Multi-channel stepless pitch changing mechanism for full-automatic pipetting workstation

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of laboratory automatic detection, in particular to a multi-channel stepless pitch changing mechanism for a full-automatic pipetting workstation. The mechanism comprises a main mounting plate, a linear guide rail is transversely arranged on the main mounting plate, and a plurality of liquid path supporting plates capable of moving along the linear guide rail are arranged on the linear guide rail. A fixed rotating shaft is arranged on the liquid path supporting plate located in the odd number channels, two movable rotating shafts capable of sliding in the vertical direction are distributed on the liquid path supporting plate of the even number channels corresponding to the fixed rotating shaft in the vertical direction, the movable rotating shafts on the liquid path supporting plates of the adjacent even number channels are connected through variable-pitch double plates, and the middle portions of the variable-pitch double plates are connected with the fixed rotating shaft. The distance of other channels can still be changed under the condition that the position of any channel is fixed, the distance of any channel can be changed by rotating the two rotating motors in the same direction at different speeds, the distance between the channels is increased when the two rotating motors rotate anticlockwise, and the distance between the channels is decreased when the two rotating motors rotate clockwise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of laboratory automation detection, in particular to a multi-channel stepless distance variable mechanism for a full-automatic liquid transfer workstation. Background Art

[0002] Fully automated liquid handling instruments used in laboratory automation are designed to meet the modern laboratory's demand for high-throughput, high-precision micro-liquid handling. Their compact size, flexibility, and powerful capabilities make them suitable for dispensing micro-liquids in laboratories such as medical testing institutions, biotechnology research and service organizations, forensics, and inspection and quarantine. In these instruments, transferring liquids from large containers to small well plates is often done only with a single-channel pipetting arm that pipettes multiple rows sequentially. This method is inefficient, while multi-channel batch pipetting struggles to accommodate variable-distance pipetting requirements.

[0003] The variable pitch mechanisms currently used in pipetting systems typically use custom pitch slots or a fixed center that moves other channels to change pitch. These two approaches present several key challenges that remain to be addressed:

[0004] ① The customized variable pitch slot multi-channel variable pitch structure mechanism takes up a large space and cannot be translated at equal distances or the structure size is too large when it is translated at equal distances.

[0005] ② It is not possible to fix any one channel to achieve variable pitch.

[0006] ③ The position before and after the pitch change is fixed, and the pitch change can only be switched between the maximum distance and the minimum distance.

[0007] ④ When changing the number of channels, key components cannot be used interchangeably.

[0008] Existing patent applications include a Chinese patent with patent number CN201910347735.4 and the name "A Compact Independent Multi-channel Pipetting Workstation", and its technical solution is: The present invention discloses a compact independent multi-channel pipetting workstation, which relates to the technical field of automated liquid handling equipment. The main structure includes a main bracket and a working head assembly movably arranged on the main bracket. Through the setting of three slide rails, the working head assembly can complete horizontal and vertical displacement on the main bracket; the working head assembly includes multiple pipette tips, each pipette head can be independently raised and lowered, and the distance between the pipette tips can be changed by a telescopic frame. Each pipette head is connected to a pipette pump to adapt to different work needs.

[0009] The aforementioned patent describes a pipetting module with a fixed channel pitch center. A single motor rotates two coaxial, equal-pitch, counter-rotating screws to increase or decrease the distance between each channel. Three additional motors then drive the entire pipetting module for three-axis movement. This structure, which causes axial displacement of the entire pipetting module, results in a larger overall size. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In order to solve the above problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a multi-channel stepless pitch variable mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation, which uses a motor with a smaller rated torque and reduces the volume of the pipetting module.

