Variable-pitch transfer mechanism of pipetting tip

Abstract

The utility model discloses a variable-pitch transfer mechanism of a pipette tip, which comprises a bottom table, a double-belt lead screw transverse moving assembly arranged at the top end of the bottom table, an inverted U-shaped frame arranged at the moving end of the double-belt lead screw transverse moving assembly, and a Y-axis cylinder arranged on the inner wall of one side of the inverted U-shaped frame, a supporting arm is fixed to the top end of a piston rod of the Y-axis air cylinder, a bottom plate is fixed to the bottom end of the supporting arm, and a pneumatic pitch changing assembly is installed on the upper surface of the bottom plate. The distance between every two adjacent conical opening sleeves is adjusted through the pneumatic distance changing assembly so as to be suitable for suction heads with different heights, diameters or shapes, and finally the double-belt type lead screw transverse moving assembly transversely moves the suction heads and the conical opening sleeves which are stably placed till the suction heads and the conical opening sleeves move to a loading area. And the suction heads are propped into the packaging boxes with the holes one by one by a subsequent mechanical arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipette tip processing aids, specifically a variable-pitch transfer mechanism for pipette tips. Background Technology

[0002] The transfer mechanism plays a crucial role in the automated packaging process of pipette tips. It is mainly responsible for efficiently, accurately, and safely transferring the tips from their storage location to their packaging boxes. Its core functions include enabling rapid and continuous handling, accurately positioning each tip to avoid misalignment and damage, and protecting the integrity of the tips. Structurally, transfer mechanisms typically consist of a robotic arm or slide rail system, equipped with a pipette tip gripping device (such as vacuum suction or mechanical gripper), sensors (to detect the position and status of the pipette tip), and a control system (to coordinate movement and gripping actions). Conveying devices such as vibratory feeders or trays are used to organize the pipette tips, ensuring they are neatly arranged for easy gripping. During the transfer process, the presence of the pipette tip is first detected by sensors. The robotic arm or slide rail system grips the tip and moves it along a predetermined path above the packaging box. After precise positioning, it is placed into the hole, ensuring correct placement. This process can be repeated until all pipette tips have been transferred. However, currently, the size and shape of the gripping components in pipetting mechanisms are fixed. To accommodate pipette tips of different heights, diameters, or shapes, the gripping devices need to be replaced or adjusted. These adjustments often involve cumbersome mechanical disassembly or adjustment steps, usually achieved through screws, nuts, or mechanical adjustment devices. This is cumbersome, time-consuming, and affects operational efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a variable-pitch transfer mechanism for pipette tips. Multiple pipette tips to be transferred are placed one by one into corresponding conical sleeves. The pitch between adjacent conical sleeves is adjusted by a pneumatic variable-pitch assembly to accommodate pipette tips of different heights, diameters, or shapes. Finally, a dual-belt lead screw lateral movement assembly moves the stable pipette tips and conical sleeves laterally until they are moved to the loading area. A subsequent robotic arm then pushes the pipette tips one by one into a perforated packaging box, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a variable pitch transfer mechanism for a pipette tip, comprising a base, a double-belt lead screw transverse transfer assembly mounted on the top of the base, the double-belt lead screw transverse transfer assembly, an inverted U-shaped frame mounted on the moving end of the double-belt lead screw transverse transfer assembly, and a Y-axis cylinder mounted on the inner wall of one side of the inverted U-shaped frame. A support arm is fixed to the top of the piston rod of the Y-axis cylinder, and a base plate is fixed to the bottom end of the support arm. A pneumatic variable pitch assembly is mounted on the upper surface of the base plate. A conical sleeve for accommodating the pipette tip is mounted on the moving end of the pneumatic variable pitch assembly. A PLC controller is mounted on one side of the back of the base, and the output end of the PLC controller is electrically connected to the input end of the double-belt lead screw transverse transfer assembly, the Y-axis cylinder, and the base plate, respectively.

