Liquid level detection type automatic liquid connection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of automation equipment for batch collecting liquid, wherein including: movable laser emission support (1), the support inside is provided with the laser emitter that can move freely up and down;Light guide column (2), the light guide column can conduct laser signal to device internal control mainboard;Double-layer test tube fixed support (3), the support is used to fix test tube, and with the detachable structure of carousel upper cover, the way of replacing support can be used to cope with different specifications of container;Carousel upper cover (4), the carousel upper cover is connected with double-layer test tube fixed support through cylindrical pin;Circular base plate (5), the base plate inside places control mainboard, stepper motor, battery, control mainboard light guide column connecting block, side wall hole site is the IO interface of control mainboard.The liquid level detection type automatic liquid receiving device is low in cost, small in size, suitable for batch quantitative collection fraction demand occasion batch use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an automated device for batch collection of liquids, which is inexpensive, compact, and suitable for batch use in situations where there is a need for batch quantitative collection of distillates. Background Technology

[0002] Column chromatography, a type of liquid-solid adsorption chromatography, is a separation technique based on the adsorption and solubility properties of substances. In column chromatography, the adsorbent is the stationary phase, and the eluent is the mobile phase. Due to the differences in adsorption strength between the components in the sample and the adsorbent, they repeatedly undergo adsorption, desorption, re-adsorption, and re-desorption on the column, ultimately achieving separation. During separation, the mobile phase flows from the top of the column through the column and continuously elutes. Strongly adsorbed components are distributed less in the mobile phase and migrate downwards more slowly, while weakly adsorbed components are distributed more and migrate downwards more quickly. As the mobile phase moves, it undergoes a new distribution on the newly contacted stationary phase surface according to this adsorption-desorption process. This process is repeated when fresh mobile phase flows over the already equilibrium stationary phase surface. As a result, the components form a banded distribution in the column and eventually elute sequentially from the column. Collecting the eluent stepwise achieves the separation of the components.

[0003] Laboratory researchers typically collect eluents using test tubes, beakers, and vials. However, manual operation presents challenges such as long waiting times, product cross-contamination, sample loss due to eluent spillage, and inability to scale up operations. To address these issues, this invention provides a low-cost, safe, reliable, and automated device for batch collection of column chromatography eluents. This device can also meet the quantitative batch collection needs of other fields. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection to solve the existing problems mentioned in the background art. The technical solution is: an automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection, including a movable laser emitting bracket, a light guide column, a double-layer test tube fixing bracket, a turntable cover, and a circular base.

[0005] The movable laser emitting bracket includes: a rear panel with a groove for embedding and fixing a guide rail, and a protrusion for connecting to the front panel and providing space for the laser emitting motherboard extension structure to move up and down; a guide rail with a slider for sliding the laser emitting motherboard and ensuring precise movement; a laser emitting motherboard with a laser emitting circuit and electrical connection structure, specifically: a laser emitter that emits focused visible light when powered on; a conductive spring pin that conducts electricity in contact with the positive and negative electrodes of the nickel sheet and is subjected to pressure from the front and rear panels of the bracket, resulting in significant friction between the pin and the nickel sheet to counteract its own weight; a laser emitting motherboard extension structure for manually controlling the vertical movement of the motherboard; a laser emitting motherboard positioning hole for connecting the guide rail slider; a nickel sheet pressure plate for securing the positive and negative electrodes of the nickel sheet, with a V-shaped groove and a large central hole serving as a wire channel; a positive nickel sheet electrode; a negative nickel sheet electrode; a front panel with grooves engraved inside to fix the thickness of the nickel sheet; and through holes at the top, middle, and bottom of the movable laser emitting bracket for connecting and fixing the entire bracket and the circular base.

[0006] The light guide post includes: a light guide post outer shell for reflecting laser signals; a light guide groove through which laser light can be transmitted into the light guide post inner core; a light guide post cap for blocking external light signals to prevent signal interference; and a light guide post inner core for transmitting light signals to the control motherboard.

