A three-axis mechanism for a full-automatic sample applicator

Abstract

The utility model relates to biological chip processing equipment technical field, concretely is a kind of three-axis mechanism for full-automatic sample applicator, including frame, Y-axis component, pipetting component, suction cup component and waste liquid component, the frame is installed in sample applicator and can slide in front and back X direction, the Y-axis component is installed on frame, the pipetting component, suction cup component and waste liquid component are respectively installed on Y-axis component and can each left and right Y direction sliding by Y-axis component drive, the pipetting component, suction cup component and waste liquid component each are equipped with Z axis linear module to vertically Z direction sliding.This three-axis module is complete in function, compact in structure setting, arrange the gun, suction cup and waste liquid process position in limited space, meet the demand of sample application procedure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biochip processing equipment technology, specifically a three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sample applicator. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of biochip technology, the market demand for automated biochip spotting equipment is gradually increasing. Its main function is to "print" trace amounts of biological probes (such as DNA fragments, proteins, antibodies, etc.) onto the surface of a solid-phase carrier (also known as a substrate or substrate, commonly glass slides, silicon wafers, nylon membranes) with extremely high precision in a dot matrix pattern, thereby forming a biochip that can be used for high-throughput detection. This greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of laboratory work, reduces errors caused by manual operation, and saves a great deal of time and resources.

[0003] The automation of sampling and other processes in fully automatic spotting machines can be achieved through robotic arms or moving mechanisms. How to arrange the structure of the moving mechanism to facilitate processes such as liquid transfer and save space occupied by the equipment is a technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sampling machine, which features a compact layout and facilitates automated processes. The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sample dispensing machine includes a frame, a Y-axis assembly, a pipetting assembly, a suction cup assembly, and a waste liquid assembly. The frame is slidably installed in the sample dispensing machine in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis assembly is mounted on the frame. The pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly are respectively mounted on the Y-axis assembly and are driven by the Y-axis assembly to slide in the Y-axis direction. Each of the pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly is provided with a Z-axis linear module for vertical Z-axis sliding.

[0005] The above-mentioned fully automatic sampling machine uses a three-axis mechanism. The frame includes a top plate and left and right side plates. The Y-axis assembly includes a carriage, a Y-axis slide rail, and a transmission assembly. The two ends of the Y-axis slide rail are respectively installed on the left and right side plates of the frame. The carriage is a portal frame and is slidably installed on the Y-axis slide rail. The transmission assembly is used to move the carriage in the Y direction on the Y-axis slide rail. The pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly are respectively installed on the front and rear surfaces of the carriage.

[0006] The above-mentioned fully automatic sampling machine uses a three-axis mechanism, wherein the carriage includes a first carriage and a second carriage. The first carriage and the second carriage have the same structure and are distributed left and right and slidably installed on the Y-axis slide rail respectively. The first carriage includes a first front vertical plate, a first rear vertical plate, a first sliding plate, and a first horizontal plate. The first sliding plate is horizontally and slidably mounted on a Y-axis slide rail. The first front vertical plate and the first rear vertical plate are arranged front to back and are respectively mounted on the front and rear faces of the first sliding plate. The first horizontal plate is horizontally positioned above or below the sliding plate. Similarly, the second carriage includes a second front vertical plate, a second rear vertical plate, a second sliding plate, and a second horizontal plate.

[0007] The above-mentioned fully automatic sampling machine uses a three-axis mechanism. The transmission component includes a first motor, a first synchronous pulley, a second motor, a second synchronous pulley, and a synchronous belt. The first motor and the second motor are respectively mounted on the first horizontal plate and the second horizontal plate. The two ends of the synchronous belt are respectively mounted on the left and right side plates. The first synchronous pulley and the second synchronous pulley are each wound with the synchronous belt.

[0008] The above-mentioned fully automatic spotting machine uses a three-axis mechanism. The pipetting assembly is provided in two sets. The pipetting assembly includes a pipette, a Z-axis linear module I and a mounting plate I. The Z-axis linear module I is mounted on the Y-axis assembly. The mounting plate I is mounted on the slider of the Z-axis linear module I and slides in the Z direction. The pipette is mounted on the mounting plate I.

[0009] The above-mentioned fully automatic sampling machine uses a three-axis mechanism. The waste liquid assembly includes a waste liquid gun, a diaphragm pump matched with the waste liquid gun, a Z-axis linear module II, and a mounting plate II. The Z-axis linear module II is mounted on the Y-axis assembly. The mounting plate II is mounted on the slider of the Z-axis linear module II and slides in the Z direction. The waste liquid gun and the diaphragm pump are respectively mounted on the mounting plate II.

[0010] The above-mentioned fully automatic sampling machine uses a three-axis mechanism. The suction cup assembly includes a suction cup, a Z-axis linear module III, and a mounting plate III. The Z-axis linear module III is mounted on the Y-axis assembly. The mounting plate III is mounted on the slider of the Z-axis linear module III and slides in the Z direction. The suction cup is mounted on the mounting plate III.

