A sample injector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sample injector, including install on the sample tray of rotary motor, sample needle, identification module, control module and the drive structure of sample needle, the sample tray is used for placing sample tube, the sample tray is equipped with first mark, the multiple sample tubes of placing in the sample tray all are equipped with second mark, the identification module is located the below of sample tray, and the identification module is used for identifying first mark, second mark, drive structure identification module rotary motor all with control module electricity is connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of sample injector technology, and specifically relates to a sample injector. Background Technology

[0002] A sample injector is an auxiliary device used in conjunction with an analytical instrument. It is controlled by the host computer of the analytical instrument to introduce samples. A sample injector used with an atomic fluorescence spectrometer mainly includes: a sample tray and its control components, an injection arm and its control components, an injection needle, a carrier tank, a cleaning tank, a waste liquid tank, and a peristaltic pump. Its main functions include: introducing samples into the analyzer via the injection needle; introducing carriers and other reagents into the analyzer via the injection needle; cleaning the injection needle; storing carriers and cleaning reagents; storing multiple sample tubes; and introducing and replenishing reagents in real time.

[0003] Currently, in existing technologies, sample injectors all use computer software (i.e., host computer software common to the main unit) to achieve "human-computer interaction" and complete the above functions. Experimenters must perform a single task, and setting and modifying the program requires multiple clicks on the software interface. Input errors or improper operation can lead to system failure and prevent the completion of the experimental task. Furthermore, when the equipment itself malfunctions or communication between devices fails, and control is lost, the instrument enters a "freeze" state that cannot be reset, easily causing damage to components such as the injection needle. For example, misalignment of the injection needle can lead to needle damage.

[0004] Currently, competing manufacturers in the market offer injectors with limited functionality, mostly only possessing basic injection capabilities and controlled by host computer software. They have failed to systematically and effectively address a range of issues that arise during the use of injectors. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sample injector that can be used in conjunction with an analytical instrument to introduce samples. During the sample introduction process, it accurately identifies the sample tray and the sample tube in the sample position, thus accurately introducing the sample and avoiding damage to the injection needle.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is to propose a sample injector, including a sample tray mounted on a rotary motor, an injection needle, an identification module, a control module, and a drive structure for the injection needle. The sample tray is used to place sample tubes, and the sample tray is equipped with a first identifier. Multiple sample tubes placed in the sample tray are each equipped with a second identifier. The identification module is located below the sample tray and is used to identify the first identifier and the second identifier. The drive structure, the identification module, and the rotary motor are all electrically connected to the control module.

[0007] Furthermore, the main structure of the sample injector includes a chassis and a lifting body. The chassis houses the rotary motor, and the lifting body is located on one side of the sample disk mounted on the rotary motor. A flow-carrying groove is provided on the front side of the lifting body.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a fixing knob, a sample injection arm, and a lifting rod. The front end of the sample injection arm has an installation hole for housing the fixing knob. The injection needle is installed at the front end of the sample injection arm through the fixing knob. The rear end of the sample injection arm is connected to the upper end of the lifting rod. The lifting rod drives the sample injection arm to rise, fall, and swing.

[0009] Furthermore, the lower end of the lifting rod is vertically disposed within the lifting body, and the lifting body contains the driving structure, which includes a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism, respectively used to drive the lifting rod to lift and rotate.

[0010] Furthermore, the identification module is mounted on the chassis, located below the sample tray.

[0011] Furthermore, the identification module includes at least a first identification unit and a second identification unit, wherein the first identification unit is used to identify a first mark on the sample tray and the second identification unit is used to identify a second mark on the sample tube.

[0012] Furthermore, the sample tray includes multiple orderly arranged sample positions, and the second identification unit includes multiple identification points, which are arranged on the chassis and located below the sample tray.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a detection module, which is electrically connected to the drive structure and is used to detect the current load of the drive structure. The detection module is also electrically connected to the control module.

[0014] Furthermore, the detection module includes a current sampling unit for acquiring the operating current signal of the drive structure, an obstruction judgment unit, and a signal generation unit. The obstruction judgment unit is electrically connected to the current sampling unit and is used to determine the operating state of the drive structure, which includes a normal state and an obstruction state. The signal generation unit is electrically connected to the obstruction judgment unit and is used to generate a reset operation control signal.

