Variable-pitch apparatus and pipetting device

Abstract

A variable-pitch apparatus (1000) and a pipetting device. The variable-pitch apparatus comprises a first driving assembly (1100), a second driving assembly (1200), a connecting rod assembly (1300) and a plurality of variable-pitch pieces (1400); the plurality of variable-pitch pieces (1400) are arranged in a row in a first direction and are movable in the first direction; the connecting rod assembly (1300) connect the plurality of variable-pitch pieces (1400) together; the plurality of variable-pitch pieces (1400) comprise a first variable-pitch piece (1401) and a second variable-pitch piece (1402); the first variable-pitch piece (1401) is connected to the first driving assembly (1100); the second variable-pitch piece (1402) is connected to the second driving assembly (1200); and under the driving of the first driving assembly (1100) and / or the second driving assembly (1200) and the driving of the connecting rod assembly (1300), the pitch between the plurality of variable-pitch pieces (1400) in the first direction is adjustable. In this way, the pitch between the plurality of the variable-pitch pieces (1400) of the variable-pitch apparatus (1000) does not need to be manually adjusted, thereby saving labor costs. In addition, a short time is required for adjusting the pitch between the plurality of variable-pitch pieces (1400), thereby saving time costs. Compared with manual adjustment, the adjustment mode of the variable-pitch apparatus (1000) has higher accuracy.

Description

Distance change devices and pipetting equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on August 10, 2023, with application number 202311009834.4 and application name “Variable Distance Device and Pipetting Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to a variable distance device and a liquid transfer device. Background Art

[0003] Liquid handling equipment can be used for liquid transfer, and thus has been widely used in the fields of mass spectrometry analysis, DNA sequencing, HPLC chromatography, and multi-label detection.

[0004] To improve the efficiency of pipetting, a pipetting device can be equipped with multiple pipetting components. Each of these pipetting components corresponds to a plurality of materials. The materials may include a container and a liquid contained within the container. The container may be, for example, a well plate or a test tube. Each pipetting component can aspirate the liquid within its corresponding material. Due to limitations of components such as the well plate itself or the test tube carrier, the spacing between materials cannot be uniform. Therefore, the spacing between the multiple pipetting components needs to be adaptively adjusted to achieve simultaneous aspiration.

[0005] However, when the spacing between multiple pipette parts in existing pipetting devices needs to be adjusted, personnel must manually adjust the spacing. This consumes a lot of manpower, is inefficient, and has a high risk of error. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a variable distance device that can adjust the spacing.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a pitch-changing device is provided. The pitch-changing device includes a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, a connecting rod assembly, and a plurality of variable-distance members, wherein the plurality of variable-distance members are arranged in a row along a first direction and are movable along the first direction, and the connecting rod assembly connects the plurality of variable-distance members together, wherein the plurality of variable-distance members include a first variable-distance member and a second variable-distance member, the first variable-distance member is connected to the first drive assembly, and the second variable-distance member is connected to the second drive assembly, and under the drive of the first drive assembly and / or the second drive assembly and driven by the connecting rod assembly, the spacing between the plurality of variable-distance members along the first direction is adjustable.

[0008] Exemplarily, the first drive assembly includes a first motor and a first transmission mechanism connected to the first motor, the second drive assembly includes a second motor and a second transmission mechanism connected to the second motor, the first transmission mechanism is connected to the first variable distance member, and the second transmission mechanism is connected to the second variable distance member.

[0009] Exemplarily, the first transmission mechanism includes a lead screw extending along the first direction and a nut threadedly connected to the lead screw, the lead screw is connected to the output shaft of the first motor, and the first variable distance member is connected to the nut.

[0010] Exemplarily, the second transmission mechanism includes a driven wheel, a driving wheel connected to the output shaft of the second motor, and a transmission belt sleeved on the driving wheel and the driven wheel, and the second variable pitch member is connected to the transmission belt.

[0011] Exemplarily, the link assembly includes a scissors-type telescopic frame, which includes a plurality of scissors-type telescopic frame corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of variable distance members, each of the scissors-type link groups including a first link, a second link and an intra-group rotating shaft, the intra-group rotating shaft rotatably connects the first link and the second link, and the intra-group rotating shaft is arranged on the corresponding variable distance member, the end of the first link and the end of the second link of the adjacent scissors-type link group are rotatably connected to each other through the first inter-group rotating shaft, and the end of the second link and the end of the first link of the adjacent scissors-type link group are rotatably connected to each other through the second inter-group rotating shaft.

[0012] Exemplarily, the first variable distance member and the second variable distance member are respectively located at two ends of the plurality of variable distance members along the first direction.

[0013] Exemplarily, the first drive component has a first drive speed for driving the first variable-distance member to move along the first direction, the second drive component has a second drive speed for driving the second variable-distance member to move along the first direction, and the overall movement of the multiple variable-distance members along the first direction under the drive of the first drive component and the second drive component is achieved by making the difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed equal to zero.

[0014] Exemplarily, the first drive assembly has a first drive speed for driving the first variable-distance member to move along the first direction, the second drive assembly has a second drive speed for driving the second variable-distance member to move along the first direction, and the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members along the first direction can be adjusted by making the difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed not equal to zero.

[0015] Exemplarily, the first drive component includes a first motor, the second drive component includes a second motor, the first motor and the second motor are both servo motors, and the difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed is determined by the pulse difference between the first motor and the second motor.

