Automatic sample application and film sealing all-in-one machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic sample application and film sealing all-in-one machine, which realizes automatic circulation of a sample adding plate between a sample application process and a film sealing process through a linear conveyor belt, realizes linkage type film sealing and cutting through a film pasting device, and solves the problems of low efficiency and poor consistency of traditional manual operation. When all the devices work cooperatively, full-process automation of sample application, conveying and film sealing can be achieved, the detection flux, the operation reliability and the result repeatability are remarkably superior to those of split type equipment, and the standard operation requirements of a high-flux laboratory are met; and the method is particularly suitable for application scenes needing high-precision liquid treatment, such as biological detection and micro-fluidic chip preparation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of laboratory instrument technology, and in particular to an automatic sample spotting and sealing machine. Background Technology

[0002] As a core precision instrument in modern laboratories, the spotting apparatus is an intelligent device that achieves precise dispensing of trace amounts of liquid through automation technology. Its applications have expanded from basic scientific research to several key industries:

[0003] Biochip fabrication: Used for the spotting of DNA microarrays and protein chips, with a minimum dispensing volume of 0.1 mL;

[0004] Drug development: Supports high-throughput drug screening (HTS) and enables automated sample loading for 96 / 384-well plates;

[0005] Food safety: Sample pretreatment used in pesticide residue and toxin detection projects;

[0006] Clinical diagnosis: such as spotting serum protein electrophoresis samples, preparation of microbial drug sensitivity test plates, and spotting of nucleic acid detection chips.

[0007] Currently, sample spotting instruments used in laboratories typically consist of the following core components:

[0008] 1. Nozzle / Sampling needle:

[0009] Contact-type sampling needles: directly contact the substrate, have a simple structure but are prone to wear.

[0010] Non-contact nozzles: driven by piezoelectric ceramics, they can spray tiny droplets at high frequency, but are easily affected by the viscosity of the sample.

[0011] 2. Motion control system:

[0012] A high-precision XYZ axis moving platform ensures accurate sampling position.

[0013] Some models support multi-channel parallel sampling (e.g., 128 nozzles working in parallel).

[0014] 3. Sample loading system:

[0015] The autosampler supports switching between multiple plate positions (such as 6 SBS standard plates).

[0016] However, existing spotting machines require manual removal of the sample plate from the groove after spotting, followed by manual film application and sealing, which is inefficient. Furthermore, the fatigue effect from repeated operation can occur; for example, after four hours of continuous operation, the film application pass rate drops by 30-40%, leading to rework, material waste, and increased experimental costs. In addition, due to varying operator skill levels and inconsistent application pressure, film quality cannot be guaranteed, resulting in significant batch-to-batch variations. Utility Model Content

[0017] This invention addresses the technical problems of low efficiency, uneven application force, and large batch-to-batch variations in manual film application after sample application in existing technologies. It provides an automatic sample application and sealing machine that achieves seamless integration of the sample application, transport, and sealing processes.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0019] An automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine includes a sample dispensing device and a film application device. A sample board conveying device is provided between the sample dispensing device and the film application device. The sample board conveying device can automatically convey the sample board to the film application device after completing the previous sample dispensing process. The sample board conveying device includes a conveyor belt, with both ends of the conveyor belt extending below the sample dispensing device and the film application device, respectively, and driven by transmission wheels. The film application device includes a sealing film support assembly, a sealing film pressing assembly, and a sealing film cutting assembly. The sealing film support assembly is used to open the sealing film above the conveyor belt, and the sealing film pressing assembly presses the sealing film onto the sample board conveyed by the conveyor belt. The sealing film cutting assembly cuts the sealing film around the edges of the sample board. The sealing film pressing assembly and the sealing film cutting assembly are linked.

[0020] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic sample application and sealing machine, the conveyor belt is provided with multiple fixing clips at intervals for fixing the sample plate.

[0021] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine, the sealing film support assembly includes a support frame spanning above the conveyor belt, with rotating rollers on both sides of the support frame, and the two ends of the sealing film passing through the elongated through-holes of the support frame and wound around the rotating rollers.

[0022] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine, the sealing film pressing assembly includes a pressing frame, and the sealing film cutting assembly includes a cutting frame. The pressing frame is sleeved inside the cutting frame. The upper end of the pressing frame is connected to the lower end of the cutting frame via a first spring, and the lower edge of the pressing frame forms a pressing part. The upper end of the cutting frame is connected to the lower end of the support frame via a second spring. A button is connected to the upper end of the cutting frame via a connecting rod, which passes through the central through hole of the support frame. The button is located above the support frame. A stainless steel blade is integrated at the lower end of the cutting frame.

