Micro-spotting system

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of sample processing equipment, and specifically provides a micro-spotting system, which is intended to solve the problem that the existing micro-spotting system cannot complete the reagent mixing before spotting, thereby affecting the user experience. To this end, the micro-spotting system of the present invention includes a frame, a material platform, a driving mechanism installed on the frame, and a spotting device. The material platform is provided with a sample tank, a reagent tank and a spotting target plate. The driving mechanism is connected to the spotting device to drive the spotting device to move horizontally above the material platform. The spotting device is configured to be able to aspirate and spit out the sample in the sample tank and the reagent in the reagent tank so that the sample and the reagent form a mixed liquid. The spotting device is also configured to be able to absorb the mixed liquid and discharge the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate. The present invention can achieve mixing of samples and reagents and micro-spotting of the mixed liquid through a single device, which can reduce the space occupied by the equipment and reduce the equipment cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sample processing equipment, and in particular provides a micro-sampling system. Background Art

[0002] A micro-sampling system is a micro-dispensing device that dispenses a small amount of sample onto a target plate. It is widely used in fields such as biomedicine and chemical engineering. Before spotting, the sample and reagent are usually mixed, and then the mixture is aspirated through the spotting pipette tip for spotting.

[0003] Existing micro-spotting systems only have micro-spotting functions and are unable to mix large volumes of samples and reagents. Mixing of samples and reagents requires manual work or the use of other equipment, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problem that the existing micro-spotting system cannot complete the reagent mixing before spotting, thereby affecting the user experience.

[0005] The present invention provides a micro-spotting system, which includes a frame, a material platform, a driving mechanism installed on the frame, and a spotting device. The material platform is provided with a sample tank, a reagent tank, and a spotting target plate. The driving mechanism is connected to the spotting device to drive the spotting device to move horizontally above the material platform. The spotting device is configured to aspirate and discharge a sample in the sample tank and a reagent in the reagent tank so that the sample and the reagent form a mixed liquid. The spotting device is also configured to aspirate the mixed liquid and discharge the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate.

[0006] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned micro-spotting system, the spotting device includes a pipetting component and a spotting component. The pipetting component is capable of aspirating and discharging the sample and the reagent so that the sample and the reagent form a mixed liquid. The spotting component is capable of aspirating the mixed liquid and discharging the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate.

[0007] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned micro-spotting system, the pipetting component includes a first driving member, a first vertical guide rail, a first pipetting member and a pipette tip arranged at the end of the first pipetting member, the first driving member can drive the first pipetting member to reciprocate along the first vertical guide rail so that the sample or reagent can be aspirated and discharged through the pipette tip, the spotting component includes a second driving member, a second vertical guide rail, a second pipetting member and a spotting tip arranged at the end of the second pipetting member, the second driving member can drive the second pipetting member to reciprocate along the second vertical guide rail so that the spotting tip absorbs the mixed liquid and discharges the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate, wherein the capacity of the first pipetting member is greater than the capacity of the second pipetting member.

[0008] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned micro-spotting system, an extrusion sealing assembly is provided at the end of the first pipetting member and / or the second pipetting member, and the extrusion sealing assembly is configured to seal the pipette tip and / or the spotting tip on the first pipetting member and / or the second pipetting member when it is in a first working state, and the extrusion sealing assembly is also configured to enable the pipette tip and / or the spotting tip to fall off from the first pipetting member and / or the second pipetting member when it is in a second working state.

[0009] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned micro-spotting system, the extrusion sealing assembly includes an extrusion sleeve arranged at the bottom of the first pipetting member and / or the second pipetting member, a sealing ring sleeved on the outside of the extrusion sleeve, and an extrusion tube installed inside the extrusion sleeve, wherein the extrusion tube is configured to be able to move up and down along the length direction of the extrusion sleeve, and an annular groove adapted to the sealing ring is provided inside the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip, and the extrusion sleeve is provided with a sealing ring when the extrusion sleeve enters the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip. When the sealing ring is flush with the annular groove in the spotting gun tip, when the extrusion tube moves toward the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip, the sealing ring can be squeezed into the annular groove to seal the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip to the outside of the extrusion sleeve; when the extrusion tube moves away from the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip, the sealing ring can be disengaged from the annular groove to cause the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip to fall off from the outside of the extrusion sleeve.

[0010] In a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned micro-spotting system, there are multiple extrusion sealing assemblies, and the multiple extrusion sealing assemblies are respectively spaced apart and horizontally distributed at the bottom of the first pipetting member and the second pipetting member.

[0011] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned micro-spotting system, a plurality of hydrophilic spots are provided on the spotting target plate so that the mixed liquid can be discharged to the hydrophilic spots when the spotting gun head contacts the spotting target plate, and the outer side of the hydrophilic spots has a hydrophobic surface.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned micro-spotting system, a plurality of blocking rings are further provided on the spotting target plate. The blocking rings are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the hydrophilic spots and are located outside the hydrophilic spots, and a hydrophobic ring is formed between the blocking rings and the hydrophilic spots.

[0013] In a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned micro-spotting system, a hydrophobic coating is provided inside the spotting gun tip so that the mixed liquid in the spotting gun tip can be smoothly discharged onto the spotting target plate.

[0014] In a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned micro-spotting system, the spotting gun head has a buffer structure so that multiple spotting gun heads can contact the spotting target plate at the same time and discharge the mixed liquid in the spotting gun heads onto the spotting target plate at the same time.

