A reagent filling system

Abstract

This invention discloses a reagent dispensing system, including a reagent container, a waste liquid discharge unit, a monitoring unit, a reagent dispensing unit, and a pressurizing unit. The reagent dispensing unit includes a dispensing component connected to each reagent container. The pressurizing unit includes a pressurized gas source and a first pressure equalization chamber connected in sequence. The first pressure equalization chamber is connected to each reagent container via a pressurizing pipeline. This invention increases the pressure at the top of the reagent container by injecting gas into it, thereby promoting the reagent to enter the dispensing pipeline. That is, this invention is a positive pressure pneumatic dispensing system. The entire system only requires one pressurized gas source as a power source. The system is simple, low-cost, and has little impact on the size of the instrument, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the instrument. In addition, this invention uses pre-filling dispensing, which has a simple dispensing logic, high precision, and high efficiency, and can meet the needs of high-throughput instruments for high-speed reagent dispensing. Furthermore, the reagent container has a closed structure, which can reduce reagent evaporation and avoid ineffective waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of reagent dispensing in the IVD industry, and in particular to a reagent dispensing system. Background Technology

[0002] In the IVD industry, the dispensing of various reagents is often involved, such as adding different reaction reagents to reaction vessels. Existing dispensing systems mainly include needle dispensing and tip-in-pump (TIP) dispensing. Needle dispensing utilizes a pump (such as a plunger pump) for suction and dispensing; each needle requires its own pump, making the system complex, costly, and involving the discharge of large amounts of waste liquid, with a complex logic. Due to the different reagents, TIP dispensing requires frequent tip replacement, resulting in complex operations, long individual process times, and low efficiency. Therefore, many existing devices use a combination of needle and TIP dispensing. This combined dispensing system is even more complex, more expensive, and has a larger equipment size, negatively impacting equipment manufacturers and its widespread adoption. Furthermore, to ensure smooth reagent removal, vents are typically added to the reagent bottle cap. While this design solves the problem of a sealed space, it leads to reagent evaporation and cost waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention proposes a reagent dispensing system that can achieve high-precision reagent dispensing based on positive pressure, thereby improving dispensing efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The reagent dispensing system of this utility model includes at least one reagent container, a waste liquid discharge unit, a monitoring unit, a reagent dispensing unit connected to the reagent container, and a pressurizing unit for pressurizing each reagent container. The reagent dispensing unit includes a liquid injection component connected to each reagent container through a dispensing pipeline. The inlet end of the dispensing pipeline extends to the bottom of the reagent container or is connected to a suction tube inside the reagent container. Each dispensing pipeline is equipped with a first valve. The pressurization unit includes a pressurized gas source and a first pressure equalization chamber connected in sequence. The first pressure equalization chamber is connected to each reagent container through a pressurization pipeline. A pressure reducing valve is provided on the pressurization pipeline, and an exhaust valve is provided on the main pipe of the pressurized gas source or on the first pressure equalization chamber. The monitoring unit includes a first pressure monitoring device for monitoring the pressure in the first equalizing chamber and a second pressure monitoring device for monitoring the pressure in the pressurization pipeline.

[0005] The beneficial effects are as follows: This invention increases the pressure at the top of the reagent container by injecting gas, thereby promoting the entry of the reagent into the dispensing pipeline. This invention employs positive pressure pneumatic dispensing, requiring only a single pressurized gas source for the entire system. The system is simple, low-cost, and has minimal impact on instrument size, contributing to instrument miniaturization. Furthermore, this invention uses pre-filling dispensing, resulting in a simple dispensing logic and high efficiency. While meeting actual dispensing accuracy requirements, it also satisfies the high-speed reagent dispensing needs of high-throughput instruments. Moreover, the reagent container in this invention has a closed structure, reducing reagent evaporation and avoiding ineffective waste.

[0006] Preferably, the pressurization line includes a second branch, which has a second equalization chamber connected to the first equalization chamber via a pressurization main pipe and at least two second pressurization branch pipes connected to the second equalization chamber. The second pressurization branch pipes are connected to or extend into the reagent container via a quick connector. The second pressure monitoring element and a pressure reducing valve are provided on the pressurization main pipe between the second equalization chamber and the first equalization chamber.

[0007] Preferably, the pressurized pipeline includes a first branch, one end of which is connected to the first equalizing chamber and the other end of which is connected to a quick connector inside the reagent container or extends into the reagent container. The first branch has the second pressure monitoring element and a pressure reducing valve. In actual installation, each reagent container can correspond to one first branch; of course, a second branch can also be used to connect two or three reagent containers, or the first and second branches can be combined to reduce the number of pressure reducing valves and the second pressure monitoring element, thereby reducing system costs.

