Reaction vessel bulk transfer device for use with high throughput well plates

Abstract

The application provides a reaction bottle whole transfer device matched with a high-throughput hole plate, and belongs to the technical field of hole plates. In view of the inconvenient and low-efficiency problems of the high-throughput hole plate weighing and whole plate transfer operation, the application provides a reaction bottle whole transfer device matched with a high-throughput hole plate, which comprises: a fixed plate which can be placed above the hole plate, the fixed plate is provided with first through holes corresponding to reaction bottle containing holes of the hole plate, the circumferences of the first through holes are provided with fastening structures, so that the reaction bottles can be fixed in the first through holes and can be separated from the first through holes under the action of external force; and a guide plate connected with the fixed plate through a supporting column, the guide plate is arranged in a spaced and stacked mode with the fixed plate, the guide plate is provided with second through holes corresponding to the first through holes of the fixed plate, the second through holes are used for allowing the reaction bottles fixed in the first through holes to pass through and limiting the deflection of the reaction bottles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of orifice plate technology, and more particularly to a reaction flask transfer device adapted to high-throughput orifice plates. Background Technology

[0002] High-throughput well plates (also known as reaction plates), such as 96-well plates (the standard microplate format), are the cornerstone of high-throughput experiments in modern life sciences, drug development, chemical synthesis, and analysis. Their core value lies in:

[0003] High throughput: Allows up to 96 parallel reactions or sample processing to be performed simultaneously, greatly improving experimental efficiency and throughput;

[0004] Standardization: Uniform dimensions (usually following SBS standards) make it compatible with a wide range of equipment such as automated liquid handling workstations, microplate readers, centrifuges, and shaking incubators;

[0005] Miniaturization: Significantly reduces the consumption of expensive reagents and samples, lowering experimental costs;

[0006] Streamlining: Facilitates the automation of experimental steps, reduces human error, and improves the consistency and reproducibility of results.

[0007] Currently, standard reaction trays used to hold 96 individual reaction flasks (or sample tubes, centrifuge tubes) typically employ the following design:

[0008] Size specifications: The base plate is approximately 120mm x 80mm (compliant with SBS microporous plate footprint);

[0009] Reaction flask layout: 96 reaction flasks are arranged in a compact array of 12 (rows) x 8 (columns);

[0010] Reaction flask specifications: The diameter of a single reaction flask is usually 4-8mm, and the length is commonly 30mm or 40mm. This size design is intended to maximize space utilization, allowing 96 flasks to be closely arranged in the aforementioned base plate area.

[0011] While this compact design saves space and is compatible with equipment, it reveals significant drawbacks in actual experimental procedures, especially in scenarios involving weighing and transferring entire trays:

[0012] 1. To ensure the stability of the reaction flask, the reaction flask is usually weighed as a whole, that is, the reaction flask along with 96 flasks (especially after they contain samples / reagents) is transferred to the balance for weighing. The weight of the reaction flask plus the total weight of the flasks and contents often exceeds the weighing range of a conventional electronic balance, or causes the balance to bear too much weight, making operation inconvenient.

[0013] 2. When the experimental procedure requires transferring all reaction flasks in the reaction tray (e.g., after sample addition) to another dedicated tray (such as a deep-well plate or another shaking reaction plate) for incubation, shaking reaction, or other treatments, the existing method is extremely inefficient. Usually, the operator has to remove 96 tiny flasks one by one from the original tray clamp and then place them one by one into the target tray. This manual or semi-automatic flask-by-flask transfer process is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive, greatly reducing experimental efficiency. At the same time, frequent operations increase the risk of sample contamination, confusion, or splashing. Utility Model Content

[0014] The purpose of this application is to solve the problems of inconvenience and low efficiency in weighing and transferring entire trays using high-throughput orifice plates in the prior art. Therefore, this application provides a reaction flask transfer device adapted to high-throughput orifice plates. The device can be placed entirely above the orifice plate and the reaction flasks can be fixed in place. Thus, all reaction flasks in the orifice plate can be removed at once using this transfer device, achieving a complete tray transfer. Furthermore, during weighing, the reaction flasks can be fixed in place by this transfer device to achieve stable overall weighing, improving operational convenience and efficiency.