[0011] The above-mentioned fully automatic spotting machine uses a three-axis mechanism. The spotting machine is equipped with an X-axis linear module, and the frame is mounted on the X-axis linear module and slides in the X direction.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This triaxial module has complete functions and a compact structure. It arranges pipettes, suction cups and waste liquid guns in a limited space, which meets the needs of the spotting process. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the Y-axis assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the carriage structure of the Y-axis assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the pipetting module structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the waste liquid module and suction cup module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation and use of this utility model embodiment in a sample applicator.

[0014] In the diagram: 11 is the top plate, and 12 is the side plate; 21 is the first slide, 22 is the second slide, 23 is the Y-axis slide rail, 24 is the synchronous belt, 25 is the tension pulley, 211 is the first front vertical plate, 212 is the first rear vertical plate, 213 is the first skateboard, 214 is the first horizontal plate, 215 is the first motor, 216 is the first synchronous belt pulley, 221 is the second front vertical plate, 222 is the second rear vertical plate, 223 is the second skateboard, 224 is the second horizontal plate, 225 is the second motor, and 226 is the second synchronous belt pulley. 31 is a pipette, 32 is Z-axis linear module I, and 33 is mounting plate I; 41 is a waste liquid gun, 42 is a Z-axis linear module II, 43 is a mounting plate II, and 44 is a diaphragm pump; 51 is a suction cup, 52 is the Z-axis linear module III, and 53 is the mounting plate III; 6 is a photoelectric switch, 7 is a baffle, and 8 is an X-axis linear module. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, all components and parts involved are commercially available products, and their usage and installation methods are conventional. Those skilled in the art can implement them with reference to the accompanying drawings. The focus of this utility model is to realize a moving mechanism for compactly arranging sampling points, rather than the components or parts themselves, or the related usage or installation methods. In the following embodiments, the front, back, left, right, up, and down directions are used to... Figure 1 The display in the figure is based on the reference, such as the front-to-back direction as the X-axis, the left-to-right direction as the Y-axis, and the up-to-down direction as the Z-axis. This is only for the convenience of description and does not limit this application. Without changing the function, those skilled in the art can adapt the orientation and installation position of the structure, which should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

[0016] This embodiment is a three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic dispensing machine, including a frame, a Y-axis assembly, a pipetting assembly, a suction cup assembly, and a waste liquid assembly. The frame is slidably installed in the dispensing machine in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis assembly is installed on the frame. The pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly are respectively installed on the Y-axis assembly and driven by the Y-axis assembly to slide in the left and right Y-axis directions. Each of the pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly is provided with a Z-axis linear module (commercially available product) for vertical Z-axis sliding.

[0017] The frame includes a top plate 11 and side plates 12 on the front, back, left, and right sides, as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 11 As shown, an X-axis linear module 8 is installed on the top of the sampling machine. The top plate 11 is installed on the X-axis linear module 8 (commercially available product) to realize the sliding of the three-axis mechanism in the front-back direction, i.e., the X-direction, in the horizontal plane.

[0018] The Y-axis assembly includes a carriage, a Y-axis slide rail 23, and a transmission assembly. The two ends of the Y-axis slide rail 23 are respectively mounted on the left and right side plates 12 of the frame. The carriage is a portal frame that slidably "locks" onto the Y-axis slide rail 23, meaning the Y-axis slide rail 23 passes through the carriage. The pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly are respectively mounted on the front and rear surfaces of the carriage, resulting in a more compact overall structure. The transmission assembly can employ chain drive, belt drive, or rack and pinion drive, etc., and is used to control the Y-axis movement of the carriage on the Y-axis slide rail 23. Thus, this three-axis mechanism can realize the displacement of the pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly in the X, Y, and Z axes. The process execution steps of the sampling machine and this three-axis mechanism can be found in the invention patent application with publication number CN117920374A.

[0019] Specifically, in this embodiment, the pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly are configured to slide independently in the Y direction. This allows for easier adjustment of the displacement distance and cycle time between processes based on the station intervals of each process on the sampling machine's worktable. (Reference) Figures 5 to 8The carriage includes a first carriage 21 and a second carriage 22, both with essentially the same structure, arranged left and right and slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail 23. The first carriage 21 includes a first front vertical plate 211, a first rear vertical plate 212, a first sliding plate 213, and a first horizontal plate 214. The first sliding plate 213 is horizontally slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail 23. The first front vertical plate 211 and the first rear vertical plate 212 are arranged front and rear, respectively mounted on the front and rear faces of the first sliding plate 213. The first horizontal plate 214 is horizontally positioned above or below the sliding plate 213 for mounting transmission components, etc. To improve the structural strength of the frame, several more horizontal plates can be added. The second carriage 22 includes a second front vertical plate 221, a second rear vertical plate 222, a second sliding plate 223, and a second horizontal plate 224, with the same structure as the first carriage 21, and will not be described in detail here.