[0007] The double-layer test tube holder includes: a 20mm test tube holder, a 30mm test tube holder, and a 50mm beaker holder. The three holders share the following characteristics: the upper plate has an aperture slightly larger than the diameter of the corresponding container; the lower plate, except for the 50mm beaker holder which has no aperture, has an aperture slightly smaller than the diameter of the corresponding container; the upper and lower plates are connected by hexagonal studs; the lower plate of the test tube holder has a cylindrical pin hole that engages with the cylindrical pin on the turntable cover; and a raised post on the lower plate of the test tube holder is used to isolate the bottom of the test tube from contact with the turntable cover.

[0008] The turntable cover includes: a cylindrical pin, which can be inserted into the cylindrical pin hole of the test tube holder lower plate and drive the double-layer test tube fixing bracket to rotate; a light guide hole; and an internal gear, which can mesh with the stepper motor gear for transmission.

[0009] The circular chassis includes: a chassis laser emitting bracket connecting block for connecting a movable laser emitting bracket; steel balls providing support and sliding for the turntable cover; a lithium battery serving as backup power for the control motherboard; a control motherboard, primarily processing optical signals and controlling the operation of stepper motors, with key components including: control buttons; a power supply interface; a power switch; an optical signal detector; a motherboard light guide post connecting block for fixing the control motherboard and providing support for the light guide posts, specifically including: a light guide post support hole; an optical signal detector insertion hole; a control motherboard positioning hole; a stepper motor with gears meshing with gears inside the turntable cover; and a stepper motor support post for fixing the stepper motor.

[0010] This invention employs a circular rotating platform controlled by a single stepper motor. All test tubes rotate around the central axis to complete the test tube replacement action. This solution is less expensive than a dual-axis moving platform.

[0011] This utility model's movable laser emitter bracket adopts a contact connection scheme, which overcomes the limitations of traditional wire connection devices, allowing the laser emitter to move freely even when powered on. Another advantage of this scheme is that the laser emitter can move up and down together with the laser emitting motherboard, and the adjustment range, i.e., the liquid level detection height, can be freely controlled by the user, thus expanding the product's application range.

[0012] This invention designs a double-layer test tube holder based on the unique characteristics of test tubes with round bottoms and flat openings. The holder consists of two layers: the upper layer has a large-hole structure with a diameter slightly larger than the test tube diameter for container positioning; the lower layer has a small-hole structure with a diameter smaller than the test tube diameter for stable support. The lower plate of the flask-bottom holder has a hole-free structure. The installation height of the double-layer test tube holder can be adjusted using screws or hexagonal studs. Furthermore, the holder and the turntable cover are detachable, allowing for adaptation to different container sizes by replacing the test tube holders with different specifications, thus enhancing practicality and saving costs.

[0013] The internal control motherboard of this circular chassis uses a microcontroller as the control chip to process the received optical signal data. It also integrates a UPS circuit module to ensure the stability of the device's operation. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a disassembled structural diagram of the movable laser emitting bracket of the liquid level detection automatic liquid receiving device of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the guide rail slider and laser emitting main board of the liquid level detection automatic liquid receiving device of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the light guide column of the liquid level detection automatic liquid receiving device of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly structure of the double-layer 20mm test tube fixing bracket of the liquid level detection automatic liquid receiving device of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly structure of the double-layer 30mm test tube fixing bracket of the liquid level detection automatic liquid receiving device of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembly structure of the double-layer 50mm beaker fixing bracket of the liquid level detection automatic liquid receiving device of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the turntable cover of the automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to this utility model.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the circular chassis structure of the liquid level detection type automatic liquid receiving device of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the control main board structure of the liquid level detection type automatic liquid receiving device of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the control board light guide column connecting block of the liquid level detection automatic liquid receiving device of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The basic working principle of the liquid level detection type automatic liquid receiving device: After the device is turned on, the movable laser emitting bracket emits a laser beam. This laser beam penetrates the test tubes on the double-layer test tube fixing bracket and illuminates the groove in the outer shell of the light guide column. The light is then transmitted from the inner core of the light guide column to the light signal detector on the control mainboard. As the liquid level in the test tube rises, the light intensity entering the light guide column decreases because the concave liquid surface at the top cannot effectively conduct light. The control mainboard analyzes the changes in light signal intensity and drives the stepper motor when the light intensity reaches a critical value. The turntable cover rotates the test tube bracket, completing the test tube replacement action.

