Full-automatic plate washing machine
Through innovative designs such as the dual-head washing module, ultrasonic needle washing, and laser detection in the fully automated plate washer, the problems of low operational flexibility and efficiency, needle clogging, and inaccurate flow rate control of traditional plate washers have been solved, achieving efficient and accurate support for cell experiments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI SENAGE BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Traditional plate washer modules have limited functionality, with fixed aspiration and dispensing needles, resulting in low operational flexibility and efficiency. They are prone to needle clogging when handling complex washing solutions, making it difficult to precisely control the flow rate and affecting cell experiment results. The lack of a microplate detection mechanism leads to damage to the washer head and uneven dispensing. Inconvenient switching between aspiration and dispensing also reduces experimental efficiency.
The fully automatic plate washer is designed with independently movable dual washing head modules, ultrasonic washing needle assembly, laser measurement module and cell washing module, enabling flexible movement of aspiration needles and liquid addition needles, ultrasonic cleaning to prevent needle blockage, laser detection of microplate position, automatic switching of multiple washing solutions and precise flow rate control.
It improves experimental efficiency and result accuracy, prevents needle clogging, protects cell layers, ensures uniform liquid addition, enhances equipment stability and versatility, and reduces human error.
Smart Images
Figure CN224128102U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plate washing machines for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments, specifically a fully automatic plate washing machine. Background Technology
[0002] Existing plate washer technologies suffer from several unresolved problems. Traditional plate washers have limited functionality in their washing head modules; the aspiration and dispensing needles are fixed to a single plate and cannot move independently, restricting operational flexibility and efficiency. When handling wash solutions containing complex components such as proteins, the washing process lacks effective means to remove protein residues and salt crystals, easily leading to needle blockage and disrupting experiments. For cell washing experiments, ordinary washing solution tubing cannot meet the precise control requirements of extremely low flow rates, easily damaging cell layers during washing and affecting the accuracy of experimental results. Furthermore, when used with automated plate reservoirs, there is a lack of reliable detection mechanisms to prevent damage to the washing head due to incorrect microplate placement, and during dispensing, it is difficult to accurately sense the washing solution level, easily leading to uneven dispensing or missed dispensing. Simultaneously, existing plate washers are inadequate in aspiration switching, failing to easily achieve automatic switching between multiple washing solutions and tubing flushing between switches, reducing experimental convenience and efficiency. Therefore, a new type of plate washer is urgently needed to solve these problems. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and meet practical needs by providing a fully automatic plate washer. This addresses the limitations of traditional plate washers, where the washer head module has a single function, and the aspiration and dispensing needles are fixed to a single plate, restricting operational flexibility and efficiency. When handling wash solutions containing complex components such as proteins, the washer process lacks effective means to remove protein residues and salt crystals, easily leading to needle blockage and affecting the normal progress of experiments. For cell washing experiments, ordinary wash solution tubing cannot meet the precise control requirements of extremely low flow rates, easily damaging the cell layer during washing and affecting the accuracy of experimental results. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with an automated plate reservoir, there is a lack of reliable detection mechanisms to prevent damage to the washer head due to incorrect microplate placement, and during dispensing, it is difficult to accurately sense the wash solution level, easily leading to uneven dispensing or missed dispensing. Simultaneously, existing plate washers also have shortcomings in aspiration switching, failing to easily achieve automatic switching between multiple wash solutions and tubing flushing between switching operations, reducing the convenience and efficiency of experiments.
[0004] To achieve the purpose of this utility model, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: design a fully automatic plate washing machine, including a device base, a liquid pump installed at one end of the top of the device base, a plate carrier installed at the other end of the top of the device base, an ultrasonic washing needle assembly provided at the rear end of the plate carrier, and a double washing head assembly provided at the top of the ultrasonic washing needle assembly.
[0005] Preferably, the dual-head washing assembly includes a lead screw motor, a slide bar, a suction needle fixing plate, a suction needle, a liquid filling needle fixing plate, and a liquid filling needle.
