Closed refrigeration fraction collecting device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a closed refrigeration fraction collecting device which comprises a closed cabin and the following devices positioned in the cabin: a collector assembly used for collecting components separated by chromatography into a sample collecting module; the plurality of sample collection modules are used for collecting a sample solution; the temperature control module is located below the sample collection module and used for adjusting the temperature of the sample collection module, and the temperature control module is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet which are communicated with an inner cavity of the temperature control module; and an independent air duct is connected between the air outlet of each temperature control module and the exhaust outlet of the cabin, so that the airflow in the temperature control module is led out of the cabin. By adopting the design of the closed cabin body and the independent air duct, the pollution of samples can be effectively avoided, and the dissipation of volatile components can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of distillation collection technology, and in particular to a closed-loop refrigerated distillation collection device. Background Technology

[0002] Chromatographic separation technology is widely used in many fields such as medical research, drug development, and biochemical analysis to separate and purify components in complex mixtures. After the chromatographic separation operation is completed, the separated fractions need to be collected for subsequent analysis and detection.

[0003] Currently, most common fraction collection devices on the market adopt an open chamber design. While this design satisfies basic collection functions to a certain extent, it also has many drawbacks. Because the chamber is open, samples are easily contaminated by the external environment during collection, affecting their purity and quality. Furthermore, for some volatile components, the open chamber cannot effectively prevent them from escaping into the surrounding environment, leading not only to sample loss and reduced collection efficiency, but also the potential health hazards posed by the release of volatile components into the laboratory air to laboratory personnel. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a closed-loop refrigerated fraction collection device to reduce sample contamination and the escape of volatile components.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the solution of this utility model is: a closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device, comprising a closed chamber and the following devices located within the chamber:

[0006] Collector assembly, used to collect the chromatographically separated components into the sample collection module;

[0007] Multiple sample collection modules are used to collect sample solutions;

[0008] The temperature control module, located below the sample collection module, is used to regulate the temperature of the sample collection module. The temperature control module has an air inlet and an air outlet that connect to its internal cavity.

[0009] The air duct connects the air outlet of each temperature control module to the exhaust outlet of the cabin, so as to draw the airflow from the temperature control module to the outside of the cabin.

[0010] Furthermore, the enclosed compartment includes a hull with an opening and a hatch, the hatch being used to open or close the opening on the hull.

[0011] Furthermore, the enclosed compartment is equipped with a transparent observation window.

[0012] Furthermore, the front end of the air duct is a first air guide port, which is used to connect with the air outlet on the temperature control module; the rear end of the air duct is a second air guide port, which is used to connect with the exhaust port on the cabin.

[0013] Furthermore, the cross-section of the air duct is shaped like a "Z", and there are mounting parts on both sides of the air duct. The mounting parts are fixedly connected to the bottom of the compartment by fasteners.

[0014] Furthermore, the sample collection module is detachably installed inside the cabin.

[0015] Furthermore, the sample collection module includes a sample collection tray and several collection containers placed thereon; different sample collection modules have collection containers with different capacities.

[0016] Furthermore, the operating temperature range of the temperature control module is 0℃ to 80℃, and the temperature control accuracy is ±1℃.

[0017] Furthermore, the temperature control module has both cooling and heating functions, both of which are implemented using semiconductor materials.

[0018] Furthermore, the collector assembly includes a collection head, a two-axis moving mechanism, and a switching valve. The collection head is mounted on the two-axis moving mechanism and is positioned to the target position as the two-axis moving mechanism moves to drip liquid into the collection container. The switching valve is connected to the collection head and is used to switch the collection path.

[0019] After adopting the above solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] 1. The closed chamber and independent air duct design effectively reduce sample contamination and prevent the escape of volatile components compared to an open structure: By setting up a closed chamber and a flexibly openable and closable cover, a relatively closed working environment can be formed during sample collection or processing, reducing the amount of dust, microorganisms, suspended particulate matter and other impurities from the outside air entering the collection area.

[0021] With the coordinated operation of the independent air duct system, the airflow from each temperature control module is directly led out of the chamber through an independent air duct. This design not only avoids cross-contamination of airflow between different temperature control modules, but also completely eliminates temperature interference through the complete separation of airflow paths. At the same time, the independent air ducts can quickly and efficiently expel any volatile gases that may be generated inside the chamber, preventing their accumulation and thus avoiding the loss or deterioration of volatile components in the sample, ensuring the integrity of the sample composition.

[0022] 2. This device is equipped with a dual-mode temperature control system consisting of a cooling module and a heating module, enabling a wide temperature control range of 0-80℃. The system uses a PID algorithm for real-time temperature adjustment, dynamically adjusting the heating / cooling power to quickly respond to temperature changes and eliminate fluctuations, ultimately stabilizing the temperature control accuracy within ±1℃.

