Pipetting device and liquid dispensing system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a pipetting device, comprising a plurality of tube bodies and a dispensing control portion. Each tube body is internally provided with an accommodating space. The dispensing control portion comprises a plurality of tube cover portions, configured to match the plurality of tube bodies on a one-to-one basis to close the accommodating spaces, the tube cover portions being provided with inlet tubes that are communicated with the accommodating spaces; and a liquid dispensing portion, configured to be detachably connected to the tube cover portions, the liquid dispensing portion comprising an injection port, a plurality of branch flow channels, and a plurality of valves. Liquid can be injected into the dispensing control portion through the injection port. Each of the plurality of branch flow channels has one end communicated with the injection port, and the other end that can be communicated with the inlet tube of one of the plurality of tube cover portions. Each branch flow channel of the plurality of branch flow channels is provided with at least one valve, and the valve is configured to be switchable between an open state and a closed state, so as to respectively control the opening and closing of the corresponding branch flow channel.

Description

Liquid transfer device and liquid preparation system TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of detection, in particular to a liquid transfer device and a liquid preparation system. BACKGROUND

[0002] When performing biochemical detection, such as performing in vitro diagnosis, it is often necessary to simultaneously dispense a sample or a liquid reagent from one chamber into multiple next-stage reaction chambers for subsequent reactions. Such operations were traditionally performed by manual pipetting, and accordingly, there are problems such as complicated procedures, time-consuming, labor-intensive, multi-step manual transfer in an open environment, and risk of contamination. For example, when performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in molecular diagnosis in a conventional laboratory environment, it is necessary to transfer the extracted nucleic acid sample to a PCR tube, and when the transfer process is performed by a pipette, the above problems exist.

[0003] On this basis, some improved methods have been proposed, such as a fully integrated molecular POCT product. This technology uses nine parallel thin-film reaction chambers, and the sample is sequentially injected into each independent reaction chamber through a selection piston, and the liquid is injected into the flow channel to seal it. This technology solves the problems of equal sample distribution and reaction chamber sealing, and solves the risk of contamination during pipetting, and can perform subsequent reactions. However, similar molecular POCT schemes have high requirements for instruments and equipment, and require optical and thermal modules that are highly compatible with the reaction chamber structure, and the structure design is complex, the reagent cannot be flexibly customized, which reduces compatibility, increases use cost, and limits its widespread use.

[0004] For example, the transfer of PCR tubes between droplet generation chips and droplet reading chips. This technology uses a pre-sealed 8-tube array to connect with the droplet generation chip to complete the injection of droplets, and then the 8-tube array with the pre-sealed film is sealed again, and then the amplification is performed on the machine, and then the 8-tube array that has completed amplification is connected with the droplet reading chip to perform signal reading. This scheme can use a general 8-tube array reaction tube consumable when performing reactions, and the reaction tube consumable is pre-sealed. However, manual opening and closing of the cap is still required during the removal and transfer of the reaction tube consumable in different devices, and manual operations are still required. In addition, and most importantly, during the process of sample entering the 8-tube array and being discharged from the 8-tube array, the reagent is actually one-to-one corresponding to the reaction tube, and the reagents in each reaction tube are independent and come from different injection sources, and cannot achieve the effect of dividing a single sample into multiple reaction tubes.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a liquid transfer device that can solve the above problems.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] The purpose of the present disclosure is to at least solve the problems existing in the prior art, and the present disclosure provides a liquid transfer device comprising a plurality of tube bodies and a dispensing control part. Each tube body has a containing space inside. The dispensing control part comprises a plurality of tube cover parts configured to correspond to the plurality of tube bodies to close the containing space, the tube cover part is provided with an inlet pipe, the inlet pipe is communicated with the containing space; a liquid dispensing part is configured to be detachably connected with the tube cover part, the liquid dispensing part comprises an injection port, a plurality of branch flow channels and a plurality of valves.

[0008] The injection port is used to inject liquid into the dispensing control part. One end of each branch flow channel in the plurality of branch flow channels is communicated to the injection port, and the other end is communicated to the inlet pipe of one of the plurality of tube cover parts. At least one valve is arranged in each branch flow channel in the plurality of valves, and the valve is configured to be switched between an open state and a closed state to control the flow and disconnection of the corresponding branch flow channel, respectively.

