Tip sorting device for a pipette

Abstract

The utility model discloses a pipette suction head sorting device relates to laboratory equipment technical field, specifically is a pipette suction head sorting device, including storage hopper, vibration sequencing track, micro -vibrator, guide slide rail, sorting baffle and discharge gate. The vibration sequencing track of storage hopper lower end carries out vibration sequencing to suction head, and the sorted suction head is relied on gravity and slides to the sorting baffle place through the guide slide rail of downward inclination. The sorting baffle is driven by control system and carries out periodic opening and closing, realizes the intermittent single sorting of suction head. The utility model simple and reasonable in structure, through the cooperation of vibration sequencing and baffle sorting, realized the efficient, orderly automatic sorting of suction head, effectively prevented the jam, improved the sorting efficiency and reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of laboratory equipment technology, specifically to a pipette tip sorting device. Background Technology

[0002] Pipette tips are essential disposable consumables in life sciences and laboratory research fields such as molecular biology, cell biology, and chemical analysis. Before using a pipette to transfer liquids, the tip needs to be attached to the pipette cone. Currently, most laboratories still use manual methods to pick up tips, meaning the operator takes one tip at a time from a box of tips. This method is inefficient, especially for high-throughput experiments, significantly increasing the operator's workload and time costs, and potentially introducing contamination risks due to frequent contact with the tips.

[0003] To address these issues, some automatic suction head boxes or semi-automatic sorting equipment have emerged in the market. Vibratory feeder sorting technology is a common automated sorting solution. Its basic principle is to use vibration to orient and arrange randomly piled suction heads on a track. However, existing automatic suction head sorting devices still have some technical challenges: First, when suction heads enter the sorting area from the vibratory track, they are prone to flipping, jamming, or clogging due to unreasonable track design or lack of effective guidance, leading to sorting failures and requiring manual intervention, thus affecting the continuity of the automated process. Second, achieving stable and reliable single-head sorting is crucial in the sorting stage. Inaccurate sorting control can easily result in multiple suction heads being released at once or unstable sorting intervals, making it difficult to precisely coordinate with subsequent automated operations (such as robotic arm gripping).

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of pipette tip sorting device that is reasonably designed and operates stably and reliably. It should be able to ensure that the tips are kept in the correct orientation during sorting and transport, and achieve intermittent, single-tip sorting through precise control, so as to meet the growing demand of modern laboratories for automated, high-throughput and pollution-free operation. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pipette tip sorting device that combines vibration sorting with gravity sliding to achieve automatic orientation and transport of pipette tips. Controllable sorting baffles enable precise, single-tip sorting, significantly improving sorting efficiency and reliability while avoiding contamination and inefficiency issues associated with manual operation. The entire device has a compact structure and a high degree of automation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: a pipette tip sorting device, comprising a storage hopper, a vibrating sorting track at the lower end of the storage hopper, a micro vibrator at the lower end of the vibrating sorting track, a guide rail at the end of the vibrating sorting track, a sorting baffle at the end of the guide rail, a discharge port at the lower end of the sorting baffle, a support at the lower end of the vibrating sorting track, and a base plate at the lower end of the support.

[0007] Furthermore, the guide rail is configured as a downward-sloping smooth channel, the tilt angle of which allows the suction head to slide stably from the end of the vibration sorting track to the sorting baffle by its own gravity.

[0008] Furthermore, the movement of the sorting baffle is driven by a control system that can control the sorting baffle to perform periodic opening and closing actions to achieve intermittent single-item sorting of the suction head.

[0009] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail is adapted to the shape of the suction head, and its width is set to constrain the suction head to maintain its directional state and prevent it from flipping or getting blocked during the sliding process.

[0010] Furthermore, the sorting baffle is driven by an electromagnetic drive to achieve linear reciprocating motion. When energized, it retracts to allow the suction head to pass through, and when de-energized, it extends to block subsequent suction heads.