[0015] In the case of adopting the above technical solution, the present invention arranges the spotting device to be able to aspirate, spit, and blow the sample in the sample tank and the reagent in the reagent tank, thereby facilitating the formation of a mixed liquid by the sample and the reagent, and then facilitating the mixing of the sample and the reagent before spotting, and then achieving spotting by aspirating the mixed liquid and discharging the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate. On the one hand, the mixing of the sample and the reagent and the micro-spotting of the mixed liquid can be achieved by a single device, which can reduce the space occupied by the equipment, improve the space utilization rate of the operating room, and reduce the equipment cost at the same time; on the other hand, the configured mixed liquid can be directly used for spotting, which not only improves the spotting efficiency, but also avoids affecting the spotting effect due to the failure to spot the sample in time after configuration.

[0016] Furthermore, by configuring the spotting device as a pipetting component and a spotting component, on the one hand, it is possible to pipette samples and reagents through the large-capacity first pipetting component to achieve the configuration of the mixed liquid, thereby improving the pipetting efficiency; on the other hand, it is possible to accurately pipette a small volume of mixed liquid through the small-capacity second pipetting component to achieve micro-spotting of the sample, thereby making the spotting more accurate.

[0017] Furthermore, the spotting device of the present invention can, under the action of the first driving member, drive the first pipetting member to reciprocate along the first vertical guide rail, thereby facilitating the contact between the gun tip and the sample or reagent to absorb the sample or reagent, realize the pipetting and mixing of the sample and the reagent to form a mixed liquid, and under the action of the second driving member, drive the second pipetting member to reciprocate along the second vertical guide rail, thereby facilitating the contact between the spotting gun tip and the mixed liquid to absorb the mixed liquid, and discharge the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate to realize micro-spotting.

[0018] Furthermore, by setting up an extrusion sealing component, on the one hand, it is convenient to install and disassemble the gun tip and the spotting gun tip through the extrusion sealing component, thereby improving the efficiency of pipetting and spotting; on the other hand, by setting up an extrusion sealing component, the sealing between the gun tip and the first pipetting component, and the spotting gun tip and the second pipetting component can be improved, thereby improving the pipetting accuracy and spotting accuracy.

[0019] Furthermore, compared with the form of arranging an adapter and a separation piece at the bottom of the first pipetting component, by arranging an extrusion sealing assembly at the bottom of the first pipetting component, the extrusion sleeve and the sealing ring can be squeezed out by the extrusion tube, so that the gun tip and the sealing ring are tightly fitted, and the installation of the gun tip is achieved. By moving the extrusion tube from the inside of the extrusion sleeve toward the direction away from the sealing ring, the sealing ring and the extrusion sleeve are restored to their original state, and then the sealing ring and the gun tip are separated, and fall off from the outside of the extrusion sleeve under the action of the gravity of the gun tip, so that the gun tip is disassembled. On the one hand, the structure of the first pipetting component can be simpler, and the installation and disassembly of the gun tip can be more convenient. At the same time, since the use of a motor is avoided, the cost of the first pipetting component is reduced; on the other hand, installing the gun tip by squeezing the sealing ring and the extrusion sleeve can further improve the sealing of the gun tip, improve the pipetting accuracy, and thus improve the sampling effect.

[0020] Furthermore, by setting the number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the first pipetting component to multiple, it is possible to facilitate the simultaneous pipetting of multiple samples and reagents, thereby facilitating the configuration of mixed liquids for multiple samples, improving pipetting efficiency, and further improving spotting efficiency. By setting the number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the second pipetting component to multiple, it is possible to facilitate the simultaneous spotting of mixed liquids for multiple samples, thereby improving spotting efficiency.

[0021] Furthermore, by setting up multiple hydrophilic points, the mixed liquid in the spotting gun tip can be discharged more smoothly to the hydrophilic points, which is more conducive to spotting, greatly improving the spotting success rate, and at the same time, it can also make the crystallization consistency better; by setting up a hydrophobic surface outside the hydrophilic point, it can prevent the mixed liquid discharged to the spotting target plate from diffusing, thereby avoiding affecting the spotting effect due to the diffusion of the mixed liquid.

[0022] Furthermore, by setting a blocking ring outside the hydrophobic ring, the mixed liquid discharged to the hydrophilic point can be further prevented from diffusing, avoiding the contamination of other spotting areas by the diffused mixed liquid, thereby achieving double protection against the diffusion of the mixed liquid, thereby further improving the spotting success rate.

[0023] Furthermore, by providing a hydrophobic layer inside the spotting gun tip, the mixed solution in the spotting gun tip can be discharged more smoothly from the spotting gun tip, reducing the residual amount of the mixed solution in the spotting gun tip, reducing the dead volume, and thus improving the spotting accuracy.

[0024] Furthermore, by providing a buffer structure on the spotting gun head, multiple spotting gun heads can contact the spotting target plate at the same time, avoiding spotting failure caused by some of the multiple spotting gun heads being unable to contact the spotting target plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the micro-spotting system of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the micro-spotting system of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the micro-spotting system of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the frame and drive mechanism of the micro-spotting system of the present invention, wherein the frame hides the top plate and the door;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the spotting device of the micro-spotting system of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first pipetting member and the pipette tip of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line AA;

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial enlarged schematic diagram at point B in the middle shows the structure of the pipette tip and the extrusion seal assembly before installation;

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 7A partial enlarged schematic diagram at point B in the middle shows the structural diagram of the pipette tip and the extrusion seal assembly when installed;

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 A partial enlarged schematic diagram at point B in the middle shows the structure of the pipette tip and the extrusion seal assembly after installation;

[0036] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of the spot heating component of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 12 It is a structural schematic diagram of the spotting target plate, magnet and target plate support of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 13 It is a structural schematic diagram of the spotting target plate of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 14 It is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid oscillation device of the present invention.

