Liquid detection device in a silicone tube

Abstract

The application provides a liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube, and relates to the technical field of the polysiloxane tube. The liquid detection device in the polysiloxane tube comprises a mechanical fixing assembly, a detection pipeline assembly and a control assembly. The mechanical fixing assembly comprises a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate, a pipeline separation fixing block and a fixing groove. The first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are fixedly installed on the two sides of the pipeline separation fixing block respectively, and the pipeline separation fixing block is assembled on the inner wall surface of the fixing groove. Through the combination of the capacitive detection and the photoelectric detection double-detection circuit, the capacitive detection utilizes the polar molecule characteristics of anhydrous ethanol, perceives the dielectric constant change through the electrode sheet outside the tube wall, accurately identifies whether the liquid exists or not, and is not affected by the bubbles and the transparency of the tube wall. The photoelectric detection is complementary, and the light signal focusing effect of the transparent pipeline is used for auxiliary judgment. The double-circuit signals are output after being comprehensively analyzed by the MCU, so that the missed detection and the false detection probability are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of polysiloxane tube technology, specifically to a liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube. Background Technology

[0002] During the operation of a fully automated immunohistochemical staining machine, the cleaning and reagent dispensing processes rely on silicone tubes to deliver liquids. It is also necessary to confirm in real time whether the liquid in the tubes is flowing normally to ensure that the sample dispensing action is executed accurately. Currently, the mainstream detection technology in the industry mostly adopts a single photoelectric detection scheme, that is, a light source emits light signals and a sensor receives the light signals that penetrate the silicone tube, and the presence of liquid in the tube is determined based on the change in light intensity.

[0003] For special liquids such as anhydrous ethanol, a single photoelectric detection scheme is prone to serious deviations. Anhydrous ethanol has poor optical compatibility with silicone tubes, and slight differences in the transparency of silicone tubes can lead to uneven attenuation of light signals. As a result, the sensor has difficulty in accurately identifying the liquid state, leading to a continuous decline in detection accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application provides a liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art, such as the serious deviations that can easily occur with a single photoelectric detection scheme for special liquids like anhydrous ethanol, the poor optical compatibility between anhydrous ethanol and silicone tubes, and the uneven attenuation of light signals caused by slight differences in the transparency of silicone tubes, making it difficult for the sensor to accurately identify the liquid state and resulting in a continuous decline in detection accuracy.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube, comprising a mechanical fixing assembly, a detection pipeline assembly, and a control assembly. The mechanical fixing assembly includes a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate, a pipeline separation fixing block, and a fixing groove. The first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are respectively fixedly installed on both sides of the pipeline separation fixing block, and the pipeline separation fixing block is assembled on the inner wall surface of the fixing groove.

[0006] The detection pipeline assembly includes a pipeline through hole, an anhydrous ethanol pipeline, and a pipeline interface. The pipeline through hole is formed on the pipeline separation and fixing block, the anhydrous ethanol pipeline passes through the pipeline through hole, and the pipeline interface is fixedly installed at the end of the anhydrous ethanol pipeline.

[0007] The anhydrous ethanol pipeline is made of transparent polysiloxane material; the pipeline interface is made of corrosion-resistant material, and one end of the pipeline interface is sealed to the anhydrous ethanol pipeline.

[0008] Both the first and second fixing plates are provided with bolt holes, through which bolts are passed and fastened to the pipeline separation fixing block. A boss is fixedly installed on the outer side of the pipeline separation fixing block, and a slot adapted to the boss is provided on the inner side of the fixing groove. The pipeline separation fixing block is engaged in the fixing groove through the cooperation of the boss and the slot. The pipeline through holes are arranged at equal intervals on one side of the pipeline separation fixing block, and the hole walls of the pipeline through holes are provided with a smooth and wear-resistant coating.

[0009] The control component includes a control circuit board, which integrates a capacitive detection circuit and a photoelectric detection circuit. The capacitive detection circuit includes two electrode plates, which are respectively attached to the wall of the anhydrous ethanol pipeline outside the pipeline through hole.

[0010] The control circuit board also integrates a microcontroller (MCU), a filter circuit, a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) module, and an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) module; the microcontroller (MCU) is electrically connected to the filter circuit, the DAC module, the ADC module, the capacitive detection circuit, and the photoelectric detection circuit through circuit lines.

[0011] The control component also includes a communication interface, which is integrated on the control circuit board. The control circuit board is connected to the host computer of the fully automated immunohistochemistry staining machine via the communication interface.