[0020] The transmission assembly employs a synchronous belt drive, including a primary motor 215, a primary synchronous pulley 216, a secondary motor 225, a secondary synchronous pulley 226, and a synchronous belt 24. Both primary motor 215 and secondary motor 225 are commercially available stepper motors, each mounted on a primary horizontal plate 214 and a secondary horizontal plate 224, respectively. The two ends of the synchronous belt 24 are respectively mounted on the left and right side plates 12. Primary motor 215, mounted on primary horizontal plate 214, drives primary synchronous pulley 216, and secondary motor 225, mounted on secondary horizontal plate 224, drives secondary synchronous pulley 226. Each of the primary and secondary synchronous pulleys 216 and 226 is wound with the synchronous belt 24. (Reference) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first horizontal plate 214 and the second horizontal plate 224 are each equipped with several tensioning rollers 25 to tension the synchronous belt 24. Thus, the first motor 215 and the second motor 225 control the Y-axis sliding of the first slide 21 and the second slide 22, respectively.

[0021] The sample applicator needs to separately apply the sample liquid and reagent liquid onto the biochip, therefore, it generally requires two sets of pipetting components on the carriage. (Reference) Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 9 Two sets of pipetting assemblies are installed on the first front vertical plate 211 and the second front vertical plate 221, respectively. Each pipetting assembly includes a pipette 31, a Z-axis linear module I 32, and a mounting plate I 33. The Z-axis linear module I 32 is mounted on a slide (the Z-axis linear modules I 32 of the two sets of pipetting assemblies are respectively mounted on the first front vertical plate 211 and the second front vertical plate 221). The mounting plate I 33 is mounted on the slider of the Z-axis linear module I 32 and slides in the Z-direction. The pipette 31 is a commercially available product from a certain brand, and its structure, installation, and use are all conventional techniques.

[0022] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 10 The waste liquid assembly includes a waste liquid gun 41, a diaphragm pump 44, a Z-axis linear module II 42, and a mounting plate II 43. The Z-axis linear module II 42 is mounted on the first rear vertical plate 212. The mounting plate II 43 is mounted on the slider of the Z-axis linear module II 42 and slides in the Z direction. The waste liquid gun 41 and the diaphragm pump 44 are respectively mounted on the mounting plate II 43. The diaphragm pump 44 is used to cooperate with the waste liquid gun 41 to aspirate the reaction waste liquid of the biochip after sampling.

[0023] The suction cup assembly is used to adsorb and release biochips, including a suction cup 51, a Z-axis linear module III 52, and a mounting plate III 53. The Z-axis linear module III 52 is mounted on the second rear vertical plate 222, and the mounting plate III 53 is mounted on the slider of the Z-axis linear module III 52 and slides in the Z direction. The suction cup 51 is mounted on the mounting plate III 53. In this embodiment, the suction cup 51 refers not only to the suction cup head but also to related accessories such as solenoid valves and air passages. The suction cup 51 is a commercially available product from a certain brand, which is directly installed and used. The product structure of each manufacturer is slightly different, and its structure, installation, and use are all conventional technical means. Please refer to the suction cup 51 product and installation method in the attached drawings.

[0024] Because the sample racks, reagent racks, and chip racks on the worktable of the sampling machine are arranged compactly, the operating space for the pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly is small when performing their respective processes. Furthermore, these components have many parts. To avoid interference during their respective processes, a direct reference can be made. Figures 1 to 11 The installation locations of the components are arranged, for example... Figure 10 The waste liquid gun 41 and suction cup 51 can be mounted on an L-shaped mounting bracket that extends from the mounting plate II 43 to mount the head of the waste liquid gun 41. This avoids the space of the suction cup 51, so as not to affect the execution of the process steps and to make the structure more compact.

[0025] The three-axis mechanism uses a large number of photoelectric switches, all of which are commercially available products. They are used to limit the movement of movable components, and their installation and control are conventional techniques. To facilitate reading the drawings in conjunction with the embodiments, the photoelectric switches are all labeled as 6, and the corresponding matching baffles are all labeled as 7 to indicate the installation position and facilitate understanding of the operation of each component.

[0026] For the start and stop of motors 215 (No. 1) and 225 (No. 2) in the aforementioned transmission assembly, multiple sets of photoelectric switches are used for limit control. The use and control methods of these photoelectric switches employ conventional technologies. For example, refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 6Photoelectric switches 6 are provided on the left end face of the first slide 21 and the right end face of the second slide 22, respectively. Correspondingly, baffles 7 are provided on the left and right side plates 12, respectively. This ensures that the first slide 21 and the second slide 22 slide between the left and right side plates 12 without colliding with the side plates 12, and can stop sliding or change direction in time. The baffle 7 is provided on the right end face of the first slide 21, and the photoelectric switch 6 is provided on the left end face of the second slide 22. The two work together to ensure that the first slide 21 and the second slide 22 do not collide, and can stop sliding or change direction in time.

