end of the main needle 111 is inserted into the main connector 114, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, when the tip of the main needle 111 extends beyond the overflow needle 112, and the entire needle assembly 11 is moved to insert into the reaction cup 8 for liquid aspiration, the main needle 111 will contact the liquid first. This ensures that during normal liquid aspiration, the tip of the overflow needle 112 does not contact the liquid surface in the reaction cup 8, which helps to avoid abnormal liquid aspiration. When the liquid level in the reaction cup is higher than the normal level, the overflow needle 112 can overflow the liquid in the reaction cup 8 to the maximum extent, ensuring that the liquid in the reaction cup 8 is at the minimum allowable level, so as to facilitate subsequent liquid addition or redundant liquid treatment in the reaction cup 8. Moreover, when the entire needle assembly 11 is moved to insert into the reaction cup 8 for liquid injection, the overflow needle 112 will not draw the liquid injected by the main needle 111, and the liquid injected by the main needle 111 will not decrease due to the negative pressure of the overflow needle 112. In abnormal situations, the overflow needle 112 can meet the overflow requirements.

[0061] Preferably, the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are coaxially sleeved to facilitate the positioning of the needle assembly 11, so that the axes of the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 coincide with the center line of the reaction cup 8 during aspiration / injection, thereby ensuring that the position relative to the reaction cup 8 remains consistent each time aspiration / injection occurs.

[0062] Based on the above embodiments, both the main channel and the branch channel are linear channels, and the main channel and the branch channel are T-shaped.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 11 The main channel extends vertically, while the branch channels extend horizontally, with the inner end of the branch channel connected to the middle of the main channel's length.

[0064] Based on the above embodiments, it also includes a main connector 114 and an overflow connector 115. The needle cavity of the main needle 111 is connected to the internal channel of the main connector 114, and the needle cavity of the overflow needle 112 is connected to the internal channel of the overflow connector 115.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 The needle assembly 11 is equipped with a main connector 114, which is used to connect to the needle tail opening of the main needle 111. It should be noted that the method of connection between the main connector 114 and the main needle 111 is not limited, as long as the connection between the main connector 114 and the main needle 111 can be achieved, and the overflow channel and the aspiration / injection channel are independent of each other. Optionally, such as... Figure 5 , Figure 11As shown, the tail end of the main needle 111 is inserted into the connection end interface of the main connector 114; optionally, the main channel adopts a three-stage variable diameter channel, with the fifth-stage channel segment, the sixth-stage channel segment, and the seventh-stage channel segment connected in sequence to form the main channel. The diameter of the sixth-stage channel segment is smaller than the diameter of the fifth-stage channel segment and the diameter of the seventh-stage channel segment. The connection end of the main connector 114 is inserted into the fifth-stage channel segment, the tail end of the main needle 111 is inserted into the sixth-stage channel segment, and the tail end of the overflow needle 112 is inserted into the seventh-stage channel segment. At the same time, the inner end of the branch channel extends to the empty part of the seventh-stage channel segment.

[0066] The needle assembly 11 is also equipped with an overflow connector 115, which is used to connect to the needle tail opening of the overflow needle 112. It should be noted that the specific arrangement of the overflow connector 115 is not limited, as long as it enables communication between the overflow connector 115 and the overflow needle 112. Optionally, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the overflow connector 115 is connected to the branch channel via a connecting pipe 116. One end of the connecting pipe 116 is inserted into the outer opening of the branch channel, and the other end is inserted into the connecting end opening of the overflow connector 115. The connecting pipe 116 is preferably an L-shaped pipe. Optionally, refer to... Figure 11 The connection method between the main connector 114 and the needle seat 113 is such that the connection end of the overflow connector 115 is inserted into the outer end opening of the branch channel.

[0067] Based on the above embodiments, the needle holder 113 has a guide cylinder 1131, which is a circular tube structure. The guide cylinder 1131 serves a guiding function to ensure that the overflow needle 112 can be maintained. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 The vertical orientation shown allows for weight reduction while extending the length of the main channel.

[0068] Based on the above embodiments, the main channel includes a first-stage channel segment and a second-stage channel segment. The needle tail end of the main needle 111 extends out of the needle tail end of the overflow needle 112, and the needle tail end of the main needle 111 is inserted into the first-stage channel segment, while the needle tail end of the overflow needle 112 is inserted into the second-stage channel segment. The needle tip of one of the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 has a plurality of positioning protrusions 1121, and the head of the positioning protrusion 1121 abuts against the other of the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112, and the plurality of positioning protrusions 1121 are arranged at intervals along the circumference.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 10The main channel adopts a variable-step channel, including at least a first-step channel segment and a second-step channel segment, which are used to fix the needle tail end of the main needle 111 and the needle tail end of the overflow needle 112, respectively. At the same time, the positioning protrusion 1121 can limit the relative position between the needle tip of the main needle 111 and the needle tip of the overflow needle 112. Thus, the centering design at both ends of the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 helps to improve the relative position accuracy between them, and the position accuracy of the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 relative to the needle seat 113 is relatively high.

[0070] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 The overflow needle 112 has a positioning protrusion 1121 formed on its needle wall, protruding inward into the liquid guiding gap. The protrusion of the positioning protrusion 1121 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the main needle 111. At least two positioning protrusions 1121 are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the overflow needle 112, and a space is left between any two adjacent positioning protrusions 1121 to allow liquid flow. Preferably, the end face of the protrusion of the positioning protrusion 1121 is an arc surface so as to fit against the outer peripheral surface of the main needle 111.

[0071] Optionally, the main needle 111 has a positioning protrusion 1121 formed on its needle wall, protruding outward into the liquid guiding gap. The protrusion of the positioning protrusion 1121 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the overflow needle 112. At least two positioning protrusions 1121 are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the main needle 111, and a space is left between any two adjacent positioning protrusions 1121 to allow for liquid flow. Preferably, the end face of the protrusion of the positioning protrusion 1121 is an arc surface so as to fit against the inner circumferential surface of the overflow needle 112.