[0008] Preferably, the waste liquid discharge unit includes a waste liquid pipeline and a waste liquid container connected to the waste liquid pipeline. More preferably, a waste liquid pump is installed on the waste liquid pipeline to discharge the waste liquid.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are: This invention increases the pressure at the top of the reagent container by injecting gas, thereby promoting the reagent's entry into the dispensing line. This is a positive pressure pneumatic dispensing system. The entire system requires only a single pressurized gas source, resulting in a simple, low-cost system with minimal impact on instrument size, thus facilitating instrument miniaturization. Furthermore, this invention uses pre-filling dispensing, resulting in a simple dispensing logic and high efficiency. It meets the requirements of high-throughput instruments for high-speed reagent dispensing while maintaining the necessary dispensing accuracy. Moreover, the reagent container in this invention has a closed structure, reducing reagent evaporation and preventing waste. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is the piping diagram of this utility model.

[0011] Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a circuit block diagram of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of this utility model and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes. However, the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0014] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0015] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model proposes a reagent dispensing system, including multiple reagent containers 1 (the reagent containers 1 can be two, three, four, five or more, depending on the instrument requirements), a waste liquid discharge unit, a monitoring unit, a reagent dispensing unit connected to the reagent containers 1, and a pressurizing unit for pressurizing each reagent container 1. The waste liquid discharge unit includes a waste liquid pipeline and a waste liquid container 2 connected to the waste liquid pipeline. The waste liquid pipeline is connected to the instrument's cleaning station 3. In actual installation, the liquid can be discharged freely using the height difference and gravity, or a waste liquid pump 4 can be installed on the waste liquid pipeline to draw the liquid.

[0017] Combination Figure 1It is known that the reagent dispensing unit includes a dispensing component connected to the reagent container 1 one by one through a dispensing pipeline, that is, each reagent container 1 is connected to a reagent needle 5 to meet the dispensing needs of various reagents; wherein, each dispensing pipeline is equipped with a first valve 6 to control the on / off state of the reagent needle 5 and the reagent container 1; the inlet end of the dispensing pipeline is connected to the suction tube inside the reagent container 1 (of course, the inlet end of the dispensing pipeline can also be extended to the bottom of the reagent container 1), the bottom of the suction tube extends to the bottom of the reagent container 1, and its upper part has a quick connector to realize the quick connection between the dispensing pipeline and the reagent container 1; Combination Figure 1 It can be seen that the pressurization unit includes a pressurized gas source and a first pressure equalization chamber 8 connected in sequence. The first pressure equalization chamber 8 is connected to each reagent container 1 through a pressurization pipeline, and a pressure reducing valve 9 is installed on the pressurization pipeline. The pressurized gas source only needs to meet the stable pressure. Specifically, it can be a compression tank (containing compressed air or inert gas), or a pump can be used to provide air at a certain pressure. The pressurization pipeline includes a first branch and / or a second branch. The first branch is a single pipeline, with one end connected to the first equalizing chamber 8 and the other end connected to the quick connector inside the reagent container 1 (located above the high liquid level of the reagent container 1). (Of course, the first branch can also extend into the reagent container 1 and be located above its high liquid level.) A pressure reducing valve 9 is provided on the first branch. The second branch includes a second equalizing chamber 10 connected to the first equalizing chamber 8 via a pressurization main pipe and two second pressurization branch pipes 11 connected to the second equalizing chamber 10. The second pressurization branch pipes 11 are connected to the reagent containers 1 one by one, and are connected to the quick connector inside the reagent containers 1 (or extend into the reagent containers 1). A pressure reducing valve 9 is provided on the pressurization main pipe between the second equalizing chamber 10 and the first equalizing chamber 8.

[0018] In actual installation, the first equalizing chamber 8 and the reagent container 1 are connected one-to-one via the first branch, as detailed below. Figure 2 Of course, the second branch can also be used for two-stage pressure equalization and diversion to connect the pressurized gas source to each reagent container 1; of course, in actual installation, the first and second branches can also be used together, see details. Figure 1 Additionally, during actual installation, an exhaust valve can be installed on the pressurized air source or the equalization chamber. After the day's testing, the pressure can be released using the exhaust valve's pressurized pipeline to protect the pressurized air source and the first valve.

[0019] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3It is understood that the monitoring unit includes a first pressure monitoring element 12 and a second pressure monitoring element 13 for monitoring the pressure inside the first equalization chamber 8. A second pressure monitoring element 13 needs to be installed on both the first branch and the main pressurization pipe to monitor the pressure of each pressurization branch. Both the second pressure monitoring element 13 and the second pressure monitoring element 13 are pressure sensors, and their signal output terminals are connected to the signal input terminals of the instrument's control system.

