Micro-pipetting device and pipetting platform

Abstract

The present application provides a micro-pipetting device and a pipetting platform. The micro-pipetting device comprises: a base, wherein the base is provided with at least one pipetting channel that passes through the base; a pipetting rod assembly, wherein a first end of the pipetting rod assembly is located in the pipetting channel and is slidable in the pipetting channel, and the pipetting rod assembly is in sealing contact with an inner wall surface of the pipetting channel; and a driving assembly arranged on the base, connected to a second end of the pipetting rod assembly, and used for driving the pipetting rod assembly to slide in the pipetting channel. The micro-pipetting device provided by the present application enables more precise control of the pipetting volume without requiring additional components; thus, the overall structure of the micro-pipetting device can be simplified, thereby reducing costs, and allowing for further miniaturization of the micro-pipetting device.

Description

Micropipettes and Pipetting Platforms Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pipetting equipment technology, and more specifically, to a micro-pipetting device and a pipetting platform. Background Technology

[0002] When transferring samples to test strips (or other reaction vessels) using micropipettes, the volume of liquid transferred requires strict control, typically achieved using manual pipettes or micropumps. Manual pipettes require constant operator involvement, and variations in technique can lead to significant differences in volume. Automated micropipette systems, on the other hand, usually employ multiple micropumps and pipette needles, resulting in high system costs and numerous tubing lines, hindering miniaturization.

[0003] Therefore, designing a micropipette that is accurate, low-cost, and miniaturized has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to at least address the problems of pipettes, such as inaccurate pipetting, high cost, and inability to be miniaturized.

[0005] Therefore, the first aspect of this application provides a micropipette device.

[0006] A second aspect of this application provides a pipetting platform.

[0007] In view of the above, the first aspect of this application provides a micropipette device, comprising: a base, wherein at least one pipetting channel is provided on the base through the base; a pipetting rod assembly, wherein a first end of the pipetting rod assembly is located within the pipetting channel and is slidable within the pipetting channel, and the pipetting rod assembly is in sealed contact with the inner wall surface of the pipetting channel; and a drive assembly, disposed on the base and connected to a second end of the pipetting rod assembly, for driving the pipetting rod assembly to slide within the pipetting channel.

[0008] The micro-volume pipetting device provided in this application includes a base, a pipette assembly, and a drive assembly. The base has at least one pipetting channel penetrating the base. The first end of the pipette assembly is disposed within the pipetting channel and can slide within it. Because the pipette assembly is in sealed contact with the inner wall of the pipetting channel, a negative pressure is generated within the channel when the pipette assembly slides, thereby drawing in fluids such as gas or liquid, thus achieving fluid movement. Simultaneously, to facilitate control of the pipetting volume, a drive assembly can be provided on the base to drive the pipette assembly to slide. Compared to manually controlling the pipette assembly, using a drive assembly allows for more precise control of the pipetting volume. It is understood that this application sets the pipetting channel and drive assembly on the base, eliminating the need for additional parts. Therefore, it simplifies the overall structure of the micro-volume pipetting device, reduces costs, and allows for a more miniaturized design.

[0009] The micropipette provided in this application may also have the following additional technical features:

[0010] Optionally, the micropipettes also include a seal disposed within the pipetting channel to seal the gap between the pipetting rod assembly and the inner wall of the pipetting channel.

[0011] Optionally, to ensure a seal between the pipette assembly and the inner wall of the pipetting channel and to ensure effective aspiration, a seal can be provided at one end of the pipetting channel to seal the gap between the pipette assembly and the inner wall of the pipetting channel, thereby ensuring effective pipetting.

[0012] Optionally, the cross-section of the pipetting channel is circular, polygonal, or a combination thereof.

[0013] Optionally, the cross-section of the pipetting channel can be set to a circle, a polygon, or a combination of both, with the specific shape determined according to the actual situation. Preferably, to ensure pipetting effect, the cross-section of the pipetting channel can be set to a circle.

[0014] Optionally, the micropipettes further includes: a mounting base disposed at the second end of the pipette assembly and connected to a drive assembly, wherein the drive assembly can drive the pipette assembly to move along the axial direction of the pipetting channel via the mounting base.

[0015] Optionally, to facilitate driving the pipette assembly, a mounting base can be provided at the second end of the pipette assembly. This mounting base is then connected to a drive assembly, allowing the drive assembly to move the mounting base, which in turn moves the pipette assembly along the axial direction of the pipetting channel, thus achieving liquid aspiration or dispensing. It is understood that in micropipettes, the pipette assembly is relatively thin and has relatively low strength. Therefore, by using a mounting base to drive the pipette assembly to slide, this application ensures the stability of the sliding motion and improves the service life of the micropipette.