[0011] Furthermore, the lower outlet of the storage hopper is closely connected to the starting end of the vibration sorting track to ensure that the suction heads can enter the vibration sorting track in an orderly manner from the storage hopper for sorting.

[0012] Furthermore, the surface of the vibration sorting track is smoothed and has a specific guide groove structure to ensure that the suction head can efficiently complete orientation and arrangement during vibration.

[0013] This utility model provides a pipette tip sorting device, which has the following advantages:

[0014] 1. It achieves efficient and automated single-piece sorting of suction heads. Through the cooperation of vibration sorting track and micro vibrator, a large number of disordered suction heads are automatically oriented and arranged; combined with the periodic opening and closing of sorting baffle driven by the control system, the suction heads are intermittently and single-piece dropped, effectively replacing traditional manual sorting and significantly improving sorting efficiency and automation level.

[0015] 2. The sorting process is stable and reliable, effectively avoiding blockages and material jams. The guide rail adopts a cross-sectional shape that matches the shape of the suction head and is set with a reasonable inclination angle, which can both constrain the suction head to maintain its directional sliding state and allow it to be transported smoothly by gravity; the smooth surface treatment of the vibration sorting track and the specific guide groove structure further ensure the smoothness of suction head arrangement and transportation, thereby greatly reducing the risk of overturning and blockage during equipment operation.

[0016] 3. Precise and controllable sorting action ensures sorting quality. The sorting baffle uses an electromagnetic drive, which is responsive and precise, ensuring that only one pipette tip is released at a time and effectively blocking subsequent pipette tips. This precise control mechanism guarantees the singleness and consistency of pipette tip sorting at the outlet, providing quality assurance for subsequent pipette assembly or packaging processes. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present utility model. Figure 3 . Detailed Implementation

[0021] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0023] Example 1

[0024] This embodiment provides a pipette tip sorting device. Specifically, the storage hopper 1 is made of stainless steel and has a volume of 5L, used for batch storage of pipette tips. The lower outlet of the storage hopper 1 is connected to the starting end of the vibrating sorting track 2 via a flange to ensure a tight connection and prevent tip jamming. The vibrating sorting track 2 is made of aluminum alloy, with a length of 500mm and a width of 20mm. Its surface is polished smooth and has a V-shaped guide groove structure with a depth of 2mm, which matches the conical shape of the pipette tips, allowing the tips to automatically orient and align during vibration. A miniature vibrator 3, model JZO-20, with a vibration frequency of 100Hz, is installed at the lower end of the vibrating sorting track 2, causing the pipette tips to move forward along the track through vibration. The end of the vibrating sorting track 2 is connected to a guide rail 4, which is a downwardly inclined smooth channel with an inclination angle of 15 degrees, allowing the pipette tips to slide stably under gravity. The guide rail 4 has a circular cross-section, with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the large end of the suction head. This constrains the suction head to maintain its orientation with the large end facing down, preventing it from tipping over or becoming clogged. A sorting baffle 5, made of stainless steel, is located at the end of the guide rail 4, and its movable end is connected by a hinge. A discharge port 6, with a diameter of 10mm, is located at the lower end of the sorting baffle 5. The entire device is supported by a bracket 7, whose height is adjustable. The lower end of the bracket 7 is fixed to a base plate 8, which is made of carbon steel and measures 800mm × 600mm. During operation, the suction head enters the vibrating sorting track 2 from the storage hopper 1. After vibration sorting, it slides along the guide rail 4 to the sorting baffle 5. The sorting baffle 5 is manually controlled to open and close, enabling the individual sorting of the suction head.

