An automatic cleaning mechanism for biochip pipetting needles

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of automatic cleaning mechanism for biological chip pipette, belong to pipette cleaning technical field.It is including by Z-axis drive mechanism and drives up and down translation pipette, still include: cleaning pool, the cleaning pool has upper water pipe and drain outlet;Pressing type cleaning component, including fixed in cleaning pool and by branch pipe with upper water pipe intercommunication cleaning pipe, with the piston of cooperation of cleaning pipe inner wall, between the spring of piston and cleaning pipe bottom, the baffle ring of being fixed in the piston top by connecting rod, and the limiting ring of being installed in cleaning pipe inner wall and preventing piston to move upwards.The pipette is driven downward by Z-axis drive mechanism, pipette is inserted into the hollow hole of baffle ring and moves downward by relying on needle tube compression baffle ring, sectional drive piston position change, in turn form not water state, upward water and clean outer wall state, downward drainage and clean inner wall state, so that pipette can be quickly and safely automatically complete inner and outer wall cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an automatic cleaning mechanism for biochip pipettes, belonging to the field of pipette cleaning technology. Background Technology

[0002] Biochips enable rapid detection and analysis of biological samples such as nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins by immobilizing a large number of probe molecules on a solid substrate. They are primarily used in fields such as gene polymorphism analysis, disease diagnosis, and drug screening. During biochip detection, sample loading is necessary, typically using pipettes for batch loading. Pipettes can precisely aspirate minute amounts of liquid and accurately dispense them, greatly reducing the workload of laboratory personnel and improving experimental efficiency. Pipettes and their driving mechanisms are crucial auxiliary components in biochip detection systems.

[0003] However, during the reuse of pipettes, reagents from the previous operation can easily remain on the inner wall and outer surface of the syringe. If not cleaned or cleaned incompletely, these residues will cause cross-contamination, leading to inaccurate test results. Therefore, pipettes must be thoroughly cleaned before pipetting different reagents. Current pipette cleaning devices mostly employ an electronically controlled system that links the inlet pump and the pipette drive mechanism: when the pipette is inserted into the outlet of the cleaning area, the inlet pump begins pumping cleaning solution (pure water, buffer solution, diluted washing solution, etc.); first, the outer wall of the pipette is cleaned; simultaneously, the pipette draws up the cleaning solution and then exits from the outlet, expelling the waste liquid externally; this process is repeated multiple times until thoroughly cleaned. In this process, the cleaning of the outer and inner walls of the pipette is not simultaneous. If the pipette is not removed from the outlet, the waste liquid generated from cleaning the inner wall will rise and recontaminate the outer wall of the pipette. This current method of cleaning the outer and inner walls in stages results in low cleaning efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, a highly efficient and automated cleaning mechanism for biochip pipettes was designed. This mechanism does not rely on additional electrical control systems or complex fluid circuits; it can automatically complete the cleaning process simply by the up-and-down movement of the pipette itself. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an automatic cleaning mechanism for biochip pipettes, which solves the problem that the cleaning efficiency needs to be improved when cleaning the inner and outer walls of pipettes.

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is achieved by the following technical solution:

[0007] An automated cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipette includes a pipette that is driven to move up and down by a Z-axis drive mechanism, and further includes:

[0008] A cleaning tank, wherein the cleaning tank has a water inlet pipe and a drain outlet;

[0009] The press-type cleaning assembly includes a cleaning pipe fixed in the cleaning tank and connected to the water supply pipe through a branch pipe, a piston that cooperates with the inner wall of the cleaning pipe, a spring located between the piston and the bottom of the cleaning pipe, a retaining ring fixed to the top of the piston by a connecting rod, and a limiting ring installed on the inner wall of the cleaning pipe to prevent the piston from moving upward. The cleaning pipe has a drain hole located below the branch pipe. Initially, the spring pushes the piston against the limiting ring, at which time the piston is above the drain hole and closes the branch pipe.

[0010] Preferably, the drain outlet is located at the bottom of the cleaning pool and is connected to the waste liquid storage tank via a drain pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the water supply pipe of the cleaning tank is connected to a high-level storage bag via a pipe, and the storage bag contains cleaning solution.

[0012] Preferably, the water supply pipe of the cleaning tank is connected to the pressure storage tank through a pipe, and the pressure storage tank uses a connected high-pressure gas tank to press the cleaning liquid inside from the pipe into the water supply pipe.

[0013] Preferably, the piston is provided with convex rings at the upper and lower parts, and the two convex rings form a sealing structure by making close contact with the inner wall of the cleaning tube.