[0011] In order to achieve the above technical effects, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0012] A multi-channel stepless pitch-changing mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation comprises a main mounting plate, on which a linear guide rail is laterally arranged, on which a plurality of liquid path branches that can move along the linear guide rail are arranged, a fixed rotating shaft is arranged on the liquid path branch plate located in the odd-numbered channels, and two movable rotating shafts that can slide in the vertical direction are distributed above and below the liquid path branch plate of the corresponding even-numbered channels, the movable rotating shafts on the liquid path branch plates of adjacent even-numbered channels are connected by a pitch-changing double plate, and the middle part of the pitch-changing double plate is connected to the fixed rotating shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixed rotating shaft of the liquid path support plate of the first channel is connected to the two movable rotating shafts on the liquid path support plate of the second channel through two variable pitch single plates.

[0014] Furthermore, a first rotating motor is installed on one end of the main mounting plate, a first driving synchronous pulley is connected to the rotating shaft of the first rotating motor, a first driven synchronous pulley is provided at the other end of the main mounting plate, a first synchronous belt is provided on the first driving synchronous pulley and the first driven synchronous pulley, and the first synchronous belt is connected to the liquid circuit support plate through a synchronous belt support plate.

[0015] Furthermore, a second rotating motor is installed at one end of the main mounting plate, and the second rotating motor is located below the first rotating motor. A second driving synchronous pulley is connected to the rotating shaft of the second rotating motor, and a second driven synchronous pulley is provided at a corresponding position on the other end of the main mounting plate. A second synchronous belt is provided on the second driving synchronous pulley and the second driven synchronous pulley, and the second synchronous belt is connected to the bottom of the liquid circuit support plate through a synchronous belt support plate.

[0016] Furthermore, two upper and lower longitudinal grooves are provided on the liquid path support plate of each even-numbered channel, and a movable shaft that can slide up and down in the groove is provided in each groove.

[0017] Furthermore, there are multiple linear guide rails, and the multiple linear guide rails are distributed up and down on the main mounting plate.

[0018] Furthermore, an optical coupler is longitudinally mounted on the main mounting plate, and two optical coupler baffles are mounted on the slider connecting plate between adjacent fluid path branches; an optical coupler is transversely mounted on the main mounting plate.

[0019] The working principle of this application is:

[0020] The rotation shaft of the first rotating motor drives the first active synchronous pulley to rotate, and the rotation shaft of the second rotating motor drives the second active synchronous pulley to rotate. The first active synchronous pulley drives the first synchronous belt to rotate around the first driven synchronous pulley through tooth meshing. The second active synchronous pulley drives the second synchronous belt to rotate around the second driven synchronous pulley through tooth meshing. The synchronous belt drag plates connected to the first synchronous belt and the second synchronous belt drive all the fluid path support plates to move horizontally along the linear guide rail.

[0021] By adjusting the direction and speed of the first rotating motor and the second rotating motor, the synchronous belt carriages connected to the first synchronous belt and the second synchronous belt can be controlled to move in the same direction at a constant speed, in the same direction at different speeds, in different directions at a constant speed, and in different directions at different speeds, thereby achieving the overall movement and pitch change function of the liquid circuit bracket.

[0022] The advantages of the present invention are:

[0023] 1. In this application, while any channel is fixed in position, the other channels can still be pitch-varied. Two rotating motors rotating in the same direction but at different speeds can achieve pitch variation for any fixed channel. Counterclockwise rotation increases the spacing between channels, while clockwise rotation decreases the spacing between channels. Rotary motor-to-rotary motor speed ratios of 8 / 1, 7 / 2, 6 / 3, 5 / 4, 4 / 5, 3 / 6, 2 / 7, and 1 / 8 respectively provide for fixed pitch variation for multiple fluid path support plates.

[0024] 2. The pitch-changing mechanism fully utilizes the entire structural space occupied by the maximum pitch change distance during equidistant movement, thus saving overall machine space. The dual motors achieve the pitch change function, while the pitch-changing track realizes the axial movement of the pitch-changing mechanism. This fully utilizes the blank area created when the pitch-changing mechanism changes from maximum to minimum pitch, effectively making full use of the structural space and reducing the overall size of the machine using this mechanism.