[0009] The dispensing control part is formed by combining a first half and a second half, at least one of the first half and the second half is provided with a groove, the groove forms a plurality of branch flow channels and a plurality of inlet pipes corresponding to the branch flow channels and communicated with the branch flow channels, and at least one of the first half and the second half is made of thermoplastic material.

[0010] The liquid dispensing device according to the present disclosure can realize the quantitative or equal distribution of samples into a plurality of chambers, and the whole sample distribution process is isolated from the external environment to avoid pollution risk. At the same time, the device can easily realize the independence and sealing of the reaction chamber after completing the sample distribution through hot pressing cutting, and then it can be compatible with common detection instruments on the market. And the liquid dispensing device is easy to manufacture, low in cost and strong in applicability.

[0011] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tube cover part is further provided with an exhaust pipe communicated with the containing space, and the liquid dispensing part is provided with a gas containing cavity communicated with the exhaust pipe.

[0012] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the valve comprises a valve seat and a deformable membrane, the deformable membrane is configured to deform and adhere to or separate from the valve seat according to the external pressure, so that the valve is switched between the open state and the closed state.

[0013] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second half is a sealing film, the surface of the first half is provided with the groove, and the sealing film cooperates with the surface to seal the plurality of branch flow channels, the plurality of inlet pipes and the plurality of valve seats.

[0014] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the deformable membrane constitutes part of the sealing film.

[0015] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cap portion is further provided with a drainage portion, which is connected with the inlet channel and extends towards the interior space of the tube body.

[0016] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the drainage portion is arranged to extend to the bottom of the tube body, and the drainage portion is provided with a hollow channel extending to the bottom of the tube body and communicating with the inlet channel.

[0017] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tube body is provided with a pre-seal film, and the drainage portion of the tube body includes a sharp free end, which punctures the pre-seal film to enter the interior space of the tube body when the cap portion cooperates with the tube body.

[0018] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pre-seal film seals the interior space of the tube body, and the tube body stores a first substance.

[0019] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of tube bodies are connected with each other.

[0020] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a connection portion with reduced strength compared to the surrounding portion is arranged between the dispensing control portion and the cap portion.

[0021] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of the connection portion between the dispensing control portion and the cap portion is smaller than that of the surrounding portion.

[0022] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the dispensing control portion includes a plurality of the injection ports.

[0023] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first half portion and the second half portion are both integrally formed.

[0024] The present disclosure also proposes a liquid dispensing system, which includes the liquid transfer device according to any one of the above embodiments, and a controller configured to control the valves to switch between the open state and the closed state, and when one of the valves is set to the open state, the other valves are set to the closed state.

[0025] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the valve includes a valve seat and a deformable membrane, which is configured to deform to adhere to or separate from the valve seat according to the external pressure, so that the valve switches between the open state and the closed state,

[0026] The liquid transfer device further comprises a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure in the gas containing cavity.

[0027] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pipe cover portion further comprises an exhaust pipe communicating with the containing space, and the liquid dispensing portion comprises a gas containing cavity configured to communicate with the exhaust pipe.

[0028] The liquid transfer device further comprises a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure in the gas containing cavity.

[0029] The controller is configured to switch the valve from the open state to the closed state when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor reaches a threshold value.

[0030] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid dispensing system further comprises an injector configured to inject liquid into the dispensing control portion from the injection port, and the injector comprises a resistance sensor configured to measure the resistance against which the injector needs to inject liquid.

[0031] The controller is configured to switch the valve from the open state to the closed state when the resistance measured by the resistance sensor reaches a threshold value.

[0032] The controller is configured to stop the injection of the injector when the resistance measured by the resistance sensor reaches a threshold value.

[0033] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid dispensing system further comprises a thermal cutting device configured to simultaneously apply heat and pressure to the dispensing control portion, so that the pipe cover portion and the liquid dispensing portion are separated and the pipe cover portion is sealed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid transfer device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the liquid transfer device according to FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the view of FIG. 2;

[0037] FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the liquid transfer device shown in FIG. 2 with a second half removed;

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a plurality of tube bodies connected to each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 6 shows a perspective plan view of a liquid transfer device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 7 shows a perspective plan view of a liquid transfer device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a liquid transfer device in a state after removing a liquid preparation portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a liquid preparation portion removed from the portion shown in FIG. 8;

[0043] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a liquid transfer device having two injection ports;

[0044] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a liquid transfer device having five injection ports. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In order to make the purpose, scheme and advantages of the technical solutions of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely below in combination with the accompanying drawings of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components.