[0072] Preferably, a plurality of positioning protrusions 1121 are evenly arranged circumferentially.

[0073] Of course, the positioning between the tip of the overflow needle 112 and the tip of the main needle 111 is not limited to the positioning protrusion 1121. Positioning can be achieved as long as the liquid flow requirements are met. For example, a locking block is provided between the tip of the overflow needle 112 and the tip of the main needle 111.

[0074] In an embodiment of the aspiration needle assembly 11, optionally, please refer to... Figure 6 The distance H1 between the tip of the main needle 111 and the tip of the overflow needle 112 is 5-8 mm; this ensures that when the main needle 111 in the needle assembly 11 draws liquid, the tip of the overflow needle 112 will not come into contact with the liquid in the reaction cup 8, and that the overflow needle 112 can overflow the liquid in the reaction cup 8 to the maximum extent when the main needle 111 in the needle assembly 11 is blocked, ensuring that the cleaning fluid in the reaction cup 8 is at the minimum allowable height.

[0075] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 6 The tip of the main needle 111 is not flat; this is to prevent the needle tip from sticking to the bottom of the reaction cup 8 and causing a blockage when the tip of the main needle 111 touches the bottom of the reaction cup 8. That is, after the tip of the main needle 111 touches the bottom, it can still continue to draw liquid from the reaction cup 8.

[0076] It should be noted that there are no restrictions on the needle tip type of the main needle 111; for example, wavy needle tips, tapered needle tips, and beveled needle tips can be used. Figure 6 A flat needle tip with a groove on one side, as shown, is acceptable as long as it can achieve the desired effect of preventing needle blockage.

[0077] Optionally, the main channel is a two-stage variable diameter channel, where the diameter of the first stage channel section of the main channel is smaller than the diameter of the second stage channel section of the main channel, and the branch channel is connected to the second stage channel section; the needle tail end of the main needle 111 is inserted into the first stage channel section, and the needle tail end of the overflow needle 112 is inserted into the second stage channel section.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 5 The main channel extends vertically. The upper part of the main channel is the first-stage channel segment, and the lower part of the main channel is the second-stage channel segment. The lower end of the first-stage channel segment is connected to the upper end of the second-stage channel segment. The inner end of the branch channel extends to the middle of the length of the second-stage channel segment, so as to connect to the liquid guiding gap through the empty part of the second-stage channel segment (i.e. the part of the channel segment without needles or connectors).

[0079] Correspondingly, the main needle 111 extends coaxially with the main channel and is inserted into the first-stage channel section. The main needle 111 is suspended in the second-stage channel section and located at the center of the second-stage channel section. There is a space for accommodating the main needle 111 and the peripheral wall of the second-stage channel section. The needle tail end of the overflow needle 112 is inserted into the second-stage channel section, so the needle base 113 can directly fix the needle tail ends of the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112.

[0080] In an embodiment of the injection needle assembly 11, optionally, please refer to... Figure 10 The distance H2 between the liquid outlet at the tip of the main needle 111 and the liquid outlet at the tip of the overflow needle 112 is 3-5 mm; this is to prevent the overflow needle 112 from drawing out the liquid injected by the main needle 111 when the main needle 111 is injected in the needle assembly 11, and to meet the maximum overflow flow requirement, ensuring that the liquid does not overflow the reaction cup 8 to the greatest extent possible.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 10Optionally, the outer periphery of the tip of the main needle 111 has a chamfer 1111, in which case the tip of the main needle 111 adopts a thin-walled structure, reducing the contact area between the liquid and the needle orifice of the main needle 111, which helps to reduce the amount of liquid hanging, so as to ensure the stability of the liquid injection volume of the immunization device and avoid problems such as crystallization on the outer wall of the needle and dripping corrosion.

[0082] It should be noted that there are no restrictions on the type of chamfer, as long as it can reduce the amount of liquid adhering to the surface, such as a 45-degree chamfer or a rounded corner.

[0083] Optionally, the main channel is a second-order variable-diameter channel, the diameter of the third-order channel section of the main channel is larger than the diameter of its own fourth-order channel section, and the branch channel is connected to the third-order channel section; the connecting end of the main connector 114 is inserted into the third-order channel section, the needle tail end of the main needle 111 is inserted into the connecting end of the main connector 114; and the needle tail end of the overflow needle 112 is inserted into the fourth-order channel section.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 11 The main channel extends vertically. The upper part of the main channel is the third-order channel segment, and the lower part of the main channel is the fourth-order channel segment. The lower end of the third-order channel segment is connected to the upper end of the fourth-order channel segment. The inner end of the branch channel extends to the middle of the length of the third-order channel segment, so as to connect to the liquid guiding gap through the empty part of the third-order channel segment.

[0085] Correspondingly, a main connector 114 is inserted into the top opening of the main channel, and a main needle 111 extends coaxially with the main channel. The main needle 111 is inserted into the connection end interface of the main connector 114. The main needle 111 is suspended in both the third and fourth channel segments and is located at the center of the third and fourth channel segments. There is a space between the main needle 111 and the peripheral wall of the fourth channel segment. The needle tail end of the overflow needle 112 is inserted into the fourth channel segment. The needle tail end of the overflow needle 112 can be directly fixed through the needle seat 113, and the needle tail end of the main needle 111 can be indirectly fixed.

