Pipetting device

Abstract

The utility model provides a pipetting device which comprises a consumable fixing frame, a pipetting mechanism, a guide rail mechanism and a baffle, the pipetting mechanism and the consumable fixing frame are both installed on the guide rail mechanism in a sliding mode, and the baffle is movably installed below the pipetting mechanism. According to the pipetting device, the consumable fixing frame used for storing liquid can move along with the guide rail mechanism and is shielded by the baffle, the consumable fixing frame is installed on the guide rail mechanism in a sliding mode and can be matched with the position of the pipetting mechanism to move, the back-and-forth displacement time of the pipetting mechanism is shortened, and the pipetting efficiency is improved. The baffle is used for shielding the pipetting mechanism in the pipetting process, and pollution caused by liquid dripping is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of biotechnology, in particular to a pipetting device. Background Art

[0002] Micropipetting is one of the most common operations in biological laboratories. For a large number of repetitive pipetting tasks, there are already a variety of automated pipetting workstations available to reduce the workload of manpower. However, many current automated pipetting workstations generally have the following problems:

[0003] 1. The position of the liquid storage tank is fixed. When adding samples to the target container, the pipetting head needs to reciprocate between the liquid storage tank and the target container. If the working area is large and the distance between the liquid storage tank and the target container is far, a large amount of time will be wasted during the reciprocating movement.

[0004] 2. During the pipetting process, droplets may hang on the pipette tip. Although various methods such as back-sucking air and sticking to the wall can avoid the situation of droplets hanging on the pipette tip, for pipetting operations between cells, higher-reliability droplet contamination prevention and control measures are required. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a pipetting device in view of the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of the utility model to solve the above technical problems is as follows: A pipetting device includes: a consumable fixing frame, a pipetting mechanism, a guide rail mechanism, and a baffle. The pipetting mechanism and the consumable fixing frame are both slidably installed on the guide rail mechanism, and the baffle is movably installed below the pipetting mechanism.

[0007] The beneficial effect of adopting the technical solution of the utility model is: By designing a pipetting device in which the consumable fixing frame for storing liquid can move along with the guide rail mechanism and is blocked by a baffle, the consumable fixing frame is slidably installed on the guide rail mechanism and can move in cooperation with the position of the pipetting mechanism, reducing the displacement time of the pipetting mechanism back and forth and improving the pipetting efficiency. The baffle is used to block the pipetting mechanism during the pipetting process to avoid contamination caused by liquid dripping.

[0008] Further, the guide rail mechanism includes: an X-axis guide rail, a Y-axis guide rail, and a Z-axis guide rail. The X-axis guide rail is slidably installed on the Y-axis guide rail, the Z-axis guide rail and the consumable fixing frame are slidably installed on the X-axis guide rail, and the pipetting mechanism and the baffle are slidably installed on the Z-axis guide rail.

[0009] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is: By designing a guide rail mechanism with an X-axis guide rail, a Y-axis guide rail, and a Z-axis guide rail, it is convenient for the pipetting mechanism to slide along the guide rail mechanism to the target position.

[0010] Further, a liquid storage tank, a tip box, and a waste liquid tank are provided on the consumable fixing frame, and the tip box is slidably mounted on the consumable fixing frame in the front-rear direction.

[0011] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further technical solution are as follows: The liquid storage tank provides continuous liquid reserve for pipetting, the tip box is used for replacing the pipetting channel during the pipetting process, and the waste liquid tank is used for discarding the used tips during the pipetting process.

[0012] Further, the baffle is slidably mounted below the pipetting mechanism through a guide rail.

[0013] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further technical solution are as follows: It is convenient for the baffle to block the pipetting mechanism at the bottom of the pipetting mechanism during the pipetting process of the pipetting mechanism, avoiding contamination caused by liquid dripping.

[0014] Further, the baffle is rotatably mounted below the pipetting mechanism through a rotating shaft.

[0015] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further technical solution are as follows: It is convenient for the baffle to rotate, so that the pipetting mechanism is exposed during liquid aspiration, and the pipetting mechanism is blocked by the baffle during pipetting, avoiding contamination caused by liquid dripping.

[0016] Further, a material changing mechanism is provided on one side of the guide rail mechanism. The material changing mechanism includes: a bracket and a plurality of clamping jaws. A material taking port and a plurality of material feeding ports are provided on the bracket, and the plurality of clamping jaws are respectively mounted at the positions of the plurality of material feeding ports.

[0017] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further technical solution are as follows: The setting of the material changing mechanism facilitates the replacement of new consumables and reagents.

[0018] Further, an industrial camera is provided on the pipetting mechanism.