[0016] Exemplarily, the pitch changing device further includes a first guide rail extending along the first direction, and each of the plurality of pitch changing members is provided with a sliding member, and the sliding member is slidably connected to the first guide rail.

[0017] Exemplarily, there are multiple first guide rails arranged side by side, the sliding members on adjacent variable distance members are slidably connected to different first guide rails, and the projections of the sliding members on adjacent variable distance members on the plane perpendicular to the first direction are completely staggered.

[0018] Exemplarily, the sliding members on a pair of variable distance members spaced apart by one variable distance member are slidably connected to the same first guide rail.

[0019] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a pipetting device is provided, comprising a plurality of pipetting channels and any one of the above variable distance devices, wherein the plurality of pipetting channels are arranged in a row along the first direction and are provided on the plurality of variable distance members in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0020] The pitch-changing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention can, when the spacing between multiple variable-distance members needs to be adjusted, use a connecting rod assembly to adjust the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members. Alternatively, the second drive assembly can drive the second variable-distance member, thereby adjusting the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members through the connecting rod assembly. Alternatively, the first drive assembly can drive the first variable-distance member, and the second drive assembly can drive the second variable-distance member, thereby simultaneously adjusting the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members through the connecting rod assembly. With this arrangement, the multiple variable-distance members of the pitch-changing device do not need to be manually adjusted, thereby saving labor costs. Furthermore, the time required to adjust the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members is shorter, thereby saving time costs. Furthermore, compared to manual adjustment, the adjustment method of the pitch-changing device is more accurate. Furthermore, the pitch-changing device can be provided with different numbers of variable-distance members, thereby being easily expandable to meet various usage requirements.

[0021] This summary introduces a series of simplified concepts that will be further described in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to limit the key features and essential features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0022] The advantages and features of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The following drawings of the present invention are hereby incorporated into the present invention for understanding the present invention. The drawings show embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions, and are used to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings,

[0024] FIG1 is a perspective view of a pipetting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is in a closed position; and

[0025] FIG2 is a perspective view of the pipetting device shown in FIG1 , wherein the door is in an open position;

[0026] FIG3 is a perspective view of the pipetting device shown in FIG1 from one angle, with the cover and door removed;

[0027] FIG4 is a perspective view of the pipetting device shown in FIG3 from another angle;

[0028] FIG5 is a perspective view of some components of the pipetting device shown in FIG3 ;

[0029] FIG6 is a perspective view of the pitch-changing device shown in FIG5 ;

[0030] FIG7 is a front view of the pitch-changing device shown in FIG6 ;

[0031] FIG8 is a partial enlarged view of the pitch-changing device shown in FIG7 ;

[0032] FIG9 is a perspective view of some components of the pipetting device shown in FIG3 ; and

[0033] FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged view of the pipetting device shown in FIG. 9 .

[0034] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0035] 1000, pitch changing device; 1100, first drive assembly; 1110, first motor; 1120, first transmission mechanism; 1121, lead screw; 1122, nut; 1200, second drive assembly; 1210, second motor; 1220, second transmission mechanism; 1221, driven wheel; 1222, transmission belt; 1300, connecting rod assembly; 1310, scissor-type connecting rod group; 1311, first connecting rod; 1312, second connecting rod; 1313, internal rotating shaft; 1320, scissor-type connecting rod group; 1321, first connecting rod; 1322, second connecting rod; 1323, internal rotating shaft; 1331, first inter-group rotating shaft; 1332 32. Second inter-group rotating shaft; 1400. Variable-distance member; 1401. First variable-distance member; 1402. Second variable-distance member; 1403. Third variable-distance member; 1404. Fourth variable-distance member; 1410. Sliding member; 1420. Third guide rail; 1500. First guide rail; 1600. Mounting seat; 1700. Second guide rail; 1800. Third driving assembly; 2000. Pipetting channel; 3000. Driving member; 4000. Transport device; 5100. Base; 5110. Target position; 5120. Designated position; 5200. Cover; 5210. Opening; 5300. Door; 5400. Accommodating space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the following description, a large amount of detail is provided to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that the present invention 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.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pitch-changing device is provided. The pitch-changing device can adjust the spacing between multiple pitch-changing members. The pitch-changing device can be applied to any suitable device, including but not limited to a pipetting device. The pipetting device can perform processes such as aspiration and transfer of liquids. The liquids include but are not limited to sample solutions or pharmaceutical agents. The pitch-changing device and the pipetting device according to embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5-6 , the pitch changing device 1000 may include a first drive assembly 1100 , a second drive assembly 1200 , a connecting rod assembly 1300 , and a plurality of pitch changing members 1400 .

[0039] The number of variable distance members 1400 can be two, three, or more. The structures of different variable distance members 1400 can be the same or different. Multiple variable distance members 1400 can be arranged in a row along a first direction YY. Moreover, multiple variable distance members 1400 as a whole can move along the first direction YY. The first direction YY can be any suitable direction. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3-4, the first direction YY can be the lateral direction of the pipetting device.