[0015] Furthermore, the control module includes a motor reset unit, which is connected to the signal generation unit and is used to perform a reset operation on the drive structure, so that the drive structure is reset from the obstructed state to the normal state.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The present invention proposes a sample injector that, when used in conjunction with an analytical instrument, enables sample introduction, accurately identifies the sample tray and sample tube within the sample position, and precisely introduces the sample during the sample introduction process, avoiding damage to the injection needle.

[0017] The status of the injection needle's drive structure is monitored, and a reset operation is performed in a timely manner to prevent the injection needle from being misaligned or damaged. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In these drawings, similar reference numerals are used to denote similar elements. The drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments. Other drawings will be readily available to those skilled in the art based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an injector according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the injection needle of an injector according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sample tube; Figure 4 This is a magnified view of the bottom of the sample tube.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Sample tray; 2. Injection needle; 3. Fixing knob; 4. Injection arm; 5. Lifting rod; 6. Overflow port; 7. Flow tank; 8. Waste outlet; 9. Flow inlet; 10. Cleaning fluid inlet; 11. Replenishment switching valve; 12. Peristaltic pump; 13. Cleaning fluid bottle; 14. Flow bottle; 15. Voice module; 16. Recognition module; 17. Fixing block; 18. Skeleton; 19. Detector electrode; 20. Sampling tube; 21. Identification mark; 22. Sample tube. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model and the prior art, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Furthermore, the design orientation only indicates the relative positional relationship between the components, not the absolute positional relationship.

[0022] This utility model embodiment provides an injector; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3, Figure 4 It mainly includes a sample tray 1, an injection needle 2, an identification module 16, a control module, and a drive structure for the injection needle 2, all mounted on a rotary motor. The sample tray 1 is used to place sample tubes 22. The sample tray 1 is equipped with a first identifier, and all sample tubes 22 placed in the sample tray 1 are equipped with a second identifier. The identification module 16 is located below the sample tray 1 and is used to identify the first identifier and the second identifier. The drive structure, the identification module 16, and the rotary motor are all electrically connected to the control module.

[0023] In this application, the main structure of the injector can be as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the components can be distinguished by the installation object, including a chassis and a lifting body. The chassis has a built-in rotary motor, and the lifting body is located on one side of the sample tray 1 mounted on the rotary motor. A flow-carrying groove 7 is provided on the front side of the lifting body.

[0024] Other functional structures can also be configured on the chassis, such as a liquid replenishment switching valve 11, a peristaltic pump 12, a voice module 15, etc., as well as a cleaning fluid bottle 13 and a flow carrier bottle 14. Regarding the flow carrier tank 7, an overflow port 6, a waste discharge outlet 8, a flow carrier inlet 9, and a cleaning fluid inlet 10 can be configured to achieve the corresponding functions.

[0025] For example, the voice module 15 can issue operation commands through the control module, such as reset, power off, power on, etc.

[0026] For example, based on the carrier inlet 9 and the cleaning fluid inlet 10, the carrier fluid enters the carrier position from the carrier bottle 14 through the replenishment peristaltic pump, and the cleaning fluid enters the cleaning position from the cleaning fluid bottle 13 sequentially through the replenishment switching valve 11 and the replenishment peristaltic pump. During the test, the cleaning fluid is updated in real time through overflow. By controlling the replenishment switching valve 11, the switching between cleaning fluid and air can be realized, which can reduce the waste of cleaning fluid. During the replenishment process, excess reagent enters the waste liquid position from the overflow port 6 and flows out from the waste discharge port 8.

[0027] It is understood that the peristaltic pump 12 in the above example may include multiple peristaltic pumps for fluid replenishment, which cooperate with the fluid replenishment switching valve 11 to achieve the relevant functional effects. The connecting hoses and pump tubes used may be made of acid and alkali resistant materials.

[0028] In this application, the displacement of the injection needle 2 is achieved by a driving structure, and its displacement range can be between the sample disk 1 and the flow carrier 7. Therefore, the support structure of the injection needle 2 should support its displacement within the displacement range. According to the distribution of the main structure of the injector, a support structure can be configured for the injection needle 2, which, together with the driving structure, determines its displacement range.

[0029] In one feasible embodiment, the support structure may include a fixing knob 3, a sample injection arm 4, and a lifting rod 5. The front end of the sample injection arm 4 has an installation hole for the fixing knob 3. The injection needle 2 is installed at the front end of the sample injection arm 4 through the fixing knob 3. The rear end of the sample injection arm 4 is connected to the upper end of the lifting rod 5. The lifting rod 5 drives the sample injection arm 4 to rise, fall, and swing.

