Tray assembly, bearing unit, chip conveying module and digital PCR instrument

Abstract

The invention discloses a tray assembly, a bearing unit, a chip conveying module and a digital PCR instrument. In the tray assembly, under the condition that the first pressing plate, the second pressing plate, the base plate and the locking assemblies are matched to bear and lock the digital PCR chips at the same time, the first pressing plate abuts against the surfaces, close to the first side edges of the digital PCR chips, of the digital PCR chips at the same time; the second pressing plate abuts against the surfaces, close to the second side edges of the digital PCR chips, of the digital PCR chips at the same time, and the first side edge and the second side edge of each digital PCR chip are the two opposite sides of the digital PCR chip. Only the surfaces of the two opposite sides of each digital PCR chip are pressed in an abutting mode, so that each digital PCR chip can release stress in time in the abutting and clamping process in a self-adaptive mode, self-adaptive abutting and clamping are achieved, and then the digital PCR chips can be effectively prevented from deforming.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical testing device technology, and more specifically, to a tray assembly, a support unit, a chip delivery module, and a digital PCR instrument. Background Technology

[0002] A droplet digital PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) instrument is an instrument used to amplify and detect specific DNA.

[0003] Digital PCR instruments generally include stages such as droplet preparation, PCR amplification, fluorescence detection, and data analysis. In existing technologies, a single digital PCR instrument can typically support multiple digital PCR chips simultaneously for batch processing. However, due to the small overall size of digital PCR chips and their extremely high sensitivity to deformation, any deformation will affect droplet formation and thus droplet detection. Currently, the tray assemblies used to support multiple digital PCR chips in existing instruments typically clamp and compress them directly, making them prone to deformation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a digital PCR instrument to solve the problem that in the prior art, the digital PCR chips are easily deformed when the tray assembly clamps multiple digital PCR chips.

[0005] On one hand, this application provides a tray assembly, the tray assembly including a base plate, a first pressure plate, a second pressure plate and a plurality of locking components, wherein the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are connected to the base plate through the plurality of locking components;

[0006] The substrate is configured to have multiple support positions, each of which can accommodate a digital PCR chip, and the locking component has a locking position and a releasing position.

[0007] When the multiple locking components are respectively in the locking position, the first pressure plate simultaneously presses against the surface of each digital PCR chip near its respective first side, and the second pressure plate simultaneously presses against the surface of each digital PCR chip near its respective second side. The first side and the second side of each digital PCR chip are the two opposite sides of the digital PCR chip.

[0008] When the multiple locking components are respectively in the release position, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate simultaneously release the multiple digital PCR chips.

[0009] Furthermore, the plurality of support positions are arranged in a straight line, and at least one locking component is provided on each side along the arrangement direction of the plurality of support positions;

[0010] In this configuration, the direction in which the first side and the second side of each digital PCR chip face each other is parallel to the direction in which the plurality of support positions are arranged.

[0011] Furthermore, one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate is pressed onto the digital PCR chip located within each of the support positions before the other of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate.

[0012] Alternatively, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate simultaneously press against the digital PCR chip located at each of the support positions.

[0013] Further, the locking assembly includes a first limiting member connected to one of the base plate and the first pressure plate, and a first limiting portion is provided on the other of the base plate and the first pressure plate. The first limiting member has a first limiting position and a second limiting position within the first limiting portion; and

[0014] An elastic driving member is connected between the substrate and the second pressure plate to drive the second pressure plate to press against the first pressure plate, so that the second pressure plate and the first pressure plate tend to move closer to the substrate;

[0015] When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the first limiting member is in the first limiting position;

[0016] When the locking assembly is in the released position, the first limiting member is in the second limiting position.

[0017] Furthermore, the first limiting part has a stepped structure, and the first limiting part includes a first supporting surface and a first clearance groove, with the first supporting surface connected to the opening of the first clearance groove;

[0018] When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the first limiting member abuts against the bottom of the first clearance groove, or the first limiting member is suspended in the first clearance groove and located in the first limiting position.

[0019] When the locking assembly is in the released position, the first limiting member abuts against the first support surface and is located in the second limiting position.

[0020] Furthermore, the locking assembly also includes a rotating member and a second limiting member. The rotating member is rotatably connected to the substrate or the first pressure plate. The second limiting member is disposed on the rotating member, and the second pressure plate is provided with a second limiting portion. The second limiting member has a third limiting position and a fourth limiting position within the second limiting portion. The end of the elastic driving member away from the substrate is connected to the rotating member.

[0021] Wherein, when the locking assembly is in the locking position, the first limiting member is in the first limiting position, and the second limiting member is in the third limiting position;

[0022] When the locking assembly is in the released position, the first limiting member is in the second limiting position, and the second limiting member is in the fourth limiting position.

[0023] Furthermore, the first limiting member is rotatably connected to one of the base plate and the first pressure plate via a first connecting shaft;

[0024] And / or, the second limiting member is rotatably connected to the rotating member via a second connecting shaft.

[0025] Furthermore, the second limiting part has a stepped structure, and the second limiting part includes a second supporting surface and a second clearance groove, with the second supporting surface connected to the opening of the second clearance groove;

[0026] When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the second limiting member abuts against the second support surface and is located in the third limiting position;

[0027] When the locking assembly is in the released position, the second limiting member is suspended in the second clearance groove and located in the fourth limiting position.

[0028] Furthermore, the second support surface is an inclined surface, and the second support surface gradually slopes upward toward the direction of the second clearance groove.

[0029] Furthermore, the rotating member includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment connected in sequence. The first segment is rotatably connected to the substrate via a rotating shaft, the second segment is connected to the second limiting member, and the third segment is connected to the end of the elastic driving member away from the substrate.

[0030] Wherein, the first segment and the second segment have a first included angle, and the first included angle is an obtuse angle;

[0031] And / or, the second segment and the third segment have a second included angle, the second included angle being an obtuse angle.

[0032] Furthermore, the tray assembly also includes a plurality of limiting connectors, which pass through the second pressure plate and the first pressure plate in sequence and are connected to the substrate to prevent the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate from detaching from the substrate;

[0033] Wherein, the first pressure plate has a first limiting hole for each of the limiting connectors, the first limiting hole is elongated along the direction of relative movement between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and has a first hole wall and a second hole wall with opposite sides;

[0034] The second pressure plate has a second limiting hole for each of the limiting connectors. The second limiting hole is elongated along the direction of relative movement between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and has a third hole wall and a fourth hole wall. The third hole wall faces the same direction as the first hole wall, and the fourth hole wall faces the same direction as the second hole wall.

[0035] When the multiple locking components are respectively in the locking position, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate press against the multiple digital PCR chips respectively, and the first hole wall and the fourth hole wall are respectively close to the corresponding limiting connector;

[0036] When the multiple locking components are respectively in the release position, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate release the multiple digital PCR chips respectively, and the second hole wall and the third hole wall are respectively close to the corresponding limiting connector.

[0037] Furthermore, the tray assembly also includes a plurality of sliding aids, which are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate, and / or the second pressure plate, and / or the base plate;

[0038] Wherein, when the locking assembly is in the locking position and the tray assembly is unloaded, the plurality of sliding aids are used to maintain a first distance between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate to reduce the contact area between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and to maintain a second distance between the first pressure plate and the substrate to reduce the contact area between the first pressure plate and the substrate.

[0039] When the locking assembly is in the locking position and the tray assembly carries the digital PCR chip, there is a third distance between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, the third distance being greater than or equal to the first distance, and a fourth distance between the first pressure plate and the substrate, the fourth distance being greater than or equal to the second distance.

[0040] Furthermore, the plurality of sliding aids are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate, and each of the sliding aids has a first distance protruding toward the second pressure plate and a second distance protruding toward the substrate;

[0041] Alternatively, the plurality of sliding aids may include a plurality of first sub-sliding aids and a plurality of second sub-sliding aids, wherein the plurality of first sub-sliding aids are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate and / or the second pressure plate and have a first distance protruding between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and the plurality of second sub-sliding aids are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate and / or the substrate and have a second distance protruding between the first pressure plate and the substrate.

[0042] On the other hand, this application provides a support unit, the support unit including the tray assembly described in any of the preceding claims; and

[0043] The tray assembly is positioned horizontally on the tray and can move vertically relative to the tray with the heat-conducting plate under the drive of the lifting drive device, so that the heat-conducting plate is in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip;

[0044] The lifting drive device is used to drive the heat-conducting plate to move in the vertical direction so that the heat-conducting plate is attached to or separated from the corresponding digital PCR chip.

[0045] Furthermore, the pallet assembly has a first position and a second position in the vertical direction relative to the pallet plate, and the pallet assembly is horizontally confined to the pallet plate in either the first position or the second position.

[0046] The support unit further includes an elastic connection structure, which is used to connect the tray assembly and the tray plate, and drive the tray assembly to remain in the first position. The lifting drive device is used to drive the heat-conducting plate to move the tray assembly to the second position, so that the heat-conducting plate is in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip.

[0047] The first position is located directly above or below the second position in the vertical direction.

[0048] Furthermore, the elastic connection structure includes a plurality of elastic connectors, which are respectively connected between the pallet and the tray assembly;

[0049] When the tray assembly is in the first position, each of the elastic connectors is in a first elastic stretched state or an unstretched state.

[0050] When the tray assembly is in the second position, each of the elastic connectors is in a second elastic tension state.

[0051] Wherein, the second deformation of each of the elastic connectors in the second elastic tension state is greater than the first deformation in the first elastic tension state.

[0052] Furthermore, the pallet is configured to form a limiting hole, and the pallet assembly is at least partially confined within the limiting hole, such that the pallet assembly is horizontally confined on the pallet in both the first and second positions.

[0053] Furthermore, the limiting hole includes a first hole, a stepped surface, and a second hole, wherein the stepped surface is connected between the first hole and the second hole, and the stepped surface faces the first hole;

[0054] When the tray assembly is in the first position, the tray assembly is at least partially confined within the first hole, and the tray assembly is abutted against the step surface under the drive of the resilient connection structure;

[0055] When the tray assembly is in the second position, the tray assembly is at least partially confined within the first hole, and the tray assembly is moved away from the step surface by the lifting drive device driving the heat-conducting plate and by the elastic connection structure, so that the heat-conducting plate is in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip.

[0056] In another aspect, this application also provides a chip delivery module, the chip delivery module including the support unit described in any of the above claims; and

[0057] A first driving device is used to drive the support unit to move along a first direction;

[0058] And / or, a second drive device, the second drive device being used to drive the support unit to move along a second direction;

[0059] The first direction and the second direction are two different directions.

[0060] In another aspect, this application also provides a digital PCR instrument, which includes the chip delivery module described above, and the supporting unit has a processing station, a detection station and a loading / unloading station under the drive of the first driving device and / or the second driving device.

[0061] The digital PCR instrument also includes a droplet generation module, which is located above the chip delivery module and is used to control the generation of droplets from the sample contained in the digital PCR chip located at the processing station.

[0062] A temperature control module, at least partially located below the chip delivery module, is used to control the reaction temperature of droplets within the digital PCR chip located at the processing station, so that the droplets within the controlled digital PCR chip perform PCR amplification.

[0063] A chip clamping module, disposed above the chip delivery module, is used to clamp the digital PCR chip located at the processing station onto the temperature control module; and

[0064] A detection module is used to detect the digital PCR chip located at the detection station.

[0065] In the tray assembly of this application, when the first pressure plate, the second pressure plate, the substrate, and the plurality of locking components cooperate to simultaneously support and lock multiple digital PCR chips, the first pressure plate simultaneously presses against the surface of each digital PCR chip near its respective first side, and the second pressure plate simultaneously presses against the surface of each digital PCR chip near its respective second side. The first side and the second side of each digital PCR chip are opposite sides of that digital PCR chip. By pressing only the opposite sides of each digital PCR chip, each digital PCR chip can adaptively release stress in a timely manner during the pressing and clamping process, thereby achieving adaptive pressing and clamping, and effectively preventing deformation of the digital PCR chip. Attached Figure Description

[0066] 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:

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a digital PCR chip.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a digital PCR instrument in one embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a digital PCR instrument in one embodiment of the present application, showing the support unit at the loading and unloading station.

