A multi-channel LAMP detector

Abstract

The present invention discloses a multi-channel LAMP detector, which includes: a housing, on which a chip port is provided; a chip compartment, which has a plurality of chip slots, which are arranged in parallel along the front-to-back direction, and each chip slot has a notch opposite to the chip port; a heating component, which is used to perform constant temperature heating on the microfluidic chip in the chip slot; a mechanical arm mechanism, which includes a plurality of mechanical arms that can respectively engage with the pistons of the microfluidic chips in each chip compartment, each mechanical arm can be movably arranged in the left-right direction and located on the right side of the chip compartment; an optical detection mechanism, which can be movably arranged in the housing along the left-right direction and the front-to-back direction; the optical detection mechanism has a plurality of detection positions, each chip slot has a plurality of detection sites arranged along the left-to-right direction, and each detection site of each chip slot corresponds to a detection position. The present invention can process samples in a plurality of microfluidic chips at one time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a multi-channel LAMP detector. Background Art

[0002] LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) technology is widely used in the field of biological diagnosis due to its mild reaction conditions (low reaction temperature) and short reaction time, such as nucleic acid amplification detection to diagnose whether pathogens exist in samples. At present, LAMP technology is a process of providing conditions for in vitro amplification of nucleic acid fragments, making them amplified exponentially and adding fluorescent dyes or fluorescent markers during nucleic acid amplification, using optical devices to detect the strength of the fluorescent signal, and analyzing the fluorescent signal to obtain the nucleic acid amplification results. When performing nucleic acid amplification reactions, the reaction system needs to be heated. The current LAMP detector can integrate nucleic acid amplification detection. When the detection chip (usually a microfluidic chip) is placed in the LAMP detector, the reaction chamber (usually an amplification reaction chamber) of the detection chip can be heated, illuminated, and detected. When the amount of samples to be detected is large, a LAMP detector that can detect multiple samples at a time is required. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above technical problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel LAMP detector, which can process samples in multiple microfluidic chips at one time and has a small size.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a multi-channel LAMP detector, which can detect samples of multiple microfluidic chips at one time without increasing the device cost.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a multi-channel LAMP detector is characterized by comprising:

[0006] A housing having a chip port for inserting a microfluidic chip;

[0007] A chip compartment is arranged in the housing, the chip compartment has a plurality of chip slots for accommodating microfluidic chips, the plurality of chip slots are arranged in parallel along the front-to-back direction, and each of the chip slots has a notch opposite to the chip port;

[0008] A heating component, which is used to heat the microfluidic chip in the chip slot at a constant temperature;

[0009] A mechanical arm mechanism, comprising a plurality of mechanical arms capable of engaging with the piston of the microfluidic chip in the chip compartment, each chip slot corresponding to at least one mechanical arm, each mechanical arm being movably disposed in the housing along the left-right direction and located on the right side of the chip compartment; and

[0010] An optical detection mechanism is disposed in the housing so as to be movable in the left-right direction and the front-back direction, and the optical detection mechanism is located below the chip compartment;

[0011] A door, which is used to close the chip port, and the door is movably arranged on the inner wall of the shell;

[0012] A first driving mechanism, which is used to drive the door to move;

[0013] A chip cover, which is arranged between the inner wall of the housing surrounding the chip port and the chip compartment and between the chip slots;

[0014] The optical detection mechanism has a plurality of detection positions, each of the chip slots has a plurality of detection sites arranged along the left-right direction, and each of the detection sites of each of the chip slots corresponds to one detection position.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a first guide rail is provided on the inner wall of the shell, the door is movably disposed on the first guide rail, the first driving mechanism includes a first motor and a first screw rod driven to rotate by the first motor, and the first screw rod is connected to the door.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a barcode scanner for reading the barcode on the microfluidic chip. The barcode scanner is disposed in the shell, a scanning window is provided on the shell, and a scanning part of the barcode scanner is located in the scanning window or facing the scanning window.

[0017] More preferably, the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a controller and a touch screen, the controller is electrically connected to the barcode scanner and the touch screen respectively, the touch screen has a first display state, and in the first display state, the touch screen has a barcode scanning entry button.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, each of the chip sockets corresponds to at least one heating component, and the heating component is disposed on a side wall of the chip socket.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the robotic arm mechanism includes a bracket arranged on the inner wall of the shell, a lower mounting plate that can be arranged on the bracket along the left and right directions, and an upper mounting plate that can be movably arranged on the bracket along the left and right directions, the upper mounting plate is located above the lower mounting plate, a plurality of first robotic arms are arranged on the upper mounting plate, a plurality of second robotic arms are arranged on the lower mounting plate, each of the chip slots corresponds to at least one of the first robotic arm and at least one of the second robotic arm, and in the initial position, the second robotic arm is located at the lower left of the first robotic arm.

[0020] More preferably, the first robotic arm and / or the second robotic arm respectively have an engagement groove for the piston of the microfluidic chip to be engaged, and the engagement groove has a notch facing upward; and / or the robotic arm mechanism also includes a second driving mechanism for driving the upper mounting plate to move left and right, and a third driving mechanism for driving the lower mounting plate to move left and right, and the bracket is provided with a second guide rail and a third guide rail extending in the left and right directions, the upper mounting plate can be movably arranged on the second guide rail in the left and right directions, and the lower mounting plate can be movably arranged on the third guide rail in the left and right directions, and the second driving mechanism It includes a second motor and a second screw driven to rotate by the second motor, the second screw is connected to the upper mounting plate, the third driving mechanism includes a third motor and a third screw driven to rotate by the third motor, the third screw is connected to the lower mounting plate; and / or, the robotic arm mechanism also includes a first photoelectric switch for detecting whether the first robotic arm has reached its initial position, and a second photoelectric switch for detecting whether the second robotic arm has reached its initial position; and / or, the bracket has a blocking portion for preventing the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate from moving to the right beyond their set stroke.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-channel LAMP detector includes a base arranged on the inner wall of the shell, and the base has an X-guide rail extending in the left-right direction; the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a mounting block movably arranged on the X-guide rail in the left-right direction, and the mounting block has a Y-guide rail extending in the front-back direction; the optical detection mechanism is movably arranged on the Y-guide rail in the front-back direction.

