A plate washer needle positioning and calibration device

Abstract

A kind of plate washer needle positioning calibration device, calibration device includes: pedestal, press mechanism, fixedly connected to pedestal, press mechanism includes sliding piece, further including cleaning piece, and limiting piece, cleaning piece is fixedly connected with several wash needles, limiting piece is equipped with several micropores, and integrally forms first V-shaped block and second V-shaped block, wash needle is respectively inserted into micropore;Support plate, fixedly connected to pedestal, and located the side of limiting piece away from cleaning piece, the edge of support plate integrally forms first V-shaped groove and second V-shaped groove, and the edge is integrally formed with the limiting portion recessed to the side of pedestal;Micropore plate is embedded and placed in limiting portion, when cleaning, sliding piece slides, limiting piece first abuts support plate, first V-shaped block and second V-shaped block are embedded in first V-shaped groove and second V-shaped groove respectively, then cleaning piece slides relative to limiting piece and abuts limiting piece, wash needle penetrates micropore and extends to the micropore plate between cleaning piece and support plate, to clean each hole of micropore plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biochemical analysis instrument technology, and in particular to a plate washer needle positioning and calibration device. Background Technology

[0002] Microplate washers are key pieces of equipment in laboratories in fields such as biology, medicine, and chemistry. Their core function is to automatically dispense and aspirate liquid from the microwells on a microplate using a row of wash needles. The wash needles need to be precisely aligned and inserted into the center of each well to ensure effective cleaning and avoid liquid residue or cross-contamination.

[0003] Currently, most plate washing machines on the market rely on high-precision motion control systems to ensure the positioning accuracy of the washing needles. However, this design has some technical flaws. With long-term operation, mechanical transmission components inevitably wear down. The cleaning unit, which holds the washing needles, may experience needle misalignment or even deformation after repeated pressure application, making it impossible for the washing needles to accurately align with the center of the micro-holes. Furthermore, although many trays for placing microplates are designed with grooves to limit their placement, these grooves may shift horizontally after prolonged pressure from the lower platen of the upper cleaning unit. Severe misalignment can prevent the washing needles of the upper cleaning unit from effectively inserting into the micro-holes of the lower microplate when the cleaning unit presses down.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device that can prevent misalignment between the washing needle and the microwell of the microplate and prevent deformation of the washing needle. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a washing needle positioning and calibration device for a plate washing machine that can prevent misalignment between the washing needle and the micro-orifice of the microplate and prevent deformation of the washing needle.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, a plate washer needle positioning calibration device is provided, the calibration device comprising: Base A pressing mechanism is fixedly connected to the base. The pressing mechanism includes a sliding member, a cleaning member fixedly connected to the sliding member, and a limiting member slidably connected to the cleaning member. The cleaning member is fixedly connected with a plurality of cleaning needles extending along a first direction. The limiting member is provided with a plurality of microholes extending along the first direction, and an edge opposite to the cleaning member is integrally formed with a first V-shaped block extending along a second direction and a second V-shaped block extending along a third direction. The cleaning needles are respectively inserted into the microholes. The tray is fixedly connected to the base and is located on the side of the limiting member away from the cleaning member. The edge of the tray is integrally formed with a first V-shaped groove extending in a second direction and a second V-shaped groove extending in a third direction. A limiting part recessed towards the base is also integrally formed in the edge. The microporous plate is embedded in the limiting part. During cleaning, the sliding member slides along the first direction, and the limiting member first abuts against the tray along the first direction. The first V-shaped block and the second V-shaped block are respectively embedded in the first V-shaped groove and the second V-shaped groove. Then, the cleaning member slides relative to the limiting member and abuts against the limiting member along the first direction. The cleaning needle penetrates the micropores and extends into the microporous plate between the cleaning member and the tray to clean each hole of the microporous plate.

[0007] More preferably, the edge of the tray is also provided with an opening to grip the microporous plate embedded in the limiting part through the opening.

[0008] More preferably, the pressing mechanism further includes a first slide rod that is fixedly connected to the base and extends along the first direction.

[0009] The sliding member slides along the first direction on the first sliding rod, and drives the cleaning member and the limiting member to slide.

[0010] More preferably, the pressing mechanism further includes a second slide rod that is fixedly connected to the cleaning component, slidably connected to the limiting component, and extends along the first direction; The limiting member slides along the first direction on the second slide bar.

[0011] More preferably, the calibration device further includes: The housing is fixedly connected to the base; The clamping mechanism is slidably connected to the base and is located on the side of the base where the housing is located.

