Weighing devices and pipetting equipment for pipetting equipment

Abstract

This utility model provides a weighing device for a pipetting apparatus and a pipetting apparatus. The weighing device for the pipetting apparatus includes: a mounting frame; a lifting assembly mounted on the mounting frame, the driving end of which is connected to a cartridge assembly configured to hold a pipette tip; and a first weighing assembly mounted on the mounting frame, located beside the lifting assembly. The lifting assembly drives the cartridge assembly to move between a weighing position and a lifting position. The weighing position is the position of the cartridge assembly when it rests on the first weighing assembly, and the lifting position is the position where the cartridge assembly is lifted and detached from the first weighing assembly. The first weighing assembly is used to weigh the cartridge assembly at the weighing position. When it is necessary to remove a pipette tip from the cartridge assembly or place a pipette tip on the cartridge assembly, the lifting assembly drives the cartridge assembly to rise to the lifting position. The first weighing assembly will not exceed its weighing range due to impact forces, and its risk of damage is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipetting technology, specifically to a weighing device for a pipetting apparatus and a pipetting apparatus having the same. Background Technology

[0002] High-precision chemical analysis experiments, such as liquid chromatography (HPLC / UPLC), moisture detection (e.g., Karl Fischer method), and others, have very high quality requirements and require precise determination of the weight of the liquid pipette. However, traditional weighing devices cannot meet the experimental requirements, thus failing to accurately determine the weight of the liquid pipette, which in turn leads to low reliability of the experimental results.

[0003] To improve the reliability of experimental results, high-precision electronic balances have been introduced into existing technologies. High-precision electronic balances can accurately weigh pipettes, thus providing rigorous data for experiments.

[0004] However, due to the small measuring range of high-precision electronic balances, the actions involved in pipetting can exert an impact force on the balance. This impact force can cause the high-precision electronic balance to exceed its measuring range, thereby damaging the expensive balance and causing serious losses. Utility Model Content

[0005] To at least partially address the problems existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of the present invention, a weighing device for a pipetting apparatus is provided. The weighing device for a pipetting apparatus includes: a mounting frame; a lifting assembly disposed on the mounting frame, the driving end of the lifting assembly being connected to a cartridge assembly configured to hold a pipette tip; and a first weighing assembly disposed on the mounting frame and located beside the lifting assembly; wherein: the lifting assembly is used to drive the cartridge assembly to move between a weighing position and a lifting position, the weighing position being the position where the cartridge assembly rests on the first weighing assembly, and the lifting position being the position where the cartridge assembly is lifted and detached from the first weighing assembly, the first weighing assembly being used to weigh the weight of the cartridge assembly at the weighing position.

[0006] For example, the lifting assembly includes a push cylinder, the cylinder body of which is mounted on a mounting bracket, and the cylinder rod of which is used to connect to the material box assembly.

[0007] For example, the lifting assembly includes two sets, which are located on both sides of the first weighing assembly and are used to connect the two ends of the material box assembly.

[0008] For example, each lifting assembly includes a cylinder support and a lifting cylinder. The cylinder support is connected between the mounting frame and the cylinder body of the lifting cylinder on one side of the first weighing assembly. The cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder is used to connect to one side of the material box assembly.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a pipetting device is also provided. The pipetting device includes a cartridge assembly, a pipette for pipetting, and a weighing device as described above. The pipetting device is configured such that the cartridge assembly is raised to the lifting position and exchanges pipette tip with the pipette, and the cartridge assembly is lowered to the weighing position after the pipette tip exchanges with the cartridge assembly.

[0010] For example, the cartridge assembly has a tip storage position for storing unpipette tips and a waste position for placing pipette tips. The transfer of pipette tips between the cartridge assembly and the pipette includes: the pipette connecting the unpipette tip in the tip storage position and the pipette discharging the pipette tip to the waste position. For a single pipetting operation, the unpipette tip and the pipette tip are two states of the same tip before and after pipetting. The first weighing component is configured to weigh the cartridge assembly in two consecutive weighing positions.

[0011] For example, the material box assembly includes a material box support and a material box detachably seated on the material box support. The drive end of the lifting assembly is connected to the material box support. The material box support is provided with a first placement hole configured as a waste position, and the material box is provided with a second placement hole configured as a gun head storage position.

