Automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of liquid phase preparation devices, and in particular to an automatic loading and unloading device for analysis equipment, comprising a workbench, a feeding mechanism, a mechanical arm and a driving mechanism, the analysis equipment, the analysis equipment is installed on the workbench, the analysis equipment is provided with a sample injection port, the feeding mechanism comprises a sample injector drawer, and the sample injector drawer is push-pull arranged at the sample injection port; the mechanical arm is provided with a clamping claw for realizing the transportation of a tray between a loading area and the sample injector drawer; the driving mechanism comprises a suction cup for sucking the side of the sample injector drawer, the suction cup is slidably arranged on the workbench, and is used to realize the push-pull of the sample injector drawer. The automatic loading and unloading device for analysis equipment of the utility model is compatible with an existing LCMS system, is convenient for realizing system integration and upgrading, and reduces the transformation cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of liquid phase preparation devices, in particular to an automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment. Background Art

[0002] LCMS (Laboratory Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) automated loading and unloading systems are primarily used for automated sample handling during laboratory chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. This system can significantly improve laboratory efficiency, reduce human error, and allow for unattended, continuous analysis.

[0003] Automation: With the continuous development of automation technology, more and more laboratories are beginning to adopt automated equipment to replace traditional manual operations. LCMS automatic loading and unloading systems are a product of this trend. They can automatically load and unload samples and perform various operations during the analysis process.

[0004] Robotics: Robotics plays a key role in automated LCMS loading and unloading systems. Through precise arm movements and gripping mechanisms, robots can accurately grasp and place samples, ensuring accuracy and repeatability of the analytical process.

[0005] Software control systems: LCMS automated loading and unloading equipment is equipped with a host computer software control system. These systems can monitor and manage the entire automated process, including sample tracking, data analysis, and result reporting.

[0006] Defects and shortcomings of existing technology:

[0007] Compatibility issues: Different LCMS instruments may require different automated loading and unloading systems, which leads to some compatibility issues. Laboratories may need to purchase and maintain multiple different systems to accommodate different instruments and analytical needs.

[0008] High cost: LCMS automated loading and unloading systems are typically expensive, which can be a burden for laboratories with limited budgets. Furthermore, system maintenance and upgrades also require additional costs.

[0009] Technical complexity: While automated systems can significantly improve work efficiency, they also increase technical complexity. Laboratory staff require specialized training to operate these systems proficiently and may require professional technical support in the event of system failures.

[0010] Reliability issues: While automated systems are designed to reduce human error, they can themselves be subject to malfunctions or errors. For example, a robotic arm’s gripping mechanism may fail, leading to errors or delays in sample processing. Utility Model Content

[0011] In order to solve the problem of poor compatibility of LCMS automatic loading and unloading systems in the prior art, the utility model provides an automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment with improved compatibility.

[0012] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve its technical problems is:

[0013] An automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment, comprising:

[0014] workbench,

[0015] Analytical equipment, the analytical equipment is installed on the workbench, and the analytical equipment is provided with an injection port,

[0016] The feeding mechanism includes a sample injector drawer, and the sample injector drawer is push-pull arranged on the sample inlet;

[0017] A robotic arm, wherein the robotic arm is provided with a clamping claw for carrying the tray between the loading area and the sampler drawer;

[0018] The driving mechanism includes a suction cup for sucking the side of the sample injector drawer, and the suction cup is slidably arranged on the workbench to realize the pushing and pulling of the sample injector drawer.

[0019] Furthermore, a linear module is provided on the workbench, and the suction cup is fixedly connected to a slider of the linear module. The suction cup is driven by the linear module to achieve reciprocating motion.

[0020] Furthermore, the workbench is provided with a straightening rail, which is supported below the sampler drawer when the sampler drawer is pulled out, and is connected to a lifting drive mechanism.

[0021] Furthermore, the lifting drive mechanism includes a cylinder, a mounting bracket is fixed to the piston rod of the cylinder, and the straightening rail includes support rollers mounted on the mounting bracket. Because the injector drawer has a long opening stroke, it may fall when fully opened. This mechanism is used to support the bottom of the injector drawer to prevent it from falling.

[0022] Furthermore, guide blocks are provided on both sides of the mounting frame for guiding the sampler drawer to be pulled out. The guide blocks guide the drawer to further increase the movement accuracy.