[0022] More preferably, the multi-channel LAMP detector further includes a fourth driving mechanism for driving the mounting block to move along the X-guide rail, a fifth driving mechanism for driving the optical detection mechanism to move along the Y-guide rail, an X-direction starting point detection switch for detecting whether the mounting block reaches its starting point, an X-direction end point detection switch for detecting whether the mounting block reaches its end point, a Y-direction starting point detection switch for detecting whether the optical detection mechanism reaches its starting point, and a Y-direction end point detection switch for detecting whether the optical detection mechanism reaches its end point, the X-direction starting point detection switch and the X-direction end point detection switch are respectively close to the two ends of the X-direction guide rail, and the Y-direction starting point detection switch and the Y-direction end point detection switch are respectively close to the two ends of the Y-direction guide rail.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-channel LAMP detector further comprises a main PCB board, a mounting frame is provided in the shell, a guide slot is provided on the mounting frame, and an edge portion of the main PCB board is inserted into the guide slot.

[0024] The present invention adopts the above solution, which has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0025] A multi-channel LAMP detector of the present invention is provided with a plurality of chip slots in a chip bin, and can process a plurality of microfluidic chips at a time. The number of samples that can be processed when a detection program is run once is greatly increased, and the detection efficiency is high. Moreover, the plurality of detection channels of the LAMP detector can share an optical detection mechanism, and compared with a single-channel LAMP detector, the space is effectively utilized, and the volume of the whole machine does not increase significantly, and no additional space is occupied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the accompanying drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without paying creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multi-channel LAMP detector of this embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a multi-channel LAMP detector of this embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a multi-channel LAMP detector of this embodiment from another perspective;

[0030] Figure 4A bottom view of the inner wall of a shell of a multi-channel LAMP detector of this embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the barcode scanner bracket;

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the barcode scanner bracket from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first heating module and the second heating module;

[0034] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of the first heating module and the second heating module from another perspective;

[0035] Fig. 9 It is a structural diagram of the robotic arm mechanism;

[0036] Fig.10 is another structural schematic diagram of the robotic arm mechanism;

[0037] Fig.11a is an isometric view of the optical detection mechanism;

[0038] Fig.11b is a top view of the optical detection mechanism;

[0039] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting frame;

[0040] Fig.13 Schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic chip;

[0041] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip cover;

[0042] Fig.15a and Fig.15b They are schematic diagrams of the structure of a chip slot respectively;

[0043] Fig.16 Schematic diagram of the detection site.

[0044] in,

[0045] 1. Shell; 3. Door; 4. Chip cover; 7. Mechanical arm mechanism; 8. Optical detection mechanism; 10. Chip slot; 11. Base; 13. Connection hole;

[0046] 100, microfluidic chip; 100a, piston; 100a1, neck;

[0047] 101, chip port; 301, first guide rail; 302, first motor; 303, first screw rod;

[0048] 501, barcode scanner; 502, barcode scanner bracket; 5021, base; 5022, support table; 503, scanning window; 504, display screen;

[0049] 601, first heating module; 6011, first heat-insulating cotton block; 6012, first heating block; 6013, first heating film; 6014, first heat-insulating sheet; 6015, first heat-insulating cotton; 602, second heating module; 6021, second heat-insulating cotton block; 6022, second heating block; 6023, second heating film; 6024, second heat-insulating sheet; 6025, second heat-insulating cotton; 603, first temperature sensor; 604, second temperature sensor;

[0050] 701, bracket; 7011, blocking part; 702, upper mounting plate; 703, lower mounting plate; 704, first mechanical arm; 7041, first photoelectric switch sensing bracket; 705, second mechanical arm; 7051, second photoelectric switch sensing bracket; 706, engagement groove; 7071, second motor; 7072, second lead screw; 7081, third motor; 709, second guide rail; 711, first photoelectric switch; 712, second photoelectric switch;

[0051] 801, X-direction starting point detection switch; 802, X-direction end point detection switch; 803, Y-direction starting point detection switch; 804, Y-direction end point detection switch; 805, X-direction motor; 806, Y-direction motor; 809, X-direction guide rail; 810, Y-direction guide rail;

[0052] 91. Main PCB board; 92. Robotic arm control PCB board; 93. Door control PCB board;

[0053] 101, mounting frame; 101a, guide slide groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is used to help understand the present invention, but does not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0055] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside" and "outside" indicate directions or positional relationships based on the attached Figure 1 and 2 The orientation or positional relationship shown is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0056] As shown in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "include" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements that have been clearly identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or device may also include other steps or elements. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any combination of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0057] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, when a feature is referred to as being "fixed" or "connected" to another feature, it may be directly fixed or connected to the other feature, or it may be indirectly fixed or connected to the other feature. In addition, the descriptions of up, down, left, right, etc. used in the present invention are only relative to the relative positional relationship of the components of the present invention in the drawings.

[0058] It is further understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various information, but such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other, and do not indicate a specific order or degree of importance. In fact, the expressions "first", "second", etc. can be used interchangeably. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first information can also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information can also be referred to as the first information.