[0012] For example, the material box support includes a base plate, a top frame, a connecting rod, and a lug. The drive end of the lifting assembly is connected to the base plate, and the connecting rod is connected between the base plate and the top frame so that the base plate and the top frame are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The material box is detachably seated on the top frame. A second placement hole penetrates the material box in the vertical direction. The lug is connected to the side of the top frame, and a first placement hole penetrates the lug in the vertical direction.

[0013] For example, the material box assembly also includes a liquid receiving groove connected to the base plate, the liquid receiving groove being located vertically below the first placement hole.

[0014] For example, a pipette is used to aspirate liquid from a storage container after the tip is connected to the cartridge assembly, and the pipetting device also includes a second weighing component for weighing the storage container before and after the liquid is aspirated.

[0015] The weighing device for pipetting equipment provided in this embodiment of the invention allows the lifting component to raise the container assembly to a raised position when it is necessary to remove the pipette tip from the container assembly or place the pipette tip on the container assembly. Thus, since the container assembly is detached from the first weighing component, the impact force generated by removing or placing the pipette tip will not be transmitted to the first weighing component. Therefore, the first weighing component will not exceed its weighing range due to impact force, its risk of damage is low, and the weighing device has a longer service life.

[0016] This utility model description introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This utility model description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0017] The advantages and features of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this invention, are provided for understanding the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of a weighing device for a pipetting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the weighing device for pipetting equipment shown in the figure; and

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The image shows another perspective view of the weighing device used in pipetting equipment.

[0022] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0023] 100. Mounting bracket; 110. Base frame; 120. Marble platform; 200. Lifting assembly; 210. Pushing cylinder; 220. Cylinder support; 300. First weighing assembly; 400. Material box assembly; 401. First placement hole; 402. Second placement hole; 410. Material box support; 411. Base plate; 412. Top frame; 413. Connecting rod; 414. Lug; 420. Material box; 430. Liquid receiving tank; 510. Unpipended pipette tip; 520. Pipended pipette tip. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, which may be practiced without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with the present invention, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, a weighing device (hereinafter referred to as the weighing device) for a pipetting apparatus is provided. Therefore, according to another aspect of the present invention, a pipetting apparatus is also provided. The weighing device and pipetting apparatus of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the weighing device may include a mounting frame 100, a lifting assembly 200, and a first weighing assembly 300.

[0027] The mounting bracket 100 can be used to mount on a platform such as a countertop or floor. The mounting bracket 100 can serve as the base of the weighing device and can have any suitable structure. For example, the mounting bracket 100 may include a base frame 110 and a marble platform 120. The base frame 110 can be used to mount on a platform such as a countertop or floor. The marble platform 120 can be mounted on top of the base frame 110.

[0028] The lifting assembly 200 can be mounted on the mounting bracket 100. Specifically, the lifting assembly 200 can be mounted on the marble platform 120. The drive end of the lifting assembly 200 can be used to connect to the cartridge assembly 400. The cartridge assembly 400 can be connected to the drive end of the lifting assembly 200 by means of snap-fit ​​or screws; alternatively, the cartridge assembly 400 can be connected to the drive end of the lifting assembly 200 simply by sitting down. The cartridge assembly 400 can be configured to hold pipette tips. The pipette tips can include unpipette tips 510 and / or pipette tips 520.

[0029] The first weighing component 300 can be mounted on the mounting bracket 100. Specifically, the first weighing component 300 can be mounted on the marble platform 120. Furthermore, the first weighing component 300 can be located beside the lifting component 200. The first weighing component 300 can be any type of weighing component known in the art or that may emerge in the future, including but not limited to high-precision electronic balances or mechanical scales.

[0030] The lifting assembly 200 can be used to drive the cassette assembly 400 between a weighing position and a lifting position. The lifting position can be located above the weighing position. The weighing position can be the position where the cassette assembly 400 rests on the first weighing assembly 300. That is, when the lifting assembly 200 drives the cassette assembly 400 to the weighing position, the cassette assembly 400 can rest on the first weighing assembly 300. The first weighing assembly 300 can be used to weigh the weight of the cassette assembly 400 at the weighing position. For example, when the lifting assembly 200 drives the cassette assembly 400 to the weighing position, the driving end of the lifting assembly 200 can continue to move to detach from the cassette assembly 400. In this way, the lifting assembly 200 will not bear the weight of the cassette assembly 400, and the cassette assembly 400 can rest completely on the first weighing assembly 300, thereby ensuring high accuracy in weighing the cassette assembly 400 by the first weighing assembly 300.