[0016] Optionally, the micropipettes also include: a mounting groove disposed on a fixed base; an elastic component disposed in the mounting groove, wherein the second end of the pipette assembly is disposed in the mounting groove and abuts against the elastic component, and the elastic component is capable of elastic deformation along the axial direction of the pipetting channel under the action of the pipette assembly.

[0017] Optionally, to facilitate the installation of the pipette assembly within the pipetting channel during assembly, a mounting groove can be provided on the mounting base. An elastic component can then be placed within the mounting groove, and the second end of the pipette assembly can be placed against the elastic component. This allows the elastic component to elastically deform along the axial direction of the pipetting channel under the action of the pipette assembly. Thus, when assembling the pipette assembly and the pipetting channel, the pipette assembly can be pressed to compress the spring, making it easy to insert the first end of the pipette assembly into the pipetting channel. This design can significantly reduce the requirements for the machining and assembly accuracy of structural components.

[0018] Optionally, the elastic component includes: a spring disposed within a mounting groove; and a spring support disposed within the mounting groove, located between the spring and the second end of the pipette assembly, the second end of the pipette assembly abutting against the spring support.

[0019] Optionally, the elastic component can be a spring. Springs have good elasticity, low cost, and are easy to install, thus further reducing costs and simplifying the structure. Specifically, the spring can be set in the mounting groove along the axial direction of the pipetting channel, and then the spring support can also be set in the mounting groove, located between the spring and the second end of the pipetting rod assembly, so that the second end of the pipetting rod assembly abuts against the spring support. This allows the spring support to compress the spring, preventing uneven force on the spring and deformation.

[0020] Optionally, the micropipettes also include: a guide assembly mounted on the base, and a fixed seat slidably mounted on the guide assembly, the guide assembly being used to guide the fixed seat to slide along the axial direction of the pipetting channel.

[0021] Optionally, a guide assembly can be provided to guide the pipette assembly and prevent it from being subjected to radial forces, which could cause deformation. Specifically, the guide assembly can be mounted on the base, and the mounting base can be slidably mounted on the guide assembly. This allows the guide assembly to guide the mounting base to slide along the axial direction of the pipetting channel, thus guiding the sliding of the pipette assembly as it is driven by the mounting base.

[0022] Optionally, the guide assembly includes: a guide shaft, one end of which is mounted on the base and is arranged along the axial direction of the pipetting channel, and a fixed base is slidably mounted on the guide shaft.

[0023] Optionally, the guiding component can be configured as a guide shaft, with one end mounted on the base and positioned along the axial direction of the pipetting channel. The fixed base is slidably mounted on the guide shaft, allowing for guidance via the guide shaft. Using a guide shaft for guidance is relatively simple in setup and structure, thus facilitating the miniaturization of micropipettes.

[0024] Optionally, the micropipette also includes a mounting hole disposed in the mounting base, and the guide assembly further includes a bushing disposed in the mounting hole, wherein the mounting base slides with the guide shaft through the bushing.

[0025] Optionally, to facilitate better movement of the fixed seat on the guide shaft, a bushing can be provided and fixedly installed in the mounting hole of the fixed seat, thereby improving the fit between the fixed seat and the guide shaft.

[0026] Optionally, the micropipettes may also include a bushing cap, which is mounted on a fixed base and used to limit the bushing.

[0027] Optionally, to prevent the bushing from falling off and to improve its stability, a bushing gland can be installed to limit the bushing's position.

[0028] Optionally, the guide assembly includes: a guide seat mounted on a base, the guide seat having a slide rail arranged along the axial direction of the pipetting channel, and a fixed seat slidably mounted within the slide rail.

[0029] Optionally, the guide component can be configured as a guide seat, which is mounted on the base and has a slide rail arranged along the axial direction of the pipetting channel. This allows the fixed seat to be guided by the slide rail when it is mounted. Of course, the guide component can also be other guide structures, as long as they provide stable guidance, are easy to install, and facilitate miniaturization.

[0030] Optionally, the micropipettes may also include a sealing cap, disposed on the base, for limiting the sliding of the seal.

[0031] Optionally, to prevent the seal from slipping out of the pipetting channel, a sealing cap can be installed on the base to limit the sliding of the seal. Specifically, the sealing cap can be placed at the opening of the pipetting channel.

[0032] Optionally, the micropipettes may also include a pipette tip, which is detachably mounted on the base and communicates with the pipetting channel.

