Multi-axis small pipetting workstation

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of liquid treatment, in particular to a multi-shaft small pipetting workstation which comprises a base and further comprises a shell fixed at the top of the base; the Z-axis lifting module is mounted in the shell; the pipetting module is fixed on a moving part of the Z-axis lifting module and is positioned outside the shell; the Y-axis translation module is mounted on the base; the X-axis translation module is mounted on a moving part of the Y-axis translation module; and the carrying table is fixed on the moving part of the X-axis translation module and is positioned below the pipetting module. By arranging the Z-axis lifting module, the Y-axis translation module and the X-axis translation module, the X-axis movement, the Y-axis movement, the Y-axis movement and the Z-axis movement are accurate, and therefore the X-axis movement, the Y-axis movement and the Z-axis movement can adapt to more experiment scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid handling technology, specifically a multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation. Background Technology

[0002] Miniature pipetting workstations are highly automated devices designed specifically for laboratory liquid handling. Their core function is to automatically perform tasks such as liquid aspiration, dilution, mixing, and transfer. The working principle of miniature pipetting workstations is based on liquid transfer technology, utilizing air pressure or vacuum suction to achieve precise control and dispensing of liquids, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experiments.

[0003] In the prior art, such as the patent with publication number CN106111224B, a 96-channel automatic pipette, its assembly method, and operating method are provided. The assembly method of the S-axis module includes the following steps: a first bakelite clamp is fixed to the inner side of the first side plate of the S-axis, and a second bakelite clamp is fixed to the inner side of the second side plate of the S-axis; a first S-axis hook plate is fixed to the inner side of the first side plate of the S-axis, and a second S-axis hook plate is fixed to the inner side of the second side plate of the S-axis; the lower S-axis plate is connected between the first and second S-axis hook plates; the S-axis stepper motor flange is fixed between the ends of the first and second side plates of the S-axis; four guide posts pass through the S-axis stepper motor flange and are positioned on the lower S-axis plate; a U-shaped frame is connected to the ends of the four guide posts; the S-axis stepper motor is fixed on the S-axis stepper motor flange and fixed by the U-shaped frame. This 96-channel pipette can extract and dispense 96 samples in parallel with excellent consistency. It greatly reduces the time required for manual dispensing and has an extremely low error rate.

[0004] The aforementioned technical solution only allows movement in two directions: the Z-axis and the S-axis. This limitation means it is only suitable for 96-well plates, which undoubtedly restricts its application potential in a wider range of experimental scenarios. For example, when researchers need to transfer liquids from 96-well plates to denser 384-well plates, they have to manually adjust the position of the 384-well plates. This not only greatly increases the complexity and time cost of the operation, but manual adjustment often fails to achieve the desired fixation effect, thus affecting the accuracy of the experiment. Therefore, we propose a multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation to effectively solve the above-mentioned drawbacks. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation to solve the problem that the existing technology mentioned in the background art cannot adapt to more application scenarios.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation, including a base, and further comprising:

[0007] The outer casing is fixed to the top of the base;

[0008] Z-axis lifting module, the Z-axis lifting module is installed inside the housing, and the moving parts of the Z-axis lifting module can move up and down along the Z-axis direction;

[0009] A pipetting module, which is fixed to the moving part of the Z-axis lifting module and located outside the housing;

[0010] Y-axis translation module, the Y-axis translation module is mounted on the base, and the moving parts of the Y-axis translation module can perform translational movement along the Y-axis direction;

[0011] The X-axis translation module is mounted on the moving part of the Y-axis translation module, and the moving part of the X-axis translation module can perform translational movement along the X-axis direction;

[0012] The stage is fixed to the moving part of the X-axis translation module and located below the pipetting module.

[0013] Optionally, the Z-axis lifting module includes a Z-axis mounting base located outside the housing, and the pipetting module is fixed on the Z-axis mounting base;

[0014] A Z-axis movable seat is movably disposed inside the housing. Several connecting plates are fixed between the Z-axis movable seat and the Z-axis mounting seat. Slotted holes are provided on the side wall of the housing for each connecting plate to pass through. Each slotted hole is arranged along the Z-axis direction.

