Automatic sample injector

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic sample injector, which belongs to the field of experimental instruments and comprises a cross beam frame and a sample injection structure mounted on the cross beam frame, a Y-direction driving structure is mounted on the cross beam frame and comprises a Y-direction synchronous belt, a first optical axis parallel to the Y-direction synchronous belt is further mounted in the cross beam frame, and a second optical axis parallel to the Y-direction synchronous belt is further mounted in the cross beam frame. The sample adding structure comprises a limiting roller abutting against the first optical shaft, the optical shaft and the limiting roller are matched to guide the sample adding structure, the mode of a guide rail and a sliding block in the prior art is replaced, the stress position can be closer to the gravity center position of the sample adding structure, and therefore the reliability is improved, and the problem that in the prior art, the sample adding structure is not prone to being damaged is solved. The automatic sample injector adopts a cantilever structure in different movement directions, so that the operation process is unstable, and the sample injection precision of a sample injection assembly is easily influenced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an experimental instrument, in particular to an automatic pipettor. Background Art

[0002] In current experimental instruments, fully automatic pipettors have long become the industry standard. The crossbeam arm module is the core of the fully automatic pipettor. In the prior art, the crossbeam arm module realizes liquid suction and dispensing through a sampling channel, and is equipped with a manipulator for the function of transferring microplates. The XYZ movement mode in the rack all adopts guide rails. However, since the X-direction and Y-direction parts are both cantilever structures, the torque superposition generated by the two cantilever structures easily leads to insufficient stability during operation and affects the sampling accuracy of the sampling component.

[0003] For example, the "Y-direction driving mechanism of an automatic pipetting gun" disclosed in the Chinese patent document with the publication number CN202182890U includes a horizontally arranged Y-direction guide rail, a slider, a Y-direction driving motor and a synchronous belt. The Y-direction driving motor is relatively fixedly installed at one end of the Y-direction guide rail, a driving wheel is fixedly installed on the output shaft of the Y-direction driving motor, a driven wheel is installed at a position corresponding to the driving wheel at the other end of the Y-direction guide rail, the synchronous belt is installed on the driving wheel and the driven wheel, and several sliders are slidably installed on the Y-direction guide rail. The slider is fixedly connected with the mounting rod on the unit of several pipetting guns, the synchronous belt is fixedly connected with the mounting rod on the unit of one of the pipetting guns, and the mounting rods on the units of several pipetting guns are connected to each other. The deficiency of this patent is that the pipetting gun part is a cantilever structure relative to the Y-direction guide rail, and there is insufficient stability during movement, which easily affects the sampling accuracy of the sampling component. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The utility model aims to overcome the problem that in the prior art, the automatic pipettor adopts cantilever structures in different movement directions, resulting in unstable operation during the movement process and easily affecting the sampling accuracy of the sampling component. The utility model provides an automatic pipettor that only adopts a cantilever structure in the X direction and a frame structure in the Y direction, making the movement of the sampling component more stable and the sampling accuracy higher.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] The utility model provides an automatic pipettor, which includes a crossbeam frame and a sampling structure installed on the crossbeam frame. A Y-direction driving structure is installed on the crossbeam frame. The Y-direction driving structure includes a Y-direction synchronous belt. The sampling structure includes a Y-direction synchronous pressure plate and a piston sampling component. A first optical axis parallel to the Y-direction synchronous belt is further installed in the crossbeam frame. The sampling structure includes a limiting roller abutted against the first optical axis, and the limiting roller is located between the piston sampling component and the synchronous pressure plate.

[0007] In this application, the cooperation of the optical axis and the limit roller is used to guide the sample adding structure, replacing the way of the guide rail and the slider in the prior art. The difference is that the guide rail needs to be installed on a fixed mounting surface, resulting in the overall sample adding structure can only be installed in a cantilever structure, while the optical axis only needs to be fixed at both ends. The optical axis can pass through the sample adding structure, so that the force application position is closer to the center of gravity position of the sample adding structure, thereby improving the reliability.

[0008] Preferably, a Y-direction zero position plate is also installed on the sample adding structure. The movement of the sample adding structure in the Y-direction can be judged through the Y-direction zero position plate.

[0009] Preferably, the sample adding structure further includes a Z-direction driving structure. The Z-direction driving structure includes a Z-direction synchronous belt and a Z-direction lead screw. A sample adding slider is installed on the Z-direction lead screw, and the piston sample adding assembly is installed on the sample adding slider. The piston sample adding assembly is driven by the lead screw, making the structure more compact and further making the center of gravity position closer to the force application point.