[0070] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a digital PCR instrument from another perspective, as disclosed in one embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a digital PCR instrument in one embodiment of the present application. The outer casing is hidden, and the support unit is shown in the processing position, with the chip in an uncompressed state.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a digital PCR instrument in one embodiment of the present application. The outer casing is hidden, and the supporting unit is shown in the processing position, with the chip in a compressed state.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a digital PCR instrument from another perspective in one embodiment of this application, with the outer casing hidden in the diagram.

[0074] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the integration of the droplet generation module and the chip clamping module in one embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A sectional view.

[0076] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the temperature control module in one embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A sectional view.

[0078] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the detection module in one embodiment of this application.

[0079] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the bright field element.

[0080] Figure 14 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the neutron-excited light emitting unit, the imaging unit, and the mounting components assembled together.

[0081] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the excitation light emitting unit and the imaging unit assembled together in one embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of an excitation light emitting unit in one embodiment of this application.

[0083] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A sectional view.

[0084] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of an excitation unit in one embodiment of the present application.

[0085] Figure 19This is a schematic diagram of two excitation units in another embodiment disclosed in this application.

[0086] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the third reflective component in one embodiment of this application.

[0087] Figure 21 -A is a schematic diagram of a chip delivery module in one embodiment of this application; Figure 21 -B is an exploded view of the chip delivery module in one embodiment of this application.

[0088] Figure 22 -A is an exploded view of the support unit in one embodiment disclosed in this application; Figure 22 -B is a cross-sectional view of the tray assembly in a first position in one embodiment of this application; Figure 22 -C is a cross-sectional view of the tray assembly in a second position in one embodiment of this application.

[0089] Figure 23 -A is a cross-sectional view of the locking component in the locked position in one embodiment of this application; Figure 23 -B is a cross-sectional view of the locking component in the locking position in one embodiment of this application; Figure 23 -C A cross-sectional view of the locking component in the released position according to an embodiment disclosed in this application; Figure 23 -D is a cross-sectional view from another perspective of an embodiment disclosed in this application, showing the locking component in the released position.

[0090] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0091] Digital PCR instrument 100, digital PCR chip 200, sample inlet 201, first side 202, first side 203, detection unit 204, chip delivery module 10, support unit 11, tray 111, limiting hole 1111, first hole 1112, stepped surface 1113, second hole 1114, tray assembly 112, substrate 1121, support position 11211, first limiting part 11212, first support surface 11213, first clearance groove 11214, first pressure plate 1122, first limiting through hole 11221, first hole wall 11222, second hole wall 11223, first operating part 11224, second pressure plate 1123, second limiting part 11231, second support surface 11232, second clearance groove ... The following components are listed: groove 11233, second limiting through hole 11234, third hole wall 11235, fourth hole wall 11236, second operating part 11237, first limiting member 11241, elastic drive member 11242, rotating member 11243, first section 112431, second section 112432, third section 112433, second limiting member 11244, first connecting shaft 11245, second connecting shaft 11246, limiting connecting member 1125, sliding aid 1126, first sub-sliding aid 11261, second sub-sliding aid 11262, elastic connecting structure 113, elastic connecting member 1131, first drive device 12, second drive device 13, droplet generation module 20, injection drive device 21, push plate 22, injection. Unit 23, tube body 231, plunger rod 232, sealing joint 233, lifting drive device 31, third mounting bracket 32, mounting base 331, heat-conducting plate 332, heat-conducting surface 3321, TEC plate 3331, temperature control plate 3332, first pipe 3341, second pipe 3342, third pipe 3343, water-cooled plate 3344, water-cooled radiator 3345, fan 3346, water tank 3347, water pump 3348, air guide 3349, wind baffle 34, pressing drive device 41, first mounting bracket 42, mounting plate 43, pressing unit 44, elastic support 441, pressing component 442, heat insulation component 443, connecting column 444, second mounting bracket 45, guide unit 46, first guide 461, second Guide component 462, third guide component 463, first side 51, second side 52, third side 53, fourth side 54, first air inlet 55, second air inlet 56, detection module 60, bright field unit 61, first lens barrel 611, second lens barrel 612, bright field light source assembly 613, bright field lamp board 6131, bright field lamp bead 6132, heat sink 6133, board body 61331, fins 61332, heat sink 6134, bright field circuit board 6135, light transmission hole 61351, brightness sensor 6136, first reflection assembly 614, first reflector 6141, first fixing plate 6142, first fixing base 6143, bright field light homogenizing assembly 615, light homogenizer 6151, plano-convex lens 6152, excitation light unit 62.The device includes: an excitation light homogenizing component 621, an excitation light emitting component 622, a switching drive device 6231, a guide component 6232, a sliding component 6233, a support base 624, an imaging device 631, a second reflector component 632, a second reflector 6321, a first adjusting base 6322, a second adjusting base 6323, a first adjusting drive component 6324, a first adjusting balance component 6325, a second adjusting drive component 6326, a second adjusting balance component 6327, and a second fixed base 6328. The system includes: a moving drive unit 6329, a third reflecting mirror 6331, a third adjusting seat 6332, a fourth adjusting seat 6333, a third adjusting drive unit 6334, a third adjusting balance unit 6335, a fourth adjusting drive unit 6336, a fourth adjusting balance unit 6337, a third fixed seat 6338, a mounting component 64, a mounting reference plate 65, a collimation unit 66, a collimating lens barrel 661, a collimating lens 662, a filtering unit 67, a main control processing module 70, a power supply module 80, and a frame 90. Detailed Implementation

[0092] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0093] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0094] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0095] Please see Figure 1-7As shown, this application provides a digital PCR instrument, which includes a frame 90 and a chip delivery module 10, a droplet generation module 20, a temperature control module and a chip clamping module respectively disposed on the frame 90.

[0096] The chip delivery module 10 carries the digital PCR chip 200 and delivers it to the processing station. The droplet generation module 20 is located above the chip delivery module 10 and controls the generation of droplets from the sample contained within the digital PCR chip 200 at the processing station. The temperature control module is at least partially located below the chip delivery module 10 and controls the reaction temperature of the droplets within the digital PCR chip 200 at the processing station, so that the droplets within the controlled digital PCR chip 200 perform PCR amplification. The chip pressing module is located above the chip delivery module 10 and presses the digital PCR chip 200 at the processing station onto the temperature control module.

[0097] This application utilizes the chip delivery module 10 to deliver at least one digital PCR chip 200 to the processing station, and positions the droplet generation module 20 above the chip delivery module 10 to process the sample contained within the digital PCR chip 200 at the processing station to generate droplets. The application also positions the temperature control module at least partially below the chip delivery module 10 to perform PCR amplification on the droplets generated in the digital PCR chip 200, thereby amplifying DNA molecules within the droplets. Finally, the application positions the chip clamping module above the chip delivery module 10 to press the digital PCR chip at the processing station into place. The chip 200 is pressed against the corresponding temperature control module, thereby completing the generation of droplets in the digital PCR chip 200 and the amplification of DNA in the droplets at the processing station, with the processing station as the reference. This avoids the need for the chip delivery structure to transport the digital PCR chip 200 to different processing stations to complete droplet generation and PCR amplification, thereby simplifying the structure of the chip delivery module 10 and miniaturizing the overall structure of the digital PCR instrument. It also simplifies the motion control of the chip delivery module 10, reduces the alignment accuracy requirements, and shortens the time between droplet generation and PCR amplification, thus improving the efficiency of single sample detection.

[0098] Further, please refer to Figure 8-9As shown, one of the chip clamping module and the droplet generation module 20 is integrated onto the other of the chip clamping module and the droplet generation module 20. That is, the chip clamping module and the droplet generation module 20 are integrated together so that they can both be located above the processing station, and so that they can be compactly integrated onto the frame 90. This allows for the compression of the overall structure of the digital PCR instrument by controlling the overall structure of the chip clamping module and the droplet generation module 20, thereby enabling the digital PCR chip 200 to be further miniaturized.

[0099] Furthermore, the chip clamping module includes a clamping drive device 41, a first mounting bracket 42, a second mounting bracket 45, a mounting plate 43, and at least one clamping unit 44. The clamping unit 44 is disposed on the mounting plate 43, the mounting plate 43 is disposed on the first mounting bracket 42, the first mounting bracket 42 is disposed at the output end of the clamping drive device 41, the clamping drive device 41 is disposed on the second mounting bracket 45, and the second mounting bracket 45 is detachably disposed on the frame 90.

[0100] The clamping drive device 41 drives the first mounting bracket 42 to move, so that the first mounting bracket 42 drives the mounting plate 43 and at least one clamping unit 44 to move synchronously, so that the clamping unit 44 moves closer to or further away from the corresponding digital PCR chip 200 located at the processing station, and presses against the upper surface of the digital PCR chip 200 while abutting against the digital PCR chip 200 located at the processing station.

[0101] Further, the droplet generation module 20 includes an injection driving device 21, a push plate 22, and at least one syringe unit 23. The injection driving device 21 is mounted on the first mounting bracket 42, the push plate 22 is located at the output end of the injection driving device 21 and on the side of the mounting plate 43 opposite to the clamping unit 44, and the syringe unit 23 is mounted on the mounting plate 43. The injection driving device 21 drives the push plate 22 to move relative to the first mounting bracket 42, so that the push plate 22 drives at least one of the syringe units 23 to perform injection or reset to the injection-ready state.

[0102] Furthermore, the chip clamping module also includes a guiding unit 46, which guides the first mounting bracket 42, the mounting plate 43, the injection driving device 21, the clamping unit 44, the syringe unit 23, and the push plate 22 to move in the same direction. This ensures that the first mounting bracket 42, the mounting plate 43, the injection driving device 21, the clamping unit 44, the syringe unit 23, and the push plate 22 maintain good accuracy during movement.

[0103] Furthermore, the guiding unit 46 includes a first guide 461, a second guide 462, and a third guide 463. The first guide 461 is disposed on the second mounting bracket 45 along a direction parallel to the movement of the first mounting bracket 42. The second guide 462 is slidably disposed on the first guide 461 and connected to the first mounting bracket 42. The third guide 463 is slidably disposed on the first guide 461 and connected to the push plate 22.

[0104] Driven by the clamping drive device 41, the first mounting bracket 42, the mounting plate 43, the injection drive device 21, the clamping unit 44, the syringe unit 23, and the push plate 22 will move synchronously relative to the second mounting bracket 45 along the extending direction of the first guide member 461 until the clamping unit 44 clamps the digital PCR chip 200 located at the processing station and the syringe unit 23 connects to the sample inlet 201 of the corresponding digital PCR chip 200. At this time, the clamping drive device 41 will stop driving, and the injection drive device 21 will... The push plate 22 is driven to move, thereby driving the syringe unit 23 to inject and pressurize the corresponding digital PCR chip 200, so that the sample pre-injected into the digital PCR chip 200 from the sample inlet 201 generates droplets within the digital PCR chip 200. After the droplet generation is completed, the push drive unit drives the syringe unit 23 to reset, and the clamping unit 44 continues to press against the corresponding digital PCR chip 200, so as to cooperate with the temperature control module that is lifted and held against the opposite side of the clamping unit 44 to perform PCR amplification on the clamped digital PCR chip 200.

[0105] Further, please refer to Figure 10-11As shown, before the chip clamping module clamps the digital PCR chip 200, the temperature control module first supports the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200. By setting the chip clamping module and the temperature control module to hold the digital PCR chip 200 against opposite sides respectively, the digital PCR chip 200 is clamped between the chip clamping module and the temperature control module, thereby allowing the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200 to effectively adhere to the temperature control module, thus facilitating the heating and cooling of the digital PCR chip 200.

[0106] Preferably, the chip clamping module and the droplet generation module 20 are respectively located directly above the processing station. The guiding unit 46 is used to guide the droplet generation module 20, the first mounting bracket 42, the mounting plate 43, and the clamping unit 44 to move in the vertical direction, thereby shortening the movement stroke of the chip clamping module and the droplet generation module 20 and reducing the alignment accuracy, thereby improving the movement efficiency of the chip clamping module and the droplet generation module 20 and the processing efficiency of the digital PCR chip 200.

[0107] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8-9 As shown, in one embodiment, the first guide 461 is a slide rail, and the second guide 462 and the third guide 463 are both slide blocks.

[0108] In another embodiment, the first guide 461 is a guide rod, and the second guide 462 and the third guide 463 are both guide sleeves.

[0109] Preferably, the second mounting bracket 45 is provided with at least two of the aforementioned guide units 46, thereby further improving the guiding effect on the first mounting bracket 42, the mounting plate 43, the injection drive device 21, the clamping unit 44, the syringe unit 23, and the push plate 22.