[0023] 3. A multi-specification sample collection module, combined with an intelligent switching algorithm, enables fully automated batch collection. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention (open lid state);

[0025] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention (with the lid closed);

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view (hidden chamber) of a closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a two-axis moving mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram (hidden chamber) of a closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of multiple temperature control modules and air duct structure according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Label Explanation:

[0031] 1. Compartment; 11. Hull; 12. Hatch cover; 13. Transparent observation window; 14. Air inlet; 15. Air outlet;

[0032] 2. Collector assembly; 21. Collector head; 22. Two-axis moving mechanism; 221. X-axis guide rail; 222. Y-axis guide rail; 223. Lead screw; 224. Stepper motor; 23. Switching valve; 24. Drop counter; 25. Receiving tank;

[0033] 3. Sample collection module; 31. Sample collection tray; 32. Collection container;

[0034] 4. Temperature control module; 41. Air inlet; 42. Air outlet;

[0035] 5. Air duct; 51. First air guide; 52. Second air guide; 53. Installation unit;

[0036] 6. Switch button. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] This utility model provides a closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device, such as... Figures 1 to 6 As shown, it includes a closed chamber 1, a collector assembly 2, a sample collection module 3, a temperature control module 4, an air duct 5, and an intelligent control system. It is suitable for multiple fields such as medical (protein purification), chemical (high-temperature fraction separation), and petroleum (volatile component collection).

[0039] <Closed Chamber 1>

[0040] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the enclosed compartment 1 includes a body 11 with an opening and a hatch 12, the hatch 12 being used to open or close the opening on the body 11. The hatch 12 can be opened when it is necessary to replace the collection container 32 or for maintenance, see reference... Figure 1 The hatch 12 can be opened manually, such as by a handle or button, or electrically, such as by an electric push rod or pneumatic device; this application does not limit the method.

[0041] A transparent observation window 13 can be installed on the hatch 12, such as Figure 1 As shown, the transparent observation window 13 can be made of high-strength tempered glass, which facilitates real-time observation of the internal collection process.

[0042] <Collector Component 2>

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the collector assembly 2 is used to accurately and efficiently collect the components separated by chromatography into different sample collection containers 32 to meet the needs of subsequent experimental analysis.

[0044] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the collector assembly 2 includes a collection head 21, a two-axis moving mechanism 22, a switching valve 23, a detection device, a drop counter 24, etc. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The collection head 21 is mounted on a two-axis moving mechanism 22, and can be positioned to the target location as the two-axis moving mechanism 22 moves, ensuring that the sample accurately falls into the corresponding collection container 32. The two-axis moving mechanism 22 includes an X-axis guide rail 221 and a Y-axis guide rail 222. The X-axis guide rail 221 is fixed inside the chamber 11, and the Y-axis guide rail 222 is mounted on the X-axis guide rail 221 via a slider. The collection head 21 is mounted on the Y-axis guide rail 222 via another slider. Both the X-axis and Y-axis are equipped with lead screws 223 and matching stepper motors 224. The intelligent control system sends control pulses to start the stepper motors 224 to rotate, and the lead screws convert the rotational motion into linear motion along the X-axis or Y-axis.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the switching valve 23 is connected to the collection head 21. The switching valve 23 automatically switches the collection path according to preset rules (time / volume / drop count), introducing samples of different components into different collection containers 32. A liquid receiving tank 25 is also provided below the switching valve 23 to receive leakage from the valve and prevent leakage from dripping onto the equipment below, the ground, or the experimental platform.

[0046] A detection device (not shown in the figure) is used to detect the position of the collecting head 21, ensuring that the collecting head 21 can accurately reach the preset collecting position. It can achieve position detection in various ways, such as photoelectric sensors, encoders, etc. When the collecting head 21 reaches the target position, the detection device sends a positioning signal to the control device. The intelligent control system determines whether the collecting head 21 is accurately positioned based on this signal, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the collecting process.

[0047] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the drop counter 24 is used to count the number of liquid drops added from the collection head 21 into the collection container 32. The drop counter 24 is existing technology; it typically employs photoelectric or capacitive sensors to count the passage of each liquid drop. The drop counter 24 allows for real-time monitoring of the collected liquid volume, ensuring that the added components meet experimental requirements. When the preset number of drops is reached, the drop counter 24 sends a signal to the intelligent control system, which then controls the collection head 21 to stop dispensing liquid or perform other corresponding operations based on this signal.