[0012] More preferably, the clamping mechanism is located at the second direction extension of the tray to clamp the microporous plate into the upper part of the tray along the second direction.

[0013] More preferably, the calibration device further includes a touch screen fixedly connected to the housing, so as to control the movement of the pressing mechanism through the touch screen.

[0014] More preferably, the calibration device further includes a support member fixedly connected to the base and located on the side of the base away from the housing, the support member supporting the calibration device.

[0015] More preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0016] More preferably, the first direction is perpendicular to both the second direction and the third direction.

[0017] This utility model has the following beneficial effects: When the limiting member first abuts against the tray in the first direction, the first V-shaped block and the second V-shaped block are respectively embedded in the first V-shaped groove and the second V-shaped groove, so that the limiting member and the tray are aligned in the second direction and the third direction upward, and further aligned with the micro-holes of the washing needles penetrating the micro-holes on the limiting member and the micro-holes in the micro-perforated plate in the tray. By adopting the method that each washing needle is inserted into the micro-hole and penetrates the micro-hole when the pressing mechanism presses down on the tray, it is prevented that the washing needles cannot be inserted into the micro-perforated plate and deformation caused by the abutment stress is avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the calibration device described in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the calibration device described in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 For the Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Explanation of reference numerals: 100, Calibration device; 10, Base; 20, Pressing mechanism; 21, Sliding component; 22, Cleaning component; 22A, Cleaning needle; 23, Limiting component; 23A, Micro-hole; 23B, First V-block; 23C, Second V-block; 24, First slide bar; 25, Second slide bar; 30, Support plate; 31, First V-groove; 32, Second V-groove; 33, Limiting part; 34, Opening; 40, Housing; 50, Clamping mechanism; 60, Touch screen; 70, Support component; F1, First direction; F2, Second direction; F3, Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0021] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1 - Figure 3 One embodiment of this application provides a positioning calibration device 100 for a plate washing machine needle 22A. The calibration device 100 includes a base 10, a pressing mechanism 20, and a support plate 30.

[0024] The pressing mechanism 20 is fixedly connected to the base 10. The pressing mechanism 20 includes a sliding member 21, a cleaning member 22 fixedly connected to the sliding member 21, and a limiting member 23 slidably connected to the cleaning member 22. The cleaning member 22 is fixedly connected with a plurality of cleaning needles 22A extending along a first direction F1. The limiting member 23 is provided with a plurality of microholes 23A extending along the first direction F1, and an edge opposite to the cleaning member 22 is integrally formed with a first V-shaped block 23B extending along a second direction F2 and a second V-shaped block 23C extending along a third direction F3. The cleaning needles 22A are respectively inserted into the microholes 23A. The tray 30 is fixedly connected to the base 10 and is located on the side of the limiting member 23 away from the cleaning member 22. The edge of the tray 30 is integrally formed with a first V-shaped groove 31 extending along the second direction F2 and a second V-shaped groove 32 extending along the third direction F3. A limiting part 33 recessed towards the base 10 is also integrally formed in the edge. The micro-hole 23A plate is embedded in the limiting part 33. During cleaning, the sliding member 21 slides along the first direction F1. The limiting member 23 first abuts against the tray 30 along the first direction F1. The first V-shaped block 23B and the second V-shaped block 23C are respectively embedded in the first V-shaped groove 31 and the second V-shaped groove 32. Then, the cleaning member 22 slides relative to the limiting member 23 and abuts against the limiting member 23 along the first direction F1. The cleaning needle 22A penetrates the micro-hole 23A and extends towards the micro-hole 23A plate between the cleaning member 22 and the tray 30 to clean each hole of the micro-hole 23A plate.