[0005] Preferably, the dual-belt lead screw transverse assembly includes two shaft brackets fixed to the upper surface of the base platform, two lead screws rotatably mounted between the two shaft brackets, and a nut pair installed at the threaded position at one end of the surface of the two lead screws. The inverted U-shaped frame is fixedly connected to the nut pair. A rotary drive mechanism for driving the two lead screws to rotate synchronously is installed on one side of the top of the base platform. The input end of the rotary drive mechanism is electrically connected to the output end of the PLC controller.

[0006] Preferably, the rotary drive mechanism includes a servo motor mounted on one side of the top of the base platform and a belt drive structure mounted on the end of the servo motor drive shaft for driving the two lead screws to rotate synchronously.

[0007] Preferably, the pneumatic pitch-changing assembly includes a second cylinder mounted on one outer wall of the base plate, an upper slide plate slidably mounted on the upper surface of the base plate, and a plurality of equally spaced sliders slidably mounted on the upper surface of the base plate below the upper slide plate. The top end of the piston rod of the second cylinder is fixedly connected to one outer wall of the upper slide plate. The upper surface of the upper slide plate is provided with a slanted straight groove corresponding to the position of the slider. The top end of the slider is fixed with a protruding post that extends through the outside of the slanted straight groove. The conical sleeve is installed at the end of the slider away from the base plate.

[0008] Preferably, the conical sleeve is made of a rubber component.

[0009] Preferably, the conical sleeve has notches on all four outer walls, and the conical sleeve forms a claw at the lower end through the notches.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This variable-pitch transfer mechanism for pipette tips is equipped with a PLC controller, a double-belt lead screw lateral movement assembly, a pneumatic pitch-changing assembly, and multiple conical sleeves working together. Multiple pipette tips to be transferred are placed one by one into their corresponding conical sleeves. The pneumatic pitch-changing assembly adjusts the pitch between adjacent conical sleeves to accommodate pipette tips of different heights, diameters, or shapes. Finally, the double-belt lead screw lateral movement assembly moves the stable pipette tips and conical sleeves laterally until they reach the loading area, where a robotic arm inserts each pipette tip into a perforated packaging box. The use of multiple conical sleeves to place the pipette tips one by one ensures orderly arrangement and accurate positioning of the tips, reducing errors during the transfer process. This design eliminates the risk of misalignment and damage, facilitates subsequent adjustments and operations, and utilizes a pneumatic pitch-adjusting assembly for flexible adjustment of the distance between the conical sleeves to accommodate suction heads of different heights, diameters, or shapes. This avoids the cumbersome steps and heavy adjustment work of traditional mechanical adjustments. Furthermore, the flexibility and precision of the pneumatic pitch-adjusting assembly allow the mechanism to quickly switch between suction heads of different specifications, greatly improving the versatility and adaptability of the automation system. Finally, the design of the dual-belt lead screw lateral movement assembly allows the placed suction head and conical sleeve to move smoothly within the lateral range, ultimately delivering the suction head accurately to the loading area. This lateral movement mechanism has high precision and stability, ensuring that the suction head does not shift or misalign during the transfer process, providing a reliable guarantee for the subsequent precise insertion of the robotic arm into the packaging box. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the aerodynamic pitch-changing assembly of this utility model.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Base platform; 2. Double-belt lead screw transverse assembly; 3. Inverted U-shaped frame; 4. Y-axis cylinder; 5. Support arm; 6. Base plate; 7. Pneumatic pitch conversion assembly; 701. Second cylinder; 702. Upper slide plate; 703. Slanted straight groove; 704. Slider; 705. Protruding column; 8. Conical sleeve; 9. PLC controller. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0018] Please see Figure 1-5 An embodiment of this utility model provides a variable pitch transfer mechanism for a pipette tip, comprising a base 1, a double-belt lead screw transverse transfer assembly 2 mounted on the top of the base 1, a double-belt lead screw transverse transfer assembly 2, an inverted U-shaped frame 3 mounted on the moving end of the double-belt lead screw transverse transfer assembly 2, and a Y-axis cylinder 4 mounted on the inner wall of one side of the inverted U-shaped frame 3. A support arm 5 is fixed to the top of the piston rod of the Y-axis cylinder 4, and a base plate 6 is fixed to the bottom end of the support arm 5. A pneumatic variable pitch assembly 7 is mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 6. A conical sleeve 8 for accommodating the pipette tip is mounted on the moving end of the pneumatic variable pitch assembly 7. A PLC controller 9 is mounted on one side of the back of the base 1. The output end of the PLC controller 9 is electrically connected to the input end of the double-belt lead screw transverse transfer assembly 2, the Y-axis cylinder 4, and the base plate 6, respectively.

