JP2001324509A - Nozzle device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a nozzle device for dispensation capable of securely sealing and holding a nozzle chip even if the nozzle chip is reused. SOLUTION: Two annular grooves are formed on an outer surface of a fitting part 16 by separating them vertically, and O-rings 100, 102 are inserted into each annular groove. When the nozzle chip 12 is mounted in a nozzle basic part 10, the O-ring 102 enters an annular recessed part 104. The sealing action and the holding action are achieved by these O-rings 100, 102. A pressure sensor 20 functions also as a jamming sensor, and the wear of the O-rings 100, 102 is judged based on an output of the sensor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a nozzle device,
In particular, the present invention relates to a nozzle device in which a resin nozzle tip is detachably attached to a metal nozzle base.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A nozzle device is a device for sucking and discharging a liquid by a nozzle. Some conventional nozzle devices mount a resin nozzle tip on a metal nozzle base to perform suction and discharge, and replace the nozzle tip after the discharge is completed.

In such an apparatus, the problem of contamination can be avoided because the nozzle tip is replaced each time a sample or a reagent is dispensed, but there is a problem that the amount of waste material increases. Therefore, a device that stores a nozzle tip after one dispensing and reuses the stored nozzle tip when, for example, dispensing the same sample or reagent again has been put to practical use.

[0004]

When the nozzle tip is mounted, the opening of the tip head is slightly widened, and a large frictional resistance is generated between the two due to the deformation reaction and the like, and the seal and the connection between the two are not maintained. Achieved.
That is, when the nozzle tip is mounted on the nozzle base, a considerable driving force is required to increase the degree of fitting between the two. Also, when the nozzle tip is removed from the nozzle base, a considerable driving force is required. Therefore, it is necessary to use a large drive source or drive mechanism.

On the other hand, when the nozzle tip is reused, if the two are connected with a large fitting force as described above, the nozzle tip side is liable to be damaged in any case, and the fitting force between the two drops when reused. There is a risk. that is,
This increases the risk of the nozzle tip falling off.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object to easily and reliably mount a nozzle tip on a nozzle base.

Another object of the present invention is to achieve the connection between the nozzle base and the nozzle tip with a small driving force without lowering the holding action and the sealing action between the nozzle base and the nozzle tip.

It is another object of the present invention to improve the operation reliability of the apparatus by ensuring reliable mounting even when a nozzle tip is reused.

[0009]

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a nozzle base having a cylindrical tip fitting portion, and a tip head opening into which the tip fitting portion is inserted. And a nozzle tip for sucking and discharging liquid at the tip end opening, and at least one annular elastic portion is provided on the outer surface of the tip fitting portion.

According to the above configuration, an annular elastic portion is provided between the tip fitting portion and the tip head opening, and the elastic portion can exert a sealing action and a holding action. That is, even if the pressure input at the time of fitting the two is reduced, sufficient airtightness can be ensured, and sufficient retention can be ensured. Also, there is an advantage that the force at the time of pulling out can be reduced. As a result, the size of the driving mechanism can be reduced.

Preferably, the elastic portion is detachable from the tip fitting portion. According to this configuration, replacement of the elastic portion with respect to wear is possible. The elastic portion is desirably formed of one or more annular rubber members (O-rings) or a rubber member partially having such a form.

Preferably, a large diameter portion is formed above the chip fitting portion, and the upper surface of the chip head abuts on the lower surface of the large diameter portion in a state where the chip fitting portion is inserted into the opening of the chip head. . According to this configuration, the positioning accuracy of the nozzle chip in the vertical direction can be improved by the contact of the upper surface of the chip head with the lower surface of the large diameter portion. That is, the positioning accuracy can be improved while sufficiently securing the sealing action and the holding action.

(2) To achieve the above object,
The present invention includes a nozzle base having a cylindrical tip fitting part, a tip head having a tip head opening into which the tip fitting part is inserted, and a nozzle tip that performs suction and discharge of liquid at a tip end opening, A plurality of annular grooves vertically spaced apart from each other are formed on the outer surface of the tip fitting portion, and a plurality of annular elastic members projecting outward beyond the outer surface level of the tip fitting portion are formed in the plurality of annular grooves. It is characterized by being provided.

According to the above configuration, since a plurality of annular elastic members are provided, it is easy to hold the nozzle tip vertically, and the sealing action and the like can be further enhanced.