[0025] The pressing mechanism 20 is welded and fixed to the top of the base 10, and can move up and down relative to the base 10. The pressing mechanism 20 includes a sliding member 21 for performing the sliding motion relative to the base 10. A cleaning member 22 is fixedly connected to the sliding member 21 and moves with it. Multiple cleaning needles 22A are fixedly connected to the lower part of the cleaning member 22, all extending along the first direction F1 (vertical up-down direction) and parallel to each other. A limiting member 23 is slidably connected to the cleaning member 22. The limiting member 23 can slide relative to the cleaning member 22 within a limited range along the first direction F1. The limiting member 23 has several micro-holes 23A, which also extend along the first direction F1, and their positions correspond one-to-one with the cleaning needles 22A on the cleaning member 22. When the calibration device 100 is not in operation, each washing needle 22A is inserted into its corresponding micro-hole 23A. The micro-hole 23A provides initial guidance and protection for the washing needle 22A, preventing it from lateral swaying. Two sets of protruding V-shaped positioning blocks are integrally formed on the bottom edge of the limiting member 23. One set is a first V-shaped block 23B extending along a second direction F2 on the horizontal plane, where the second direction F2 is actually the length direction of the tray 30. The other set is a second V-shaped block 23C extending along a third direction F3 on the horizontal plane, where the second direction F2 is actually the width direction of the tray 30. The second direction F2 and the third direction F3 are perpendicular to each other on the horizontal plane. The tray 30 is fixedly mounted on the base 10 and is located directly below the limiting member 23, vertically opposite to it. The upper edge of the tray 30 is also integrally formed, with positioning groove structures that cooperate with the first V-block 23B and the second V-block 23C. Specifically, there is a first V-groove 31 extending along the second direction F2 on the horizontal plane, and a second V-groove 32 extending along the third direction F3 on the horizontal plane. Furthermore, a limiting portion 33 recessed towards the base 10 is integrally formed between the edges of the tray 30, in the middle area of ​​the tray surface. This limiting portion 33 is used to securely embed and place the microporous plate 23A. During operation, the microporous plate 23A is first embedded in the limiting portion 33 of the tray 30. After the cleaning program is started, the sliding member 21 drives the cleaning member 22 and the limiting member 23 to slide downwards along the first direction F1. During this process, the limiting member 23 first moves downwards and abuts against the fixed tray 30. At the moment of contact, the first V-shaped block 23B and the second V-shaped block 23C on the bottom surface of the limiting member 23 are precisely embedded into the first V-shaped groove 31 and the second V-shaped groove 32 on the support plate 30 under pressure. This embedding and engagement automatically completes the precise alignment of the limiting member 23 and the support plate 30 in all directions within the horizontal plane.As the slider 21 continues to move downwards, the cleaning component 22 begins to slide relative to the limiting component 23 because the limiting component 23 is blocked by the support plate 30 and cannot move further downwards. It continues until it also abuts against the limiting component 23. During this relative movement, the cleaning needle 22A gradually penetrates the micro-holes 23A on the limiting component 23 and continues to extend downwards, ultimately precisely inserting into the center of each micro-hole 23A in the micro-hole 23A plate located between the cleaning component 22 and the support plate 30, thereby performing the cleaning task. The progressive downward pressure of the sliding connection between the limiting component 23 and the cleaning component 22 ensures that horizontal positioning is completed before the deep insertion of the cleaning needle 22A. If the two are rigidly connected, any slight horizontal misalignment could cause the cleaning needle 22A to impact the edge of the micro-hole 23A plate and be damaged. The micro-holes 23A on the limiting component 23 provide lateral support and guidance for the slender cleaning needle 22A throughout its movement, acting like a guide rail. It not only prevents the cleaning needle 22A from bending or vibrating during movement, but also ensures that it maintains absolute perpendicularity when inserted into the micro-hole 23A plate, effectively preventing deformation of the cleaning needle 22A due to lateral force.

[0026] More preferably, the edge of the tray 30 is also provided with an opening 34 to grasp the micro-hole 23A plate embedded in the limiting part 33 through the opening 34.

[0027] The opening 34 is located at the angle formed between two adjacent edges on the upper surface of the tray 30. The presence of the opening 34 creates an open notch in the corresponding position of the limiting part 33. After the microporous 23A plate is inserted into the limiting part 33, the operator can directly access the side edge of the microporous 23A plate through this opening 34. After the cleaning process is completed, the operator can easily remove the microporous 23A plate, which is tightly embedded in the limiting part 33, through the space of this opening 34 using other tools. This solves the problem of inconvenient removal and placement of the microporous 23A plate due to its tight fit, effectively improving the replacement efficiency of the microporous 23A plate.

[0028] More preferably, the pressing mechanism 20 further includes a first slide rod 24 fixedly connected to the base 10 and extending along the first direction F1. The sliding member 21 slides on the first slide rod 24 along the first direction F1, thereby driving the cleaning member 22 and the limiting member 23 to slide.