[0006] Preferably, a plurality of aspiration needles are installed at the bottom of the aspiration needle fixing plate, and a plurality of liquid filling needles are installed at the bottom of the liquid filling needle fixing plate. The plurality of liquid filling needles are fixed at an angle of 20°.
[0007] Preferably, the suction needle fixing plate and the liquid filling needle fixing plate are kept in relative movement in the Z-axis direction within a set range by two sliding rods and the liquid filling needle.
[0008] Preferably, the output shaft at the top of the lead screw motor is connected to a lead screw, the lead screw is externally threaded to a movable sleeve, a movable block is engaged at the top of the movable sleeve, and a suction needle fixing plate is installed at one end of the movable block.
[0009] Preferably, the ultrasonic needle washing assembly includes an ultrasonic needle washing tank, an ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic needle washing tank is installed on the top of the device base, and the ultrasonic transducer and ultrasonic generator are installed on its exterior. The ultrasonic generator is connected to the ultrasonic transducer.
[0010] Preferably, the system also includes a laser measurement module and a cell washing module. The laser measurement module is installed above the microplate placement area of the plate washer. The cell washing module includes a normal washing solution pipeline and an ultrafine cell washing pipeline. A flow control valve and a pressure sensor are installed in the pipeline to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the washing solution.
[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0012] 1. This invention, through the independent movement function of the dual washing head modules and the automatic switching design of multiple liquid aspiration methods, can greatly shorten the plate washing time and improve experimental efficiency. At the same time, precise control and automated operation reduce human error and improve the accuracy of experimental results.
[0013] 2. This utility model's ultrasonic needle cleaning module effectively prevents needle clogging, reduces the frequency of equipment failures, and extends the equipment's service life. The intelligent monitoring and fault diagnosis system can promptly detect and resolve problems, further improving the equipment's reliability and stability.
[0014] 3. This invention, through ultra-low flow rate control and meticulous design of the cell washing module, effectively protects the cell layer, improves the quality of cell washing, and provides more reliable support for cell-related experiments.
[0015] 4. This invention, through the application of a laser measurement module, effectively prevents damage to the microplate due to improper placement, thus ensuring the safety of the equipment and experiments.
[0016] 5. The multi-liquid aspiration automatic switching design and consumable compatibility optimization of this utility model enable the plate washer to adapt to different experimental needs and consumable types, thereby improving the versatility and applicability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dual-shampoo head assembly structure of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline control of this utility model.
[0020] In the diagram: 1. Device base; 2. Dual washing head assembly; 21. Screw motor; 22. Aspiration needle fixing plate; 23. Aspiration needle; 24. Addition needle fixing plate; 25. Addition needle; 26. Slide rod; 3. Addition pump; 4. Ultrasonic washing needle assembly; 5. Carrier platform. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:
[0022] Example 1: A fully automatic plate washing machine, see [link to example]. Figures 1 to 3 The device includes a base 1, a liquid pump 3 is installed at one end of the top of the base 1, a carrier plate 5 is installed at the other end of the top of the base 1, an ultrasonic needle washing assembly 4 is provided at the rear end of the carrier plate, and a dual washing head assembly 2 is provided at the top of the ultrasonic needle washing assembly 4.
[0023] For details, see Figure 2 The dual-head washing assembly 2 includes a screw motor 21, a slide bar 26, a suction needle fixing plate 22, a suction needle 23, a filling needle fixing plate 24, and a filling needle 25. The suction needle 23 is longer and is fixed to the upper washing head module (suction needle fixing plate 22). The filling needle 25 is shorter and is fixed to the lower washing head module (filling needle fixing plate 24). The suction needle 23 passes through the filling needle 25. The suction needle 23 and the filling needle 25 maintain relative movement in the Z-axis direction within a set range through the two slide bars 26. The movement in the Z-axis direction is controlled by the screw motor 21. The suction needle 23 module drives the filling needle 25 module to move in the Z-axis direction through the slide bar 26.