Preferably, at least one annular recess is formed on an inner surface of the chip head opening, and the annular elastic recess is formed in the annular recess in a state where the tip fitting is inserted into the chip head opening. The member gets stuck. According to this configuration, since the annular elastic member fits into the annular recessed portion, the nozzle tip can be properly positioned in the vertical direction with respect to the nozzle base, and a sealing action and a holding action can be obtained. .

(3) To achieve the above object,
The present invention has a nozzle base portion having a cylindrical metal tip fitting portion, and a resin nozzle tip having a tip head opening portion into which the tip fitting portion is inserted, and suctioning and discharging liquid at a tip end opening. And first and second annular grooves vertically separated from each other are formed on an outer surface of the tip fitting portion, and an outer surface level of the tip fitting portion is formed in the first and second annular grooves. First and second annular elastic members protruding outward beyond the first and second annular elastic members are provided on an inner surface of the tip head opening, and at least one of the first and second annular elastic members fits into the recess. A part is formed.

Preferably, the first annular groove is formed above the tip fitting portion, the second annular groove is formed below the tip fitting portion, and the annular recess is formed on the tip fitting portion. An inner surface of the head opening is formed at a height where the first annular elastic member fits in a state where the tip fitting portion is mounted on the tip head opening.

According to the above construction, the first annular elastic member provided in the first annular groove fits into the annular recess, thereby exhibiting a sealing action and a holding action.
The second annular elastic member provided in the second annular groove is in close contact with the inner surface of the chip head opening, and a particularly strong sealing effect can be obtained.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a wear detecting means for detecting wear of the elastic portion. According to this configuration, the abrasion of the elastic portion can be automatically detected, and the replacement can be performed at an appropriate time, so that the dispensing accuracy can be maintained high. As the wear detecting means, an existing jamming sensor or the like can be used.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a control unit for executing control for reusing the nozzle tip. In a system in which such a nozzle tip is reused, the problem of reusing a deformed nozzle tip can be prevented beforehand, and a good sealing action and tip holding action can always be ensured by the elastic portion.

(4) In order to achieve the above object,
The present invention provides a tip head opening into which a tip fitting portion of a nozzle base is inserted, a tip end opening for sucking and discharging liquid, and an opening formed in the tip head opening and provided on an outer surface of the tip fitting portion. And an annular recess into which the provided annular elastic portion fits.

(5) In order to achieve the above object,
The present invention has a nozzle base having a large-diameter first tip fitting portion and a small-diameter second tip fitting portion continuous thereunder, and a large-diameter chip head opening into which the first tip fitting portion is inserted. A first nozzle tip for sucking and discharging a liquid at the tip end opening;
A second nozzle tip having a small-diameter tip head opening into which the second tip fitting portion is inserted, and a second nozzle tip for sucking and discharging a liquid at the tip end opening;
At least one annular elastic portion is provided on an outer surface of at least one of the tip fitting portion and the second tip fitting portion.

According to the above configuration, when a plurality of nozzle tips of different sizes are selectively mounted on the nozzle base, a good sealing action and holding action can be obtained for at least one nozzle tip. It may be configured such that three or more different size nozzle tips can be mounted on one nozzle base.

Preferably, a plurality of annular elastic portions are provided on both the first chip fitting portion and the second chip fitting portion.

Preferably, a first large diameter portion is formed above the first chip fitting portion, and a second large diameter portion is formed between the first chip fitting portion and the second chip fitting portion. The upper surface of the first nozzle tip abuts against the lower surface of the first large diameter portion in a state where the first tip fitting portion is inserted into the chip head opening of the first nozzle tip; With the tip fitting portion inserted into the tip head opening of the second nozzle tip, the upper face of the tip head of the second nozzle tip contacts the lower face of the second large diameter portion.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a nozzle device according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a main part thereof. This nozzle device functions as a dispensing device.

A nozzle tip 12 as a disposable tip is detachably mounted on the nozzle base 10. In FIG. 1, the nozzle tip 12 is a tip rack 1
4 is held. The nozzle device of the present embodiment has a function of retreating and holding the used nozzle tip 12 on the tip rack 14 under the control of the control unit 30 described later, and reusing the used nozzle tip 12.
When such control is performed, a tip remover may be provided in the mechanism for transporting the nozzles, or a lip remover may be provided above the tip rack.

As the tip rack 14, a tip rack for holding a new nozzle tip and a tip rack for holding a used nozzle tip in this embodiment are provided. You may make it.