[0110] Furthermore, the clamping unit 44 includes an elastic support member 441, a clamping member 442, and a heat insulation member 443. At least one of the elastic support members 441 is deformably connected between the clamping member 442 and the mounting plate 43. Each heat insulation member 443 is disposed on the side of the clamping member 442 away from the mounting plate 43, and the heat insulation member 443 is used to support the corresponding digital PCR chip 200.

[0111] The elastic support member 441 is used to adapt to terrain changes to cooperate with the clamping member 442 and the heat insulation member 443 to hold the corresponding digital PCR chip 200 against the temperature control module. At least one elastic support member 441 is provided between the mounting plate 43 and each clamping member 442. Preferably, two elastic support members 441 are provided between the mounting plate 43 and each clamping member 442.

[0112] Furthermore, a connecting post 444 is provided between the mounting plate 43 and each of the clamping members 442, and the connecting post 444 is used at least to connect the clamping member 442 and the heat insulation member 443 to the mounting plate 43.

[0113] Preferably, a connecting post 444 is provided between each clamping member 442 and the mounting plate 43 corresponding to each elastic abutment member 441, and the connecting post 444 passes through the middle of the elastic abutment member 441 so that the elastic abutment member 441 is sleeved on the corresponding connecting post 444. Alternatively, the elastic abutment member 441 is provided inside the connecting post 444, so that the connecting post 444 can limit the corresponding elastic abutment member 441, so that the elastic abutment member 441 can maintain vertical movement.

[0114] The heat insulation component 443 is used to contact the upper surface of the corresponding digital PCR chip 200 to cooperate with the temperature control module in clamping the digital PCR chip 200. Since the droplet sample inside the digital PCR chip 200 will undergo high and low temperature cycling during PCR amplification, the heat insulation component 443 effectively reduces the temperature conduction from the digital PCR chip 200 to the clamping unit 44 to reduce losses caused by temperature transfer to the clamping unit 44.

[0115] Furthermore, the syringe unit 23 includes a tube body 231, a plunger rod 232, and a sealing connector 233. The tube body 231 passes through and is fixed on the mounting plate 43. The plunger rod 232 includes a stopper end and a connecting end. The stopper end is sealed and inserted into the tube body 231, and the connecting end is fixedly connected to the push plate 22. Under the drive of the injection driving device 21, the push plate 22 can drive the plunger rod 232 to move relative to the tube body 231. When the push plate 22 is close to the mounting plate 43, the air in the tube body 231 is compressed, thereby pressurizing the sample injected into the digital PCR chip 200.

[0116] The sealing connector 233 is connected to the end of the tube body 231 away from the push plate 22. The sealing connector 233 is used to seal and hold the tube body 231 and the corresponding sample inlet 201, so that the tube body 231 and the sample inlet 201 are sealed and connected, thereby avoiding air leakage during the pressurization of the digital PCR chip 200, which would result in low droplet generation efficiency or even failure to generate droplets.

[0117] During the process of the droplet generation module 20 controlling the sample contained in the digital PCR chip 200 to generate droplets, the sealing connector 233 seals against the sample inlet 201 of the corresponding digital PCR chip 200 so that the tube body 231 is connected to the corresponding digital PCR chip 200.

[0118] Further, please refer to Figure 10-11 As shown in Figures 5-7, the temperature control module includes a lifting drive device 31, a third mounting bracket 32, and a temperature adjustment unit. The lifting drive device 31 is mounted on the third mounting bracket 32, and the temperature adjustment unit is located at the output end of the lifting drive device 31. The third mounting bracket 32 ​​is mounted on the frame 90. The lifting drive device 31 drives the temperature adjustment unit to move vertically, so that the temperature adjustment unit is closer to or further away from the processing station. When the temperature adjustment unit is close to the processing station, it lifts and supports the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200, thereby cooperating with the clamping unit 44 to clamp the digital PCR chip 200, so that the clamped digital PCR chip 200 is clamped and effectively attached to the temperature adjustment unit.

[0119] Furthermore, the temperature regulation unit includes a mounting base 331, a heat-conducting plate 332, and a temperature regulation component. The mounting base 331 is located at the output end of the lifting drive device 31. The heat-conducting plate 332 is located on the mounting base 331 and has a heat-conducting surface 3321 that contacts the digital PCR chip 200. The temperature regulation component is used to heat the heat-conducting plate 332 so that it conducts heat to the corresponding digital PCR chip 200, thereby heating the digital PCR chip 200. It is also used to cool the heat-conducting plate 332 so that it absorbs heat from the corresponding digital PCR chip 200, thereby cooling the digital PCR chip 200.

[0120] Furthermore, the chip pressing module and the droplet generation module 20 are respectively located directly above the processing station, and the heat-conducting plate 332 is located directly below the processing station, so that the temperature control module, the chip pressing module and the droplet generation module 20 can all move closer to and further away from the digital PCR chip 200 located at the processing station in the vertical direction.

[0121] In some embodiments, the chip delivery module 10 can simultaneously carry multiple digital PCR chips 200, and the multiple digital PCR chips 200 can move synchronously to the delivery processing station under the delivery of the chip delivery module 10. The chip pressing module is provided with a pressing unit 44 for each digital PCR chip 200, and the temperature control module is provided with a temperature adjustment unit for each digital PCR chip 200.

[0122] Further, please refer to Figure 5-7 As shown, the temperature regulation component includes a first pipe 3341, a second pipe 3342, a third pipe 3343, a water-cooled plate 3344, a water-cooled radiator 3345, a fan 3346, a water tank 3347, and a water pump 3348. The first pipe 3341 connects the water-cooled plate 3344 and the water-cooled radiator 3345, and is used to transport the coolant in the water-cooled plate 3344 to the water-cooled radiator 3345; the second pipe 3342 connects the water-cooled radiator 3345 and the water tank 3347, and is used to transport the coolant in the water-cooled radiator 3345 to the water tank 3347; the third pipe 3343 connects the water tank 3347 and the water-cooled plate 3344, and is used to transport the coolant in the water tank 3347 to the water-cooled plate 3344, thereby realizing the circulation of coolant between the water-cooled plate 3344, the water-cooled radiator 3345 and the water tank 3347.

[0123] Furthermore, the water pump 3348 is installed on one of the first pipe 3341, the second pipe 3342 and the third pipe 3343, and is used to drive the coolant to move between the first pipe 3341, the second pipe 3342 and the third pipe 3343, thereby realizing the circulation of coolant.

[0124] Preferably, the water tank 3347 is positioned vertically lower than the water-cooling radiator 3345 and the water-cooling plate 3344, so that when the digital PCR instrument is shut down, the coolant in the water-cooling radiator 3345 and the water-cooling plate 3344 automatically flows into the water tank 3347 due to gravity.

[0125] Furthermore, the water tank 3347 is connected to a liquid level pipe, which is used to detect the liquid level of the coolant in the water tank 3347.

[0126] Preferably, the water pump 3348 is located on the third pipeline 3343. Therefore, when the water pump 3348 is working, it can directly draw the coolant in the water tank 3347 and deliver it directly to the water-cooled plate 3344 through the third pipeline 3343. This allows for a rapid supply of coolant to the water-cooled plate 3344, improving the startup efficiency of the digital PCR instrument and preventing the water pump 3348 from running dry.

[0127] The fan 3346 is located near the water-cooling radiator 3345 and is used to dissipate the heat emitted by the water-cooling radiator 3345 to the outside of the digital PCR instrument. The fan 3346 can be an exhaust fan, used to draw the heat emitted by the water-cooling radiator 3345 to the outside of the digital PCR instrument; or, the fan 3346 can be an exhaust fan, used to blow air onto the water-cooling radiator 3345, so that the air passing through the water-cooling radiator 3345 carries the heat emitted by the water-cooling radiator 3345 to the outside of the digital PCR instrument. The type of fan 3346 is not limited here.

[0128] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 10-11 As shown, the temperature regulation assembly includes a TEC board 3331 and a temperature control board 3332. The temperature control board 3332 is electrically connected to the TEC board 3331 and is used to control the operation of the TEC board 3331. The temperature control board 3332 is mounted on the mounting base 331.

[0129] The heat-conducting plate 332 also has a heat transfer surface, which is disposed opposite to the heat-conducting surface 3321. The TEC plate 3331 is disposed between the heat transfer surface and the water-cooling plate 3344. By disposing the TEC plate 3331 between the heat-conducting plate 332 and the water-cooling plate 3344, the TEC plate 3331 can directly conduct heat to the heat-conducting plate 332 during operation, thereby improving heating efficiency.

[0130] Furthermore, the area of ​​the heat transfer surface is larger than the area of ​​the heat conduction surface 3321. Specifically, the heat conduction plate 332 has a boss-shaped structure, so that the area of ​​the heat transfer surface is larger than the area of ​​the heat conduction surface 3321. This allows for more efficient control of the heat on the digital PCR chip 200 by increasing the contact area and improving the efficiency of heat conduction or absorption when conducting or absorbing heat through the heat transfer surface to the heat conduction plate 332.

[0131] Furthermore, by setting the boss-shaped structure, the heat-conducting plate 332 can be positioned and installed on the mounting base 331 by utilizing the stepped surface 1113 of the heat-conducting plate 332.

[0132] Furthermore, the temperature control module also includes a baffle plate 34, which surrounds the mounting base 331, the heat-conducting plate 332, and the TEC plate 3331 to prevent the wind flowing through the housing from affecting the operating temperature of the TEC plate 3331 and the heat-conducting plate 332, thereby avoiding affecting the heating of the digital PCR chip 200 by the temperature control module.

[0133] Furthermore, the digital PCR instrument also includes a housing, in which the frame 90, the droplet generation module 20, the temperature control module, and the chip clamping module are respectively disposed.

[0134] Please refer to the following: Figure 2-4 As shown, the chip delivery module 10 has loading and unloading stations. When the chip delivery module 10 is in the loading and unloading station, the chip delivery module 10 extends at least partially from the first side 51 of the housing to facilitate the operator to pick up and place the digital PCR chip 200. After placing the digital PCR chip 200 to be tested or removing the tested digital PCR chip 200, the chip delivery module 10 can retract from the first delivery side 51 into the housing.

[0135] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 , 6 As shown, the temperature regulation component also includes an air guide 3349, which is located on the second side 52 of the outer casing and close to the water-cooling radiator 3345. The air guide 3349 is used to guide the hot air output by the fan 3346 and passing through the water-cooling radiator 3345 obliquely upwards or downwards out of the outer casing. Alternatively, the air guide 3349 is close to the fan 3346 and is used to guide the hot air output by the fan 3346 obliquely or obliquely downwards and upwards out of the outer casing. By setting the air guide 3349, hot air can be efficiently discharged from the outer casing, allowing the heat generated by the various modules inside the casing to dissipate quickly and efficiently. This prevents heat from accumulating inside the casing, which could lead to a high overall temperature of the digital PCR instrument, affecting its working efficiency and even causing it to stop operating due to high temperature. At the same time, setting the air guide 3349 also prevents the hot air discharged from the outer casing from blowing directly onto personnel located near the digital PCR instrument.

[0136] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2-7As shown, the second side 52 and the first side 51 are opposite sides of the outer casing. Because the processing station is close to the first side 51, the heat generated by the chip pressing module, the droplet generation module 20, and the temperature control module during operation will be efficiently discharged from the second side 52 to the outside of the digital PCR instrument with the cooperation of the fan 3346 and the air guide 3349.

[0137] Furthermore, the third side 53 of the housing has a first air inlet 55, the third side 53 is connected between the first side 51 and the second side 52, and the first air inlet 55 is close to the first side 51 and the lifting drive device 31.

[0138] Furthermore, the first air inlet 55 is located on the third side 53 near the first side 51 and the bottom of the digital PCR instrument. Therefore, under the suction of the fan 3346, the air entering the housing from the first air inlet 55 will flow past the chip pressing module, the droplet generation module 20, the chip transport module, the lifting drive device 31, the heat conduction plate 332, the water tank 3347, the water pump 3348, the first pipe 3341, the second pipe 3342, the third pipe 3343, and the water cooling radiator 3345 near the third side 53 before exiting the housing from the air guide 3349.

[0139] Specifically, the airflow inside the casing cools the water-cooling radiator 3345 to cool the coolant, while simultaneously dissipating heat from components such as the lifting drive device 31, the injection drive device 21, the pressing drive device 41, the chip delivery module 10, the water tank 3347, the water pump 3348, the first pipe 3341, the second pipe 3342, and the third pipe 3343. This combined cooling of these components ensures that the heat inside the casing is effectively dissipated.