[0015] Optionally, the Z-axis lifting module further includes a Z-axis drive motor installed in the housing, the output end of the Z-axis drive motor is connected to a lead screw, the lead screw is rotatably connected in the housing and arranged along the Z-axis direction, a motor brake is connected to the end of the lead screw, and the Z-axis moving seat is screwed to the lead screw.

[0016] Optionally, a plurality of Z-axis guide rails arranged along the Z-axis direction are fixed inside the housing, and a Z-axis slider that slides on each Z-axis guide rail is fixed on the Z-axis moving seat.

[0017] Optionally, the Y-axis translation module includes a Y-axis base fixed to the top of the base, a plurality of Y-axis guide rails arranged along the Y-axis direction fixed on the top of the Y-axis base, Y-axis sliders sliding on each Y-axis guide rail, a Y-axis moving seat fixed together on the top of each Y-axis slider, a Y-axis mounting seat mounted on the top of the Y-axis moving seat, and the X-axis translation module mounted on the Y-axis mounting seat.

[0018] Optionally, the Y-axis translation module further includes a Y-axis drive motor mounted on the top of the base and located inside the housing, with a first pulley connected to the output end of the Y-axis drive motor.

[0019] A second pulley is mounted on the Y-axis base via a wheel frame. A synchronous belt connects the first pulley and the second pulley. A synchronous plate is fixed between the synchronous belt and the Y-axis moving base.

[0020] Optionally, the Y-axis mounting base is a U-shaped structure, with protective covers fixed on the base at the two openings of the U-shaped structure, and each protective cover is movably inserted into the U-shaped structure.

[0021] Optionally, the X-axis translation module includes two X-axis guide rails fixed to the bottom of the platform and arranged along the X-axis direction, and a guide support assembly that mates with each X-axis guide rail is fixed on the top of the Y-axis mounting base.

[0022] A rack is fixed at the bottom of the platform between two X-axis guide rails, and an X-axis drive motor is installed at the bottom of the Y-axis mounting base. The output end of the X-axis drive motor is connected to a gear that meshes with the rack.

[0023] Optionally, the guide support assembly includes a plurality of support blocks fixed to the top of the Y-axis mounting base and spaced apart along the length of the X-axis guide rail, with guide sliders fixed to the top of each support block and sliding on both sides of the X-axis guide rail.

[0024] Optionally, the stage is arranged along the X-axis, and a number of pipetting stations are spaced apart along the length direction on the top of the stage.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation with the following advantages:

[0026] This invention achieves precise movement along the XYZ axes by configuring a Z-axis lifting module, a Y-axis translation module, and an X-axis translation module, thus adapting to a wider range of experimental scenarios. For example, when transferring liquid from a 96-well plate to a denser 384-well plate, only the XY axis positions need to be controlled to transfer the liquid in four separate steps. This process is highly automated, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of the 384-well plate position, effectively reducing operational complexity and time costs. Simultaneously, the 384-well plate is more securely fixed, ensuring experimental accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the Z-axis lifting module of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the Y-axis translation module of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second pulley of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the X-axis translation module of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bottom of the platform of this utility model.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Housing; 3. Z-axis lifting module; 301. Z-axis mounting base; 302. Z-axis moving base; 303. Connecting plate; 304. Strip hole; 305. Z-axis drive motor; 306. Lead screw; 307. Motor brake; 308. Z-axis guide rail; 309. Z-axis slider; 4. Pipetting module; 5. Y-axis translation module; 501. Y-axis base; 502. Y-axis guide rail; 503. Y-axis slider; 504. Y... 505. Y-axis moving seat; 506. Y-axis mounting seat; 507. Y-axis drive motor; 508. First pulley; 509. Second pulley; 5010. Synchronous belt; 5011. Synchronous plate; 6. X-axis translation module; 601. X-axis guide rail; 602. Guide support assembly; 6021. Support block; 6022. Guide slider; 603. Rack; 604. X-axis drive motor; 605. Gear; 7. Stage; 8. Protective cover; 9. Plugging station. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0035] Example: Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 A multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation includes a base 1 that provides support for other structures within the workstation.