[0014] Preferably, the cleaning tube is a transparent tube.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom of the cleaning tank is provided with a threaded groove, and the bottom of the cleaning pipe is screwed and fixed in the threaded groove.

[0016] Preferably, multiple press-type cleaning components are fixed at intervals within the cleaning tank.

[0017] Preferably, the upper end face of the retaining ring has a flexible buffer layer.

[0018] Preferably, a rubber ring that mates with the inner wall of the cleaning tube is fixed on the circumference of the retaining ring, and the bottom end of the rubber ring is a conical surface.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: when cleaning the pipette, a complex cleaning electronic control system is not required. It only relies on the original Z-axis drive mechanism of the pipetting system, which can drive the pipette to move up and down. The Z-axis drive mechanism drives the pipette downward, and the pipette is inserted into the hollow hole of the retaining ring. The retaining ring moves downward by the pressure of the needle tube. The position of the piston changes in a segmented manner, forming a state of no water discharge, a state of water discharge and cleaning the outer wall, and a state of water discharge and cleaning the inner wall. This allows the pipette to quickly and safely complete the cleaning of the inner and outer walls automatically. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the press-type cleaning assembly.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the press-type cleaning assembly in its initial state.

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the press-type cleaning component in the outer wall cleaning state;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the press-type cleaning component in the inner wall cleaning state.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 1. Pipette; 101. Needle; 102. Syringe;

[0027] 2. Z-axis drive mechanism; 201. Lifting platform;

[0028] 3. Cleaning tank; 301. Water inlet pipe; 302. Drain outlet; 303. Threaded groove;

[0029] 4. Press-type cleaning assembly; 401. Branch pipe; 402. Cleaning pipe; 403. Piston; 404. Spring; 405. Connecting rod; 406. Retaining ring; 407. Hollow hole; 408. Limiting ring; 409. Drain hole; 410. Convex ring; 411. Rubber ring. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To facilitate a clear understanding of the technical means, creative features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the following description, in conjunction with specific illustrations, further elaborates on this utility model.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, this cleaning mechanism for the pipette 1 used in biochip fabrication is primarily used during biochip fabrication and detection, especially in automated fabrication. Typically, the pipette 1 is used to precisely dispense nucleic acid, protein, or other probe solutions onto specific sites on the chip substrate. After sample application, the pipette 1 usually needs to be cleaned. This cleaning mechanism includes a pipette 1 that is driven vertically by a Z-axis drive mechanism 2, and the pipette 1 is fixed on a lifting platform 201 of the Z-axis drive mechanism 2. It also includes a cleaning tank 3 for collecting and discharging waste liquid, and a press-type cleaning assembly 4 for cleaning the pipette 1.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning tank 3 is made of medical-grade stainless steel or ceramic. The cleaning tank 3 has a water inlet pipe 301 and a drain outlet 302. The water inlet pipe 301 is embedded in the side wall of the cleaning tank 3, and the drain outlet 302 is located at the bottom of the cleaning tank 3, connected to a waste liquid storage tank via a drain pipe. The waste liquid storage tank can be connected to a diffusion-preventing negative pressure adsorption device, which draws in gas for adsorption and filtration, minimizing the formation of aerosols that could interfere with experimental results. The water inlet pipe 301 is used to transport the cleaning solution, which is typically distilled water, diluted cleaning agent, or 70% alcohol.

[0033] In some embodiments, the water supply pipe 301 of the cleaning tank 3 is connected to a high-level storage bag via a pipe, and the storage bag contains cleaning fluid. Utilizing gravity, the liquid maintains a certain water pressure at the water supply pipe 301. Once the water supply pipe 301 forms a passage, the water flow will automatically enter the cleaning pipe 402 through the branch pipe 401 to clean the pipette 1.

[0034] In some embodiments, the water inlet pipe 301 of the cleaning tank 3 is connected to a pressure storage tank via a pipe. The pressure storage tank, through a connected high-pressure gas tank, forces the cleaning fluid from the pipe into the water inlet pipe 301. To further increase the water flow rate and enhance the rinsing effect, the cleaning fluid can be pressurized. Using a high-pressure gas tank eliminates the need for a power source. When the high-pressure gas is released for a period of time, causing a pressure drop, it is only necessary to replace the high-pressure gas tank with one that meets the pressure requirements, or to automatically inflate the high-pressure gas tank using a micro-inflator to meet the high-pressure gas requirements.