[0040] List of reference numerals:

[0041] 1. Support frame; 10. Sample spotting chamber; 101. Rear vertical plate; 102. Side vertical plate; 103. Top plate; 104. Frame bottom plate; 1041. First avoidance groove; 1042. Second avoidance groove; 105. Door; 21. Reagent tank; 22. Sample tank; 23. Pipette tip box; 24. Pipette tip box stacking device; 25. Sample spotting tip box; 26. Sample spotting tip box stacking device; 27. Tip recycling station; 28. Tip box recycling station; 3. Liquid oscillating device; 31. Oscillation base; 32. Oscillation motor; 33. Oscillation support plate; 34. Fixed hole plate; 35. Positioning photoelectric switch; 4. Sample spotting heating component; 41. Heating base; 411. Temperature and humidity display screen; 42. Heating aluminum plate; 43. Target plate support; 44. Magnet; 4 5. Spotting target plate; 451. Hydrophobic surface; 452. Hydrophilic spot; 453. Blocking ring; 454. Hydrophobic ring; 51. First horizontal guide rail; 52. Second horizontal guide rail; 53. Fixed plate; 6. Spotting device; 61. Second fixed plate; 621. First motor; 622. First vertical guide rail; 623. First slider; 624. First pipetting component; 625. First lead screw; 626. Pipette tip; 6261. Annular groove; 631. Second motor; 632. Second vertical guide rail; 633. Second slider; 634. Second pipetting component; 635. Second lead screw; 636. Spotting tip; 71. Extrusion tube; 72. Extrusion sleeve; 721. Receiving groove; 73. Sealing ring; 81. Humidifier pipe joint; 82. Humidifying fan DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top," "bottom," "left," and "right" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component described must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "installed," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, and may refer to, for example, a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] See also Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the micro-spotting system of the present invention. Figure 1 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the micro-spotting system of the present invention. Figure 2 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the micro-spotting system of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the micro-spotting system of the present invention includes a frame, a material platform, a driving mechanism mounted on the frame, and a spotting device 6. The material platform is provided with a sample tank 22, a reagent tank 21, and a spotting target plate 45. The driving mechanism is connected to the spotting device 6 to move the spotting device 6 horizontally above the material platform. The spotting device 6 is configured to aspirate the sample in the sample tank 22 and the reagent in the reagent tank 21 so that the sample and the reagent form a mixed liquid. The spotting device 6 is also configured to aspirate the mixed liquid and discharge the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate 45.

[0047] By such a configuration, i.e., by configuring the spotting device 6 to be capable of aspirating, discharging, and blowing the sample in the sample tank 22 and the reagent in the reagent tank 21, it is convenient to form a mixed liquid with the sample and the reagent, and to complete the mixing of the sample and the reagent before spotting. Then, the spotting device 6 absorbs the mixed liquid and discharges the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate 45 to achieve spotting. On the one hand, the mixing of the sample and the reagent and the micro-spotting of the mixed liquid can be achieved by a single device, which can reduce the space occupied by the equipment, improve the space utilization rate of the operating room, and reduce the equipment cost. On the other hand, the configured mixed liquid can be directly used for spotting, which not only improves the spotting efficiency, but also avoids affecting the spotting effect due to the failure to spot the sample in time after configuration.

[0048] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set the frame only as a support frame, with the driving mechanism installed on the support frame, or may set the frame to consist of a support frame and multiple support plates, wherein the driving mechanism is installed on the support plates, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting type of the frame do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should be included within the principles and scope of the present invention.

[0049] Continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and then see Figure 4 , Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the framework and driving mechanism of the micro-spotting system of the present invention.

[0050] Preferably, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the frame of the present invention includes a support frame 1, a rear vertical plate 101 arranged on the support frame 1, side vertical plates 102 arranged on both sides of the rear vertical plate 101, a top plate 103 and a frame bottom plate 104, wherein the material platform is arranged on the frame bottom plate 104.

[0051] Through such a setting, compared with setting the frame only as a support frame, setting the frame in the form of a support frame 1, a rear vertical plate 101, a side vertical plate 102, a top plate 103 and a frame bottom plate 104, the pipetting and spotting operation platform can be set in the space inside the frame, which can prevent the environment outside the frame from contaminating the reagents or samples inside the frame, thereby avoiding affecting the spotting effect.

[0052] It should be noted that, in actual application, the frame is not limited to being configured as the support frame 1, the rear vertical plate 101, the side vertical plates 102, the top plate 103, and the frame bottom plate 104, with the material platform being disposed on the frame bottom plate 104. For example, the frame can also be configured as the rear vertical plate 101, the top plate 103, and the side vertical plates 102, with the material platform being separated from the frame and located inside the frame, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Of course, preferably, the frame is configured as the rear vertical plate 101, the side vertical plates 102, the top plate 103, and the frame bottom plate 104, with the material platform being disposed on the frame bottom plate 104.

[0053] It should also be noted that, in actual applications, the frame is not limited to being configured as the support frame 1, rear upright plate 101, side upright plates 102, top plate 103, and frame bottom plate 104. For example, the frame can be directly configured as the rear upright plate 101, side upright plates 102, top plate 103, and frame bottom plate 104, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific configuration of the frame do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Of course, preferably, the frame is configured as the support frame 1, rear upright plate 101, side upright plates 102, top plate 103, and frame bottom plate 104.