[0059] Figures 1 to 16 A multi-channel LAMP detector according to this embodiment is shown, which can automatically perform nucleic acid amplification detection. Figure 1 As shown, the LAMP detector includes a shell 1, an inner cavity for installing internal components is formed in the shell 1, and a chip port 101 for inserting a microfluidic chip 100 is provided on the shell 1. A chip compartment is provided in the shell 1, and the chip compartment has a plurality of chip slots 10 for accommodating the microfluidic chip 100. Specifically in this embodiment, there are three chip slots 10 in the chip compartment, and each chip slot 10 corresponds to a detection channel. In the chip compartment, a plurality of chip slots 10 are arranged in parallel along the front-to-back direction, and each chip slot 10 has a notch opposite to the chip port 101. Specifically, the chip slot 10 is located directly below the chip port 101, and the notch of the chip slot 10 faces upward, and the microfluidic chip 100 is inserted into the chip slot 10 from top to bottom.

[0060] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a door 3 movably arranged on the inner wall of the shell 1, and the door 3 is used to close the chip port 101. Specifically, the door 3 is movably arranged on the inner wall of the upper side of the shell 1. Further, a first guide rail 301 extending in the left and right directions is provided on the inner wall of the upper side of the shell 1, and the door 3 is movably arranged on the first guide rail 301 through a slider. The door 3 is driven to open and close by a first driving mechanism. Specifically, the first driving mechanism includes a first motor 302 and a first screw rod 303 driven to rotate by the first motor 302, and the first screw rod 303 and the door 3 are connected by a thread (for example, by a screw nut). The first screw rod 303 can be driven to rotate by the first motor 302, and the rotational motion of the first motor 302 is converted into a linear motion through the cooperation of the screw rod and the screw nut, so that the door 3 can be moved left and right. There are two first guide rails 301 that are parallel to each other and are respectively arranged on the front and back sides of the door 3. The door sensor detects the opening and closing of the door 3, and the door sensor is electrically connected to a door controller, which is also electrically connected to the first motor 302; when the door sensor is triggered, it sends a detection signal indicating that the door 3 is opened or closed, and after receiving the detection signal, the door controller sends a control signal to the first motor 302 to control its forward or reverse rotation, thereby driving the door 3 to close or open. The door controller is set on a door control PCB board 93, and the PCB board 93 is set on the inner wall of the housing 1. After the microfluidic chip is loaded, the door 3 automatically closes to seal the chip port 101, protecting the internal components and being more beautiful.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a barcode scanner 501 for reading the barcode on the microfluidic chip 100. The barcode scanner 501 is arranged in the housing 1 through a barcode scanner bracket 502. The housing 1 is provided with a scanning window 503. The scanning part of the barcode scanner 501 is located in the scanning window 503 or facing the scanning window 503. The barcode scanner bracket 502 includes a base 5021 and a relatively parallel support platform 5022 arranged on the base 5021. The shape of the support platform 5022 is wedge-shaped. A connecting hole 13 is also provided on the base 5021. The barcode scanner bracket 502 is fixedly arranged on the inner wall of the housing 1 through a connecting piece passing through the connecting hole 13. The chip port 101 and the barcode scanner 501 are both located on the upper side of the housing 1 and are both facing upward.

[0062] The multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a main controller and a display screen 504 (specifically a touch screen), and the main controller is electrically connected to the barcode scanner 501 and the display screen 504 respectively. The main controller is arranged on the main PCB board 91. The display screen 504 has a first display state, and in the first display state, the display screen 504 has a barcode scanning and recording button. After the barcode scanning and recording button is pressed for the first time, the information of the microfluidic chip 100 read by the barcode scanner 501 is associated with the first detection channel (for example, the chip slot 10 at the frontmost side); after the barcode scanning and recording button is pressed for the second time, the information of the microfluidic chip 100 read by the barcode scanner 501 is associated with the second detection channel (for example, the middle chip slot 10); after the barcode scanning and recording button is pressed for the third time, the information of the microfluidic chip 100 read by the barcode scanner 501 is associated with the third detection channel (for example, the chip slot 10 at the rearmost side). The display screen 504 is located on the left side of the housing 1.

[0063] Reference Figures 7 and 8As shown, the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a heating component, which is used to perform constant temperature heating on the microfluidic chip 100 in the chip slot 10. Specifically, the heating component is used to heat the reaction chamber of the microfluidic chip 100. Each chip slot 10 corresponds to at least one heating component, and the heating component is fitted on the side wall of the chip slot 10. Each heating component includes a first heating module 601 and a second heating module 602, the first heating module 601 includes a first insulation cotton pressing block 6011, a first heating block 6012, a first heating film 6013, a first insulation cotton 6015 and a first insulation sheet 6014, and the second heating module 602 includes a second insulation cotton pressing block 6021, a second heating block 6022, a second heating film 6023, a second insulation cotton 6025 and a second insulation sheet 6024. The structures of the first heating module 601 and the second heating module 602 are similar, except that the shapes of the second insulation cotton block 6021 and the second heating block 6022 of the second heating module 602 are different from the shapes of the first insulation cotton block 6011 and the first heating block 6012 of the first heating module 601. Here, taking the first heating module 601 as an example, the first heating block 6012 and the first heat insulation film 6014 are covered on the first heating film 6013, the surface of the first heating film 6013 has a glue layer, the first heating film 6013 is fitted and covered on the front of the first insulation cotton 6015, the back of the first insulation cotton 6015 is provided with the first insulation cotton block 6011, the first insulation cotton block 6011 has a connecting hole 13, and the first heating module 601 is arranged on the side wall of the chip slot 10 by a connector passing through the connecting hole 13. A first temperature sensor 603 is fixedly disposed on the first heating block 6012, and a second temperature sensor 604 is fixedly disposed on the second heating block 6022. The first temperature sensor 603 and the second temperature sensor 604 are electrically connected to a controller (which may be the above-mentioned main controller). The controller is used to control the magnitude of the voltage supplied to the first heating film 6013 according to the temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor 603, so as to maintain the heating temperature of the first heating block 6012 constant; similarly, the controller is used to control the magnitude of the voltage supplied to the second heating film 6023 according to the temperature information detected by the second temperature sensor 604, so as to maintain the heating temperature of the second heating block 6022 constant.