[0029] The first slide rod 24 is vertically fixed to the surface of the base 10 by welding, and its extension direction is a vertical first direction F1. The sliding member 21 is fitted onto the first slide rod 24 and can slide smoothly back and forth along the axial direction of the first slide rod 24. Since the cleaning member 22 is fixedly connected to the sliding member 21, and the limiting member 23 is slidably connected to the cleaning member 22, when the sliding member 21 moves along the first slide rod 24, it can drive the cleaning member 22 and the limiting member 23 below to move up and down together.

[0030] More preferably, the pressing mechanism 20 further includes a second slide rod 25 fixedly connected to the cleaning member 22, slidably connected to the limiting member 23, and extending along the first direction F1. The limiting member 23 slides on the second slide rod 25 along the first direction F1.

[0031] The second slide rod 25 is vertically fixed to the edge of the cleaning component 22, and its extension direction is consistent with the first direction F1. The limiting component 23 is fitted onto the second slide rod 25 and can reciprocate along the axial direction of the second slide rod 25. This makes the limiting component 23 and the cleaning component 22 form an independent kinematic pair. This realizes the process of the limiting component 23 being positioned first, and the cleaning component 22 being pressed down. In addition, the second slide rod 25 also provides precise guidance for the relative sliding between the cleaning component 22 and the limiting component 23, ensuring that the two can undergo relative displacement strictly in the vertical direction without horizontal misalignment or jamming.

[0032] More preferably, the calibration device 100 further includes a housing 40 and a clamping mechanism 50.

[0033] The housing 40 is fixedly connected to the base 10. The clamping mechanism 50 is slidably connected to the base 10 and is located on the side of the base 10 where the housing 40 is located.

[0034] The housing 40 is snapped and fixed above the base 10, housing some core components of the base 10 within its internal space, serving a covering and protective function. The clamping mechanism 50 is slidably connected to the base 10, positioned in front of the housing 40 and on the extension line of the second direction F2 of the tray 30, facilitating the placement of the micro-hole 23A plate. The primary function of the housing 40 is to provide a physical barrier for the mechanical and electronic components inside the calibration device 100, effectively preventing damage from external dust, liquid splashes, or accidental collisions, thus ensuring the operational stability and service life of the calibration device 100. Fixing the clamping mechanism 50 to the base 10 and positioning it in front of the housing 40 allows it to be accurately aligned with the entry and exit path of the micro-hole 23A plate on the tray 30.

[0035] More preferably, the clamping mechanism 50 is located at the extension of the tray 30 in the second direction F2, so as to clamp the micro-hole 23A plate into the upper part of the tray 30 along the second direction F2.

[0036] The clamping mechanism 50 is located on one side of the tray 30 that extends horizontally along the second direction F2, and its specific position is adjacent to and aligned with the area of ​​the tray 30 where the micro-hole 23A plate is placed. The clamping arm of the clamping mechanism 50, under the sliding of its sliding mechanism, moves along the second direction F2, reciprocating near the top of the tray 30 or the tray 30.

[0037] More preferably, the calibration device 100 further includes a touch screen 60 fixedly connected to the housing 40, so as to control the movement of the pressing mechanism 20 through the touch screen 60.

[0038] The human-machine interface is implemented through a touchscreen 60. The touchscreen 60 is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the housing 40, located in a tilted panel area easily visible and accessible to the operator. The touchscreen 60 is not only fixedly connected to the housing 40, but its internal wiring also passes through the housing 40, electrically connecting to the central control system installed inside the housing 40, and ultimately connecting to the pneumatic device that drives the pressing mechanism 20. The touchscreen 60 allows the operator to directly and conveniently click or input commands on the screen without needing to operate complex physical buttons, and can also view the real-time status of the calibration equipment through the touchscreen 60.

[0039] More preferably, the calibration device 100 further includes a support member 70 fixedly connected to the base 10 and located on the side of the base 10 away from the housing 40, the support member 70 supporting the calibration device 100.

[0040] The support member 70 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the base 10 for direct contact with the bottom surface or worktable. The support member 70 is a frustum-shaped structure with a rubber layer on its surface to increase friction between the support member 70 and the support platform. When the operator operates via the touchscreen 60, the pressing mechanism 20 presses down, or the clamping mechanism 50 performs the micro-hole 23A board transfer action, some force and vibration will be generated. The support member 70, through its secure connection to the base 10 and its anti-slip design on the support platform, resists the overturning torque caused by these operations, preventing the equipment from shaking or shifting during operation.

[0041] More preferably, the second direction F2 is perpendicular to the third direction F3.

