Reagent mixing and loading device and immunoassay apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a reagent mixing and loading device and an immune detection equipment. The reagent mixing and loading device comprises a transmission mechanism, a mixing mechanism, a loading mechanism and a driving mechanism. The transmission mechanism comprises a first rotating member and a second rotating member. A plurality of mixing mechanisms are rotatably connected to the first rotating member at intervals. The first rotating member can rotate synchronously with the second rotating member. The driving mechanism is used for driving the second rotating member to rotate. The mixing mechanism comprises a mixing column, a mixing transmission member and a mixing limiting member. The mixing transmission member is connected to the mixing column in a sleeving mode and abuts against the second rotating member. The loading mechanism comprises a loading box and a loading matching member. The loading box is provided with a reagent hole for placing the loading box. The loading matching member is rotatably arranged in the reagent hole and used for bearing the loading box. The reagent mixing and loading device can realize normal mixing of reagents and does not have problems such as jamming and collision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biological detection and diagnosis, and in particular to a reagent mixing and loading device and an immunoassay device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of modern science, immunodiagnostic technology has gradually become a key tool in modern clinical testing and scientific research. Immunodiagnostic technology is an important diagnostic tool for diseases such as tumors, diabetes, and gonadal secretion disorders. Compared with traditional detection methods, which are characterized by complex manual operation, long reaction times, and environmental pollution, immunodiagnostic technologies, such as chemiluminescence immunoassay, have advantages such as short reaction times, simple operation, and high diagnostic efficiency, and are widely used in modern medicine and scientific research.

[0003] Currently, chemiluminescence immunoassay systems mainly include: reaction vessel storage and delivery system, sample loading system, reagent loading system, sample addition system, incubation system, centrifugation and cleaning system, and luminescence reading system. The reagent loading system requires manual loading and unloading of reagent kits while the system is shut down, necessitating the cessation of ongoing tests and impacting testing time and results. Furthermore, during testing, some reagents may run out, and different tests may require different reagents, necessitating reagent loading or replacement. Currently, manual reagent loading or replacement requires system shutdown, and the process is prone to jamming and collisions, further disrupting ongoing tests. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a reagent mixing and loading device and an immunoassay device that can achieve proper reagent mixing and smooth reagent loading without interrupting the testing process, thereby improving the testing progress.

[0005] A reagent mixing and loading device includes a transmission mechanism, a mixing mechanism, a loading mechanism, and a driving mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member. A plurality of the mixing mechanisms are rotatably connected to the first rotating member at intervals. The first rotating member is sleeved on the second rotating member and can rotate synchronously with the second rotating member. The driving mechanism is rotatably connected to the second rotating member to drive its rotation. The mixing mechanism includes a mixing column, a mixing transmission member, and a mixing limiting member. The mixing transmission member is sleeved on the mixing column and abuts against the second rotating member to achieve opposite rotation. The loading mechanism includes a loading box and a loading fitting member. The loading box has a reagent hole for placing the loading box. The loading fitting member is rotatably disposed within the reagent hole to support the loading box. The mixing limiting member cooperates with the loading fitting member and pushes it to rotate.

[0006] In one embodiment, the mixing limiting member includes at least two spaced-apart elastic limiting arms connected to the mixing column; the loading fitting member has at least two spaced-apart loading limiting arms, the loading limiting arms being at least partially located outside the reagent orifice, and when the loading limiting arm is misaligned with the elastic limiting arm, the loading limiting arm abuts against the elastic limiting arm.

[0007] In one embodiment, the loading assembly further includes a support plate rotatably disposed within the reagent orifice, and the loading limiting arm is connected to the support plate and protrudes from the reagent orifice.

[0008] In one embodiment, there are multiple loading limit arms, which are distributed at equal intervals on a first circumference.

[0009] In one embodiment, there are multiple elastic limiting arms, which are evenly distributed on the second circumference.