[0086] Based on the above embodiments, the control unit 3 includes a first detection subunit 31, a main control subunit 32, and a second detection subunit 33. The first detection subunit 31 is signal-connected to the bubble sensor 2 and is used to determine and record the number of times the set threshold A3 is exceeded based on the detection data received from the bubble sensor 2. The second detection subunit 33 is signal-connected to the liquid level probe 5 and is used to determine the liquid level signal or the liquid level missing signal based on the detection result received from the liquid level probe 5. The main control subunit 32 is signal-connected to the first detection subunit 31 and the second detection subunit 33 and is used to determine whether the main needle 111 is blocked based on the signals received from the first detection subunit 31 and the second detection subunit 33, and to control the operation of the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 1 Under the control of the main control subunit 32, the first detection subunit 31 can receive the signal value of the bubble sensor 2, that is, it can acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 under the control of the main control subunit 32. In addition, it has a logic judgment function, which compares the acquired real-time detection value A with the stored set threshold A3 to determine whether the real-time detection value A is greater than the set threshold A3. When the real-time detection value A is greater than or equal to the set threshold A3, it is recorded once.

[0088] Meanwhile, under the control of the main control subunit 32, the second detection subunit 33 can receive the signal value of the liquid level probe 5, that is, it can acquire the detection data of the liquid level probe 5 under the control of the main control subunit 32. In addition, it has a logic judgment function, depending on whether the detection signal of the liquid level probe 5 is acquired, if the detection signal of the liquid level probe 5 is acquired, it outputs a liquid level signal, and if the detection signal of the liquid level probe 5 is not acquired, it outputs a liquid level missing signal.

[0089] Correspondingly, after receiving the number of times recorded by the first detection subunit 31, the main control subunit 32 sums the recorded times to determine the overflow count of the target overflow subunit. If the overflow count is greater than or equal to the reference threshold N1, it can be determined that the main needle 111 has become blocked. When the main control subunit 32 receives the liquid level signal output by the second detection subunit 33, it can be determined that the main needle 111 has become blocked. When it receives the liquid level missing signal output by the second detection subunit 33, it can be determined that the main needle 111 has not become blocked.

[0090] Furthermore, the main control subunit 32 is also used for the overall control of the pipetting system to ensure smooth operation, such as controlling the operation of the first power unit, the main pump 12, and the overflow pump 13.

[0091] Optionally, the main control subunit 32 or the first detection subunit 31 is further configured to store the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 as a calibration lower limit A1 and a calibration upper limit A2, and determine the set threshold A3 based on the calibration lower limit A1 and the calibration upper limit A2.

[0092] In addition to the aforementioned pipetting system, this application also provides a control method for the pipetting system disclosed in the above embodiments, the control method for the pipetting system comprising the following steps: Step S1: Obtain the anti-overflow pipetting command; Step S2: After receiving the anti-overflow pipetting command, control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to perform anti-overflow pipetting according to the process requirements, and control the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to start synchronously with the overflow pump 13; acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1; During a single overflow prevention pipetting process, based on the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target overflow prevention pipetting unit 1, the number of overflows N that occur through the overflow needle 112 and overflow pump 13 in the target overflow prevention pipetting unit 1 is determined, and it is determined whether the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the reference threshold N1. Step S3: If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, output a plugging signal.

[0093] Understandably, please refer to Figure 15 In step S1, the anti-overflow pipetting command is a command to control the pipetting system to perform anti-overflow pipetting using a control method. The anti-overflow pipetting command can be obtained from the human-machine interface window of the control unit 3 or the host computer, etc.

[0094] Step S2 involves performing anti-overflow pipetting operation through the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 after receiving the anti-overflow pipetting command. Simultaneously with starting the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, the bubble sensor 2 is also started. Similarly, stopping the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 allows for continuous detection throughout the anti-overflow pipetting process. Furthermore, in step S2, based on the detection data from the bubble sensor 2, the number of overflows N through the overflow needle 112 and overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is determined. By comparing the number of overflows N with a stored reference threshold N1, in step S3, when N1 or more overflows occur through the overflow needle 112 and overflow pump 13, a needle blockage signal indicating that the main needle 111 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 has become blocked is output.

[0095] Furthermore, "controlling the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to perform anti-overflow pipetting according to process requirements" specifically refers to the following steps when controlling the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to perform anti-overflow aspiration according to process requirements: first, start the main pump 12 and overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1; then, control the first power component in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to drive the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 to descend to the initial aspiration position; then, control the first power component in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to drive the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 to descend slowly to achieve anti-overflow aspiration; and after completing anti-overflow aspiration, control the first power component to drive the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 to rise above the reaction cup 8; then, control the main pump 12 and overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to stop. Specifically, when controlling the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to perform anti-overflow injection according to process requirements, the process includes: first, starting the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1; then, controlling the first power component in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to drive the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 to descend to the initial injection position; then, controlling the main pump 12 to start; then, controlling the first power component in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to drive the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 to slowly rise to achieve anti-overflow injection; and then, controlling the first power component in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to drive the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 to rise to the highest injection position, controlling the main pump 12 to stop to complete the anti-overflow injection; then, controlling the first power component to drive the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 to rise above the reaction cup 8; and then controlling the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to stop.

[0096] Optionally, before “controlling the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to perform anti-overflow pipetting according to process requirements”, the system further includes controlling the transfer unit 7 to transfer the reaction cup 8 to the target anti-overflow pipetting station; and transferring the reaction cup 8 to below the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 of the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1; so as to achieve fully automatic anti-overflow pipetting.

[0097] In some embodiments, the tester first moves the reaction cup 8 below the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, and then manipulates it to send an anti-overflow pipetting command to the control unit 3; so as to achieve semi-automatic anti-overflow pipetting.

[0098] Optionally, "in a single anti-overflow pipetting process, based on the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, determine the number N of overflows that occur through the overflow needle 112 and the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, and determine whether the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the reference threshold N1" is performed simultaneously with "controlling the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to perform anti-overflow pipetting according to process requirements".

[0099] Optionally, the phrase "in a single anti-overflow pipetting process, based on the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, determine the number N of overflows that occur through the overflow needle 112 and the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, and determine whether the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the reference threshold N1" is located after "control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to perform anti-overflow pipetting according to process requirements".