[0036] This embodiment also includes: housing 2, Z-axis lifting module 3, pipetting module 4, Y-axis translation module 5, X-axis translation module 6, and stage 7, to solve the problem that the existing technology cannot adapt to more application scenarios.

[0037] The outer shell 2 is fixed to the top of the base 1, providing installation space for other structures in the workstation. The pipetting module 4 is fixed to the moving part of the Z-axis lifting module 3 and located outside the outer shell 2, and can be raised and lowered by the Z-axis lifting module 3. In this embodiment, the pipetting module 4 is a 96-channel pipette, capable of handling samples on microplates such as 96-well or 384-well plates. The stage 7 is fixed to the moving part of the X-axis translation module 6 and located below the pipetting module 4, and can be translated left and right by the X-axis translation module 6. The stage 7 is arranged along the X-axis direction, and several pipetting stations 9 are spaced apart along the length of the top of the stage 7 for placing 96-well plates, 384-well plates, or other tools required for pipetting.

[0038] The following is an introduction to Z-axis lifting module 3:

[0039] The Z-axis lifting module 3 is installed inside the housing 2. The moving parts of the Z-axis lifting module 3 can move up and down along the Z-axis direction, thereby driving the pipetting module 4 to move up and down. Specifically, the Z-axis lifting module 3 includes a Z-axis mounting base 301 located outside the housing 2, and the pipetting module 4 is fixed on the Z-axis mounting base 301. A Z-axis moving base 302 is movably disposed inside the housing 2. Several connecting plates 303 are fixed between the Z-axis moving base 302 and the Z-axis mounting base 301. Slotted holes 304 are opened on the side wall of the housing 2 for each connecting plate 303 to pass through, and each slotted hole 304 is arranged along the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis moving base 302 moves up and down inside the housing 2, thereby driving the connecting plates 303 to move up and down along the slotted holes 304, thereby driving the Z-axis mounting base 301 to move up and down, and thus driving the pipetting module 4 to move up and down.

[0040] It should be added that the Z-axis lifting module 3 also includes a Z-axis drive motor 305 installed inside the housing 2. The output end of the Z-axis drive motor 305 is connected to a lead screw 306. The lead screw 306 is rotatably connected inside the housing 2 and is arranged along the Z-axis direction. A motor brake 307 is connected to the end of the lead screw 306. The Z-axis moving seat 302 is screwed to the lead screw 306. When the Z-axis drive motor 305 is working, it can drive the lead screw 306 to rotate, thereby driving the Z-axis moving seat 302 to move along the axial direction of the lead screw 306.

[0041] It is worth mentioning that, due to gravity, to prevent the pipetting module 4 (weighing about 10kg) from falling directly and being damaged when the power is off, a motor brake 307 is installed at the end of the lead screw 306. This brake can fix the pipetting module 4 at the current height when the power is off, preventing it from falling.

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of Z-axis guide rails 308 arranged along the Z-axis direction are fixed inside the outer shell 2, and Z-axis sliders 309 that slide on each Z-axis guide rail 308 are fixed on the Z-axis moving seat 302. When the Z-axis moving seat 302 moves up and down, it can drive the Z-axis sliders 309 to slide up and down along the Z-axis guide rails 308, thereby guiding and limiting the Z-axis moving seat 302 through the cooperation of the Z-axis sliders 309 and the Z-axis guide rails 308.