[0064] Fig.15a and Fig.15b FIG. 1 shows a partial structure of a single chip slot 10 in a chip compartment, in which a microfluidic chip 100 can be inserted. Fig.15aAs shown, a hollow area 10a is provided on the side wall of the chip slot 10 to facilitate cooperation with the heating component; a hollow area 10b is provided on the bottom wall of the chip slot 10 to facilitate cooperation with the optical detection mechanism 8. The first heating block 6012 is matched with the shape of a hollow area 10a on the upper part of the side wall of the chip slot 10 and is embedded in the hollow area 10a, so that it can be attached to the microfluidic chip in the chip slot 10; similarly, the second heating block 6022 is matched with the shape of a hollow area 10a on the lower part of the side wall of the chip slot 10 and is embedded in the hollow area 10a, so that it can be attached to the microfluidic chip in the chip slot 10. In addition, a heat insulating sheet is provided on the portion that is not bonded to the microfluidic chip, that is, the high-temperature components of the first heating module 601 are separated from the side walls of the chip slot 10 by the first heat insulating sheet 6014, and the high-temperature components of the second heating module 602 are separated from the side walls of the chip slot 10 by the second heat insulating sheet 6024, thereby avoiding the problem of premature aging of the chip slot 10 caused by long-term contact with the high-temperature environment.

[0065] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a mechanical arm mechanism 7, which includes a plurality of mechanical arms that can engage with the piston 100a of the microfluidic chip 100 in the chip compartment, and the mechanical arm is used to drive the piston 100a to move. Each chip slot 10 corresponds to at least one mechanical arm, and each mechanical arm can be movably arranged in the housing 1 along the left and right directions and is located on the right side of the chip compartment. The mechanical arm mechanism 7 includes a bracket 701 arranged on the inner wall of the housing 1, an upper mounting plate 702 that can be movably arranged on the bracket 701 along the front and rear directions, and a lower mounting plate 703 that can be arranged on the bracket 701 along the left and right directions. The upper mounting plate 702 is located above the lower mounting plate 703, and a plurality of first mechanical arms 704 are arranged on the upper mounting plate 702, and a plurality of second mechanical arms 705 are arranged on the lower mounting plate 703. Each chip slot 10 corresponds to at least one first mechanical arm 704 and at least one second mechanical arm 705, respectively. In the initial position, the second mechanical arm 705 is located at the lower left of the first mechanical arm 704.

[0066] Reference Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.13As shown, the first mechanical arm 704 and the second mechanical arm 705 respectively have a coupling groove 706 for the end of the piston 100a of the microfluidic chip 100 (specifically, the neck 100a1 of the piston 100a) to be inserted, and the coupling groove 706 has a notch facing upward. When looking down, it can be seen that the first mechanical arm 704 and the second mechanical arm 705 are arranged in a front-to-back and left-to-right interval, and can be combined with two pistons 100a at the same time. Specifically, the second mechanical arm 705 is located at the lower rear of the first mechanical arm 704, that is, the second mechanical arm 705 is located at a distance from one end of the rear side of the first mechanical arm 704 to match the positions of the two pistons 100a.

[0067] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the mechanical arm mechanism 7 also includes a second driving mechanism for driving the upper mounting plate 702 to move left and right, and a third driving mechanism for driving the lower mounting plate 703 to move left and right. The bracket 701 is provided with a second guide rail 709 and a third guide rail (not shown in the figure) extending in the left and right directions. The upper mounting plate 702 can be movably arranged on the second guide rail 709 in the left and right directions, and the lower mounting plate 703 can be movably arranged on the third guide rail in the left and right directions. The second driving mechanism includes a second motor 7071 and a second lead screw 7072 driven to rotate by the second motor 7071, and the second lead screw 7072 is connected to the upper mounting plate 702. The third driving mechanism includes a third motor 7081 and a third lead screw (not shown in the figure) driven to rotate by the third motor 7081, and the third lead screw is connected to the lower mounting plate 703. The mechanical arm mechanism 7 also includes a first photoelectric switch 711 for detecting whether the first mechanical arm 704 has reached its initial position, and a second photoelectric switch 712 for detecting whether the second mechanical arm 705 has reached its initial position. The bracket 701 has a blocking portion 7011 for preventing the upper mounting plate 702 and the lower mounting plate 703 from moving rightward beyond their set travel. The second motor 7071 and the third motor 7081 are also electrically connected to the robot controller, which is used to send control signals to control the operation of the second motor 7071 and the third motor 7081 respectively. The robot controller is also electrically connected to the first photoelectric switch 711 and the second photoelectric switch 712, respectively, to receive signals from the first photoelectric switch 711 and the second photoelectric switch 712. The robot controller is arranged on the robot control PCB board 92. This embodiment can accurately control the first robot arm 704 and the second robot arm 705. The three first robot arms 704 are controlled by the same drive system, and the three second robot arms 705 are controlled by the same drive system. The pistons of the three microfluidic chips 100 can be moved synchronously, with high control accuracy and avoiding excessive cost increase.