[0010] In one embodiment, the maximum diameter of the first circumference is smaller than the maximum diameter of the second circumference but larger than the minimum diameter of the second circumference, and the inner wall of the end of the elastic limiting arm facing the loading limiting arm has a guiding relief surface, which is an outward sloping surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second rotating member is a gear, the mixing transmission member is a mixing gear, and the second rotating member meshes with the mixing transmission member.

[0012] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism further includes a first transmission wheel, a transmission belt, and a second transmission wheel. The first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel are connected by the transmission belt. The second transmission wheel is connected to the drive shaft of the drive mechanism and is connected to the second rotating member through the transmission shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the number of loading mechanisms is multiple;

[0014] The reagent mixing and loading device further includes a loading and transfer mechanism connected to the loading box for driving the loading box to move.

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention also provides an immune detection device.

[0016] An immunoassay device includes the aforementioned reagent mixing and loading device.

[0017] The reagent mixing and loading device described above can not only achieve normal mixing of reagents, but also enable the reagent kit to be smoothly introduced without stopping the machine, so as to improve the testing progress.

[0018] In summary, the above-described reagent mixing and loading device has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] (1) The mixing mechanism has a simple structure and the mixing transmission component of the mixing mechanism is elastic. In actual production, the elasticity of plastic material can be used for mold opening. Mass production can be achieved through plastic mold opening, which is inexpensive and has low cost.

[0020] (2) There is no need to consider transmission error or strictly limit the transmission ratio of the large gear and small gear (i.e., the second rotating part and the mixing transmission part). Regardless of the relative state of the elastic limit arm and the loading limit arm of the loading mechanism, the loading box can be loaded and introduced without jamming or collision.

[0021] (3) The reagent mixing and loading device described above is configured such that the maximum diameter of the first circumference is smaller than the maximum diameter of the second circumference but larger than the minimum diameter of the second circumference. This ensures that when the loading limiting arm is loaded, the entry position of the mixing transmission component is within the end face of the elastic limiting arm. Since the inner wall of the end of the elastic limiting arm facing the loading limiting arm has a guiding relief surface, the loading limiting arm can gradually move down along the slope of the guiding relief surface to push open the elastic limiting arm. As the mixing column rotates, the loading limiting arm and the elastic limiting arm can gradually be in a state of mutual misalignment and locking. At this time, the squeezing force of the loading limiting arm on the elastic limiting arm disappears, and the elastic limiting arm resets. As the mixing column rotates, the elastic limiting arm pushes the loading limiting arm to rotate, thereby achieving mixing.

[0022] (4) During loading, the loading limit arm is moved a small distance multiple times, so that the force on the elastic limit arm gradually decreases and the deformation also gradually decreases, so as to avoid the elastic limit arm being directly subjected to a large impact force, thereby achieving a smoother reagent loading and extending the life of the elastic limit arm.

[0023] (5) Multiple loading mechanisms can improve the efficiency of reagent loading and enable the loading of multiple reagent kits. For example, during the test, some reagents may be used up, or different test items may require different reagents, all of which need to be loaded or replaced. In this case, there is no need to stop the machine. Different reagent kits can be loaded separately through the reagent kit grabbing mechanism. The transfer is less prone to jamming and collision problems and does not affect the ongoing test. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a reagent mixing and loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the loading assembly and the mixing limiting assembly facing each other according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the loading assembly and the mixing limiting assembly being completely misaligned according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mixing limiting component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 10. Reagent mixing and loading device; 100. Transmission mechanism; 110. First rotating component; 120. Second rotating component; 200. Mixing mechanism; 210. Mixing column; 220. Mixing transmission component; 230. Mixing limiting component; 231. Elastic limiting arm; 2311. Guide relief surface; 300. Loading mechanism; 310. Loading box; 320. Loading mating component; 321. Loading limiting arm; 400. Drive mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment of the present invention provides a reagent mixing and loading device 10.

[0038] A reagent mixing and loading device 10 includes a transmission mechanism 100, a mixing mechanism 200, a loading mechanism 300, and a driving mechanism 400.

[0039] The transmission mechanism 100 includes a first rotating member 110 and a second rotating member 120.