[0100] Preferably, the reference threshold N1 is set to identify whether the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 in the pipetting system has overflowed, provided that small droplets stuck in the overflow pipe can be filtered out.

[0101] Based on the above embodiments, step S3 includes: Step S31': If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to complete the current anti-overflow pipetting operation; Step S32': Control the feeding unit 6 to provide the reaction cup 8 to the transfer unit 7, and control the transfer unit 7 to transfer the newly fed reaction cup 8 to the target liquid injection station, and control the liquid injection unit of the target liquid injection station to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup 8 until the full cup overflow prevention liquid height H3 is reached. The reaction cup 8 containing the cleaning solution is then transferred to the position below the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1. The first power component is controlled to drive the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to descend to the lowest position required by the process. The overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is controlled to operate for the first target overflow time T4. Then, the first power component is controlled to raise the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to the top of the reaction cup 8. Step S33': Control S32' to cycle M times; Step S34': Control the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to start, wait for the second evacuation time T2, control the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to start, and acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 within a detection cycle T3; Based on the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, within one detection cycle T3, determine the number of overflows N' that occur through the overflow needle 112 and overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, and determine whether the number of overflows N' is equal to 0; Step S35': If the number of overflows N' is equal to 0, stop working; If the number of overflows N' is greater than 0, repeat S32' once and then repeat S34'; until the number of overflows N' is equal to 0, or, stop the cycle after M1 cycles and output a fault signal for the bubble detection system in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1.

[0102] Understandably, please refer to Figure 16After determining that the main needle 111 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is blocked, in step S31' the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is controlled to continue running in order to complete the current anti-overflow pipetting operation.

[0103] After completing the current anti-overflow pipetting operation, in step S32', the feeding unit 6 is controlled to retrieve a new empty reaction cup 8 from the material tank and place the new reaction cup 8 on the transfer unit 7. The transfer unit 7 then transfers the new reaction cup 8 to the target injection station. At this time, the reaction cup 8 is located below the injection needle in the injection unit set at the target injection station. The injection unit set at the target injection station is controlled to inject cleaning fluid into the reaction cup 8 until the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the reaction cup 8 rises to the full anti-overflow height H3 position. Then, the reaction cup 8 containing the cleaning fluid is transferred to the target anti-overflow pipetting station. At this time, the reaction... The cup 8 is located below the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1. The overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is started, and then the first power component is controlled to drive the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to slowly descend until the overflow needle 112 descends to a position H1 away from the bottom of the cup to draw the cleaning liquid in the reaction cup 8. After the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is started, wait for the first target overflow time T4, and then control the overflow pump 13 to stop to draw away all the cleaning liquid below the tip of the overflow needle 112. Then the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is raised back to above the reaction cup 8.

[0104] Then, in step S33', after the cleaning solution of filling the new reaction cup 8 with overflow prevention liquid of high H3 is injected into the new reaction cup 8 in step S32' for M times, the overflow needle 112 in the target overflow prevention pipetting unit 1 descends to extract the cleaning solution to complete the maintenance of the overflow needle 112, so as to ensure that subsequent tests will not cause sample contamination due to overflow; preferably, M≥3, to ensure that the current solution will not be carried into the subsequent test process after maintenance.

[0105] After the cycle is completed, the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is suspended above the reaction cup 8. In step S34', the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is started again, and the second evacuation time T2 is waited to evacuate the cleaning fluid in the overflow needle 112 and its connected pipe. Then, the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is started and runs continuously for one detection cycle T3, and the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is acquired. Then, based on the detection data of the bubble sensor 2, the number of overflows N' that occur through the overflow needle 112 and the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is determined, and it is determined whether the number of overflows N' is equal to 0.

[0106] It should be noted that the detection cycle T3 is the running time of the overflow pump 13 during one overflow pipetting process using the target overflow pipetting unit 1. During the overflow pipetting process, the overflow pump 13 in the target overflow pipetting unit 1 starts before driving the overflow needle 112 to descend, and after the overflow pipetting is completed, it drives the overflow needle 112 to rise above the reaction cup 8 and then stops.

[0107] Optionally, the processes of "acquiring the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 within one detection cycle T3" and "determining the number of overflows N' that occur through the overflow needle 112 and overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 within one detection cycle T3 based on the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, and determining whether the number of overflows N' is equal to 0" are performed simultaneously.

[0108] Optionally, the phrase "Based on the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, within one detection cycle T3, determine the number of overflows N' that occur through the overflow needle 112 and the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, and determine whether the number of overflows N' is equal to 0" is located after "Within one detection cycle T3, acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1".

[0109] Then, in step S35', after determining that the overflow count N' is equal to 0, the maintenance of the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is stopped; or, after determining that the overflow count N' is greater than 0, after repeating step S32' once, the process of injecting a full cup of anti-overflow cleaning solution H3 into the new reaction cup 8, and the process of the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 descending to extract the cleaning solution, is repeated. Then, the process of detecting within one detection cycle T3 in step S34' and determining whether the overflow count N' is equal to 0 is performed. Optionally, if the overflow count N' is determined to be equal to 0 before the cycle reaches M1, the maintenance of the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is stopped. Optionally, if the overflow count N' is still determined to be greater than 0 after the cycle reaches M1, a fault signal for the bubble detection system in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is output to report a fault in the bubble detection system.

[0110] Preferably, in steps S31' to S35', the full cup overflow prevention height H3 is set to the maximum value in the range of liquid heights that ensures the solution will not overflow the reaction cup 8 immediately after it is inserted into the reaction cup 8, and M and M1 are set to prevent the bubble detection system from falsely reporting overflow after maintenance.

[0111] It should be noted that the overflow prevention height H3 refers to the liquid height at which the solution will not overflow from the reaction cup 8 after the overflow needle 112 in the target overflow prevention pipetting unit 1 is inserted into the reaction cup 8 during the slow descent process.