[0010] Preferably, the cross beam frame includes a front connecting plate and a rear connecting plate, and the first optical axis is installed between the front connecting plate and the rear connecting plate. The first optical axis is effectively fixed by the cross beam frame.

[0011] Preferably, the Y-direction driving structure includes a Y-direction motor installed on the rear connecting plate. A Y-direction driving wheel is installed on the output shaft of the Y-direction motor. A Y-direction driven wheel is installed on the front connecting plate, and the Y-direction synchronous belt is installed on the Y-direction driving wheel and the Y-direction driven wheel.

[0012] Preferably, the Y-direction driving structure includes a first Y-direction motor and a second Y-direction motor. The sample adding structure includes a first sample adding structure and a second sample adding structure. The first sample adding structure and the second sample adding structure are both installed on the first optical axis. The Y-direction synchronous belt includes a first Y-direction synchronous belt and a second Y-direction synchronous belt. The sample adding efficiency is improved by two sample adding structures.

[0013] Preferably, a motor mounting seat is installed on the rear connecting plate. A plurality of mounting steps are provided on the motor mounting seat, and the first Y-direction motor and the second Y-direction motor are respectively installed on the mounting steps.

[0014] Preferably, the Y-direction driving structure further includes a third Y-direction motor. The Y-direction synchronous belt includes a third Y-direction synchronous belt. A second optical axis parallel to the Y-direction synchronous belt is further installed on the cross beam frame, and a manipulator structure is installed on the second optical axis.

[0015] Preferably, the cross beam frame is installed on the base, and the base is installed on the X-direction guide rail.

[0016] Therefore, the utility model has the following beneficial effects: (1) By using the cooperation of the optical axis and the limit roller to replace the guide rail slider, the force application position is closer to the center of gravity of the sample adding structure, making the operation process more stable; (2) It can perform zero position judgment on the position of the sample adding structure in the Y direction; (3) The structure is compact; (4) It is convenient to install multiple piston sample adding components at the same time, improving the sample adding efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the sample adding structure of the utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of Embodiment 2 of the utility model.

[0020] In the figure: base 1, crossbeam frame 2, front connecting plate 3, rear connecting plate 4, first synchronous belt assembly 7, second synchronous belt assembly 8, motor mounting seat 9, first Y-direction motor 10, second Y-direction motor 11, third Y-direction motor 12, sample adding structure mounting plate 13, limit roller 14, zero position mounting plate 15, Y-direction zero position piece 16, synchronous belt pressing plate 17, Z-direction motor 18, Z-direction guide rail 19, Z-direction slider 20, piston sample adding assembly 21, Z-direction zero position piece 22, Z-direction zero position detection structure 23, Y-direction zero position detection structure 24, Z-direction synchronous belt pulley 25, top cover 26, X-direction guide rail 27, X-direction motor 28, X-direction zero position piece 29. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The following further describes the utility model in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] Embodiment 1, as Figure 1-2 shown, an automatic pipette includes a base 1, a crossbeam frame 2 is installed on the base 1, the crossbeam frame 2 includes a front connecting plate 3 and a rear connecting plate 4, the rear connecting plate 4 is directly installed on the base 1, the front connecting plate 3 and the rear connecting plate 4 are both in an approximate direction, and the sizes of their surfaces are the same. The four corners of the front connecting plate 3 and the rear connecting plate 4 are connected by connecting plates, that is, an upper left connecting plate, a lower left connecting plate, an upper right connecting plate, and a lower right connecting plate are installed between the front connecting plate 3 and the rear connecting plate 4.

[0023] A Y-direction driving assembly is installed on the crossbeam frame 2. The Y-direction driving assembly includes a synchronous belt assembly and an optical axis. Two optical axes, namely a first optical axis and a second optical axis, are installed between the front connecting plate 3 and the rear connecting plate 4. Among them, the first optical axis is used to install the sample adding structure, and the second optical axis is used to install the manipulator structure. The manipulator structure is used to carry and move the containers before and after sample adding. The synchronous belt assembly includes a front wheel seat installed on the front connecting plate 3 and a rear wheel seat installed on the rear connecting plate 4. A front wheel shaft is installed on the front wheel seat, and a rear wheel shaft is installed on the rear wheel seat. A synchronous belt is installed between the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft. The synchronous belt assembly is divided into a first synchronous belt assembly 7 adapted to the first optical axis and a second synchronous belt assembly 8 adapted to the second optical axis. Two synchronous belts are installed simultaneously between the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft of the first synchronous belt assembly 7, namely a first Y-direction synchronous belt and a second Y-direction synchronous belt. The first Y-direction synchronous belt and the second Y-direction synchronous belt are installed at a vertical interval, and their horizontal positions are the same. The first Y-direction synchronous belt and the second Y-direction synchronous belt are respectively used to drive two sample adding structures, namely a first sample adding structure and a second sample adding structure. A third Y-direction synchronous belt is installed between the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft of the second synchronous belt assembly 8. The third Y-direction synchronous belt is used to drive the manipulator structure.