[0025] Example 2

[0026] This embodiment, based on Embodiment 1, focuses on improving the control system of the sorting baffle 5. The sorting baffle 5 uses an electromagnetic drive to achieve linear reciprocating motion, specifically including an electromagnet and a return spring. The electromagnet is driven by the control system, which has a preset program to make the sorting baffle 5 perform periodic opening and closing actions at a frequency of once per second. When the electromagnet is energized, the sorting baffle 5 retracts, allowing one suction head to fall from the discharge port 6; when de-energized, the sorting baffle 5 extends under the action of the spring, blocking subsequent suction heads. This intermittent sorting ensures that suction heads are output one at a time, avoiding blockages. The tilt angle of the guide rail 4 is optimized to 10 degrees to reduce the sliding speed and improve sorting accuracy. The guide groove structure of the vibration sorting track 2 adopts a U-shaped design, which is more adaptable to suction heads of various sizes. The connection between the storage hopper 1 and the vibration sorting track 2 uses a rubber sealing ring to further ensure orderly feeding. This embodiment is suitable for high-throughput laboratory environments, with a sorting efficiency of 60 suction heads per minute.

[0027] Example 3

[0028] This embodiment focuses on the optimized design of the guide rail 4 and the vibrating sorting track 2. The guide rail 4 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which has a low coefficient of friction. Its cross-sectional shape is precisely designed according to the shape of the suction head: the rail width is 15mm and the depth is 5mm. Symmetrical guide ribs are provided inside to ensure that the suction head remains vertical during sliding, preventing tilting or overturning. The surface of the vibrating sorting track 2 is not only smoothed but also coated with a wear-resistant coating. The guide groove structure is a multi-segment gradually narrowing design, with a groove width of 25mm at the beginning and 10mm at the end, gradually guiding the suction heads to align neatly. The movement of the sorting baffle 5 is driven by a pneumatic system, including cylinders and solenoid valves. The control system uses a microcontroller to achieve programmable sorting intervals. A vibrating feeder is provided at the lower outlet of the storage hopper 1, vibrating synchronously with the vibrating sorting track 2 to improve feeding efficiency. This embodiment is particularly suitable for small suction heads, achieving a sorting accuracy rate of over 99%.

[0029] All electrical components mentioned in this article are connected to an external main controller and 220V AC mains power. The main controller can be a conventional known device such as a computer for control. The detailed description of known functions and components is omitted in the specific implementation of this disclosure. To ensure the compatibility of the device, the operating methods used are consistent with the parameters of commercially available instruments.

[0030] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pipette tip sorting device, comprising a storage hopper (1), characterized in that: The lower end of the storage hopper (1) is provided with a vibrating sorting track (2), the lower end of the vibrating sorting track (2) is provided with a micro vibrator (3), the end of the vibrating sorting track (2) is provided with a guide slide rail (4), the end of the guide slide rail (4) is provided with a sorting baffle (5), the lower end of the sorting baffle (5) is provided with a discharge port (6), the lower end of the vibrating sorting track (2) is provided with a support (7), and the lower end of the support (7) is provided with a base plate (8).

2. The pipette tip sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide rail (4) is configured as a downward-sloping smooth channel, and its tilt angle allows the suction head to slide stably from the end of the vibration sorting track (2) to the sorting baffle (5) by its own gravity.

3. The pipette tip sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The activity of the sorting baffle (5) is driven by a control system that can control the sorting baffle (5) to perform periodic opening and closing actions to achieve intermittent single-item sorting of the suction head.

4. A pipette tip sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the guide rail (4) is adapted to the shape of the suction head, and its width is set to constrain the suction head to maintain its directional state and prevent it from flipping or getting blocked during the sliding process.

5. A pipette tip sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sorting baffle (5) is driven by electromagnetic means to achieve linear reciprocating motion. When energized, it retracts to allow the suction head to pass through, and when de-energized, it extends to block subsequent suction heads.

6. A pipette tip sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower outlet of the storage hopper (1) is closely connected to the starting end of the vibration sorting track (2) to ensure that the suction head can enter the vibration sorting track (2) in an orderly manner from the storage hopper (1) for sorting.

7. A pipette tip sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the vibration sorting track (2) is smoothed and has a specific guide groove structure to ensure that the suction head can efficiently complete orientation and arrangement during vibration.

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