[0040] A plurality of spaced-apart mixing mechanisms 200 are rotatably connected to the first rotating member 110, and the plurality of spaced-apart mixing mechanisms 200 are distributed along the same circumference. Preferably, the first rotating member 110 is provided with a plurality of accommodating holes distributed along the circumference, and each accommodating hole is fitted with a mixing mechanism 200.

[0041] The first rotating component 110 is sleeved on the second rotating component 120 and can rotate synchronously with the second rotating component 120. The second rotating component 120 can be configured with corresponding functions as needed.

[0042] The drive mechanism 400 is connected to the second rotating member 120 to drive the second rotating member 120 to rotate.

[0043] The mixing mechanism 200 includes a mixing column 210, a mixing transmission member 220, and a mixing limiting member 230. The mixing column 210 is rotatably disposed within the receiving hole. The mixing transmission member 220 is sleeved and connected to the mixing column 210 and abuts against the second rotating member 120 to achieve opposite rotation with the second rotating member 120. Since the second rotating member 120 and the mixing transmission member 220 are in abutting fit, such as a rolling fit or gear meshing, the mixing transmission member 220 can rotate in the opposite direction as the second rotating member 120 rotates.

[0044] The mixing mechanism 200 can be made of engineering plastic. In this case, the mixing mechanism 200 is lightweight, has a simple structure, and is easy to mold. It is understood that in other embodiments, the material used to prepare the mixing mechanism 200 is not limited to the above; it can also be a metal material.

[0045] The loading mechanism 300 includes a loading box 310 and a loading fitting 320. The loading box has a reagent hole for placing the loading box 310. The loading fitting 320 is rotatably disposed within the reagent hole to support the loading box 310. A mixing limiting member 230 can cooperate with the loading fitting 320 and push the loading fitting 320 to rotate. Specifically, when loading the loading box 310, the loading box 310 is gripped by the loading box 310 gripping mechanism and placed at the position of the mixing mechanism 200. The mixing limiting member 230 can cooperate with the loading fitting 320, for example, by abutting against each other. When the mixing limiting member 230 rotates with the mixing column 210, the mixing limiting member 230 can push the mixing limiting member 230 to rotate. The rotation of the mixing limiting member 230 can drive the loading fitting 320 and the loading box 310 it supports to rotate, thereby achieving reagent mixing.

[0046] Please see Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the mixing limiting member 230 includes at least two spaced-apart elastic limiting arms 231. The elastic limiting arms 231 are connected to the mixing column 210. The loading fitting member 320 has at least two spaced-apart loading limiting arms 321. The loading limiting arms 321 are at least partially located outside the reagent orifice. When the loading limiting arm 321 is misaligned with the elastic limiting arm 231, the loading limiting arm 321 abuts against the elastic limiting arm 231. Specifically, during loading, the loading box 310 is gripped by the loading box 310 gripping mechanism to the position of the mixing mechanism 200. At this time, the loading limiting arm 321 may not directly reach a completely misaligned position with the elastic limiting arm 231, but this does not affect continued loading. Because the elastic limiting arm 231 is elastic, when the loading limiting arm 321 moves downward, it abuts against the elastic limiting arm 231 (the loading limiting arm 321 and the elastic limiting arm 231 are completely aligned; please refer to [reference missing]). Figure 3 As shown), the loading limiting arm 321 can compress and gradually expand the elastic limiting arm 231. As the mixing column 210 rotates, the loading limiting arm 321 gradually misaligns with the elastic limiting arm 231 until the loading limiting arm 321 and the elastic limiting arm 231 are completely misaligned (see [reference]). Figure 2 As shown), at this time, the elastic limiting arm 231 is reset. In the radial direction, the loading limiting arm and the elastic limiting arm 231 can abut and interfere. The loading limiting arm 321 can rotate with the rotation of the elastic limiting arm 231. The rotation of the loading limiting arm 321 can drive the loading box 310 it carries to rotate, so as to achieve the mixing of reagents.