[0027] The start and stop of the aforementioned Z-axis linear module I 32, Z-axis linear module II 42, and Z-axis linear module III 52 are each equipped with multiple sets of photoelectric switches for limit control. The use and control methods of the photoelectric switches adopt conventional technologies. For example, refer to... Figure 9 A photoelectric switch 6 is provided on the mounting plate I33, and correspondingly, a baffle 7 is provided on the slider of the Z-axis linear module I32, so that the pipette 31 can stop sliding or change direction in time; similarly, refer to Figure 10 By setting up photoelectric switch 6 and corresponding baffle 7, the waste liquid gun 41 and suction cup 51 can be stopped or reversed in time.

Claims

1. A three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sampling machine, characterized in that: The device includes a frame, a Y-axis assembly, a pipetting assembly, a suction cup assembly, and a waste liquid assembly. The frame is slidably mounted in the X-axis direction within the dispensing machine. The Y-axis assembly is mounted on the frame. The pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly are respectively mounted on the Y-axis assembly and are driven by the Y-axis assembly to slide in the Y-axis direction. Each of the pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly, and waste liquid assembly is provided with a Z-axis linear module for vertical Z-axis sliding.

2. The three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sampling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame includes a top plate (11) and side plates (12) on the left and right sides; the Y-axis assembly includes a carriage, a Y-axis slide rail (23) and a transmission assembly; the two ends of the Y-axis slide rail (23) are respectively mounted on the left and right side plates (12) of the frame, the carriage is a gantry frame and is slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail (23), the transmission assembly is used to move the carriage in the Y direction on the Y-axis slide rail (23), and the pipetting assembly, suction cup assembly and waste liquid assembly are respectively mounted on the front and rear surfaces of the carriage.

3. The three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sampling machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The carriage includes a first carriage (21) and a second carriage (22). The first carriage (21) and the second carriage (22) have the same structure and are distributed on the left and right sides, respectively slidingly mounted on the Y-axis slide rail (23). The first slide (21) includes a first front vertical plate (211), a first rear vertical plate (212), a first sliding plate (213), and a first horizontal plate (214). The first sliding plate (213) is horizontally slidably mounted on the Y-axis slide rail (23). The first front vertical plate (211) and the first rear vertical plate (212) are arranged in front and behind and respectively mounted on the front and rear faces of the first sliding plate (213). The first horizontal plate (214) is horizontally positioned above or below the sliding plate (213). Similarly, the second slide (22) includes a second front vertical plate (221), a second rear vertical plate (222), a second sliding plate (223), and a second horizontal plate (224).

4. The three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sampling machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The transmission assembly includes a first motor (215), a first synchronous pulley (216), a second motor (225), a second synchronous pulley (226), and a synchronous belt (24). The first motor (215) and the second motor (225) are respectively mounted on the first horizontal plate (214) and the second horizontal plate (224). The two ends of the synchronous belt (24) are respectively mounted on the left and right side plates (12). The first synchronous pulley (216) and the second synchronous pulley (226) are each wound with the synchronous belt (24).

5. The three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sampling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The pipetting assembly is provided in two sets. The pipetting assembly includes a pipette (31), a Z-axis linear module I (32) and a mounting plate I (33). The Z-axis linear module I (32) is mounted on the Y-axis assembly. The mounting plate I (33) is mounted on the slider of the Z-axis linear module I (32) and slides in the Z direction. The pipette (31) is mounted on the mounting plate I (33).

6. The three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sampling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The waste liquid assembly includes a waste liquid gun (41), a diaphragm pump (44) matched with the waste liquid gun (41), a Z-axis linear module II (42), and a mounting plate II (43). The Z-axis linear module II (42) is mounted on the Y-axis assembly, and the mounting plate II (43) is mounted on the slider of the Z-axis linear module II (42) and slides in the Z direction. The waste liquid gun (41) and the diaphragm pump (44) are respectively mounted on the mounting plate II (43).

7. The three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sampling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The suction cup assembly includes a suction cup (51), a Z-axis linear module III (52), and a mounting plate III (53). The Z-axis linear module III (52) is mounted on the Y-axis assembly. The mounting plate III (53) is mounted on the slider of the Z-axis linear module III (52) and slides in the Z direction. The suction cup (51) is mounted on the mounting plate III (53).

8. The three-axis mechanism for a fully automatic sampling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sampling machine is equipped with an X-axis linear module (8), and the frame is mounted on the X-axis linear module (8) and slides in the X direction.

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