[0140] It should be noted that by placing the water-cooled plate 3344 inside the housing and close to the first side 51, and placing the water-cooled radiator 3345 inside the housing and close to the second side 52, the first pipe 3341, the second pipe 3342, and the third pipe 3343 can be effectively extended. This increases the surface area of ​​the first pipe 3341, the second pipe 3342, and the third pipe 3343 exposed to the housing, thereby increasing the airflow entering from the first air inlet 55 and allowing for better interaction with the first pipe 3341, the second pipe 3342, and the third pipe 3343. The increased contact area between pipe 3342 and the third pipe 3343 enhances the heat dissipation effect of the coolant flowing through the first pipe 3341, the second pipe 3342, and the third pipe 3343. Combined with the direct heat dissipation of the water-cooled radiator 3345 by the fan 3346, the cooling efficiency of the coolant is further improved. This allows for effective cooling of the digital PCR chip 200 via the water-cooled plate 3344 and the heat-conducting plate 332, thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the digital PCR chip 200 and shortening the PCR amplification process time.

[0141] Furthermore, the fourth side 54 of the housing has a second air inlet 56. The fourth side 54 is connected between the first side 51 and the second side 52, and is the other opposite side of the housing to the third side 53. The second air inlet 56 is close to the first side 51 and the lifting drive device 31.

[0142] Furthermore, the second air inlet 56 is located on the fourth side 54 near the first side 51 and the bottom of the digital PCR instrument, and is substantially corresponding to the position of the first air inlet 55. Therefore, under the exhaust of the fan 3346, the air entering the housing from the second air inlet 56 will flow past the surfaces of the chip pressing module, the droplet generation module 20, the chip transport module, the lifting drive device 31, the heat conduction plate 332, and the water cooling radiator 3345 near the fourth side 54, and then exit the housing from the air guide 3349, thereby effectively dissipating the heat inside the housing by simultaneously cooling the various components within it.

[0143] Furthermore, filters are respectively provided at the first air inlet 55, the second air inlet 56, and the air guide 3349. The filters are used to filter the air entering the housing to reduce the risk of dust and other foreign objects entering the housing.

[0144] Further, please refer to Figure 2-4 and Figure 12As shown, the digital PCR also includes a detection module 60, which is disposed inside the housing and is used to detect droplets in the digital PCR chip 200 to obtain the number of droplets in the digital PCR chip 200 and the number of droplets containing various target probes.

[0145] The chip delivery module 10 also has a detection station, which is located behind the processing station and close to the second side 52. The loading / unloading station, the processing station, and the detection station are distributed on the same horizontal plane along the direction from the first side 51 to the second side 52.

[0146] Furthermore, the detection module 60 includes a bright-field unit 61, an excitation light unit 62, and an imaging unit. The bright-field unit 61 is mounted on the rack 90, located above the chip delivery module 10, and between the droplet generation module 20 and the water cooling radiator 3345. The bright-field unit 61 emits a first detection beam to the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station. The imaging unit captures an image of the digital PCR chip 200 receiving the first detection beam, obtaining a bright-field image of the digital PCR chip 200 under the illumination of the first detection beam. The excitation unit 62 is mounted on the rack 90 and located below the chip delivery module 10 and the water cooling radiator 3345, as well as near the second side 52 and below the detection station. The excitation unit 62 is used to emit a second detection beam to the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station. The imaging unit is also used to take another picture of the digital PCR chip 200 that receives the second detection beam to obtain a fluorescence image of the digital PCR chip 200 under the second detection beam.

[0147] Furthermore, the detection station is located between the bright field unit 61 and the excitation light unit 62, so that the bright field unit 61 can directly emit the first detection beam to the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station, and the excitation light unit 62 can directly emit the second detection beam to the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station.

[0148] Furthermore, the excitation light unit 62 is independent of the bright field unit 61, so that the excitation light unit 62 and the bright field unit 61 are respectively and independently mounted on the frame 90, thereby reducing the installation difficulty of the detection module 60 and avoiding the need to set a connection structure between the bright field unit 61 and the excitation light unit 62, so as to make the structure of the detection module 60 smaller, and thus make the overall structure of the digital PCR instrument more compact and miniaturized.

[0149] Furthermore, by independently mounting the bright field unit 61 and the excitation light unit 62 on the frame 90, and placing the excitation light unit 62 and the bright field unit 61 close to the second side 52 respectively, it is also beneficial to disassemble and assemble the excitation light unit 62 and the bright field unit 61 for inspection and maintenance.

[0150] Furthermore, the air entering the housing from the first air inlet 55 will also flow over the surfaces of the imaging unit, the bright field unit 61, and the excitation light unit 62 near the third side 53, and the air entering the housing from the second air inlet 56 will also flow over the surfaces of the imaging unit, the bright field unit 61, and the excitation light unit 62 near the fourth side 54. This ensures that the air flowing through the housing can simultaneously cool the imaging unit, the bright field unit 61, and the excitation light unit 62, thereby preventing these units from malfunctioning or failing to operate efficiently due to heat dissipation issues.

[0151] Furthermore, in existing technologies, the detection of the total number and position of droplets typically involves pre-adding a specific staining agent to the sample and using the excitation unit 62 to emit detection excitation light of a corresponding wavelength to detect and identify the total number of effective droplets generated in the digital PCR chip 200 and the position of each effective droplet. This existing technology involves more complex sample pretreatment, increasing both the pretreatment time and cost. It also requires a dedicated excitation light for sample detection, leading to an increase in the overall structure of the excitation unit 62 or a reduction in the number of available detection channels.

[0152] Furthermore, in the droplet distribution photographs taken in the prior art, the outline of the droplet is not clear due to the uneven light emission of the entire droplet, making it difficult to obtain the effective volume of the droplet based on the droplet outline. In this application, the outline of the droplet can be obtained more clearly through bright-field photography, and the effective volume of the corresponding droplet can be calculated based on the outline.

[0153] Further, please refer to Figure 5-6 As shown, the digital PCR instrument also includes a main control processing module 70. The main control processing module 70 is also used to control the operation of the chip pressing module, the droplet generation module 20, the chip transport module, and the detection module 60, so that the digital PCR instrument can operate in an orderly manner.

[0154] Furthermore, the main control processing module 70 is disposed inside the housing and located between the excitation light unit 62 and the fourth side 54 of the housing.

[0155] The air entering the housing from the second air inlet 56 will also flow over the surface of the main control processing module 70 to dissipate the heat generated by the main control processing module 70 during operation to the outside of the digital PCR instrument, so that the fan 3346 can also dissipate heat from the main control processing module 70.

[0156] Furthermore, the digital PCR instrument also includes a power module 80, which supplies power to the main control processing module 70, the chip clamping module, the droplet generation module 20, the chip transport module, and the detection module 60.

[0157] The power module 80 is located inside the housing and between the excitation unit 62 and the fourth side 54 of the housing, and above or below the main control processing module 70. The air entering the housing from the second air inlet 56 will also flow over the surface of the power module 80 to dissipate the heat generated by the power module 80 during operation to the outside of the digital PCR instrument, so that the fan 3346 can also dissipate heat from the power module 80.

[0158] Further, please refer to Figure 13 As shown, the brightfield unit 61 includes a first lens tube 611, a second lens tube 612, a brightfield light source assembly 613, a first reflection assembly 614, and a brightfield homogenizing assembly 615. The first lens tube 611 is connected to the second lens tube 612. The brightfield light source assembly 613 is located inside the first lens tube 611 and at one end away from the second lens tube 612. The first reflection assembly 614 is located at the connection between the first lens tube 611 and the second lens tube 612. The brightfield homogenizing assembly 615 is located inside the second lens tube 612. The light emitted by the brightfield light source assembly 613 is reflected by the first reflection assembly 614 to the second lens tube 612, and after being homogenized by the brightfield homogenizing assembly 615, it forms the first detection beam that illuminates the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station.

[0159] By setting the first reflector 614 to reflect the light emitted by the bright field light source component 613 located in the first lens tube 611, the reflected light can enter the second lens tube 612 and be homogenized by the bright field homogenizing component 615 in the second lens tube 612 to form the first detection beam. Since the first detection beam needs to be vertically irradiated from above the processing station onto the upper surface of the digital PCR chip 200 located in the processing station, the first lens tube 611 and the second lens tube 612, which are not on the same straight line, can achieve optical path adjustment of the light emitted by the bright field light source component 613, and make the first lens tube 611 and the second lens tube 612 connected at any angle of acute, right, or obtuse angle. This can effectively control the overall length of the bright field unit 61, thereby achieving structural compression of the bright field unit 61, reducing the space occupied by the bright field unit 61, and further compressing the overall structure of the digital PCR instrument.

[0160] Furthermore, the bright field light source assembly 613 includes a bright field lamp plate 6131, bright field lamp beads 6132, a heat sink 6133, and a heat sink 6134. The heat sink 6133 is installed at the end of the first lens barrel 611 away from the second lens barrel 612. The bright field lamp plate 6131 is disposed on the heat sink 6133 and located on the side of the heat sink 6133 facing the first reflector assembly 614. The bright field lamp beads 6132 are disposed on the bright field lamp plate 6131 and are used to emit a light beam when powered on. The heat sink 6134 is disposed on the side of the heat sink 6133 away from the bright field lamp plate 6131 and is used to dissipate the heat emitted by the bright field lamp beads 6132 and the bright field lamp plate 6131 during operation and conducted to the heat sink 6133.

[0161] Preferably, the heat sink 6133 includes a plate body 61331 and a plurality of fins 61332, the plurality of fins 61332 being spaced apart on the side of the plate body 61331 facing away from the bright field lamp panel 6131, and the heat sink 6134 being disposed on the fins 61332. By providing a plurality of fins 61332, the contact area between the heat sink 6133 and the air can be effectively increased, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink 6133 for the bright field lamp beads 6132 and the bright field lamp panel 6131.

[0162] Furthermore, the brightfield light source assembly 613 also includes a brightfield circuit board 6135 and a brightness sensor 6136. The brightfield circuit board 6135 is disposed inside the first lens barrel 611 and located between the brightfield LED 6132 and the first reflective assembly 614. The brightfield circuit board 6135 is used for electrical connection with the brightfield LED panel 6131. ​​The brightness sensor 6136 is disposed on the brightfield circuit board 6135 and located on the side of the brightfield circuit board 6135 facing the brightfield LED 6132, and is used to detect whether the brightfield LED 6132 is emitting light.

[0163] Furthermore, the bright field circuit board 6135 is provided with a light-transmitting hole 61351, which is coaxially arranged with the optical axis of the light beam emitted by the bright field lamp bead 6132, and the aperture of the light-transmitting hole 61351 is smaller than the aperture of the first lens barrel 611, so that the light that deviates from the optical axis at a large angle and shines on the bright field circuit board 6135 will be intercepted, so that the first detection beam formed after being reflected by the first reflection component 614 and processed by the bright field light-uniform component 615 can shine on the upper surface of the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station in a more vertical direction.

[0164] Furthermore, the first reflecting component 614 includes a first reflecting mirror 6141, a first fixing plate 6142, and a first fixing base 6143. The first fixing base 6143 is connected to the communication between the first mirror tube 611 and the second mirror tube 612. The first fixing plate 6142 is disposed on the first fixing base 6143, and the first reflecting mirror 6141 is disposed on the first fixing plate 6142. The light beam emitted from the first mirror tube 611 will be reflected by the first reflecting mirror 6141 and then directed toward the second mirror tube 612.

[0165] Furthermore, the bright-field homogenizing component 615 includes a homogenizing plate 6151 and two plano-convex lenses 6152. The homogenizing plate 6151 is disposed on the first fixing base 6143 and close to the second lens barrel 612. The two plano-convex lenses 6152 are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the second lens barrel 612. The light beam reflected by the first reflecting mirror 6141 passes through the homogenizing plate 6151 and the two plano-convex lenses 6152 in sequence to form the first detection light beam and is directed toward the upper surface of the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station.

[0166] Furthermore, the first mirror tube 611 and the second mirror tube 612 are vertically connected, and the first mirror tube 611 extends in the horizontal direction and the second mirror tube 612 extends in the vertical direction, so that the first reflector 6141 is mounted on the first fixing plate 6142 at approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

[0167] Therefore, the light emitted by the bright field light source component 613 is reflected by the first reflection component 614 to the second lens tube 612, and after being homogenized by the bright field homogenizing component 615, it forms the first detection beam that shines vertically downward onto the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station.