[0019] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further technical solution are as follows: The industrial camera is used for identifying consumables and target reagents, accurately positioning the sample addition hole positions, etc.

[0020] Further, a working platform is provided at the bottom of the guide rail mechanism. A plurality of limit frames for target containers are provided on the working platform, and pressure sensors are provided at the bottoms of the plurality of limit frames for target containers, or a pressure sensor is provided on the pipetting mechanism.

[0021] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further technical solution are as follows: With the setting of the pressure sensor, when the pipette tip touches the pressure sensor, the pipette tip is controlled to move upward by a preset distance, so that the pipette tip automatically reaches the liquid aspiration distance from the bottom of the container.

[0022] Further, a conveying mechanism is provided at the bottom of the working platform.

[0023] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further technical solution are as follows: It is convenient to work in multiple regions simultaneously, reduces waiting time, and improves work efficiency.

[0024] Advantages of additional aspects of the present utility model will be partially given in the following description, partially become apparent from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is one of the schematic structural diagrams of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 It is the second schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Figure 3 It is the third schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] Figure 4 It is the fourth schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] Figure 5 It is the fifth schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] Figure 6 It is the sixth schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] Figure 7 It is the seventh schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Figure 8 It is the eighth schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0033] Figure 9 It is the ninth schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0034] Figure 10 It is the tenth schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0035] Figure 11 It is the eleventh schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0036] Figure 12 It is the twelfth schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0037] Figure 13 It is the thirteenth schematic structural diagram of the pipetting device provided by an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0038] Figure 14 This is the fourteenth structural schematic diagram of the pipetting device provided by the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0039] Explanation of the reference numerals in the drawings: 1. Consumable fixing frame; 11. Liquid storage tank; 12. Tip box; 121. Tip; 13. Waste liquid tank; 2. Pipetting mechanism; 3. Guide rail mechanism; 31. X-axis guide rail; 32. Y-axis guide rail; 33. Z-axis guide rail; 4. Baffle; 5. Pipetting channel; 6. Material changing mechanism; 61. Bracket; 62. Claw; 7. Industrial camera; 8. Working platform; 9. Limiting frame. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] The principles and features of the present utility model will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments cited are only used to explain the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model.

[0041] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, a pipetting device includes: a consumable fixing frame 1, a pipetting mechanism 2, a guide rail mechanism 3, and a baffle 4. The pipetting mechanism 2 and the consumable fixing frame 1 are both slidably installed on the guide rail mechanism 3, and the baffle 4 is movably installed below the pipetting mechanism 2.

[0042] The beneficial effects of adopting the technical solution of the present utility model are: by designing a pipetting device in which the consumable fixing frame for storing liquid can move along with the guide rail mechanism and is blocked by a baffle, the consumable fixing frame is slidably installed on the guide rail mechanism and can move in cooperation with the position of the pipetting mechanism, reducing the displacement time of the pipetting mechanism for round trips and improving the pipetting efficiency. The baffle is used to block the pipetting mechanism during the pipetting process to avoid contamination caused by liquid dripping.

[0043] Among them, the pipetting mechanism 2 includes: a plurality of pipetting channels 5, a plurality of columnar pistons, a connector, a lead screw, and a motor. The plurality of columnar pistons are respectively installed in the plurality of pipetting channels 5, the plurality of columnar pistons are all connected to the connector, the connector is connected to the lead screw, and the motor is connected to the lead screw.

[0044] The consumable fixing frame 1 can be in an L-shaped structure.

[0045] Among them, the guide rail mechanism can be a sliding module, specifically an electric sliding module or a pneumatic sliding module or a hydraulic sliding module. The internal structure of the guide rail mechanism 3 is prior art and will not be elaborated here.

[0046] The baffle 4 can be a box body with an open top.

[0047] The baffle 4 can include: a plate body and a baffle main body. The plate body is movably installed below the pipetting mechanism, and a magnet can be provided on the plate body. The baffle main body is detachably connected to the plate body through the magnet. This facilitates the installation and maintenance of the baffle 4.

[0048] The baffle body is used to block the pipetting mechanism during the pipetting process to prevent contamination caused by liquid dripping.

[0049] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, further, the guide rail mechanism 3 includes: an X-axis guide rail 31, a Y-axis guide rail 32, and a Z-axis guide rail 33. The X-axis guide rail 31 is slidably mounted on the Y-axis guide rail 32. The Z-axis guide rail 33 and the consumable fixing bracket 1 are slidably mounted on the X-axis guide rail. The pipetting mechanism 2 and the baffle 4 are slidably mounted on the Z-axis guide rail 33.