[0046] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms “mounting”, “connection”, “connecting” should be understood broadly, for example, can be fixed connection, can also be detachable connection, or integrally connected; can be mechanical connection, can also be electrical connection; can be directly connected, can also be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, can be the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid transfer device is proposed, which is intended to be used for transferring and dispensing a sample (especially a liquid) into a plurality of chambers. Therefore, the liquid transfer device can include a plurality of tube bodies 1 containing independent chambers and a dispensing control portion 2 for realizing liquid preparation.

[0048] Specifically, the tube body 1 can be a continuous and complete open container, which is integrally formed or assembled, and has an internal space for containing, and the volume can be 1 to 2000 μL, preferably, the volume is 10 to 50 μL. At least a part of the tube body 1 is transparent and thin-walled, for example, to facilitate observation of the interior, the wall thickness of the transparent and thin-walled part can be 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably, the wall thickness is 0.2 to 0.6 mm. The material for making the tube body can be one or more of polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, etc. The tube body 1 can be a solid of revolution, for example, and the cross-sectional shape along the axis of revolution can be conical, rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, elliptical, or any other suitable shape for filling with biological reagents and suitable for manufacturing. For example, it can be a commonly used biological detection consumable in the art, such as an EP tube, an 8-tube array, a centrifuge tube, etc. having an internal space.

[0049] For example, a plurality of (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.) tube bodies 1 can also be connected to each other, in particular, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, 8 tube bodies 1 are connected in an array, in particular, the plurality of tube bodies connected in an array can be integrally formed.

[0050] Further, a pre-seal film 13 can also be provided at the opening of the tube body 1, as shown in FIG. 5, the pre-seal film of the tube body can be integrally formed with the tube body by heat pressing, adhesion, clamping, etc. and seal the internal space of the tube body 1. The thickness of the pre-seal film can be 0.01 to 1 mm, preferably, 0.1 to 0.5 mm, and the material for making the pre-seal film 13 can be polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, etc. known to those skilled in the art, or a composite film formed by a polymer film and an aluminum foil, etc. Thus, the first substance can be stored in the internal space sealed by the pre-seal film 13, the first substance can be a solid, a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof, and can also be a mixture of one or more substances, in particular, the first substance can be a substance that is prone to deterioration by reaction with air, or is prone to volatilization, or is toxic.

[0051] Further, different substances can be stored in different tube bodies 1, and the same or different amounts of substances can also be stored in the tube bodies 1, so that when the same liquid is injected by the dispensing control unit 2, each tube body 1 can perform different independent tests or reactions.

[0052] For the distribution control part 2, as shown in Fig. 1, it can include a cap part 23 and a liquid distribution part 24, the number of the cap part 23 is particularly the same as the number of the tube body 1, so that the cap part 23 corresponds to the tube body 1 one by one. The cap part 23 is configured to cooperate with the tube body 1 to close the internal accommodation space of the tube body 1, for example, part of the cap part 23 can extend into the opening of the tube body 1 or can surround the opening of the tube body 1. The cap part 23 and the liquid distribution part 24 are respectively provided with fluid channels that communicate with each other, specifically, the entering channel on the cap part 23 and the injection port 241 and the branch flow channel 242 (to be described in detail below) on the liquid distribution part 24, so as to realize the injection of liquid into the tube body 1 through the distribution control part 2.