[0012] 1. In this utility model, the combination of capacitive and photoelectric detection circuits solves the problem of deviation in single detection from the principle. Capacitive detection utilizes the polar molecular properties of anhydrous ethanol and senses the change in dielectric constant through the electrode plate on the outside of the tube wall to accurately identify the presence or absence of liquid, which is not affected by bubbles or tube wall transparency. Photoelectric detection serves as a complement, using the light signal focusing effect of the transparent tube to assist in the judgment. The dual circuit signals are comprehensively analyzed by the MCU and the result is output, reducing the probability of missed detection and false detection.

[0013] 2. In this utility model, the long-term detection accuracy is ensured through the coordinated anti-interference design of mechanical structure and circuit. Mechanically, the independent channel of the pipeline separation fixing block and the assembly structure of the boss and slot achieve physical isolation of multiple pipelines and avoid channel interference. The smooth wear-resistant coating of the pipeline through hole reduces the adhesion of impurities on the pipe wall and reduces the maintenance frequency. In terms of circuit, the filter circuit filters out external electromagnetic interference and signal abrupt changes, and the DAC module realizes accurate signal conversion and dynamic sensitivity adjustment. With real-time communication with the host computer, a closed-loop control is formed, which is adapted to the automation requirements of the fully automatic immunohistochemical staining machine. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main appearance structure of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline interface and its connection structure in this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline separation fixing block and its connection structure in this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first fixing plate and its connection structure in this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure after the application is completed.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Pipeline through hole; 2. Anhydrous ethanol pipeline; 3. Pipeline interface; 4. Fixing plate No. 1; 5. Fixing plate No. 2; 6. Pipeline separation fixing block; 7. Control circuit board; 8. Fixing groove; 9. Mechanical fixing assembly; 10. Detection pipeline assembly; 11. Control assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0018] Please see Figure 1-5 As shown, a liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube includes a mechanical fixing assembly 9, a detection pipeline assembly 10, and a control assembly 11. The mechanical fixing assembly 9 includes a first fixing plate 4, a second fixing plate 5, a pipeline separation fixing block 6, and a fixing groove 8. The first fixing plate 4 and the second fixing plate 5 are respectively fixedly installed on both sides of the pipeline separation fixing block 6, and the pipeline separation fixing block 6 is assembled on the inner wall surface of the fixing groove 8.

[0019] The mechanical fixing component 9 serves as the structural base of the entire testing technology. During assembly, it is first pre-fixed by engaging the outer boss of the pipeline separation fixing block 6 with the inner slot of the fixing groove 8. Then, it is tightened by bolts through the first fixing plate 4 and the second fixing plate 5 to form a double positioning structure, ensuring that the fixing block does not shift during equipment operation. Its function is to provide a stable installation carrier for the testing pipeline component 10, avoiding pipeline offset that could lead to misalignment between the testing circuit and the pipeline. At the same time, the fixing groove 8, which is compatible with the equipment body, enables a standardized layout of the testing module, and the rigid frame can withstand the impact of liquid pressure, preventing pipeline deformation from causing testing errors.

[0020] The testing pipeline assembly 10 includes a pipeline through hole 1, an anhydrous ethanol pipeline 2, and a pipeline interface 3. The pipeline through hole 1 is opened on the pipeline separation and fixing block 6, the anhydrous ethanol pipeline 2 passes through the pipeline through hole 1, and the pipeline interface 3 is fixedly installed at the end of the anhydrous ethanol pipeline 2.

[0021] The detection tubing assembly 10 is the core of liquid transfer and detection adaptation. After the anhydrous ethanol tubing 2 passes through the tubing through hole 1 of the tubing separation and fixing block 6, it is sealed and connected to the staining machine plunger pump and the sample dispensing needle through the tubing interface 3 to form a complete liquid circuit. The tubing through hole 1 is precisely matched with the outer diameter of the tubing to avoid directional shaking of the tubing. Its function is to realize the directional transfer of anhydrous ethanol, prevent liquid leakage through the sealing of the tubing interface 3 to ensure accurate sample dosage, and ensure that the relative position of the detection circuit and the tubing is fixed through the limit of the tubing through hole 1. At the same time, it supports multi-channel layout to meet the needs of simultaneous sample dispensing and detection of multiple reagents in the staining machine.

[0022] The anhydrous ethanol tubing 2 is made of transparent polysiloxane; the tubing interface 3 is made of corrosion-resistant material, and one end of the interface 3 is sealed to the anhydrous ethanol tubing 2. The anhydrous ethanol tubing 2, made of transparent polysiloxane, meets the light signal transmission requirements of the photoelectric detection circuit due to its high transmittance. It does not swell or precipitate upon contact with anhydrous ethanol and is also elastic enough to achieve a sealed fit. The interface 3 is made of corrosion-resistant material to prevent corrosion by anhydrous ethanol, and its sealing structure with the tubing prevents liquid leakage. The working principle of the two is to adapt the material properties to the chemical properties of anhydrous ethanol and the detection requirements, ensuring reagent purity, detection signal effectiveness, and liquid circuit sealing.