[0033] Optionally, to facilitate liquid aspiration, a pipette tip can be provided, which can be detachably mounted on the base so that the pipette tip is connected to the pipetting channel.

[0034] Optionally, the pipette head includes: a mounting base, detachably mounted on a base; and a pipette tip, disposed on the mounting base and communicating with the pipetting channel, wherein the pipette tip has a liquid-containing chamber for containing liquid.

[0035] Optionally, the pipette tip includes a mounting base and a pipette tip. The mounting base is detachably mounted on the base. The pipette tip is mounted on the mounting base and communicates with the pipetting channel, allowing the pipette tip to absorb liquid and perform pipetting. Simultaneously, a liquid-containing chamber can be provided inside the pipette tip to hold the liquid. This way, when liquid is drawn in, it is stored in the liquid-containing chamber of the pipette tip and does not enter the mounting base or the pipetting channel. Therefore, the liquid only contaminates the pipette tip, requiring only the pipette tip to be replaced each time. Understandably, the detachable mounting base allows for periodic replacement of the pipette tip to prevent contamination, suitable for short-term reusable applications.

[0036] Optionally, the number of pipetting channels can be multiple, and the multiple pipetting channels can be spaced apart.

[0037] Optionally, multiple pipetting channels can be set to transfer more liquid. The specific number of pipetting channels can be set according to the actual situation.

[0038] Optionally, there may be multiple pipette assemblies, with each pipette assembly corresponding to a different pipetting channel.

[0039] Optionally, when there are multiple pipetting channels, multiple pipetting rod assemblies can also be set, so that multiple pipetting rod assemblies correspond one-to-one with multiple pipetting channels, thereby ensuring the stability of pipetting.

[0040] Optionally, the cross-sectional areas of the multiple pipette assemblies may be the same or different.

[0041] Optionally, the cross-sectional areas of multiple pipette assemblies can be set to be the same or different, thereby enabling multi-channel pipetting of the same or different volumes to meet usage requirements.

[0042] Optionally, the drive component includes at least one of a motor, an air pump, and a hydraulic pump.

[0043] Optionally, the drive assembly includes a drive shaft, which is a lead screw shaft. The micro-pipette also includes a lead screw nut, which is disposed at the second end of the pipette assembly. The lead screw shaft can cooperate with the lead screw nut to drive the pipette assembly to slide within the pipetting channel.

[0044] Optionally, to facilitate the driving of the pipette assembly, a lead screw nut can be installed at the second end of the pipette assembly. This lead screw nut then engages with the lead screw shaft of the drive assembly. When the lead screw shaft rotates, it moves the lead screw nut, thereby causing the pipette assembly to slide within the pipetting channel. The direction of movement of the pipette assembly can be adjusted by rotating the lead screw shaft clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0045] The second aspect of this application proposes a pipetting platform, including the micropipettes of any of the technical solutions in the first aspect.

[0046] The pipetting platform provided by this application includes the micro-pipettes as described in any of the technical solutions of the first aspect. Since this pipetting platform includes the micro-pipettes as described in any of the technical solutions of the first aspect, it also possesses all the beneficial effects of the micro-pipettes as described in any of the technical solutions of the first aspect, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0047] Optionally, the pipetting platform may also include a displacement device connected to the micropipettes and capable of driving the micropipettes to move in one or more directions.

[0048] Optionally, a displacement device can be connected to a micro-pipette, thereby enabling the displacement device to drive the micro-pipette to move in one or more directions to meet different usage requirements.

[0049] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent in the following description or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0051] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a micropipette device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 2 shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of a micropipette device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 3 shows a partial structural schematic diagram of a micropipette device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of point A in Figure 3;

[0056] Figure 5 shows a second schematic diagram of the structure of a micropipette device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 6 shows a second partial structural schematic diagram of a micropipette device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a pipetting platform according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The micropipette apparatus and pipetting platform according to some embodiments of this application are described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the first aspect of this application provides a micropipette device 10, including a base 100, a pipette assembly 101, and a drive assembly 102. The base 100 has at least one pipetting channel 1002 extending through it. A first end of the pipette assembly 101 is located within the pipetting channel 1002 and is slidable within it, with the pipette assembly 101 in sealed contact with the inner wall of the pipetting channel 1002. The drive assembly 102 is disposed on the base 100 and connected to a second end of the pipette assembly 101, for driving the pipette assembly 101 to slide within the pipetting channel 1002.

