Sample adding mechanism, hot cover and PCR instrument

Abstract

The application provides a sample adding mechanism, a hot cover and a PCR instrument, wherein the sample adding mechanism is arranged in the PCR instrument, a pushing piece in the sample adding mechanism is movably or rotatably arranged on a base, the pushing piece drives a push rod to move back and forth along the axial direction of the push rod through reciprocating movement / rotation, the limit stroke positions of the pushing piece include a force storage position and a release position; the pushing piece is pushed by external force when moving / rotating to the force storage position, the pushing piece compresses a force storage elastic piece during movement / rotation in the direction of the force storage position, and drives the push rod to move away from a reagent container; the pushing piece is pushed by the elastic force of the force storage elastic piece to reset when moving / rotating to the release position, and drives the push rod to eject towards the reagent container. In the application, the pushing piece is connected with the force storage elastic piece, the pushing piece can be quickly ejected under the elastic force of the force storage elastic piece, the push rod is quickly ejected, the feeding efficiency and reliability are improved, and the detection efficiency is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of detection, and particularly relates to a sample adding mechanism, a thermal cover and a PCR instrument. BACKGROUND

[0002] A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument is used for amplifying and expanding specific DNA fragments, and after expansion, a fluorescence detection module is used for measurement. In the process of amplifying and expanding specific DNA fragments, reaction reagents need to be added to a reaction container more than once. In order to avoid the situation that water vapor condenses in the upper part of the reaction container and causes the reagents to be unable to fully react, many PCR instruments are provided with a thermal cover.

[0003] At present, a series of reactions are usually completed in two instruments. The corresponding reagents are added in the first instrument for reaction, and after the product is taken out, the product is placed in the second instrument to add the corresponding reagents for subsequent reaction. This method needs to take out the product generated in the first instrument and place it in another instrument, which can reduce the detection efficiency. Therefore, if a PCR instrument can complete the reaction that can be completed by two instruments in the same instrument, the intermediate product does not need to be transferred, and the detection efficiency can be improved. However, how to directly and quickly add the reagents required for subsequent reaction to the intermediate product becomes a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide a sample adding mechanism, a thermal cover and a PCR instrument to directly add reagents to the intermediate product and improve the detection efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above object and other related objects, the present application provides the following technical scheme.

[0006] A sample adding mechanism comprises a push rod, the push rod pushes a reagent container to move along the axial direction of the push rod, the reagent container falls by being pushed to release the reagent, and the mechanism further comprises a base, a pusher and a force storage elastic member. The pusher is movably or rotatably arranged on the base, the pusher drives the push rod to reciprocally move along the axial direction of the push rod by reciprocally moving / rotating, and the limit stroke positions of the pusher include a force storage position and a release position. One end of the force storage elastic member is fixed on the base, and the other end is connected with the pusher. When the pusher moves / rotates to the force storage position, the pusher is pushed by an external force, the pusher compresses the force storage elastic member during the movement / rotation to the force storage position, and drives the push rod to move away from the reagent container. When the pusher moves / rotates to the release position, the pusher is propelled by the elastic force of the force storage elastic member to be ejected, and drives the push rod to be ejected to be close to the reagent container.

[0007] Optionally, the sample adding mechanism further comprises a power element and a transmission mechanism, the power element is arranged on the base, the pushing element is provided with a force receiving part for inputting the external force, the transmission mechanism is provided with a force applying part for applying the external force to the force receiving part, and the transmission mechanism is used for transmitting power of the power element to the force applying part.

[0008] Optionally, the transmission mechanism comprises a power wheel that rotates under the drive of the power element, the force applying part is a pushing part protruding on the power wheel, the power wheel is arranged near the pushing element, and the rotation track of the pushing part passes through the position where the force receiving part is located, so that the pushing part pushes the pushing element to move or rotate through the rotation of the power wheel;

[0009] In this way, the pushing part contacts and pushes the force receiving part to make the pushing element move or rotate to the force storage position when the power wheel rotates one circle, and then the pushing part is instantaneously separated from the force receiving part to release the pushing element.

[0010] Optionally, the pushing part is arranged on the end face of the power wheel or the pushing part is arranged on the outer side wall of the power wheel.

[0011] Optionally, the pushing element reciprocates between the release position and the force storage position, a first linkage structure is arranged between the pushing element and the pushing rod, and the first linkage structure is used for converting the linear reciprocating motion of the pushing element into the linear reciprocating motion of the pushing rod.