[0035] like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the press-type cleaning assembly 4 includes a cleaning pipe 402 fixed inside the cleaning tank 3 and connected to the water supply pipe 301 via a branch pipe 401. The cleaning pipe 402 and the branch pipe 401 can be made of medical-grade stainless steel. A piston 403 fits into the inner wall of the cleaning pipe 402, forming a sealed contact. The piston 403 is made of medical-grade silicone or rubber. A spring 404 is located between the piston 403 and the bottom of the cleaning pipe 402. A retaining ring 406 is fixed to the top of the piston 403 via a connecting rod 405. A hollow hole 407 for the pipette 1 to enter is provided in the center of the retaining ring 406. A limiting ring 408 is installed on the inner wall of the cleaning tube 402 and prevents the piston 403 from moving upwards. The limiting ring 408 is fixed to the inner wall of the cleaning tube 402 by adhesive. Alternatively, the limiting ring 408 can be a retaining ring with an annular groove on the inner wall of the cleaning tube 402. The retaining ring is compressed and placed in the annular groove to limit movement. The cleaning tube 402 has a drain hole 409 located below the branch tube 401. Initially, the spring 404 pushes the piston 403 against the limiting ring 408, at which point the piston 403 is above the drain hole 409 and closes the branch tube 401. A threaded groove 303 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 3, and the bottom of the cleaning tube 402 is screwed into the threaded groove 303. Multiple press-type cleaning components 4 are fixed at intervals inside the cleaning tank 3. Multiple quick-connect fittings are installed on the water supply pipe 301. Branch pipe 401 is connected to the quick-connect fittings via quick-connect fittings, thereby connecting to the water supply pipe 301. Quick-connect fittings not connected to branch pipe 401 are sealed with plugs.

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figures 3-5 As shown, the automatic cleaning method is as follows:

[0037] 1. Cleaning preparation: After one sample addition, use the X / Y axis drive mechanism (not shown in the figure) of the pipetting system to align the pipetting needle 1 with the retaining ring 406 of the press-type cleaning component 4.

[0038] 2. Initial position: The pipetting needle 1 is moved downward by the Z-axis drive mechanism 2 of the pipetting system until the tip 101 of the pipetting needle 1 is fully inserted into the retaining ring 406 and the needle tube 102 abuts against the upper end face of the retaining ring 406. At this time, the piston 403 is in the initial position, which closes the port connecting the branch tube 401 and the cleaning tube 402.

[0039] 3. External wall cleaning stage: Continue to move the pipette 1 downward through the Z-axis drive mechanism 2. The needle tube 102 of the pipette 1 presses against the retaining ring 406, pushing the piston 403 to overcome the pressure of the spring 404. After the piston 403 is misaligned with the branch tube 401, the piston 403 blocks the drain hole 409, and the branch tube 401 is connected. The cleaning fluid with initial pressure enters the cleaning tube 402. The water flows upward until it completely wets the tip 101 of the pipette 1. The cleaning fluid overflows and the flowing cleaning fluid rinses the outer wall of the tip 101 of the pipette 1 for 1-5 seconds. During this period, the cleaning fluid is automatically drawn in by the program control of the pipette 1.

[0040] 4. Inner wall cleaning stage: Continue to move the pipette 1 downwards via the Z-axis drive mechanism 2 until the piston 403 is below the drain hole 409 and the drain hole 409 is sufficiently exposed so that water can be completely discharged from the drain hole 409. Then, the cleaning fluid inside the pipette 1 is automatically discharged through the program control of the pipette 1. The water and waste fluid discharged from the branch tube 401 will be discharged from the drain hole 409 below, and will not surge up to the cleaned outer wall of the needle tip 101, thus preventing contamination of the cleaned outer wall of the pipette 1. This completes one cleaning cycle of the outer and inner walls. Repeat the process of returning the piston 403 to the position in steps 3 and 4. In step 3, the cleaning fluid is drawn in, and in step 4, the cleaning fluid is discharged, until the cleanliness requirement is met. Generally, repeating this process 3-5 times is sufficient to meet the requirements.

[0041] 5. Reset phase: After cleaning, the Z-axis drive mechanism 2 moves the pipette 1 upward, and under the restoring force of the spring 404, the branch tube 401 is resealed by the piston 403.

[0042] After the above cleaning, if further drying is required, the pipette 1 can be moved to the drying module via the X / Y / Z axis drive mechanism 2 for drying. The drying module uses a blower with a built-in heating wire and can be installed on one inner wall of the cleaning tank 3.