[0061] The micro-pipettes 10 provided in this application includes a base 100, a pipette assembly 101, and a drive assembly 102. The base 100 has at least one pipetting channel 1002 extending through it. The first end of the pipette assembly 101 is disposed within the pipetting channel 1002, allowing it to slide within the channel. Because the pipette assembly 101 is in sealed contact with the inner wall of the pipetting channel 1002, a negative pressure is generated within the channel when it slides, thereby drawing in fluids such as gas or liquid, thus achieving fluid movement. Furthermore, to facilitate control of the pipetting volume, a drive assembly 102 is provided on the base 100 to drive the pipette assembly 101 to slide. Compared to manually controlling the pipette assembly 101, using a drive assembly 102 allows for more precise control of the pipetting volume. It is understood that this application sets the pipetting channel 1002 on the base 100 and also sets the drive assembly 102 on the base 100, without the need for additional parts. Therefore, the overall structure of the micro-pipettes 10 can be simplified, the cost can be reduced, and the micro-pipettes 10 can be made more compact.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the micropipette 10 further includes a sealing element 112 disposed within the pipetting channel 1002 for sealing the gap between the pipetting rod assembly 101 and the inner wall of the pipetting channel 1002.

[0063] In this embodiment, in order to ensure the seal between the pipette assembly 101 and the inner wall of the pipetting channel 1002, and to ensure the effect of aspiration and dispensing, a seal 112 can be provided at one end of the pipetting channel 1002, for example, to seal the gap between the pipette assembly 101 and the inner wall of the pipetting channel 1002, thereby ensuring the pipetting effect.

[0064] In some embodiments, the seal 112 is a sealing ring.

[0065] In some embodiments, the sealing ring is an O-ring or a polygonal sealing ring.

[0066] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the pipetting channel 1002 is a circle, a polygon, or a combination thereof.

[0067] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the pipetting channel 1002 can be set to a circle or a polygon, or a combination of both, and the specific shape can be set according to the actual situation. Preferably, to ensure pipetting effect, the cross-section of the pipetting channel 1002 can be set to a circle.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the micropipette 10 further includes a fixing base 103, which is disposed at the second end of the pipette assembly 101 and connected to the drive assembly 102. The drive assembly 102 can drive the pipette assembly 101 to move along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002 (the direction indicated by C in FIG2) through the fixing base 103.

[0069] In this embodiment, to facilitate driving the pipette assembly 101, a fixing seat 103 can be provided at the second end of the pipette assembly 101. The fixing seat 103 is then connected to the driving assembly 102, allowing the driving assembly 102 to drive the fixing seat 103 to move, and the fixing seat 103 to move the pipette assembly 101 along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002, thus achieving the aspiration or dispensing of liquid. It is understood that in the micropipette 10, the pipette assembly 101 is relatively thin and has relatively low strength. Therefore, this application uses the fixing seat 103 to drive the pipette assembly 101 to slide. Since the pipette assembly 101 and the fixing seat 103 are directly and movably connected, the stability of the sliding is ensured, and the service life of the micropipette 10 is improved.

[0070] In some embodiments, the retainer 103 is movably disposed at the second end of the pipette assembly 101.

[0071] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the micropipette 10 further includes: a mounting groove 104 disposed in a fixed base 103; an elastic component 105 disposed in the mounting groove 104; the second end of the pipette assembly 101 is disposed in the mounting groove 104 and abuts against the elastic component 105; the elastic component 105 is capable of elastic deformation along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002 under the action of the pipette assembly 101 and the fixed base 103.

[0072] In this embodiment, to facilitate the installation of the pipette assembly 101 into the pipetting channel 1002 during assembly, a mounting groove 104 can be provided on the fixing base 103, and an elastic component 105 can be provided in the mounting groove 104. The second end of the pipette assembly 101 is then placed against the elastic component 105, allowing the elastic component 105 to elastically deform along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002 under the action of the pipette assembly 101 and the fixing base 103. Thus, when assembling the pipette assembly 101 and the pipetting channel 1002, the pipette assembly 101 can be pressed to compress the spring 1052, thereby facilitating the insertion of the first end of the pipette assembly 101 into the pipetting channel 1002. This arrangement can significantly reduce the requirements for the machining and assembly accuracy of the structural components.

[0073] In some embodiments, the elastic component 105 includes: a spring 1052 disposed in the mounting groove 104; and a spring cover 1054 disposed in the mounting groove 104, located between the spring 1052 and the second end of the pipette assembly 101, the second end of the pipette assembly 101 abutting against the spring cover 1054.