[0024] A motor mounting seat 9 is also installed on the base 1. A Y-direction motor is installed on the motor mounting seat 9. A plurality of mounting steps at different heights are provided on the motor mounting seat 9. A motor mounting flange installed on the mounting step is connected to the Y-direction motor. There are two motor mounting seats 9, namely a first motor mounting seat 9 and a second motor mounting seat 9. The first motor mounting seat 9 and the second motor mounting seat 9 are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the first motor mounting seat 9 and the second motor mounting seat 9 have the same shape and both include four mounting steps. There are three Y-direction motors in total, namely a first Y-direction motor 10, a second Y-direction motor 11, and a third Y-direction motor 12. The first Y-direction motor 10 is used to drive the first Y-direction synchronous belt, the second Y-direction motor 11 is used to drive the second Y-direction synchronous belt, and the third Y-direction motor 12 is used to drive the third Y-direction synchronous belt. The first Y-direction motor 10 and the second Y-direction motor 11 are installed on two mounting steps with different heights of the first motor mounting seat 9. The third Y-direction motor 12 is installed on one of the mounting steps of the second motor mounting seat 9. A weight reduction hole is provided in the middle of the motor mounting seat 9.

[0025] The sample adding structure includes a sample adding structure mounting plate 13. On one side of the sample adding structure mounting plate 13, a limiting roller 14 abuting against the first optical axis is installed. On the same side of the sample adding structure mounting plate 13 as the side where the limiting roller 14 is located, a zero position mounting plate 15 is further installed, and a Y-direction zero position piece 16 is installed on the zero position mounting plate 15. Correspondingly, a Y-direction zero position detection structure 24 for detecting the Y-direction zero position piece 16 is installed on the cross beam frame 2. A synchronous pressure plate 17 is further installed on the zero position mounting plate 15. An insertion opening is formed between the synchronous pressure plate 17 and the zero position mounting plate 15, and the synchronous belt is installed in the insertion opening. On the same side of the sample adding structure mounting plate 13 as the side where the limiting roller 14 is located, a Z-direction motor 18 is further installed, and a Z-direction synchronous pulley 25 is installed on the output shaft of the Z-direction motor 18. In this application, transmission is carried out through the synchronous belt and the synchronous pressure plate 17, which has a certain flexibility and is not easily caused by problems such as motor vibration, resulting in vibration of the sample adding structure, thereby improving the sample adding accuracy.

[0026] On the side of the sample adding structure mounting plate 13 opposite to the side where the limiting roller 14 is located, a Z-direction guide rail 19 is installed. A Z-direction slider 20 is installed on the Z-direction guide rail 19, and a piston sample adding assembly 21 is installed on the Z-direction slider 20. The piston sample adding assembly 21 is driven by a Z-direction lead screw. Another Z-direction synchronous pulley 25 is installed on the Z-direction lead screw, and the two Z-direction synchronous pulleys 25 are connected by a Z-direction synchronous belt. When the Z-direction motor 18 drives the Z-direction synchronous pulley 25 to rotate, it drives the Z-direction lead screw to rotate, thereby driving the Z-direction slider 20 in the Z direction. A Z-direction zero position piece 22 is further installed on the Z-direction slider 20, and a Z-direction zero position detection structure 23 for detecting the Z-direction zero position piece 22 is installed on the sample adding structure mounting plate 13.

[0027] Since the parts in the sample adding structure are respectively installed on both sides of the sample adding structure mounting plate 13, its center of gravity is closer to the position where the limiting roller 14 is located, making the movement process more stable.

[0028] Above the sample adding structure mounting plate 13, a sample adding structure top cover 26 is further installed. The sample adding structure top cover 26 can protect the Z-direction synchronous belt structure, avoiding the situation that it is collided or dust enters the transmission structure, resulting in a reduction in transmission accuracy.

[0029] When the Y-direction motor operates, the Y-direction motor drives the synchronous belt assembly to rotate. The synchronous belt located in the insertion opening drives the sample adding structure to move through friction. During the movement of the sample adding structure, it is guided by the optical axis. Due to the layout of the sample adding structure, its center is close to the position of the optical axis, and the operation is more stable.