[0020] In actual installation, liquid level sensors are installed in both the waste liquid container and reagent container 1 to monitor the liquid level. The signal output of the liquid level sensor is connected to the signal input of the instrument's control system. When the liquid level in reagent container 1 is too low, the instrument alerts the operator to add liquid; when the waste liquid container is too full, the instrument issues an alarm to remind the operator to empty the container promptly. Alternatively, the liquid level sensor can be replaced with a float switch, a weight sensor can be installed under each container, or a laser sensor can be used, etc.

[0021] The first valve 6 and the pressure reducing valve 9 of this utility model are both electrically controlled valves. The control output terminal of the control system is connected to the control input terminal of the first valve 6, the pressure reducing valve 9 and the pressurized gas source, thereby realizing the automatic dispensing of reagents.

[0022] The specific dispensing process of the reagent dispensing system described in this utility model is as follows: The pressurized gas source is activated, and the pressure reducing valve 9 is adjusted according to the real-time pressure monitored by the first pressure monitoring device 12 and the second pressure monitoring device 13 to ensure that the pressure of each branch is within the required range. The pressurized gas source pressurizes the reagent container 1 through the branch. The first valve 6 is opened, allowing the reagent in the reagent container 1 to enter the reagent pipeline and reagent needle 5 after being pressurized, so that part of the reagent flows out from the reagent needle 5, and the gas in the filling pipeline is discharged to reduce the influence of air bubbles. Then the first valve 6 and the pressurized gas source are closed to realize the reagent filling of the reagent filling unit. During filling, the pressurized gas source is activated and the pressure of the branch where the reagent needs to be filled is determined to be within the preset range. Then the first valve 6 corresponding to the reagent to be filled is opened (the one that does not need to be filled is not opened), and the reagent is filled into the reaction vessel. During filling and filling, the waste liquid in the cleaning station 3 enters the waste liquid container through the waste liquid pipeline.

[0023] During reagent filling and dispensing, the first pressure monitoring element 12 and the second pressure monitoring element 13 monitor the pressure in real time. If the pressure at the first pressure monitoring element 12 is too low, it is determined that the pressurized gas source is abnormal or the filter is blocked. If the pressure at the first pressure monitoring element 12 is too high, it indicates that the reagent dispensing unit is blocked or the first valve 6 is abnormal. If the pressure monitored by the second pressure monitoring element 13 is too low, it is determined that the reagent is missing or insufficient. If the pressure monitored by the second pressure monitoring element 13 is too high, it is determined that the reagent dispensing unit is blocked or the first valve 6 is abnormal.

[0024] In this invention, gas is injected into reagent container 1 to increase the pressure at the top of container 1, thereby promoting the entry of reagent into the dispensing pipeline and achieving positive pressure pneumatic dispensing of reagent. The entire system only requires a pressurized gas source, making it simple, low-cost, and having minimal impact on instrument size, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of instruments. Furthermore, this invention uses pre-filling dispensing, resulting in a simple dispensing logic and high dispensing efficiency. While meeting the actual dispensing accuracy requirements, it can also meet the high-speed reagent dispensing needs of high-throughput instruments. Moreover, the reagent container 1 in this invention has a closed structure, which reduces reagent evaporation and avoids ineffective waste.

[0025] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A reagent dispensing system, comprising at least one reagent container and a waste liquid discharge unit, characterized in that: It also includes a monitoring unit, a reagent dispensing unit connected to the reagent container, and a pressurizing unit for pressurizing each reagent container. The reagent dispensing unit includes a dispensing device connected to each reagent container through a dispensing pipeline. The inlet end of the dispensing pipeline extends to the bottom of the reagent container or is connected to a suction tube inside the reagent container. Each dispensing pipeline is equipped with a first valve. The pressurization unit includes a pressurized gas source and a first pressure equalization chamber connected in sequence. The first pressure equalization chamber is connected to each reagent container through a pressurization pipeline. A pressure reducing valve is provided on the pressurization pipeline, and an exhaust valve is provided on the main pipe of the pressurized gas source or on the first pressure equalization chamber. The monitoring unit includes a first pressure monitoring device for monitoring the pressure in the first equalizing chamber and a second pressure monitoring device for monitoring the pressure in the pressurization pipeline.

2. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressurization line includes a second branch, which has a second pressure equalization chamber connected to the first pressure equalization chamber via a pressurization main pipe and at least two second pressurization branch pipes connected to the second pressure equalization chamber. The second pressurization branch pipes are connected to or extend into the reagent container via a quick connector. The second pressure monitoring element and a pressure reducing valve are provided on the pressurization main pipe between the second pressure equalization chamber and the first pressure equalization chamber.

3. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressurization line includes a first branch, one end of which is connected to the first equalizing chamber and the other end of which is connected to a quick connector inside the reagent container or extends into the reagent container. The first branch has the second pressure monitoring device and a pressure reducing valve.

4. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waste liquid discharge unit includes a waste liquid pipeline and a waste liquid container connected to the waste liquid pipeline.

5. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A waste liquid pump is installed on the waste liquid pipeline.

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