[0074] In this embodiment, the elastic component 105 can be set as a spring 1052. The spring 1052 has good elasticity, low cost, and is easy to install, thus further reducing costs and simplifying the structure. Specifically, the spring 1052 can be set in the mounting groove 104 along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002, and then the spring cover 1054 can also be set in the mounting groove 104, located between the spring 1052 and the bottom surface of the mounting groove 104, so that the second end of the pipetting rod assembly 101 abuts against the top surface of the mounting groove 104. In this way, the spring cover 1054 can compress the spring 1052, preventing the spring 1052 from deforming due to uneven force.

[0075] In some embodiments, the micropipette 10 further includes: a guide assembly 106 mounted on the base 100, and a fixed seat 103 slidably mounted on the guide assembly 106, the guide assembly 106 being used to guide the fixed seat 103 to slide along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002.

[0076] In this embodiment, a guide assembly 106 can also be provided for guidance to prevent the pipette assembly 101 from being subjected to radial force, which could cause deformation of the pipette assembly 101. Specifically, the guide assembly 106 can be mounted on the base 100, and then the fixing seat 103 can be slidably mounted on the guide assembly 106, so that the guide assembly 106 can guide the fixing seat 103 to slide along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002. In this way, when the fixing seat 103 drives the pipette assembly 101 to slide, the sliding of the pipette assembly 101 can be guided.

[0077] In some embodiments, the guide assembly 106 includes: a guide shaft 1062, one end of which is mounted on the base 100 and the guide shaft 1062 is arranged along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002, and a fixing seat 103 is slidably mounted on the guide shaft 1062.

[0078] In this embodiment, the guide assembly 106 can be configured as a guide shaft 1062. One end of the guide shaft 1062 is mounted on the base 100, and the guide shaft 1062 is positioned along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002. The fixing seat 103 is slidably mounted on the guide shaft 1062, thus allowing guidance via the guide shaft 1062. Using the guide shaft 1062 for guidance is relatively simple in design and structure, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the micro-pipettes 10.

[0079] In some embodiments, the pipette assembly 101 and the guide shaft 1062 have a preset height difference.

[0080] It is understood that the radial movement limit of the pipette assembly 101 can be achieved by the seal 112 and the fixed seat 103, while its maximum axial displacement can be limited by the height of the guide shaft 1062. By setting the height difference between the pipette assembly 101 and the guide shaft 1062, it can be ensured that the pipette assembly 1062 will not slide out of the pipetting channel 1002 when it slides.

[0081] In some embodiments, the micropipette 10 further includes a mounting hole 107 disposed in the fixed base 103, and the guide assembly 106 further includes a bushing 1064 disposed in the mounting hole 107. The fixed base 103 is engaged with the guide shaft 1062 through the bushing 1064. This allows the fixed base 103 to slide along the axial direction of the guide shaft 1062.

[0082] In this embodiment, in order to facilitate better movement of the fixed seat 103 on the guide shaft 1062, a bushing 1064 can also be provided. The bushing 1064 is fixedly installed in the mounting hole 107 of the fixed seat 103, thereby improving the fit between the fixed seat 103 and the guide shaft 1062 by using the bushing 1064.

[0083] In some embodiments, the micropipette 10 further includes a bushing cap 108 disposed on the fixing base 103 for limiting the bushing 1064.

[0084] In this embodiment, in order to prevent the bushing 1064 from falling off and to improve the stability of the bushing 1064, a bushing cover 108 can also be set to limit the bushing 1064.

[0085] In some embodiments, the guide assembly 106 includes: a guide seat mounted on a base, the guide seat having a slide rail arranged along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002, and a fixing seat 103 slidably mounted in the slide rail.

[0086] In this embodiment, the guide component 106 can also be configured as a guide seat, which is mounted on the base. A slide rail is provided on the guide seat along the axial direction of the pipetting channel 1002. When the fixed seat 103 is mounted on the slide rail, the slide rail can guide the sliding of the fixed seat 103. Of course, the guide component 106 can also be other guide structures, as long as the guidance is stable, easy to install, and conducive to miniaturization.

[0087] In some embodiments, the micropipette 10 further includes a sealing cap 109 disposed on the base 100 for limiting the sliding of the seal 112.

[0088] In this embodiment, to prevent the seal 112 from sliding out of the pipetting channel 1002, a sealing cap 109 can be provided on the base 100 to limit the sliding of the seal 112. Specifically, the sealing cap 109 can be provided at the opening of the pipetting channel 1002. It is understood that the purpose of providing the sealing cap 109 is to prevent the pipetting rod assembly 101 from moving up and down, causing the seal 112 to move up and down. Therefore, to prevent the seal 112 from shifting, the sealing cap 109 can be provided to limit its vertical displacement.

