An automated external ultrasound device for samples

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of automatic sample outer ultrasonic equipment, including ultrasonic sink and electrical control module being arranged in the lateral surface of ultrasonic sink, the top plate of the ultrasonic sink is evenly provided with several placing ports, and sample tube is placed in placing port;The shell of electrical control module is internally provided with ultrasonic generator, and the ultrasonic generator is electrically connected with the ultrasonic vibrator of the lower surface of sink bottom plate being arranged in the lower side of ultrasonic sink;Water inlet is opened in the inside surface of ultrasonic sink, and water inlet is communicated with external liquid adding equipment by pipeline, and liquid adding solenoid valve is arranged on pipeline, and liquid adding solenoid valve is arranged in the shell inside of electrical control module.Through water inlet, external liquid adding equipment and liquid adding solenoid valve, when water needs to be added or replenished in ultrasonic sink, starting liquid adding diaphragm pump and liquid adding solenoid valve can realize automatic water replenishment and liquid level maintenance, avoid liquid surface drop to affect ultrasonic effect, ensure the stability of ultrasonic process and automatic continuous operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of sample pretreatment equipment, specifically an automatic external ultrasonic device for samples. Background Technology

[0002] In experimental analysis in fields such as biology, chemistry, and medicine, sample pretreatment is frequently required. Ultrasonic dispersion is a commonly used method to promote sample dissolution, mixing, or cell disruption. External ultrasonic treatment involves placing a test tube containing the sample into an ultrasonic bath filled with a coupling fluid (usually water), where the sample is indirectly sonicated through the cavitation effect of the liquid in the bath.

[0003] Currently, most external ultrasonic equipment on the market has limited functions and lacks automatic water replenishment capabilities. Prolonged ultrasonic use or increased water temperature can cause liquid evaporation in the tank, leading to a drop in the liquid level. A low liquid level alters the sound field distribution, significantly reducing ultrasonic efficiency and even causing ultrasonic failure. Current methods rely mainly on manual observation and manual water replenishment, which is not only inefficient but also cannot guarantee a constant liquid level, making automated continuous operation difficult. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the existing defects and provide an automatic external ultrasonic device for samples, which can realize automatic water replenishment and liquid level maintenance, avoid the impact of liquid level drop on ultrasonic effect, ensure the stability and automated continuous operation of the ultrasonic process, and effectively solve the problems in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an automatic external ultrasonic device for samples, comprising an ultrasonic water tank and an electrical control module disposed on the side surface of the ultrasonic water tank. The top plate of the ultrasonic water tank has several evenly spaced placement openings, into which sample tubes are placed. An ultrasonic generator is disposed inside the housing of the electrical control module, and the ultrasonic generator is electrically connected to an ultrasonic transducer disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate of the ultrasonic water tank. A water inlet is disposed on the inner surface of the ultrasonic water tank, and the water inlet is connected to an external liquid addition device via a pipeline. A liquid addition solenoid valve is disposed on the pipeline, and the liquid addition solenoid valve is disposed inside the housing of the electrical control module.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a number of tube positioning blocks for positioning sample tubes are uniformly fixed on the upper surface of the bottom plate of the water tank, and the tube positioning blocks correspond one-to-one with the placement opening.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a protective cover is provided on the lower surface of the water tank bottom plate, and an ultrasonic transducer is disposed inside the protective cover.