[0053] Particularly, a first sealing part 11 can be provided at the opening of the tube body 1, for example, it can be a rib extending towards the internal accommodation space and having a smooth and flat surface in the form of a ring, and correspondingly, a second sealing part 231 can be provided on the cap part 23 to cooperate with the first sealing part 11, part of the cap part 23 can extend into the opening of the tube body 1, and the second sealing part 231 can be, for example, a ring-shaped rib partially protruding outward on the part. When the cap part 23 and the tube body 1 are in place by cooperating with each other, the first sealing part 11 and the second sealing part 231 have an overlapping area in the radial direction of the opening, thereby forming a water-tight and air-tight sealing structure. In particular, at least one of the first sealing part 11 and the second sealing part 231 is formed of an elastic material, thereby forming an elastic deformation cooperation when cooperating, increasing the sealing effect.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 2, the cap part 23 can also be provided with a drainage part 234 for extending into the internal accommodation space of the tube body 1 and communicating with the entering channel 232 of the cap part 23 described above, the drainage part 234 can be, for example, a columnar structure extending from the main body of the cap part 23 towards the bottom of the tube body 1, and particularly, the drainage part 234 is provided at a position adjacent to the radial edge of the main body. Thus, in the cooperating state, the drainage part 234 can be adjacent to (as shown in Fig. 7) or abut against the wall of the tube body 1, which is conducive to guiding the flow and transfer of liquid. In particular, a flow guide groove can also be provided on the outer surface of the drainage part 234, which further facilitates the guiding of the flow and transfer of liquid.

[0055] For the tube body 1 with the pre-sealing film 13 described above, the end of the drainage part 234 can be provided as a sharp end, as shown in Figs. 2 and 7, to facilitate piercing the pre-sealing film 13 to extend into the internal accommodation space of the tube body 1.

[0056] Figure 8 shows a drainage portion 234 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the free end of which is arranged to be extendable to the bottom of the tube body 1 and has a hollow conduit (not shown) extending to the bottom of the tube body 1 and communicating with the access passage 232 on the tube cover portion 23. Thereby, in addition to being able to inject liquid into the tube body 1, it is also possible to draw liquid out of the tube body 1 through the hollow conduit, making the liquid transfer device have the possibility of allowing the sample to be reciprocated, moved between multiple parallel reaction tube bodies, so as to be applicable to more complex testing procedures, for example, including multiple stages and multiple steps.

[0057] In particular, the plurality of tube cover portions 23 of the present disclosure can be connected with the same dispensing portion 24, the dispensing portion 24 having a long thin plate shape, and the plurality of tube cover portions 23 can be arranged at intervals along one long side of the long thin plate shape on one side of the dispensing portion 24, and the plane in which the tube cover portion 23 extends is aligned with the plane in which the dispensing portion 24 extends, as shown in Figure 1. The tube cover portion 23 is provided with a communicating injection port 241 and a branch flow channel 242, for delivering liquid to the access passage 232 provided on the tube cover portion 23, and in turn injecting liquid into the tube body 1 through the access passage 232.

[0058] Specifically, the access conduit 232 of each tube cover portion 23 is communicated at one end to the containing space of the tube body 1 and at the other end to one branch flow channel 242, as shown in Figures 2-4. The dispensing portion 24 is provided with a plurality of parallel branch flow channels 242, each of which is connected at one end to a corresponding access passage 232 and at the other end to an injection port 241, in particular, a plurality of branch flow channels 242 are connected to one injection port 241 (as shown in Figure 4). The cross-sectional shape and length of each branch flow channel 242 can be the same or approximately the same, and the cross-sectional area is as small as possible and the length is as short as possible, in order to reduce the liquid residue that can be generated in the branch flow channel.

[0059] Liquid can be injected into the dispensing control portion 2 through the injection port 241, in particular, the liquid is injected into the inside of the tube body 1 through the branch flow channel 242, the access passage 232 and the drainage portion 234 connected in turn.

[0060] More particularly, a plurality of branch flow channels 242 are connected to a plurality of injection ports 241 (as shown in Figures 10 and 11), for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, etc. Thereby, different kinds of liquid can be injected into different tube bodies in a plurality of tube bodies 1, or a plurality of liquids can be injected into the same tube body 1.

[0061] Further, a valve can be provided on the liquid preparation part 24, which is located on the branch flow channel 242. For example, a plurality of valves can be provided on each branch flow channel 242, which are configured to switch between an open state and a closed state to control the flow and disconnection of the corresponding branch flow channel 242, respectively. Thus, by controlling the state of the valve, the amount of liquid injected into each tube body 1 can be controlled, for example, to perform quantitative dispensing or equal dispensing.