[0030] Based on this, a drive structure can be configured. The lower end of the lifting rod 5 is vertically mounted within the lifting body, which houses the drive structure. The drive structure includes a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism, used to drive the lifting rod 5 to rise and rotate, respectively. Both the sample inlet arm 4 and the lifting rod 5 are coated with Teflon material to effectively prevent corrosion in acidic environments.

[0031] Specifically, the first drive mechanism can be used to drive the lifting rod 5 to rise and fall synchronously with the second drive mechanism, while the second drive structure is used to drive the lifting rod 5 to rotate.

[0032] In one feasible embodiment, the base of the first drive mechanism is fixedly mounted in a suitable position within the lifting body, the output end of the first drive mechanism is fixedly connected to the base of the second drive mechanism, and the output end of the second drive mechanism is fixedly connected to the lower end of the lifting rod 5.

[0033] The lifting body should have sufficient internal height to provide enough lifting space for the second drive mechanism, ensuring that the lifting height of the lifting rod 5 meets the usage requirements. The length of the sample injection arm 4 should be sufficient so that when the horizontal sample injection arm 4 swings, it can move the sample injection needle 2 at its front end to any position on the sample tray 1, allowing the sample injection needle 2 to sample each sample tube 22 placed on the sample tray 1. Of course, this technical effect also requires the rotation drive of the sample tray 1 by a rotary motor. The arbitrary sampling of the sample injection needle 2 depends not only on the support structure and drive structure, but also on the rotary motor. The rotary motor can drive the sample tray 1 to rotate, so that the sample injection needle 2 can sample any sample tube 22 in the sample tray 1 within a limited displacement range.

[0034] It should be clear that the sampling of the injection needle 2 needs to be accurate to the specific position of the sample tube 22 so that the injection needle 2 can be accurately inserted into the sample tube 22 for sampling.

[0035] In this application, an identification module 16 is provided on the chassis, located below the sample tray 1, and can be used to identify information related to the sample tray 1 and the sample tubes 22 placed on the sample tray 1. Correspondingly, identification marks 21 are provided on the sample tray 1 and the sample tubes 22, which work in conjunction with the identification module 16 for identification and positioning. The identification marks 21 can be divided into a first mark applied to the sample tray 1 and a second mark applied to the sample tubes 22.

[0036] Specifically, the identification module 16 includes at least a first identification unit and a second identification unit. The first identification unit is used to identify a first mark on the sample tray 1, and the second identification unit is used to identify a second mark on the sample tube 22.

[0037] The first identifier is used to characterize relevant information about the sample tray 1, and can be divided into fixed and editable categories. Fixed categories include the arrangement of sample positions, dimensions, and number of sample positions in the sample tray 1, while editable categories include the type of sample and the number of sample positions occupied. The second identifier is used to characterize relevant information about a single sample tube 22, and can be divided into fixed and editable categories. Fixed categories include dimensions and material, while editable categories include the type of sample and its capacity.

[0038] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 The second identifier can be located at the bottom of the sample tube 22, in the shape of a hemispherical shell, and attached to the bottom of the sample tube 22 to facilitate identification by the second identification unit. Based on the location of the second identification unit, the position of the sample tube 22 can be determined so that the injection needle 2 can be accurately inserted into the sample tube 22.

[0039] The first identifier can be located at the edge of the sample tray 1. Correspondingly, a first identification unit can be set based on the size of the sample tray 1, so that the first identification unit can accurately identify the relevant information of the sample tray 1. Based on practical considerations, sample tray 1 often includes multiple orderly arranged sample positions; that is, the arrangement of the holes on sample tray 1 can be as follows: Figure 1 The typical arrangement shown is a multi-ring arrangement, with multiple holes evenly distributed circumferentially within each ring; other arrangements such as matrix arrangements are also possible.

[0040] However, it should be clear that no matter how the holes on the sample plate 1 are arranged, the distance between the sample position and the center position remains unchanged when the sample plate 1 is rotated. Therefore, multiple identification points can be configured to achieve the identification and positioning of the sample tube 22 on each sample position.

[0041] For ease of explanation, taking a typical arrangement as an example, it is only necessary to configure the same number of identification points as the number of circles to achieve identification and positioning of each sample tube 22.