[0068] The robot controller will send a control signal to the second motor 7071 to start the second motor 7071 to start running. The second motor 7071 drives the second screw rod 7072 to rotate, driving the upper mounting plate 702 to make a linear motion. The upper mounting plate 702 is provided with a first robot arm 704, and the first robot arm 704 will make a linear motion with the upper mounting plate 702. The first robot arm 704 is provided with a first photoelectric switch sensing bracket 7041, and the first photoelectric switch sensing bracket 7041 will make a linear motion along the second guide rail 709 with the first robot arm 704 until the first photoelectric switch sensing bracket 7041 moves to the first photoelectric switch 711. The first photoelectric switch 711 is triggered to send a detection signal, which is transmitted to the robot controller. After receiving the detection signal, the robot controller controls the second motor 7071 to reverse or stop. When the second motor 7071 is running, the second screw rod 7072 moves forward or backward along the front-to-back direction, and the first robotic arm 704 moves forward or backward along the second guide rail 709, thereby driving the piston 100a on the upper part of the microfluidic chip 100 to move left and right, thereby providing positive pressure or negative pressure to the liquid in the microfluidic chip 100, thereby providing power for the circulation of the liquid.

[0069] Similarly, the robot controller sends a control signal to the third motor 7081, so that the third motor 7081 starts to run, and the third motor 7081 drives the third screw to rotate, driving the lower mounting plate 703 to move linearly. The lower mounting plate 703 is provided with a second robot 705, and the second robot 705 moves linearly with the lower mounting plate 703. The second robot 705 is provided with a second photoelectric switch sensing bracket 7051. The second photoelectric switch sensing bracket 7051 moves linearly along the third guide rail with the second robot 705 until the second photoelectric switch sensing bracket 7051 moves to the second photoelectric switch 712, and the second photoelectric switch 712 is triggered to send a detection signal and transmit it to the robot controller. After receiving the detection signal, the robot controller controls the third motor 7081 to reverse or stop running. When the third motor 7081 is running, the third screw moves left or right along the left-right direction, and the second robotic arm 705 moves left or right along the third guide rail, thereby driving the piston 100a at the bottom of the microfluidic chip 100 to move left and right, thereby providing positive pressure or negative pressure to the liquid in the microfluidic chip 100 to provide power for the circulation of the liquid, or switching the on and off between the chambers in the microfluidic chip 100.

[0070] Reference Fig.11a and Fig.11bAs shown, the multi-channel LAMP detector includes an optical detection mechanism 8, which can be movably arranged in the housing 1 along the left-right direction and the front-back direction. The optical detection mechanism 8 is located below the chip compartment to detect each amplification detection cavity of the microfluidic chip 100 in each chip slot 10 one by one in order, wherein a plurality of microfluidic chips 100 are arranged along the front-back direction, and each microfluidic chip 100 has a plurality of amplification detection cavities arranged at intervals along the left-right direction, and each amplification detection cavity is a detection site, such as Fig.16 For example, the optical detection mechanism 8 moves in the left-right direction to scan multiple detection sites of a microfluidic chip 100 in a chip slot 10 one by one; the optical detection mechanism 8 moves in the front-back direction for a distance to move to a position aligned with another microfluidic chip 100, and then moves in the left-right direction to scan multiple detection sites of the microfluidic chip 100 one by one.

[0071] Furthermore, the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a base 11 arranged on the inner wall of the shell 1, and the base 11 has an X-guide rail 809 extending in the left-right direction; the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a mounting block movably arranged on the X-guide rail 809 in the left-right direction, and the mounting block has a Y-guide rail 810 extending in the front-back direction; the optical detection mechanism 8 is movably arranged on the Y-guide rail 810 in the front-back direction. The multi-channel LAMP detector also includes an X-direction driving mechanism for driving the mounting block to move along the X-direction guide rail 809, a Y-direction driving mechanism for driving the optical detection mechanism 8 to move along the Y-direction guide rail 810, an X-direction starting point detection switch 801 for detecting whether the optical detection mechanism 8 has reached its starting point in the left-right direction, an X-direction end point detection switch 802 for detecting whether the optical detection mechanism 8 has reached its end point in the left-right direction, a Y-direction starting point detection switch 803 for detecting whether the optical detection mechanism 8 has reached its starting point in the front-back direction, and a Y-direction end point detection switch 804 for detecting whether the optical detection mechanism 8 has reached its end point in the front-back direction, the X-direction starting point detection switch 801 and the X-direction end point detection switch 802 are respectively close to the two ends of the X-direction guide rail 809, and the Y-direction starting point detection switch 803 and the Y-direction end point detection switch 804 are respectively close to the two ends of the Y-direction guide rail 810. Specifically in this embodiment, the X-direction driving mechanism includes an X-direction motor 805, which is arranged on the base 11 and drives the Y-direction guide rail 810 to move left and right through the screw rod and nut; the Y-direction driving mechanism includes a Y-direction motor 806, which is arranged on the mounting block and drives the optical detection mechanism 8 to move forward and backward along the Y-direction guide rail through the screw rod and nut. The X-direction starting point detection switch 801, the X-direction end point detection switch 802, the Y-direction starting point detection switch 803, and the Y-direction end point detection switch 804 are photoelectric detection switches respectively. Fig.16As shown, the X-direction starting point detection switch 801 sends a first detection signal when detecting that the optical detection mechanism 8 reaches its starting point in the left-right direction, the X-direction end point detection switch 802 is used to send a second detection signal when detecting that the optical detection mechanism 8 reaches its end point in the left-right direction, the Y-direction starting point detection switch 803 is used to send a third detection signal when detecting that the optical detection mechanism 8 reaches its starting point in the front-back direction, and the Y-direction end point detection switch 804 is used to send a fourth detection signal when detecting that the optical detection mechanism 8 reaches its end point in the front-back direction.