[0089] In some embodiments, the micropipette 10 further includes a pipette tip 110, which is detachably mounted on the base 100 and communicates with the pipetting channel 1002.

[0090] In this embodiment, in order to facilitate liquid aspiration, a pipette head 110 can also be provided, which is detachably mounted on the base 100 so that the pipette head 110 is connected to the pipetting channel 1002.

[0091] In some embodiments, the pipette head 110 includes: a mounting base 1102, which is detachably mounted on the base 100; and a pipette tip 1104, which is disposed on the mounting base 1102 and communicates with the pipetting channel 1002, wherein the pipette tip 1104 has a liquid-containing cavity 1106 for containing liquid.

[0092] In this embodiment, the pipette head 110 includes a mounting base 1102 and a pipette tip 1104. The mounting base 1102 is detachably mounted on the base 100. The pipette tip 1104 is disposed on the mounting base 1102 and communicates with the pipetting channel 1002, thus enabling the pipette head 110 to absorb liquid and perform pipetting. Simultaneously, a liquid-containing cavity 1106 can be provided within the pipette tip 1104 to contain liquid. When liquid is drawn in, it is stored in the liquid-containing cavity 1106 of the pipette tip 1104 and does not enter the mounting base 1102 or the pipetting channel 1002. Therefore, the liquid only contaminates the pipette tip 1104, and only the pipette tip 1104 needs to be replaced each time. It is understood that the detachable mounting base 1102 allows for periodic replacement of the pipette head 110 to prevent contamination, making it suitable for short-term reusable scenarios.

[0093] In some embodiments, the pipette tip 110 can be configured as a pipette needle according to the volume of liquid to be pipetted. A thinner pipette needle is easier to use for micro-pipettes.

[0094] In some embodiments, the micropipette 10 further includes a tip 1104 mounting device and a tip 1104 unloading and recycling device. This allows for the automatic mounting of the tip 1104 using the tip 1104 mounting device and the automatic unloading and recycling of the tip 1104 using the tip 1104 unloading and recycling device, thereby achieving a fully automatic closed loop and improving the automation level of the micropipette 10.

[0095] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5, there are multiple pipetting channels 1002, which are spaced apart.

[0096] In this embodiment, multiple pipetting channels 1002 can be configured to transfer more liquid. The specific number of pipetting channels 1002 can be set according to the actual situation.

[0097] In some embodiments, the pipetting channels 1002 are configured to have four.

[0098] In some embodiments, there are multiple pipette assemblies 101, and each of the multiple pipette assemblies 101 corresponds to a multiple pipetting channel 1002.

[0099] In this embodiment, when there are multiple pipetting channels 1002, there can also be multiple pipetting rod assemblies 101, so that multiple pipetting rod assemblies 101 correspond one-to-one with multiple pipetting channels 1002, thereby ensuring the stability of pipetting.

[0100] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of pipette assemblies 101 may be the same or different.

[0101] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of multiple pipette assemblies 101 can be set to be the same or different, thereby realizing multi-channel pipetting of the same or different volumes, thus meeting the usage requirements.

[0102] The theoretical value of its pipetting volume is the diameter of the pipette assembly 101 multiplied by the moving distance.

[0103] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 102 includes at least one of a motor, an air pump, and a hydraulic pump.

[0104] In some embodiments, the motor is a stepper motor.

[0105] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 102 includes a drive shaft 1022, which is a lead screw shaft 1024. The micro-pipette device 10 further includes a lead screw nut 111, which is disposed at the second end of the pipette assembly 101. The lead screw shaft 1024 can cooperate with the lead screw nut 111 to drive the pipette assembly 101 to slide within the pipetting channel 1002.

[0106] In this embodiment, to facilitate driving the pipette assembly 101, a lead screw nut 111 can be provided at the second end of the pipette assembly 101. The lead screw nut 111 then engages with the lead screw shaft 1024 of the drive assembly 102. When the lead screw shaft 1024 rotates, it drives the lead screw nut 111 to move, thereby causing the pipette assembly 101 to slide within the pipetting channel 1002. The direction of movement of the pipette assembly 101 can be adjusted by rotating the lead screw shaft 1024 forward and backward.