[0023] Both the first fixing plate 4 and the second fixing plate 5 are provided with bolt holes. Bolts are passed through the bolt holes and fastened to the pipeline separation fixing block 6. A boss is fixedly installed on the outer side of the pipeline separation fixing block 6. A slot that matches the boss is provided on the inner side of the fixing groove 8. The pipeline separation fixing block 6 is engaged in the fixing groove 8 through the cooperation of the boss and the slot. The pipeline through holes 1 are arranged at equal intervals on one side of the pipeline separation fixing block 6, and the hole walls of the pipeline through holes 1 are provided with a smooth and wear-resistant coating.

[0024] Fixed plates 4 and 5 are fastened to the pipeline separation fixing block 6 through bolt holes. The rigid fixing method of bolt connection can resist the impact of equipment vibration on the fixing block. The pipeline separation fixing block 6 is fastened to the fixing groove 8 through bosses and slots to achieve rapid positioning and assembly. The pipelines are arranged at equal intervals through holes 1 and the hole walls are coated with a smooth and wear-resistant coating to reduce pipeline friction and reduce impurity adhesion. Its working principle is to achieve stable assembly and pipeline protection through multi-dimensional mechanical structure optimization. Its function is to improve the stability of mechanical structure, simplify the assembly process, extend the pipeline life, and at the same time, the equal interval arrangement provides an orderly layout for multi-channel detection.

[0025] Please see Figure 1-5 As shown, the control component 11 includes a control circuit board 7, which integrates a capacitive detection circuit and a photoelectric detection circuit. The capacitive detection circuit includes two electrode plates, which are respectively attached to the wall of the anhydrous ethanol pipeline 2 outside the pipeline through hole 1.

[0026] The control circuit board 7 of the control component 11 integrates capacitive and photoelectric dual detection circuits. The two electrode plates of the capacitive detection circuit are attached to the wall of the anhydrous ethanol pipe 2. Utilizing the polar molecular properties of anhydrous ethanol, the change in dielectric constant between the electrodes is converted into a capacitance signal to determine the presence or absence of liquid. The photoelectric detection circuit, in conjunction with the transparent material of the pipe, generates a light intensity signal through the interaction of light signals with the liquid. Its working principle is based on complementary detection using two different detection principles, which helps to avoid the defects of single detection. The capacitive detection is not affected by bubbles or the transparency of the pipe wall, while the photoelectric detection can assist in verifying the state of the liquid. The dual circuits work together to improve the accuracy of detection.

[0027] The control circuit board 7 also integrates a microcontroller (MCU), a filter circuit, a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) module, and an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) module. The MCU is electrically connected to the filter circuit, DAC module, ADC module, capacitive detection circuit, and photoelectric detection circuit via circuit lines. The MCU, as the core of the control circuit board 7, processes and converts the detection signal through electrical connections with the filter circuit, DAC module, and ADC module: the filter circuit filters out external electromagnetic interference and signal abrupt changes; the ADC module converts capacitive and photoelectric analog signals into digital signals; and the DAC module dynamically adjusts the sensitivity parameters of the detection circuit. Its working principle is to complete the entire process through the collaborative operation of the circuit modules, aiming to improve signal quality, ensure signal accuracy, achieve adaptive detection, and provide circuit-level support for accurately determining the liquid state.

[0028] The control component 11 also includes a communication interface, which is integrated on the control circuit board 7. The control circuit board 7 is connected to the host computer of the fully automated immunohistochemistry staining machine via the communication interface. The communication interface of the control component 11 enables the connection between the control circuit board 7 and the host computer of the fully automated immunohistochemistry staining machine. Its working principle is to establish a two-way communication link from the host computer issuing commands to the uploading of test data, so that the host computer can send commands such as sample addition and self-test, and at the same time receive test result feedback. Its function is to integrate into the automated workflow of the staining machine, realize closed-loop control, and complete liquid detection and equipment linkage without manual intervention, thereby improving the automation and reliability of the staining machine's sample addition process.

