A centrifuge bottle dispensing and assembly leveling device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a centrifuge bottle dispensing and balancing device, including a balancing mechanism, a liquid delivery mechanism for conveying liquid to centrifuge bottles on the balancing mechanism, and a flexible pipe connecting the balancing mechanism and the liquid delivery mechanism. The balancing mechanism includes a pipette arm assembly and a weighing balance for weighing centrifuge bottles. The pipette arm assembly includes a liftable pipette arm and is used to install the flexible pipe. The end of the pipette arm drives the outlet of the flexible pipe to rise and fall to correspond to the height of the bottle opening on the weighing balance, thereby adapting to centrifuge bottles of different heights. In this way, the installation height of the outlet of the flexible pipe can be quickly adjusted according to the height of different centrifuge bottles to quickly adapt to centrifuge bottles of different heights.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid material leveling technology, and in particular to a centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling instrument. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure the normal operation and service life of the centrifuge, as well as the accuracy and safety of experimental results, the centrifuge bottles and the liquid they contain must be balanced before the liquid is placed into the centrifuge for centrifugation.

[0003] Generally, the liquid is manually dispensed into centrifuge bottles by the experimenter and the weight is balanced by a weighing balance. However, manual operation is cumbersome, time-consuming and labor-intensive, and long-term repetitive operation can easily lead to human error.

[0004] In addition, some centrifuge bottles are equipped with balancing devices to dispense liquids and balance the liquids. However, different models of centrifuge bottles have different heights. Therefore, when switching between different models of centrifuge bottles, the experimenter needs to reset the height of the liquid outlet to match the height of the new centrifuge bottle, which is a rather cumbersome operation. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a centrifuge bottle assembly and leveling device that can quickly adjust the installation height of the flexible pipe outlet according to the different heights of centrifuge bottles, thereby rapidly adapting to centrifuge bottles of varying heights.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] This utility model provides a centrifuge bottle dispensing and balancing device, including a balancing mechanism, a liquid delivery mechanism for conveying liquid to centrifuge bottles on the balancing mechanism, and a flexible pipe connecting the balancing mechanism and the liquid delivery mechanism; the balancing mechanism includes a pipette arm assembly and a weighing balance for weighing centrifuge bottles; the pipette arm assembly includes a liftable pipette arm and is used to install the flexible pipe; and the end of the pipette arm drives the outlet of the flexible pipe to rise and fall to correspond to the bottle opening height of the centrifuge bottle on the weighing balance, thereby adapting to centrifuge bottles of different heights.

[0008] Furthermore, two centrifuge bottles are provided, spaced apart from each other; each end of the pipette arm has an inwardly protruding bent portion, which is equipped with a first elastic buckle for limiting the flexible tube and aligning the two outlets with the inner wall of the corresponding centrifuge bottle.

[0009] Furthermore, the bent portion is fitted with a cover for splash and dust protection during the dispensing process.

[0010] Furthermore, the pipette arm assembly also includes a mounting housing and a lead screw motor unit assembled in the mounting housing. The pipette arm is inserted into the mounting housing, and the lead screw motor unit drives the pipette arm to raise and lower it.

[0011] Furthermore, the balancing mechanism also includes a support frame for supporting the flexible pipe, the support frame being equipped with a second elastic buckle for limiting the flexible pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the weighing balance includes a base, two balance trays arranged on the base with a horizontal distance between them, and two weighing sensors arranged at the bottom of the balance trays; the weighing sensors are used to weigh the centrifuge bottles on their corresponding balance trays.

[0013] Furthermore, the base is equipped with multiple adjustable feet on the side opposite to the balance tray, and a level is provided on the top of the base for adjusting the level.

[0014] Furthermore, the infusion mechanism includes an electrical assembly box and two peristaltic pumps for pumping liquid into centrifuge bottles through the flexible pipe; the inlet of the flexible pipe is connected to the liquid outlet of the infusion mechanism, and the outlet is installed at both ends of the pipetting arm; the infusion mechanism and the balancing mechanism are spaced apart.

[0015] Furthermore, the flexible pipe is a silicone tube.