[0047] In some embodiments, the loading assembly 320 further includes a support plate. The support plate is rotatably disposed within the reagent hole, and a loading limiting arm 321 is connected to the support plate and protrudes from the reagent hole. For example, the reagent hole is disposed along the vertical direction of the loading box 310, the support plate is rotatably disposed within the reagent hole, the support plate is positioned close to the bottom of the reagent hole, one end of the loading limiting arm 321 is connected to the bottom surface of the support plate, and the other end of the loading limiting arm 321 extends outward toward the reagent hole.

[0048] In some of these embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, there are multiple loading limit arms 321. The multiple loading limit arms 321 are evenly distributed on the first circumference.

[0049] In some of these embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, there are multiple elastic limiting arms 231. These multiple elastic limiting arms 231 are evenly distributed on the second circumference.

[0050] In some embodiments, since both the loading limiting arm 321 and the elastic limiting arm 231 have a certain thickness, the first circumference containing the loading limiting arm 321 is annular, and the second circumference containing the elastic limiting arm 231 is also annular. The maximum diameter of the first circumference is smaller than the maximum diameter of the second circumference but larger than the minimum diameter of the second circumference. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 As shown, the inner wall of the end of the elastic limiting arm 231 facing the loading limiting arm 321 has a guiding relief surface 2311, which is an outward-facing slope. This configuration ensures that the loading limiting arm 321 descends directly above the elastic limiting arm 231, even when the loading limiting arm 321 and the elastic limiting arm 231 are in a partially misaligned state (see [reference]). Figure 2 As shown), the loading limiting arm 321 will slowly contact the elastic limiting arm 231. The loading limiting arm 321 descends along the guide relief surface 2311 and gradually squeezes the elastic limiting arm 231 to open. As the mixing column 210 rotates, the loading limiting arm 321 gradually misaligns with the elastic limiting arm 231 until the loading limiting arm 321 and the elastic limiting arm 231 are completely misaligned (see [reference]). Figure 3 (As shown).

[0051] In some embodiments, the second rotating member 120 is a gear, and the mixing transmission member 220 is a mixing gear, with the second rotating member 120 meshing with the mixing transmission member 220. The meshing cooperation between the second rotating member 120 and the mixing transmission member 220 improves transmission stability.

[0052] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism 100 further includes a first transmission wheel, a transmission belt, and a second transmission wheel. The first transmission wheel, transmission belt, and second transmission wheel are not shown in the drawings. The first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel are connected by a transmission belt, the second transmission wheel is connected to the drive shaft of the drive mechanism 400, and the second transmission wheel is connected to the second rotating member 120 via a transmission shaft.

[0053] In some embodiments, there are multiple loading mechanisms 300. Multiple loading mechanisms 300 can improve reagent loading efficiency and enable the loading of multiple reagent kits. For example, during testing, some reagents may run out, or different tests may require different reagents, necessitating reagent loading or replacement. In such cases, there is no need to stop the machine; different reagent kits can be loaded separately through the reagent kit gripping mechanism. This minimizes the risk of jamming or collisions during loading and uninterrupted testing.

[0054] In some embodiments, the reagent mixing and loading device 10 further includes a loading transfer mechanism connected to the loading cassette 310 for driving the loading cassette 310 to move.

[0055] The reagent mixing and loading device 10 described above can not only achieve normal mixing of reagents, but also enable the reagent kit to be smoothly introduced without stopping the machine, so as to improve the testing progress.

[0056] An embodiment of the present invention also provides an immune detection device.

[0057] An immunoassay device includes a reagent mixing and loading device 10.

[0058] In summary, the reagent mixing and loading device 10 described above has the following beneficial effects:

[0059] (1) The mixing mechanism 200 has a simple structure. The mixing transmission component 220 of the mixing mechanism 200 is elastic. In actual production, the elasticity of plastic material can be used for mold opening. Mass production can be achieved through plastic mold opening, which is inexpensive and has low cost.

[0060] (2) There is no need to consider transmission error or strictly limit the transmission ratio of the large gear and small gear (i.e., the second rotating part 120 and the mixing transmission part 220). Regardless of the relative state of the elastic limiting arm 231 and the loading limiting arm 321 of the loading mechanism 300, the loading box 310 can be loaded and introduced without jamming or collision.