[0024] Further, see Figure 2 Multiple suction needles 23 are installed at the bottom of the suction needle fixing plate 22, and multiple liquid filling needles 25 are installed at the bottom of the liquid filling needle fixing plate 24. The multiple liquid filling needles 25 are fixed at an angle of 20°. When adding liquid, the liquid does not directly rush to the bottom of the plate but is on the side wall of the micropore, which can effectively prevent the liquid flow from impacting and damaging the adherent cell layer.
[0025] It is worth noting that, see Figure 2 The suction needle fixing plate 22 and the liquid filling needle fixing plate 24 maintain relative movement in the Z-axis direction within a set range through two slide rods 26 and the liquid filling needle 25.
[0026] It is worth noting that, see Figure 2 The output shaft at the top of the lead screw motor 21 is connected to a lead screw, and a movable sleeve is connected to the external thread of the lead screw. A movable block is engaged at the top of the movable sleeve, and a suction needle fixing plate 22 is installed at one end of the movable block.
[0027] It is worth mentioning that, see Figure 1 The ultrasonic needle washing assembly 4 includes an ultrasonic needle washing tank, an ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic needle washing tank is installed on the top of the device base 1, and the ultrasonic transducer and ultrasonic generator are installed on its exterior. The ultrasonic generator is connected to the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic needle washing tank is a 304 stainless steel water tank. The instrument motherboard sends a signal to fill the ultrasonic tank with water, and then the dual needles are inserted into the ultrasonic needle washing tank to perform intermittent ultrasonic needle washing according to the set program.
[0028] It is worth emphasizing that, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 It also includes a laser measurement module and a cell washing module. The laser measurement module is installed above the microplate placement area of the plate washer. When detecting the microplate, the laser emitter emits a laser beam. When the laser beam encounters the microplate, part of the laser is reflected back, and the receiver receives the reflected light. By measuring the time difference between laser emission and reception, the position and state of the microplate are calculated. When sensing the height of the washing solution page, the laser beam is emitted onto the washing solution page, and the height of the washing solution page is determined based on the intensity and time difference of the reflected light.
[0029] The cell washing module includes a normal washing solution pipeline and an ultra-fine cell washing pipeline. Flow control valves and pressure sensors are installed in the pipeline to regulate the flow rate and pressure of the washing solution.
[0030] It should be noted that the multi-mode automatic liquid aspiration switching system consists of a liquid aspiration pump, a switching valve, piping, and a control system. The liquid aspiration pump provides the power for liquid aspiration, the switching valve controls the switching between different liquid aspiration modes, the piping connects all components, and the control system is responsible for sending commands to control the actions of the liquid aspiration pump and the switching valve.
[0031] The user selects the desired aspiration method on the instrument screen. Upon receiving the instruction, the control system switches the valve to the corresponding aspiration line. Before switching, the system automatically initiates a line flushing procedure, injecting flushing fluid into the line to remove any residual liquid and prevent cross-contamination. After switching, the aspiration pump performs aspiration according to preset parameters.
[0032] The plate washer connects to external devices via standard communication interfaces (such as USB, RS232, etc.). Before the experiment, the user sets the complete experimental procedure on the instrument screen, including the parameters and sequence of operations such as microplate transfer, washing, liquid aspiration, and liquid addition. The plate washer works in conjunction with automated plate reservoirs, pipettes, and other equipment to automatically complete the entire experimental process according to the preset program, reducing manual intervention.