[0042] For example, if the number of rotations is 5, then 5 identification points are configured and deployed on the chassis according to the interval between each rotation. Each rotation corresponds to one identification point. When the sample disk 1 rotates, the sample on each rotation will pass through the identification point in sequence, so that the sample tube 22 mounted on each sample position can be identified by the identification point. Since the position of the identification point is fixed, when the sample tube 22 is identified, the rotation of the sample disk 1 can be stopped, and the injection needle 2 can be driven to sample the sample tube 22.

[0043] As a feasible embodiment, based on the orderly arrangement of sample positions, the second identification unit includes multiple identification points. The multiple identification points are arranged on the chassis and located below the sample plate 1. The deployment radius of each identification point on the chassis corresponds to the rotation radius of one sample position.

[0044] In this application, the identification method between the identification module 16 and the identification tag 21 can be non-contact, such as radio frequency identification (RFID), barcode, short-range wireless communication (NFC), dynamic visual recognition technology, etc. However, considering cost and operability, RFID is the preferred option. Based on this, the identification tag 21 can be a radio frequency circuit sticker with relevant information written on it; the identification module 16 can be an RFID identification and reading device to identify and obtain the relevant information on the identification tag 21.

[0045] In this application, the injection needle 2 includes a fixing block 17, a frame 18, a detection electrode 19, and a sampling tube 20, such as Figure 2 As shown, the skeleton 18 can be a carbon fiber skeleton; the inner sampling tube 20 of the injection needle is used for sample transfer and is installed together with the detection electrode 19 on the fixing block 17 (there is a certain height difference between the two). Combined with the carbon fiber skeleton, it plays a supporting and protective role.

[0046] When the two probe electrodes 19 touch the liquid surface, the circuit determines that it is conducting and automatically triggers the injection rod to stop moving downwards. If the injection rod reaches the lower limit of its structure but still fails to detect the liquid surface, the system issues an alarm, indicating that there is a shortage of liquid at that location. The overall structural design uses acid and alkali resistant and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure the reliability of components that are exposed to acidic environments for extended periods.

[0047] Among them, the detection electrode 19 can be made of a special metal material, which is small in size, fast in reaction speed, and resistant to acid and alkali corrosion, such as gold (Au), inert alloys, etc.; the sampling tube 20 can be made of acid and alkali resistant material, with low adsorption and low residue.

[0048] In this application, the injection needle 2 can be driven based on the deployment position of the second identification unit. However, this is highly dependent on the identification accuracy. The spacing between the sample tubes 22 may be small, resulting in positional identification deviation. This may cause the injection needle 2 to be misaligned, thereby damaging the injection needle 2.

[0049] Therefore, a detection module can be configured based on the drive structure. The detection module is electrically connected to the drive structure and is used to detect the current load of the drive structure. The detection module is also electrically connected to the control module.

[0050] When the drive end of the drive structure is obstructed (e.g., unable to rotate or lift), it can be reset to avoid damage to some components (e.g., injection needle 2, drive mechanism). The two drive mechanisms can be specifically motors, such as a lifting motor and a rotating motor.

[0051] For example, the detection module includes a current sampling unit for acquiring the operating current signal of the drive structure, an obstacle judgment unit, and a signal generation unit. The obstacle judgment unit is electrically connected to the current sampling unit and is used to determine the operating state of the drive structure. The operating state includes a normal state and an obstacle state. The signal generation unit is electrically connected to the obstacle judgment unit and is used to generate a reset operation control signal.

[0052] The control module includes a motor reset unit, which is connected to a signal generation unit and is used to perform a reset operation on the drive structure, so that the drive structure is reset from the obstructed state to the normal state.

[0053] The current acquisition unit may include a precision sampling resistor and a current sensing amplifier connected in series in the motor power supply circuit. For example, a 0.1Ω precision sampling resistor is connected in series in the positive circuit of the motor power supply, and the sampled voltage is input to the IN+ and IN- terminals of the INA180 current sensing amplifier. The gain of the INA180 is set to 20 times, and the output voltage signal is sent to the obstacle detection module.

[0054] The obstacle detection unit may include a voltage comparator and a reference voltage source. The voltage comparator compares the current sampling signal with a preset threshold. For example, an LM393 voltage comparator is used, with its inverting input connected to a 4V reference voltage generated by a TL431 reference source (corresponding to a 2A obstacle threshold), and its non-inverting input connected to the output voltage of the current sampling module. When the motor current exceeds 2A, the comparator outputs a high level.