[0168] By vertically connecting the first lens tube 611 and the second lens tube 612, with the first lens tube 611 extending horizontally and the second lens tube 612 extending vertically, the structure of the bright field unit 61 becomes more compact. This also allows the first detection beam to be directed vertically onto the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station, thereby uniformly irradiating the digital PCR chip 200 and enabling the imaging unit to capture bright field images with essentially uniform brightness.

[0169] Further, please refer to Figure 14-19 As shown, in one embodiment, the detection module 60 includes an excitation light unit 62, which is disposed on one side of the imaging unit. The excitation light unit 62 is used to emit the second detection beam obliquely upward.

[0170] Furthermore, since the second detection beam emitted obliquely upward by the single excitation unit 62 does not directly illuminate the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station, the light intensity of the second detection beam varies significantly at different positions of the digital PCR chip 200. Consequently, the excitation light intensity absorbed by the droplets at different positions in the second detection beam is inconsistent, which in turn leads to a certain difference in the fluorescence intensity emitted by the droplets at different positions. Therefore, the brightness of the fluorescence image acquired by the imaging unit is not uniform.

[0171] In another embodiment, the module includes two excitation light units 62, which are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the imaging unit, and the two excitation light units 62 are respectively used to emit a second detection beam with substantially the same light intensity to the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station.

[0172] In this embodiment, two excitation light units 62 symmetrically emit a second detection beam obliquely upward, so that the two second detection beams can overlap on the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station. While increasing the irradiation intensity of the digital PCR chip 200, the superposition of light intensity also makes the excitation light intensity received by each droplet on the digital PCR chip 200 basically the same, thereby making the fluorescence intensity emitted by each droplet basically the same, and thus making the brightness of the fluorescence image acquired by the imaging unit basically the same.

[0173] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the excitation light unit 62 includes an excitation light homogenizing component 621 and a plurality of excitation light emitting components 622. The plurality of excitation light emitting components 622 are respectively used to emit excitation light of different wavelengths, and the position of any one of the excitation light emitting components 622 is adjustable so that the excitation light emitted by any one of the excitation light emitting components 622 can be homogenized by the excitation light homogenizing component 621 to form the second detection beam obliquely upward illuminating the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station.

[0174] By setting up one excitation light homogenizing component 621 and multiple excitation light emitting components 622 in cooperation, the number of excitation light homogenizing components 621 can be effectively reduced, thereby reducing costs. In addition, it can also avoid moving the excitation light homogenizing component 621, thereby avoiding the need to adjust the relative position of the excitation light homogenizing component 621 and the detection station, so that the second detection beam after being processed by the excitation light homogenizing component 621 can be directed to the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200 located at the processing station according to the specified optical path.

[0175] Furthermore, the plurality of excitation light emitting components 622 move along a straight path or rotate around a rotation center so that the excitation light homogenizing component 621 cooperates with any of the excitation light emitting components 622 and homogenizes the excitation light emitted by the excitation light emitting component 622 to form the second detection beam that illuminates the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station.

[0176] The excitation light unit 62 further includes an excitation light switching component and a support 624. A plurality of excitation light emitting components 622 are arranged in a straight line on the support 624. The excitation light switching component includes a switching drive device 6231, a guide member 6232, and a sliding member 6233. The guide member 6232 extends along the direction in which the plurality of excitation light emitting components 622 are arranged. The sliding member 6233 is slidably connected to the guide member 6232. The support 624 is disposed on the sliding member 6233. The support 624 and / or the sliding member 6233 are disposed at the output end of the switching drive device 6231 and slide along the guide member 6232 under the drive of the switching drive device 6231, so that any one of the plurality of excitation light emitting components 622 can be aligned with the excitation light homogenizing component 621 and cooperate with the excitation light homogenizing component 621 to emit the second detection beam of the corresponding wavelength band.

[0177] Further, please refer to Figure 14-19 As shown, in one embodiment, the excitation light unit 62 includes a plurality of excitation light homogenizing components 621 and a plurality of excitation light emitting components 622. The plurality of excitation light emitting components 622 are used to emit excitation light of different wavelengths. Each excitation light homogenizing component 621 corresponds to one excitation light emitting component 622. The positions of the corresponding excitation light homogenizing component 621 and excitation light emitting component 622 are adjustable so that the excitation light emitted by any excitation light emitting component 622 can be homogenized by the corresponding excitation light homogenizing component 621 to form the second detection beam obliquely upward illuminating the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station.

[0178] The excitation light homogenizing component 621 and the excitation light emitting component 622, which correspond to each other, move synchronously along a straight line or rotate around a rotation center, so that any one of the excitation light homogenizing components 621 homogenizes the excitation light emitted by the corresponding excitation light emitting component 622 to form the second detection beam that illuminates the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switching drive device 6231 is used to drive the plurality of excitation light emitting components 622 and the plurality of excitation light homogenizing components 621 to move synchronously, so that any excitation light emitting unit and the corresponding excitation light homogenizing unit can move synchronously to a designated position.

[0180] Further, please refer to Figure 14As shown, the detection module 60 further includes a mounting component 64, on which the imaging unit and the excitation light unit 62 are respectively integrated. Specifically, the excitation light emitting unit is integrated within the mounting component 64, while the imaging unit is partially integrated within and partially protrudes from the mounting component 64.

[0181] By integrating the imaging unit and the excitation light unit 62 onto the mounting component 64, the detection module 60 becomes an integrated structure, allowing for complete disassembly and assembly for easy maintenance and repair. Furthermore, by integrating the imaging unit and the excitation light emitting unit onto the mounting component 64, the imaging unit and the excitation light unit 62 can be pre-assembled according to the required imaging and excitation light paths before the detection module 60 is fully assembled onto the frame 90, thereby facilitating assembly and improving assembly efficiency.

[0182] Further, please refer to Figure 14 , 20 As shown, the imaging unit includes an imaging device 631 and a second reflective component 632. The imaging device 631 is mounted on the mounting member 64 and is used to image the fluorescent beam emitted by the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station after absorbing the second detection light, in order to obtain the fluorescent image. The second reflective component 632 is obliquely disposed below the detection station and is used to reflect the fluorescent beam emitted by the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station to the imaging device 631.

[0183] By setting the second reflective component 632 to reflect the fluorescent beam, the optical path of the fluorescent beam is changed, so that the imaging surface of the imaging device 631 does not need to be directly opposite the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station. This shortens the distance between the imaging device 631 and the processing station, thereby compressing the overall structure of the mounting component 64 and the overall structure of the detection module 60, making the detection module 60 more compact, and further miniaturizing the digital PCR instrument.

[0184] Furthermore, the detection module 60 also includes a mounting reference plate 65, and the second reflective component 632 includes a second reflector 6321, a first adjusting seat 6322, a second adjusting seat 6323, a first adjusting drive 6324, a first adjusting balance 6325, a second adjusting drive 6326, a second adjusting balance 6327, a second fixed seat 6328, and a moving drive 6329.

[0185] The moving drive component 6329 is mounted on the mounting reference plate 65. The second fixed seat 6328 is located at the output end of the moving drive component 6329. The first adjusting seat 6322 is rotatably mounted on the second adjusting seat 6323 along the first deflection axis. The first adjusting drive component 6324 is mounted on the second fixed seat 6328 and can drive the first adjusting seat 6322 to deflect along the first deflection axis at a position offset from the first deflection axis. The first adjusting balance component 6325 is connected between the second fixed seat 6328 and the first adjusting seat 6322 for driving the moving drive component 6329. The first adjusting seat 6322 abuts against the first adjusting drive member 6324. The second adjusting seat 6323 is rotatably disposed on the second fixed seat 6328 along the second deflection axis. The second adjusting drive member 6326 is disposed on the second fixed seat 6328 and can drive the second adjusting seat 6323 to deflect along the second deflection axis at a position deviating from the second deflection axis. The second adjusting balance member 6327 is connected between the second fixed seat 6328 and the second adjusting seat 6323 and is used to drive the second adjusting seat 6323 to abut against the second adjusting drive member 6326.

[0186] Therefore, when the second fixed base 6328 is moved relative to the mounting reference plate 65 by the moving drive 6329, the second reflector 6321, the first adjusting base 6322, the second adjusting base 6323, the first adjusting drive 6324, the first adjusting balance 6325, the second adjusting drive 6326 and the second adjusting balance 6327 can be moved synchronously, thereby changing the distance at which the fluorescent light beam emitted from the droplet illuminates the second reflector 6321. By adjusting the first adjustment seat 6322 along the first deflection axis, one-dimensional adjustment of the second reflector 6321 can be achieved. By adjusting the second adjustment seat 6323 along the second deflection axis, another-dimensional adjustment of the second reflector 6321 can be achieved, thus achieving two-dimensional adjustment of the second reflector 6321. Furthermore, even if the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station is tilted in two dimensions relative to the reference plane, the optical path of the fluorescence beam can be adjusted by the first adjustment drive 6324, the first adjustment balance 6325, the second adjustment drive 6326, and the second adjustment balance 6327. Moreover, when the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station is closer to or farther from the reference plane, the distance from which the fluorescence beam emitted from the droplet irradiates the second reflector 6321 can be adjusted by moving the second reflector 6321 along the plane direction of the reference plane.

[0187] Furthermore, both the first adjusting balance member 6325 and the second adjusting balance member 6327 are elastic structural members. That is, the first adjusting balance member 6325 and the second adjusting balance member 6327 can be elastic structural members with elastic deformation properties, such as springs and elastic ropes. This allows the first adjusting balance member 6325 to maintain the first adjusting seat 6322 against the output end of the first adjusting drive member 6324 during the rotation of the first adjusting seat 6322 along the first deflection axis. And the second adjusting balance member 6327 to maintain the second adjusting seat 6323 against the output end of the second adjusting drive member 6326 during the rotation of the second adjusting seat 6323 along the second deflection axis during the rotation of the second adjusting drive member 6326.

[0188] Furthermore, the first adjustment drive 6324 and the first adjustment balance 6325 may be located on the same side of the first deflection axis or on both sides of the first deflection axis; the second adjustment drive 6326 and the second adjustment balance 6327 may be located on the same side of the second deflection axis or on both sides of the second deflection axis, without limitation.

[0189] In some embodiments, the output end of the first adjustment drive 6324 and the first adjustment seat 6322 may be connected by a ball joint connection structure, thereby avoiding the need to set the first adjustment balance 6325.

[0190] Further, please refer to Figure 14 As shown, the imaging unit further includes a third reflective component, which is disposed between the second reflective component 632 and the imaging device. The third reflective component is used to reflect the fluorescent light beam reflected by the second reflector 6321 back to the imaging device 631.

[0191] By setting the third reflection component to reflect the fluorescence beam again, the optical path of the fluorescence beam is further changed, so that the imaging surface of the imaging device 631 and the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station do not need to be directly opposite each other. This allows the distance between the imaging device 631 and the processing station to be further shortened, thereby compressing the overall structure of the mounting component 64 and the overall structure of the detection module 60, making the detection module 60 more compact, and further miniaturizing the digital PCR instrument.

[0192] Furthermore, the third reflective assembly includes a third reflector 6331, a third adjusting seat 6332, a fourth adjusting seat 6333, a third adjusting drive 6334, a third adjusting balance 6335, a fourth adjusting drive 6336, a fourth adjusting balance 6337, and a third fixed seat 6338.

[0193] The third fixed base 6338 is disposed on the mounting reference plate 65. The third adjusting base 6332 is rotatably disposed on the fourth adjusting base 6333 along the third deflection axis. The third adjusting drive member 6334 is disposed on the third fixed base 6338 and can drive the third adjusting base 6332 to deflect along the third deflection axis at a position deviating from the third deflection axis. The third adjusting balance member 6335 is connected between the third fixed base 6338 and the third adjusting base 6332, and is used to drive the third adjusting base 6332 and the third fixed base 6333 to deflect along the third deflection axis. The adjusting drive member 6334 abuts against the fourth adjusting seat 6333, which is rotatably mounted on the third fixed seat 6338 along the fourth deflection axis. The fourth adjusting drive member 6336 is mounted on the third fixed seat 6338 and can drive the fourth adjusting seat 6333 to deflect along the fourth deflection axis at a position deviating from the fourth deflection axis. The fourth adjusting balance member 6337 is connected between the third fixed seat 6338 and the fourth adjusting seat 6333 and is used to drive the fourth adjusting seat 6333 to abut against the fourth adjusting drive member 6336.