[0023] Furthermore, the loading area is provided with a loading and unloading vertical warehouse, and the loading and unloading vertical warehouse is provided with at least two layers of material racks, so as to realize loading and unloading of pallets.

[0024] Furthermore, the slider of the linear module is driven by a servo motor.

[0025] Beneficial effects:

[0026] (1) Easy to integrate: compatible with existing analytical equipment systems such as LCMS, facilitating system integration and upgrades, and reducing transformation costs;

[0027] (2) Accurate and reliable: Servo motors and precision transmission devices are used to ensure the accuracy and consistency of each loading and unloading process, thereby improving the reliability of the analysis results;

[0028] (3) Widely applicable: The replaceable jaw design can adapt to sample containers of different specifications and types to meet different experimental needs;

[0029] (4) Intelligent control: The control system based on the host computer provides an intuitive and convenient operation experience, facilitating user monitoring and management;

[0030] (5) High degree of automation: The control system realizes full automation operation, significantly improving loading and unloading efficiency and reducing manual intervention and errors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the sampler drawer in the open state;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the working status of the sampler drawer in the closed state.

[0035] 1. Workbench, 2. Analytical equipment, 21. Sample inlet, 3. Sampler drawer, 4. Robotic arm, 5. Gripper, 6. Suction cup, 7. Linear module, 8. Cylinder, 9. Mounting frame, 91. Guide block, 10. Support roller, 11. Loading and unloading vertical warehouse, 12. Pallet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. The technology, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be considered as part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it needs to be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0040] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0041] In addition, it should be noted that the use of words such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above words have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 , an automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment, including a workbench 1, an analytical equipment 2, a feeding mechanism, a robotic arm 4 and a driving mechanism, the analytical equipment 2 is installed on the workbench 1, the analytical equipment 2 is not limited to an LCMC analytical equipment, the analytical equipment 2 is provided with an injection port 21, the feeding mechanism includes an injector drawer 3, and the injector drawer 3 is pushed and pulled at the injection port 21; the robotic arm 4 is provided with a clamping claw 5 for realizing the transportation of the tray 12 between the loading area and the injector drawer 3, the clamping claw 5 is detachably fixed to the robotic arm 4, and the clamping claw 5 can be replaced; the driving mechanism includes a suction cup 6 for sucking the side of the injector drawer 3, the suction cup 6 is slidably set on the workbench 1, and is used to realize the pushing and pulling of the injector drawer 3.

[0043] The workbench 1 includes a frame and a housing, constructed of high-strength metal materials to ensure the stability and durability of the overall structure. The housing is designed to be dust-proof and easy to clean to suit a laboratory environment.

[0044] The workbench 1 is equipped with a linear module 7, with suction cups 6 fixedly connected to the slider of the linear module 7. Suction cups 6 are arranged one-to-one with drawers 3, and vacuum generators are installed on the workbench 1, corresponding to each suction cup 6. Several suction cups 6 are fixed to the same slider and move with the slider. When one or more drawers 3 need to be opened, the corresponding suction cups 6 will close the drawer 3. The suction cups 6 corresponding to the drawers 3 that do not need to be opened will not have suction.

[0045] The workbench 1 is provided with an aligning rail, which is supported below the sampler drawer 3 when the sampler drawer 3 is pulled out, and is connected to a lifting drive mechanism.

[0046] The lifting drive mechanism includes a cylinder 8 , a mounting frame 9 is fixed to the piston rod of the cylinder 8 , and the straightening rail includes a supporting roller 10 mounted on the mounting frame 9 .

[0047] Guide blocks 91 for guiding the sampler drawer 3 to be pulled out are provided on both sides of the mounting frame 9 .

[0048] The loading area is provided with a loading and unloading vertical warehouse 11, and the loading and unloading vertical warehouse 11 is provided with at least two layers of material racks.

[0049] The slide of the linear module 7 is driven by a servo motor, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of each loading and unloading process, and improving the reliability of the analysis results.