[0040] The connecting rod assembly 1300 can connect multiple variable distance members 1400 together. The multiple variable distance members can include a first variable distance member 1401 and a second variable distance member 1402. The positional relationship between the first variable distance member 1401 and the second variable distance member 1402 can be arbitrary, for example, they can be adjacent, separated by one variable distance member, or separated by more variable distance members. The first variable distance member 1401 can be connected to the first drive assembly 1100. The second variable distance member 1402 can be connected to the second drive assembly 1200. Under the drive of the first drive assembly 1100 and driven by the connecting rod assembly 1300, the spacing between the multiple variable distance members 1400 along the first direction YY can be adjusted; and / or under the drive of the second drive assembly 1200 and driven by the connecting rod assembly 1300, the spacing between the multiple variable distance members 1400 along the first direction YY can be adjusted.

[0041] First drive assembly 1100 can employ various types of drive assemblies known in the art or that may be developed in the future, including but not limited to motor drive assemblies, pneumatic cylinder drive assemblies, or electric cylinder drive assemblies. Second drive assembly 1200 can employ various types of drive assemblies known in the art or that may be developed in the future, including but not limited to motor drive assemblies, pneumatic cylinder drive assemblies, or electric cylinder drive assemblies. First drive assembly 1100 and second drive assembly 1200 can be the same or different.

[0042] The connecting rod assembly 1300 may employ the structure described below, or may employ other structures capable of connecting multiple variable-distance members 1400 and cooperating with the first drive assembly 1100 and / or the second drive assembly 1200 to adjust the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members 1400. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent variable-distance members 1400 may be adjustable within a range of 9 mm to 18.8 mm. Of course, the adjustment range of the spacing between adjacent variable-distance members 1400 may be expanded or reduced if necessary.

[0043] Any suitable device may be provided on the variable distance member 1400, including but not limited to a pipetting channel 2000, a clamping claw or a suction cup. By adjusting the spacing between the variable distance members 1400, the spacing of the devices thereon may be changed.

[0044] In an embodiment in which the variable distance device 1000 is applied to a pipetting device, the pipetting device may further include a plurality of pipetting channels 2000. The plurality of pipetting channels 2000 may be arranged in a row along a first direction YY. The plurality of pipetting channels 2000 may be arranged one-to-one on the plurality of variable distance members 1400. Each pipetting channel 2000 may be capable of independently performing aspiration and discharge. The pipetting channels 2000 include, but are not limited to, pipetting guns. The working process of the variable distance device 1000 and the linkage relationship between its internal components will be described in detail below in conjunction with an embodiment in which the variable distance device 1000 is applied to a pipetting device.

[0045] In actual applications, relevant personnel can load the first material into the pipetting device. The first material may include a first container and a liquid contained in the first container. The first container may be, for example, a well plate or a test tube. The first drive assembly 1100 and the second drive assembly 1200 can respectively drive the first variable distance member 1401 and the second variable distance member 1402, so that the first variable distance member 1401 and the second variable distance member 1402 can be moved synchronously along the first direction YY. In this way, driven by the connecting rod assembly 1300, the multiple variable distance members 1400 can move along the first direction YY. In this way, driven by the first drive assembly 1100 and the second drive assembly 1200, the multiple variable distance members 1400 as a whole can move to the first material at the target position 5110.

[0046] Taking the first container as an orifice plate as an example, since the spacing between the holes in orifice plates of different specifications is different, before aspirating, it is necessary to adjust the spacing between the pipetting channels 2000 on the multiple variable-distance members 1400 to be consistent or substantially consistent with the spacing between the holes in the orifice plate. Specifically, the spacing between the pipetting channels 2000 on the multiple variable-distance members 1400 can be adjusted by the first drive assembly 1100 and / or the second drive assembly 1200. More specifically, the first drive assembly 1100 can drive the first variable-distance member 1401, thereby causing the first variable-distance member 1401 to move along the first direction YY, thereby causing the first variable-distance member 1401 to approach or move away from the second variable-distance member 1402. In this way, driven by the connecting rod assembly 1300, the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members 1400 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the spacing between the multiple pipetting channels 2000. Alternatively, the second drive assembly 1200 can drive the second variable distance member 1402, thereby causing the second variable distance member 1402 to move along the first direction YY, thereby causing the second variable distance member 1402 to move closer to or further away from the first variable distance member 1401. In this way, driven by the connecting rod assembly 1300, the spacing between the multiple variable distance members 1400 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the spacing between the multiple pipetting channels 2000. Alternatively, the first drive assembly 1100 can drive the first variable distance member 1401, and the second drive assembly 1200 can drive the second variable distance member 1402, thereby causing the first variable distance member 1401 and the second variable distance member 1402 to move closer to or further away from each other along the first direction YY. In this way, driven by the connecting rod assembly 1300, the spacing between the multiple variable distance members 1400 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the spacing between the multiple pipetting channels 2000. When the spacing between the pipetting channels 2000 on the variable-distance members 1400 is consistent or substantially consistent with the hole spacing of the orifice plate, the pipetting channels 2000 on the variable-distance members 1400 can respectively aspirate the liquid in the first container of the first material.

[0047] When the aspiration is completed, the liquid can be stored in the pipetting channel 2000. Driven by the first drive assembly 1100 and the second drive assembly 1200, the multiple variable distance members 1400 can be moved to the second container located at the target position 5110. The second container can be, for example, a well plate or a test tube. The second container can be a test tube as an example. In this case, there will usually be a tray carrying multiple test tubes. When the spacing between the multiple test tubes is different from the spacing between the pipetting channels 2000 on the multiple variable distance members 1400, the first drive assembly 1100 and / or the second drive assembly 1200 can also adjust the spacing between the pipetting channels 2000 on the multiple variable distance members 1400 according to the above method, which will not be repeated here. The pipetting channels 2000 on the multiple variable distance members 1400 can discharge the liquid into the second container one by one to complete the pipetting. Therefore, the pipetting channel 2000 can complete the pipetting work at the target position 5110. Then, the relevant personnel can unload the second material (ie, the second container and the liquid therein) from the pipetting device.