[0194] By adjusting the third adjustment seat 6332 along the third deflection axis, one-dimensional adjustment of the third reflector 6331 can be achieved. By adjusting the fourth adjustment seat 6333 along the fourth deflection axis, another-dimensional adjustment of the third reflector 6331 can be achieved, thus realizing two-dimensional adjustment of the third reflector 6331. Therefore, even if the digital PCR chip 200 located at the detection station is tilted in two dimensions relative to the reference plane, the optical path adjustment of the fluorescence beam can be achieved through the third adjustment drive 6334, the third adjustment balance 6335, the fourth adjustment drive 6336, and the fourth adjustment balance 6337.

[0195] Furthermore, both the third adjusting balance member 6335 and the fourth adjusting balance member 6337 are elastic structural members. That is, the third adjusting balance member 6335 and the fourth adjusting balance member 6337 can be elastic structural members with elastic deformation properties, such as springs and elastic ropes. This allows the third adjusting balance member 6335 to maintain the third adjusting seat 6332 against the output end of the third adjusting drive member 6334 during the process where the third adjusting drive member 6334 drives the third adjusting seat 6332 to rotate along the third deflection axis. Similarly, the fourth adjusting balance member 6337 can maintain the fourth adjusting seat 6333 against the output end of the fourth adjusting drive member 6336 during the process where the fourth adjusting drive member 6336 drives the fourth adjusting seat 6333 to rotate along the fourth deflection axis.

[0196] Furthermore, the third adjustment drive 6334 and the third adjustment balance 6335 may be located on the same side of the third deflection axis or on both sides of the third deflection axis; the fourth adjustment drive 6336 and the fourth adjustment balance 6337 may be located on the same side of the fourth deflection axis or on both sides of the fourth deflection axis, without limitation here.

[0197] In some embodiments, the output end of the third adjustment drive 6334 and the third adjustment seat 6332 may be connected by a ball joint connection structure, thereby avoiding the need to set the third adjustment balance 6335.

[0198] Further, please refer to Figure 14 As shown, the imaging unit further includes a collimation unit 66, which is disposed between the second reflective component 632 and the third reflective component, and is used to collimate the fluorescent beam reflected by the second reflector 6321 and direct it toward the third reflector 6331.

[0199] Furthermore, the collimation unit 66 includes a collimation tube 661 and a plurality of collimation lenses 662. The collimation tube 661 is connected between the second fixing base 6328 and the third fixing base 6338. The plurality of collimation lenses 662 are arranged at intervals within the collimation tube 661 along the axial direction of the collimation tube 661.

[0200] Further, please refer to Figure 14-15 As shown, the detection module 60 also includes a filtering unit 67, which is located between the third reflective component and the imaging device, and is used to filter out interference light from other bands besides the band corresponding to the target fluorescent beam.

[0201] Furthermore, the photographing device is positioned above or below the third reflective component. Preferably, the photographing device is positioned above the third reflective component, and the photographing device protrudes from the mounting member 64 and is close to the fan 3346. This allows the airflow passing through the housing to also pass over the surface of the photographing device, thereby also providing heat dissipation for the photographing device.

[0202] Further, please refer to Figure 5-7 and combined Figure 21-23 As shown, the chip delivery module 10 includes a support unit 11 and a first driving device 12. The support unit 11 is used to support at least one digital PCR chip 200, and the support unit 11 has the processing station, the detection station, and the loading / unloading station. The first driving device 12 is used to drive the support unit 11 to move along a first direction between the loading / unloading station, the processing station, and the detection station, so that the digital PCR chip 200 can be loaded or unloaded at the loading / unloading station, droplet generation and PCR amplification can be performed at the processing station, and detection can be performed at the detection station.

[0203] Furthermore, when the support unit 11 is located at the loading and unloading station, the support unit 11 extends from the first side 51 of the outer shell to facilitate loading and unloading of the digital PCR chip 200.

[0204] Further, please refer to Figure 21-23 As shown, the chip delivery module 10 further includes a second driving device 13, which drives the support unit 11 to move along a second direction, so that the support unit 11 moves between the loading / unloading station, the processing station and the detection station under the cooperation of the first driving device 12 and the second driving device 13.

[0205] Specifically, for the support unit 11 to support multiple digital PCR chips 200 simultaneously, or for each chip to have multiple detection units 204, since each detection unit 204 needs to be detected individually, it is necessary to adjust the position of the support unit 11 so that the detection unit 204 to be detected can move to the detection station. Therefore, the second driving device 13 is provided to cooperate with the first driving device 12 to drive each detection unit 204 to move to the detection station.

[0206] Furthermore, the first direction and the second direction are two different directions, and the first driving device 12 drives the second driving device 13 and the supporting unit 11 to move synchronously along the first direction, and the second driving device 13 drives the supporting unit 11 to move along the second direction, or the first driving device 12 drives the supporting unit 11 to move along the first direction, and the second driving device 13 drives the first driving device 12 and the supporting unit 11 to move synchronously along the second direction.

[0207] Preferably, the first direction and the second direction are two mutually perpendicular directions. This facilitates faster and more efficient switching of the supporting unit 11 between the loading / unloading station, the processing station, and the inspection station.

[0208] Further, please refer to Figure 21-23 As shown, the supporting unit 11 includes a tray 111 and a tray assembly 112. The tray assembly 112 is horizontally confined to the tray 111, preventing it from moving horizontally relative to the tray 111 within the tray. This prevents the tray assembly 112 and its supported digital PCR chip 200 from being vertically held between the pressing unit 44 and the syringe unit 23 after being lifted by the lifting drive device 31 via the heat-conducting plate 332. Directly below, this allows for droplet generation and PCR amplification in conjunction with the clamping unit 44 and the syringe unit 23. It also avoids the need to move the clamping unit 44 and the syringe unit 23 horizontally after the digital PCR chip 200 is lifted, so that the sealing connector 233 is vertically aligned with the sample inlet 201, and the heat insulation plate is vertically aligned with the upper surface of each detection unit 204. This improves the processing efficiency of the digital PCR chip 200 and consequently, the detection efficiency.

[0209] Furthermore, the tray assembly 112 can move vertically relative to the tray 111 with the heat-conducting plate 332 under the drive of the lifting drive device 31, so that the heat-conducting plate 332 is in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip 200.

[0210] Specifically, the lifting drive device 31 drives the mounting base 331 to move vertically, causing the heat-conducting plate 332 to move synchronously. This brings the heat-conducting plate 332 closer to the digital PCR chip 200 located at the processing station. After contacting the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200, under the further drive of the lifting drive device 31, the heat-conducting surface 3321 of the heat-conducting plate 332 vertically supports the lower surface of the digital PCR chip 200. This causes the supported digital PCR chip 200 to move relative to the support plate 111, allowing the supported digital PCR chip 200 to fit tightly against the corresponding heat-conducting surface 3321 of the heat-conducting plate 332. This enables the heat-conducting plate 332 to conduct heat to the digital PCR chip 200 more stably and efficiently, thereby improving detection efficiency.

[0211] Further, please refer to Figure 22 The tray assembly 112 has a first position and a second position in the vertical direction relative to the pallet 111. In both the first and second positions, the tray assembly 112 is horizontally positioned on the pallet 111. The first position is located directly above or below the second position in the vertical direction.

[0212] The supporting unit 11 further includes an elastic connection structure 113, which is used to connect the tray assembly 112 and the tray plate 111 and drive the tray assembly 112 to be held in the first position. The lifting drive device 31 is used to drive the heat-conducting plate 332 to move the tray assembly 112 to the second position so that the heat-conducting plate 332 is in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip 200, and cooperates with the pressing unit 44 to press each detection unit 204 so that the syringe unit 23 can seal and connect the injection port 201 corresponding to each detection unit 204, thereby realizing the processing of the sample corresponding to each detection unit 204 to generate droplets, and the efficient and stable PCR amplification of the generated droplets.

[0213] Furthermore, the elastic connection structure 113 includes a plurality of elastic connectors 1131, which are respectively connected between the pallet 111 and the pallet assembly 112. The plurality of elastic connectors 1131 are used to restrict the pallet assembly 112 onto the pallet 111 to prevent the pallet assembly 112 from detaching from the pallet 111 and to prevent the pallet assembly 112 from displacing relative to the pallet 111 in the horizontal direction.

[0214] Furthermore, when the tray assembly 112 is in the first position, each of the elastic connectors 1131 is in either a first elastically stretched state or an unstretched state. Specifically, when each of the elastic connectors 1131 is in the first elastically stretched state, it can cooperate with the weight of the tray assembly 112 and the digital PCR chip 200 it carries to keep the tray assembly 112 in the first position; or, when each of the elastic connectors 1131 is in the unstretched state, the tray assembly 112 can be held in the first position by the weight of the tray assembly 112 and the digital PCR chip 200 it carries.

[0215] When the tray assembly 112 is in the second position, each of the elastic connectors 1131 is in a second elastic tension state. The second deformation of each elastic connector 1131 in the second elastic tension state is greater than the first deformation in the first elastic tension state, so that each elastic connector 1131 tends to return to its original position.

[0216] Furthermore, the vertical distance between the first position and the second position is less than 5 mm. Preferably, the vertical distance between the first position and the second position is less than 2 mm, ensuring that the heat-conducting plate 332 can be in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip 200. This allows control of the stroke of the lifting drive device 31, thereby controlling the overall vertical height of the digital PCR chip 200 and further achieving the miniaturization design of the digital PCR instrument.

[0217] Further, please refer to Figure 22 As shown, the tray 111 is configured to form a limiting hole 1111, and the tray assembly 112 is at least partially confined within the limiting hole 1111, such that the tray assembly 112 is horizontally confined on the tray 111 in both the first and second positions. By providing the limiting hole 1111, the tray assembly 112 can be adaptively confined on the tray 111, and horizontal displacement of the tray assembly 112 relative to the tray 111 can be prevented.

[0218] Furthermore, the limiting hole 1111 includes a first hole 1112, a stepped surface 1113, and a second hole 1114. The stepped surface 1113 connects the first hole 1112 and the second hole 1114, and the stepped surface 1113 faces the first hole 1112, so that the diameter of the first hole 1112 is larger than the diameter of the second hole 1114.

[0219] When the tray assembly 112 is in the first position, the tray assembly 112 is at least partially confined within the first hole 1112, and the tray assembly 112 is abutted against the step surface 1113 under the drive of the elastic connection structure 113, or, under its own gravity, is located within the first hole 1112 and supported on the step surface 1113.

[0220] When the tray assembly 112 is in the second position, the tray assembly 112 is at least partially confined within the first hole 1112, and the tray assembly 112 is moved away from the step surface 1113 by the lifting drive device 31 driving the heat-conducting plate 332 and by the elastic connection structure 113, so that the heat-conducting plate 332 is in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip 200.

[0221] Furthermore, when the tray assembly 112 is in the second position, the tray assembly 112 is suspended relative to the tray 111, so that the digital PCR chip 200 carried by the tray assembly 112 can be attached to the lower surface of the corresponding heat-conducting plate 332.

[0222] Further, please refer to Figure 23 As shown, the tray assembly 112 includes a substrate 1121, a first pressure plate 1122, a second pressure plate 1123, and a plurality of locking components. The first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 are connected to the substrate 1121 through the plurality of locking components. The plurality of locking components are used together to limit the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 on the substrate 1121 and to lock the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 on the substrate 1121, so that the digital PCR chip 200 is adaptively locked between the substrate 1121, the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123, and the locked digital PCR chip 200 can remain undeformed, thereby avoiding problems such as droplets not being able to spread evenly in the detection unit 204 due to deformation of the PCR chip, and the inability to photograph and detect the droplets.

[0223] Furthermore, the substrate 1121 is configured to have a plurality of support positions 11211, each of which can accommodate a digital PCR chip 200, so that the chip can support multiple digital PCR chips 200 at the same time, thereby realizing batch processing of multiple digital PCR chips 200 and improving detection efficiency.