[0031] The lifting position can be the position where the material box assembly 400 is lifted and removed from the first weighing assembly 300. That is, when the lifting assembly 200 drives the material box assembly 400 to the lifting position, the material box assembly 400 can be spaced apart from the first weighing assembly 300 and located above the first weighing assembly 300. The lifting assembly 200 can be any type of lifting assembly known in the art or that may emerge in the future, including but not limited to motor-driven lifting assemblies or cylinder-driven lifting assemblies.

[0032] In practical applications, the lifting component 200 can drive the material box assembly 400 to descend to the weighing position. Thus, the first weighing component 300 can weigh the material box assembly 400. When it is necessary to remove the nozzle from the material box assembly 400 or place the nozzle on the material box assembly 400, the lifting component 200 can drive the material box assembly 400 to the raised position. Since the material box assembly 400 is detached from the first weighing component 300, the impact force generated by removing or placing the nozzle will not be transmitted to the first weighing component 300. Therefore, the first weighing component 300 will not exceed its weighing range due to impact force, its risk of damage is low, and the service life of the weighing device is long.

[0033] For example, the lifting assembly 200 may include a lifting cylinder 210. The cylinder body of the lifting cylinder 210 may be mounted on the mounting bracket 100. The cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder 210 may be used to connect to the material box assembly 400. With this configuration, the lifting cylinder 210 can drive the material box assembly 400 to move between a weighing position and a lifting position via its telescopic cylinder rod. This results in a high degree of automation in the weighing device, thereby reducing labor costs.

[0034] For example, the lifting assembly 200 may include two sets. The two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be located on both sides of the first weighing assembly 300. Specifically, the two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be located on both sides of the first weighing assembly 300 along the horizontal direction. The two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be used to connect the two ends of the material box assembly 400. The structures of the two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be the same or different. The two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first weighing assembly 300. The two sets of lifting assemblies 200 may be used to synchronously drive the material box assembly 400 to move between the weighing position and the lifting position. With this configuration, the lifting assemblies 200 can be connected to multiple positions of the material box assembly 400, thereby improving the connection strength and the balance of forces between the two, preventing the material box assembly 400 from falling during movement. Furthermore, the two sets of lifting components 200 can support the material box component 400 on both sides of the first weighing component 300, thereby preventing the material box component 400 from falling and hitting the first weighing component 300 due to operational errors when picking up or putting down the material box component 400. Therefore, the two sets of lifting components 200 can protect the first weighing component 300.

[0035] For example, each lifting assembly 200 may include a lifting cylinder 210 and a cylinder support 220. The cylinder support 220 may be located on one side of the first weighing assembly 300 and connected between the mounting bracket 100 and the cylinder body of the lifting cylinder 210. The cylinder support 220 may include, but is not limited to, a plate-like structure, a rod-like structure, or a block-like structure. The cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder 210 may be used to connect to one side of the material box assembly 400. With this configuration, the weighing device has a high degree of automation, thereby reducing labor costs.

[0036] In embodiments where the weighing device is applied to a pipetting apparatus, the pipetting apparatus may further include a cartridge assembly 400 and a pipette (not shown). A pipette tip may be mounted on the pipette, allowing it to be used for pipetting. In practical applications, the pipette can draw liquid through its mounted tip and then discharge it to a target location. The pipetting apparatus may be configured such that, when the cartridge assembly 400 rises to a raised position, it can exchange pipette tips with the pipette (including discharging pipette tips mounted on the cartridge assembly 400 onto the cartridge assembly 400). During the exchange of pipette tips with the cartridge assembly 400, the pipette applies an impact force to the cartridge assembly 400, which does not damage the first weighing component 300. Furthermore, after the pipette tip is exchanged with the cartridge assembly 400, the cartridge assembly 400 can descend to the weighing position. With this configuration, the first weighing component 300 will not be damaged when the pipette tip is transferred to the container assembly 400, while the pipetting device is equipped with both weighing and pipetting functions.