[0062] Specifically, the valve includes a valve seat 243 and a deformable membrane (not shown) corresponding to the valve seat 243, which can be provided in the extension route of the branch flow channel 242, as shown in FIG. 4. The deformable membrane is configured to deform according to external pressure to adhere to or separate from the valve seat 243. When the position corresponding to the valve seat of the deformable membrane is elastically deformed under pressure, the deformable membrane can fully adhere to the wall of the valve seat 243, thereby blocking the branch flow channel 242, and the liquid in the branch flow channel 242 cannot pass through the valve seat. When the pressure on the position corresponding to the valve seat of the deformable membrane disappears, the deformable membrane elastically deforms and returns to its original state, and no longer adheres to the wall of the valve seat 243, so that the liquid in the branch flow channel 242 can pass through the valve seat normally, thereby realizing the switching of the valve between the open state and the closed state. This structure is simple to manufacture and low in cost, and is particularly suitable for small branch flow channels. The thickness of the deformable membrane can be 0.01-1 mm, preferably 0.1-0.5 mm, and the material is a material that can be deformed and extended under pressure, such as silicone, rubber, etc.

[0063] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the projection center of the valve seat 243 in the extension plane of the liquid preparation part 24 can coincide with the sample branch flow channel, and the projection of the valve seat 243 in the plane can completely cover the width of the projection of the sample branch flow channel. The projection of the valve seat 243 can be circular, square, hexagonal, etc. The longitudinal section shape of the valve seat 243 can be hemispherical, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc., and the depth of the longitudinal section of the valve seat can be greater than or equal to the depth of the sample branch flow channel. The above configuration is conducive to the blocking of the branch flow channel 242 by the mutual adhesion of the deformable membrane and the valve seat.

[0064] In particular, a plurality of tube cover parts 23 can be detachably connected to the liquid preparation part 24. Thus, in the connected state, the injection of liquid into the tube body 1 can be performed, and after the injection is completed, the tube cover part 23 can be removed from the liquid preparation part 24 in order to adapt the tube body to the next procedure or step for operation. However, after only separating the tube cover part 23 from the liquid preparation part 24, further sealing of the tube cover part 23 is required, because the inlet passage 232 and the exhaust passage 233 on the tube cover can cause leakage and / or contamination of the substances in the tube.

[0065] The distribution control part 2 according to the present disclosure can be advantageous to solve the above problems. Specifically, the distribution control part 2 can be formed by combining a first half part 21 and a second half part 22, as shown in FIG. 3, each of which includes part of the tube cover part 23 and the liquid dispensing part 24. Further, at least one of the first half part 21 and the second half part 22 is provided with a groove, which can form a plurality of branch flow channels 242, an inlet pipe 232 corresponding to and communicating with the branch flow channels 242, a valve seat 243, an exhaust pipe 233 (if present, which will be described later), and a gas containing cavity 244 (if present, which will be described later). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the groove is provided only on the first half part 21, and the groove can also be provided on the second half part 22, or the groove can also be provided on both the first half part 21 and the second half part 22, in which case the two grooves are combined to form a plurality of branch flow channels 242, an inlet pipe 232 corresponding to and communicating with the branch flow channels 242, and a valve seat 243. In particular, the first half part 21 and the second half part 22 are both integrally formed, and the groove is generated during the integral forming process, thereby simplifying the process and facilitating manufacturing.

[0066] At least one of the first half part 21 and the second half part 22 can be made of a thermoplastic material, so that the separation of the tube cover part 23 and the liquid dispensing part 24 and the sealing of the tube cover part 23 can be easily achieved by a hot cutting device (not shown). Specifically, the hot cutting device can apply heat and pressure to the distribution control part at the same time, especially at the connection between the tube cover part 23 and the liquid dispensing part 24. Due to the nature of the thermoplastic material, the tube cover part and the liquid dispensing part can be separated while the thermoplastic material is deformed by heat to block and seal the breakage of the inlet passage and the exhaust passage of the tube cover part. For example, the first half part 21 is formed of a thermoplastic material, and the second half part 22 can be either a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material (such as acrylic resin, polyurethane and silicone resin) that can be tightly connected with the first half part 21. The first half part 21 and the second half part 22 are tightly combined together, for example, by hot pressing, bonding, buckling, etc., so that they will not separate during the use of liquid injection.

[0067] Thus, the liquid dispensing device of the present disclosure can achieve quantitative or equal distribution of the sample into a plurality of chambers, and the whole process of sample distribution is isolated from the external environment to avoid the risk of contamination. At the same time, the device can easily achieve the independence and sealing of the reaction chamber after completing the sample distribution by hot cutting, which can be compatible with common detection instruments on the market. Moreover, the liquid dispensing device is easy to manufacture, low in cost and strong in applicability.