[0048] In the pitch-changing device 1000 provided by the embodiment of the present invention, when the spacing between multiple variable-distance members 1400 needs to be adjusted, the first drive assembly 1100 can drive the first variable-distance member 1401, thereby adjusting the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members 1400 via the connecting rod assembly 1300; or the second drive assembly 1200 can drive the second variable-distance member 1402, thereby adjusting the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members 1400 via the connecting rod assembly 1300; or, the first drive assembly 1100 can drive the first variable-distance member 1401, and the second drive assembly 1200 can drive the second variable-distance member 1402, thereby simultaneously adjusting the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members 1400 via the connecting rod assembly 1300. With this arrangement, the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members 1400 of the pitch-changing device 1000 does not need to be manually adjusted, thereby saving labor costs. Furthermore, the time required to adjust the spacing between the multiple variable-distance members 1400 is shortened, thereby saving time costs. Furthermore, compared to manual adjustment, the adjustment method of the pitch changing device 1000 is more accurate. In addition, the pitch changing device 1000 can be provided with different numbers of pitch changing members 1400, thereby being easily expandable to meet various usage requirements.

[0049] Exemplarily, the first drive assembly 1100 may have a first drive speed for driving the first variable-distance member 1401 to move along the first direction YY. The second drive assembly 1200 may have a second drive speed for driving the second variable-distance member 1402 to move along the first direction YY. When the difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed is zero, the plurality of variable-distance members 1400 can be moved as a whole along the first direction YY. It should be noted that since the speed is a vector, when the value and direction of the first drive speed are exactly the same as the value and direction of the second drive speed, the difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed can be equal to zero. In this way, the first drive assembly 1100 and the second drive assembly 1200 can respectively drive the first variable-distance member 1401 and the second variable-distance member 1402 to move synchronously along the first direction YY. In this way, driven by the connecting rod assembly 1300, the plurality of variable-distance members 1400 can move as a whole along the first direction YY.

[0050] Exemplarily, when the difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed is not equal to zero, the spacing between the multiple variable distance members 1400 along the first direction YY can be adjusted. It should be noted that when the numerical value of the first drive speed is different from the numerical value of the second drive speed, and / or the direction of the first drive speed is different from the direction of the second drive speed, the difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed may not be equal to zero. Specifically, when the numerical value of the first drive speed is different from the numerical value of the second drive speed, and the direction of the first drive speed is the same as the direction of the second drive speed, the first variable distance member 1401 and the second variable distance member 1402 can move in the same direction, and the two can move closer or farther away. When the numerical value of the first drive speed is the same as the numerical value of the second drive speed, and the direction of the first drive speed is different from the direction of the second drive speed, the first variable distance member 1401 and the second variable distance member 1402 can move in opposite directions or move towards each other, thereby moving closer or farther away from each other. When the value of the first driving speed is different from the value of the second driving speed, and the direction of the first driving speed is different from the direction of the second driving speed, the first variable distance member 1401 and the second variable distance member 1402 can move in opposite directions or towards each other, so that they can approach or move away from each other.

[0051] Exemplarily, as shown in Figures 5-7, the first drive assembly 1100 may include a first motor 1110. The second drive assembly 1200 may include a second motor 1210. The first motor 1110 and the second motor 1210 may both be servo motors. Compared to other drive components (such as stepper motors), servo motors have many advantages such as higher control accuracy, better operating stability, greater starting torque, stronger overload resistance, lower heat generation and lower noise. The difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed can be determined by the pulse difference between the first motor 1110 and the second motor 1210. As known to those skilled in the art, by changing the pulses of the first motor 1110 and the second motor 1210, the rotational speeds of the first motor 1110 and the second motor 1210 can be changed, thereby changing the first drive speed and the second drive speed, and then changing the difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed.

[0052] Exemplarily, as shown in Figures 5-7, the first drive assembly 1100 may further include a first transmission mechanism 1120 that is transmission-connected to the first motor 1110. The first transmission mechanism 1120 may be connected to the first variable-distance member 1401. The first transmission mechanism 1120 includes but is not limited to a gear transmission mechanism, a belt transmission mechanism, or a chain transmission mechanism. The first motor 1110 may drive the first variable-distance member 1401 to move along the first direction YY through the first transmission mechanism 1120. By providing the first transmission mechanism 1120, the position of the first motor 1110 has a higher degree of freedom, so that it can be set at a position that is convenient for installation, maintenance, and / or cable connection. In addition, the first transmission mechanism 1120 can also be used to change parameters such as torque so that the effect of the first variable-distance member 1401 moving along the first direction YY better meets the requirements.