[0016] Furthermore, the flexible pipe is detachable.

[0017] The technical solution provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. This utility model adopts a flexible pipe external connection method. Because the flexible pipe is directly connected, has no dead angles, and is easy to disassemble and assemble, it can quickly connect the balancing mechanism and the infusion mechanism, so that users can switch different liquid materials required for centrifugation, and also effectively reduce the risk of secondary pollution and improve user convenience.

[0019] 2. This utility model adopts a height-adjustable pipette arm structure, and the outlet of the flexible tube is raised and lowered by the end of the pipette arm, so as to quickly adjust the installation height of the outlet of the flexible tube according to the height of different centrifuge bottles, so as to correspond to the height of the bottle mouth on the weighing balance, thereby adapting to centrifuge bottles of different heights. This operation is convenient, time-saving and labor-saving, and effectively avoids large errors caused by long-term manual operation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the centrifuge bottle assembly leveling device in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the centrifuge bottle assembly and leveling device in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 The figure shown is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge bottle dispensing and balancing apparatus in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 The image shown is a partial schematic diagram of the centrifuge bottle assembly and leveling device in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic of the infusion mechanism in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment provides a centrifuge bottle dispensing and balancing instrument (hereinafter referred to as balancing instrument) for dispensing and balancing centrifuge bottles and the liquid they contain before the liquid is put into a centrifuge for centrifugation.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the balancing device in this embodiment includes a balancing mechanism 1, a liquid delivery mechanism 2 for delivering liquid to centrifuge bottles 3 on the balancing mechanism 1, and two flexible pipes connected between the balancing mechanism 1 and the liquid delivery mechanism 2. The flexible pipes are detachable to facilitate quick replacement.

[0029] like Figure 5 As shown, the infusion mechanism 2 includes an electrical assembly box 22 and two peristaltic pumps 21 for pumping liquid into centrifuge bottles 3 through flexible pipes.

[0030] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the balancing mechanism 1 includes a pipette arm assembly 11, a support frame 13 for supporting the flexible pipe, and a weighing balance 12 for weighing the centrifuge bottle 3. The pipette arm assembly 11 includes a pipette arm 111, a mounting housing 112, and a lead screw motor unit 113 assembled in the mounting housing 112. The pipette arm 111 is used to mount the flexible pipe.

[0031] The inlets of the two flexible pipes are respectively connected to the liquid outlets of the infusion mechanism 2, and the outlets 4 of the two flexible pipes are respectively installed at the left and right ends of the transfer arm 111. Of course, the infusion mechanism 2 in this embodiment is also equipped with a storage tank or storage bag for holding the liquid. The inlets of the two peristaltic pumps 21 are connected to the outlets of the storage tank or storage bag through the delivery pipe, and the outlets of the two peristaltic pumps 21 are respectively connected to the inlets of the two flexible pipes. At this time, the outlets of the two peristaltic pumps 21 are the liquid outlets of the infusion mechanism 2.

[0032] The pipette arm 111 is inserted into the mounting housing 112, and the lead screw motor unit 113 drives the pipette arm 111 to move up and down in the vertical direction. That is, the two ends of the pipette arm 111 synchronously drive the outlets 4 of the two flexible tubes to rise and fall, so as to correspond to the height of the bottle mouths of the two centrifuge bottles 3 on the weighing balance 12, thereby adapting to centrifuge bottles 3 of different heights. Then, the liquid is pumped into each flexible tube by the peristaltic pump 21, and then flows out through the outlets 4 of each flexible tube and into each centrifuge bottle 3.

[0033] In this embodiment, the flexible pipe is a silicone tube with an inner diameter of 6.4 mm; the liquid storage tank or liquid storage bag is equipped with a valve, and before balancing, the two centrifuge bottles 3 are placed on the left and right sides of the weighing balance 12 with a left and right distance.

[0034] The infusion mechanism 2 and the balancing mechanism 1 are spaced apart and connected to each other through flexible pipes to ensure that they do not come into contact with each other, thereby avoiding the vibration of the peristaltic pump 21 during operation from affecting the balancing accuracy of the balancing mechanism 1.