[0015] This application provides a device for transferring reaction flasks in a tray, adapted to high-throughput orifice plates, comprising:

[0016] A fixing plate can be placed above the perforated plate. The fixing plate has first through holes that correspond one-to-one with the reaction flask receiving holes of the perforated plate. A fastening structure is provided circumferentially in the first through holes, allowing the reaction flasks to be fixed within the first through holes and to be detached from the first through holes under external force.

[0017] A guide plate is connected to the fixed plate via a support column. The guide plate and the fixed plate are stacked at intervals. The guide plate is provided with a second through hole that corresponds one-to-one with the first through hole of the fixed plate. The second through hole is used for the reaction bottle fixed in the first through hole to pass through and restricts the deflection of the reaction bottle.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the reaction flasks are fixed by the fastening structure on the fixing plate. The stability of the reaction flasks is improved by the cooperation of the fixing plate and the guide plate. This makes the transfer device lighter and can be placed on the orifice plate as a whole to fix the reaction flasks. Thus, all the reaction flasks in the orifice plate can be moved out at one time through this transfer device to achieve whole-pan transfer. Moreover, the reaction flasks can be fixed by this transfer device to achieve stable overall weighing, which improves the convenience and efficiency of operation.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of first through holes of the fixing plate are arranged in a rectangular array;

[0020] The fastening structure includes four elastic elements evenly arranged circumferentially along the first through hole, and the four elastic elements together apply a circumferential force to the reaction bottle located in the first through hole.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the reaction bottle is fixed in the first through hole by the joint action of four elastic elements evenly arranged in the circumference. This ensures fixation while reducing wear on the reaction bottle. Furthermore, the layout design of the first through hole allows the elastic elements in the circumference of the first through hole to be shared, thereby controlling costs.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fixing plate is provided with four bosses around the first through hole in the circumferential direction, the elastic element is an O-ring, and the elastic element is sleeved on the bosses.

[0023] In some embodiments, a pressure plate is provided on one side of the fixing plate where the fastening structure is provided. The pressure plate is fixedly connected to the fixing plate and clamps and fixes the fastening structure between the two.

[0024] In some embodiments, the elastic element is a fluororubber O-ring.

[0025] In some embodiments, the circumferential edge of the fixing plate is provided with a positioning part, which protrudes from the circumferential edge of the guide plate to facilitate positioning identification.

[0026] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0027] A bottle-pushing mechanism includes a handle and a plurality of bottle-pushing pins disposed below the handle. Each bottle-pushing pin includes a pushing part and a guide part located at the end of the pushing part. The guide part is used to guide the pushing part to the reaction bottle. The pushing part is used to abut against the reaction bottle and push the reaction bottle to sequentially disengage from the second through hole and the first through hole.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the pusher mechanism can be used to push the reaction bottles out of the transfer device in batches at one time, thereby improving the operating efficiency; and the pusher pin is pushed out by the handle, which improves the ease of operation.

[0029] In some embodiments, the guide portion is a conical structure and can be guided along its surface to be inserted into the reaction flask, such that the pushing portion abuts against the end face of the mouth of the reaction flask.

[0030] In some embodiments, the plurality of first through holes of the fixing plate are arranged in a rectangular array, and the plurality of push pins are arranged linearly, and the number is the same as the number of first through holes in a column;

[0031] The bottle pusher pin and the handle are detachably connected. The handle is provided with a positioning hole corresponding to the bottle pusher pin. The bottle pusher pin is connected to the handle through the positioning pin.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fixing plate, the guide plate, and the handle are all made of aluminum alloy; the bottle pusher pin is made of POM.

[0033] Other features and corresponding beneficial effects of this application will be described in the latter part of the specification, and it should be understood that at least some of the beneficial effects will become obvious from the description in this application. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage status of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a top view of the mounting plate containing the reaction flask in this application;

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of part A.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 1. Reaction flask; 2. Well plate;

[0039] 10. Fixing plate; 11. First through hole; 12. Boss; 13. O-ring; 14. Positioning part;

[0040] 20. Guide plate; 21. Support column;

[0041] 30. Pressure plate;

[0042] 40. Handle; 41. Positioning hole;

[0043] 50. Bottle pusher pin; 51. Pushing part; 52. Guiding part. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this application is presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the application in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this application. To provide a thorough understanding of this application, many specific details will be included in the following description. This application may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0045] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or a connection within two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] High-throughput well plate 2 (also known as high-throughput reaction plate), such as a 96-well 1ml reaction plate, is usually composed of a top cover plate, a top sealing plate (made of 2mm silicone and 0.1mm polytetrafluoroethylene film composite), a through plate, a buffer plate and a tray, etc. It has a large overall volume and heavy weight, and the 96 wells are arranged in a compact manner.