The nozzle base 10 and the nozzle tip 12 constituting the nozzle will be described in detail.
It is roughly composed of a fitting part 16 and a large diameter part 18. The fitting portion 16 is formed of a cylindrical metal member, and the fitting portion 16 is inserted into an opening 36A of a chip head 36 formed above the nozzle tip 12. Two annular grooves are formed in the fitting portion 16 so as to be vertically separated from each other, and O-rings 100 and 102 as annular elastic members are provided in the two annular grooves, respectively. As shown later in FIG. 2, the surfaces of the two O-rings 100 and 102 protrude from the outer surface of the fitting portion 16. These O-rings 100 and 102 are each configured to be replaceable, and when they are fitted in the annular groove, their vertical displacement is prevented.

The large diameter part 18 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the fitting part 16. Above it is a shaft 24
Is provided, and the upper end of the spring 22 is in contact with the pressure-sensitive sensor 20. Incidentally, the shaft 24 is formed in a hollow pipe shape, and the air pressure is transmitted to the hollow nozzle base 10 through the shaft 24. The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 functions as detecting means for detecting a pressure input when the nozzle base 10 is mounted on the nozzle tip 12, and the pressure-sensitive sensor 20 is a jamming sensor provided in a conventional nozzle device. It is desirable to use both.

As shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle base 10 is held by a base unit 26, and the base unit 26 is freely conveyed in a three-dimensional direction by a conveying unit 28. The dispensing pump 32 is connected to the nozzle base 10 via an air hose 34. The dispensing pump 32 is composed of, for example, a syringe and a piston that moves inside the syringe, and the operation of the dispensing pump 32 is controlled by the control unit 30. In addition, the control unit 30 controls the transport unit 28
And the operation control of each component of the other devices. In particular, in the present embodiment, reuse control of the nozzle chips 12 is performed, and the control unit 30 has a storage unit that manages the retreat position of each nozzle chip 12 and the like. The output signal from the pressure-sensitive sensor 20 is input to the control unit 30, and the control unit 30 detects jamming and determines wear of the O-rings 100 and 102 based on the output signal from the pressure-sensitive sensor 20. ing. This will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

As is apparent from the above description, in a state where the nozzle tip 12 is mounted on the nozzle base 10, a nozzle is constituted by these two members, and the nozzle sucks and sucks a liquid (reagent, sample). Discharge is performed. Specifically, the liquid is sucked by the tip portion 38 of the nozzle tip 12, and the liquid is discharged through the tip portion 38. Incidentally, the nozzle tip 12 is made of resin or the like.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the nozzle base 10 and the chip head 36. As mentioned above,
Two annular grooves 106 and 108 are formed in the fitting portion 16 so as to be separated from each other.
O-rings 100 and 102 are arranged at 108, respectively. An annular recess 104 is formed above the inner surface 36B of the opening of the chip head 36, and the O-ring 102 fits into the annular recess 104. That is, the annular recessed portion 104 is formed at such a height that the O-ring 102 fits in this way. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, no annular recess is formed at a position corresponding to the O-ring 100, and the outer surface of the O-ring 100 comes into air-tight contact with the inner surface of the chip head 36, that is, the O-ring 100 In the crushed state, the fitting part 16 and the chip head 36 are fitted.

In this fitting state, the upper surface 36C of the chip head 36 contacts the lower surface of the large-diameter portion 26, that is, the jaw-like portion 26A. Vertical positioning is ensured. In the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the annular recessed portion corresponding to the O-ring 100 is not formed as described above. However, the annular recessed portion may be formed at a position where the O-ring 100 fits.

As is clear from the above description, the O-ring 100 mainly exhibits a sealing function, while the O-ring 1
02 mainly exhibits a sealing function and a chip holding function (fall-out preventing function).

As described above, since the O-rings 100 and 102 as the two elastic portions are provided, the airtightness and the chip holding property are maintained satisfactorily, and the pressure input at the time of mounting both is more improved than before. And the pull-out force can be made smaller than before.

Further, since the chip head 36 can be prevented from spreading and deforming at the time of such press-fitting, problems such as leaks and chip falling off can be prevented even when the nozzle chips 12 are reused.

FIG. 3 shows the waveform of the output signal of the pressure-sensitive sensor 20 in the step of mounting the nozzle base 10 on the nozzle tip 12. As shown in the figure, the pressure increases linearly with the fitting of the two, the pressure value decreases after the completely fitted state is formed, and then, for example, a constant pressure value is maintained. Become. In this case, the pressure input is relatively high in the normal state 200 and the peak pressure value is low in the case of the wear 202 of the one O-ring, and the wear of the O-ring is determined based on such a difference in characteristics. Is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a threshold level 204 is set, and the level 204 is set.
May be determined to be normal when the pressure peak exceeds the pressure peak, while when the pressure peak falls below such level 204, the wear of the O-ring may be determined. Such a determination is performed by the control unit 30 shown in FIG. of course,
The pressure waveform shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and the nozzle base 1
The pressure waveform changes in accordance with 0, the form of the nozzle tip 12, the control condition of the control unit 30, and the like. Therefore, it is desirable to appropriately set the criterion according to such conditions. For example, instead of referring to the pressure peak as described above, a pressure gradient (differential value), a level of the pressure value after the pressure change, or the like may be used as a reference.