[0053] Exemplarily, as shown in Figures 5-7, the second drive assembly 1200 may further include a second transmission mechanism 1220 that is transmission-connected to the second motor 1210. The second transmission mechanism 1220 may be connected to the second variable-distance member 1402. The second transmission mechanism 1220 includes, but is not limited to, a gear transmission mechanism, a belt transmission mechanism, or a chain transmission mechanism. The second motor 1210 may drive the second variable-distance member 1402 to move along the first direction YY via the second transmission mechanism 1220. By providing the second transmission mechanism 1220, the position of the second motor 1210 has a higher degree of freedom, so that it can be set in a position that is convenient for installation, maintenance, and / or cable connection. In addition, the second transmission mechanism 1220 may also be used to change parameters such as torque so that the effect of the second variable-distance member 1402 moving along the first direction YY is more in line with requirements.

[0054] Exemplarily, as shown in Figures 5-7 and 9-10, the first transmission mechanism 1120 can be a ball screw. Specifically, the first transmission mechanism 1120 can include a screw 1121 and a nut 1122. The screw 1121 can extend along the first direction YY. The nut 1122 can be threadedly connected to the screw 1121. The screw 1121 can be connected to the output shaft of the first motor 1110. The first variable distance member 1401 can be connected to the nut 1122. The first motor 1110 can drive the screw 1121 to rotate, thereby causing the nut 1122 to move along the first direction YY, and then causing the first variable distance member 1401 to move along the first direction YY. The first drive assembly 1100 using the first transmission mechanism 1120 can have many advantages such as high precision, low friction loss, high axial stiffness, high durability and high reliability.

[0055] Exemplarily, as shown in Figures 5-7, the second transmission mechanism 1220 can be a belt transmission mechanism. Specifically, the second transmission mechanism 1220 can include a driving wheel (not shown due to angle issues), a driven wheel 1221 and a transmission belt 1222. The driving wheel can be connected to the output shaft of the second motor 1210. The driven wheel 1221 can be spaced apart from the driving wheel. The transmission belt 1222 can be sleeved on the driving wheel and the driven wheel 1221. The second variable pitch member 1402 can be connected to the transmission belt 1222. The second motor 1210 can drive the driving wheel to rotate, thereby driving the driven wheel 1221 to rotate via the transmission belt 1222, and then the second variable pitch member 1402 can be moved along the first direction YY. The second drive assembly 1200 using the second transmission mechanism 1220 can have many advantages such as mitigating impact, absorbing vibration, running smoothly and having low noise.

[0056] 5-7 , the first motor 1110 and the second motor 1210 may be located on the same side of the plurality of variable distance members 1400 along the first direction YY. With this arrangement, the pipetting device may be centrally wired, thereby improving space utilization therein.

[0057] For example, as shown in Figures 5-7, since the lead screw 1121 is connected to the output shaft of the first motor 1110, the first rotation axis of the output shaft of the first motor 1110 can be parallel to the lead screw 1121, that is, the first rotation axis can be parallel to the first direction YY. Since the driving wheel is connected to the output shaft of the second motor 1210, the second rotation axis of the output shaft of the second motor 1210 can be parallel to the axis of the driving wheel, that is, the second rotation axis can be perpendicular to the first direction YY. Therefore, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis can be perpendicular to each other. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first rotation axis can be parallel to the first direction YY, and the second rotation axis can be parallel to the second direction XX. The first direction YY and the second direction XX can be different. The angle between the first direction YY and the second direction XX can be any angle, including but not limited to 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first direction YY and the second direction XX can be perpendicular to each other. The second direction XX can be the longitudinal direction of the pipetting device. Along a direction perpendicular to the first and second rotational axes (e.g., a third direction ZZ), the middle portions of the first motor 1110 and the middle portions of the second motor 1210 can be stacked one on top of the other. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the third direction ZZ can be the vertical direction of the pipetting device. This arrangement makes the structure of the variable pitch device 1000 more compact, thereby improving space utilization within the pipetting device.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figures 9-10, the connecting rod assembly 1300 may include a scissor-type telescopic frame. The scissor-type telescopic frame may include multiple scissor-type connecting rod groups. The scissor-type connecting rod groups may correspond one-to-one to the variable distance member 1400. Each scissor-type connecting rod group may include a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod and an intra-group rotating shaft. The intra-group rotating shaft may rotatably connect the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod. The intra-group rotating shaft may be set on the corresponding variable distance member 1400. With such an arrangement, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod may respectively rotate relative to the corresponding variable distance member 1400 with the intra-group rotating shaft as the center. The end of the first connecting rod and the end of the second connecting rod of the adjacent scissor-type connecting rod group may be rotatably connected to each other via the first inter-group rotating shaft. The end of the second connecting rod and the end of the first connecting rod of the adjacent scissor-type connecting rod group may be rotatably connected to each other via the second inter-group rotating shaft.