[0048] During the distillation process, operators can preset the collection mode, movement method, and liquid collection volume via a human-machine interface. Based on the preset parameters, the intelligent control system controls the two-axis moving mechanism 22 to move the collection head 21 to the desired position. Once the collection head 21 reaches the designated position, it begins discharging liquid into the collection container 32. When the collection requirements are met, the detection device sends an interrupt signal to the intelligent control system, causing the collection head 21 to move to the next collection container 32 to continue collecting subsequent components.

[0049] <Sample Collection Module 3>

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the sample collection module 3 adopts a detachable design and can be flexibly installed at a designated location in the fraction collection area within the chamber 1.

[0051] The fraction collection area can simultaneously mount multiple sample collection modules 3 of different specifications to meet diverse and large-scale sample collection needs. Specifically, such as... Figure 3As shown, the sample collection module 3 includes a sample collection tray 31 and several collection containers 32 neatly arranged on the sample collection tray 31. These containers can be flexibly configured according to experimental needs to meet the collection requirements of samples of different volumes and properties, such as, but not limited to, 1.5ml, 15ml, and 50ml centrifuge tubes.

[0052] This modular and scalable design not only enables flexible collection of samples of various sizes, but also provides users with great convenience and flexibility. Users can adjust the configuration of the collection module at any time according to experimental needs to adapt to changes in different experimental conditions and sample characteristics.

[0053] It is known that the collector component 2 described above can implement different collection strategies. Therefore, through the coordinated operation of the collector component 2, the multi-specification sample collection module 3, and the intelligent control system, the fraction collection device can meet the requirements of fully automated batch collection.

[0054] <Temperature Control Module 4>

[0055] Most existing fraction collection devices have significant shortcomings in temperature control. Firstly, many devices lack temperature control altogether, or even if they do, the control range is narrow, typically only between 6-20°C. This range cannot meet the temperature requirements of some special experiments, such as the collection of thermally reacting samples under high-temperature conditions (e.g., 80°C) or easily crystallizing / deteriorating samples under low-temperature conditions (e.g., 0°C). Secondly, the temperature control accuracy of existing devices is low, generally only ±1.5°C. This low accuracy may severely affect the stability of heat-sensitive samples, leading to denaturation, decomposition, and other adverse changes during collection, thus affecting the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.

[0056] This application provides a wide-range, high-precision temperature control system, which can effectively expand the application scenarios of the equipment. Specifically: such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the temperature control module 4 is located below the sample collection module 3 and is used to regulate the temperature of the collection area. The temperature control module 4 employs a dual-mode design, consisting of a cooling module and a heating module. Both modes utilize semiconductor materials as their core structure. The cooling module can use a PTC ceramic cooler, which offers advantages such as small size and rapid cooling. The heating module can use a PTC ceramic heater, which features automatic temperature control and high thermal efficiency. Through the coordinated operation of the cooling and heating modes, the temperature control module 4 can achieve a wide temperature range of 0-80℃. Regarding temperature accuracy, the temperature control module 4 uses a PID algorithm to adjust the temperature in real time, achieving a temperature control accuracy of ±1℃. This provides a stable temperature environment for heat-sensitive samples, preventing sample deterioration due to temperature fluctuations.

[0057] To ensure the normal operation and heat dissipation of the internal components of the temperature control module 4, a fan (not shown in the figure) is installed inside the housing of the temperature control module 4, and an air inlet 41 and an air outlet 42 are provided on the housing. The fan can form an effective air circulation, and promptly exhaust the heat generated inside through the air outlet 42 to prevent the performance and lifespan of the components from being affected by excessive temperature.

[0058] <Wind Path 5>

[0059] To ensure that each temperature control module 4 operates independently without interference, this application employs an independent air duct design 5. Specifically, as follows... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cabin 11 typically has an air inlet 14 and an air outlet 15 connecting to its interior to form a circulating ventilation channel. This design configures each temperature control module 4 with a dedicated independent air duct 5. In this embodiment, refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cross-section of the air duct 5 is shaped like a "Z". Mounting portions 53 are provided on both sides of the air duct 5, and the mounting portions 53 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the compartment 1 by fasteners. The front end of the air duct 5 is a first air guide 51, used to connect with the air outlet 42 on the temperature control module 4; the rear end of the air duct 5 is a second air guide 52, used to connect with the exhaust vent 15 on the compartment 1. The connection between the air duct 5 and the temperature control module 4 and the compartment 11 is tight, ensuring that airflow can smoothly and leak-free flow from the temperature control module 4 into the air duct 5 and then out of the compartment 11.