[0019] The double-belt lead screw transverse assembly 2 includes two shaft brackets fixed on the upper surface of the base 1, two lead screws rotatably mounted between the two shaft brackets, and a nut pair installed at the threaded position at one end of the surface of the two lead screws. The inverted U-shaped frame 3 is fixedly connected to the nut pair. A rotary drive mechanism for driving the two lead screws to rotate synchronously is installed on one side of the top of the base 1. The input end of the rotary drive mechanism is electrically connected to the output end of the PLC controller 9.

[0020] The rotary drive mechanism includes a servo motor mounted on one side of the top of the base 1 and a belt drive structure mounted on the end of the servo motor drive shaft for driving the two lead screws to rotate synchronously. The servo motor in the double-belt lead screw transverse assembly 2 drives the two lead screws to rotate through the belt drive structure. Then, the lead screws drive the inverted U-shaped frame 3, Y-axis cylinder 4, support arm 5, base plate 6, pneumatic pitch conversion assembly 7, and tapered sleeve 8 to move laterally through the nut pair. The double-belt lead screw transverse assembly 2 has a compact structure and fast movement speed, which can quickly move the suction head from the storage area to the loading position, significantly improving the overall operation efficiency.

[0021] The pneumatic pitch-changing assembly 7 includes a second cylinder 701 mounted on one side outer wall of the base plate 6, an upper slide plate 702 slidably mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 6, and several equally spaced sliders 704 slidably mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 6 below the upper slide plate 702. The top of the piston rod of the second cylinder 701 is fixedly connected to one side outer wall of the upper slide plate 702. The upper surface of the upper slide plate 702 is provided with a straight groove 703 corresponding to the position of the sliders 704. The top of the slider 704 is fixed with a protrusion 705 that extends through the straight groove 703. A tapered sleeve 8 is installed at the end of the slider 704 away from the base plate 1.

[0022] When adjusting the spacing according to the specifications of the suction head, the second cylinder 701 drives the upper slide plate 702 away from the base plate 1. Since the protrusion 705 at the top of the slider 704 is located in the protrusion 705, the Y-axis sliding motion of the upper slide plate 702 will be converted into the X-axis horizontal movement of the slider 704 through the inclined straight slot 703 and the protrusion 705. That is, multiple conical sleeves 8 start to adjust the spacing simultaneously to adapt to suction heads of different sizes and shapes. This adjustment method does not require complex mechanical adjustment and can be achieved by air pressure control. It is easy to operate, responds quickly, and its flexibility greatly expands the applicability of the mechanism, which can meet the diverse suction head specifications and application scenarios.

[0023] The conical sleeve 8 is made of rubber. Notches are provided on all four outer walls of the conical sleeve 8. The conical sleeve 8 forms a claw at the lower end through the notches. Each conical sleeve 8 can be adjusted and clamped according to the specifications of the suction head, ensuring that suction heads of different types or sizes can be firmly clamped and correctly positioned.

[0024] Because four notches are provided on the outer wall of the conical sleeve 8, the lower end of the conical sleeve 8 forms a claw through the notches. When the robotic arm applies downward force, it can push out the suction head in the conical sleeve 8.