[0012] Optionally, the first linkage structure comprises a guide element and a sliding element movably arranged on the guide element, the guide element is arranged on the base, the pushing rod is fixedly arranged on the sliding element and moves with the sliding element, and the moving direction of the sliding element is parallel to the axial direction of the pushing rod.

[0013] In this way, the linear motion direction of the pushing element and the moving direction of the sliding element form an included angle, the sliding element and the pushing element have a bidirectional inclined wedge structure for transmitting the reciprocating power of the pushing element to the sliding element, the bidirectional inclined wedge structure comprises first and second guide inclined surfaces that are parallel to each other and opposite to each other, the first guide inclined surface is used for pushing when the pushing element moves to the force storage position, and the second guide inclined surface is used for pushing when the pushing element moves to the release position; or the linear motion direction of the pushing element is consistent with the moving direction of the sliding element, and the sliding element is fixedly arranged on the pushing element.

[0014] Optionally, the bidirectional inclined wedge structure comprises a guide waist-shaped inclined groove formed on the sliding member and a sliding block / roller arranged on the pushing member, the first guide inclined surface and the second guide inclined surface are profile surfaces of the guide waist-shaped inclined groove, and the sliding block / roller is located in the guide waist-shaped inclined groove.

[0015] Optionally, the pushing member is provided with a linkage rod, the sliding member is provided with at least two guide waist-shaped inclined grooves for the linkage rod to pass through, and each sliding block / roller is arranged on the linkage rod.

[0016] Optionally, the transmission mechanism is a bevel gear transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism comprises a driving gear shaft and a driven gear shaft, the driving gear shaft is provided with a driving bevel gear, the driven gear shaft is provided with a driven bevel gear, and the power wheel is arranged on the driven gear shaft to rotate with the driven gear shaft; the driving gear shaft and the driven gear shaft are both horizontally installed on the base, and the first linkage structure is located in an L-shaped area surrounded by the driving gear shaft and the driven gear shaft.

[0017] Optionally, the pushing member comprises a body, a first protrusion protruding above the body, and a second protrusion protruding above the body, one end of the force storage elastic member is installed on the first protrusion, the linkage rod is installed on the second protrusion, the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the body form a groove-shaped avoiding space for avoiding the actuating part, the rotation center line of the power wheel is perpendicular to the axial direction of the force storage elastic member, and the rotation center of the power wheel is located above the groove-shaped avoiding space, so that when the actuating part rotates, the first protrusion serves as the force receiving part, the actuating part first contacts the force receiving part by rotating, pushes the force receiving part against the elastic force of the force storage elastic member, and then separates from the force receiving part.

[0018] Optionally, the pushing member reciprocates between the release position and the force storage position, a second linkage structure is arranged between the pushing member and the push rod, and the second linkage structure is used for converting the reciprocating motion of the pushing member into the linear reciprocating motion of the push rod.

[0019] Optionally, the second linkage structure is a connecting rod mechanism, the connecting rod mechanism comprises a rotating shaft, a driving rod rotatably arranged on the rotating shaft, and an output member linearly moved under the driving of the driving rod, the push rod is arranged on the output member, the pushing member is the driving rod of the connecting rod mechanism, the force storage elastic member is a torsional spring, the torsional spring is installed on the rotating shaft, one end of the torsional spring is fixed on the driving rod, the other end of the torsional spring is fixed on the base, the driving rod is provided with a force receiving part for being pushed by the actuating part and an avoiding gap for avoiding the actuating part, and the force receiving part and the avoiding gap are sequentially distributed along the length direction of the driving rod.

[0020] Accordingly, the present invention also provides a hot cap for covering the end of a reagent tube, wherein a heating device is provided inside the hot cap for maintaining the end of the reagent tube at a target temperature, the reagent container is disposed inside the reagent tube, and the hot cap is provided with any of the above-described sample dispensing mechanisms, wherein the push rod pushes the reagent container along the axial direction of the reagent tube to cause the reagent inside the reagent container to fall.

[0021] Accordingly, the present invention also provides a PCR instrument, including a holding platform for holding reagent tubes and a heated cap for covering the end of the reagent tubes. The heated cap is provided with a heating device for maintaining the end of the reagent tubes at a target temperature. The heated cap is provided with any of the above-described sample dispensing mechanisms. The reagent container is disposed inside the reagent tubes. The push rod pushes the reagent container along the axial direction of the reagent tubes, causing the reagent inside the reagent container to fall.