[0048] Although this design ensures the stability of reaction flask 1, saves space, and is compatible with equipment, it is inconvenient for weighing and transferring the entire tray in actual experimental procedures.

[0049] Therefore, this application provides a reaction flask transfer device adapted to a high-throughput orifice plate. The device can be placed on top of the orifice plate 2 and the reaction flask 1 can be fixed. All reaction flasks 1 in the orifice plate 2 can be moved out at once through this transfer device to achieve whole-plate transfer. Furthermore, the reaction flasks 1 can be fixed through this transfer device during weighing to achieve stable overall weighing, which improves the convenience and efficiency of operation.

[0050] Please see Figure 1-3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage status of this application; Figure 2 This is a top view of the fixing plate 10 containing the reaction bottle 1 in this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of part A.

[0051] This transfer device includes a fixed plate 10 and a guide plate 20. The overall structure is relatively simple, which is conducive to controlling the overall weight.

[0052] Specifically, the fixing plate 10 can be placed above the perforated plate 2. The fixing plate 10 is provided with a first through hole 11 that corresponds one-to-one with the receiving hole of the reaction bottle 1 of the perforated plate 2. The first through hole 11 is provided with a fastening structure in the circumferential direction, so that the reaction bottle 1 can be fixed in the first through hole 11 and can be detached from the first through hole 11 under the action of external force.

[0053] The guide plate 20 is connected to the fixed plate 10 through the support column 21. The guide plate 20 and the fixed plate 10 are stacked at intervals, that is, they are stacked at a certain distance. The guide plate 20 is provided with a second through hole that corresponds one-to-one with the first through hole 11 of the fixed plate 10. The second through hole is used for the reaction bottle 1 fixed in the first through hole 11 to pass through and restrict the deflection of the reaction bottle 1, that is, to guide.

[0054] This transfer device secures the reaction flask 1 with a fastening structure on the fixing plate 10. The stability of the reaction flask 1 is improved by the cooperation of the fixing plate 10 and the guide plate 20. The overall plate structure makes the transfer device lightweight and can be placed on top of the perforated plate 2 to fix the reaction flask 1. Thus, all the reaction flasks 1 in the perforated plate 2 can be removed at once by this transfer device, realizing the whole tray transfer. Moreover, when weighing, the reaction flasks 1 can be fixed by this transfer device to achieve stable overall weighing without the need for the original perforated plate 2, which improves the convenience and efficiency of operation.

[0055] It should be noted that this transfer device is usually used in conjunction with the orifice plate 2. Before placing the reaction flask 1 into the orifice plate 2, this transfer device can be placed above the orifice plate 2 so that the holes correspond, and the reaction flask 1 is inserted into the orifice plate 2 by this transfer device.

[0056] When the experimental procedure requires transferring all reaction flasks 1 in well plate 2 (e.g., after sample addition) to another dedicated tray (such as deep well plate 2, another shaking reaction plate) for incubation, shaking reaction, or other treatment, this transfer device can be used to lift all reaction flasks 1 from the original well plate 2 as a whole (it should be noted that there is a certain tolerance between the diameter of well plate 2 and reaction flask 1, so as to achieve the whole-piece lifting), and transfer them into another well plate 2, thereby achieving whole-tray transfer. This is highly efficient, and the operation is a one-time operation without touching each reaction flask 1, which can reduce the risk of sample contamination, confusion, or splashing.

[0057] When the experimental procedure requires weighing, all reaction flasks 1 can be lifted out of the original orifice plate 2 as a whole by this transfer device and transferred to the weighing device. The reaction flasks 1 are fixed vertically by this transfer device, and the overall weight usually does not exceed the weighing range of the weighing device, thus achieving weighing (understandably, the weight of this transfer device needs to be subtracted).

[0058] In one embodiment, the plurality of first through holes 11 of the fixing plate 10 are arranged in a rectangular array, which is consistent with the layout of most of the perforated plates 2, thereby improving the versatility of the transfer device.

