An automated laboratory sampling needle and sampling device employing the same

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic laboratory sampling needle and a sampling device using the same. The automatic laboratory sampling needle comprises a connecting seat, a sample suction needle tube, and a waste liquid needle tube. The connecting seat is provided with a sample suction channel and a waste liquid channel. The sample suction needle tube is provided with a sample storage part, and a storage cavity communicating with the sample suction channel and the sample suction needle tube is formed in the sample storage part. The waste liquid needle tube is arranged on one side of the sample suction needle tube and communicates with the waste liquid channel. An opening and closing device is arranged in the waste liquid channel and is used for connecting a negative pressure device. The sample suction channel is used for connecting a syringe pump. The automatic laboratory sampling needle integrates the sample suction needle tube and the waste liquid needle tube, meets the multi-channel parallel operation, and thus meets the needs of any time and consumable cost reduction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this utility model relate to the field of laboratory sampling needles. More specifically, this utility model relates to an automated laboratory sampling needle and a sampling device using the same. Background Technology

[0002] In automated testing fields such as biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, chemical analysis, and food testing, sampling needles serve as core components, undertaking the critical tasks of sample collection, transfer, and pretreatment.

[0003] In the existing technology, automated detection systems generally use single-tube sampling needles, which are designed as a single tube and can only complete a single cycle of operation, such as sample aspiration, sample discharge, rinsing, and transfer. This design has some technical defects: (1) The single function means that the sample needle must be frequently replaced in complex detection to adapt to different task requirements, such as sampling and waste liquid discharge, which greatly increases the frequency of robotic arm movements and time costs, while also increasing the consumption of consumables (such as needles and seals) and replacement costs; (2) The cleaning process is cumbersome and relies on manpower. The sampling and waste liquid operations caused by the single tube structure make it difficult to completely remove residues, which can easily lead to cross-contamination due to incomplete cleaning; (3) The system flexibility is limited. The single tube needle cannot achieve multi-channel parallel operation and cannot meet the needs of multiple tasks. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address one or more of the technical problems mentioned above, this utility model provides an automated laboratory sampling needle and a sampling device using the same, which integrates the aspiration needle and the waste liquid needle to meet the needs of multi-channel parallel operation, thereby satisfying various requirements and reducing time and consumable costs.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this utility model, an automated laboratory sampling needle is provided. The automated laboratory sampling needle includes: a connecting seat having a sample suction channel and a waste liquid channel; a sample suction tube having a sample storage section, the sample storage section having a storage cavity communicating with the sample suction channel and the sample suction tube; and a waste liquid needle tube disposed on one side of the sample suction tube and communicating with the waste liquid channel. The waste liquid channel is provided with an opening and closing device and is used to connect to a negative pressure device, and the sample suction channel is used to connect to an injection pump.

[0006] In some embodiments, the lower parts of the sampling needle and the waste liquid needle are attached together, and the upper part of the waste liquid needle passes through and is fixed inside the wall of the sample storage section and extends to be connected to the connector.

[0007] In some embodiments, the opening and closing device is a solenoid valve, which controls the opening and closing of the waste liquid channel by switching.

[0008] In some embodiments, the internal capacity of the sample storage unit is set to be less than the maximum capacity of the connected injection pump.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sampling syringe and waste syringe are made of stainless steel or PTFE coated material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connector is constructed as a fixed flange structure, wherein the inner diameter of the sample suction channel thereon is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the sample storage section.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a sampling device is provided. The sampling device includes: an automatic gripping device having a sealing connector and a gripping part thereon; and the aforementioned automated laboratory sampling needle. The sealing connector is sealed to a sample suction channel and a waste liquid channel, and the gripping part is used to clamp and engage with a connecting seat.

[0012] In some embodiments, a photoelectric sensor is also included, which is disposed on the automated gripping device, and the photoelectric sensor is used to detect whether the automated laboratory sampling needle has been gripped in place.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gripping part includes: a bottom abutment portion for abutting against the bottom surface of the connecting seat; a spring post arranged in a vertical direction for abutting against the top surface of the connecting seat; and a driving device, wherein one of the bottom abutment portion and the spring post is disposed in the fixing portion of the driving device, and the other is disposed in the driving portion of the driving device, the bottom abutment portion and the spring post being used to clamp, fix and grip the connecting seat.

[0014] In some embodiments, the system also includes an injection pump, which is a dual-channel injection pump, wherein one channel of the dual-channel injection pump is connected to a sample aspiration needle and the other channel is connected to a waste liquid needle.

[0015] The automated laboratory sampling needle described above integrates a sampling needle and a waste liquid needle, which can simultaneously transfer samples and aspirate waste liquid from test bottles, greatly reducing time costs and consumable consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated laboratory sampling needle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of an automated laboratory sampling needle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling device of the automated laboratory sampling needle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the front view of a sampling needle for an automated laboratory.

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a side view of the sampling needle used in an automated laboratory.

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a front view of the automatic gripping device.