[0030] Embodiment 2, as Figure 1-3As shown in the figure, an automatic sampler includes a base 1, on which a crossbeam frame 2 is installed. The crossbeam frame 2 includes a front connecting plate 3 and a rear connecting plate 4. The rear connecting plate 4 is directly installed on the base 1. The front connecting plate 3 and the rear connecting plate 4 are approximately in the same direction, and the sizes of their surfaces are the same. The four corners of the front connecting plate 3 and the rear connecting plate 4 are connected by connecting plates, that is, a left upper connecting plate, a left lower connecting plate, a right upper connecting plate, and a right lower connecting plate are installed between the front connecting plate 3 and the rear connecting plate 4.

[0031] A Y-direction driving component is installed on the crossbeam frame 2. The Y-direction driving component includes a synchronous belt component and an optical axis. Two optical axes are installed between the front connecting plate 3 and the rear connecting plate 4: a first optical axis and a second optical axis. Among them, the first optical axis is used to install the sampling structure, and the second optical axis is used to install the manipulator structure. The manipulator structure is used to carry and move the containers before and after sampling. The synchronous belt component includes a front wheel seat installed on the front connecting plate 3 and a rear wheel seat installed on the rear connecting plate 4. A front wheel shaft is installed on the front wheel seat, and a rear wheel shaft is installed on the rear wheel seat. A synchronous belt is installed between the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft. The synchronous belt component is divided into a first synchronous belt component 7 adapted to the first optical axis and a second synchronous belt component 8 adapted to the second optical axis. Two synchronous belts are installed simultaneously between the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft of the first synchronous belt component 7, namely a first Y-direction synchronous belt and a second Y-direction synchronous belt. The first Y-direction synchronous belt and the second Y-direction synchronous belt are installed at a vertical interval, and their horizontal positions are the same. The first Y-direction synchronous belt and the second Y-direction synchronous belt are respectively used to drive two sampling structures, namely a first sampling structure and a second sampling structure. A third Y-direction synchronous belt is installed between the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft of the second synchronous belt component 8, and the third Y-direction synchronous belt is used to drive the manipulator structure.

[0032] A motor mounting base 9 is also installed on the base 1. A Y-direction motor is installed on the motor mounting base 9. The motor mounting base 9 is provided with a plurality of mounting steps at different heights. A motor mounting flange connected to the Y-direction motor is mounted on the mounting steps. There are two motor mounting bases 9, namely a first motor mounting base 9 and a second motor mounting base 9, and the first motor mounting base 9 and the second motor mounting base 9 are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the first motor mounting base 9 and the second motor mounting base 9 have the same shape and both include four mounting steps. There are three Y-direction motors in total, namely a first Y-direction motor 10, a second Y-direction motor 11, and a third Y-direction motor 12. The first Y-direction motor 10 is used to drive the first Y-direction synchronous belt, the second Y-direction motor 11 is used to drive the second Y-direction synchronous belt, and the third Y-direction motor 12 is used to drive the third Y-direction synchronous belt. The first Y-direction motor 10 and the second Y-direction motor 11 are mounted on two mounting steps with different heights of the first motor mounting base 9. The third Y-direction motor 12 is mounted on one of the mounting steps of the second motor mounting base 9. A weight-reducing hole is provided in the middle of the motor mounting base 9.

[0033] The sample adding structure includes a sample adding structure mounting plate 13. A limiting roller 14 in contact with the first optical axis is installed on one side of the sample adding structure mounting plate 13. A zero-position mounting plate 15 is also installed on the same side of the sample adding structure mounting plate 13 as the side where the limiting roller 14 is located. A Y-direction zero-position piece 16 is installed on the zero-position mounting plate 15. Correspondingly, a Y-direction zero-position detection structure 24 for detecting the Y-direction zero-position piece 16 is installed on the crossbeam frame 2. A synchronous pressure plate 17 is also installed on the zero-position mounting plate 15. An insertion opening is formed between the synchronous pressure plate 17 and the zero-position mounting plate 15, and the synchronous belt is installed in the insertion opening. A Z-direction motor 18 is also installed on the same side of the sample adding structure mounting plate 13 as the side where the limiting roller 14 is located. A Z-direction synchronous pulley 25 is installed on the output shaft of the Z-direction motor 18. In this application, transmission is carried out through the synchronous belt and the synchronous pressure plate 17, which has a certain flexibility and is not easily caused by problems such as motor vibration, resulting in vibration of the sample adding structure, thereby improving the sample adding accuracy.