[0060] Multiple exhaust vents 15 are arranged on the cabin 11, and their number and position correspond one-to-one with the temperature control modules 4 inside the cabin 11, so that each temperature control module 4 inside the cabin 11 can correspond to an exhaust vent 15, ensuring that each temperature control module 4 has an independent and dedicated airflow exhaust channel, and realizing physical isolation of the airflow path.

[0061] With the help of the independent air duct system 5, the airflow of each temperature control module 4 is led out of the cabin 11 by the independent air duct 5. This not only avoids cross-contamination of airflow, but also eliminates temperature interference between different temperature control modules 4 through the complete separation of airflow paths, and realizes precise zoning management of each temperature zone in the cabin 11, further improving the temperature control accuracy.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the fraction collection device is also equipped with a touch screen (not shown) and a switch button 6. The touch screen allows for parameter settings and real-time data display. The switch button 6 allows for one-button start / stop and emergency stop of the device.

[0063] The following section uses protein purification as an example to illustrate the working process of this closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device:

[0064] The upstream equipment of this fraction collection device is a chromatograph, which can be connected to the liquid chromatograph via wired or wireless means using the device's RS485 interface.

[0065] 1. Place the sample collection module 3 containing 50ml centrifuge tubes into the chamber 11;

[0066] 2. On the touch screen, set the temperature to 4℃ (to maintain protein activity). After receiving the temperature setpoint, the PID algorithm starts to adjust the output power of the cooling module (PTC ceramic cooler) and the heating module (PTC ceramic heater) in real time.

[0067] 3. When the liquid chromatograph starts running and produces fractions, the equipment receives the fraction signal via the RS485 interface. The signal contains information such as the fraction generation time, volume, and number of drops, which will be used as the basis for switching the collection path by the switching valve assembly.

[0068] 4. The switching valve automatically switches the collection path according to preset rules (such as volume threshold every 10ml); when the received fraction volume reaches 10ml, the switching valve group responds quickly and guides the fraction to the next empty 50ml centrifuge tube.

[0069] During the fraction collection process, a 7-inch touchscreen displays various data in real time, including the current temperature, the volume of fraction collected, and the collection time. Operators can monitor the equipment's operating status at any time via the touchscreen to ensure the smooth progress of the collection process.

[0070] To further illustrate the various embodiments, the present invention provides accompanying drawings. These drawings are part of the disclosure of the present invention and are mainly used to illustrate the embodiments, and can be used in conjunction with the relevant descriptions in the specification to explain the operating principles of the embodiments. With reference to these drawings, those skilled in the art should be able to understand other possible implementations and the advantages of the present invention. The components in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and similar component symbols are generally used to represent similar components. Furthermore, the front, back, left, and right directions involved in this embodiment are only as a reference and do not represent the actual orientation in practical application.

[0071] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the design of this case. All equivalent changes made based on the key design of this case shall fall within the protection scope of this case.

Claims

1. A closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device, characterized in that, Includes a closed compartment and the following devices located within the compartment: Collector assembly, used to collect the chromatographically separated components into the sample collection module; Multiple sample collection modules are used to collect sample solutions; The temperature control module, located below the sample collection module, is used to regulate the temperature of the sample collection module. The temperature control module has an air inlet and an air outlet that connect to its internal cavity. The air duct connects the air outlet of each temperature control module to the exhaust outlet of the cabin, so as to draw the airflow from the temperature control module to the outside of the cabin.

2. The closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The enclosed compartment includes a hull with an opening and a hatch, the hatch being used to open or close the opening on the hull.

3. The closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The enclosed compartment is equipped with a transparent observation window.

4. The closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the air duct is a first air guide port, which is used to connect with the air outlet on the temperature control module; the rear end of the air duct is a second air guide port, which is used to connect with the exhaust port on the cabin.

5. The closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the air duct is shaped like a "Z". There are mounting parts on both sides of the air duct, and the mounting parts are fixedly connected to the bottom of the compartment by fasteners.

6. The closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sample collection module is detachably installed inside the cabin.

7. A closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The sample collection module includes a sample collection tray and several collection containers placed on it; different sample collection modules have collection containers with different capacities.

8. The closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control module operates within a temperature range of 0℃ to 80℃, with a temperature control accuracy of ±1℃.

9. The closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control module has both cooling and heating functions, both of which are implemented using semiconductor materials.

10. A closed-loop refrigeration fraction collection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The collector assembly includes a collection head, a two-axis moving mechanism, and a switching valve. The collection head is mounted on the two-axis moving mechanism and is positioned to the target position as the two-axis moving mechanism moves to drip liquid into the collection container. The switching valve is connected to the collection head and is used to switch the collection path.

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