[0224] Furthermore, the locking assembly has a locked position and a released position. When the multiple locking assemblies are respectively in the locked position, the first pressure plate 1122 simultaneously presses against the surface of each digital PCR chip 200 near its respective first side 202, and the second pressure plate 1123 simultaneously presses against the surface of each digital PCR chip 200 near its respective second side 52. The first side 202 and the second side 52 of each digital PCR chip 200 are opposite sides of that digital PCR chip 200. By pressing only the opposite sides of the surface of each digital PCR chip 200, each digital PCR chip 200 can adaptively release stress in a timely manner during the pressing and clamping process, thereby achieving adaptive pressing and clamping, and effectively preventing deformation of the digital PCR chip 200.

[0225] When the multiple locking components are respectively in the release position, the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 simultaneously release the multiple digital PCR chips 200, so that each digital PCR chip 200 can be unloaded at the loading and unloading position.

[0226] Furthermore, the plurality of support positions 11211 are arranged in a straight line, and at least one locking component is provided on each side of the arrangement direction of the plurality of support positions 11211. The direction in which the first side 202 and the second side 52 of each digital PCR chip 200 are opposite to each other is parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of support positions 11211, so that the pressing side of the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 on the digital PCR chip 200 is not on the same side of the digital PCR chip 200 as the direction in which the locking components are distributed, but on opposite sides.

[0227] Furthermore, in one embodiment, one of the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 is pressed onto the digital PCR chip 200 located within each of the support positions 11211 before the other of the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123. Therefore, after the first pressure plate 1122 or the second pressure plate 1123 presses its first side 202 or second side 52, each digital PCR chip 200 can quickly release stress, thereby adapting to the pressure of the other of the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123, and thus being clamped between the first pressure plate 1122, the second pressure plate 1123 and the substrate 1121 without deformation.

[0228] In another embodiment, the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 simultaneously press against the digital PCR chip 200 located at each of the support positions 11211, thereby improving the clamping efficiency of the digital PCR chip 200.

[0229] Further, please refer to Figure 23 As shown, the locking assembly includes a first limiting member 11241 and an elastic driving member 11242. The elastic driving member 11242 is connected between the substrate 1121 and the second pressure plate 1123, and is used to drive the second pressure plate 1123 to press against the first pressure plate 1122, so that the second pressure plate 1123 and the first pressure plate 1122 tend to approach the substrate 1121, thereby enabling the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 to maintain cooperation with the substrate 1121 to clamp the digital PCR chip 200; the first limiting member 11241 is connected to one of the substrate 1121 and the first pressure plate 1122, and the other of the substrate 1121 and the first pressure plate 1122 is provided with a first limiting portion 11212, and the first limiting member 11241 has a first limiting position and a second limiting position within the first limiting portion 11212.

[0230] When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the first limiting member 11241 is in the first limiting position. At this time, the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 are respectively pressed onto the digital PCR chip 200.

[0231] When the locking assembly is in the released position, the first limiting member 11241 is in the second limiting position. At this time, the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 are respectively away from the substrate 1121, so that the digital PCR chip 200 located at the carrier position can be unloaded, or a digital PCR chip 200 can be loaded into the carrier position.

[0232] Further, please refer to Figure 23 As shown, the first limiting part 11212 has a stepped structure, and the first limiting part 11212 includes a first supporting surface 11213 and a first clearance groove 11214. The first supporting surface 11213 is connected to the opening of the first clearance groove 11214, so that the first supporting surface 11213 is at least partially higher than the bottom of the first clearance groove 11214.

[0233] When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the first limiting member 11241 abuts against the bottom of the first clearance groove 11214, or the first limiting member 11241 is suspended in the first clearance groove 11214 and located in the first limiting position. At this time, under the drive of the elastic driving member 11242, the first limiting member 11241 can release the support of the first pressure plate 1122, so that the second pressure plate 1123 can move closer to the substrate 1121 together with the first pressure plate 1122.

[0234] When the locking assembly is in the released position, the first limiting member 11241 abuts against the first support surface 11213 and is located in the second limiting position. At this time, under the support and limitation of the first support surface 11213, the first limiting member 11241 will overcome the action of the elastic driving member 11242 and push the first pressure plate 1122 away from the substrate 1121, so that the first pressure plate 1122 no longer presses the digital PCR chip 200. At the same time, the first pressure plate 1122 will also drive the second pressure plate 1123 to overcome the action of the elastic driving member 11242 and move away from the substrate 1121, so that the second pressure plate 1123 no longer presses the digital PCR chip 200.

[0235] Further, please refer to Figure 23 As shown, the locking assembly further includes a rotating member 11243 and a second limiting member 11244. The rotating member 11243 is rotatably connected to the base plate 1121 or the first pressure plate 1122. The second limiting member 11244 is disposed on the rotating member 11243. One end of the elastic driving member 11242 away from the base plate 1121 is connected to the rotating member 11243.

[0236] The second pressure plate 1123 is provided with a second limiting part 11231, and the second limiting member 11244 has a third limiting position and a fourth limiting position within the second limiting part 11231.

[0237] When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the first limiting member 11241 is in the first limiting position, and the second limiting member 11244 is in the third limiting position. At this time, the first pressure plate 1122 will overcome the action of the elastic driving member 11242 and move away from the substrate 1121 under the cooperation of the first limiting member 11241 and the first limiting part 11212. The second pressure plate 1123 will also overcome the action of the elastic driving member 11242 and move away from the substrate 1121 synchronously with the first pressure plate 1122 under the cooperation of the second limiting member 11244 and the second limiting part 11231.

[0238] When the locking assembly is in the released position, the first limiting member 11241 is in the second limiting position, and the second limiting member 11244 is in the fourth limiting position. At this time, the first pressure plate 1122 will approach the substrate 1121 through the drive of the elastic driving member 11242 under the cooperation of the first limiting member 11241 and the first limiting part 11212, and the second pressure plate 1123 will approach the substrate 1121 synchronously with the first pressure plate 1122 through the drive of the elastic driving member 11242 under the cooperation of the second limiting member 11244 and the second limiting part 11231.

[0239] By setting the first limiting member 11241 and the second limiting member 11244, the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 can more smoothly and stably cooperate with the elastic drive member 11242 to switch between the locked position and the released position under the action of external force. At the same time, by setting the rotating member 11243, and setting one end of the second limiting member 11244 and one end of the elastic drive member 11242 on the rotating member 11243, the first limiting member 11241 can cooperate more smoothly with the first limiting part 11212, and the second limiting member 11244 can cooperate more smoothly with the second limiting part 11231.

[0240] Furthermore, the first limiting member 11241 is rotatably connected to one of the base plate 1121 and the first pressure plate 1122 via the first connecting shaft 11245, thereby reducing the friction between the first limiting member 11241 and the first limiting part 11212 during movement, so that the first limiting part 11212 can switch more smoothly and with less effort when switching between the first support surface 11213 and the first clearance groove 11214.

[0241] The second limiting member 11244 is rotatably connected to the rotating member 11243 via the second connecting shaft 11246, thereby reducing the friction between the second limiting member 11244 and the second limiting part 11231 during movement, so that the second limiting part 11231 can switch more smoothly and with less effort when switching between the second relief groove 11233 and the second support surface 11232.

[0242] Furthermore, the first rotatable limiting member 11241 can be a bearing, roller, or other structural component that can rotate relative to the first connecting shaft 11245. The second rotatable limiting member 11244 can be a bearing, roller, or other structural component that can rotate relative to the first connecting shaft 11245.

[0243] Further, please refer to Figure 23 As shown, the second limiting part 11231 has a stepped structure, and the second limiting part 11231 includes a second supporting surface 11232 and a second clearance groove 11233, with the second supporting surface 11232 connected to the opening of the second clearance groove 11233.

[0244] When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the second limiting member 11244 abuts against the second support surface 11232 and is located in the third limiting position. At this time, the second limiting member 11244 abuts against the second support surface 11232 under the drive of the elastic driving member 11242 and under the limitation of the second limiting member 11244 on the second support surface 11232. Therefore, the second pressure plate 1123 can approach the substrate 1121 under the drive of the elastic driving member 11242.

[0245] When the locking assembly is in the released position, the second limiting member 11244 is suspended in the second clearance groove 11233 and located in the fourth limiting position. At this time, the second limiting member 11244 is located in the second clearance groove 11233 at the lower limit of the second clearance groove 11233, so that the second pressure plate 1123 overcomes the action of the elastic drive member 11242 and moves away from the substrate 1121.

[0246] Furthermore, the second support surface 11232 is an inclined surface, and the second support surface 11232 gradually slopes upward toward the direction close to the second clearance groove 11233. Because the second limiting member 11244 is connected to the middle of the rotating member 11243 via the second connecting shaft 11246 and is located between the rotating part of the rotating member 11243 and the elastic driving member 11242, when the second limiting member 11244 is limited to the second support surface 11232, the elastic driving member 11242 is insufficient to drive the second limiting member 11244 to overcome the limitation of the inclined second support surface 11232. Therefore, the second limiting member 11244 can be stably maintained in the third limiting position.

[0247] Further, please refer to Figure 23 As shown, the rotating member 11243 includes a first segment 112431, a second segment 112432, and a third segment 112433 connected in sequence. The first segment 112431 is rotatably connected to the substrate 1121 via a rotating shaft. The second segment 112432 is connected to the second limiting member 11244. The third segment 112433 is connected to the end of the elastic driving member 11242 away from the substrate 1121.

[0248] The first segment 112431 and the second segment 112432 have a first included angle, which is an obtuse angle. By setting the first included angle so that the first segment 112431 and the second segment 112432 are not connected by a straight line but by an obtuse angle, the lengths of the first segment 112431 and the second segment 112432 can be effectively shortened, thereby controlling the overall length of the rotating member 11243. This ensures that while effectively shortening the length of the rotating member 11243, the lever-structured rotating member 11243 can still smoothly and effortlessly drive the second limiting member 11244 in conjunction with the elastic drive member 11242 to switch between the third limiting position and the fourth limiting position.

[0249] The second segment 112432 and the third segment 112433 have a second included angle, which is an obtuse angle. By setting the second included angle so that the second segment 112432 and the third segment 112433 are not connected by a straight line, but by an obtuse angle, the lengths of the second segment 112432 and the third segment 112433 can be effectively shortened, thereby controlling the overall length of the rotating member 11243. This allows the lever-structured rotating member 11243 to smoothly and effortlessly drive the second limiting member 11244 in conjunction with the elastic drive member 11242 to switch between the third limiting position and the fourth limiting position while effectively shortening the length of the rotating member 11243.

[0250] Further, please refer to Figure 23 As shown, the tray assembly 112 further includes a plurality of limiting connectors 1125, which pass through the second pressure plate 1123 and the first pressure plate 1122 in sequence and are connected to the base plate 1121 to prevent the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 from detaching from the base plate 1121. This allows them to cooperate with the elastic drive member 11242 to limit the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 when the locking assembly is in the released position.

[0251] The first pressure plate 1122 has a first limiting through hole 11221 corresponding to each of the limiting connectors 1125. The first limiting through hole 11221 is elongated along the direction of relative movement between the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123, and has a first hole wall 11222 and a second hole wall 11223.

[0252] The second pressure plate 1123 has a second limiting through hole 11234 corresponding to each of the limiting connectors 1125. The second limiting through hole 11234 is elongated along the direction of relative movement between the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123, and has a third hole wall 11235 and a fourth hole wall 11236. The third hole wall 11235 faces the same direction as the first hole wall 11222, and the fourth hole wall 11236 faces the same direction as the second hole wall 11223.

[0253] When the multiple locking components are respectively in the locking position, the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 respectively press against the multiple digital PCR chips 200, and the first hole wall 11222 and the fourth hole wall 11236 respectively approach the corresponding limiting connector 1125.

[0254] When the multiple locking components are respectively in the release position, the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 release the multiple digital PCR chips 200 respectively, and the second hole wall 11223 and the third hole wall 11235 are respectively close to the corresponding limiting connector 1125.

[0255] In one embodiment, along the direction in which the plurality of bearing positions are arranged, a plurality of limiting connectors 1125 and a plurality of locking components are respectively provided on both sides of the plurality of bearing positions, wherein a locking component is provided between adjacent limiting connectors 1125.

[0256] Further, please refer to Figure 23 As shown, the tray assembly 112 further includes a plurality of sliding aids 1126, which are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate 1122. At least some of the sliding aids 1126 protrude toward the second pressure plate 1123, and at least another portion of the sliding aids 1126 protrude toward the base plate 1121. Alternatively, a plurality of the sliding aids 1126 may simultaneously protrude toward the second pressure plate 1123 and the base plate 1121, respectively.