[0059] For ease of description, referring to the embodiment shown in Figures 9-10, two adjacent scissor linkage groups are designated as scissor linkage group 1310 and scissor linkage group 1320. The following describes in detail the operation of the scissor-type telescopic frame and the linkage relationship between its internal components, using this embodiment. The scissor linkage groups 1310 and 1320 may correspond one-to-one with adjacent variable-distance members 1400. The scissor linkage group 1310 may include a first link 1311, a second link 1312, and an internal rotating shaft 1313. The internal rotating shaft 1313 rotatably connects the first link 1311 and the second link 1312. The internal rotating shaft 1313 may be disposed on the corresponding variable-distance member 1400. The scissor linkage group 1320 may include a first link 1321, a second link 1322, and an internal rotating shaft 1323. The intra-group rotating shaft 1323 can rotatably connect the first link 1321 and the second link 1322. The intra-group rotating shaft 1323 can be disposed on the corresponding variable-distance member 1400. The ends of the first link 1311 and the second link 1322 can be rotatably connected to each other via the first inter-group rotating shaft 1331. The ends of the second link 1312 and the first link 1321 can be rotatably connected to each other via the second inter-group rotating shaft 1332. In this embodiment, since the scissor-type linkage assembly 1320 is located in the middle of the multiple scissor-type linkage assemblies along the first direction YY, one side of it can be connected to the scissor-type linkage assembly 1310, while the other side can be connected to other scissor-type linkage assemblies. In this way, the middle of the first link 1321 and the middle of the second link 1322 can be connected to the intra-group rotating shaft 1323. Thus, the scissor-type linkage assembly 1320 can generally form an "X" shape. The two ends of the first link 1321 can be connected to the two adjacent scissor-type linkage groups via the second inter-group rotating shaft. The two ends of the second link 1322 can be connected to the two adjacent scissor-type linkage groups via the first inter-group rotating shaft. Since the scissor-type linkage group 1310 is located at the end of the multiple scissor-type linkage groups along the first direction YY, one side of it can be connected to the scissor-type linkage group 1320, while the other side does not need to be connected to the scissor-type linkage group. In this way, the other end of the first link 1311 and the other end of the second link 1312 can be connected to the internal group rotating shaft 1313. In this way, the scissor-type linkage group 1310 can generally form a "<" shape. This can reduce the overall dimensions of the scissor-type telescopic frame. Of course, similarly to the scissor-type linkage group 1320, the middle portion of the first link 1311 and the middle portion of the second link 1312 can be connected to the internal group rotating shaft 1313. In this way, the scissor-type linkage group 1310 can generally form an "X" shape. Therefore, the scissor-type link groups located at the ends of the plurality of scissor-type link groups along the first direction YY can be in a “<” shape or an “X” shape.

[0060] In actual application, when the first drive assembly 1100 drives the first variable distance member 1401 away from the second variable distance member 1402 along the first direction YY, the scissor linkage assembly on the first variable distance member 1401 can drive other scissor linkage assemblies to move the first inter-group rotating axes and the second inter-group rotating axes between adjacent scissor linkage assemblies closer to each other, thereby increasing the spacing between the multiple variable distance members 1400. Conversely, when the first drive assembly 1100 drives the first variable distance member 1401 toward the second variable distance member 1402 along the first direction YY, the scissor linkage assembly on the first variable distance member 1401 can drive other scissor linkage assemblies to move the first inter-group rotating axes and the second inter-group rotating axes between adjacent scissor linkage assemblies away from each other, thereby decreasing the spacing between the multiple variable distance members 1400. The principle by which the second drive assembly 1200 drives the second variable distance member 1402 is substantially the same as the principle by which the first drive assembly 1100 drives the first variable distance member 1401, and for the sake of brevity, a detailed description thereof will not be given.

[0061] The linkage assembly 1300, which utilizes a scissor-type telescopic frame, is relatively compact, making installation and layout easier. Furthermore, the scissor-type linkage assembly can be increased or decreased based on the number of variable-distance members 1400, thereby providing greater scalability and adaptability. Furthermore, the linkage assembly 1300 can ensure a more even spacing between the variable-distance members 1400.

[0062] For example, as shown in Figures 9-10, the first variable-distance member 1401 and the second variable-distance member 1402 can be located at opposite ends of the plurality of variable-distance members 1400 along the first direction YY. Thus, compared to the variable-distance members located in the middle of the plurality of variable-distance members 1400 along the first direction YY, the first variable-distance member 1401 and the second variable-distance member 1402 are located further outward, thereby providing more space for installation and removal. Therefore, the first drive assembly 1100 and the first variable-distance member 1401 are easily installed and removed. The second drive assembly 1200 and the second variable-distance member 1402 are also easily installed and removed.

[0063] Exemplarily, as shown in Figures 3-8, the pitch-changing device 1000 may further include a first guide rail 1500. The first guide rail 1500 may extend along the first direction YY. A sliding member 1410 may be provided on each of the multiple variable-distance members 1400. The sliding member 1410 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 1500. In this manner, the first guide rail 1500 can provide better guidance for the multiple variable-distance members 1400, thereby improving the stability of the sliding of the multiple variable-distance members 1400 along the first direction YY. Furthermore, in an embodiment in which the first transmission mechanism 1120 includes a lead screw 1121 and a nut 1122, the connection of the sliding member 1410 to the first guide rail 1500 can prevent the nut 1122 from rotating, thereby allowing the nut 1122 to move along the first direction YY, thereby driving the first variable-distance member 1401 to move along the first direction YY.