[0072] The optical detection mechanism 8 has a plurality of detection positions, and each chip slot 10 has a plurality of detection sites arranged along the left-right direction, and each detection site of each chip slot 10 corresponds to a detection position. Fig.16 As shown, the microfluidic chip in each chip slot 10 corresponds to a detection channel, with a total of three detection channels C1, C2 and C3. Each chip slot 10 has four detection sites, and there are three chip slots 10 in total, so there are twelve detection sites; specifically, the detection channel C1 has four detection sites P11, P12, P13 and P14, the detection channel C2 has four detection sites P21, P22, P23 and P24; the detection channel C3 has four detection sites P31, P32, P33 and P34. Taking the chip slot 10 located at the front as an example, the optical detection mechanism 8 starts to run from the origin and moves according to the coordinates composed of the detection sites. After the optical detection mechanism 8 passes through four detection sites, the optical detection mechanism 8 moves along the Y direction to the next chip slot 10 to detect the second chip slot 10, and so on.

[0073] The main controller is electrically connected to the X-direction starting point detection switch 801, the X-direction end point detection switch 802, the Y-direction starting point detection switch 803, and the Y-direction end point detection switch 804, respectively, and controls the X-direction drive mechanism to run forward after receiving the first detection signal, and controls the X-direction drive mechanism to run reversely after receiving the second detection signal, and controls the Y-direction drive mechanism to run forward after receiving the third detection signal, and controls the Y-direction drive mechanism to run reversely after receiving the fourth detection signal.

[0074] Reference Figure 3 and Fig.12 As shown, a mounting frame 101 is provided in the housing 1, and the mounting frame 101 is located between the display screen 504 and the chip compartment. A guide slot 101a is provided on the mounting frame 101, and the edge of the main PCB board 91 is inserted into the guide slot 101a. The PCB board can be installed in a simple structure and low-cost manner, with a small size and easy installation, especially in the case of a relatively narrow installation space, and both assembly and maintenance are relatively convenient.

[0075] like Fig.14 As shown, the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a chip cover 4, which is arranged between the inner wall of the shell 1 surrounding the chip port 101 and the chip compartment and between the chip slots 10, and its hollow part corresponds to the notch of each chip slot 10 to allow the microfluidic chip 100 to be inserted into the chip slot 10. The chip cover 4 is used to close the gap between the chip compartment and the inner wall of the shell 1 and the gap between the chip slots 10 to prevent foreign matter from falling in, prevent dust, and protect internal components. The chip cover 4 can also serve as a shielding effect for the components inside the detector, which is more beautiful. The chip cover 4 adopts 3D printing technology, which has a simple structure and can solve the problem of its expensive manufacturing cost.

[0076] The working process of the multi-channel LAMP detector of this embodiment is as follows:

[0077] After the microfluidic chip 100 is aligned with the barcode scanner 501 for scanning, it is inserted into the chip slot 10, the door 3 is automatically closed, and the first robot arm 704 and the second robot arm 705 of the robot arm mechanism 7 move according to the set timing, driving the piston 100a to move, connecting the cavity, and providing positive or negative pressure for fluid flow, so that the samples and reagents of the microfluidic chip 100 are mixed or the reagents are circulated to the target chamber until they enter the reaction chamber for amplification reaction; the heating component is powered on to heat the corresponding chamber of the microfluidic chip 100; after the reaction is completed, the optical detection mechanism 8 is powered on and moves to each detection site in turn according to the set timing to perform optical detection on each amplification detection cavity.

[0078] This embodiment also provides a control method for a multi-channel LAMP detector, which includes the following process:

[0079] A. Scan the microfluidic chip 100 to input sample information and associate it with the corresponding detection channel C1, C2 or C3, and install the microfluidic chip 100;

[0080] B. Heating the microfluidic chip 100 at a constant temperature:

[0081] C. Control the first mechanical arm 704 and the second mechanical arm 705 to move so that the reaction systems such as samples and primers in the microfluidic chip 100 are mixed and distributed to each amplification chamber;

[0082] D. Control the optical detection mechanism 8 to move and detect the detection sites one by one.

[0083] Reference Fig.16 As shown, process D specifically includes the following steps:

[0084] S101, the optical detection mechanism 8 is at the origin position or is moved to the origin position (i.e., the detection point P11), the X-direction starting point detection switch 801 and the Y-direction starting point detection switch 803 are both triggered to send out the first detection signal and the third detection signal, and after receiving the first detection signal and the third detection signal, the main controller determines that the optical detection mechanism 8 is at the origin, and detects the detection point P11 of the first microfluidic chip 100. The main controller establishes a corresponding relationship between the detection information sent by the optical detection mechanism 8 at this time and the detection point P11 of the first detection channel C1.

[0085] S102, the main controller controls the X-direction motor 805 to run forward, so that the optical detection mechanism 8 moves rightward by a set distance d1 and then stops at the detection point P12 for detection; specifically, the rotation angle of the X-direction motor 805 is calculated by the set distance d1 (i.e., the distance between two adjacent detection points), and the X-direction motor 805 stops when it rotates through the set angle. The main controller establishes a corresponding relationship between the detection information sent by the optical detection mechanism 8 at this time and the detection point P12 of the first detection channel C1.

[0086] By analogy, the optical detection mechanism 8 is controlled to move to the detection positions P13 and P14 in sequence for detection, and the main controller establishes corresponding relationships between the detection information sent by the optical detection mechanism 8 and the detection positions P13 and P14 of the first detection channel C1 in sequence.

[0087] When detecting the detection site P14 of the first microfluidic chip 100 , the X-direction end point detection switch 802 is triggered to send out a second detection signal.

[0088] S103, after receiving the second detection signal and waiting for a set time, the main controller controls the X-axis motor 805 to run in the reverse direction, so that the optical detection mechanism 8 moves leftward to return to the origin, at which time the X-axis starting point detection switch 801 is triggered to send out a first detection signal; the set time is at least greater than the time required for the optical detection mechanism 8 to complete the optical detection of one detection position.