[0068] In particular, both the first half 21 and the second half 22 can be formed of thermoplastic material, and the manufacturing materials of both can be the same or different, for example, one or more of the following thermoplastic materials: polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene.

[0069] For example, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the second half 22 can be a film provided with the above-mentioned grooves only on one surface of the first half 21, and the film serves as a sealing film to adhere to the surface of the first half 21 and seal the open ends of the grooves to become internal passages with only the end portions being communicable to the outside, i.e., seal the plurality of branch flow channels 242, the inlet ducts 232 corresponding to the branch flow channels 242 one by one and being in communication, the valve seats 243, the exhaust ducts 233 (if present, which will be described later) and the gas containing cavities 244 (if present, which will be described later) to prevent contamination from the outside.

[0070] In particular, the deformable film mentioned above can be a part of the second half 22 as a sealing film, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the part of the second half 22 opposite to the valve seat 243 is the deformable film.

[0071] In order to make the tube cover portion 23 and the liquid preparation portion 24 more easily separated, a connecting portion 25 with reduced strength compared to the surrounding portion can be provided between the tube cover portion 23 and the liquid preparation portion 24, for example, the connecting portion can be made of a material with weaker strength or a material more easily deformed by heat, or an array of holes spaced uniformly and connected into a line can be provided. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1-2, the connecting portion 25 is smaller in thickness than the surrounding portion, and thus the connecting portion 25 can be formed in the process of integrally molding the second half 21, which is easy to manufacture and facilitates cost reduction.

[0072] Further, the tube cover portion 23 can be further provided with an exhaust duct 233 communicating the containing space of the tube body 1, and the liquid preparation portion 24 can be provided with a gas containing cavity 244 configured to communicate with the exhaust duct 233, in particular, the gas containing cavity 244 corresponds to the exhaust duct 233 one by one and is a sealed chamber connected only to the exhaust duct 233. The gas containing cavity 244 can contain the gas discharged due to the injection of liquid when the liquid is injected into the tube body 1 through the liquid preparation portion 24, thereby maintaining the stability and balance of the reagents in the reaction tube before and after the separation of the tube cover portion 23 and the liquid preparation portion 24. In particular, the exhaust duct 233 of each tube cover portion 23 can be separated from the inlet duct 232 or can be the same duct.

[0073] Further, the present disclosure also proposes a liquid dispensing system comprising the liquid transfer device as described above, which can use the liquid transfer device to achieve the dispensing of a liquid sample in a quantitative or equivalent manner. Specifically, the liquid dispensing system can comprise a controller (not shown) configured to control the switching of the valves between the open and closed states. In particular, the controller is configured to make one of the valves in the open state while the other valves remain in the closed state, i.e., only one valve is in the open state at each time. Thus, the injection path corresponding to one tube body can be controlled individually to facilitate the accurate control of the injection amount.

[0074] Specifically, in order to achieve the switching of the state of the valve, based on the above embodiment of the valve seat 243 and the deformable membrane, the system can comprise an actuator (not shown), which can comprise, for example, a plurality of actuating portions aligned with the deformable membrane, which can be a column or rod structure reciprocally movable in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the deformable membrane (e.g., the surface of the second half), and the number of which is the same as the number of valve seats 243 and one-to-one corresponding to the positions. When the actuating portion moves towards the deformable membrane to contact the surface of the deformable membrane and continues to move, the actuating portion causes the deformable membrane to at least partially deform and deflect towards the valve seat 243. At the same time, the actuating portion can be configured such that the shape of the end thereof in contact with the surface of the deformable membrane is exactly the same as the shape of the valve seat 243, but slightly smaller in size. Specifically, the actuating portion can drive the deformable membrane to deflect until the deformable membrane fully fits the wall of the valve seat 243, so that the deflected sealing membrane and the valve seat 243 form a fully fitted state without gaps, to complete the blocking of the branch flow passage 242, so that the valve switches to the closed state. Conversely, the actuating portion can also move away from the deformable membrane to separate from the deformable membrane, so as to cause the deformable membrane to recover and the branch flow passage 242 to resume the flow, thereby causing the valve to switch to the open state.