[0025] 3. The present application uses dual motors to control the distance change of each pipetting channel while also realizing the axial displacement function of each pipetting channel along an axis. Compared with driving the entire pipetting module for axial displacement, the present application reduces the volume of the pipetting module while using a motor with a smaller rated torque. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the utility model.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings: 1-main mounting plate, 21-first rotating motor, 22-second rotating motor, 31-first driving synchronous pulley, 32-second driving synchronous pulley, 41-first synchronous belt, 42-second synchronous belt, 51-first driven synchronous pulley, 52-second driven synchronous pulley, 6-synchronous belt drag plate, 7-slider connecting plate, 8-linear guide rail, 901-first liquid path branch plate, 902-second liquid path branch plate, 903-third liquid path branch plate, 904-fourth liquid path branch plate, 905-fifth liquid path branch plate, 906-sixth liquid path branch plate, 907-seventh liquid path branch plate, 908-eighth liquid path branch plate, 909-ninth liquid path branch plate, 910-tenth liquid path branch plate, 10-optical coupler baffle, 12-optical coupler, 13-variable pitch single plate, 14-variable pitch double plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following is a detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and provides a detailed implementation method and specific operation process. However, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0029] It should be pointed out that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention (such as two sides, edges, up, down, left, right, front, back, middle, top, bottom, tail, axial, radial...) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement state, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, a multi-channel stepless pitch-changing mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation includes a main mounting plate 1, on which a linear guide rail 8 is horizontally arranged, and on which a plurality of liquid path branches that can move along the linear guide rail 8 are arranged. A fixed rotating shaft is arranged on the liquid path branch plate located in the odd-numbered channels, and two movable rotating shafts that can slide in the vertical direction are distributed above and below the liquid path branch plate corresponding to the even-numbered channels. The movable rotating shafts on the liquid path branch plates of adjacent even-numbered channels are connected by a pitch-changing double plate 14, and the middle part of the pitch-changing double plate 14 is connected to the fixed rotating shaft.

[0032] The fixed rotating shaft of the liquid path support plate of the first channel is connected to the two movable rotating shafts on the liquid path support plate of the second channel through two variable pitch single plates 13 respectively.

[0033] A first rotating motor 21 is mounted on one end of the main mounting plate 1, and a first driving synchronous pulley 31 is connected to the rotating shaft of the first rotating motor 21. A first driven synchronous pulley 51 is provided at the other end of the main mounting plate 1. A first synchronous belt 41 is provided on the first driving synchronous pulley 31 and the first driven synchronous pulley 51. The first synchronous belt 41 is connected to the liquid circuit support plate through a synchronous belt support plate 6.

[0034] A second rotating motor 22 is installed at one end of the main mounting plate 1, and the second rotating motor 22 is located below the first rotating motor 21. The rotating shaft of the second rotating motor 22 is connected to the first driving synchronous pulley 32, and a first driven synchronous pulley 52 is provided at the corresponding position at the other end of the main mounting plate 1. The first driving synchronous pulley 32 and the second driven synchronous pulley 52 are provided with a second synchronous belt 42, and the second synchronous belt 42 is connected to the bottom of the liquid circuit support plate through the synchronous belt support plate 6.

[0035] Two upper and lower longitudinal grooves are provided on the liquid path support plate of each even-numbered channel, and a movable rotating shaft which can slide up and down in the groove is provided in each groove.

[0036] There are multiple linear guide rails, which are distributed up and down on the main mounting plate 1.

[0037] Two optical couplers 12 are mounted longitudinally on the main mounting plate 1, and two optical coupler baffles 10 are mounted on the slider connecting plate 7 between adjacent fluid path branches. The optical couplers 12 and optical coupler baffles 10 are used to initialize and reset the pipette holder. When the optical coupler baffles 10 move to the zero position of the two longitudinally arranged optical couplers 12, the entire variable pitch assembly is initially in a horizontal position. An optical coupler 12 is mounted transversely on the main mounting plate 1 to provide vertical positioning for the entire assembly.