[0059] Preferably, the fastening structure includes four elastic elements evenly arranged circumferentially along the first through hole 11. The four elastic elements together apply a force to the reaction bottle 1 located in the first through hole 11 in the circumferential direction, so that the reaction bottle 1 is fixed in the first through hole 11, which can reduce the wear on the reaction bottle 1 while ensuring fixation.

[0060] Furthermore, by designing the layout of the first through hole 11, the elastic elements in the circumferential direction of adjacent first through holes 11 can be shared, thereby controlling costs.

[0061] In one embodiment, four elastic elements jointly apply a circumferential frictional force to the reaction bottle 1 located within the first through hole 11. That is, by positioning the elastic elements relative to the first through hole 11, the reaction bottle 1 within the first through hole 11 is in point contact with the elastic elements. The reaction bottle 1 will not fall off under the frictional force of the elastic elements, and because the contact point is small, it is easy to remove the reaction bottle 1 under external force. This method is particularly suitable for 0.15-1 ml reaction bottles 1.

[0062] In other alternative embodiments, four elastic elements jointly apply an elastic compressive force to the circumferential surface of the reaction flask 1 located within the first through-hole 11. This means the elastic elements are closer to the first through-hole 11, resulting in a larger surface contact between the reaction flask 1 within the first through-hole 11 and the elastic elements. This method is particularly suitable for larger capacity reaction flasks 1 (i.e., reaction flasks 1 that can hold more samples and are heavier overall).

[0063] In one embodiment, the fixing plate 10 is provided with four bosses 12 around the first through hole 11, and the elastic element is an O-ring 13, which is sleeved on the bosses 12, thereby improving the ease of assembly between the elastic element and the fixing plate 10.

[0064] In one embodiment, a pressure plate 30 is provided on the side of the fixing plate 10 where the fastening structure is provided. The pressure plate 30 is fixedly connected to the fixing plate 10 and clamps the fastening structure between the two, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the fastening structure and the fixing plate 10.

[0065] It is understandable that when the pressure plate 30 is connected to the fixing plate 10, it is necessary to ensure that the elastic element is in a free state, that is, the pressure plate 30 will not squeeze the elastic element, and the pressure plate 30 and the fixing plate 10 only cooperate to clamp the elastic element to prevent the elastic element from leaving its installation position.

[0066] In one embodiment, the elastic element is a fluororubber O-ring. Fluororubber is resistant to organic solvents and high-temperature environments, allowing the transfer device to be placed in the same reaction environment as the reaction flask 1, thus improving ease of use.

[0067] In one embodiment, a positioning part 14 is provided on the circumferential edge of the fixed plate 10. The positioning part 14 protrudes from the circumferential edge of the guide plate 20 to facilitate identification and positioning, thereby enabling automated equipment (such as robotic arms and weighing systems) to quickly position themselves, achieve automated operation, and ensure operational accuracy.

[0068] In one embodiment, the transfer device further includes a bottle-pushing mechanism.

[0069] The bottle-pushing mechanism includes a handle 40 and multiple bottle-pushing pins 50 disposed below the handle 40. Multiple reaction bottles 1 can be pushed simultaneously by the multiple bottle-pushing pins 50 connected to the handle 40. That is, the bottle-pushing pins 50 push the reaction bottles 1 downward so that multiple reaction bottles 1 are simultaneously disengaged from this transfer device, thereby realizing batch transfer of reaction bottles 1, improving efficiency. In addition, the handle 40 drives the bottle-pushing pins 50 to push them away, improving the ease of operation.

[0070] In one embodiment, the pusher pin 50 includes a pushing part 51 and a guide part 52 located at the end of the pushing part 51. The guide part 52 is used to guide the pushing part 51 to the reaction bottle 1, so that the pushing part 51 and the reaction bottle 1 can be aligned, improving operational reliability. The pushing part 51 is used to abut against the reaction bottle 1 and push the reaction bottle 1 to sequentially disengage from the second through hole and the first through hole 11.

[0071] In one embodiment, the guide portion 52 has a conical structure and can be guided along its surface to be inserted into the reaction bottle 1, so that the push portion 51 abuts against the end face of the bottle mouth of the reaction bottle 1.

[0072] Preferably, the guide section 52 adopts a 15-20° precision ground conical structure to ensure a perfect fit with the standard reaction flask 1.

[0073] In one embodiment, the plurality of first through holes 11 of the fixing plate 10 are arranged in a rectangular array, and the plurality of push pins 50 are arranged linearly, with the number being the same as the number of a column of first through holes 11.