[0033] When using a fully automated plate washer, before the washing operation begins, the working paths and parameters of the aspiration needle 23 and the liquid addition needle 25 are set via the instrument screen program according to experimental requirements. For example, when cleaning microplates, the aspiration needle 23 first moves to the designated well for aspiration, and then the liquid addition needle 25 moves to the same or different wells for liquid addition. Throughout the process, the movement of the two modules is precisely coordinated by the control system to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the operation. The ultrasonic needle washing module can be activated before or after the experiment or at set time intervals. The high-frequency vibration emitted by the ultrasonic generator creates a cavitation effect in the cleaning solution, causing strong impact and stripping of protein residues and salt crystals inside the needle. Simultaneously, the cleaning solution circulates under the action of ultrasound, carrying away the detached dirt from the needle. After cleaning, the cleaning solution is drained through the drainage device, and the needle is then rinsed with distilled water or other suitable rinsing solution to ensure no residual dirt remains inside. When performing cell washing experiments, the operator selects the cell washing mode on the instrument screen. The control system switches to the ultrafine cell washing tubing based on preset parameters and reduces the washing solution flow rate to an appropriate range. During the washing process, a pressure sensor monitors the pressure within the tubing in real time to ensure a stable flow rate. Simultaneously, the precise movement of the independent dual-head washing module achieves gentle cell washing, avoiding damage to the cell layer. Before the microplate enters the washer, the laser measurement module activates to detect the placement of the microplate. If incorrect placement is detected, the instrument will issue an alarm and prompt the operator to make adjustments. During the solution addition process, the laser measurement module monitors the washing solution level in real time, and the control system adjusts the addition speed and time based on the measurement data to ensure uniformity and accuracy of solution addition.
[0034] In addition, all components designed in this utility model are general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods. Those skilled in the art can fully implement them, so there is no need to elaborate. The content protected by this utility model does not involve improvements to the internal structure and method.
[0035] The embodiments disclosed herein are preferred embodiments, but are not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can readily grasp the spirit of this utility model based on the above embodiments and make different extensions and variations. However, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of this utility model, they are all within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A fully automatic plate washer comprising a device base (1), characterized in that, A liquid pump (3) is installed at one end of the top of the device base (1), and a carrier plate (5) is installed at the other end of the top of the device base (1). An ultrasonic needle washing assembly (4) is provided at the rear end of the carrier plate, and a dual washing head assembly (2) is provided at the top of the ultrasonic needle washing assembly (4).
2. The full-automatic plate washer of claim 1, wherein, The dual-head washing assembly (2) includes a lead screw motor (21), a slide bar (26), a suction needle fixing plate (22), a suction needle (23), a liquid filling needle fixing plate (24), and a liquid filling needle (25).
3. The full-automatic plate washer of claim 2, wherein, The bottom of the suction needle fixing plate (22) is equipped with multiple suction needles (23), and the bottom of the liquid addition needle fixing plate (24) is equipped with multiple liquid addition needles (25). The multiple liquid addition needles (25) are fixed at an angle of 20°.
4. The full-automatic plate washer of claim 2, wherein, The suction needle fixing plate (22) and the liquid filling needle fixing plate (24) maintain relative movement in the Z-axis direction within a set range through two slide rods (26) and the liquid filling needle (25).
5. The full-automatic plate washer of claim 2, wherein, The output shaft at the top of the lead screw motor (21) is connected to a lead screw, and a movable sleeve is threaded to the outside of the lead screw. A movable block is engaged at the top of the movable sleeve, and a suction needle fixing plate (22) is installed at one end of the movable block.
6. The completely automated plate washer of claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic needle washing assembly (4) includes an ultrasonic needle washing tank, an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic needle washing tank is installed on the top of the device base (1) and the ultrasonic transducer and ultrasonic generator are installed on its exterior. The ultrasonic generator is connected to the ultrasonic transducer.
7. The completely automated plate washer of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a laser measurement module and a cell washing module. The laser measurement module is installed above the microplate placement area of the plate washer. The cell washing module includes a normal washing solution pipeline and an ultrafine cell washing pipeline. A flow control valve and a pressure sensor are installed in the pipeline to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the washing solution.