[0050] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is: By designing a guide rail mechanism with an X-axis guide rail, a Y-axis guide rail, and a Z-axis guide rail, it is convenient for the pipetting mechanism to slide along the guide rail mechanism to the target position.

[0051] Among them, the X-axis guide rail 31, the Y-axis guide rail 32, and the Z-axis guide rail 33 can be a hydraulic guide rail module, a pneumatic guide rail module, or an electric push rod guide rail module.

[0052] There can be two Y-axis guide rails, and both ends of the X-axis guide rail are slidably mounted on the two Y-axis guide rails.

[0053] In actual pipetting work, the target liquid can be aspirated from the liquid storage tank on the X-axis guide rail or the pipetting tank on the working platform according to the distance priority or manual setting.

[0054] A motor, a lead screw, and a chute can be provided on the Z-axis guide rail. The pipetting mechanism is slidably mounted in the chute. The lead screw is connected to the pipetting mechanism, and the motor is connected to the lead screw to realize the lifting movement of the pipetting mechanism. Similarly, the X-axis guide rail, the Y-axis guide rail, and the Z-axis guide rail can have the same structure.

[0055] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, further, the consumable fixing bracket 1 is provided with a liquid storage tank 11, a tip box 12, and a waste liquid tank 13. The tip box 12 is slidably mounted on the consumable fixing bracket 1 in the front-rear direction.

[0056] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is: The liquid storage tank provides continuous liquid reserve for pipetting. The tip box is used to change the pipetting channel during the pipetting process. The waste liquid tank is used to discard the used tips during the pipetting process.

[0057] Among them, the tip box 12 can be provided with a plurality of tips 121. The tip box 12 is slidably mounted on the consumable fixing bracket 1 in the front-rear direction, which is convenient for the pipetting channel 5 to install different numbers of tips for flexible channel pipetting. For example, the tip box 12 is connected to a lead screw, the lead screw is rotationally mounted on the consumable fixing bracket 1 through a thread, and the lead screw is connected to a motor.

[0058] As Figure 1As shown, the front side of the tip box 12 is the side close to the material changing mechanism, and the rear side of the tip box 12 is the side far from the material changing mechanism.

[0059] Above the waste liquid tank 13, a tip withdrawing component can be installed. The tip withdrawing component is a U-shaped plate body that buckles on the upper end of the waste liquid tank 13. The tip withdrawing component is provided with a plurality of through holes for clamping the tips 121 on the liquid transfer channel 5, so that the tips 121 fall off the liquid transfer channel 5 into the waste liquid tank 13.

[0060] Further, the baffle 4 is slidably installed below the liquid transfer mechanism 2 through a guide rail.

[0061] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is: it is convenient for the baffle to block the liquid transfer mechanism at the bottom of the liquid transfer mechanism during the liquid transfer process of the liquid transfer mechanism, avoiding the pollution caused by liquid dripping.

[0062] Among them, the guide rail can include: a motor, a guide rod, and a lead screw. The motor and the guide rod are installed on the consumable fixing frame. The motor is connected to the lead screw. The baffle 4 is slidably installed on the guide rod, and the baffle 4 is in transmission connection with the lead screw. By driving the lead screw to rotate through the rotation of the motor, the lead screw drives the baffle 4 to slide along the guide rod. When taking liquid, the baffle 4 slides to one side of the liquid transfer mechanism 2, and when transferring liquid, the baffle 4 slides to below the liquid transfer mechanism 2.

[0063] As an alternative solution for the movement of the above baffle, further, the baffle 4 is rotatably installed below the liquid transfer mechanism 2 through a rotating shaft.

[0064] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is: it is convenient for the baffle to rotate, so as to expose the liquid transfer mechanism when taking liquid and block the liquid transfer mechanism through the baffle when transferring liquid, avoiding the pollution caused by liquid dripping.

[0065] Among them, a rotating shaft can be fixedly installed on the baffle 4. The rotating shaft is rotatably installed on the consumable fixing frame 1, and the rotating shaft is connected to a motor. By driving the rotating shaft to rotate through the rotation of the motor, the rotating shaft drives the baffle 4 to rotate. When taking liquid, the baffle 4 rotates to one side of the liquid transfer mechanism 2, and when transferring liquid, the baffle 4 rotates to below the liquid transfer mechanism 2.

[0066] As Figures 1 to 14 As shown, further, a material changing mechanism 6 is provided on one side of the guide rail mechanism 3. The material changing mechanism 6 includes: a bracket 61 and a plurality of clamping jaws 62. The bracket 61 is provided with a material taking port and a plurality of material feeding ports, and the plurality of clamping jaws 62 are respectively installed at the positions of the plurality of material feeding ports.

[0067] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is: the setting of the material changing mechanism facilitates the replacement of new consumables and reagents.