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows a side view of the automatic gripping device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0025] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an automated laboratory sampling needle 100 is provided. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of an automated laboratory sampling needle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automated laboratory sampling needle 100 includes: a connecting base 1, which has a sample suction channel and a waste liquid channel; a sampling needle tube 2, which has a sample storage section 21, and a storage cavity 22 forming within the sample storage section 21 that connects the sample suction channel and the sampling needle tube 2; and a waste liquid needle tube 3, which is disposed on one side of the sampling needle tube 2 and connected to the waste liquid channel. The waste liquid channel is equipped with an opening and closing device and is used to connect to a negative pressure device, while the sample suction channel is used to connect to an injection pump.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automated laboratory sampling needle 100 connects the sampling needle tube 2 and the waste liquid tube 3 via the sampling channel and waste liquid channel of the connecting seat 1. The sample storage section 21 of the sampling needle tube 2 is connected to an injection pump (e.g., a syringe or injection pump), and the waste liquid tube 3 is connected to a waste liquid container. The opening and closing of the waste liquid channel is controlled by an opening and closing device (e.g., a solenoid valve). In practical use, the automated laboratory sampling needle 100 of this embodiment is inserted into the test bottle. First, the waste liquid channel is closed by the opening and closing device, and the injection pump is started to accurately draw the sample from the test bottle through the sampling needle tube 2. The sample enters the sample storage section 21 for storage. After sample aspiration, the entire sample is stored in the sample storage section 21. The opening and closing device is controlled to open the waste liquid channel, and an external negative pressure device (e.g., a pump) is used to discharge the remaining waste liquid in the test bottle into the waste liquid tube 3 and into the waste liquid container, thereby completing the aspiration of the waste liquid in the test bottle.

[0027] With the above configuration, the automated laboratory sampling needle 100 of this utility model, by integrating the sampling needle tube 2 and the waste liquid needle tube 3, can simultaneously transfer samples and aspirate waste liquid from the test bottle, greatly reducing time costs and consumable consumption.

[0028] It is understood that the sampling needle 2 is typically a long and thin needle, while the sample storage section 21 is the thickened portion at the top of the sampling needle 2. Thus, when the automated laboratory sampling needle 100 of this embodiment is used, the sample storage section 21 provides better grip and stability.

[0029] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the lower parts of the sampling needle 2 and the waste liquid needle 3 are attached together, and the upper part of the waste liquid needle 3 passes through and is fixed in the wall of the sample storage part 21 and extends to be connected to the connector 1.

[0030] With the above arrangement, the lower parts of the sampling needle 2 and the waste liquid needle 3 are attached and connected as one unit, and the upper part of the waste liquid needle 3 passes through and is fixed in the wall of the sample storage part 21, which can improve the stability of the waste liquid needle 3 and enhance the integrated structure of the automated laboratory sampling needle 100 of this utility model embodiment.

[0031] In some embodiments, the diameter of the waste liquid syringe 3 may be smaller than the diameter of the sample suction syringe 2.

[0032] In this application, after the sample is aspirated, there is usually little waste liquid remaining. In order to prevent the waste liquid from being unable to enter the waste liquid container and remaining in the waste liquid syringe 3, the diameter of the waste liquid syringe 3 is reduced, so that the waste liquid can be aspirated better.

[0033] In some embodiments, the opening and closing device may be a solenoid valve, which is connected between the waste liquid needle tube 3 and the external waste liquid tank, and controls the opening and closing of the waste liquid channel by switching on and off.

[0034] With the above settings, the solenoid valve can be precisely controlled by the control system to ensure that the waste liquid channel is opened or closed when needed.

[0035] In some embodiments, the internal capacity of the sample storage unit 21 may be set to be less than the maximum capacity of the connected injection pump.

[0036] By using the sample storage section 21 with a capacity slightly smaller than the maximum capacity of the syringe pump, sample residue can be reduced, thereby reducing material waste.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sampling syringe 2 and the waste syringe 3 may be made of stainless steel or PTFE coated material.

[0038] The above design improves the structural strength of the sampling syringe 2 and the waste syringe 3. Furthermore, the stainless steel or PTFE coating reduces adhesion, further preventing sample residue. Alternatively, the sampling syringe 2 and the waste syringe 3 can also be coated with ceramic.

[0039] In some embodiments, the connecting seat 1 may be configured as a fixed flange structure, wherein the inner diameter of the sampling channel thereon is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the sample storage section 21.

[0040] The fixed flange structure facilitates the connection of the sampling needle 100 for automated laboratories.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a sampling device 200 is provided. Figures 3 to 7 The structure of a sampling device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. For example... Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the sampling device 200 includes: an automatic gripping device 4, which is provided with a sealing connector 41 and a gripping part 42; and the aforementioned automated laboratory sampling needle 100. The sealing connector 41 is sealed to the sampling channel and the waste liquid channel, and the gripping part 42 is used to clamp and engage with the connecting seat 1.