[0074] In one specific embodiment, the first through holes 11 on the fixing plate 10 are arranged in an array of 12 (rows) * 8 (columns), and their dimensions conform to the SBS standard. At this time, there are 8 push pins 50 arranged linearly.

[0075] In one embodiment, the push pin 50 and the handle 40 are detachably connected. The handle 40 is provided with a positioning hole 41 corresponding to the push pin 50, and the push pin 50 is connected to the handle 40 through the positioning pin.

[0076] Preferably, the positioning hole 41 is φ2.0±0.01mm, thereby ensuring the connection stability between the push pin 50 and the handle 40.

[0077] In one embodiment, the fixing plate 10, the guide plate 20, and the handle 40 are all made of aluminum alloy. Preferably, they are anodized, combining lightweight with high strength, corrosion resistance, and no deformation over long-term use, ensuring accurate alignment even after extended use. Furthermore, the handle 40 features ergonomically rounded corners.

[0078] In one embodiment, the pusher pin 50 is made of POM, or polyoxymethylene, thereby achieving a lightweight design for the pusher pin 50, making operation easier, while also having excellent chemical corrosion resistance, being resistant to most organic solvents, and having a low coefficient of friction (0.1-0.3), ensuring a smooth pusher process without damaging the bottle.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A reaction flask transfer device adapted to high-throughput orifice plates, characterized in that, include: A fixing plate can be placed above the perforated plate. The fixing plate has first through holes that correspond one-to-one with the reaction flask receiving holes of the perforated plate. A fastening structure is provided circumferentially in the first through holes, allowing the reaction flasks to be fixed within the first through holes and to be detached from the first through holes under external force. A guide plate is connected to the fixed plate via a support column. The guide plate and the fixed plate are stacked at intervals. The guide plate is provided with a second through hole that corresponds one-to-one with the first through hole of the fixed plate. The second through hole is used for the reaction bottle fixed in the first through hole to pass through and restricts the deflection of the reaction bottle.

2. The reaction flask transfer device adapted to a high-throughput orifice plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of first through holes in the fixing plate are arranged in a rectangular array; The fastening structure includes four elastic elements evenly arranged circumferentially along the first through hole, and the four elastic elements together apply a force to the circumferential direction of the reaction bottle located in the first through hole.

3. The reaction flask transfer device adapted to a high-throughput orifice plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing plate has four protrusions arranged around the first through hole in the circumferential direction. The elastic element is an O-ring and is sleeved on the protrusions.

4. The reaction flask transfer device adapted to a high-throughput orifice plate according to claim 3, characterized in that, A pressure plate is provided on one side of the fixing plate where the fastening structure is provided. The pressure plate is fixedly connected to the fixing plate and clamps and fixes the fastening structure between the two.

5. The reaction flask transfer device adapted to a high-throughput orifice plate according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element is a fluororubber O-ring.

6. The reaction flask transfer device adapted to a high-throughput orifice plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed plate has a positioning part on its circumferential edge, which protrudes from the circumferential edge of the guide plate to facilitate positioning.

7. The reaction flask transfer device adapted to high-throughput orifice plates according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Also includes: A bottle-pushing mechanism includes a handle and a plurality of bottle-pushing pins disposed below the handle. Each bottle-pushing pin includes a pushing part and a guide part located at the end of the pushing part. The guide part is used to guide the pushing part to the reaction bottle. The pushing part is used to abut against the reaction bottle and push the reaction bottle to sequentially disengage from the second through hole and the first through hole.

8. The reaction flask transfer device adapted to a high-throughput orifice plate according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guide part has a conical structure and can be guided along its surface to be inserted into the reaction flask, so that the pushing part abuts against the end face of the mouth of the reaction flask.

9. The reaction flask transfer device adapted to a high-throughput orifice plate according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plurality of first through holes of the fixed plate are arranged in a rectangular array, and the plurality of push pins are arranged linearly, and the number is the same as the number of first through holes in a column. The bottle pusher pin and the handle are detachably connected. The handle is provided with a positioning hole corresponding to the bottle pusher pin. The bottle pusher pin is connected to the handle through the positioning pin.

10. The reaction flask transfer device adapted to a high-throughput orifice plate according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing plate, the guide plate, and the handle are all made of aluminum alloy; the bottle pusher pin is made of POM.

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