[0023] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine, a first limiting slider is longitudinally provided on the outer side of the pressing frame, and the first limiting slider moves vertically in the groove on the inner wall of the cutting frame.

[0024] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine, a second limiting slider is longitudinally provided on the outer side of the cutting frame, and the second limiting slider moves vertically in the groove on the inner wall of the support frame.

[0025] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic sampling and sealing integrated machine, the sampling device includes an X-axis slide, a Y-axis slide, and a sampling needle. The sampling needle moves longitudinally on the Y-axis slide via a connecting arm, and the Y-axis slide moves horizontally on the X-axis slide. The X-axis slide and the Y-axis slide are located on one side of the conveyor belt, and the sampling needle is located above the conveyor belt.

[0026] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic sampling and sealing machine, the sampling needle is a multi-channel parallel sampling needle.

[0027] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine, the sample plate conveying device includes a fixed frame, and the conveyor belt moves within the fixed frame.

[0028] Furthermore, in the aforementioned automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine, the fixing frame is provided with multiple square through holes on the side near the sample dispensing device. The square through holes are adapted to the size of the sample plate and are used to expose the sample plate on the conveyor belt and complete the sample dispensing.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0030] This utility model provides an automated sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine. A linear conveyor belt enables the automated transfer of the sample plate between the dispensing and sealing processes, while a film-applying device achieves linked sealing and cutting, solving the problems of low efficiency and poor consistency associated with traditional manual operations. When all devices work together, the entire "sample dispensing-transfer-sealing" process is automated. It significantly outperforms separate equipment in terms of throughput, operational reliability, and result repeatability, making it suitable for the standardized operational needs of high-throughput laboratories, and particularly applicable to applications requiring high-precision liquid handling, such as biological detection and microfluidic chip fabrication. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0032] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine provided in the embodiments of this utility model Figure 1 .

[0033] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine provided in the embodiments of this utility model Figure 2 .

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the film-applying device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 100-Sampling device, 101-X-axis slide, 102-Y-axis slide, 103-Sampling needle, 104-Connecting arm;

[0037] 200-Film applicator, 201-Sealing film, 202-Support frame, 203-Rotating roller, 204-Elongated through hole; 205-Pressing frame, 206-Cutting frame, 207-First spring, 208-Pressure part, 209-Second spring, 210-Connecting rod, 211-Button, 212-Central through hole, 213-First limiting slider, 214-Second limiting slider;

[0038] 300 - Sample conveying device, 301 - Conveyor belt, 302 - Fixing clamp, 303 - Fixing frame, 304 - Square through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] like Figure 1-3 As shown.

[0041] This utility model provides an automatic sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine, including a sample dispensing device 100 and a film applying device 200. A sample loading plate conveying device 300 is provided between the sample dispensing device 100 and the film applying device 200. The sample loading plate conveying device 300 is used to convey the sample loading plate to the film applying device 200 after the previous sample dispensing process is completed. Wherein:

[0042] The sample conveying device 300 includes a conveyor belt 301, with both ends extending below the sample application device 100 and the film application device 200, respectively, and driven by transmission wheels. The conveyor belt is a closed-loop motor-driven system, with both ends extending below the sample application and film application stations via precision transmission wheels (which can be synchronous pulleys or gears). The transmission wheels are preferably equipped with servo motors, enabling millimeter-level positioning accuracy.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, to facilitate the fixing of the sample loading plate and prevent it from shifting, the conveyor belt 301 is provided with multiple fixing clips 302 at intervals for fixing the sample loading plate. Specifically, the sample loading plate conveying device 300 also includes a fixing frame 303, within which the conveyor belt 301 moves. The fixing frame 303 can be made of aluminum alloy profile frame, with guide grooves inside to ensure linear movement of the conveyor belt. The fixing frame 303 has multiple square through holes 304 on the side near the sampling device 100. The square through holes 304 are adapted to the size of the sample loading plate, used to expose the sample loading plate on the conveyor belt 301 and complete the sampling. The square through holes 304 can be designed as a stepped structure, with the upper hole slightly larger than the sample loading plate and the lower hole leaving a gap with the conveyor belt to accommodate the height of the sample loading plate. The square through holes 304 ensure unobstructed operation of the sampling needle and prevent liquid splashing from contaminating the conveying mechanism. A photoelectric sensor can be added at the square through holes 304 to detect the sample loading plate's position in real time.