[0043] The following is a description of the Y-axis translation module 5:

[0044] The Y-axis translation module 5 is mounted on the base 1. The moving parts of the Y-axis translation module 5 can translate along the Y-axis direction, thereby driving the X-axis translation module 6 to move back and forth. Specifically, the Y-axis translation module 5 includes a Y-axis base 501 fixed to the top of the base 1. Several Y-axis guide rails 502 arranged along the Y-axis direction are fixed to the top of the Y-axis base 501. Y-axis sliders 503 slide on each Y-axis guide rail 502, and the Y-axis sliders 503 can slide back and forth along the Y-axis guide rails 502. A Y-axis moving seat 504 is fixed to the top of each Y-axis slider 503. A Y-axis mounting seat 505 is mounted on the top of the Y-axis moving seat 504, and the X-axis translation module 6 is mounted on the Y-axis mounting seat 505. When the Y-axis moves back and forth (504), it drives the X-axis translation module 6 to move back and forth.

[0045] It should be added that the Y-axis translation module 5 also includes a Y-axis drive motor 506 mounted on the top of the base 1 and located inside the housing 2. A first pulley 507 is connected to the output end of the Y-axis drive motor 506. A second pulley 508 is mounted on the Y-axis base 501 via a wheel frame. A synchronous belt 509 is connected between the first pulley 507 and the second pulley 508. A synchronous plate 5010 is fixed between the synchronous belt 509 and the Y-axis moving seat 504. When the Y-axis drive motor 506 is working, the synchronous belt 509 is driven to move through the cooperation of the first pulley 507 and the second pulley 508. In turn, the synchronous belt 509 and the synchronous plate 5010 drive the Y-axis moving seat 504 to move synchronously, thereby driving the X-axis translation module 6 to move back and forth.

[0046] It is worth mentioning that the Y-axis mounting base 505 has a U-shaped structure, and protective covers 8 are fixed on the base 1 at the two openings of the U-shaped structure. Each protective cover 8 is movably inserted into the U-shaped structure. Through the cooperation of the U-shaped structure and each protective cover 8, the Y-axis guide rail 502, Y-axis slider 503, Y-axis moving seat 504, second pulley 508, and synchronization plate 5010 can be surrounded, thereby preventing these structures from being exposed and making the overall appearance of the workstation relatively flat and beautiful; at the same time, it does not affect the normal movement of the Y-axis mounting base 505.

[0047] The following is a description of the X-axis translation module 6:

[0048] The X-axis translation module 6 is mounted on the moving part of the Y-axis translation module 5. The moving part of the X-axis translation module 6 can translate along the X-axis direction, thereby driving the platform 7 to translate left and right. Specifically, the X-axis translation module 6 includes two X-axis guide rails 601 fixed to the bottom of the platform 7 and arranged along the X-axis direction. A guide support assembly 602 that mates with each X-axis guide rail 601 is fixed on the top of the Y-axis mounting base 505, and the guide support assembly 602 provides guidance and support for the X-axis guide rails 601.

[0049] In this embodiment, the guide support assembly 602 includes a plurality of support blocks 6021 fixed to the top of the Y-axis mounting base 505 and spaced apart along the length of the X-axis guide rail 601 to support the X-axis guide rail 601. Guide sliders 6022, which slide on both sides of the X-axis guide rail 601, are fixed to the top of each support block 6021 to guide and limit the movement of the X-axis guide rail 601.

[0050] It should be added that a rack 603 is fixed at the bottom of the platform 7 between the two X-axis guide rails 601, and an X-axis drive motor 604 is mounted at the bottom of the Y-axis mounting base 505. The output end of the X-axis drive motor 604 is connected to a gear 605 that meshes with the rack 603. When the X-axis drive motor 604 is working, it drives the gear 605 to rotate, thereby driving the platform 7 to move left and right through the cooperation of the gear 605 and the rack 603.