[0257] Alternatively, multiple slip-aiding elements 1126 are respectively disposed on the second pressure plate 1123, wherein some of the slip-aiding elements 1126 protrude toward the first pressure plate 1122, and at least another portion of the slip-aiding elements 1126 passes through the first pressure plate 1122 and protrudes toward the base plate 1121, and the first pressure plate 1122 has clearance space for the corresponding portion of the slip-aiding elements 1126, so that when the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 move relative to each other, the synchronous movement of the portion of the slip-aiding elements 1126 is not affected.

[0258] Alternatively, multiple slip-aiding elements 1126 are respectively disposed on the substrate 1121, wherein some of the slip-aiding elements 1126 protrude toward the first pressure plate 1122, and at least another portion of the slip-aiding elements 1126 protrude beyond the first pressure plate 1122 and toward the second pressure plate 1123, and the first pressure plate 1122 has a clearance space for the corresponding portion of the slip-aiding elements 1126, so that when the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 move relative to each other, the portion of the slip-aiding elements 1126 can be cleared.

[0259] When the locking assembly is in the locking position and the tray assembly 112 is unloaded, the plurality of sliding aids 1126 are used to maintain a first distance between the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 to reduce the contact area between the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123, and to maintain a second distance between the first pressure plate 1122 and the substrate 1121 to reduce the contact area between the first pressure plate 1122 and the substrate 1121.

[0260] When the locking assembly is in the locked position and the tray assembly 112 carries the digital PCR chip 200, a third distance is spaced between the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123, the third distance being greater than or equal to the first distance, and a fourth distance is spaced between the first pressure plate 1122 and the substrate 1121, the fourth distance being greater than or equal to the second distance. This ensures that when the tray assembly 112 supports the digital PCR chip 200, each of the sliding aids 1126 will not abut against the corresponding first pressure plate 1122, substrate 1121, or second pressure plate 1123.

[0261] Furthermore, in one specific embodiment, the plurality of sliding aids 1126 are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate 1122, and each of the sliding aids 1126 has a first distance protruding toward the second pressure plate 1123 and a second distance protruding toward the substrate 1121.

[0262] In another specific implementation, please refer to Figure 23As shown, the plurality of sliding aids 1126 include a plurality of first sub-sliding aids 11261 and a plurality of second sub-sliding aids 11262. The plurality of first sub-sliding aids 11261 are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate 1122 and / or the second pressure plate 1123, and have a first distance protruding between the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123. The plurality of second sub-sliding aids 11262 are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate 1122 and / or the substrate 1121, and have a second distance protruding between the first pressure plate 1122 and the substrate 1121.

[0263] When the locking assembly is in the locked position and the tray assembly 112 is unloaded, the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123 abut against each other through a plurality of first sub-slip members 11261, and the first pressure plate 1122 and the base plate 1121 abut against each other through a plurality of second sub-slip members 11262.

[0264] Furthermore, the first pressure plate 1122 is provided with a first operating part 11224, and the second pressure plate 1123 is provided with a second operating part 11237. The first operating part 11224 and the second operating part 11237 are arranged opposite to each other along the direction of relative movement of the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123. By providing the first operating part 11224 and the second operating part 11237, it is convenient for the operator to use both hands to operate the first operating part 11224 and the second operating part 11237 respectively to operate the relative movement of the first pressure plate 1122 and the second pressure plate 1123.

[0265] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0266] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0267] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are 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 tray assembly, characterized in that, It includes a substrate, a first pressure plate, a second pressure plate, and a plurality of locking components, wherein the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are connected to the substrate through the plurality of locking components; The substrate is configured to have multiple support positions, each of which can accommodate a digital PCR chip, and the locking component has a locking position and a releasing position. When the multiple locking components are respectively in the locking position, the first pressure plate simultaneously presses against the surface of each digital PCR chip near its respective first side, and the second pressure plate simultaneously presses against the surface of each digital PCR chip near its respective second side. The first side and the second side of each digital PCR chip are the two opposite sides of the digital PCR chip. When the multiple locking components are respectively in the release position, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate simultaneously release the multiple digital PCR chips.

2. The tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of support positions are arranged in a straight line, and at least one locking component is provided on each side along the arrangement direction of the plurality of support positions; In this configuration, the direction in which the first side and the second side of each digital PCR chip face each other is parallel to the direction in which the plurality of support positions are arranged.

3. The tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate is pressed onto the digital PCR chip located within each of the support positions before the other of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate is pressed. Alternatively, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate simultaneously press against the digital PCR chip located at each of the support positions.

4. The tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a first limiting member connected to one of the base plate and the first pressure plate, and a first limiting portion is provided on the other of the base plate and the first pressure plate. The first limiting member has a first limiting position and a second limiting position within the first limiting portion. An elastic driving member is connected between the substrate and the second pressure plate to drive the second pressure plate to press against the first pressure plate, so that the second pressure plate and the first pressure plate tend to move closer to the substrate; When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the first limiting member is in the first limiting position; When the locking assembly is in the released position, the first limiting member is in the second limiting position.

5. The tray assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first limiting part has a stepped structure and includes a first supporting surface and a first clearance groove, with the first supporting surface connected to the opening of the first clearance groove. When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the first limiting member abuts against the bottom of the first clearance groove, or the first limiting member is suspended in the first clearance groove and located in the first limiting position. When the locking assembly is in the released position, the first limiting member abuts against the first support surface and is located in the second limiting position.

6. The tray assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking assembly further includes a rotating member and a second limiting member. The rotating member is rotatably connected to the substrate or the first pressure plate. The second limiting member is disposed on the rotating member, and the second pressure plate is provided with a second limiting portion. The second limiting member has a third limiting position and a fourth limiting position within the second limiting portion. The end of the elastic driving member away from the substrate is connected to the rotating member. Wherein, when the locking assembly is in the locking position, the first limiting member is in the first limiting position, and the second limiting member is in the third limiting position; When the locking assembly is in the released position, the first limiting member is in the second limiting position, and the second limiting member is in the fourth limiting position.

7. The tray assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first limiting member is rotatably connected to one of the base plate and the first pressure plate via a first connecting shaft; And / or, the second limiting member is rotatably connected to the rotating member via a second connecting shaft.

8. The tray assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second limiting part has a stepped structure, and the second limiting part includes a second supporting surface and a second clearance groove, with the second supporting surface connected to the opening of the second clearance groove; When the locking assembly is in the locking position, the second limiting member abuts against the second support surface and is located in the third limiting position; When the locking assembly is in the released position, the second limiting member is suspended in the second clearance groove and located in the fourth limiting position.

9. The tray assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second support surface is an inclined surface, and the second support surface gradually slopes upward toward the direction of the second clearance groove.

10. The tray assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rotating component includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment connected in sequence. The first segment is rotatably connected to the substrate via a rotating shaft. The second segment is connected to the second limiting member. The third segment is connected to the end of the elastic driving member away from the substrate. Wherein, the first segment and the second segment have a first included angle, and the first included angle is an obtuse angle; And / or, the second segment and the third segment have a second included angle, the second included angle being an obtuse angle.

11. The tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tray assembly also includes a plurality of limiting connectors, which pass through the second pressure plate and the first pressure plate in sequence and are connected to the base plate to prevent the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate from detaching from the base plate. Wherein, the first pressure plate has a first limiting hole for each of the limiting connectors, the first limiting hole is elongated along the direction of relative movement between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and has a first hole wall and a second hole wall with opposite sides; The second pressure plate has a second limiting hole for each of the limiting connectors. The second limiting hole is elongated along the direction of relative movement between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and has a third hole wall and a fourth hole wall. The third hole wall faces the same direction as the first hole wall, and the fourth hole wall faces the same direction as the second hole wall. When the multiple locking components are respectively in the locking position, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate press against the multiple digital PCR chips respectively, and the first hole wall and the fourth hole wall are respectively close to the corresponding limiting connector; When the multiple locking components are respectively in the release position, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate release the multiple digital PCR chips respectively, and the second hole wall and the third hole wall are respectively close to the corresponding limiting connector.

12. The tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tray assembly further includes a plurality of sliding aids, which are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate, and / or the second pressure plate, and / or the base plate; Wherein, when the locking assembly is in the locking position and the tray assembly is unloaded, the plurality of sliding aids are used to maintain a first distance between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate to reduce the contact area between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and to maintain a second distance between the first pressure plate and the substrate to reduce the contact area between the first pressure plate and the substrate. When the locking assembly is in the locking position and the tray assembly carries the digital PCR chip, there is a third distance between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, the third distance being greater than or equal to the first distance, and a fourth distance between the first pressure plate and the substrate, the fourth distance being greater than or equal to the second distance.

13. The tray assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The plurality of sliding aids are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate, and each of the sliding aids has a first distance protruding toward the second pressure plate and a second distance protruding toward the substrate; Alternatively, the plurality of sliding aids may include a plurality of first sub-sliding aids and a plurality of second sub-sliding aids, wherein the plurality of first sub-sliding aids are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate and / or the second pressure plate and have a first distance protruding between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and the plurality of second sub-sliding aids are respectively disposed on the first pressure plate and / or the substrate and have a second distance protruding between the first pressure plate and the substrate.

14. A support unit, characterized in that, The supporting unit includes the tray assembly as described in any one of claims 1-13; and The tray assembly is positioned horizontally on the tray and can move vertically relative to the tray with the heat-conducting plate under the drive of the lifting drive device, so that the heat-conducting plate is in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip; The lifting drive device is used to drive the heat-conducting plate to move in the vertical direction so that the heat-conducting plate is attached to or separated from the corresponding digital PCR chip.

15. The support unit according to claim 14, characterized in that, The pallet assembly has a first position and a second position in the vertical direction relative to the pallet plate, and the pallet assembly is positioned horizontally on the pallet plate in either the first position or the second position. The support unit further includes an elastic connection structure, which is used to connect the tray assembly and the tray plate, and drive the tray assembly to remain in the first position. The lifting drive device is used to drive the heat-conducting plate to move the tray assembly to the second position, so that the heat-conducting plate is in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip. The first position is located directly above or below the second position in the vertical direction.

16. The support unit according to claim 15, characterized in that, The elastic connection structure includes a plurality of elastic connectors, which are respectively connected between the pallet and the pallet assembly; When the tray assembly is in the first position, each of the elastic connectors is in a first elastic stretched state or an unstretched state. When the tray assembly is in the second position, each of the elastic connectors is in a second elastic tension state. Wherein, the second deformation of each of the elastic connectors in the second elastic tension state is greater than the first deformation in the first elastic tension state.

17. The support unit according to claim 15, characterized in that, The pallet is configured to form a limiting hole, and the pallet assembly is at least partially confined within the limiting hole, such that the pallet assembly is horizontally confined on the pallet in either the first position or the second position.

18. The support unit according to claim 17, characterized in that, The limiting hole includes a first hole, a stepped surface, and a second hole. The stepped surface connects the first hole and the second hole, and the stepped surface faces the first hole. When the tray assembly is in the first position, the tray assembly is at least partially confined within the first hole, and the tray assembly is abutted against the step surface under the drive of the resilient connection structure; When the tray assembly is in the second position, the tray assembly is at least partially confined within the first hole, and the tray assembly is moved away from the step surface by the lifting drive device driving the heat-conducting plate and by the elastic connection structure, so that the heat-conducting plate is in contact with the corresponding digital PCR chip.

19. A chip delivery module, characterized in that, The chip delivery module includes the support unit as described in any one of claims 14-18; and A first driving device is used to drive the support unit to move along a first direction; And / or, a second drive device, the second drive device being used to drive the support unit to move along a second direction; The first direction and the second direction are two different directions.

20. A digital PCR instrument, characterized in that, The digital PCR instrument includes the chip delivery module as described in claim 19, and the supporting unit has a processing station, a detection station and a loading / unloading station under the drive of the first driving device and / or the second driving device. The digital PCR instrument also includes a droplet generation module, which is located above the chip delivery module and is used to control the generation of droplets from the sample contained in the digital PCR chip located at the processing station. A temperature control module, at least partially located below the chip delivery module, is used to control the reaction temperature of droplets within the digital PCR chip located at the processing station, so that the droplets within the controlled digital PCR chip perform PCR amplification. A chip clamping module, disposed above the chip delivery module, is used to clamp the digital PCR chip located at the processing station onto the temperature control module; and A detection module is used to detect the digital PCR chip located at the detection station.

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