[0038] The rotation shaft of the first rotating motor 21 drives the first driving synchronous pulley 31 to rotate, and the rotation shaft of the second rotating motor 22 drives the first driving synchronous pulley 32 to rotate. The first driving synchronous pulley 31 drives the first synchronous belt 41 to rotate around the first driven synchronous pulley 51 through tooth meshing. The first driving synchronous pulley 32 drives the second synchronous belt 42 to rotate around the first driven synchronous pulley 52 through tooth meshing. The synchronous belt drag plate 6 connected to the first synchronous belt 41 and the second synchronous belt 42 drives all the liquid path support plates to move horizontally along the linear guide rail.

[0039] By adjusting the direction and speed of the first rotating motor 21 and the second rotating motor 22, the synchronous belt carriage 6 connected to the first synchronous belt 41 and the second synchronous belt 42 can be controlled to move in the same direction at a constant speed, move in the same direction at different speeds, move in different directions at a constant speed, and move in different directions at different speeds, thereby achieving the overall movement and pitch change function of the liquid circuit bracket.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] Based on Example 1, the minimum variable pitch distance is converted to the maximum variable pitch distance: the rotating motor 21 does not rotate. Instead, the rotating motor 21 rotates counterclockwise, driving the tenth liquid path branch plate 910 to the right via the synchronous belt 4. At this time, the first liquid path branch plate 901 remains stationary. For every X mm movement of the tenth liquid path branch plate 910, the distance between adjacent liquid path branch plates increases by 1 / 9X mm. In this embodiment, the liquid path branch plates include the first liquid path branch plate 901, the second liquid path branch plate 902, the third liquid path branch plate 903, the fourth liquid path branch plate 904, the fifth liquid path branch plate 905, the sixth liquid path branch plate 906, the seventh liquid path branch plate 907, the eighth liquid path branch plate 908, the ninth liquid path branch plate 909, and the tenth liquid path branch plate 910.

[0042] Example 3

[0043] Based on Example 1, the maximum variable pitch distance is changed to the minimum variable pitch distance: the rotating motor 21 does not rotate. Instead, the rotating motor 21 rotates clockwise, driving the first liquid channel branch plate 901 to move rightward via the synchronous belt 4. At this time, the tenth liquid channel branch plate 910 does not move. For every Y mm of movement of the first liquid channel branch plate 901, the distance between adjacent liquid channel branches between the first and tenth liquid channel branches 901 and 910 decreases by 1 / 9 Y mm. In this embodiment, the liquid channel branches include the first liquid channel branch plate 901, the second liquid channel branch plate 902, the third liquid channel branch plate 903, the fourth liquid channel branch plate 904, the fifth liquid channel branch plate 905, the sixth liquid channel branch plate 906, the seventh liquid channel branch plate 907, the eighth liquid channel branch plate 908, the ninth liquid channel branch plate 909, and the tenth liquid channel branch plate 910.

[0044] Example 4

[0045] Based on Example 1, pitch change can be achieved by fixing any channel: Rotating motors 21 and 21 rotate in the same direction but at different speeds. When rotating motors 21 and 21 rotate counterclockwise simultaneously, the distance between the channels increases; when rotating motors 21 and 21 rotate clockwise simultaneously, the distance between the channels decreases. When the speed ratios of rotating motors 21 and 21 are 8 / 1, 7 / 2, 6 / 3, 5 / 4, 4 / 5, 3 / 6, 2 / 7, and 1 / 8, the pitch can be fixedly changed from the second liquid channel branch plate 902 to the ninth liquid channel branch plate 909, respectively. In this embodiment, the liquid channel branch plates include a first liquid channel branch plate 901, a second liquid channel branch plate 902, a third liquid channel branch plate 903, a fourth liquid channel branch plate 904, a fifth liquid channel branch plate 905, a sixth liquid channel branch plate 906, a seventh liquid channel branch plate 907, an eighth liquid channel branch plate 908, a ninth liquid channel branch plate 909, and a tenth liquid channel branch plate 910.