[0064] For example, as shown in Figures 3-8, multiple first guide rails 1500 may be arranged side by side. In the embodiment shown in the figure, adjacent first guide rails 1500 may be spaced apart along the third direction ZZ. The sliders 1410 on adjacent variable distance members 1400 are slidably connected to different first guide rails 1500. The projections of the sliders 1410 on adjacent variable distance members 1400 on a plane perpendicular to the first direction YY are completely staggered. Specifically, the sliders 1410 on adjacent variable distance members 1400 may each have a first projected area and a second projected area on a plane perpendicular to the first direction YY. The first projected area and the second projected area may be completely staggered so that there is no overlapping area. In embodiments where the first direction YY is perpendicular to both the second direction XX and the third direction ZZ, both the second direction XX and the third direction ZZ may lie on the same plane. In the prior art, the minimum spacing between adjacent variable distance members is limited by the size of the sliders on the two members, meaning that at the minimum spacing, the sliders on the two members fit closely together. In contrast, in this embodiment, the sliding members 1410 on adjacent variable distance members 1400 can be staggered with each other along a direction perpendicular to the first direction YY (for example, the third direction ZZ). During the sliding of the sliding members 1410 on adjacent variable distance members 1400 along the first guide rail 1500, the sliding members 1410 are not affected by each other. When the adjacent variable distance members 1400 are at the minimum spacing, the sliding members 1410 on the two will not fit each other. Adjacent variable distance members 1400 can be as close as possible. Therefore, when the overall size of the variable distance device 1000 remains unchanged, the spacing between the variable distance members 1400 is smaller, which can reduce the proportion of space occupied by the variable distance members 1400; alternatively, the number of variable distance members 1400 can be increased. The structure of the variable distance device 1000 is more reasonable and the space utilization rate is higher.

[0065] 5-8 , there may be multiple sliding members 1410 on each of the multiple variable distance members 1400. In this way, each variable distance member 1400 can slide along multiple first guide rails 1500, thereby improving the sliding stability.

[0066] For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 7-8, the sliding members 1410 on a pair of variable distance members 1400, separated by one variable distance member 1400, are slidably connected to the same first guide rail 1500. For example, in some embodiments, there may be four variable distance members 1400. For ease of description, the plurality of variable distance members 1400 may be referred to as the first variable distance member 1401, the third variable distance member 1403, the fourth variable distance member 1404, and the second variable distance member 1402, respectively, along the first direction YY. The sliding members 1410 on the first variable distance member 1401 and the fourth variable distance member 1404 are slidably connected to the same first guide rail 1500. The sliding members 1410 on the third variable distance member 1403 and the second variable distance member 1402 are slidably connected to the same other first guide rail 1500. This arrangement reduces the number of first guide rails 1500, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0067] Exemplarily, the pitch-changing device 1000 may further include a mounting base 1600, a third drive assembly 1800, and a second guide rail 1700. The mounting base 1600 may be slidably connected to the second guide rail 1700. The first drive assembly 1100, the second drive assembly 1200, and the plurality of pitch-changing members 1400 may be disposed on the mounting base 1600. The third drive assembly 1800 may drive the mounting base 1600 to slide along the second guide rail 1700. The second guide rail 1700 may extend along a second direction XX. The third drive assembly 1800 may employ various types of drive assemblies known in the art or that may appear in the future, including but not limited to a motor drive assembly, a cylinder drive assembly, or an electric cylinder drive assembly. With this configuration, the third drive assembly 1800 may drive the plurality of pitch-changing members 1400 to move along the second direction XX.

[0068] For example, as shown in Figures 3-4, there can be multiple second guide rails 1700 arranged side by side. In the embodiment shown in the figures, adjacent second guide rails 1700 can be spaced apart along the first direction YY. In this way, the mounting base 1600 can slide along the multiple second guide rails 1700, thereby improving the sliding stability.

[0069] In an embodiment in which the variable distance device 1000 is applied to a pipetting device, as shown in FIG5 , each of the plurality of variable distance members 1400 may be provided with a third guide rail 1420. The third guide rail 1420 may extend along a third direction ZZ. In an embodiment in which each of the plurality of variable distance members 1400 is provided with a sliding member 1410, the sliding member 1410 and the third guide rail 1420 may be located on either side of the variable distance member 1400, respectively. The pipetting channel 2000 may be slidably connected to the third guide rail 1420. The pipetting device may further include a plurality of driving members 3000. The driving members 3000 may be connected to the pipetting channel 2000. Driven by the driving members 3000, the pipetting channel 2000 may slide along the third guide rail 1420. The driving members 3000 include, but are not limited to, motors, pneumatic cylinders, or electric cylinders. The driving members 3000 may drive the pipetting channel 2000 to slide along the third guide rail 1420, thereby allowing the pipetting channel 2000 to approach the first and second containers for easy aspiration and discharge. After the aspiration and discharge are completed, the driving member 3000 can drive the pipetting channel 2000 to return along the third guide rail 1420 to facilitate pipetting. In this way, the variable distance member 1400 has more functions and the user experience of the pipetting device is better.

[0070] For example, as shown in Figures 3-4, the pipetting device may further include a transport device 4000. The transport device 4000 may move along a first direction YY. The transport device 4000 may include a transport gripper or a transport suction cup, etc., as long as it can transport materials. The transport device 4000 can transport materials (including the first material and the second material) within the pipetting device. In this way, the pipetting device has more functions and a better user experience.

[0071] 3-4 , the transport device 4000 is slidably connected to the second guide rail 1700. In this way, the transport device 4000 can transport materials to more locations.

[0072] For example, as shown in Figures 1-3, the pipetting device may further include a base 5100, a cover 5200, and a door 5300. The base 5100 may be placed on the ground or a countertop. The base 5100 and the cover 5200 may together form a storage space 5400. The variable pitch device 1000 may be disposed within the storage space 5400. The cover 5200 may be provided with an opening 5210 connected to the storage space 5400. The door 5300 may be movably connected to the cover 5200 between an open position and a closed position by translation, flipping, or any other suitable means. When the door 5300 is in the open position, the opening 5210 may be opened. Relevant personnel may load and unload materials through the opening 5210. When the door 5300 is in the closed position, the opening 5210 may be closed. This prevents the environment outside the pipetting device from affecting the variable pitch device 1000 and other components within the storage space 5400.