[0112] It should also be noted that the above-mentioned "bubble detection system fault signal" refers to a fault in bubble sensor 2 and / or pipeline and / or first detection subunit 31 and / or second detection subunit 33 and / or overflow pump M1.

[0113] Based on the above embodiments, it also includes: Step S01: Obtain calibration instructions; Step S02: After receiving the calibration command, control the overflow pump 13 and bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to start, wait for the first evacuation time T1, acquire the detection data of bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, and store the acquired detection data of bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 as the calibration lower limit A1. Step S03: Control the feeding unit 6 to provide the reaction cup 8 to the transfer unit 7, and control the transfer unit 7 to transfer the newly fed reaction cup 8 to the target liquid injection station, and control the liquid injection unit of the target liquid injection station to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup 8 until the full cup overflow prevention liquid height H3 is reached. The reaction cup 8 containing the cleaning solution is then transferred to the position below the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1. The first power component is controlled to drive the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to descend to the lowest position required by the process. The overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is controlled to operate for the second target overflow time T5. Then, the first power component is controlled to raise the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to the top of the reaction cup 8. Step S04: Control step S03 to cycle M3 times; Step S05: Acquire the detection data of bubble sensor 2 in target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 again, and store the newly acquired detection data of bubble sensor 2 in target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 as calibration upper limit A2; Step S06: Control the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to start, wait for the second evacuation time T2, control the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to start, and acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 within a detection cycle T3; Based on the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, within one detection cycle T3, determine the number of overflows N' that occur through the overflow needle 112 and overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, and determine whether the number of overflows N' is equal to 0; Step S07: If the number of overflows N' is equal to 0, stop working; If the number of overflows N' is greater than 0, repeat S03 once and then repeat S06; until the number of overflows N' is equal to 0, or, stop the cycle after M1 cycles and output a fault signal for the bubble detection system in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1.

[0114] Understandably, please refer to Figure 17 In step S01, the calibration command is an instruction to control the pipetting system to be calibrated using a control method. The calibration command can be obtained from the human-machine interface window of the control unit 3 or the host computer, etc.

[0115] After receiving the calibration command, the empty tube value calibration is first performed in step S02. Specifically, the overflow pump 13 and bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 are started and run continuously for the first purging time T1 to ensure that the overflow needle 112 and its connected pipe are purged, at least the channel section between the tip of the overflow needle 112 and the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is purged; then the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is acquired, and the acquired data is used as the calibration lower limit A1 and stored.

[0116] After completing the empty tube calibration, the full tube calibration begins in step S03. Specifically, the feeding unit 6 takes a new empty reaction cup 8 from the material tank and places it on the transfer unit 7. The transfer unit 7 then transfers the new reaction cup 8 to the target injection station. At this time, the reaction cup 8 is located below the injection needle in the injection unit at the target injection station. The injection unit at the target injection station injects cleaning fluid into the reaction cup 8 until the level of the cleaning fluid in the reaction cup 8 rises to the full overflow prevention level H3. Then, the reaction cup 8 containing the cleaning fluid is transferred to the target overflow prevention pipetting station. At this time, the reaction cup 8 is located in the target overflow prevention pipetting unit 1. Below the overflow needle 112, the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is started, and then the first power component is controlled to drive the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to slowly descend until the overflow needle 112 descends to a position H1 away from the bottom of the cup to draw the cleaning liquid in the reaction cup 8. After the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 starts, wait for the second target overflow time T5, and then control the overflow pump 13 to stop, so as to ensure that after the overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 stops, the tip of the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is immersed in the cleaning liquid inside the reaction cup 8. Then the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is raised back to the top of the reaction cup 8.

[0117] Then, in step S04, after injecting the cleaning liquid of the full cup H3 into the new reaction cup 8 in step S03 for M3 times, the overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow transfer unit 1 descends to extract the cleaning liquid, so that the overflow needle 112 and its connected pipe are filled with cleaning liquid, ensuring that there are no air bubbles in the detection area of ​​the bubble sensor 2.

[0118] After the cycle is completed, in step S05, the detection data of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is obtained, and the data obtained this time is used as the calibration upper limit A2 and stored.

[0119] Then, step S06 proceeds to the process described in step S34' above, and step S07 proceeds to the process described in step S35' above, to empty the overflow needle 112 and its connected pipe, or, if the overflow needle 112 and its connected pipe cannot be emptied, output a fault signal for the bubble detection system in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to report a fault in the bubble detection system.

[0120] Optionally, control steps S01 to S07 are synchronized with the start-up of bubble sensor 2.

[0121] Optionally, the tester can control the device to send calibration commands to the control unit 3 to perform steps S01-S07, so as to periodically calibrate the lower calibration limit A1 and the upper calibration limit A2, ensuring that test errors are not caused by fluctuations in the timeliness of the hardware.

[0122] Preferably, in steps S01 to S07, the full cup overflow prevention liquid height H3 and the second target overflow time T5 are set to complete the full tube calibration in the fastest time while ensuring that no gas is introduced into the overflow prevention pipe and affects the calibration value.

[0123] It has the highest maintenance height and can be carried away after maintenance. It will not cause false alarms due to abnormal liquid entering the detection system after maintenance. Based on the above embodiments, after step S05, the method further includes: The set threshold A3 is determined based on the lower calibration limit A1 and the upper calibration limit A2. It is understood that the set threshold A3 is greater than the lower calibration limit A1 and less than the upper calibration limit A2; the set threshold A3 can be determined based on the gas-liquid mixing state and actual needs to meet different detection sensitivities.

[0124] Optionally, "determining the set threshold A3 based on the lower calibration limit A1 and the upper calibration limit A2" is performed simultaneously with steps S06 to S07; alternatively, "determining the set threshold A3 based on the lower calibration limit A1 and the upper calibration limit A2" is located after "if the overflow number N' is equal to 0" in step S07, that is, after the maintenance work in step S06, the bubble detection system is confirmed to be normal before the set threshold A3 is determined.