In the above embodiment, the nozzle base 1
Although the two O-rings 100 and 102 are provided in 0, for example, the same operation and effect as described above may be obtained by using only one O-ring. However, if two or more O-rings are provided, it is possible to maintain the verticality of the nozzle tip 12 and to reduce the force at the time of press-fitting and the force at the time of pulling-out. Is provided. Also, as shown in FIG.
The elastic member 50 having A and 50B may be provided over the entire outer surface of the nozzle base 16. In this case, in order to prevent the elastic member 50 from falling off, the elastic member 50 is provided with a protrusion 56 projecting inward.
An annular groove 54 may be formed on the outer surface of the nozzle base 16 and the protrusion 56 may be fitted into the annular groove 54 to prevent the above-described dropping. Further, in order to make the drop-out, that is, the fitting of both, better, a configuration other than the configuration shown in FIG. 4 may be adopted. According to the modification shown in FIG.
Since the elastic member 50 is provided over the entire area of the fitting portion 16, there is an advantage that a stronger fitting action can be obtained than in the above-described embodiment, and as a result, better sealing and tip holding can be achieved.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, since the elastic member 50 is configured to be detachable from the fitting portion 16, if the elastic member 50 becomes worn, it is easily replaced. It is also possible.

In the above embodiment, the O-rings 100 and 102 having a circular cross section are used. However, a triangular or rectangular O-ring may be used. However, in consideration of the frictional resistance with the inner surface of the chip head 36, it is desirable to use the O-rings 100 and 102 as in the above-described embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the wear of the O-rings 100 and 102 is detected by using the pressure-sensitive sensor 20 as a jamming sensor. However, for example, a sensor that detects the wear in the annular groove itself into which the O-rings 100 and 102 are inserted is provided. It may be provided.

Further, a pressure gauge for detecting the air pressure may be provided on the air hose 34, and the wear may be detected based on the pressure value detected by the pressure gauge. That is, for example, since a phenomenon such as slight leakage occurs when the wear exceeds a certain level, it is possible to detect such a phenomenon and determine a defect in the nozzle base, the nozzle tip, and the elastic member.

FIG. 5 shows still another embodiment. In this embodiment, a large-diameter first tip fitting portion 60 and a small-diameter second
A tip fitting portion 62 is formed, and a plurality of nozzle tips having different sizes can be selectively mounted.

The first tip fitting part 60 is inserted into the opening of the first nozzle tip 80, and the second tip fitting part 62 is inserted into the opening of the second nozzle tip 82. A large diameter portion 64 having a larger diameter is formed on the upper side of the first chip fitting portion 60, and the lower surface thereof is in contact with the upper surface of the chip head of the second nozzle tip. Thus, the first nozzle tip 80 is properly positioned in the vertical direction.

A tapered portion 68 and a large diameter portion 66 are formed from the lower end of the first tip fitting portion 60 to the upper end of the second tip fitting portion 62. Here, the large diameter portion 66 has a diameter larger than the diameter at the upper end of the second chip fitting portion 62. However,
The diameter of the large diameter portion 66 is smaller than the diameter of the lower end of the first tip fitting portion 60. The tapered portion 68 connects the difference in diameter. When attaching the second nozzle tip 82 to the second tip fitting portion 62,
The upper surface of the nozzle head of the second nozzle tip 82 has a large diameter portion 66.
, So that the second nozzle tip 82 is properly positioned in the vertical direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, two annular grooves spaced from each other are formed in the first tip fitting portion 60, and two O-rings are formed in the two annular grooves in the same manner as in the above embodiment. 72 and 74 are provided.
Further, two annular grooves spaced from each other are also formed in the second tip fitting portion 62, and two O-rings 76 and 78 are also formed in the two annular grooves in the same manner as in the above embodiment.
Is provided.