[0054] It should also be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set the frame to be open, or may set a door on the frame so that the door and the frame can form a closed space, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] Preferably, if Figure 2 As shown, the micro-spotting system of the present invention further includes a door body 105, which is pivotally connected to the frame to open or close the door body 105. The rear vertical plate 101, the side vertical plates 102, the top plate 103, the frame bottom plate 104 and the door body 105 together form the spotting chamber 10.

[0056] Through such a setting, on the one hand, a relatively closed space can be formed inside the frame, thereby facilitating the control of the ambient humidity inside the spotting chamber 10 and achieving a better spotting effect; on the other hand, it can prevent the volatilization of reagents or samples inside the spotting chamber 10 from polluting the working environment, thereby improving the operational safety of the micro-spotting system.

[0057] It should be noted that, in actual application, the door body 105 is not limited to being configured to be pivotally connected to the frame to open or close the door body 105. For example, the door body 105 can also be configured to be slidably connected to the frame to open or close the door body 105, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Of course, preferably, the door body 105 is configured to be pivotally connected to the frame to open or close the door body 105.

[0058] It should also be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may configure the door body 105 to be able to rotate in the horizontal direction to open or close the door body 105, or may configure the door body 105 to be able to rotate in the vertical direction to open or close the door body 105, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific rotation direction of the door body 105 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0059] Preferably, if Figure 2 As shown, the door body 105 is configured to be able to rotate in a horizontal direction to open or close the door body 105.

[0060] Continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and then see Figure 5 , Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the spotting device of the micro-spotting system of the present invention.

[0061] Preferably, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the driving mechanism of the present invention includes a first horizontal guide rail 51 mounted on a frame, a second horizontal guide rail 52 mounted on and perpendicular to the first horizontal guide rail 51, a first driving assembly, and a second driving assembly. The first driving assembly is configured to drive the second horizontal guide rail 52 to perform reciprocating linear motion along the first horizontal guide rail 51. The spotting device 6 is mounted on the second horizontal guide rail 52. The second driving assembly is configured to drive the spotting device 6 to perform reciprocating linear motion along the second horizontal guide rail 52.

[0062] Through such an arrangement, the spotting device 6 can be moved along the second horizontal guide rail 52 to achieve forward and backward movement of the spotting device 6. By moving the second horizontal guide rail 52 along the first horizontal guide rail 51, the second horizontal guide rail 52 can be moved left and right, thereby achieving left and right movement of the spotting device 6, which facilitates the spotting device 6 to perform pipetting and spotting.

[0063] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set the first horizontal guide rail 51 on the rear vertical plate 101, or may set the first horizontal guide rail 51 on the side vertical plate 102, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting position of the first horizontal guide rail 51 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0064] Preferably, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the first horizontal guide rail 51 is set on the rear vertical plate 101.

[0065] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set the first drive component to a gantry synchronous belt linear module, or may set the first drive component to a motor and cylinder component, or may set the first drive component to a motor and screw component, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting type of the first drive component do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0066] It should also be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set the second drive component to be a gantry synchronous belt linear module, or may set the second drive component to be a motor and cylinder component, or may set the second drive component to be a motor and screw component, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting type of the second drive component do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0067] Preferably, the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are both configured as gantry synchronous belt linear modules.

[0068] Through such an arrangement, the motion accuracy of the driving mechanism can be improved, step loss can be eliminated, and the spotting device 6 can be accurately driven to configure and spot the spotting mixture, thereby improving the spotting accuracy.

[0069] Preferably, if Figure 5 As shown, the spotting device 6 of the present invention is connected to the second horizontal guide rail 52 via the first fixed plate 53. That is, under the driving action of the second driving assembly, the first fixed plate 53 is driven to reciprocate along the second horizontal guide rail 52, thereby driving the spotting device 6 to reciprocate along the second horizontal guide rail 52.

[0070] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may directly install the spotting device 6 on the first fixing plate 53, or may install the spotting device 6 on the first fixing plate 53 via the second fixing plate, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0071] Preferably, if Figure 5 As shown, the spotting device 6 is mounted on the first fixing plate 53 via the second fixing plate 61 .

[0072] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may configure the spotting device 6 to be a pipette and a pipette tip and a spotting tip compatible with the pipette, and install the pipette tip on the pipette when mixing the sample and the reagent, and install the spotting tip on the pipette when spotting. Alternatively, the spotting device 6 may be configured to be a pipette component and a spotting component, wherein the pipette component is configured to be able to aspirate and blow the sample and the reagent to achieve mixing of the sample and the reagent, and the spotting component is configured to be able to aspirate the mixed liquid and spot the sample on the spotting target plate 45, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting type of the spotting device 6 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0073] Preferably, the spotting device 6 of the present invention includes a pipetting component and a spotting component. The pipetting component can aspirate and discharge samples and reagents so that the samples and reagents form a mixed liquid. The spotting component can aspirate the mixed liquid and discharge the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate 45.

[0074] By such a configuration, i.e., by configuring the spotting device 6 as a pipetting component and a spotting component, on the one hand, it is possible to pipette samples and reagents through the large-capacity pipetting component to achieve the configuration of the mixed liquid, thereby improving the pipetting efficiency; on the other hand, it is possible to accurately pipette a small volume of mixed liquid through the small-capacity spotting component to achieve micro-spotting of the sample, thereby making the spotting more accurate.