[0022] In this invention, reagents corresponding to subsequent reaction steps can be directly added to intermediate products, enabling polymerase chain reactions such as nucleic acid detection to be completed in the same instrument, which is beneficial to improving detection efficiency. In this invention, a pusher is used to drive the push rod, and the pusher is connected to a force-storing elastic element. By compressing the force-storing elastic element with the pusher, the push rod can be moved away from the reagent container. By releasing the pusher, the pusher can be quickly ejected and reset under the elastic force of the force-storing elastic element, thereby driving the push rod to eject quickly. Compared with the ordinary pushing method, this sample feeding mechanism not only improves the feeding efficiency and reliability, but also helps to improve detection efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exemplary structural diagram of the sample dispensing mechanism of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the sample feeding mechanism before the actuating part begins to actuate the pusher (the pusher is in the release position).

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the sample feeding mechanism when the actuating part moves the pushing component to the storage position;

[0026] Figure 4 Displayed as Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the sample feeding mechanism when the actuating part has been actuated and disengaged from the pushing part (the pushing part is reset to the release position).

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a reagent tube is shown;

[0028] Figure 6 The diagram shown is another exemplary structural schematic of the sample dispensing mechanism of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 Another exemplary schematic diagram of the sample adding mechanism of the present application (the pusher is in the released position);

[0030] Figure 8 Another exemplary schematic diagram of the sample adding mechanism of the present application (the pusher is in the released position); Figure 7 Another exemplary schematic diagram of the sample adding mechanism of the present application (the pusher is in the released position);

[0031] Figure 9 Another exemplary schematic diagram of the sample adding mechanism of the present application (the pusher is in the released position); Figure 7 Another exemplary schematic diagram of the sample adding mechanism of the present application (the pusher is in the released position);

[0032] Figure 10 Another exemplary schematic diagram of the sample adding mechanism of the present application (the pusher is in the released position); Figure 9 Another exemplary schematic diagram of the sample adding mechanism of the present application (the pusher is in the released position).

[0033] Part number explanation:

[0034] Reagent tube A, outlet A1, pusher B2, reagent container B;

[0035] Base 1;

[0036] Pusher 2, body 21, force receiving part 22, second protrusion 23, groove type avoiding space 201, avoiding notch 24;

[0037] Energy storage elastic member 3;

[0038] Push rod 4;

[0039] Power element 5;

[0040] Driving gear shaft 61, driven gear shaft 62, driving bevel gear 63, driven bevel gear 64, power wheel 65, pusher (force applying part) 651, first air cylinder 66, second air cylinder 67;

[0041] Slide 71, guide waist-shaped inclined groove 710, first guide inclined surface 711, second guide inclined surface 712;

[0042] Roller 72, linkage rod 73, rotating shaft 74, output 75, guide 76. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following embodiments of the present application are described by specific examples, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the content disclosed in the specification.

[0044] In the following examples, the sample adding mechanism of each example is arranged on a hot cover, which is a component of a PCR instrument, as described in Figure 5The sample dispensing mechanism is used to push reagent container B downwards in reagent tube A. Reagent tube A has an outlet A1 for reagent to fall. A thin film is provided inside reagent tube A, and the bottom of reagent container B is open through it, with the thin film located below the reagent container. When reagent container B is pushed downwards to a certain position, the thin film is punctured, allowing the reagent in reagent container B to fall under its own weight or other forces and enter the reaction vessel to participate in the reaction. Push rod 4 pushes reagent container B by moving along the axial direction of the reagent tube to achieve sample dispensing. In actual implementation, the reagent is configured according to the reaction requirements and can be lyophilized bulbs, etc. In actual implementation, the sample dispensing mechanisms of the following embodiments can also be applied to other instruments that require sample dispensing, as long as the instrument uses push rod 4 to push reagent container B to make the reagent in reagent container B fall, then any of the sample dispensing mechanisms in the following embodiments can be used.

[0045] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 The sample dispensing mechanism includes a push rod 4, a base 1, a pusher 2, and a accumulating elastic element 3. The push rod 4 pushes the reagent container B inside the reagent tube A by moving along the axial direction of the push rod 4. The pusher 2 is movably mounted on the base 1. The pusher 2 drives the push rod 4 to move back and forth along the axial direction of the push rod 4 by reciprocating movement. The limit stroke positions of the pusher 2 include the accumulating position and the releasing position. One end of the accumulating elastic element 3 is fixed on the base 1, and the other end of the accumulating elastic element 3 is connected to the pusher.