[0026] Working principle of the movable laser emitting bracket: The positive and negative electrodes of the nickel plates are fixed to the front panel of the bracket by nickel plate pressure plates. The lower ends of the nickel plates are connected to the positive and negative ports inside the control mainboard via wires through V-holes and inner holes on the nickel plate pressure plates. The laser emitting mainboard has four conductive spring pins, two positive and two negative. These spring pins can contact the nickel plates for conductivity, and are also subjected to pressure from the front and rear panels of the bracket. The friction between the spring pins and the nickel plates is greater than the weight of the laser emitting mainboard and the guide rail slider. The mainboard can only move when the extension structure is manually moved. Because the guide rail slider is connected and fixed to the laser emitting mainboard, the mainboard can only move between the guide rails, ensuring movement accuracy and allowing the laser to be accurately transmitted into the light guide column.

[0027] Working principle of the light guide column: The outer shell of the light guide column is used to reflect the laser signal. The light guide groove and the light guide column cap are to reduce external light interference and reflect the internal laser. The inner core of the light guide column is made of transparent light guide material, which can conduct the laser to the optical signal detector of the control motherboard.

[0028] The working principle of the double-layer test tube holder: The upper plate of the holder has a hole diameter slightly larger than the corresponding container diameter, mainly used for positioning. The lower plate of the holder has a hole diameter slightly smaller than the corresponding container diameter, mainly used for support. The height of the upper and lower plates can be freely adjusted with hexagonal studs. All three types of test tube holders have identical cylindrical pin holes on their lower plates, allowing for engagement and transmission with the cylindrical pins on the turntable cover. The need for different container sizes can be met by replacing the test tube holders.

[0029] Working principle of the turntable cover: The gear inside the cover can mesh with the gear of the stepper motor for transmission, and the cylindrical pin drives the double-layer test tube fixing bracket to rotate.

[0030] The circular chassis primarily provides support and connection. Externally, it can be connected to the movable laser emission bracket via connecting blocks. The side wall openings are reserved holes for the control motherboard's I / O ports. The upper steel balls can reduce friction with the turntable cover. The stepper motor support column is used to fix the stepper motor and ensure precise gear meshing.

[0031] The control motherboard light guide column connecting block mainly fixes the light guide column and the control motherboard. Its internal light guide column hole and optical signal detector insertion hole are connected, which facilitates the transmission of laser signals. Moreover, this structure has a certain strength after being connected with the motherboard and the circular chassis, which can ensure the stability of the light guide column.

[0032] The control motherboard is the core of the device's operation, with a microcontroller as the main control chip. It monitors changes in the light signal in real time and drives the stepper motor when the light intensity reaches a critical value. Control buttons on the motherboard allow setting the rotation amplitude; a longer stepper motor operation time results in a larger rotation amplitude of the turntable cover, and vice versa. The 20mm test tube holder rotates with a smaller amplitude each time, while the 50mm beaker holder rotates with a larger amplitude. The motherboard integrates a UPS power supply module, allowing for both plug-in and offline operation.

[0033] Appendix Figure 1 The main structure of this liquid level detection automatic liquid receiving device allows users to select a suitable double-layer test tube holder according to their actual needs, and complete the device initialization by inserting the corresponding test tubes or beakers. Place the device below the chromatographic column or other drip port, turn on the control board, and the laser will penetrate the test tube from the movable laser emitter holder and illuminate the groove in the light guide column. The test tube penetrated by the laser is the working test tube. Slightly adjust the device position so that the center of the test tube is aligned with the drip center. Users can freely adjust the laser emission height by moving the extension structure of the laser emitter board. As the liquid level in the test tube rises, when the liquid level reaches the set laser emission height, the device will automatically rotate by a fixed amplitude to complete the test tube replacement. A 20mm test tube holder rotates 15 times for one cycle, a 30mm test tube holder rotates 9 times for one cycle, and a 50mm beaker holder rotates 5 times for one cycle. When the last test tube begins to receive liquid, the device will stop rotating and emit a beeping alarm, requiring manual replacement of the spare test tube or termination of operation.