[0075] Preferably, if Figure 5 As shown, the pipetting component of the present invention includes a first driving member, a first vertical guide rail 622, a first pipetting member 624 and a pipette tip 626 arranged at the end of the first pipetting member 624, the first driving member is configured to drive the first pipetting member 624 to reciprocate along the first vertical guide rail 622, the spotting component includes a second driving member, a second vertical guide rail 632, a second pipetting member 634 and a spotting tip 636 arranged at the end of the second pipetting member 634, the second driving member is configured to drive the second pipetting member 634 to reciprocate along the second vertical guide rail 632, wherein the capacity of the first pipetting member 624 is greater than the capacity of the second pipetting member 634.

[0076] Through such a setting, under the action of the first driving member, the first pipetting member 624 can be driven to reciprocate along the first vertical guide rail 622, so that the pipette tip 626 can be brought into contact with the sample or reagent to absorb the sample or reagent, thereby realizing the pipetting and mixing of the sample and reagent to form a mixed liquid, and under the action of the second driving member, the second pipetting member 634 can be driven to reciprocate along the second vertical guide rail 632, thereby facilitating the spotting gun tip 636 to contact with the mixed liquid to absorb the mixed liquid, and discharge the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate 45, thereby realizing micro-spotting.

[0077] For example, the first pipetting member 624 is used for pipetting a sample with a volume of 200 μL, which can achieve mixing of the sample and reagent by blowing, aspiration and exhalation, thereby improving the pipetting efficiency and pipetting effect; the second pipetting member 634 is used for micro-spotting, which can accurately absorb micro-mixed liquids, thereby improving the accuracy of spotting.

[0078] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may configure the first drive member and the second drive member as a cylinder assembly, or may configure the first drive member and the second drive member as a screw assembly, or may configure one of the first drive member and the second drive member as a cylinder assembly, and the other of the first drive member and the second drive member as a screw assembly, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting types of the first drive member and the second drive member do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0079] Preferably, if Figure 5 As shown, the first driving component of the present invention includes a first motor 621, a first lead screw 625 fixedly connected to the output end of the first motor 621, a first lead screw nut (not shown in the figure) sleeved on the outside of the first lead screw 625 and matched with the first lead screw 625, and a first slider 623 fixedly connected to the first lead screw nut, wherein the first slider 623 can slide along the first vertical guide rail 622, and the first liquid transfer component 624 is installed on the first slider 623.

[0080] Preferably, if Figure 5 As shown, the second driving component of the present invention includes a second motor 631, a second lead screw 635 fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor 631, a second lead screw nut (not shown in the figure) sleeved on the outside of the second lead screw 635 and matched with the second lead screw 635, and a second slider 633 fixedly connected to the second lead screw nut, wherein the second slider 633 can slide along the second vertical guide rail 632, and the second pipetting component 634 is installed on the second slider 633.

[0081] Through such a setting, compared with setting the first drive member and the second drive member as a cylinder assembly, setting the first drive member and the second drive member in the form of a motor and screw assembly can more accurately control the positions of the first drive member and the second drive member, thereby facilitating pipetting and precise sampling.

[0082] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art can discharge both the sample and the reagent into the test tube on the material platform to mix the sample and the reagent, or they can set up a liquid oscillation device 3 on the material platform and discharge both the sample and the reagent into the liquid oscillation device 3 to mix the sample and the reagent, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0083] Preferably, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the material platform of the present invention is also provided with a pipette tip box 23 for holding pipette tips 626, a pipette tip box stacking device 24 for placing the pipette tip box 23, a tip recycling station 27, a tip box recycling station 28 and a liquid oscillation device 3.

[0084] Through such a setting, when the driving mechanism drives the spotting device 6 to move the first pipetting component 624 to the top of the pipette tip box 23, the first motor 621 drives the first pipetting component 624 to move downward so that the pipette tip 626 in the pipette tip box 23 can be installed on the end of the first pipetting component 624. The driving mechanism then moves the spotting device 6 to the top of the sample tank 22 and the reagent tank 21, respectively pipettes the sample and reagent and discharges the sample and reagent into the fixed well plate of the liquid oscillation device 3, thereby facilitating the pipetting of the reagent and sample, and the liquid oscillation device 3 is used to fully mix the reagent and sample to form a mixed liquid for spotting. At the same time, the discarded pipette tip 626 after pipetting falls off into the tip recycling station 27, and the used pipette tip box 23 is placed in the tip box recycling station 28.

[0085] Next see Figure 14 , Figure 14 It is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid oscillation device of the present invention.

[0086] Preferably, if Figure 14 As shown, the liquid oscillation device 3 of the present invention includes an oscillation base 31 fixed on the material platform, an oscillation motor 32 installed on the oscillation base 31, an oscillation support plate 33 driven by the output shaft of the oscillation motor 32, and a fixed orifice plate 34 arranged on the oscillation support plate 33. The oscillation support plate 33 is configured to drive the fixed orifice plate 34 to vibrate under the drive of the oscillation motor 32.

[0087] With this arrangement, the oscillation motor 32 drives the fixed orifice plate 34 to vibrate, thereby driving the liquid in the fixed orifice plate 34 to vibrate, thereby being able to fully mix the sample and the reagent, thereby facilitating the configuration of the mixed liquid.

[0088] Preferably, if Figure 14 As shown, the liquid oscillation device 3 of the present invention further includes a positioning photoelectric switch 35 .

[0089] With such an arrangement, positioning can be performed by positioning the photoelectric switch 35 to ensure that the fixed orifice plate 34 stops at the same position, making the sampling position more fixed and accurate.