[0061] (3) The reagent mixing and loading device 10 described above is configured such that the maximum diameter of the first circumference is smaller than the maximum diameter of the second circumference but larger than the minimum diameter of the second circumference. This ensures that when loading the loading limiting arm 321, the entry position of the mixing transmission member 220 is within the end face of the elastic limiting arm 231. Since the inner wall of the end of the elastic limiting arm 231 facing the loading limiting arm 321 has a guiding relief surface 2311, the loading limiting arm 321 can gradually move down along the slope of the guiding relief surface 2311 to push open the elastic limiting arm 231. As the mixing column 210 rotates, the loading limiting arm 321 and the elastic limiting arm 231 can gradually be in a state of mutual misalignment and jamming. At this time, the squeezing force of the loading limiting arm 321 on the elastic limiting arm 231 disappears, and the elastic limiting arm 231 resets. As the mixing column 210 rotates, the elastic limiting arm 231 pushes the loading limiting arm 321 to rotate, thereby achieving mixing.

[0062] (4) During loading, by moving the loading limit arm 321 multiple times over small distances, the force on the elastic limit arm 231 gradually decreases and the deformation also gradually decreases, thus avoiding the elastic limit arm 231 being directly subjected to a large impact force, achieving the purpose of smoother reagent loading, and extending the life of the elastic limit arm 231.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reagent mixing and loading device, characterized in that, The system includes a transmission mechanism, a mixing mechanism, a loading mechanism, and a driving mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member. Multiple spaced-apart mixing mechanisms are rotatably connected to the first rotating member. The first rotating member is sleeved on the second rotating member and can rotate synchronously with it. The driving mechanism is rotatably connected to the second rotating member to drive its rotation. The mixing mechanism includes a mixing column, a mixing transmission member, and a mixing limiting member. The mixing transmission member is sleeved on the mixing column and abuts against the second rotating member to achieve opposite rotation. The loading mechanism includes a loading box and a loading fitting member. The loading box has a reagent hole for placing the loading box. The loading fitting member is rotatably disposed within the reagent hole to support the loading box. The mixing limiting member can cooperate with the loading box. The loading assembly cooperates with and pushes the loading assembly to rotate. The mixing limiting component includes at least two spaced elastic limiting arms, and there are multiple elastic limiting arms. The multiple elastic limiting arms are evenly distributed on the second circumference, and the elastic limiting arms are connected to the mixing column. The loading assembly has at least two spaced loading limiting arms, and there are multiple loading limiting arms. The multiple loading limiting arms are evenly distributed on the first circumference. The maximum diameter of the first circumference is smaller than the maximum diameter of the second circumference and larger than the minimum diameter of the second circumference. The loading limiting arms are at least partially located outside the reagent orifice. When the loading limiting arm and the elastic limiting arm are misaligned, the loading limiting arm abuts against the elastic limiting arm. The inner wall of the end of the elastic limiting arm facing the loading limiting arm has a guiding relief surface, and the guiding relief surface is an outward slope.

2. The reagent mixing and loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading assembly also includes a support plate, which is rotatably disposed within the reagent orifice, and the loading limiting arm is connected to the support plate and protrudes from the reagent orifice.

3. The reagent mixing and loading apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The second rotating component is a gear, and the mixing transmission component is a mixing gear. The second rotating component meshes with the mixing transmission component.

4. The reagent mixing and loading apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism further includes a first transmission wheel, a transmission belt, and a second transmission wheel. The first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel are connected by the transmission belt. The second transmission wheel is connected to the drive shaft of the drive mechanism and is connected to the second rotating member through the transmission shaft.

5. The reagent mixing and loading apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The number of loading mechanisms is multiple; The reagent mixing and loading device further includes a loading and transfer mechanism connected to the loading box for driving the loading box to move.

6. An immunoassay device, characterized in that, Includes the reagent mixing and loading device as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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