[0125] Based on the above embodiments, the number of overflows occurring through the overflow needle 112 and overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is determined, including: The real-time detection value A of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is obtained at every target detection time t1; Compare the real-time detected value A with the set threshold A3. If the real-time detected value A is greater than or equal to the set threshold A3, record it once. Sum the recorded times to determine the number of overflows in the target overflow sub-unit.

[0126] Understandably, the real-time detection value A of the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is periodically acquired; then, the acquired real-time detection value A is compared with the stored set threshold A3, and when the real-time detection value A is greater than the set threshold A3, it is recorded once; the sum of the number of records is the number of overflows of the target overflow subunit.

[0127] Optionally, the processes of "comparing the real-time detected value A with the set threshold A3, and recording once if the real-time detected value A is greater than or equal to the set threshold A3" and "summing the number of records to determine the number of overflows of the target overflow sub-unit" are performed simultaneously.

[0128] Optionally, "sum the number of records to determine the number of overflows N of the target overflow subunit" is located after "compare the real-time detection value A with the set threshold A3. If the real-time detection value A is greater than or equal to the set threshold A3, record once".

[0129] Based on the above embodiments, step S3 includes: If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, a needle blockage signal is output, and the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is controlled to alarm.

[0130] Understandably, please refer to Figure 18 After determining that the main needle 111 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is blocked, the bubble sensor 2 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is controlled to alarm in step S31'' so as to facilitate timely maintenance.

[0131] Based on the above embodiments, step S3 includes: If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, a needle blockage signal is output, and a target suction needle blockage signal is output. The target suction needle includes the main needle 111 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, the suction needle of the target anti-overflow pipetting station and the suction station located between the adjacent anti-overflow pipetting stations in the incoming material direction.

[0132] Understandably, after determining that the main needle 111 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is clogged, a target suction needle blockage signal is output, indicating that the main needle 111 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, the target anti-overflow pipetting station, and the suction station located between adjacent anti-overflow pipetting stations in the incoming material direction are clogged. This is applicable to pipetting systems with suction stations set between adjacent anti-overflow pipetting stations. This setting facilitates targeted subsequent maintenance, which helps to improve maintenance accuracy and reduce maintenance workload.

[0133] Optionally, the pipetting system has N anti-overflow pipetting units 1, and the N anti-overflow pipetting units 1 are arranged in order of 1, 2, ... N along the transfer direction of the transfer unit 7; then the target aspiration needle includes the main needle 111 of the nth anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 (the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 currently pipetting, i.e., the aforementioned target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1), and the aspiration needle between the nth anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 and the (n-1)th anti-overflow pipetting unit 1.

[0134] Based on the above embodiments, step S3 includes: Step S31'': If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, control the feeding unit 6 to provide the reaction cup 8 to the transfer unit 7; Step S32'': Control the transfer unit 7 to transfer the newly loaded reaction cup 8 to the target liquid injection station, and control the liquid injection unit at the target liquid injection station to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup 8 until the cleaning liquid reaches the high H4 level. Step S33'': Transfer the reaction cup 8 containing the cleaning solution to below the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1, and control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to perform anti-overflow aspiration according to the process requirements; Step S34'': Control the transfer unit 7 to transfer the reaction cup 8 to below the liquid level probe 5, control the second power component to lower the liquid level probe 5 to the detection position, control the liquid level probe 5 to start liquid level detection, and acquire the detection signal of the liquid level probe 5; Step S35'': If the detection signal reflects the liquid level status, output a needle blockage signal; If the detection signal reflects a liquid level deficiency, an unblocked needle signal will be output.

[0135] Understandably, please refer to Figure 19After determining that the main needle 111 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 is clogged, in step S31'', the feeding unit 6 is controlled to take a new empty reaction cup 8 from the material tank and place the new reaction cup 8 on the transfer unit 7; then in step S32'', the transfer unit 7 transfers the new reaction cup 8 to the target injection station. At this time, the reaction cup 8 is located below the injection needle in the injection unit set at the target injection station, and the injection unit set at the target injection station is controlled to inject liquid into the reaction cup. Inject cleaning fluid into reaction cup 8 until the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in reaction cup 8 rises to the cleaning fluid height H4 position; then, in step S33'', transfer reaction cup 8 containing cleaning fluid to the target anti-overflow pipetting station. At this time, reaction cup 8 is located below the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1. Control the main pump 12 and overflow pump 13 in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 to start, and then control the first power component to drive the main needle 111 and overflow needle in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit 1. 112 slowly descends until the main needle 111 reaches the lowest position required by the process to draw the cleaning fluid from the reaction cup 8. Then, the main needle 111 and overflow needle 112 in the target anti-overflow transfer unit 1 are raised back above the reaction cup 8. Next, in step S34'', the transfer unit 7 transfers the reaction cup 8 containing the cleaning fluid to the liquid level detection station. At this time, the reaction cup 8 is located below the liquid level probe 5. The second power component is controlled to drive the liquid level probe 5 to descend and stop at the detection position. After the liquid level probe 5 moves into place, the liquid level probe 5 is controlled to start to complete the liquid level detection, that is, to determine whether there is liquid at the position of the needle tip of the liquid level probe 5. Finally, in step S35'', after obtaining the detection result of the liquid level probe 5, if the detection result indicates the liquid level status, a needle blockage signal is output; otherwise, if the detection result indicates the liquid level is missing, a needle non-blockage signal is output. Thus, the needle blockage situation can be reconfirmed and investigated, further reducing the probability of false alarms.

[0136] Through steps S31'' to S35'', a secondary determination of whether the needle is blocked can be achieved, ensuring the accuracy of the needle blockage determination.

[0137] Optionally, when the tip of the main needle 111 is not flat, the lowest position of the main needle 111 in the process requirements refers to the height position of contacting the bottom of the reaction cup 8.