Thus, according to the above configuration, good sealing action and holding action can be obtained for both of the two nozzle tips 80 and 82. Note that, similarly to the above embodiment, in the configuration of FIG. 5 as well, an annular concave portion into which the O-ring fits may be provided on the nozzle tip side.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention,
There is an advantage that the nozzle tip can be easily and reliably mounted on the nozzle base. Further, according to the present invention, both can be connected with a small driving force without lowering the holding action and the sealing action between the nozzle base and the nozzle tip.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a nozzle device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing a pressure waveform.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 nozzle base, 12 nozzle tip, 14 tip rack, 16 fitting section, 18 large diameter section, 20
Pressure sensor, 28 transfer unit, 30 control unit, 32 dispensing pump, 36 tip head, 100, 102 O-ring, 104 annular recess, 106, 108 annular groove.

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A nozzle base having a cylindrical tip fitting portion, and a nozzle tip having a tip head opening into which the tip fitting portion is inserted, and performing suction and discharge of liquid at a tip end opening. A nozzle device, wherein at least one annular elastic portion is provided on an outer surface of the tip fitting portion. 2. The nozzle device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic portion is detachable from the tip fitting portion. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein a large-diameter portion is formed above the tip fitting portion, and when the tip fitting portion is inserted into the tip head opening, the upper surface of the tip head is large. A nozzle device contacting a lower surface of a diameter portion. 4. A nozzle base having a cylindrical tip fitting portion, and a nozzle tip having a tip head opening into which the tip fitting portion is inserted, and performing suction and discharge of liquid at a tip end opening. A plurality of annular grooves vertically spaced apart from each other are formed on an outer surface of the tip fitting portion, and a plurality of annular elastic members projecting outward beyond an outer surface level of the tip fitting portion in the plurality of annular grooves. A nozzle device, comprising: 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein at least one annular recess is formed on an inner surface of the chip head opening, and wherein the chip fitting portion is inserted into the chip head opening. A nozzle device, wherein the annular elastic member fits into an annular recess. 6. A resin nozzle having a nozzle base having a cylindrical metal tip fitting portion, and a tip head opening into which the tip fitting portion is inserted, wherein a resin suction and discharge is performed at a tip end opening. A first and a second annular groove vertically spaced apart from each other on an outer surface of the tip fitting portion, and an outer surface of the tip fitting portion in the first and second annular grooves. First and second annular elastic members protruding outward beyond the level are provided, and the first and second annular elastic members are provided on an inner surface of the chip head opening.
A nozzle device wherein at least one of the annular elastic members is fitted with an annular recess. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the first annular groove is formed on an upper side of the tip fitting portion, and the second annular groove is formed on a lower side of the tip fitting portion. The annular recess is formed at an inner surface of the chip head opening, at a height position where the first annular elastic member fits in a state where the chip fitting portion is mounted on the chip head opening. A nozzle device characterized by the above-mentioned. 8. The nozzle device according to claim 1, further comprising a wear detecting means for detecting wear of the elastic portion. 9. The nozzle device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that executes control for reusing the nozzle chip. 10. A tip head opening into which a tip fitting portion of a nozzle base is inserted; a tip tip opening for sucking and discharging liquid; and an outer surface of the tip fitting portion formed in the tip head opening. A dispensing nozzle tip, comprising: an annular recess into which an annular elastic portion provided is fitted. 11. A nozzle base having a large-diameter first tip fitting portion and a small-diameter second tip fitting portion continuing below the first tip fitting portion, and a large-diameter chip head opening into which the first tip fitting portion is inserted. A first nozzle tip for sucking and discharging liquid at a tip end opening; and a small-diameter chip head opening for inserting the second chip fitting portion, for sucking and discharging liquid at a tip end opening. And a second nozzle tip for performing, wherein at least one annular elastic portion is provided on the outer surface of at least one of the first tip fitting portion and the second tip fitting portion. 12. The nozzle device according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of annular elastic portions are provided in each of the first tip fitting portion and the second tip fitting portion. . 13. The device according to claim 11, wherein a first large-diameter portion is formed above the first tip fitting portion, and a first large-diameter portion is formed between the first tip fitting portion and the second tip fitting portion. The first large diameter portion is formed, and the first tip fitting portion is inserted into a tip head opening of the first nozzle tip, and the first tip fitting portion is inserted into the first nozzle fitting portion.
In a state where the upper surface of the chip head of the nozzle tip is in contact with the lower surface of the first large diameter portion, and the second tip fitting portion is inserted into the tip head opening of the second nozzle tip, the second
A nozzle device, wherein an upper surface of a chip head of a nozzle chip is in contact with a lower surface of the second large diameter portion.