[0046] Specifically, the pusher 2 requires external force to be pushed from the release position to the storage position, while the pusher 2 can move from the release position to the storage position without additional external force. When adding samples, refer to [reference needed]. Figures 1 to 3 An external force is applied to the pusher 2, causing the pusher 2 to be released from the release position under the action of the external force (see...). Figure 2 It was pushed to the charging position (see Figure 3 The elastic element 3 is gradually compressed, accumulating elastic potential energy. Driven by the pushing element 2, the push rod 4 moves axially away from the reagent container. (See also...) Figure 3 , Figure 4 Then stop applying external force to the pusher 2, that is, release the pusher 2, so that the pusher 2 is released from the storage position under the action of the reset elastic force of the storage elastic element 3 (see Figure 3 ) to release bit (see Figure 4 The ejector rod 4 is ejected along its axial direction towards the reagent container.

[0047] This sample dispensing mechanism enables direct addition of reagents to intermediate products, allowing two instruments to be integrated into one, which improves dispensing efficiency. Furthermore, the push rod rapidly propels the reagent container using a catapult-like motion. Compared to conventional pushing methods, this dispensing mechanism not only pushes the push rod faster, improving dispensing efficiency and thus detection efficiency, but also exerts a greater impact force on the reagent container, facilitating effective rupture of the container's membrane and ensuring the reagent is smoothly ejected from the reagent tube, thus improving dispensing reliability. Moreover, in the push rod's retraction (moving away from the reagent container) and induction (moving towards the reagent container), external force is only applied during the retraction phase, eliminating the need for force reversal and reducing response time, further improving dispensing efficiency.

[0048] In other embodiments, see Figures 7 to 10 The sample dispensing mechanism also includes a push rod 4, a base 1, a pusher 2, and a accumulating elastic element 3. The push rod 4 still pushes the reagent container by moving along the axial direction of the push rod 4, but the pusher 2 is rotatably mounted on the base (not shown). The pusher 2 does not drive the push rod 4 by reciprocating movement, but by reciprocating rotation to drive the pusher 2 to reciprocate along the axial direction of the push rod 4. The limit stroke positions of the pusher 2 also include the accumulating position and the releasing position, but at this time the accumulating position and the releasing position refer to the rotation position; the accumulating elastic element 3 is still fixed on the base 1 at one end and connected to the pusher at the other end.

[0049] At this time, the pusher 2 also needs to be pushed from the release position to the storage position under the action of external force. However, the pusher 2 does not need to be provided with additional external force to move from the release position to the storage position. When adding the sample, an external force is applied to the pusher 2, so that the pusher 2 is rotated from the release position to the storage position under the action of external force. The storage elastic element 3 is gradually compressed, accumulating elastic potential energy. The push rod 4 moves along the axial direction away from the reagent container under the action of the pusher 2. Then, the external force applied to the pusher 2 is stopped, that is, the pusher 2 is released, so that the pusher 2 is ejected from the storage position to the release position under the action of the reset elastic force of the storage elastic element 3, which drives the push rod 4 to eject along the axial direction of the push rod 4 towards the reagent container.

[0050] In some embodiments, see reference Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 The sample feeding mechanism also includes a power element 5 and a transmission mechanism. The power element is mounted on the base 1. The pusher 2 is provided with a force receiving part 22 for inputting external force. The transmission mechanism is provided with a force applying part 651 for applying external force to the force receiving part 22. The transmission mechanism is used to transmit the power of the power element 5 to the force applying part 651.

[0051] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism includes a power wheel 65 that rotates under the drive of a power element 5, and a force-applying part 651 protruding from the power wheel 65. The power wheel 65 is located near the pusher 2, and a portion of the rotation trajectory of the pusher 651 passes through the position of the force-receiving part 22, causing the pusher 651 to actuate the pusher 2 by rotating with the power wheel 65. When the pusher 2 is movably mounted on the base 1, the pusher 2 moves under the action of the pusher 651; when the pusher 2 is rotatably mounted on the base 1, the pusher 2 rotates under the action of the pusher 651. In this case, the power element 5 can be a motor.

[0052] See also Figures 1 to 4 The pusher 2 is movably mounted on the base 1. When the sample is added, the actuating part 651 first contacts and pushes the force-receiving part 22 for each rotation of the power wheel 65, causing the pusher 2 to move to the power storage position; then it instantly disengages from the force-receiving part 22, releases the pusher 2, and causes the pusher 2 to move in the opposite direction and be ejected to the release position.

[0053] See also Figures 7 to 10 The pusher 2 is rotatably mounted on the base. When the power wheel 65 rotates once, the actuating part 651 first contacts and pushes the force-receiving part 22, causing the pusher 2 to rotate to the power storage position; then it instantly disengages from the force-receiving part 22, releases the pusher 2, and causes the pusher 2 to rotate in the opposite direction and be ejected to the release position.