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a sealing gasket is provided between the bottom plate of the water tank and the ultrasonic water tank.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the ultrasonic water tank is provided with a condenser tube inside, the end of the condenser tube extends through the lower surface of the bottom plate of the water tank and is connected to the cooling water pipe port, the cooling water pipe port is connected to an external chiller through a pipeline, and the ultrasonic water tank is also provided with a temperature measuring probe.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a drain outlet is provided on the bottom plate of the water tank. The drain outlet is connected to a drainage diaphragm pump through a pipeline. A drainage solenoid valve is provided on the pipeline. Both the drainage diaphragm pump and the drainage solenoid valve are installed inside the housing of the electrical control module.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the ultrasonic water tank is provided with a high liquid level sensor and a low liquid level sensor, with the low liquid level sensor located below the high liquid level sensor.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a pressure plate is fixedly installed at the placement port of the ultrasonic water tank by screws, the pressure plate has a through hole, and a squeegee silicone pad is provided between the pressure plate and the placement port.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the top plate of the ultrasonic water tank is provided with an evaporation tank, and the inner side of the evaporation tank is provided with a water-absorbing sponge.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, a semiconductor heating plate is provided on the outside of the evaporation tank.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: by using the water inlet and external liquid addition equipment (including water tank, liquid addition diaphragm pump and pipeline, etc.) and the liquid addition solenoid valve installed in the pipeline, when water needs to be added or replenished into the ultrasonic water tank, the liquid addition diaphragm pump and liquid addition solenoid valve can be started to achieve automatic water replenishment and liquid level maintenance, avoid the liquid level drop affecting the ultrasonic effect, and ensure the stable and automated continuous operation of the ultrasonic process. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the electrical control module of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ultrasonic water tank of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a side view of the ultrasonic water tank of this utility model.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Ultrasonic water bath, 2. Sample tube, 3. Evaporation tank, 4. Electrical control module, 5. Ultrasonic generator, 6. Drainage diaphragm pump, 7. Drainage solenoid valve, 8. Liquid addition solenoid valve, 9. Ultrasonic transducer, 10. Drain outlet, 11. Cooling water pipe outlet, 12. Protective cover, 13. Condenser, 14. Water bath bottom plate, 15. Sealing gasket, 16. Temperature probe, 17. Semiconductor heating plate, 18. Absorbent sponge, 19. Pressure plate, 20. Scraper silicone pad, 21. Tube positioning block, 22. Water inlet, 23. High liquid level sensor, 24. Low liquid level sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0019] Please see Figure 1-4 This utility model provides a technical solution: an automatic external ultrasonic device for samples, including an ultrasonic water tank 1 and an electrical control module 4 disposed on the side surface of the ultrasonic water tank 1. The top plate of the ultrasonic water tank 1 has several placement openings evenly distributed, and sample tubes 2 are placed in the placement openings. An ultrasonic generator 5 is disposed inside the housing of the electrical control module 4. The ultrasonic generator 5 is electrically connected to an ultrasonic transducer 9 disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate 14 of the ultrasonic water tank 1. The sample tube 2 is placed into the placement opening of the ultrasonic water tank 1 by a robotic arm or manually. The ultrasonic generator 5 is activated, and the ultrasonic transducer 9 sonicates the bottom plate 14 of the water tank and uses the water in the ultrasonic water tank 1 to perform external ultrasonication on the sample in the sample tube 2, thereby promoting sample dispersion and dissolution and improving experimental efficiency.