[0075] In order to achieve the quantitative injection of the liquid for each tube body 1, the controller needs to be configured to accurately control the switching of the state of the valve. For example, the liquid transfer device can further comprise a pressure sensor (not shown), which can be used to measure the gas pressure in the gas containing cavity 244 or the gas pressure in the tube body 1. Since the gas pressure in the tube body 1 and the containing cavity 244 in communication with the tube body 1 will change as the liquid is injected, the amount of liquid injected can be indirectly detected by detecting the gas pressure value. Therefore, the controller can be configured to switch the valve from the open state to the closed state when the gas pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches a threshold value, which represents that the amount of liquid injection reaches the required amount, thereby achieving quantitative injection.

[0076] Alternatively, the deformation of the second half 22 as a sealing membrane can also be measured, and as the gas pressure increases, the degree of deformation also increases, whereby the degree of deformation can also reflect the amount of liquid injection. Therefore, the controller can also be configured to control the switching of the state of the valve according to the amount of deformation of the second half 22.

[0077] Further, the liquid dispensing system can also comprise an injector (not shown) configured to inject liquid from the injection port 241 into the dispensing control portion 2. The injector can be provided with a resistance sensor configured to detect the resistance that the injector needs to overcome to inject liquid, for example, the resistance corresponds to the minimum injection force required to inject liquid. Since the gas pressure in the tube body 1 increases, the resistance that the injected liquid needs to overcome also increases, and the value of the resistance can reflect the amount of liquid injection. Therefore, the controller can also be configured to control the switching of the state of the valve according to the resistance detected by the resistance sensor, in particular, the valve is switched from the open state to the closed state according to the resistance detected by the resistance sensor reaching a threshold value.

[0078] In addition, in addition to controlling the switching of the state of the valve, additionally or alternatively, the liquid transfer system can also stop or allow the injection of liquid, for example, the controller can be configured to control the stop or continuation of the injection of the injector. In particular, according to the above-mentioned pressure sensor can be used to measure the gas pressure in the gas containing cavity 244 or measure the gas pressure in the tube body 1, and / or measure the amount of deformation of the second half 22, and / or the resistance detected by the resistance sensor, to allow the injector to continue to inject or stop to inject.

[0079] The liquid dispensing system can also comprise the above-mentioned thermal cutting device (not shown), which can simultaneously apply heat and pressure to the dispensing control portion, in particular at the connection between the tube cover portion 23 and the liquid dispensing portion 24, due to the nature of the thermoplastic material, so that the tube cover portion and the liquid dispensing portion are separated, and at the same time the thermoplastic material is deformed by heat to block and seal the disconnected part of the inlet passage and the exhaust passage of the tube cover portion.

[0080] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. The functions or the performances of the various elements or modules described herein are for illustration only and are by no means limiting, but are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above descriptions, within the spirit and scope of the claims. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled.

[0081] In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0082] Reference numerals