[0029] Working principle: First, the anhydrous ethanol pipeline 2 is passed through the pipeline through hole 1 of the pipeline separation and fixing block 6, and connected to the plunger pump liquid circuit of the dyeing machine through the pipeline interface 3; the first fixing plate 4 and the second fixing plate 5 are fastened to the pipeline separation and fixing block 6 with bolts, and then the pipeline separation and fixing block 6 is clamped into the fixing groove 8 by the cooperation of the boss and the slot, thus completing the mechanical structure fixation; the control circuit board 7 is connected to the dyeing machine host computer through the communication interface. The host computer sends an initialization command, the MCU starts the filter circuit and ADC module, and calibrates the reference parameters of the dual detection circuit. When the staining machine needs to be filled with anhydrous ethanol, the host computer sends a sample addition command, and the plunger pump pushes the liquid to flow along the anhydrous ethanol pipeline 2. When the liquid flows through the pipeline and through the hole 1, the electrode plate of the capacitive detection circuit senses the change in the dielectric constant inside the pipeline wall. The capacitance value increases linearly with the liquid filling volume. This analog signal is converted into a digital signal by the ADC module and transmitted to the MCU. At the same time, the light source of the photoelectric detection circuit emits a light signal, and the liquid forms a columnar focus in the transparent pipeline. The PD sensor receives the focused light signal, and the light intensity data is also converted by the ADC and transmitted to the MCU. The MCU calls the filtering algorithm to process the dual signals. If both meet the liquid threshold, it is determined that the liquid is flowing normally. The MCU feeds back a signal to the host computer through the communication interface, and the plunger pump continues to add samples. If either signal does not meet the threshold, it is determined to be abnormal. The MCU outputs a signal, and the host computer controls the plunger pump to stop adding samples and sounds an alarm. The control circuit board 7 outputs a status signal based on the MCU's judgment result. When there is liquid, the trigger indicator light stays on, and when there is no liquid or an abnormality, the indicator light flashes. After long-term use, the wear-resistant coating of the pipeline through hole 1 can reduce the adhesion of impurities. If the detection accuracy decreases, the DAC module can dynamically adjust the detection sensitivity by sending a command through the host computer, or the threshold setting circuit can be used for manual calibration. There is no need to disassemble the mechanical structure, which reduces maintenance costs.

[0030] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely one or more preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes for implementing the above embodiments and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of this application still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube, comprising a mechanical fixing assembly (9), a detection pipeline assembly (10), and a control assembly (11), characterized in that: The mechanical fixing assembly (9) includes a first fixing plate (4), a second fixing plate (5), a pipeline separation fixing block (6), and a fixing groove (8). The first fixing plate (4) and the second fixing plate (5) are respectively fixedly installed on both sides of the pipeline separation fixing block (6), and the pipeline separation fixing block (6) is assembled on the inner wall surface of the fixing groove (8).

2. The liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection pipeline assembly (10) includes a pipeline through hole (1), an anhydrous ethanol pipeline (2) and a pipeline interface (3). The pipeline through hole (1) is opened on the pipeline separation fixing block (6). The anhydrous ethanol pipeline (2) passes through the pipeline through hole (1). The pipeline interface (3) is fixedly installed at the end of the anhydrous ethanol pipeline (2).

3. The liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: The anhydrous ethanol pipeline (2) is made of transparent polysiloxane material; the pipeline interface (3) is made of corrosion-resistant material, and one end of the pipeline interface (3) is sealed to the anhydrous ethanol pipeline (2).

4. The liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both the first fixing plate (4) and the second fixing plate (5) are provided with bolt holes. The bolts pass through the bolt holes and are fastened to the pipeline separation fixing block (6). A boss is fixedly installed on the outside of the pipeline separation fixing block (6). A slot adapted to the boss is opened on the inside of the fixing groove (8). The pipeline separation fixing block (6) is fitted into the fixing groove (8) through the cooperation of the boss and the slot. The pipeline through holes (1) are arranged at equal intervals on one side of the pipeline separation fixing block (6), and the hole wall of the pipeline through holes (1) is provided with a smooth wear-resistant coating.

5. The liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control component (11) includes a control circuit board (7), on which a capacitive detection circuit and a photoelectric detection circuit are integrated. The capacitive detection circuit includes two electrode plates, which are respectively attached to the wall of the anhydrous ethanol pipeline (2) outside the pipeline through hole (1).

6. The liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control circuit board (7) also integrates a microcontroller (MCU), a filter circuit, a DAC digital-to-analog converter module, and an ADC analog-to-digital converter module; the microcontroller (MCU) is electrically connected to the filter circuit, the DAC digital-to-analog converter module, the ADC analog-to-digital converter module, the capacitive detection circuit, and the photoelectric detection circuit through circuit lines.

7. The liquid detection device in a polysiloxane tube according to claim 6, characterized in that: The control component (11) also includes a communication interface, which is integrated on the control circuit board (7). The control circuit board (7) is connected to the host computer of the fully automated immunohistochemistry staining machine via the communication interface.

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