[0020] An inlet 22 is provided on the inner surface of the ultrasonic water tank 1. The inlet 22 is connected to an external liquid addition device through a pipeline. The external liquid addition device includes a water tank, a liquid addition diaphragm pump and a pipeline. A liquid addition solenoid valve 8 is also provided on the pipeline. The liquid addition solenoid valve 8 is located inside the housing of the electrical control module 4. When water needs to be added or replenished to the ultrasonic water tank 1, the liquid addition diaphragm pump and the liquid addition solenoid valve 8 can be started to avoid the liquid level dropping and affecting the ultrasonic effect, thus ensuring the stable and automated continuous operation of the ultrasonic process.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of tube positioning blocks 21 for positioning the sample tube 2 are uniformly fixed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 14 of the water tank. Each tube positioning block 21 corresponds to a placement port. The tube positioning block 21 can be a cylindrical block or a cubic block. A groove adapted to the bottom end of the sample tube 2 is opened on the upper surface. After the sample tube 2 is placed into the ultrasonic water tank 1 through the placement port, its bottom can be fixed on the tube positioning block 21, making the sample processing more stable.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, a protective cover 12 is provided on the lower surface of the water tank bottom plate 14, and an ultrasonic transducer 9 is disposed inside the protective cover 12, thereby protecting the equipment under the water tank bottom plate 14 through the protective cover 12.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, a sealing gasket 15 is provided between the bottom plate 14 of the water tank and the ultrasonic water tank 1. The sealing gasket 15 is used to seal the bottom plate 14 of the water tank and the ultrasonic water tank 1 to prevent leakage and avoid the formation of leakage points between the bottom plate 14 of the water tank and the ultrasonic water tank 1 due to the long-term operation of the ultrasonic transducer 9, which would affect the processing of the sample.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic water bath 1 is equipped with a condenser tube 13. The end of the condenser tube 13 extends through the lower surface of the bottom plate 14 of the water bath and connects to a cooling water inlet 11. The cooling water inlet 11 is connected to an external chiller via a pipeline. A temperature probe 16 is also installed inside the ultrasonic water bath 1. The temperature probe 16 detects the water temperature within the ultrasonic water bath 1. When the temperature probe 16 detects that the water temperature exceeds a set threshold due to accumulated ultrasonic energy, the system immediately starts the chiller via an external controller, causing the coolant to circulate rapidly within the condenser tube 13. This efficient heat exchange actively and forcibly cools the liquid within the ultrasonic water bath 1. The cooling efficiency and speed are superior to natural heat dissipation or simple semiconductor refrigeration, quickly stabilizing the water temperature within a preset narrow range (e.g., 4°C ± 1°C). This effectively prevents sample denaturation and degradation due to overheating, making it particularly suitable for long-term ultrasonic treatment of heat-sensitive samples such as proteins, enzymes, and cells, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of experimental data.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a drain outlet 10 is provided on the bottom plate 14 of the water tank. The drain outlet 10 is connected to a drain diaphragm pump 6 via a pipeline, and a drain solenoid valve 7 is provided on the pipeline. Both the drain diaphragm pump 6 and the drain solenoid valve 7 are installed inside the housing of the electrical control module 4. When the equipment is not used for a long time, the water in the ultrasonic water tank 1 needs to be replaced periodically. By opening the drain diaphragm pump 6 and the drain solenoid valve 7, the water in the ultrasonic water tank 1 is pumped out by the drain diaphragm pump 6 and discharged to the outside.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic water tank 1 is equipped with a high-level sensor 23 and a low-level sensor 24, with the low-level sensor 24 positioned below the high-level sensor 23. Both sensors detect the liquid level in the ultrasonic water tank 1. During water replenishment: when the low-level sensor 24 detects a liquid level below a set value, it activates the liquid-adding diaphragm pump and the liquid-adding solenoid valve 8 to replenish water. When the high-level sensor 23 detects that the water level has reached its maximum value, water replenishment stops. During drainage: the drainage diaphragm pump 6 and the drainage solenoid valve 7 are opened, and the water in the ultrasonic water tank 1 is pumped out and discharged to the outside by the drainage diaphragm pump 6. When the low-level sensor 24 detects a water level below a set value, the drainage diaphragm pump 6 and the drainage solenoid valve 7 are closed.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, a pressure plate 19 is fixed to the placement port of the ultrasonic water tank 1 by screws. The pressure plate 19 has a through hole, and a scraping silicone pad 20 is provided between the pressure plate 19 and the placement port. The inner diameter of the opening on the scraping silicone pad 20 is smaller than the diameter of the sample tube 2. During the process of removing the sample tube 2 upwards, the silicone pad can automatically scrape off most of the residual liquid on its outer wall by tightly adhering to the tube wall. The structure is simple and reliable, requires no electric components, and utilizes the inherent properties of elastic materials to achieve the function, reducing the complexity of the equipment and maintenance costs, while ensuring long-term stability.