[0044] The film application device 200 includes a sealing film support assembly, a sealing film pressing assembly, and a sealing film cutting assembly. The sealing film support assembly is used to spread the sealing film 201 above the conveyor belt 301, and the sealing film pressing assembly presses the sealing film 201 onto the sample plate conveyed by the conveyor belt 301. The sealing film cutting assembly cuts the sealing film 201 around the edges of the sample plate. The sealing film pressing assembly and the sealing film cutting assembly are linked together.

[0045] The sealing film support assembly includes a support frame 202 spanning above the conveyor belt 301. If the support frame 202 has an arched structure, rotating rollers 203 are respectively provided on both sides of the support frame 202. The two ends of the sealing film 201 pass through elongated through-holes 204 in the support frame 202 and are wound onto the rotating rollers 203. The rotating rollers 203 are equipped with a tension controller (such as a torsion spring or magnetic powder brake) to ensure that the sealing film 201 is always under appropriate tension. Teflon bushings can be embedded in the elongated through-holes 204 to reduce frictional wear of the sealing film 201.

[0046] The sealing film pressing assembly includes a pressing frame 205, and the sealing film cutting assembly includes a cutting frame 206. The pressing frame 205 is sleeved inside the cutting frame 206. The upper end of the pressing frame 205 is connected to the lower end of the cutting frame 206 via a first spring 207. The lower edge of the pressing frame 205 forms a pressing part 208. The pressing part 208 can be edged with food-grade silicone to ensure both sealing and cushioning, preventing the sample from being crushed. Gradual pressure is applied via the first spring 207. The upper end of the cutting frame 206 is connected to the lower end of the support frame 202 via a second spring 209. A button 211 is connected to the upper end of the cutting frame 206 via a connecting rod 210, which passes through the central through-hole 212 of the support frame 202. The button 211 is located above the support frame 202. The lower end of the cutting frame 206 integrates a stainless steel blade (e.g., with a hardness of HRC58-62), with a 15° bevel design, which completes the cutting of the film around the perimeter synchronously with the downward pressing action. After cutting, the remaining sealing film can be collected by rotating one side of the rotating roller 203 (the width of the sealing film is greater than the width of the template, and there is still a connection on both sides after cutting), while simultaneously exposing the new sealing film. The second spring 209 provides a buffering effect and an automatic restoring force after the downward cutting action is completed.

[0047] To improve operational stability, in a preferred embodiment, a first limiting slider 213 is longitudinally provided on the outer side of the pressing frame 205, and the first limiting slider 213 moves vertically within a groove on the inner wall of the cutting frame 206. A second limiting slider 214 is longitudinally provided on the outer side of the cutting frame 206, and the second limiting slider 214 moves vertically within a groove on the inner wall of the support frame 202. The pressing and cutting linkage mechanism ensures vertical movement accuracy with an operational deviation ≤0.1mm through a dual-slider guide system (first limiting slider 213 + second limiting slider 214).

[0048] The sampling device 100 includes an X-axis slide 101, a Y-axis slide 102, and a sampling needle 103. The sampling needle 103 moves longitudinally on the Y-axis slide 102 via a connecting arm 104, and the Y-axis slide 102 moves horizontally on the X-axis slide 101. The X-axis slide 101 and Y-axis slide 102 are located on one side of the conveyor belt 301, and the sampling needle 103 is located above the conveyor belt 301. In a preferred embodiment, the X / Y-axis slides use linear guides and ball screw drives, and the sampling needle 103 is connected to the connecting arm 104 via a quick-change interface, supporting quick replacement of single-channel or multi-channel needles. To improve working efficiency, the sampling needle 103 is a multi-channel parallel sampling needle (e.g., an 8-channel parallel sampling needle). The multi-channel sampling needle can be equipped with an independent liquid circuit control system, and the sampling volume of each channel can be set individually (e.g., adjustable from 0.1-50 μL), which can be implemented using existing technologies according to specific experiments.