[0055] To accurately determine the nature of the obstruction, a delay confirmation unit can be set up and connected to the obstruction judgment module to ensure that the obstruction state continues to exist. The delay confirmation module includes an RC filter circuit and a Schmitt trigger. For example, the comparator output is filtered by an RC low-pass filter circuit consisting of a 200kΩ resistor and a 1μF capacitor, and the filtered signal is input to a CD40106 Schmitt trigger for waveform shaping.

[0056] The signal generation unit is connected to the delay confirmation module and is used to generate a reset operation control signal; the trigger signal generation module includes a monostable timer circuit. For example, the Schmitt trigger output triggers the NE555 monostable timer, with the timer's external resistor and capacitor parameters set as follows: R = 450kΩ, C = 1μF, and the output pulse width T = 1.1 × R × C ≈ 500ms.

[0057] The motor reset unit is connected to the trigger signal generation module and is used to perform an automatic reset operation. The motor control module includes a relay drive circuit and a motor power control circuit. For example, the NE555 output drives a 2N2222 transistor after optocoupler isolation via a PC817. The transistor controls the on / off state of the relay coil. The relay contacts switch the motor's forward and reverse power supply, thus achieving the automatic reset function. It may also include a status indicator circuit that displays the system's operating status using LEDs of different colors.

[0058] Therefore, by monitoring the motor's operating current in real time through the current sampling module, and through pure hardware processing by the obstacle detection module, delay confirmation module, and trigger signal generation module, a trigger signal is automatically generated when an obstacle is detected, controlling the motor to perform a reset operation.

[0059] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0060] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample injector, characterized in that, The system includes a sample tray (1) mounted on a rotary motor, an injection needle (2), an identification module (16), a control module, and a drive structure for the injection needle (2). The sample tray (1) is used to place sample tubes (22). The sample tray (1) is equipped with a first identifier, and each sample tube (22) placed in the sample tray (1) is equipped with a second identifier. The identification module (16) is located below the sample tray (1) and is used to identify the first identifier and the second identifier. The drive structure, the identification module (16), and the rotary motor are all electrically connected to the control module.

2. The sample injector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main structure of the injector includes a chassis and a lifting body. The chassis has the rotary motor built in, and the lifting body is located on one side of the sample disk (1) installed on the rotary motor. A flow-carrying groove (7) is provided on the front side of the lifting body.

3. The sample injector according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing knob (3), a sample injection arm (4), and a lifting rod (5). The front end of the sample injection arm (4) has an installation hole for housing the fixing knob (3). The injection needle (2) is installed at the front end of the sample injection arm (4) through the fixing knob (3). The rear end of the sample injection arm (4) is connected to the upper end of the lifting rod (5). The lifting rod (5) drives the sample injection arm (4) to rise and fall and swing.

4. The sample injector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower end of the lifting rod (5) is vertically disposed within the lifting body, and the lifting body contains the driving structure. The driving structure includes a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism, which are used to drive the lifting rod (5) to rise and rotate, respectively.

5. The sample injector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The identification module (16) is located on the chassis, below the sample tray (1).

6. The sample injector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The identification module (16) includes at least a first identification unit and a second identification unit. The first identification unit is used to identify a first mark on the sample tray (1), and the second identification unit is used to identify a second mark on the sample tube (22).

7. The sample injector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sample tray (1) includes multiple orderly arranged sample positions, and the second identification unit includes multiple identification points. The multiple identification points are arranged on the chassis and located below the sample tray (1). The deployment radius of each identification point on the chassis corresponds to the rotation radius of a sample position.

8. The sample injector according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a detection module, which is electrically connected to the drive structure and is used to detect the current load of the drive structure. The detection module is also electrically connected to the control module.

9. A sample injector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The detection module includes a current sampling unit for acquiring the operating current signal of the drive structure, an obstruction judgment unit, and a signal generation unit. The obstruction judgment unit is electrically connected to the current sampling unit and is used to determine the operating state of the drive structure, which includes a normal state and an obstruction state. The signal generation unit is electrically connected to the obstruction judgment unit and is used to generate a reset operation control signal.

10. A sample injector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control module includes a motor reset unit, which is connected to the signal generation unit and is used to perform a reset operation on the drive structure, so that the drive structure is reset from the obstructed state to the normal state.

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