[0037] Exemplarily, the cartridge assembly 400 may have a tip storage position and a waste position. The tip storage position may be used to store unpipette tips 510. The waste position may be used to place pipette tips 520. The transfer of tips between the cartridge assembly 400 and the pipette may include: the pipette connecting the unpipette tip 510 in the tip storage position, and the pipette discharging the pipette tip 520 to the waste position. For a single pipetting operation, the unpipette tip 510 and the pipette tip 520 may be the same tip in two states before and after pipetting. The first weighing assembly 300 may be configured to weigh the cartridge assembly 400 when it is in a weighing position twice consecutively. The two consecutive weighing positions refer to: the cartridge assembly 400 being in a weighing position, then moving from the weighing position to a lifting position, and then returning to the weighing position.

[0038] In practical applications, the first weighing component 300 can weigh the cartridge assembly 400 at the weighing position (defined as the first weight). Then, the cartridge assembly 400 can rise to a lifting position, and a pipette can be mounted on the unpipette tip 510 in the tip storage position of the cartridge assembly 400. The pipette can then draw liquid through the unpipette tip 510 and discharge it to the target location, thus completing one pipetting operation. After pipetting is complete, the unpipette tip 510 becomes a pipetted tip 520. The pipette can then discharge the pipetted tip 520 to the waste position of the cartridge assembly 400. Thus, the first weighing component 300 will not be damaged due to the transfer of tips between the pipette and the cartridge assembly 400. Then, the lifting component 200 can drive the cartridge assembly 400 to move back to the weighing position. In this way, the cartridge assembly 400 can be in the weighing position twice consecutively. The first weighing component 300 can weigh the container assembly 400 again at the weighing position (defined as the second weight). The difference between the lifting component 200 at the weighing position twice is that the unpipette tip 510 becomes the pipette tip 520. After pipetting, there will inevitably be some liquid residue on the pipette tip 520. Since the unpipette tip 510 and the pipette tip 520 are the same tip, the weight of the liquid residue on the pipette tip 520 can be calculated by subtracting the first weight from the second weight (defined as the weight difference). In this way, the pipetting device can provide more data for pipetting, thereby improving the reliability of related experimental results.

[0039] Exemplarily, a pipette can be used to aspirate liquid from a storage container (not shown) after being connected to a tip (i.e., non-pipette tip 510) on the cartridge assembly 400, and then dispensing it to a target location. The pipetting device may also include a second weighing component (not shown). The second weighing component can be used to weigh the storage container before and after the liquid is aspirated by the pipette. The second weighing component can be of various types known in the art or likely to emerge in the future, including but not limited to high-precision electronic balances or mechanical scales. By weighing the storage container before and after the liquid is aspirated by the pipette, the weight of the liquid aspirated by the pipette can be determined, thereby providing data for related experiments. Furthermore, by weighing the storage container before and after the liquid is aspirated by the pipette and subtracting the aforementioned weight difference, the weight of the liquid actually dispensing to the target location by the pipette can be accurately determined, thereby improving the reliability of related experimental results.

[0040] Exemplarily, the cartridge assembly 400 may include a cartridge support 410 and a cartridge 420. The drive end of the lifting assembly 200 may be connected to the cartridge support 410. The cartridge 420 is detachably seated on the cartridge support 410. This facilitates the replacement of the cartridge 420. The cartridge support 410 may be provided with a first placement hole 401 configured as a waste position. A pipette tip 520 can be inserted into the first placement hole 401. The cartridge 420 may be provided with a second placement hole 402 configured as a tip storage position. An unpipette tip 510 can be inserted into the second placement hole 402. This configuration results in a simpler structure for the cartridge assembly 400, facilitating its manufacturing.

[0041] Exemplarily, the cartridge support 410 may include a base plate 411, a top frame 412, a connecting rod 413, and a lug 414. The drive end of the lifting assembly 200 may be connected to the base plate 411. The top frame 412 may be located above the base plate 411. The connecting rod 413 may be connected between the base plate 411 and the top frame 412, so that the base plate 411 and the top frame 412 are vertically spaced apart. The cartridge 420 is detachably seated on the top frame 412. A second placement hole 402 may penetrate the cartridge 420 vertically. The lug 414 may be connected to the side of the top frame 412. A first placement hole 401 may penetrate the lug 414 vertically. With this configuration, the cartridge assembly 400 can be used to hold pipette tips of different lengths, improving the applicability of pipetting devices.