[0049] The automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine provided by this utility model is used as follows:

[0050] Step 1: The sample plate is positioned by the fixing clamp 302 → it is conveyed to the sampling station, the square through hole 304 exposes the reaction area → the sampling needle completes the distribution according to the preset program;

[0051] Step 2: The conveyor belt advances to the film application station → the button 211 is triggered to move downwards → the pressing part 208 first contacts the board surface to form a seal → the cutting frame 206 continues to move downwards to complete the cutting;

[0052] Step 3: Finished boards are output and new boards are input. The cycle time can be controlled within 20 seconds per board.

[0053] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0054] This utility model provides an automated sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine. A linear conveyor belt enables the automated transfer of the sample plate between the dispensing and sealing processes, while a film-applying device achieves linked sealing and cutting, solving the problems of low efficiency and poor consistency associated with traditional manual operations. When all devices work together, the entire "sample dispensing-transfer-sealing" process is automated. It significantly outperforms separate equipment in terms of throughput, operational reliability, and result repeatability, making it suitable for the standardized operational needs of high-throughput laboratories, and particularly applicable to applications requiring high-precision liquid handling, such as biological detection and microfluidic chip fabrication.

[0055] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0056] The embodiments described above are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the specific technologies; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. All should be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine, characterized in that, The device includes a sample dispensing device (100) and a film application device (200). A sample plate conveying device (300) is provided between the sample dispensing device (100) and the film application device (200). The sample plate conveying device (300) can convey the sample plate to the film application device (200) after the previous sample dispensing process is completed. The sample plate conveying device (300) includes a conveyor belt (301), and both ends of the conveyor belt (301) extend below the sample dispensing device (100) and the film application device (200) respectively and pass through... Driven by a transmission wheel; the film applicator (200) includes a film support assembly, a film pressing assembly, and a film cutting assembly. The film support assembly is used to spread the film (201) above the conveyor belt (301), and the film pressing assembly presses the film (201) onto the sample plate conveyed by the conveyor belt (301). The film cutting assembly cuts the film (201) around the edges of the sample plate. The film pressing assembly and the film cutting assembly are linked together.

2. The automatic sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt (301) is provided with multiple fixing clips (302) at intervals for fixing the sample plate.

3. The automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing film support assembly includes a support frame (202) spanning above the conveyor belt (301), with rotating rollers (203) on both sides of the support frame (202). The two ends of the sealing film (201) pass through the elongated through holes (204) of the support frame (202) and are wound around the rotating rollers (203).

4. The automatic sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing film pressing assembly includes a pressing frame (205), and the sealing film cutting assembly includes a cutting frame (206). The pressing frame (205) is sleeved inside the cutting frame (206). The upper end of the pressing frame (205) is connected to the lower end of the cutting frame (206) through a first spring (207). The lower edge of the pressing frame (205) forms a pressing part (208). The upper end of the cutting frame (206) is connected to the lower end of the support frame (202) through a second spring (209). A button (211) is connected to the upper end of the cutting frame (206) through a connecting rod (210). The connecting rod (210) passes through the central through hole (212) of the support frame (202). The button (211) is located above the support frame (202). A stainless steel blade is integrated at the lower end of the cutting frame (206).

5. The automatic sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side of the pressing frame (205) is provided with a first limiting slider (213) in the longitudinal direction, and the first limiting slider (213) moves vertically in the groove of the inner wall of the cutting frame (206).

6. The automatic sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cutting frame (206) is provided with a second limiting slider (214) on the outer longitudinal side, and the second limiting slider (214) moves vertically in the groove of the inner wall of the support frame (202).

7. The automatic sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sampling device (100) includes an X-axis slide (101) and a Y-axis slide (102) and a sampling needle (103). The sampling needle (103) moves longitudinally on the Y-axis slide (102) via a connecting arm (104). The Y-axis slide (102) moves horizontally on the X-axis slide (101). The X-axis slide (101) and the Y-axis slide (102) are located on one side of the conveyor belt (301), and the sampling needle (103) is located above the conveyor belt (301).

8. The automatic sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sampling needle (103) is a multi-channel parallel sampling needle.

9. The automatic sample dispensing and sealing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample conveying device (300) includes a fixed frame (303), and the conveyor belt (301) is movable within the fixed frame (303).

10. The automatic sample dispensing and sealing integrated machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fixed frame (303) has multiple square through holes (304) on the side near the sample dispensing device (100). The square through holes (304) are adapted to the size of the sample plate and are used to expose the sample plate on the conveyor belt (301) and complete the sample dispensing.

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