[0042] In specific use, the sampling device 200 according to the present utility model embodiment uses an automated laboratory sampling needle 100 to grasp the sample through an automatic gripping device (usually a cylinder on a Z-axis robot that drives a sealing connector 41 and a gripping part 42). The sealing connector 41 is sealed to the sampling channel and the waste liquid channel for connecting a negative pressure device and an injection pump.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7In some embodiments, a photoelectric sensor 43 is also included, which is disposed on the automatic gripping device 4. The photoelectric sensor 43 is used to detect whether the automated laboratory sampling needle 100 is gripped in place, so as to ensure the accuracy of the position of the automated laboratory sampling needle 100.

[0044] Please continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the gripping part 42 includes: a bottom abutment part 421 for abutting against the bottom surface of the connecting seat 1; a spring post 422 arranged vertically for abutting against the top surface of the connecting seat 1; and a driving device 423, wherein one of the bottom abutment part 421 and the spring post 422 is disposed in the fixing part of the driving device 423, and the other is disposed in the driving part of the driving device, wherein the bottom abutment part 421 and the spring post 422 are used to clamp, fix and grip the connecting seat 1.

[0045] In this application, the preferred spring post 422 is disposed on the fixing part of the drive device 423, and a sealing connector 41 is also disposed on the fixing part. With the above arrangement, the bottom abutment part 421 can be inserted into the mating groove formed on the bottom surface of the connecting seat 1 for positioning, thereby improving the stability of the sampling needle connection. Simultaneously, the spring post 422 elastically abuts against the top surface of the connecting seat 1. When replacing the sampling needle, the elastic restoring force of the spring post 422 can push down the sampling needle 100, clamping the next sampling needle 100, thus facilitating the use of the sampling needle 100.

[0046] In some embodiments, the system also includes an injection pump, which is a dual-channel injection pump, wherein one channel of the dual-channel injection pump is connected to the sample aspiration needle 2 and the other channel is connected to the waste liquid needle 3.

[0047] With the above configuration, the syringe pump is a dual-channel syringe pump, which reduces the number of parts and makes it easier to use and install.

[0048] In the foregoing description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "fixed," "installed," "connected," or "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, the term "linked" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or it can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly limited in this application, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] Based on the above description of this application, those skilled in the art will also understand that the following terms used, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "length," "width," "thickness," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "clockwise," or "counterclockwise," are terms indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings of this application. They are only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the device or element involved must have the specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above-mentioned orientation or positional relationship terms cannot be understood or interpreted as a limitation on the present invention.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms "first" or "second," etc., used in this application to refer to numbers or ordinal numbers are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as explicitly or implicitly indicating relative importance or specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0051] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intent of the present invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed in the practice of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of protection of the present invention and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. An automated laboratory sampling needle, characterized in that, include: A connecting seat is provided with a sample suction channel and a waste liquid channel; A sampling needle, having a sample storage section thereon, wherein a storage cavity is formed within the sample storage section, communicating with the sampling channel and the sampling needle; and, A waste liquid syringe is disposed on one side of the sample suction syringe and connected to the waste liquid channel; The waste liquid channel is equipped with an opening and closing device and is used to connect to a negative pressure device, while the sampling channel is used to connect to an injection pump.

2. The automated laboratory sampling needle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower parts of the sampling needle and the waste liquid needle are attached together as one unit, and the upper part of the waste liquid needle passes through and is fixed inside the wall of the sample storage part, and extends to be connected to the connector.

3. The automated laboratory sampling needle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening and closing device is a solenoid valve, which controls the opening and closing of the waste liquid channel by switching it on and off.

4. The automated laboratory sampling needle according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The internal capacity of the sample storage unit is set to be less than the maximum capacity of the connected injection pump.

5. The automated laboratory sampling needle according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sampling syringe and the waste liquid syringe are made of stainless steel or PTFE coated material.

6. The automated laboratory sampling needle according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The connecting seat is constructed as a fixed flange structure, and the inner diameter of the sample suction channel on it is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the sample storage section.

7. A sampling device, characterized in that, include: An automatic gripping device, which is equipped with a sealing connector and a gripping part; and, Automated laboratory sampling needle according to any one of claims 1-6; The sealing connector is sealed to the sampling channel and the waste liquid channel, and the gripping part is used to clamp and cooperate with the connecting seat.

8. The sampling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a photoelectric sensor, which is mounted on the automatic gripping device, and the photoelectric sensor is used to detect whether the automated laboratory sampling needle has been gripped in place.

9. The sampling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gripping unit includes: The bottom abutment portion is used to abut and engage with the bottom surface of the connecting seat; A spring post, arranged vertically, is used to abut against the top surface of the connecting seat; and, The driving device has one of the bottom abutment portion and the spring column disposed in the fixing portion of the driving device and the other disposed in the driving portion of the driving device. The bottom abutment portion and the spring column are used to clamp, fix and grip the connecting seat.

10. The sampling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes an injection pump, which is a dual-channel injection pump, wherein one channel of the dual-channel injection pump is connected to the sample aspiration needle and the other channel is connected to the waste liquid needle.

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