[0089] S104, after the optical detection mechanism 8 returns to the origin, the main controller receives the first detection signal and the third detection signal, controls the Y-axis motor 806 to move backwards by the set distance d2 and then stops at the detection position P21 of the second microfluidic chip 100 for detection; the main controller establishes a corresponding relationship between the detection information sent by the optical detection mechanism 8 at this time and the detection position P21 of the second detection channel C2. Specifically, the rotation angle of the Y-axis motor 806 is calculated by setting the distance d2 (i.e., the distance between two adjacent microfluidic chips 100), and the Y-axis motor 806 stops when it rotates the set angle.

[0090] S105, the main controller controls the X-axis motor 805 to run forward, so that the optical detection mechanism 8 moves rightward by a set distance d1 and then stops at the detection position P22 for detection; the main controller establishes a corresponding relationship between the detection information sent by the optical detection mechanism 8 at this time and the detection position P22 of the second detection channel C2.

[0091] By analogy, the optical detection mechanism 8 is controlled to move to the detection positions P23 and P24 in sequence for detection, and the main controller establishes a corresponding relationship between the detection information sent by the optical detection mechanism 8 and the detection positions P23 and P24 of the second detection channel C2 in sequence.

[0092] When detecting the detection site P24 of the second microfluidic chip 100 , the X-direction end point detection switch 802 is triggered to send out a second detection signal.

[0093] S106, after receiving the second detection signal and waiting for the set time, the main controller controls the X-axis motor 805 to run in the reverse direction, so that the optical detection mechanism 8 moves leftward, until the X-axis starting point detection switch 801 is triggered to send out the first detection signal.

[0094] S107, after the optical detection mechanism 8 returns to the origin, the main controller receives the first detection signal. After receiving the first detection signal, the main controller controls the Y-axis motor 806 to move backward d2 to the detection site P31 of the last microfluidic chip 100 for detection; the main controller establishes a corresponding relationship between the detection information sent by the optical detection mechanism 8 at this time and the detection site P31 of the third detection channel C3.

[0095] S108, the main controller controls the X-axis motor 805 to run forward, so that the optical detection mechanism 8 moves rightward by a set distance d1 and then stops at the detection position P32 for detection; the main controller establishes a corresponding relationship between the detection information sent by the optical detection mechanism 8 at this time and the detection position P32 of the third detection channel C3.

[0096] By analogy, the optical detection mechanism 8 is controlled to move to the detection positions P33 and P34 in sequence for detection, and the main controller establishes a correspondence between the detection information sent by the optical detection mechanism 8 and the detection positions P33 and P34 of the third detection channel C3 in sequence.

[0097] When detecting the detection site P44 of the third microfluidic chip 100 , the X-direction end point detection switch 802 is triggered to send out a second detection signal.

[0098] S109, after receiving the second detection signal and waiting for the set time, the main controller controls the X-direction motor 805 to run in the reverse direction, so that the optical detection mechanism 8 moves to the left, until the X-direction starting point detection switch 801 is triggered to send out the first detection signal; at the same time, during the detection of the third detection channel, the Y-direction end point detection switch 804 is triggered to send out the fourth detection signal;

[0099] S110, after receiving the first detection signal and the fourth detection signal, the main controller controls the Y-axis motor 806 to run in reverse, so that the optical detection mechanism 8 moves forward until the X-axis starting point detection switch 801 and the Y-axis starting point detection switch 803 are both triggered to send out the first detection signal and the third detection signal, and the Y-axis motor 806 stops running, so that the optical detection mechanism 8 returns to the origin and waits for the next detection.

[0100] Process A specifically includes:

[0101] S201, switching the display screen 504 to a first display state, receiving a first code scanning input instruction from a user through the display screen 504, reading a first barcode information of a first microfluidic chip 100 through the barcode scanner 501, and after receiving the first code scanning input instruction and the first barcode information, the main controller associates the first barcode information with a first detection channel C1;

[0102] S202, receiving a second code scanning input instruction from the user through the display screen 504, reading the second barcode information of the second microfluidic chip 100 through the barcode scanner 501, and after receiving the second code scanning input instruction and the second barcode information, the main controller associates the second barcode information with the second detection channel C2;

[0103] S203, receiving the user's third code scanning input instruction through the display screen 504, reading the third barcode information of the third microfluidic chip 100 through the scanner 501, and after receiving the third code scanning input instruction and the second barcode information, the main controller associates the third barcode information with the third detection channel C3.

[0104] The above-mentioned barcode information includes the information of the sample to be tested, such as the number, the corresponding name of the subject, the source, etc.

[0105] After the test is completed, the display screen 504 is switched to the second display state to display the test results (negative / positive) of each test site and the associated number, the name of the subject, etc.

[0106] The multi-channel LAMP detector provided in the present embodiment has a plurality of chip slots 10 in the chip bin, which can detect multiple chips at the same time and process multiple microfluidic chips 100 at one time. The number of samples that can be processed by the detection program once is greatly increased, and the detection efficiency is high; the door 3 and chip cover 4 can prevent dust and foreign matter from entering the gap between the chip bin and the inner wall, wherein the chip cover 4 can also shield the components inside the detector, making the appearance more beautiful; the multiple detection channels of the LAMP detector can share some components, such as a mechanical arm mechanism, an optical detection mechanism 8, etc. Compared with a single-channel LAMP detector, the space is effectively utilized, the volume of the whole machine does not increase significantly, and no additional space is occupied. Under the premise of adding multiple detection channels, the volume of the detector is still similar to that of a single-channel detector, the structure is more compact, the occupied space is optimized, the volume is small, the operation is simple, the use is convenient, and the cost is saved.