[0034] On the side of the sample loading structure mounting plate 13 opposite to the side where the limit rollers 14 are located, a Z-direction guide rail 19 is installed. A Z-direction slider 20 is installed on the Z-direction guide rail 19, and a piston sample loading assembly 21 is installed on the Z-direction slider 20. The piston sample loading assembly 21 is driven by a Z-direction screw rod. Another Z-direction synchronous pulley 25 is installed on the Z-direction screw rod, and the two Z-direction synchronous pulleys 25 are connected by a Z-direction synchronous belt. When the Z-direction motor 18 drives the Z-direction synchronous pulley 25 to rotate, it drives the Z-direction screw rod to rotate, thereby driving the Z-direction slider 20 in the Z direction. A Z-direction zero position piece 22 is also installed on the Z-direction slider 20, and a Z-direction zero position detection structure 23 for detecting the Z-direction zero position piece 22 is installed on the sample loading structure mounting plate 13.

[0035] Since the parts in the sample loading structure are respectively installed on both sides of the sample loading structure mounting plate 13, its center of gravity is closer to the position where the limit rollers 14 are located, making the movement process more stable.

[0036] A sample loading structure top cover 26 is also installed above the sample loading structure mounting plate 13. The sample loading structure top cover 26 can protect the Z-direction synchronous belt structure, preventing it from being collided or dust from entering the transmission structure, which may cause a decrease in transmission accuracy.

[0037] In this embodiment, the device further includes an X-direction guide rail 27. The base 1 is installed on an X-direction slider adapted to the X-direction guide rail 27. An X-direction motor 28 is installed on the X-direction guide rail 27. The X-direction motor 28 drives the base 1 to move in the X direction through an X-direction synchronous belt. An X-direction zero position piece 29 is also installed on the base 1. Correspondingly, an X-direction zero position detection structure for detecting the X-direction zero position piece 29 is also installed on the X-direction guide rail 27.

[0038] When the Y-direction motor operates, the Y-direction motor drives the synchronous belt assembly to rotate. The synchronous belt in the socket drives the sample loading structure to move through friction. During the movement of the sample loading structure, it is guided by the optical axis. Due to the layout of the sample loading structure, its center is close to the position of the optical axis, and the operation is more stable, avoiding the problem that the moment is superimposed due to the simultaneous formation of a cantilever structure in the X and Y directions, which may affect the operation stability.

Claims

1. An automatic sampler, characterized in that: It includes a crossbeam frame and a sample loading structure installed on the crossbeam frame, a Y-axis driving structure is installed on the crossbeam frame, the Y-axis driving structure includes a Y-axis synchronous belt, the sample loading structure includes a Y-axis synchronous pressure plate and a piston sample loading assembly, a first optical axis parallel to the Y-axis synchronous belt is also installed in the crossbeam frame, the sample loading structure includes a limiting roller abutting the first optical axis, and the limiting roller is located between the piston sample loading assembly and the synchronous pressure plate.

2. An automatic sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample adding structure is also provided with a Y-axis zero position plate.

3. An automatic sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample loading structure further comprises a Z-direction driving structure, which comprises a Z-direction synchronous belt and a Z-direction lead screw, a sample loading slider is mounted on the Z-direction lead screw, and the sample loading slider is mounted on the piston sample loading assembly.

4. An automatic sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crossbeam frame includes a front connecting plate and a rear connecting plate, and the first optical axis is installed between the front connecting plate and the rear connecting plate.

5. An automatic sampler according to claim 4, characterized in that: The Y-direction driving structure comprises a Y-direction motor mounted on a rear connecting plate, a Y-direction driving wheel is mounted on the output shaft of the Y-direction motor, a Y-direction driven wheel is mounted on the front connecting plate, and the Y-direction driving wheel and the Y-direction driven wheel are mounted with the Y-direction synchronous belt.

6. An automatic sampler according to claim 5, characterized in that: The Y-direction driving structure includes a first Y-direction motor and a second Y-direction motor, the sample loading structure includes a first sample loading structure and a second sample loading structure, both of which are installed on the first optical axis, and the Y-direction synchronous belt includes a first Y-direction synchronous belt and a second Y-direction synchronous belt.

7. An automatic sampler according to claim 6, characterized in that: A motor mounting seat is installed on the rear connecting plate, and a plurality of mounting steps are provided on the motor mounting seat. The first Y-direction motor and the second Y-direction motor are respectively mounted on the mounting steps.

8. An automatic sample injector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The Y-axis driving structure also includes a third Y-axis motor, the Y-axis synchronous belt includes a third Y-axis synchronous belt, a second optical axis parallel to the Y-axis synchronous belt is also installed on the beam frame, and a manipulator structure is installed on the second optical axis.

9. An automatic sample injector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The crossbeam frame is mounted on a base, and the base is mounted on an X-guide rail.

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