[0043] This automatic cleaning mechanism does not require a complex cleaning electrical control system. It only relies on the existing X / Y / Z axis drive mechanism 2 of the pipetting system, which can drive the pipetting needle 1 to move horizontally. The Z-axis drive mechanism 2 drives the pipetting needle 1 downward to trigger the automatic cleaning mechanism. The pipetting needle 1 is inserted into the hollow hole 407 of the retaining ring 406 and moves downward by the pressure of the needle tube 102 on the retaining ring 406. The segmented drive piston 403 changes position, sequentially forming a state of no water discharge, a state of upward water discharge and cleaning of the outer wall, and a state of downward water discharge and cleaning of the inner wall. After the pipetting needle 1 is in position, the automatic cleaning of the inner and outer walls is achieved.

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the piston 403 is provided with convex rings 410 at its upper and lower parts, and the two convex rings 410 form a sealing structure by tightly contacting the inner wall of the cleaning tube 402. The use of convex rings 410 for sealing contact can reduce friction and facilitate the piston 403 to return to its original position under the action of the spring 404.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cleaning tube 402 is a transparent tube. This allows for easy observation of the interior of the cleaning tube 402, enabling timely detection and handling of any debris or structural damage.

[0046] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the retaining ring 406 has a flexible buffer layer. The flexible buffer layer is made of medical-grade silicone or rubber gasket, which can serve both a buffering and sealing function.

[0047] like Figures 2-5 As shown, in some embodiments, a rubber ring 411 that mates with the inner wall of the cleaning tube 402 is fixed on the circumference of the retaining ring 406. The bottom end of the rubber ring 411 is a conical surface. In step 4, the retaining ring 406 and the rubber ring 411 are squeezed into the cleaning tube 402. The rubber ring 411, in conjunction with the flexible buffer layer (not shown in the figure), seals the upper end of the cleaning tube 402. This more thoroughly prevents the cleaning fluid and cleaning waste fluid from flowing back upwards, which is beneficial for the liquid to drain from the drain hole 409 below, ensuring that the outer wall of the pipette 1 is not affected by the draining liquid. Since the sealing requires an interference fit, a conical surface is provided to facilitate the smooth entry of the rubber ring 411 into the cleaning tube 402.

[0048] This cleaning structure can also be used for cleaning manual pipettes. Insert the tip of the manual pipette into the retaining ring 406, and observe the movement of the piston 403 through the transparent cleaning tube 402. The piston 403 can be manually pressed down to reach the step 3 / 4 position, and the manual pipette can be operated like normal aspiration / discharge to repeatedly aspirate and discharge the cleaning solution, thus completing the cleaning of the inner and outer walls of the manual pipette in a semi-automatic manner.

[0049] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automated cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipette, comprising a pipette that is driven to move up and down by a Z-axis drive mechanism, characterized in that, Also includes: A cleaning tank, wherein the cleaning tank has a water inlet pipe and a drain outlet; The push-type cleaning assembly includes a cleaning pipe fixed in the cleaning tank and connected to the water supply pipe through a branch pipe, a piston that cooperates with the inner wall of the cleaning pipe, a spring located between the piston and the bottom of the cleaning pipe, a retaining ring fixed to the top of the piston by a connecting rod, and a limiting ring installed on the inner wall of the cleaning pipe to prevent the piston from moving upward. The cleaning pipe has a drain hole located below the branch pipe. Initially, the spring pushes the piston against the limiting ring, at which time the piston is above the drain hole and closes the branch pipe.

2. The automatic cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipetting needle according to claim 1, wherein The drain outlet is located at the bottom of the cleaning pool and is connected to the waste liquid storage tank via a drain pipe.

3. The automatic cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipetting needle according to claim 1, wherein The water supply pipe of the cleaning tank is connected to a storage bag at a high position via a pipe, and the storage bag contains cleaning solution.

4. An automatic cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipette according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water supply pipe of the cleaning tank is connected to the pressure storage tank through a pipe. The pressure storage tank uses a connected high-pressure gas tank to press the cleaning fluid inside from the pipe into the water supply pipe.

5. The automatic cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipetting needle according to claim 1, wherein The piston is provided with convex rings at the top and bottom, and the two convex rings form a sealing structure by making close contact with the inner wall of the cleaning tube.

6. The automatic cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipetting needle according to claim 1, wherein The cleaning tube is made of transparent material.

7. The automatic cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipetting needle according to claim 1, wherein The bottom of the cleaning tank is provided with a threaded groove, and the bottom of the cleaning pipe is screwed and fixed in the threaded groove.

8. An automated cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipette according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple press-type cleaning components are fixed at intervals inside the cleaning tank.

9. An automated cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipette according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the retaining ring has a flexible buffer layer.

10. The automatic cleaning mechanism for a biochip pipetting needle according to claim 1, wherein The retaining ring is fixed with a rubber ring that fits into the inner wall of the cleaning pipe, and the bottom end of the rubber ring is a conical surface.

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