[0083] 1 - tube body

[0084] 11 - first seal portion

[0085] 12 - pre-seal membrane

[0086] 2 - dispensing control portion

[0087] 21 - first half portion

[0088] 22 - second half portion

[0089] 23 - tube cover portion

[0090] 231 - second seal portion

[0091] 232 - inlet duct

[0092] 233 - exhaust duct

[0093] 234 - drainage portion

[0094] 24 - liquid preparation portion

[0095] 241 - injection inlet

[0096] 242 - branch flow channel

[0097] 243 - valve seat

[0098] 244 - gas containing cavity

[0099] 25 - connection portion

Claims

1. A liquid transfer device comprising a plurality of tube bodies, each of which has an accommodation space inside, a dispensing control part comprising a plurality of tube cap parts configured to correspond to the plurality of tube bodies to seal the accommodation space, the tube cap parts being provided with an inlet channel, the inlet channel being in communication with the accommodation space; a liquid preparation part configured to be detachably connected to the tube cap part, the liquid preparation part comprising an injection port through which liquid can be injected into the dispensing control part, a plurality of branch flow channels, one end of each of which is in communication with the injection port, and the other end of each of which is in communication with the inlet channel of one of the plurality of tube cap parts, a plurality of valves, at least one valve being provided in each of the branch flow channels, the valves being configured to be switched between an open state and a closed state to control the flow and disconnection of the corresponding branch flow channels, respectively, wherein the dispensing control part is formed by combining a first half part and a second half part, at least one of the first half part and the second half part being provided with a groove, the groove forming a plurality of branch flow channels and inlet channels corresponding to the branch flow channels and being in communication with the branch flow channels, and at least one of the first half part and the second half part being made of a thermoplastic material. 2.The liquid transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the tube cap part is further provided with an exhaust channel in communication with the accommodation space, and the liquid preparation part is provided with a gas accommodation cavity configured to be in communication with the exhaust channel. 3.The liquid transfer device according to claim 2, wherein the valve comprises a valve seat and a deformable membrane, the deformable membrane being configured to be deformed to adhere to or separate from the valve seat according to an external pressure, so that the valve is switched between the open state and the closed state. 4.The liquid transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the second half part is a sealing membrane, the first half part is provided with the groove on a surface thereof, and the sealing membrane is matched with the surface to seal the plurality of branch flow channels, the plurality of inlet channels, and the plurality of valve seats. 5.The liquid transfer device according to claim 4, wherein the deformable membrane constitutes part of the sealing membrane. 6.The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the tube cap part is further provided with a drainage part, the drainage part being connected to the inlet channel and extending towards the internal space of the tube body. 7.The liquid transfer device according to claim 6, wherein the drainage part is arranged to extend to the bottom of the tube body, and the drainage part is provided with a hollow channel extending to the bottom of the tube body and being in communication with the inlet channel. 8.The liquid transfer device according to claim 6, wherein the tube body is provided with a pre-seal membrane, the drainage part of the tube body comprises a sharp free end, and the free end pierces the pre-seal membrane to enter the internal space of the tube body when the tube cap part is matched with the tube body. 9.The liquid transfer device according to claim 8, wherein the pre-seal membrane seals the internal space of the tube body, and the tube body stores a first substance. 10.The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the plurality of tube bodies are connected to each other. ​ 11. The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein a connection portion is provided between the dispensing control portion and the tube cover portion, the connection portion having a reduced strength compared to surrounding portions.

12. The liquid transfer device according to claim 11, wherein the connection portion between the dispensing control portion and the tube cover portion has a reduced thickness compared to surrounding portions.

13. The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the dispensing control portion includes a plurality of the injection ports.

14. The liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first half portion and the second half portion are each a unitary molded piece.

15. A liquid preparation system comprising the liquid transfer device according to any one of claims 1-14, and a controller configured to control the valves to switch between an open state and a closed state, and when one of the valves is set to the open state, the other valve is set to the closed state.

16. The liquid preparation system according to claim 15, wherein the valves include valve seats and deformable membranes configured to deform in accordance with an external pressure to adhere to or separate from the valve seats to switch the valves between the open state and the closed state, the liquid preparation system further includes an actuator including a plurality of actuating portions aligned with the deformable membranes, the actuating portions being movable toward the deformable membranes to cause the deformable membranes to deflect toward the valve seats until adhering to the valve seats to switch the valves to the closed state, and the actuating portions being movable away from the deformable membranes to separate from the deformable membranes to cause the deformable membranes to recover, so that the valves are switched to the open state.

17. The liquid preparation system according to claim 15, wherein the tube cover portion further includes an exhaust duct communicating with the accommodation space, and the liquid preparation portion includes a gas accommodation chamber configured to communicate with the exhaust duct, the liquid transfer device further includes a pressure sensor for measuring a gas pressure in the gas accommodation chamber, the controller is configured to switch the valves from the open state to the closed state in accordance with the gas pressure measured by the pressure sensor reaching a threshold value.

18. The liquid preparation system according to claim 15, wherein the liquid preparation system further includes an injector configured to inject a liquid toward the dispensing control portion from the injection ports, and the injector includes a resistance sensor configured to detect a resistance to be overcome by the injector to inject the liquid.

19. The liquid preparation system according to claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to switch the valves from the open state to the closed state in accordance with the resistance detected by the resistance sensor reaching a threshold value.

20. The liquid preparation system according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein the controller is configured to stop the injection by the injector in accordance with the resistance detected by the resistance sensor reaching a threshold value.

21. The liquid preparation system according to claim 15, wherein The liquid preparation system further comprises a hot cutting device, which simultaneously applies heat and pressure to the dispensing control part, so that the tube cover part is separated from the liquid preparation part and the tube cover part is sealed.

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