[0107] The above embodiment is only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and is a preferred embodiment. Its purpose is to enable people familiar with the technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and it cannot be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent transformation or modification made according to the principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-channel LAMP detector, characterized in that: include: A housing having a chip port for inserting a microfluidic chip; A chip compartment is arranged in the housing, the chip compartment has a plurality of chip slots for accommodating microfluidic chips, the plurality of chip slots are arranged in parallel along the front-to-back direction, and each of the chip slots has a notch opposite to the chip port; A heating component, which is used to heat the microfluidic chip in the chip slot at a constant temperature; A mechanical arm mechanism, comprising a plurality of mechanical arms capable of engaging with the piston of the microfluidic chip in the chip compartment, each chip slot corresponding to at least one mechanical arm, each mechanical arm being movably disposed in the housing along the left-right direction and located on the right side of the chip compartment; and An optical detection mechanism is disposed in the housing so as to be movable in the left-right direction and the front-back direction, and the optical detection mechanism is located below the chip compartment; A door, which is used to close the chip port, and the door is movably arranged on the inner wall of the shell; A first driving mechanism, which is used to drive the door to move; A chip cover, which is arranged between the inner wall of the housing surrounding the chip port and the chip compartment and between the chip slots; A barcode scanner, which is used to read the barcode on the microfluidic chip; A controller, the controller being electrically connected to the barcode scanner; Among them, the optical detection mechanism has multiple detection positions, and each chip slot has multiple detection sites arranged along the left and right directions, and each detection site of each chip slot corresponds to one detection position; the microfluidic chip is inserted into the chip slot after being aligned with the scanner and scanned, and a correspondence is established between the sample information read by the scanner and the corresponding detection channel in a set order, and each detection channel corresponds to one chip slot; the first robotic arm and the second robotic arm of the robotic arm mechanism move according to the set timing to mix the samples and reagents in the microfluidic chip or allow the reagents to flow into the target chamber until they enter the reaction chamber of the microfluidic chip for amplification reaction; the heating component is powered on to heat the corresponding chamber of the microfluidic chip; after the reaction is completed, the optical detection mechanism is powered on, and moves to each of the detection sites in sequence according to the set timing for optical detection.

2. The multi-channel LAMP detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first guide rail is provided on the inner wall of the shell, the door is movably arranged on the first guide rail, the first driving mechanism includes a first motor and a first screw rod driven to rotate by the first motor, and the first screw rod is connected to the door.

3. The multi-channel LAMP detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The barcode scanner is arranged in the shell, a scanning window is arranged on the shell, and a scanning part of the barcode scanner is located in the scanning window or facing the scanning window.

4. The multi-channel LAMP detector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a touch screen, the controller is electrically connected to the touch screen, the touch screen has a first display state, and in the first display state, the touch screen has a scan code entry button.

5. The multi-channel LAMP detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the chip slots corresponds to at least one heating component, and the heating component is disposed on the side wall of the chip slot.

6. The multi-channel LAMP detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The robotic arm mechanism includes a bracket arranged on the inner wall of the shell, a lower mounting plate that can be arranged on the bracket along the left and right directions, and an upper mounting plate that can be movably arranged on the bracket along the left and right directions, the upper mounting plate is located above the lower mounting plate, a plurality of first robotic arms are arranged on the upper mounting plate, a plurality of second robotic arms are arranged on the lower mounting plate, each of the chip slots corresponds to at least one of the first robotic arm and at least one of the second robotic arm, and in the initial position, the second robotic arm is located at the lower left of the first robotic arm.

7. The multi-channel LAMP detector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first robotic arm and / or the second robotic arm respectively have an engagement groove for the piston of the microfluidic chip to be engaged, and the engagement groove has a notch facing upward; and / or the robotic arm mechanism also includes a second driving mechanism for driving the upper mounting plate to move left and right, and a third driving mechanism for driving the lower mounting plate to move left and right, and the bracket is provided with a second guide rail and a third guide rail extending in the left and right directions, the upper mounting plate can be movably arranged on the second guide rail in the left and right directions, and the lower mounting plate can be movably arranged on the third guide rail in the left and right directions, and the second driving mechanism includes A second motor and a second screw driven to rotate by the second motor, the second screw is connected to the upper mounting plate, the third driving mechanism includes a third motor and a third screw driven to rotate by the third motor, the third screw is connected to the lower mounting plate; and / or, the robotic arm mechanism also includes a first photoelectric switch for detecting whether the first robotic arm has reached its initial position, and a second photoelectric switch for detecting whether the second robotic arm has reached its initial position; and / or, the bracket has a blocking portion for preventing the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate from moving to the right beyond their set stroke.

8. The multi-channel LAMP detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-channel LAMP detector includes a base arranged on the inner wall of the shell, and the base has an X-guide rail extending in the left-right direction; the multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a mounting block movably arranged on the X-guide rail in the left-right direction, and the mounting block has a Y-guide rail extending in the front-back direction; the optical detection mechanism is movably arranged on the Y-guide rail in the front-back direction.

9. The multi-channel LAMP detector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a fourth driving mechanism for driving the mounting block to move along the X-direction guide rail, a fifth driving mechanism for driving the optical detection mechanism to move along the Y-direction guide rail, an X-direction starting point detection switch for detecting whether the mounting block reaches its starting point, an X-direction end point detection switch for detecting whether the mounting block reaches its end point, a Y-direction starting point detection switch for detecting whether the optical detection mechanism reaches its starting point, and a Y-direction end point detection switch for detecting whether the optical detection mechanism reaches its end point, the X-direction starting point detection switch and the X-direction end point detection switch are respectively close to the two ends of the X-direction guide rail, and the Y-direction starting point detection switch and the Y-direction end point detection switch are respectively close to the two ends of the Y-direction guide rail.

10. The multi-channel LAMP detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-channel LAMP detector also includes a main PCB board. A mounting frame is provided in the shell. A guide slot is provided on the mounting frame. The edge of the main PCB board is inserted into the guide slot.

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