[0090] Preferably, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the material platform of the present invention is further provided with a spotting gun tip box 25 for holding the spotting gun tips 636 and a spotting gun tip box stacking device 26 for placing the spotting gun tip boxes 25 .

[0091] Through such a setting, when the driving mechanism drives the spotting device 6 to move to move the second pipetting component 634 to above the spotting gun tip box 25, the second motor 631 drives the second pipetting component 634 to move downward and installs the spotting gun tip 636 in the spotting gun tip box 25 on the end of the second pipetting component 634, and then moves the second pipetting component 634 to above the mixed liquid through the driving mechanism. The second motor 631 drives the second pipetting component 634 to move downward until the spotting gun tip 636 contacts the mixed liquid. After the spotting gun tip 636 absorbs the mixed liquid, the driving mechanism moves the second pipetting component 634 to above the spotting target plate 45 and spots the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate 45. At the same time, it is convenient to fall off the discarded spotting gun tip 636 after spotting into the gun tip recycling station 27, and place the used spotting gun tip box 25 into the gun tip box recycling station 28.

[0092] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art can directly place the gun tip recovery station 27 and the gun tip box recovery station 28 on the material platform, or, a first avoidance groove adapted to the gun tip recovery station 27 and a second avoidance groove adapted to the gun tip box recovery station 28 can be set on the material platform, and the gun tip recovery station 27 and the gun tip box recovery station 28 can be placed in the first avoidance groove and the second avoidance groove respectively, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0093] Preferably, if Figure 4 As shown, a first avoidance groove 1041 adapted to the gun tip recovery station 27 and a second avoidance groove 1042 adapted to the gun tip box recovery station 28 are provided on the material platform of the present invention, and the gun tip recovery station 27 and the gun tip box recovery station 28 are placed in the first avoidance groove 1041 and the second avoidance groove 1042 respectively.

[0094] It should be noted that, in actual application, those skilled in the art can set adapters and separation pieces at the bottom of the first pipetting member 624 and the second pipetting member 634 for installation and separation of the pipetting gun head 626 and the sample spotting gun head 636, or can also set an extrusion sealing assembly between the first pipetting member 624 and the pipetting gun head 626, and between the second pipetting member 634 and the sample spotting gun head 636, to achieve the connection between the pipetting gun head 626 and the first pipetting member 624, and the sample spotting gun head 636 and the second pipetting member 636 by extruding the sealing assembly. 34, or alternatively, an adapter and a separation piece may be provided at the bottom of one of the first pipetting member 624 and the second pipetting member 634, and an extrusion sealing assembly may be provided at the other bottom of the first pipetting member 624 and the second pipetting member 634, and the pipette tip 626 or the spotting tip 636 may be sealedly connected to the first pipetting member 624 or the second pipetting member 634 via the extrusion sealing assembly, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0095] Preferably, the ends of the first pipetting member 624 and the second pipetting member 634 are provided with extrusion sealing assemblies, which are configured to seal the pipette tip 626 and the spotting gun tip 636 on the first pipetting member 624 and the second pipetting member 634 respectively when it is in the first working state, and are further configured to enable the pipette tip 626 and the spotting gun tip 636 to fall off from the first pipetting member 624 and the second pipetting member 634 respectively when it is in the second working state.

[0096] Through such a setting, on the one hand, it is convenient to install and disassemble the pipette tip 626 and the spotting tip 636 through the squeezing sealing component, thereby improving the efficiency of pipetting and spotting; on the other hand, by setting the squeezing sealing component, the sealing between the pipette tip 626 and the first pipetting component 624, and the spotting tip 636 and the second pipetting component 634 can be improved, thereby improving the pipetting accuracy and spotting accuracy.

[0097] The specific embodiment of the extrusion sealing assembly of the present invention will be described in detail below by taking the first pipetting component as an example.

[0098] Continue reading Figure 5 , and then see Figures 6 to 10 , Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first pipetting member and the pipette tip of the present invention, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line AA, Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The partially enlarged schematic diagram at B in the figure shows the structure of the pipette tip and the extrusion seal assembly before installation. Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The partially enlarged schematic diagram at B in the figure shows the structural diagram of the pipette tip and the extrusion seal assembly when they are installed. Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The partially enlarged schematic diagram at point B in the middle shows the structural schematic diagram of the pipette tip and the extrusion seal assembly after installation.

[0099] Preferably, if Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the extrusion sealing assembly of the present invention includes an extrusion sleeve 72 arranged at the bottom of the first pipetting member 624, a sealing ring 73 sleeved on the outside of the extrusion sleeve 72, and an extrusion tube 71 installed inside the extrusion sleeve 72. The extrusion tube 71 is configured to be able to move up and down along the length direction of the extrusion sleeve 72. The inside of the pipette tip 626 is provided with an annular groove 6261 adapted to the sealing ring 73. When the extrusion sleeve 72 enters the pipette tip 626 and the sealing ring 73 is flush with the annular groove 6261, when the extrusion tube 71 moves toward the pipette tip 626, the sealing ring 73 can be squeezed into the annular groove 6261 to seal the pipette tip 626 to the outside of the extrusion sleeve 72. When the extrusion tube 71 moves in the direction away from the pipette tip 626, the sealing ring 73 can be disengaged from the annular groove 6261 to allow the pipette tip 626 to fall off from the outside of the extrusion sleeve 72.

[0100] Through such an arrangement, compared with the form of arranging an adapter and a separation piece at the bottom of the first pipetting component 624, on the one hand, the structure of the first pipetting component 624 can be made simpler, and the installation and disassembly of the pipette tip 626 can be made more convenient; on the other hand, installing the pipette tip 626 by squeezing the sealing ring 73 and squeezing the sealing ring 73 into the annular groove 6261 can further improve the sealing of the pipette tip 626, improve the pipetting accuracy, and thus improve the sampling effect.