[0025] In this embodiment, the robotic arm first removes a group of suction heads to be transferred one by one and places them into the corresponding conical sleeves 8. Each conical sleeve 8 is equipped with a pneumatic pitch assembly 7 to adjust according to the different specifications of the suction heads. The pneumatic pitch assembly 7 starts working and adjusts the distance between two adjacent conical sleeves 8 to accommodate the different heights, diameters, or shapes of the suction heads. After multiple suction heads are placed into the conical sleeves 8, the double-belt lead screw transverse assembly 2 starts working and moves the suction heads placed in the conical sleeves 8 together in the transverse direction. During this process, the PLC controller 9 controls the motor in the double-belt lead screw transverse assembly 2, and through precise motion control, the suction heads are moved smoothly to the loading area in the transverse range. When the suction heads reach the loading area, the subsequent robotic arm starts working and pushes the suction heads one by one into the perforated packaging box until all suction heads are correctly placed in the packaging box.

Claims

1. A variable-pitch transfer mechanism for a pipette tip, characterized in that: The system includes a base (1), a double-belt lead screw transverse assembly (2) mounted on the top of the base (1), a double-belt lead screw transverse assembly (2), an inverted U-shaped frame (3) mounted on the moving end of the double-belt lead screw transverse assembly (2), and a Y-axis cylinder (4) mounted on the inner wall of one side of the inverted U-shaped frame (3). The piston rod of the Y-axis cylinder (4) is fixed with a support arm (5), and the bottom end of the support arm (5) is fixed with a base plate (6). A pneumatic pitch-changing assembly (7) is mounted on the upper surface of the base plate (6). A conical sleeve (8) for accommodating a pipette tip is mounted on the moving end of the pneumatic pitch-changing assembly (7). A PLC controller (9) is mounted on one side of the back of the base (1). The output end of the PLC controller (9) is electrically connected to the input end of the double-belt lead screw transverse assembly (2), the Y-axis cylinder (4), and the base plate (6).

2. The variable-pitch transfer mechanism for a pipette tip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The double-belt lead screw transverse assembly (2) includes two shaft brackets fixed on the upper surface of the base (1), two lead screws rotatably mounted between the two shaft brackets, and a nut pair installed at the threaded position of one end of the two lead screws. The inverted U-shaped frame (3) is fixedly connected to the nut pair. A rotary drive mechanism for driving the two lead screws to rotate synchronously is installed on one side of the top of the base (1). The input end of the rotary drive mechanism is electrically connected to the output end of the PLC controller (9).

3. The variable-pitch transfer mechanism for a pipette tip according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotary drive mechanism includes a servo motor mounted on one side of the top of the base (1) and a belt drive structure mounted on the end of the servo motor drive shaft for driving the two lead screws to rotate synchronously.

4. The variable-pitch transfer mechanism for a pipette tip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pneumatic pitch-changing assembly (7) includes a second cylinder (701) mounted on the outer wall of one side of the base plate (6), an upper slide plate (702) slidably mounted on the upper surface of the base plate (6), and several equally spaced sliders (704) slidably mounted on the upper surface of the base plate (6) below the upper slide plate (702). The top of the piston rod of the second cylinder (701) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of one side of the upper slide plate (702). The upper surface of the upper slide plate (702) is provided with a straight groove (703) corresponding to the position of the slider (704). The top of the slider (704) is fixed with a protrusion (705) that extends through the straight groove (703). The conical sleeve (8) is installed at the end of the slider (704) away from the base plate (1).

5. The variable-pitch transfer mechanism for a pipette tip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conical sleeve (8) is made of rubber.

6. The variable-pitch transfer mechanism for a pipette tip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conical sleeve (8) has notches on all four sides of its outer wall, and the conical sleeve (8) forms a claw at its lower end through the notches.

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