[0042] Exemplarily, the cartridge assembly 400 may also include a drip tray 430. The drip tray 430 may be connected to the base plate 411. Vertically, the drip tray 430 may be located below the first placement hole 401. When the pipette tip 520 is inserted into the first placement hole 401, the liquid remaining on the pipette tip 520 will drip down under the influence of gravity. In this way, the drip tray 430 can catch the liquid dripping from the pipette tip 520, thereby preventing liquid from splashing onto other components and affecting them. In particular, for the first weighing assembly 300, if liquid splashes onto the first weighing assembly 300, it will affect the accuracy of the weighing. Furthermore, since the receiving tank 430 can collect the liquid dripping from the pipette tip 520 and the receiving tank 430 is connected to the base plate 411, the first weighing component 300 can still weigh the dripping liquid, so that the weighing result will not be changed due to the liquid dripping from the pipette tip 520.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship, which are usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0044] For ease of description, relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used here to describe the regional positional relationship of one or more components or features shown in the figures to other components or features. It should be understood that relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figure but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.

[0045] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0046] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0047] This utility model has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the utility model to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this utility model, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A weighing device for a pipetting apparatus, characterized in that include: Mounting rack; A lifting assembly is mounted on the mounting frame, and the drive end of the lifting assembly is used to connect to a material box assembly configured to hold a gun head; as well as The first weighing component is disposed on the mounting frame and located beside the lifting component; Wherein: the lifting component is used to drive the material box component to move between the weighing position and the lifting position, the weighing position is the position where the material box component is placed on the first weighing component, the lifting position is the position where the material box component is lifted and removed from the first weighing component, and the first weighing component is used to weigh the weight of the material box component at the weighing position.

2. The weighing device for a pipetting apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting assembly includes a lifting cylinder, the cylinder body of which is mounted on the mounting bracket, and the cylinder rod of which is used to connect to the material box assembly.

3. The weighing device for a pipetting apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting assembly includes two sets, which are located on both sides of the first weighing assembly and are used to connect the two ends of the material box assembly.

4. The weighing device for a pipetting apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Each lifting assembly includes a cylinder support and a lifting cylinder. The cylinder support is connected between the mounting frame and the cylinder body of the lifting cylinder on one side of the first weighing assembly. The cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder is used to connect to one side of the material box assembly.

5. A pipetting device, characterized in that, The device includes a cartridge assembly, a pipette for pipetting, and a weighing device for a pipetting apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the pipetting apparatus is configured such that when the cartridge assembly rises to the lifting position, it connects with the pipette tip, and after the pipette tip connects with the cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly descends to the weighing position.

6. The pipetting device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The cartridge assembly has a tip storage position for storing unpipette tips and a waste position for placing pipette tips. The transfer of the tip between the cartridge assembly and the pipette includes: the pipette connecting the unpipette tip in the tip storage position and the pipette discharging the pipette tip into the waste position. For a single pipetting operation, the unpipette tip and the pipette tip are two states of the same tip before and after pipetting by the pipette. The first weighing component is configured to weigh the cartridge assembly at the weighing position twice consecutively.

7. The pipetting device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The material box assembly includes a material box support and a material box detachably seated on the material box support. The drive end of the lifting assembly is connected to the material box support. The material box support is provided with a first placement hole configured as the waste position, and the material box is provided with a second placement hole configured as the gun head storage position.

8. The pipetting device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The material box support includes a base plate, a top frame, a connecting rod, and a lug. The drive end of the lifting assembly is connected to the base plate, and the connecting rod is connected between the base plate and the top frame so that the base plate and the top frame are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The material box is detachably seated on the top frame. The second placement hole penetrates the material box in the vertical direction. The lug is connected to the side of the top frame, and the first placement hole penetrates the lug in the vertical direction.

9. The pipetting apparatus as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The material box assembly also includes a liquid receiving groove connected to the base plate, the liquid receiving groove being located below the first placement hole along the vertical direction.

10. The pipetting device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The pipette is used to draw liquid from the storage container after the pipette tip is connected to the cartridge assembly. The pipetting device also includes a second weighing component, which is used to weigh the storage container before and after the liquid is drawn.

Images