[0028] In a further preferred technical solution, an evaporation tank 3 is provided on the top plate of the ultrasonic water tank 1, and an absorbent sponge 18 is provided on the inner side of the evaporation tank 3. After the sample tube 2 is taken out of the ultrasonic water tank 1, most of the water on its outer side is scraped off by the silicone pad 20, and a small part accumulates at the bottom of the sample tube 2. At this time, the sample tube 2 can be moved to the absorbent sponge 18 by an external robotic arm or manually, and gently pressed down. The absorbent sponge 18 absorbs and wipes away the remaining water, effectively preventing cross-contamination and equipment contamination caused by water droplets, ensuring a clean working environment, and also clearing obstacles for subsequent steps that require precise weighing or optical detection.

[0029] Furthermore, a semiconductor heating plate 17 is provided on the outside of the evaporation tank 3. The semiconductor heating plate 17 can heat the evaporation tank 3, thereby evaporating the water in the absorbent sponge 18 and keeping it dry so that it can absorb the water accumulated at the bottom of the sample tube 2 at any time.

[0030] The semiconductor heating plate 17, ultrasonic generator 5, drain solenoid valve 7, drain diaphragm pump 6, liquid filling diaphragm pump, liquid filling solenoid valve 8, temperature probe 16, high liquid level sensor 23 and low liquid level sensor 24, and external robotic arm are all controlled by the system's controller and powered by an external power supply. The controller can be a commonly used microcontroller or PLC controller, such as an Arduino series microcontroller or a Siemens S7 series PLC controller. The controller controls all the above electronic components using methods commonly found in existing technologies.

[0031] The controller group, semiconductor heating plate 17, ultrasonic generator 5, drain solenoid valve 7, drain diaphragm pump 6, liquid filling diaphragm pump, liquid filling solenoid valve 8, temperature probe 16, high liquid level sensor 23 and low liquid level sensor 24, and external robotic arm used in this application are all commonly used electronic components in the prior art. Their specific structures, working principles, control methods and circuit connections are all known technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0032] The parts not disclosed in this utility model are all prior art, and their specific structures, materials, and working principles will not be described in detail. Although embodiments of this utility model have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this utility model, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic external ultrasonic device for samples, comprising an ultrasonic water tank (1) and an electrical control module (4) disposed on the side surface of the ultrasonic water tank (1), characterized in that: The top plate of the ultrasonic water tank (1) is evenly provided with several placement ports, and sample tubes (2) are placed in the placement ports; an ultrasonic generator (5) is provided inside the outer shell of the electrical control module (4), and the ultrasonic generator (5) is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer (9) on the lower surface of the bottom plate (14) of the water tank (1) on the lower side of the ultrasonic water tank (1); an inlet (22) is provided on the inner surface of the ultrasonic water tank (1), and the inlet (22) is connected to the external liquid addition equipment through a pipeline, and a liquid addition solenoid valve (8) is provided on the pipeline, and the liquid addition solenoid valve (8) is provided inside the outer shell of the electrical control module (4).

2. The automatic external ultrasonic device for samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the bottom plate (14) of the water tank is uniformly fixed with a number of tube positioning blocks (21) for positioning the sample tube (2), and the tube positioning blocks (21) correspond one-to-one with the placement port.

3. The automatic external ultrasonic device for samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower surface of the bottom plate (14) of the water tank is provided with a protective cover (12), and the ultrasonic transducer (9) is located inside the protective cover (12).

4. The automatic external ultrasonic device for samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing gasket (15) is provided between the bottom plate (14) of the water tank and the ultrasonic water tank (1).

5. The automatic external ultrasonic device for samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic water tank (1) is equipped with a condenser tube (13). The end of the condenser tube (13) extends through the lower surface of the bottom plate (14) of the water tank and is connected to the cooling water pipe (11). The cooling water pipe (11) is connected to an external chiller through a pipeline. The ultrasonic water tank (1) is also equipped with a temperature probe (16).

6. The automatic external ultrasonic device for samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom plate (14) of the water tank is provided with a drain outlet (10), which is connected to the drain diaphragm pump (6) through a pipeline. A drain solenoid valve (7) is provided on the pipeline. The drain diaphragm pump (6) and the drain solenoid valve (7) are both installed inside the housing of the electrical control module (4).

7. An automatic external ultrasonic device for samples according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ultrasonic water tank (1) is equipped with a high liquid level sensor (23) and a low liquid level sensor (24), with the low liquid level sensor (24) located below the high liquid level sensor (23).

8. The automatic external ultrasonic device for samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic water tank (1) has a pressure plate (19) fixed at the placement port by screws. The pressure plate (19) has a through hole and a squeegee silicone pad (20) is provided between the pressure plate (19) and the placement port.

9. An automatic external ultrasonic device for samples according to claim 8, characterized in that: An evaporation tank (3) is provided on the top plate of the ultrasonic water tank (1), and an absorbent sponge (18) is provided on the inner side of the evaporation tank (3).

10. An automatic external ultrasonic device for samples according to claim 9, characterized in that: A semiconductor heating plate (17) is provided on the outside of the evaporation tank (3).

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