[0073] In some embodiments, the transport device 4000 can transport materials between the inside and outside of the pipetting device through the opening 5210. Of course, other openings can also be provided on the cover 5200 to allow the transport device 4000 to transport materials between the inside and outside of the pipetting device.

[0074] For example, as shown in Figures 3-4, a target position 5110 and a designated position 5120 may be provided on the base 5100. The target position 5110 may be provided with one or more first bases. Each first base may be used to seat a first material tray. The first material tray may be used to place a plurality of first containers of the first material. The designated position 5120 may be provided with one or more second bases. Each second base may be used to seat a second material tray. The second material tray may be used to place a plurality of second containers of the second material. The transport device 4000 may transport the first material tray and the second material tray between the target position 5110 and the designated position 5120, thereby transporting the first material and the second material. The pipetting channels 2000 on the multiple variable distance members 1400 may complete the pipetting work at the target position 5110.

[0075] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", etc. are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention; the directional words "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0076] For ease of description, area-relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the regional positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figures and other components or features. It should be understood that area-relative terms include not only the orientation of the components as described in the figures, but also different orientations in use or operation. For example, if the components in the drawings are inverted as a whole, the situation where the components are "above other components or features" or "above other components or features" will include the situation where the components are "below other components or structures" or "below other components or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" may include both the orientations "above" and "below". In addition, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document is intended to include all of these situations.

[0077] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0078] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0079] The present invention has been described through the above-described embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention to the described embodiments. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and that various variations and modifications may be made based on the teachings of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pitch changing device, characterized in that: It includes a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, a connecting rod assembly and a plurality of variable distance members, wherein the plurality of variable distance members are arranged in a row along a first direction and are movable along the first direction, and the connecting rod assembly connects the plurality of variable distance members together, wherein the plurality of variable distance members include a first variable distance member and a second variable distance member, the first variable distance member is connected to the first drive assembly, and the second variable distance member is connected to the second drive assembly, and under the drive of the first drive assembly and / or the second drive assembly and driven by the connecting rod assembly, the spacing between the plurality of variable distance members along the first direction is adjustable.

2. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first drive assembly includes a first motor and a first transmission mechanism drivingly connected to the first motor, the second drive assembly includes a second motor and a second transmission mechanism drivingly connected to the second motor, the first transmission mechanism is connected to the first variable distance member, and the second transmission mechanism is connected to the second variable distance member.

3. The pitch-changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first transmission mechanism includes a lead screw extending in the first direction and a nut threadedly connected to the lead screw, the lead screw is connected to an output shaft of the first motor, and the first variable distance member is connected to the nut.

4. The pitch-changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second transmission mechanism includes a driven wheel, a driving wheel connected to the output shaft of the second motor, and a transmission belt sleeved on the driving wheel and the driven wheel, and the second variable pitch member is connected to the transmission belt.

5. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting rod assembly includes a scissor-type telescopic frame, the scissor-type telescopic frame includes a plurality of scissor-type connecting rod groups corresponding to the plurality of variable distance members, each of the scissor-type connecting rod groups includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod and an inner rotating shaft, the inner rotating shaft rotatably connects the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, and the inner rotating shaft is arranged on the corresponding variable distance member. The end of the first connecting rod and the end of the second connecting rod of the adjacent scissor-type connecting rod group are rotatably connected to each other through a first inter-group rotating shaft. The end of the second link and the end of the first link of the adjacent scissor-type link group are rotatably connected to each other through a second inter-group rotating shaft.

6. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first variable distance member and the second variable distance member are respectively located at two ends of the plurality of variable distance members along the first direction.

7. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first driving assembly has a first driving speed for driving the first variable-distance member to move along the first direction, and the second driving assembly has a second driving speed for driving the second variable-distance member to move along the first direction. The entirety of the plurality of variable-distance members moves along the first direction under the driving of the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly by making the difference between the first driving speed and the second driving speed equal to zero; and / or The adjustable intervals between the plurality of variable-distance members along the first direction are achieved by making the difference between the first driving speed and the second driving speed not equal to zero.

8. The pitch-changing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first drive component includes a first motor, the second drive component includes a second motor, the first motor and the second motor are both servo motors, and the difference between the first drive speed and the second drive speed is determined by the pulse difference between the first motor and the second motor.

9. The pitch-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable distance device further includes a first guide rail extending along the first direction. Each of the plurality of variable distance members is provided with a sliding member, and the sliding member is slidably connected to the first guide rail.

10. The pitch-changing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: There are multiple first guide rails arranged side by side, the sliding members on adjacent variable distance members are slidably connected to different first guide rails, and the projections of the sliding members on adjacent variable distance members on a plane perpendicular to the first direction are completely staggered.

11. The pitch-changing device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The sliding members on a pair of variable distance members separated by one variable distance member are slidably connected to the same first guide rail.

12. A liquid transfer device, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of pipetting channels and a variable distance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of pipetting channels are arranged in rows along the first direction and are arranged one by one on the plurality of variable distance members.

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