[0054] Of course, in actual implementation, the transmission mechanism may not use the above method. For example, when the pushing component is movably mounted on the base, the power element can be a linear power element such as an electric telescopic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The power element includes two cylinders, namely a first cylinder 66 and a second cylinder 67. The force-applying part 651 is disposed on the telescopic rod of the first cylinder 66, and the cylinder body of the first cylinder 66 is disposed on the telescopic rod of the second cylinder 67. The second cylinder 67 is used to drive the entire first cylinder 66 to move along the moving direction of the pusher 2, and the first cylinder 66 is used to drive the force-applying part into the stroke trajectory of the pusher 2. Before sample addition, the force-applying part 651 is outside the stroke trajectory of the pusher 2, and the stroke position of the first cylinder 66 corresponds to the release position. During sample addition, the first cylinder 66 and the second cylinder 67 are used to adjust the position of the force-applying part, so that the accumulating elastic element, the force-receiving part 22, and the force-applying part 651 are set in sequence. Then, the second cylinder 67 is controlled to move the first cylinder 66 in the corresponding direction of the accumulating position, and the force-applying part 651 pushes the force-receiving part 22 until the pusher 2 is pushed to the accumulating position. Then, the first cylinder 66 is controlled to move, so that the force-receiving part 22 leaves the pusher 2, and the elastic force of the accumulating elastic element drives the pusher 2 to eject, thereby driving the push rod 4 to eject. This method can also achieve the ejection of the push rod, but... Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 9The method of rotating the toggle unit 651 to move the pusher 2 is adopted, so the operation mode of the power element does not need to be switched, which is more conducive to improving the sample addition efficiency.

[0055] In some embodiments, see Figures 2 to 4 The actuating part 651 is disposed on the end face of the drive wheel 65. Of course, in actual implementation, the actuating part can also be disposed on the outer wall of the drive wheel. Disposing the actuating part on the end face of the drive wheel reduces the distance between the actuating part and the rotation center of the drive wheel, resulting in a smaller lever arm of the interaction force between the pusher 2 and the actuating part 651 on the drive wheel 65. This helps to reduce the off-center load on the drive wheel 65 and improves the reliability and lifespan of the transmission mechanism.

[0056] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The transmission mechanism is a bevel gear transmission mechanism, which includes a drive gear shaft 61 and a driven gear shaft 62. The drive gear shaft 61 is connected to the power element 5. The drive gear shaft 61 is provided with a drive bevel gear 63, and the driven gear shaft 62 is provided with a driven bevel gear 64. The drive bevel gear 63 and the driven bevel gear 64 mesh with each other. The power wheel 65 is provided on the driven gear shaft 62 and rotates with the driven gear shaft 62.

[0057] During operation, power is transmitted from the power element 5 sequentially along the drive gear shaft 61, drive bevel gear 63, driven bevel gear 64, and driven gear shaft 62 to the power wheel 65. The actuating part 651 on the power wheel 65 actuates the pusher 2. Throughout the entire operation, the power element rotates in one direction without needing to switch the rotation direction.

[0058] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 The pusher 2 reciprocates between the release position and the storage position. A first linkage structure is provided between the pusher 2 and the push rod 4. The first linkage structure is used to convert the linear reciprocating motion of the pusher 2 into the linear reciprocating motion of the push rod 4.

[0059] In some embodiments, see reference Figures 1 to 4The first linkage structure includes a guide member 76 and a movable sliding member 71 disposed on the guide member 76. The guide member 76 is disposed on the base 1. The push rod 4 is fixedly disposed on the sliding member 71 and moves with the sliding member 71. The moving direction of the sliding member 71 is parallel to the axial direction of the push rod 4. The linear motion direction of the push member 2 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding member 71. A bidirectional wedge structure is provided between the sliding member 71 and the push member 2 to transmit the reciprocating power of the push member 2 to the sliding member 71. The bidirectional wedge structure includes a first guide inclined surface 711 and a second guide inclined surface 712 that are parallel to each other and facing each other. The second guide inclined surface 712 is used for pushing when the push member 2 moves to the storage position, and the first guide inclined surface 711 is used for pushing when the push member 2 moves to the release position. For example, Figures 2 to 4 In this design, the moving direction of the pushing member 2 is horizontal, and the moving direction of the sliding member 71 is vertical. In actual implementation, the linear motion direction of the pushing member 2 may not be perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding member 71; instead, the linear motion direction of the pushing member 2 and the moving direction of the sliding member 71 may have an angle not equal to 90 degrees.