[0046] Example 5

[0047] Based on Example 1, fixed variable distance movement is achieved: when the rotating motor 21 and the rotating motor 21 rotate at the same speed in opposite directions, fixed variable distance movement can be achieved. For example, when the rotating motor 21 rotates clockwise while the rotating motor 21 rotates counterclockwise at a constant speed, the first liquid channel branch plate 901 to the tenth liquid channel branch plate 910 move equidistantly to the left. When the rotating motor 21 rotates counterclockwise while the rotating motor 21 rotates clockwise at a constant speed, the first liquid channel branch plate 901 to the tenth liquid channel branch plate 910 move equidistantly to the right. In this embodiment, the liquid channel branch plates include a first liquid channel branch plate 901, a second liquid channel branch plate 902, a third liquid channel branch plate 903, a fourth liquid channel branch plate 904, a fifth liquid channel branch plate 905, a sixth liquid channel branch plate 906, a seventh liquid channel branch plate 907, an eighth liquid channel branch plate 908, a ninth liquid channel branch plate 909, and a tenth liquid channel branch plate 910.

Claims

1. A multi-channel stepless variable distance mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation, comprising a main mounting plate (1), characterized in that: A linear guide rail (8) is horizontally arranged on the main mounting plate (1), and a plurality of liquid path support plates that can move along the linear guide rail (8) are arranged on the linear guide rail (8). A fixed rotating shaft is arranged on the liquid path support plate located in the odd-numbered channels, and two movable rotating shafts that can slide in the vertical direction are distributed above and below the liquid path support plate of the corresponding even-numbered channels. The movable rotating shafts on the liquid path support plates of adjacent even-numbered channels are connected through a variable pitch double plate (14), and the middle part of the variable pitch double plate (14) is connected to the fixed rotating shaft.

2. The multi-channel stepless variable distance mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed rotating shaft of the liquid path support plate of the first channel is respectively connected to the two movable rotating shafts on the liquid path support plate of the second channel through two variable pitch single plates (13).

3. The multi-channel stepless variable distance mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first rotating motor (21) is mounted on one end of the main mounting plate (1), a first driving synchronous pulley (31) is connected to the rotating shaft of the first rotating motor (21), a first driven synchronous pulley (51) is provided at the other end of the main mounting plate (1), a first synchronous belt (41) is provided on the first driving synchronous pulley (31) and the first driven synchronous pulley (51), and the first synchronous belt (41) is connected to the liquid path support plate via a synchronous belt support plate (6).

4. The multi-channel stepless variable distance mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second rotating motor (22) is mounted on one end of the main mounting plate (1), the second rotating motor (22) is located below the first rotating motor (21), a second driving synchronous pulley (32) is connected to the rotating shaft of the second rotating motor (22), a second driven synchronous pulley (52) is provided at a corresponding position on the other end of the main mounting plate (1), a second synchronous belt (42) is provided on the second driving synchronous pulley (32) and the second driven synchronous pulley (52), and the second synchronous belt (42) is connected to the bottom of the liquid path support plate via a synchronous belt support plate (6).

5. The multi-channel stepless variable distance mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two upper and lower longitudinal grooves are provided on the liquid path support plate of each even-numbered channel, and a movable rotating shaft which can slide up and down in the groove is provided in each groove.

6. The multi-channel stepless variable distance mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple linear guide rails (8), and the multiple linear guide rails (8) are distributed up and down on the main installation plate (1).

7. The multi-channel stepless variable distance mechanism for a fully automatic pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: An optical coupler (12) is longitudinally mounted on the main mounting plate (1), and two optical coupler baffles (10) are mounted on the slider connecting plate (7) between adjacent liquid path support plates; an optical coupler (12) is transversely mounted on the main mounting plate (1).

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