[0107] In one specific embodiment, the lead screw nut 111 can be set on the fixed seat 103, and then the lead screw shaft 1024 can be screwed into the lead screw nut 111. In this way, the fixed seat 103 can move axially along the lead screw shaft 1024 by rotating the lead screw shaft 1024, thereby driving the pipetting rod assembly 101 to slide in the pipetting channel 1002 through the fixed seat 103.

[0108] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a micro-pipette device 10 is provided, which comprises a piston rod (fixed base 103), a guide shaft 1062, a piston rod (pipette rod assembly 101), a compression spring 1052, a bushing 1064, a spring cover 1054, a bushing cover 108, a sealing cover 109, a lead screw stepper motor (drive assembly 102), an O-ring (seal 112), a sealing cavity (base 100), a pipette needle, and a lead screw nut 111.

[0109] In some embodiments, the pipette is fixed to the sealed cavity by a threaded connection.

[0110] In some embodiments, the guide shaft 1062 is fixed to the sealed cavity by a threaded connection. The inner hole of the bushing 1064 forms a shaft hole fit with the guide shaft 1062, and the outer axial surface of the bushing 1064 fits with the corresponding hole of the piston rod. At the same time, the bushing cap 108 is locked onto the piston rod by screws, which limits the axial movement of the bushing 1064. Therefore, the guide shaft 1062 guides the piston rod when it moves axially along the guide shaft 1062, preventing the piston rod from being subjected to radial force and thus deforming the piston rod. This is because the diameter of the piston rod is usually very small for the micropipettes 10, and the radial force it can withstand is relatively small.

[0111] In some embodiments, the compression spring 1052 and the spring cover 1054 sequentially engage with the piston rod along the axial direction and are finally installed into the corresponding holes of the piston rod. The piston rod is movable and fixed by the elastic force of the compression spring 1052 (it can be displaced, unlike a screw which is fixed in place). The purpose is to allow the four piston rods to be inserted into the corresponding holes of the sealing cavity during assembly. This movable fixing method can greatly reduce the requirements for the machining accuracy and assembly accuracy of the structural components.

[0112] In some embodiments, both the lead screw stepper motor and the sealing cavity are fixedly connected to the sealing gland 109 by screws, while the sealing gland 109 also restricts the axial movement of the O-ring.

[0113] In some embodiments, the lead screw nut 111 is movably connected to the output shaft lead screw of the lead screw stepper motor via its threads, and can move axially along the output shaft lead screw shaft 1024. At the same time, the lead screw nut 111 is fixedly connected to the piston rod by screws.

[0114] Through the above structural design and fixed connection, when the lead screw stepper motor rotates, it drives the lead screw nut 111 to move up and down (the direction of movement of the lead screw nut 111 can be changed by switching the rotation direction of the lead screw stepper motor). Since the lead screw nut 111 is fixedly connected to the piston rod, the piston rod is also driven to move up and down. At this time, because the piston rod is movably fixed in the corresponding hole of the piston rod, and the piston rod and piston rod are fixed in the vertical direction of movement, the piston rod of the 4-channel is also driven to move up and down. The piston rod cooperates with the O-ring to form 4 independent sealing chambers corresponding to the 4 channels of the sealing cavity. When the piston rod moves upward, air, liquid, or other fluids can be drawn in from the tip of the pipette. When the piston rod moves downward, air or liquid in the 4 independent sealing chambers can be discharged from the tip of the pipette.

[0115] In some embodiments, the lead screw stepper motor is arranged on one side of the sealed cavity, but it can be arranged on the other side or on the top as needed.

[0116] In some embodiments, the sealed cavity is provided with four independent channels, enabling simultaneous pipetting through all four channels. The number of channels can be increased or decreased as needed.

[0117] In some embodiments, the piston rods of the four channels have the same diameter to achieve the same volume of liquid transfer in all four channels. The piston rod diameter can be set to different values ​​according to the actual situation to achieve different volumes of liquid transfer in each channel.

[0118] In some embodiments, the pipette can be replaced periodically to prevent contamination. This is suitable for short-term reusable scenarios. For single-use scenarios, please refer to Figure 6.

[0119] As shown in Figure 6, after the liquid is drawn in, it is stored in the cavity of the suction head 1104 and does not enter the suction head 1104 mounting base 1102 or the corresponding channel of the sealed cavity. Therefore, the liquid only contaminates the suction head 1104, and only the suction head 1104 needs to be replaced each time. By integrating the automatic suction head 1104 installation device and the suction head 1104 unloading and recycling device, the entire process can form a fully automatic closed loop.