[0101] The following combination Figure 8 and Figure 10 The installation process of the pipette tip and the extrusion seal assembly of the present invention is described in detail.

[0102] like Figure 8 As shown, before the pipette tip 626 is installed, the first pipette component 624 is moved to the top of the pipette tip box 23 by the driving mechanism, and the extrusion sleeve 72 is located directly above the pipette tip 626, so that when the first pipette component 624 moves downward, the extrusion sleeve 72 can enter the interior of the pipette tip 626, and at this time, the extrusion tube 71 is located above the sealing ring 73.

[0103] like Figure 9As shown, the first motor 621 is started to move the first pipetting member 624 downward, so that the extrusion sleeve 72 enters the interior of the pipette tip 626 and the sealing ring is flush with the annular groove 6261 in the pipette tip 626. At this time, the extrusion tube 71 is driven to move downward.

[0104] like Figure 10 As shown, when the extrusion tube 71 moves to be flush with the sealing ring, the lower end of the extrusion tube 71 can squeeze the sealing ring 73 and squeeze the sealing ring 73 into the annular groove 6261 in the pipette tip 626, thereby achieving a tight connection between the sealing ring 73 and the pipette tip 626 and completing the installation of the pipette tip 626.

[0105] When it is necessary to remove the pipette tip 626 from the bottom of the first pipette member 624, the first pipette member 624 is first moved to the top of the tip recovery station 27, and the squeeze tube 71 is driven to move upward. When the bottom of the squeeze tube 71 moves to the top of the sealing ring 73, the pipette tip 626 can separate the annular groove 6261 from the sealing ring 73 under the action of its own gravity, so that the pipette tip 626 falls off from the bottom of the first pipette member 624 (see Figure 8 ), the discarded pipette tip 626 falls into the tip recycling station 27, and the pipette tip 626 is disassembled.

[0106] It should be noted that the extrusion sleeve 72 can be deformed under the extrusion of the extrusion tube 71 so that the sealing ring 73 is sealed and connected to the pipette tip 626. In actual applications, those skilled in the art can set the extrusion sleeve 72 to be made of soft plastic material, or, can also set the extrusion sleeve 72 to be made of rubber material, etc. Such adjustment and change of the specific material of the extrusion sleeve 72 does not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0107] Preferably, the extrusion sleeve 72 is made of soft plastic material.

[0108] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art can directly sleeve the sealing ring 73 on the outside of the extrusion sleeve 72, or, can provide a receiving groove 721 adapted to the sealing ring 73 on the outside of the extrusion sleeve 72, and when the sealing ring 73 is installed on the outside of the extrusion sleeve 72, make the sealing ring 73 located in the receiving groove 721, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific installation methods of the sealing ring 73 and the extrusion sleeve 72 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0109] Preferably, if Figures 8 to 10As shown, the exterior of the extrusion sleeve 72 of the present invention is provided with a receiving groove 721 adapted to the sealing ring 73 . When the sealing ring 73 is installed on the exterior of the extrusion sleeve 72 , the sealing ring 73 is located in the receiving groove 721 .

[0110] Through such a setting, on the one hand, the sealing ring 73 can be prevented from falling off from the outside of the extrusion sleeve 72 when the sealing ring 73 is installed on the outside of the extrusion sleeve 72, thereby avoiding affecting the installation of the pipette tip 626; on the other hand, the sealing ring 73 can be prevented from slipping on the outside of the extrusion sleeve 72, so that the installation position of the sealing ring 73 on the extrusion sleeve 72 remains unchanged, thereby avoiding affecting the installation effect of the pipette tip 626.

[0111] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set the extruded tube 71 to be a straight tube with equal upper and lower diameters, or may set the extruded tube 71 to have a cross-sectional diameter at the upper end that is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter at the lower end, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting type of the extruded tube 71 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0112] Preferably, the diameter of the upper cross-section of the extruded tube 71 is smaller than the diameter of the lower cross-section of the extruded tube 71 .

[0113] Through such a setting, when the squeezing tube 71 moves to be flush with the sealing ring 73, the squeezing tube 71 can better squeeze the sealing ring 73 so that the sealing ring 73 is tightly connected to the pipette tip 626, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the pipette tip 626 and further improving the pipetting accuracy.

[0114] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set a driving motor on the first pipetting component 624 to realize the movement of the extrusion tube 71 relative to the extrusion sleeve 72 through the driving motor, or the movement of the extrusion tube 71 relative to the extrusion sleeve 72 may be set to be realized by a pipetting driving component, etc. Such flexible adjustment and change does not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0115] Preferably, the first pipetting component 624 of the present invention also includes a pipetting drive component (not shown in the figure), which is configured to drive the extrusion tube 71 to move up and down relative to the extrusion sleeve 72, so that when the bottom end of the extrusion tube 71 moves to below the first position, the pipette tip 626 can be installed at the bottom of the first pipetting component 624, and when the bottom end of the extrusion tube 71 moves to below the second position, the liquid can be sucked and exhaled, and when the bottom end of the extrusion tube 71 moves to above the first position, the pipette tip 626 can fall off from the bottom of the first pipetting component 624, wherein the second position is lower than the first position.