[0138] Preferably, the detection position refers to the position of the aspiration needle (such as the main needle 111 in the anti-overflow pipetting unit 1 used to aspirate liquid from the reaction cup 8) within 1-3 mm above the lowest position required by the process, so as to reduce the false judgment of liquid level detection in the event of needle blockage.

[0139] It should be noted that the cleaning fluid level H4 is higher than the height of the liquid injected into the reaction cup 8 during normal anti-overflow injection work according to process requirements.

[0140] In some specific embodiments, the first emptying time T1 and the second emptying time T2 are both integer multiples of the detection period T3; optionally, the first emptying time T1 and the second emptying time T2 are equal.

[0141] In some embodiments, the pipetting system is an immunoassay device, that is, the process used is magnetic washing. During the magnetic washing process, the composite immunomagnetic beads are cleaned by injecting cleaning solution into the reaction cup 8 through the aspiration needle assembly 11, and then the cleaning solution in the reaction cup 8 is withdrawn through the injection needle assembly 11, thus completing one cleaning cycle. Magnetic washing can be completed by one or more cleaning cycles.

[0142] In summary, the pipetting system and control method described in this application can promptly determine if a needle is blocked, effectively preventing more abnormal tests, sample waste, and reducing the possibility of requiring secondary blood draws, thus improving the patient's testing experience. Furthermore, it can prevent overflow during injection or aspiration, effectively avoiding instrument malfunctions caused by overflow of cleaning solution into the reaction cup 8. It can also pinpoint the location of the blocked needle, facilitating subsequent maintenance and, to a certain extent, determining the degree of blockage. Through self-maintenance, it prevents abnormal contact between the blocked aspiration and injection needles and the cleaning solution containing the sample; if these needles were to directly enter the test later, it would cause abnormal sample carryover. Through self-calibration, it ensures that testing errors are not caused by changes in the instrument hardware over time. Moreover, when the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 are coaxially connected, it is preferable to insert the main needle 111 and the overflow needle 112 along the centerline of the reaction cup 8 during use, ensuring that the immunomagnetic beads are generally located on the same side of the reaction cup 8 during each cleaning.

[0143] It should be noted that the relational terms such as "first" and "second" mentioned above are only used to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities; the terms "upper surface," "lower surface," "top," and "bottom" and the directional terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" mentioned above are defined based on the accompanying drawings in the specification.

[0144] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0145] The pipetting system and its control method provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A pipetting system, characterized in that, include: The anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), bubble sensor (2), and control unit (3) are provided. The anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) includes a needle assembly (11), a main pump (12), an overflow pump (13), and a first power assembly. The needle assembly (11) includes a main needle (111) and an overflow needle (112). The liquid port of the main pump (12) is connected to the needle cavity of the main needle (111) for liquid transfer, which is either suction or injection. The overflow pump (13) is connected to the overflow needle (112) for overflowing and discharging excess liquid that exceeds the design level. The output end of the first power component is connected to the needle assembly (11) for driving the main needle (111) and the overflow needle (112) to rise and fall; The bubble sensor (2) is located between the overflow pump (13) and the overflow needle (112) to detect the fluid state in the overflow channel where it is located; The control unit (3) is connected to the main pump (12), the overflow pump (13), the first power component, and the bubble sensor (2) to control the operation of the main pump (12), the overflow pump (13), and the first power component to achieve anti-overflow pipetting, and to receive the detection result of the bubble sensor (2) and control the operation of the anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) according to the detection result of the bubble sensor (2).

2. The pipetting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a feeding unit (6) and a transfer unit (7); The transfer unit (7) is used to support and transfer the reaction cup (8), and the needle assembly (11) is located at the anti-overflow pipetting station; The feeding unit (6) is used to pick up the reaction cup (8) from the designated position and place the reaction cup (8) in the transfer unit (7). The control unit (3) is connected to the feeding unit (6) and the transfer unit (7) to control the feeding and transfer of the reaction cup (8).

3. The pipetting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of needle components (11) and the number of bubble sensors (2) are both several; Several of the said needle assemblies (11) are located at the corresponding anti-overflow pipetting stations; Several of the bubble sensors (2) are disposed between the overflow needle (112) and the overflow pump (13).

4. The pipetting system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a suction needle, which is located at the suction station and the suction station is located between adjacent anti-overflow transfer stations.

5. The pipetting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a level probe (5) and a second power assembly; The liquid level probe (5) is located at the detection station; The second power component is connected to the liquid level probe (5) and is used to drive the liquid level probe (5) to move up and down; The control unit (3) is connected to the liquid level probe (5) and is used to output a blocked needle signal or a non-blocked needle signal according to the detection result of the liquid level probe (5).

6. The pipetting system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit (3) includes a first detection subunit (31), a main control subunit (32), and a second detection subunit (33). The first detection subunit (31) is connected to the bubble sensor (2) and is used to determine and record the number of times the detection exceeds the set threshold A3 based on the detection data received from the bubble sensor (2). The second detection subunit (33) is connected to the liquid level probe (5) and is used to determine the liquid level signal or the liquid level missing signal based on the detection result received from the liquid level probe (5); The main control subunit (32) is connected to the first detection subunit (31) and the second detection subunit (33) to determine whether the main needle (111) is blocked based on the signals received from the first detection subunit (31) and the second detection subunit (33), and to control the operation of the anti-overflow pipetting unit (1).

7. The pipetting system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting base (4), and the needle assembly (11) also includes a needle hub (113); The needle tail end of the main needle (111) and the needle tail end of the overflow needle (112) are both located on the needle seat (113), and the needle tip of the main needle (111) is lower than the needle tip of the overflow needle (112). The needle holder (113) is movably mounted on the mounting base (4), and the output end of the first power component is connected to the needle holder (113) for driving the needle holder (113) to move up and down.