[0120] As shown in Figure 7, the second aspect of this application proposes a pipetting platform 1, which includes the micropipettes 10 in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0121] The pipetting platform 1 provided in this application includes the micropipettes 10 as described in any embodiment of the first aspect. Since the pipetting platform 1 includes the micropipettes 10 as described in any embodiment of the first aspect, the pipetting platform 1 provided in this application also possesses all the beneficial effects of the micropipettes 10 as described in any embodiment of the first aspect, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0122] In some embodiments, the pipetting platform 1 further includes a displacement device 20, which is connected to the micropipettes 10 and is capable of driving the micropipettes 10 to move in one or more directions.

[0123] In this embodiment, the displacement device 20 can be connected to the micro-pipette 10, thereby enabling the displacement device 20 to drive the micro-pipette 10 to move in one or more directions, thus meeting different usage requirements.

[0124] In some embodiments, the displacement device 20 can drive the micropipette 10 to move in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0125] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A micropipette, characterized in that, include: A base, wherein at least one pipetting channel is provided on the base; A pipette assembly, wherein the first end of the pipette assembly is located within the pipetting channel and is slidable within the pipetting channel, and the pipette assembly is in sealed contact with the inner wall surface of the pipetting channel; A drive assembly is disposed on the base and connected to the second end of the pipette assembly, for driving the pipette assembly to slide within the pipetting channel.

2. The micropipette according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A sealing element is disposed within the pipetting channel to seal the gap between the pipetting rod assembly and the inner wall of the pipetting channel.

3. The micropipette according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the pipetting channel is circular, polygonal, or a combination thereof.

4. The micropipette according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A fixing seat is disposed at the second end of the pipette assembly and connected to the drive assembly. The drive assembly can drive the pipette assembly to move along the axial direction of the pipetting channel through the fixing seat.

5. The micropipette according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A mounting slot is provided in the fixing base; An elastic component is disposed within the mounting groove. The second end of the pipette assembly is disposed within the mounting groove and abuts against the elastic component. The elastic component is capable of elastic deformation along the axial direction of the pipetting channel under the action of the pipette assembly.

6. The micropipette according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic component includes: A spring is disposed within the mounting slot; A spring cover is disposed in the mounting groove, located between the spring and the second end of the pipette assembly, with the second end of the pipette assembly abutting against the spring cover.

7. The micropipette according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A guide assembly is mounted on the base, and the fixed seat is slidably mounted on the guide assembly. The guide assembly is used to guide the fixed seat to slide along the axial direction of the pipetting channel.

8. The micropipette according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guiding component includes: A guide shaft is provided, one end of which is mounted on the base, and the guide shaft is arranged along the axial direction of the pipetting channel. The fixed base is slidably mounted on the guide shaft.

9. The micropipette according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes mounting holes disposed in the mounting base, and the guide assembly further includes: A bushing is disposed in the mounting hole, and the fixed seat slides with the guide shaft through the bushing.

10. The micropipette according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A bushing cap is disposed on the fixed seat and is used to limit the bushing.

11. The micropipette according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guiding component includes: A guide seat is installed on the base, and the guide seat is provided with a slide rail arranged along the axial direction of the pipetting channel. The fixed seat is slidably installed in the slide rail.

12. The micropipette according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Also includes: A sealing gland, disposed on the base, is used to limit the sliding of the seal.

13. The micropipette according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The pipette tip is detachably mounted on the base and communicates with the pipette channel.

14. The micropipette according to claim 13, characterized in that, The pipette head includes: Mounting base, which is detachably mounted on the base; The pipette tip is disposed on the mounting base and communicates with the pipetting channel. The pipette tip has a liquid-containing cavity for containing liquid.

15. The micropipette according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The number of pipetting channels is multiple, and the multiple pipetting channels are arranged at intervals.

16. The micropipette according to claim 15, characterized in that, There are multiple pipette assemblies, and each of the multiple pipette assemblies corresponds to one of the multiple pipetting channels.

17. The micropipette according to claim 15, characterized in that, The cross-sectional areas of the multiple pipette assemblies may be the same or different.

18. The micropipette according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The driving component includes: At least one of an electric motor, an air pump, and a hydraulic pump.

19. The micropipette according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a drive shaft, which is a lead screw shaft; the micro-pipette further includes: A lead screw nut is disposed at the second end of the pipette assembly. The lead screw shaft can cooperate with the lead screw nut to drive the pipette assembly to slide within the pipetting channel.

20. A pipetting platform, characterized in that, include: The micropipette as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The pipetting platform according to claim 20, characterized in that, Also includes: A displacement device, connected to the micropipette, is capable of driving the micropipette to move in one or more directions.

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