[0042] In this context, the second direction F2 and the third direction F3 are both planar directions, which can be considered as the X-axis and Y-axis in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The upper surface of the square tray 30 typically has four edges: two edges in the second direction F2 and two edges in the third direction F3. Similarly, the lower surface of the square limiting member 23 also has four edges. Therefore, by embedding the first V-shaped block 23B and the second V-shaped block 23C into the first V-shaped groove 31 and the second V-shaped groove 32, respectively, the relative positions between the tray 30 and the limiting member 23 can be limited in the second direction F2 and the third direction F3, ensuring that they are directly opposite each other in the horizontal direction with almost no offset.

[0043] More preferably, the first direction F1 is perpendicular to the second direction F2 and the third direction F3, respectively.

[0044] The first direction F1 is a vertical direction and can therefore be considered as the Y-axis in a three-dimensional coordinate system. Since the first slide rod 24 is fixed perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 10, it also extends along the first direction F1, and all components slidably connected to the first slide rod 24 must also rise or fall along the first direction F1. The components of the pressing mechanism 20 achieve compression with the support plate 30 by descending, and insert the cleaning needle 22A into the hole of the microporous plate 23A to achieve cleaning.

[0045] In this way, when the limiting member 23 first abuts against the tray 30 along the first direction F1, the first V-shaped block 23B and the second V-shaped block 23C are respectively embedded into the first V-shaped groove 31 and the second V-shaped groove 32, so that the limiting member 23 and the tray 30 are aligned in the second direction F2 and the third direction F3, and further aligned with the cleaning needle 22A penetrating the micro-hole 23A on the limiting member 23 and the micro-hole 23A plate in the tray 30. By adopting the method that each cleaning needle 22A is inserted into the micro-hole 23A and penetrates the micro-hole 23A when the pressing mechanism 20 presses down on the tray 30, the cleaning needle 22A is prevented from being unable to be inserted into the micro-hole 23A plate, and deformation caused by the abutment stress is avoided.

[0046] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A device for positioning and calibrating the washing needles of a plate washing machine, characterized in that, The calibration device includes: Base A pressing mechanism is fixedly connected to the base. The pressing mechanism includes a sliding member, a cleaning member fixedly connected to the sliding member, and a limiting member slidably connected to the cleaning member. The cleaning member is fixedly connected with a plurality of cleaning needles extending along a first direction. The limiting member is provided with a plurality of microholes extending along the first direction, and an edge opposite to the cleaning member is integrally formed with a first V-shaped block extending along a second direction and a second V-shaped block extending along a third direction. The cleaning needles are respectively inserted into the microholes. The tray is fixedly connected to the base and is located on the side of the limiting member away from the cleaning member. The edge of the tray is integrally formed with a first V-shaped groove extending in a second direction and a second V-shaped groove extending in a third direction. A limiting part recessed towards the base is also integrally formed in the edge. The microporous plate is embedded in the limiting part. During cleaning, the sliding member slides along the first direction, and the limiting member first abuts against the tray along the first direction. The first V-shaped block and the second V-shaped block are respectively embedded in the first V-shaped groove and the second V-shaped groove. Then, the cleaning member slides relative to the limiting member and abuts against the limiting member along the first direction. The cleaning needle penetrates the micropores and extends into the microporous plate between the cleaning member and the tray to clean each hole of the microporous plate.

2. The plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the tray is also provided with an opening to grip the microporous plate embedded in the limiting part through the opening.

3. The plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing mechanism further includes a first slide rod that is fixedly connected to the base and extends along the first direction; The sliding member slides along the first direction on the first sliding rod, and drives the cleaning member and the limiting member to slide.

4. The plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing mechanism further includes a second slide rod that is fixedly connected to the cleaning component, slidably connected to the limiting component, and extends along the first direction; The limiting member slides along the first direction on the second slide bar.

5. The plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration device also includes: The housing is fixedly connected to the base; The clamping mechanism is slidably connected to the base and is located on the side of the base where the housing is located.

6. The plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism is located at the second direction extension of the tray to clamp the microporous plate into the upper part of the tray along the second direction.

7. The plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The calibration device also includes a touch screen fixedly connected to the housing, so as to control the movement of the pressing mechanism through the touch screen.

8. The plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The calibration device further includes a support member fixedly connected to the base and located on the side of the base away from the housing, the support member supporting the calibration device.

9. The plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

10. The plate washing machine needle positioning and calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first direction is perpendicular to both the second direction and the third direction.

Images