[0051] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely 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 the element.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation, comprising a base (1), characterized in that, Also includes: The outer casing (2) is fixed to the top of the base (1); Z-axis lifting module (3), the Z-axis lifting module (3) is installed inside the outer shell (2), and the moving parts of the Z-axis lifting module (3) can move up and down along the Z-axis direction; The pipetting module (4) is fixed on the moving part of the Z-axis lifting module (3) and located outside the outer shell (2); Y-axis translation module (5), the Y-axis translation module (5) is installed on the base (1), and the moving parts of the Y-axis translation module (5) can perform translational movement along the Y-axis direction; X-axis translation module (6), the X-axis translation module (6) is installed on the moving part of the Y-axis translation module (5), and the moving part of the X-axis translation module (6) can perform translational movement along the X-axis direction; Stage (7), which is fixed on the moving part of the X-axis translation module (6) and located below the pipetting module (4); The Y-axis translation module (5) includes a Y-axis base (501) fixed to the top of the base (1), a plurality of Y-axis guide rails (502) arranged along the Y-axis direction are fixed on the top of the Y-axis base (501), a Y-axis slider (503) slides on each Y-axis guide rail (502), a Y-axis moving seat (504) is fixed on the top of each Y-axis slider (503), a Y-axis mounting seat (505) is mounted on the top of the Y-axis moving seat (504), and the X-axis translation module (6) is mounted on the Y-axis mounting seat (505). The Y-axis translation module (5) also includes a Y-axis drive motor (506) installed on the top of the base (1) and located inside the housing (2), with a first pulley (507) connected to the output end of the Y-axis drive motor (506). A second pulley (508) is mounted on the Y-axis base (501) via a wheel frame. A synchronous belt (509) is connected between the first pulley (507) and the second pulley (508). A synchronous plate (5010) is fixed between the synchronous belt (509) and the Y-axis moving seat (504).

2. The multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Z-axis lifting module (3) includes a Z-axis mounting base (301) located outside the housing (2), and the pipetting module (4) is fixed on the Z-axis mounting base (301); A Z-axis movable seat (302) is movably disposed inside the outer shell (2). Several connecting plates (303) are fixed between the Z-axis movable seat (302) and the Z-axis mounting seat (301). A strip hole (304) is provided on the side wall of the outer shell (2) for each connecting plate (303) to pass through. Each strip hole (304) is arranged along the Z-axis direction.

3. The multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The Z-axis lifting module (3) also includes a Z-axis drive motor (305) installed in the housing (2). The output end of the Z-axis drive motor (305) is connected to a lead screw (306). The lead screw (306) is rotatably connected in the housing (2) and is set along the Z-axis direction. A motor brake (307) is connected to the end of the lead screw (306). The Z-axis moving seat (302) is screwed to the lead screw (306).

4. The multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer shell (2) is fixed with a number of Z-axis guide rails (308) arranged along the Z-axis direction, and a Z-axis slider (309) is fixed on the Z-axis moving seat (302) and slides on each Z-axis guide rail (308).

5. A multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Y-axis mounting base (505) is a U-shaped structure. Protective covers (8) located at the two openings of the U-shaped structure are fixed on the base (1). Each protective cover (8) is movably inserted into the U-shaped structure.

6. The multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The X-axis translation module (6) includes two X-axis guide rails (601) fixed to the bottom of the platform (7) and arranged along the X-axis direction. A guide support assembly (602) that cooperates with each X-axis guide rail (601) is fixed on the top of the Y-axis mounting base (505). A rack (603) is fixed at the bottom of the platform (7) between two X-axis guide rails (601), and an X-axis drive motor (604) is installed at the bottom of the Y-axis mounting base (505). The output end of the X-axis drive motor (604) is connected to a gear (605) that meshes with the rack (603).

7. A multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that: The guide support assembly (602) includes a plurality of support blocks (6021) fixed to the top of the Y-axis mounting base (505) and spaced apart along the length of the X-axis guide rail (601). A guide slider (6022) that slides on both sides of the X-axis guide rail (601) is fixed to the top of each support block (6021).

8. A multi-axis miniature pipetting workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stage (7) is arranged along the X-axis direction, and several pipetting stations (9) are arranged at intervals along the length direction on the top of the stage (7).

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