[0050] The automated loading and unloading device for analytical equipment of the present invention adopts a modular design, which facilitates rapid maintenance and replacement, while improving the scalability of the system; it is equipped with a high-precision 4-axis robot to ensure the accuracy of handling, and uses a linear module to control the position of the switch drawer, effectively ensuring that the placement of the tray 12 is not affected. Based on an industrial-grade PLC (programmable logic controller) and a touch screen HMI (human-machine interface), intuitive and efficient operation control is achieved.

[0051] Integrates multiple communication interfaces for easy connection with host computer software or laboratory information management system.

[0052] Design intelligent control algorithms to optimize the automated loading and unloading process and achieve fault self-diagnosis.

[0053] Working principle:

[0054] (1) The robot arm 4 starts and moves to the current position of the tray 12. The gripper 5 of the robot arm 4 grips the tray 12. The robot arm 4 moves the tray 12 to a preset waiting position, ready for the next operation. The linear module 7 transports the suction cup 6 to the injection port 21 of the LCMS analysis device 2. The linear module 7 starts and the slider drives the suction cup 6 to move to the injection port 21 of the LCMS analysis device 2. The suction cup 6 reaches the injection port and is ready for the suction operation.

[0055] (2) The suction cup 6 at the corresponding position is tightly attracted to the injection port 21 of the LCMS analysis device 2 to ensure a stable connection. The injector drawer 3 is pulled out to the top of the straightening rail, the cylinder 8 of the straightening rail rises, and the injector drawer 3 is pulled out;

[0056] (3) The robotic arm 4 moves the tray 12 to the top of the sampler drawer 3 , and the tray 12 is accurately placed in the placement position in the sampler drawer 3 .

[0057] (4) The linear module 7 is started again, and the sample drawer 3 carrying the tray 12 is pushed into the interior of the LCMS analysis device 2. The suction cup 6 is released after the sample drawer 3 is fully pushed in, and the connection with the injection port 21 of the LCMS analysis device 2 is disconnected. The linear module 7 drives the suction cup 6 back to the initial position and waits for the next operation;

[0058] (5) After the LCMS completes the sample analysis, it will send a signal to trigger the next step. The linear module 7 will move again, and the suction cup 6 will pull the sample drawer 3 out of the LCMS analysis device 2. The robot arm 4 will move to the position of the sample drawer 3. The gripper 5 will clamp the tray 12 that has been analyzed. The robot arm 4 will take out the tray 12 and move it to the unloading area of ​​the loading and unloading warehouse 11 for placement. After placement is completed, the robot arm 4 will return to the initial position or prepare for the next grabbing operation.

[0059] According to actual needs, the device can continuously perform multiple loading and unloading cycle operations.

[0060] The above are only preferred specific implementation methods of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to them. Any technician familiar with the technical field can make equivalent replacements or changes based on the technical solution and utility model concept of the present invention within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, and they should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment, characterized in that: include: Workbench (1), An analysis device (2), the analysis device (2) is installed on the workbench (1), and the analysis device (2) is provided with an injection port (21). A feeding mechanism, the feeding mechanism comprising an injector drawer (3), the injector drawer (3) being push-pull arranged on the injection port (21); A mechanical arm (4), wherein the mechanical arm (4) is provided with a clamping claw (5) for carrying the tray (12) between the loading area and the sampler drawer (3); The driving mechanism comprises a suction cup (6) for sucking the side of the sampler drawer (3); the suction cup (6) is slidably arranged on the workbench (1) to realize the pushing and pulling of the sampler drawer (3).

2. The automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The workbench (1) is provided with a linear module (7), and the suction cup (6) and a slider of the linear module (7) are fixedly connected.

3. The automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The workbench (1) is provided with an aligning rail, which is supported below the sampler drawer (3) when the sampler drawer (3) is pulled out, and is connected to a lifting drive mechanism.

4. The automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lifting drive mechanism comprises a cylinder (8), a mounting frame (9) is fixed on the piston rod of the cylinder (8), and the straightening rail comprises a supporting roller (10) mounted on the mounting frame (9).

5. The automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: Guide blocks (91) for guiding the sampler drawer (3) to be pulled out are provided on both sides of the mounting frame (9).

6. The automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading area is provided with a loading and unloading vertical warehouse (11), and the loading and unloading vertical warehouse (11) is provided with at least two layers of material racks.

7. The automatic loading and unloading device for analytical equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slide block of the linear module (7) is driven by a servo motor.

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