8. The pipetting system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The needle hub (113) has a main channel and a branch channel, and the branch channel is connected to the main channel; The needle tail end of the main needle (111) and the needle tail end of the overflow needle (112) are both inserted into the main channel, and the overflow needle (112) is sleeved on the outside of the main needle (111). There is a liquid guiding gap between the overflow needle (112) and the main needle (111), and the liquid guiding gap is connected to the branch channel. The needle tip of the main needle (111) extends out of the needle tip of the overflow needle (112).

9. A control method for a pipetting system, characterized in that, The pipetting system described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the control method for the pipetting system comprises: S1: Obtain anti-overflow pipetting command; S2: After receiving the anti-overflow pipetting command, control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to perform anti-overflow pipetting according to the process requirements, and control the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to start synchronously with the overflow pump (13); obtain the detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1); During a single overflow prevention process, based on the detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target overflow prevention unit (1), the number of overflows N that occur through the overflow needle (112) and overflow pump (13) in the target overflow prevention unit (1) is determined, and it is determined whether the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the reference threshold N1. S3: If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, output a pin blockage signal.

10. The control method for a pipetting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, S3 includes: S31': If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to complete the current anti-overflow pipetting operation; S32': Control the feeding unit (6) to provide the reaction cup (8) to the transfer unit (7), and control the transfer unit (7) to transfer the newly fed reaction cup (8) to the target liquid injection station, and control the liquid injection unit of the target liquid injection station to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup (8) until the full cup overflow prevention liquid height H3 is reached; Then transfer the reaction cup (8) containing the cleaning solution to below the overflow needle (112) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), control the first power component to drive the overflow needle (112) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to descend to the lowest position required by the process, and control the overflow pump (13) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to work for the first target overflow time T4, and then control the first power component to raise the overflow needle (112) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to above the reaction cup (8); S33': Controls S32' to cycle M times; S34': Control the overflow pump (13) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to start, wait for the second evacuation time T2, control the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to start, and within a detection cycle T3, acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1); Based on the detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), within one detection cycle T3, determine the number of overflows N' that occur through the overflow needle (112) and overflow pump (13) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), and determine whether the number of overflows N' is equal to 0; S35': If the overflow count N' is 0, stop working; If the number of overflows N' is greater than 0, repeat S32' once and then repeat S34'; until the number of overflows N' is equal to 0, or, stop the cycle after M1 cycles and output the bubble detection system fault signal in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1).

11. The control method for a pipetting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: S01: Obtain calibration instructions; S02: After receiving the calibration command, control the overflow pump (13) and bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to start, wait for the first evacuation time T1, obtain the detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), and store the obtained detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) as the calibration lower limit A1; S03: Control the feeding unit (6) to provide the reaction cup (8) to the transfer unit (7), and control the transfer unit (7) to transfer the newly fed reaction cup (8) to the target liquid injection station, and control the liquid injection unit of the target liquid injection station to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup (8) until the full cup overflow prevention liquid height H3 is reached; Then transfer the reaction cup (8) containing the cleaning solution to below the overflow needle (112) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), control the first power component to drive the overflow needle (112) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to descend to the lowest position required by the process, and control the overflow pump (13) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to work for the second target overflow time T5, and then control the first power component to raise the overflow needle (112) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to above the reaction cup (8); S04: Control S03 to cycle M3 times; S05: Acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) again, and store the detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) again as the calibration upper limit A2; S06: Control the overflow pump (13) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to start, wait for the second evacuation time T2, control the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to start, and within a detection cycle T3, acquire the detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1); Based on the detection data of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), within one detection cycle T3, determine the number of overflows N' that occur through the overflow needle (112) and overflow pump (13) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), and determine whether the number of overflows N' is equal to 0; S07: If the overflow count N' is equal to 0, stop working; If the number of overflows N' is greater than 0, repeat S03 once and then repeat S06; until the number of overflows N' is equal to 0, or, stop the cycle after M1 cycles and output the bubble detection system fault signal in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1).

12. The control method for a pipetting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The determination of the number of overflows occurring through the overflow needle (112) and overflow pump (13) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) includes: The real-time detection value A of the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) is obtained at every target detection time t1; Compare the real-time detected value A with the set threshold A3. If the real-time detected value A is greater than or equal to the set threshold A3, record it once. Sum the recorded times to determine the number of overflows in the target overflow sub-unit.

13. The control method for a pipetting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, S3 includes: If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the reference threshold N1, a needle blockage signal is output, and the bubble sensor (2) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) is controlled to alarm.

14. The control method for a pipetting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, S3 includes: If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the reference threshold N1, a needle blockage signal is output, and a target suction needle blockage signal is output. The target suction needle includes the main needle (111) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), the suction needle of the target anti-overflow pipetting station and the suction station located between the anti-overflow pipetting stations adjacent to the incoming material direction.

15. The control method for a pipetting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, S3 includes: S31'': If the number of overflows N is greater than or equal to the baseline threshold N1, control the feeding unit (6) to provide the reaction cup (8) to the transfer unit (7); S32'': Control the transfer unit (7) to transfer the newly loaded reaction cup (8) to the target liquid injection station, and control the liquid injection unit of the target liquid injection station to inject cleaning liquid into the reaction cup (8) until the cleaning liquid reaches the high H4 level; S33'': Transfer the reaction cup (8) containing the cleaning solution to the bottom of the main needle (111) and overflow needle (112) in the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1), and control the target anti-overflow pipetting unit (1) to perform anti-overflow aspiration according to the process requirements; S34'': Then control the transfer unit (7) to transfer the reaction cup (8) to below the liquid level probe (5), control the second power component to lower the liquid level probe (5) to the detection position, control the liquid level probe (5) to start liquid level detection, and obtain the detection signal of the liquid level probe (5); S35'': If the detection signal reflects the liquid level status, output a needle blockage signal; If the detection signal reflects a liquid level deficiency, an unblocked needle signal will be output.

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