[0035] This embodiment adopts a flexible external pipeline connection method. Because the flexible pipeline is directly connected, has no dead angles, and is easy to disassemble and assemble, it can quickly connect the balancing mechanism 1 and the infusion mechanism 2, so that users can switch different liquid materials required for centrifugation, and also effectively reduce the risk of secondary pollution and improve user convenience.

[0036] Furthermore, this embodiment adopts a height-adjustable pipette arm structure, and the two ends of the pipette arm 111 drive the outlet 4 of the flexible tube to rise and fall, so as to quickly adjust the installation height of the outlet 4 of the flexible tube according to the height of different centrifuge bottles 3, so as to correspond to the bottle mouth height of the centrifuge bottle 3 on the weighing balance 12, thereby adapting to centrifuge bottles 3 of different heights. This operation is convenient, time-saving and labor-saving, and effectively avoids large errors caused by long-term manual operation.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, the left and right ends of the pipette arm 111 are respectively provided with inwardly protruding bent portions 114. Each bent portion 114 is equipped with a first elastic buckle 116 for limiting the flexible tube. Through the cooperation of the first elastic buckle 116 and the bent portion 114, the flexible tube bends accordingly with the bent portion 114 to ensure that the jets flowing out of the outlets 4 of the two flexible tubes are aligned with the inner walls of the corresponding centrifuge bottles 3, thereby reducing the probability of splashing and foaming.

[0038] More specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the weighing balance 12 includes a base 121, two balance trays 122 arranged on the top of the base 121 with a horizontal distance between them, and two weighing sensors 123 arranged at the bottom of the balance trays 122. The weighing sensors 123 are used to weigh the centrifuge bottles 3 and their contents on the corresponding balance trays 122. The mounting housing 112 and the support frame 13 are respectively assembled on the base 121.

[0039] The base 121 is equipped with four adjustable feet 124 at its bottom, away from the balance tray 122. The top of the base 121 is equipped with a level 125 for adjusting the level. By adjusting the height of each foot 124 and observing the level indication of the level 125, the base 121 is ensured to be level before balancing, thereby ensuring the weighing accuracy of the weighing balance 12.

[0040] Further preferred, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the two bent portions 114 are respectively fitted with covers 115 for splash and dust prevention during the dispensing process, so as to prevent liquid from splashing out of the centrifuge bottle mouth during the dispensing process, and also to serve as a dust prevention function.

[0041] In this specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the support frame 13 is equipped with a second elastic buckle 131 for limiting the flexible pipes, and the two flexible pipes are respectively detachably assembled to the first elastic buckle 116 and the second elastic buckle 131.

[0042] The balance tray 122 is marked with placement area labels for the caps 32 and bodies 31 of the centrifuge bottles 3 to achieve orderly and reasonable placement. The balance tray 122 can accommodate 1L and 2L centrifuge bottles 3.

[0043] The two peristaltic pumps 21 are dual-head peristaltic pumps, which can effectively improve the stability and accuracy of liquid distribution and balancing.

[0044] The outer casing of the electrical assembly box 22 is also equipped with several third elastic clips 23 for securing the flexible tubing extending from the peristaltic pump 21. Naturally, the electrical assembly box 22 also includes a touchscreen display 24, an emergency stop button, a USB port, a power switch 25, and a central control system for coordinating the balancing mechanism 1 and the infusion mechanism 2.

[0045] In addition, the specific steps used by the balancing instrument in this embodiment for liquid dispensing and balancing are as follows:

[0046] Step S1: Connect the disposable or sterilized feed tube to the storage tank or storage bag. Then connect the feed tube to the peristaltic pump 21 and install and fix it. Connect the inlet of the two flexible tubes to the outlet of the two peristaltic pumps 21 respectively. Then fix the flexible tubes one by one with each elastic buckle and extend them to the left and right ends of the pipetting arm 111 through the support frame 13. Install the two covers 115 on the two bends 114 of the pipetting arm 111 respectively.

[0047] Step S2: Click the power switch 25 to power on the entire balancing instrument, and then set the corresponding parameters, such as centrifuge bottle capacity, balancing weight, peristaltic pump speed, etc., through the touch display screen 24.