[0060] As the pusher 2 is moved from the release position to the storage position, it pushes against the second guide ramp 712, and the slider 71 moves upward along the guide, driving the push rod 4 upward away from the reagent container B. Conversely, when the pusher 2 is ejected towards the release position by the storage elastic member 3 under the action of the reset elastic force, it pushes against the first guide ramp 711, the slider 71 moves rapidly downward along the guide 76, and the push rod 4 pushes the reagent container in an ejection manner. This linkage structure is simple, and the power is directly transmitted from the pusher 2 to the push rod 4 via the slider 71, resulting in a fast response.

[0061] In some embodiments, see reference Figures 1 to 4 The bidirectional wedge structure includes a guide waist-shaped inclined groove 710 formed on the sliding member 71 and a slider / roller 72 set on the push member 2. The first guide inclined surface 711 and the second guide inclined surface 712 are both contour surfaces of the guide waist-shaped inclined groove 710. The slider / roller 72 is located in the guide waist-shaped inclined groove 710. At this time, the two ends of the guide waist-shaped inclined groove 710 can limit the stroke position of the slider / roller 72, thereby achieving reliable limiting of the stroke of the push rod 4.

[0062] Figures 1 to 4 In the middle, the roller 72 is provided on the pusher 2. The roller 72 is located in the guide waist-shaped inclined groove 710. The roller 72 helps to reduce the friction between the first guide inclined surface 711 and the second guide inclined surface 712 during the working process, reduce wear, and keep the movement of the push rod 4 in a relatively accurate state for a long time, which helps to improve the reliability of feeding.

[0063] In some embodiments, see Figure 1The pusher 2 is equipped with a linkage rod 73, and the slider 71 is equipped with at least two guide grooves 710 through which the linkage rod 73 passes. Each slider / roller is mounted on the linkage rod 73. In other words, there are two bidirectional wedge structures between the pusher 2 and the slider 71, which facilitates smoother power transmission.

[0064] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism is a bevel gear transmission mechanism, comprising a driving gear shaft 61 and a driven gear shaft 62. The driving gear shaft 61 is provided with a driving bevel gear 63, and the driven gear shaft 62 is provided with a driven bevel gear 64. A drive wheel 65 is mounted on the driven gear shaft 62 and rotates with it. Both the driving gear shaft 61 and the driven gear shaft 62 are horizontally mounted on the base 1. A pusher 2 is located below the drive wheel 65, and the pusher 2 moves horizontally. The first linkage structure is located within the L-shaped area enclosed by the driving gear shaft 61 and the driven gear shaft 62. In this configuration, the entire sample loading mechanism is almost entirely laid out on the base 1, which helps reduce the height space occupied by the entire sample loading mechanism and thus reduces the size of the PCR instrument.

[0065] In some embodiments, see Figures 2 to 4 The pushing member 2 includes a body 21, a first protrusion (i.e., the force-receiving part 22) protruding above the body 21, and a second protrusion 23 protruding above the body 21. One end of the energy-storing elastic member 3 is mounted on the first protrusion, and the linkage rod 73 is mounted on the second protrusion 23. The first protrusion, the second protrusion 23, and the body 21 form a groove-shaped clearance space 201 for avoiding the actuating part 651. The rotation center line of the power wheel 65 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the energy-storing elastic member 3, and the rotation center of the power wheel 65 is located above the groove-shaped clearance space 201. When the actuating part rotates, the first protrusion serves as the force-receiving part 22. The actuating part 651 first contacts the force-receiving part 22 by rotating, overcomes the elastic force of the energy-storing elastic member 3 to push the force-receiving part 22, and then disengages from the force-receiving part 22.

[0066] In other embodiments, the pusher may not have its linear motion direction aligned with the sliding member's movement direction; instead, the sliding member may be fixedly mounted on the pusher (not shown in the figure). That is, when the sliding member moves vertically, the pusher's reciprocating motion direction is also vertical. When the pusher reciprocates vertically, the sliding member also reciprocates vertically, directly driving the push rod to move up and down reciprocally.

[0067] In some embodiments, see Figures 7 to 10 The pusher 2 reciprocates between the release position and the storage position. A second linkage structure is provided between the pusher 2 and the push rod 4. The second linkage structure is used to convert the reciprocating rotation of the pusher 2 into the linear reciprocating motion of the push rod 4.