Claims

1. An automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection, characterized in that, Movable laser emitting bracket (1); light guide column (2); double-layer test tube fixing bracket (3); turntable cover (4); circular base (5). The circular base (5) is the main support structure of the liquid level detection type automatic liquid receiving device. The movable laser emitting bracket (1) is fixedly installed on the left side of the circular base (5). The turntable cover (4) is installed directly above the circular base (5). The light guide column (2) penetrates the turntable cover (4) and connects to the circular base (5). The double-layer test tube fixing bracket (3) and the turntable cover (4) are connected by a cylindrical pin.

2. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable laser emitting bracket (1) includes: a bracket rear panel (101) for fixing the guide rail (102) and connecting the bracket front panel (107); the guide rail (102) for sliding the laser emitting main board (103); the laser emitting main board (103) is designed with laser emitting circuit and electrical connection structure; a nickel sheet pressure plate (104) for stabilizing the positive and negative electrodes of the nickel sheet and providing wire channels; a nickel sheet positive electrode (105); a nickel sheet negative electrode (106); and a bracket front panel (107) for fixing the nickel sheet positive and negative electrodes.

3. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide rail (102) includes a guide rail slider (102.2), and the laser emitting main board (103) includes a laser emitter (103.1); a conductive spring pin (103.2) that conducts electricity in contact with the positive and negative electrodes of the nickel sheet; a laser emitting main board extension structure (103.3) for controlling the vertical movement of the main board; and a laser emitting main board positioning hole (103.4) for connecting the guide rail slider (102.2).

4. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light guide post (2) includes: a light guide post shell (201) for reflecting laser signals; a light guide groove (202) through which laser light can be transmitted into the light guide core; a light guide post cap (203) for blocking external light signals; and a light guide post core (204) for transmitting light signals to the control motherboard (504).

5. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The double-layer test tube fixing bracket (3) includes: a 20mm test tube bracket upper plate (301) with a hole diameter larger than the 20mm test tube diameter; a 20mm test tube bracket lower plate cylindrical pin hole (302); a 20mm test tube bracket hexagonal connecting column (303); a 20mm test tube bracket lower plate (304) with a hole diameter smaller than the 20mm test tube diameter; and a 20mm test tube bracket lower plate elevation column (305).

6. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The double-layer test tube fixing bracket (3) includes: a 30mm test tube bracket upper plate (306) with a hole diameter larger than that of a 30mm test tube; a 30mm test tube bracket lower plate cylindrical pin hole (307); a 30mm test tube bracket hexagonal connecting column (308); a 30mm test tube bracket lower plate (309) with a hole diameter smaller than that of a 30mm test tube; and a 30mm test tube bracket lower plate elevation column (310).

7. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The double-layer test tube fixing bracket (3) includes: a 50mm beaker bracket upper plate (311) with a hole diameter larger than the 50mm beaker diameter; a 50mm beaker bracket lower plate cylindrical pin hole (312); a 50mm beaker bracket hexagonal connecting column (313); a 50mm beaker bracket lower plate (314); and a 50mm beaker bracket lower plate elevation column (315).

8. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turntable cover (4) includes: a cylindrical pin (401) connected to the cylindrical pin holes (302)(307)(312) of the test tube support lower plate (304)(309)(314) by insertion, which drives the double-layer test tube fixing support (3) to rotate; a light guide hole (402); and an internal gear (403) meshing with the stepper motor gear.

9. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circular chassis (5) includes: a chassis laser emitting bracket connecting block (501) for connecting a movable laser emitting bracket (1); steel balls (502) for supporting and sliding the turntable cover (4); a lithium battery (503) as a backup power source for the control motherboard (504); the control motherboard (504) for processing optical signals and controlling the operation of the stepper motor; a motherboard light guide post connecting block (505) for fixing the control motherboard (504) and providing support for the light guide post (2); a stepper motor (506) whose gear meshes with the gear (403) inside the turntable cover (4); and a stepper motor support post (507).

10. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control motherboard (504) includes: a lithium battery (503); control buttons (504.1); a power supply download interface (504.2); a power switch (504.3); and a light signal detector (504.4).

11. The automatic liquid receiving device for liquid level detection according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control motherboard light guide post connecting block (505) includes: a light guide post support hole (505.1); an optical signal detector insertion hole (505.2); and a control motherboard positioning hole (505.3).

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