[0048] Step S3: Place the two sterilized centrifuge bottles of the same size according to the markings on the balance tray 122, with the bottle body 31 and cap 32 in place. Then open the valve of the storage tank or storage bag, and click the "Start" button displayed on the touch screen 24 to drive the pipette arm 111 to move downward until the outlet 4 of the flexible tube is moved to the mouth of the centrifuge bottle 3. Then start the peristaltic pump 21 and dispense the liquid according to the set peristaltic pump speed program. Simultaneously, each weighing sensor 123 monitors the weight of each centrifuge bottle 3 in real time until the weight of each centrifuge bottle 3 is balanced. Then the peristaltic pump 21 stops, and the pipette arm 111 is driven to move upward away from each centrifuge bottle 3. This completes the balancing and dispensing.

[0049] After the liquid is dispensed, this embodiment can compare the total weight of the two centrifuge bottles 3 and the liquid. If the weight comparison exceeds the limit, the peristaltic pump 21 is controlled to add liquid to the centrifuge bottle 3 with the smaller weight to rebalance the total weight of the two centrifuge bottles 3 and the liquid until the difference in the total weight of the two is within the control range, thus effectively ensuring the accuracy of balancing.

[0050] If it is necessary to change to a different liquid, the valve of the storage tank or storage bag can be closed, and the liquid in each flexible pipe can be emptied through the preset control program in the main control system. Then, the new flexible pipe can be replaced according to the above step S1 to facilitate subsequent balancing and dispensing operations.

[0051] Of course, in other embodiments, the feed line between the peristaltic pump 21 and the storage tank (or storage bag) can be connected by a sterile connection machine or a sterile connector.

[0052] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims, and all such changes shall be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A centrifuge vial aliquoting station, characterized by: It includes a balancing mechanism, a liquid delivery mechanism for delivering liquid to centrifuge bottles on the balancing mechanism, and a flexible conduit connecting the balancing mechanism and the liquid delivery mechanism; The balancing mechanism includes a pipette arm assembly and a weighing balance for weighing centrifuge bottles. The pipette arm assembly includes a liftable pipette arm and is used to mount the flexible tubing; and the end of the pipette arm drives the outlet of the flexible tubing to rise and fall to correspond to the height of the centrifuge bottle opening on the weighing balance, thereby adapting to centrifuge bottles of different heights.

2. The centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two centrifuge bottles are provided, spaced apart from each other; each end of the pipette arm has an inwardly protruding bent portion, which is equipped with a first elastic buckle for limiting the flexible tube and aligning the two outlets with the inner wall of the corresponding centrifuge bottle.

3. The centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bending section is fitted with a cover for splash and dust protection during the dispensing process.

4. The centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pipette arm assembly also includes a mounting housing and a lead screw motor unit assembled in the mounting housing. The pipette arm is inserted into the mounting housing, and the lead screw motor unit drives the pipette arm to raise and lower it.

5. The centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The balancing mechanism also includes a support frame for supporting the flexible pipe, the support frame being equipped with a second elastic buckle for limiting the flexible pipe.

6. The centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The weighing balance includes a base, two balance trays arranged on the base at a horizontal distance, and two weighing sensors arranged at the bottom of the balance trays; the weighing sensors are used to weigh the centrifuge bottles on their corresponding balance trays.

7. The centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling instrument according to claim 6, characterized in that: The base is equipped with multiple adjustable feet on the side opposite to the balance tray, and a level is provided on the top of the base for adjusting the level.

8. The centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling instrument according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The infusion mechanism includes an electrical assembly box and two peristaltic pumps for pumping liquid into centrifuge bottles through the flexible pipe; the inlet of the flexible pipe is connected to the liquid outlet of the infusion mechanism, and the outlet is installed at both ends of the pipetting arm; the infusion mechanism and the balancing mechanism are spaced apart.

9. The centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling instrument according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The flexible pipe is a silicone tube.

10. The centrifuge bottle dispensing and leveling instrument according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The flexible pipe is detachable.

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