[0068] In some embodiments, seeFigures 7 to 10 The second linkage structure is a linkage mechanism, which includes a rotating shaft 74, a rotatable drive rod (i.e., pusher 2) mounted on the rotating shaft 74, and an output member 75 that moves linearly along the drive rod. A push rod 4 is mounted on the output member 75. The pusher 2 is the drive rod of the linkage mechanism. The energy-storing elastic member 3 is a torsion spring, which is mounted on the rotating shaft 74. One end of the torsion spring is fixed to the drive rod, and the other end is fixed to the base. The drive rod has a force-receiving part 22 for the actuating part to push and a clearance notch 24 for avoiding the actuating part 651. The force-receiving part 22 and the clearance notch 24 are sequentially distributed along the length of the drive rod. The linkage mechanism here can be a Hawken linear mechanism or a Bocelli linkage mechanism, etc. In this linkage mechanism, the drive rod and other links are not actually rods, but are used to indicate that they belong to the linkage mechanism.

[0069] For example, when the linkage mechanism is Figure 7 When referring to the Bocellier linkage shown, see also Figures 7 to 10 The active rod is plate-shaped, with one end hinged to the rotating shaft 74 and the other end hinged to two corresponding connecting rods. When the actuating part 651 starts to contact the active rod as the power wheel 65 rotates, the actuating part 651 begins to apply a pushing force to the active rod, overcoming the elastic force of the torsion spring. The torsion spring begins to compress and drives the push rod 4 to move closer to the reagent container B until the actuating part 651 pushes the active rod to the storage position. The actuating part 651 is always in contact with the force-bearing part 22 of the active rod. When the active rod rotates to the storage position, the actuating part 651 begins to enter the area corresponding to the clearance notch 24, and the restoring elastic force of the torsion spring drives the active rod to quickly return to its original position.

[0070] Accordingly, see also Figure 5 The present invention also provides a hot cap (not shown), which is used to cover the end of a reagent tube. The hot cap is provided with a heating device for maintaining the end of the reagent tube at a target temperature. A reagent container is disposed inside the reagent tube. The hot cap is provided with any of the above-mentioned sample dispensing mechanisms. A push rod pushes the reagent container along the axial direction of the reagent tube, causing the reagent in the reagent container to fall.

[0071] Accordingly, see also Figure 5 The present invention also provides a PCR instrument (not shown), including a holding platform for holding reagent tubes and a heated cap for covering the end of the reagent tubes. The heated cap is provided with a heating device for maintaining the end of the reagent tubes at a target temperature. The heated cap is also provided with any of the above-described sample dispensing mechanisms. A reagent container B is disposed inside a reagent tube A. A push rod 4 pushes the reagent container B along the axial direction of the reagent tube A, causing the reagent inside the reagent container to fall.

[0072] In some embodiments, reagent tube A has a reagent outlet A1, and reagent container B is provided with a pushing part B2 for pusher 4 to push. Reagent container B is vertically and vertically disposed inside reagent tube A. The bottom of reagent container B is open. A thin film is disposed inside reagent tube A and the thin film is located below reagent container B. By pushing reagent container B, the thin film is punctured, and the reagent inside the reagent container falls from reagent outlet A1.

[0073] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample dispensing mechanism, characterized in that: include: A push rod that pushes a reagent container by moving along its axial direction, causing the reagent container to release reagent as it falls. Base; A pusher is movably or rotatably mounted on the base. The pusher drives the push rod to reciprocate along the axial direction of the push rod by reciprocating movement / rotation. The limit stroke positions of the pusher include a power storage position and a release position. A power-storing elastic element, one end of which is fixed to the base and the other end is connected to the pushing element; When the pusher moves / rotates toward the storage position, it is pushed by an external force, and the pusher compresses the storage elastic element during the movement / rotation toward the storage position, thereby driving the push rod to move away from the reagent container; when the pusher moves / rotates toward the release position, it is propelled by the elastic force of the storage elastic element returning to its original position, thereby driving the push rod to move closer to the reagent container. The sample feeding mechanism further includes a power element and a transmission mechanism. The pusher is provided with a force receiving part for inputting the external force, and the transmission mechanism is provided with a force applying part for applying the external force to the force receiving part. The transmission mechanism is used to transmit the power of the power element to the force applying part. The transmission mechanism includes a power wheel that rotates under the drive of the power element, and a force-applying part that is a prying part protruding on the power wheel. The power wheel is located near the pusher, and part of the rotation trajectory of the prying part passes through the position of the force-receiving part, so that the prying part moves the pusher by rotating with the power wheel.

2. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power element is mounted on the base.

3. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each time the power wheel rotates once, the actuating part first contacts and pushes the force-receiving part, causing the pushing member to move or rotate to the power storage position; then it instantly disengages from the force-receiving part and releases the pushing member.

4. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The actuating part is disposed on the end face of the power wheel or on the outer side wall of the power wheel.

5. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pusher reciprocates between the release position and the storage position. A first linkage structure is provided between the pusher and the push rod. The first linkage structure is used to convert the linear reciprocating motion of the pusher into the linear reciprocating motion of the push rod.

6. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first linkage structure includes a guide and a movable sliding member disposed on the guide. The guide is disposed on the base, and the push rod is fixedly disposed on the sliding member and moves with the sliding member. The moving direction of the sliding member is parallel to the axial direction of the push rod. Wherein, the linear motion direction of the pusher forms an angle with the moving direction of the slider, and there is a bidirectional wedge structure between the slider and the pusher for transmitting the reciprocating power of the pusher to the slider. The bidirectional wedge structure includes a first guide slope and a second guide slope that are parallel to each other and facing each other. The first guide slope is used for the pusher to push when it moves to the storage position, and the second guide slope is used for the pusher to push when it moves to the release position; or the linear motion direction of the pusher is consistent with the moving direction of the slider, and the slider is fixedly mounted on the pusher.

7. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bidirectional wedge structure includes a guide waist-shaped groove formed on the sliding member and a slider / roller disposed on the pushing member. The first guide slope and the second guide slope are both contour surfaces of the guide waist-shaped groove, and the slider / roller is located within the guide waist-shaped groove.

8. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pushing member is provided with a linkage rod, and the sliding member is provided with at least two guide waist-shaped inclined grooves through which the linkage rod passes. Each slider / roller is disposed on the linkage rod.

9. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism is a bevel gear transmission mechanism, which includes a driving gear shaft and a driven gear shaft. The driving gear shaft is provided with driving bevel teeth, and the driven gear shaft is provided with driven bevel teeth. The power wheel is located on the driven gear shaft and rotates with the driven gear shaft. The pushing member is located below the power wheel, and the moving direction of the pushing member is horizontal. Both the driving gear shaft and the driven gear shaft are horizontally mounted on the base. The first linkage structure is located within the L-shaped area enclosed by the driving gear shaft and the driven gear shaft.

10. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The pushing member includes a body, a first protrusion protruding above the body, and a second protrusion protruding above the body. One end of the energy-storing elastic member is mounted on the first protrusion, and the linkage rod is mounted on the second protrusion. The first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the body form a groove-shaped clearance space to avoid the actuating part. The rotation center line of the power wheel is perpendicular to the axial direction of the energy-storing elastic member, and the rotation center of the power wheel is located above the groove-shaped clearance space. When the actuating part rotates, the first protrusion serves as the force-receiving part. The actuating part first contacts the force-receiving part by rotating, overcomes the elastic force of the energy-storing elastic member to push the force-receiving part, and then disengages from the force-receiving part.

11. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pusher reciprocates between the release position and the storage position. A second linkage structure is provided between the pusher and the push rod. The second linkage structure is used to convert the reciprocating rotation of the pusher into the linear reciprocating motion of the push rod.

12. The sample dispensing mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second linkage structure is a linkage mechanism, which includes a rotating shaft, a rotatable drive rod mounted on the rotating shaft, and an output component that moves linearly driven by the drive rod. The push rod is mounted on the output component, the push component is the drive rod of the linkage mechanism, and the energy storage elastic component is a torsion spring. The torsion spring is mounted on the rotating shaft, one end of the torsion spring is fixed to the drive rod, and the other end of the torsion spring is fixed to the base. The drive rod is provided with a force-receiving part for the actuating part to push and an avoidance notch for avoiding the actuating part. The force-receiving part and the avoidance notch are distributed sequentially along the length of the drive rod.

13. A heated cap, the heated cap being used to cover the end of a reagent tube, the heated cap being provided with a heating device for maintaining the end of the reagent tube at a target temperature, the reagent container being disposed inside the reagent tube, characterized in that: The hot cap is provided with a sample dispensing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, and the push rod pushes the reagent container along the axial direction of the reagent tube, causing the reagent in the reagent container to fall.

14. A PCR instrument, comprising a holding platform for holding reagent tubes and a heating cap for covering the ends of the reagent tubes, wherein the heating cap is provided with a heating device for maintaining the ends of the reagent tubes at a target temperature, characterized in that: The hot cap is provided with a sample dispensing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, the reagent container is disposed inside the reagent tube, and the push rod pushes the reagent container along the axial direction of the reagent tube to cause the reagent inside the reagent container to fall.

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