[0068] Among them, the gripper 62 can be an electric gripper or a pneumatic gripper, which is a prior art.

[0069] The gripper 62 can be slidably mounted on the bracket 61 through a lead screw, and the lead screw is connected to a motor.

[0070] During material replacement, the consumables and reagents to be replaced on the consumable fixing rack 1 are unloaded at the material taking port by the gripper 62, and new consumables and reagents are replaced at the corresponding material feeding port by the gripper 62.

[0071] Such as Figures 1 to 14 As shown, further, an industrial camera 7 is provided on the pipetting mechanism 2.

[0072] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is that the industrial camera is used for identifying consumables and target reagents, accurately positioning the sample adding hole positions, etc.

[0073] Among them, the industrial camera is used for identifying consumables and target reagents, accurately positioning the sample adding hole positions, etc. It should be noted that the identification methods for consumables and target reagents and the accurate positioning method for the sample adding hole positions are all prior arts, and those skilled in the art can perform corresponding programming according to actual needs. In addition, the user can install the industrial camera 7 on the Z-axis guide rail 33 according to actual needs.

[0074] Such as Figures 1 to 14 As shown, further, a working platform 8 is provided at the bottom of the guide rail mechanism 3, a plurality of limiting frames 9 for target containers are provided on the working platform 8, and pressure sensors are provided at the bottoms of the plurality of limiting frames 9 for target containers, or a pressure sensor is provided on the pipetting mechanism 2.

[0075] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is that with the setting of the pressure sensor, when the pipette tip (gun head) touches the pressure sensor, the pipette tip is controlled to move up a preset distance, so that the pipette tip automatically reaches the liquid taking distance from the bottom of the container.

[0076] Among them, with the setting of the pressure sensor, when the pipette tip touches the pressure sensor, the pipette tip is controlled to move up a preset distance, so that the pipette tip automatically reaches the liquid taking distance from the bottom of the container.

[0077] Further, a conveying mechanism is provided at the bottom of the working platform 8.

[0078] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is that it is convenient to carry out work in multiple regions simultaneously, reduce the waiting time, and improve the work efficiency.

[0079] Among them, the conveying mechanism can be a conveyor belt, and a plurality of working platforms 8 are provided on the conveyor belt. For example, when pipetting work is carried out in area A, preparation work is carried out in area B. When pipetting work is carried out in area B, area A enters the next process. Multiple areas work simultaneously, reducing waiting time and improving work efficiency. Area A and area B here can be the working platforms 8.

[0080] In addition, the pipetting mechanism, the guide rail mechanism, the motor, the gripper and the industrial camera are all connected to the controller to achieve automatic control. Among them, the control method of the controller is the prior art, and those skilled in the art can easily figure out how to program to achieve different actions of each component according to actual needs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalently replace some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid transfer device, characterized in that: include: A consumables fixing frame, a liquid transfer mechanism, a guide rail mechanism, and a baffle. The liquid transfer mechanism and the consumables fixing frame are both slidably mounted on the guide rail mechanism, and the baffle is movably mounted below the liquid transfer mechanism.

2. A liquid transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide rail mechanism includes: an X-axis guide rail, a Y-axis guide rail and a Z-axis guide rail, the X-axis guide rail is slidably mounted on the Y-axis guide rail, the Z-axis guide rail and the consumables fixing frame are slidably mounted on the X-axis guide rail, and the pipetting mechanism and the baffle are slidably mounted on the Z-axis guide rail.

3. A liquid transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The consumables fixing frame is provided with a liquid storage tank, a gun tip box, and a waste liquid tank. The gun tip box can be slidably mounted on the consumables fixing frame forward and backward.

4. A liquid transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The baffle is slidably mounted below the liquid transfer mechanism via a guide rail.

5. A liquid transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The baffle is rotatably installed below the liquid transfer mechanism via a rotating shaft.

6. A liquid transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A material changing mechanism is provided on one side of the guide rail mechanism, and the material changing mechanism comprises: a bracket and a plurality of clamping claws. The bracket is provided with a material taking port and a plurality of material feeding ports, and the plurality of clamping claws are installed at the positions of the plurality of material feeding ports in a one-to-one correspondence.

7. A liquid transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An industrial camera is arranged on the liquid transfer mechanism.

8. A liquid transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A working platform is provided at the bottom of the guide rail mechanism, a plurality of limit frames for target containers are provided on the working platform, a pressure sensor is provided at the bottom of the limit frames for the target containers, or a pressure sensor is provided on the pipetting mechanism.

9. A liquid transfer device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A conveying mechanism is provided at the bottom of the working platform.

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