[0116] Through such an arrangement, that is, by arranging the movement of the extrusion tube 71 relative to the extrusion sleeve 72 to be realized through a pipetting drive component, the installation and disassembly of the pipette tip 626 and the pipetting process can share a motor, and the different positions of the extrusion tube 71 are controlled by the pipetting drive component to realize the aspiration and exhalation of the liquid and the installation and disassembly of the gun tip, thereby reducing the use of the motor, which not only reduces the volume of the first pipetting component 624, but also reduces the cost of the micro-spotting system.

[0117] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art can set the specific locations of the first position and the second position based on experience or experiments.

[0118] Exemplarily, when the bottom end of the squeezing tube 71 moves to below the first position, the sealing ring 73 can be squeezed to install the pipette tip 626 below the first pipetting component 624. When the squeezing tube 71 is continued to be driven downward and moves to below the second position, the air in the pipette tip 626 can be expelled, thereby facilitating pipetting. When the pipette tip 626 contacts the sample or reagent, the squeezing tube 71 is driven upward and the position of the squeezing tube 71 is lower than the second position, so that the sample or reagent can be sucked into the pipette tip 626. Then the squeezing tube 71 is driven downward to discharge the liquid in the pipette tip 626. After the pipetting is completed, the squeezing tube 71 is driven upward and moves to above the first position to remove the pipette tip 626 from the bottom of the first pipetting component 624.

[0119] It should be noted that, although the present invention uses the first pipetting member 624 as an example to introduce the specific structure of the extrusion sealing assembly, this is not restrictive. The specific structure of the extrusion sealing assembly of the present invention is also applicable to the sealing connection between the second pipetting member 634 and the spotting gun head 636, and so on. Such flexible adjustment and change does not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0120] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set the number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the first pipetting component 624 to one, or may set the number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the first pipetting component 624 to two, or may set the number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the first pipetting component 624 to multiple, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the first pipetting component 624 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0121] Preferably, the number of the extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the first pipetting member 624 is set to be multiple, and the multiple extrusion sealing components are distributed at intervals along the horizontal direction at the bottom of the first pipetting member 624.

[0122] This arrangement facilitates simultaneous pipetting of multiple samples and reagents, thereby facilitating the configuration of mixed solutions for multiple samples, improving pipetting efficiency, and further improving spotting efficiency.

[0123] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set the number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the second pipetting member 634 to one, or may set the number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the second pipetting member 634 to two, or may set the number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the second pipetting member 634 to multiple, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting number of extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the second pipetting member 634 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0124] Preferably, the number of the extrusion sealing components at the bottom of the second pipetting member 634 is set to be multiple, and the multiple extrusion sealing components are distributed at intervals along the horizontal direction at the bottom of the second pipetting member 634.

[0125] This arrangement makes it easier to spot mixed solutions of multiple samples at the same time, thereby improving spotting efficiency.

[0126] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may directly place the spotting target plate 45 on the material platform, or may place a spotting heating component on the material platform, with the spotting target plate 45 located above the spotting heating component, so as to perform spotting at a set temperature, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0127] Continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and then see Figure 11 , Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of the spot heating component of the present invention.

[0128] Preferably, the micro-spotting system of the present invention further comprises a spotting heating component 4 provided on the material platform, wherein the spotting target plate 45 is located above the spotting heating component 4 , and the spotting heating component 4 is configured to heat the spotting target plate 45 .

[0129] With such an arrangement, the target plate 45 can be heated easily, so that the spotting can be performed at an optimal spotting temperature, thereby improving the spotting success rate and spotting effect.

[0130] Preferably, if Figure 11 As shown, the spotting heating component 4 includes a heating base 41 and a heating aluminum plate 42 arranged on the heating base 41 , a spotting target plate 45 is placed on the heating aluminum plate 42 , and a temperature and humidity display screen 411 is provided on the heating base 41 .

[0131] Through such a setting, the current heating temperature and the humidity of the spotting environment can be displayed through the temperature and humidity display screen 411 set on the heating base 41. By setting the heating aluminum plate 42, it is convenient to transfer heat to the spotting target plate 45, so as to facilitate spotting under the optimal temperature and humidity conditions for spotting.

[0132] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set a humidifier in the spotting chamber 10 to maintain the ambient humidity in the spotting chamber 10 through the humidifier so that spotting can be performed at the optimal ambient humidity. Alternatively, a humidifier tube may be set on the frame to transport moisture into the spotting chamber 10 through the humidifier, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0133] Preferably, if Figure 4 As shown, the micro-spotting system of the present invention also includes a humidifier pipe joint 81 and a humidifying fan 82 arranged on the rear vertical plate 101, wherein the humidifier pipe joint 81 is connected to the moisture output port of the humidifier, and the humidifying fan 82 can evenly distribute the moisture discharged from the humidifier pipe joint 81 into the spotting chamber 10.

[0134] Through such an arrangement, compared with the form of directly setting a humidifier in the spotting chamber 10, by setting a humidifier pipe joint 81 on the rear vertical plate 101 to humidify the environment in the spotting chamber 10, it is possible to prevent moisture from condensing into water droplets and thus affecting the accuracy of pipetting and spotting.

[0135] It should be noted that, in actual application, it is not limited to setting the humidifier pipe joint 81 and the humidifier fan 82 on the rear vertical plate 101. For example, the humidifier pipe joint 81 and the humidifier fan 82 can also be set on the side vertical plate 102, or, one of the humidifier pipe joint 81 and the humidifier fan 82 can be set on the rear vertical plate 101, and the other of the humidifier pipe joint 81 and the humidifier fan 82 can be set on the side vertical plate 102, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting positions of the humidifier pipe joint 81 and the humidifier fan 82 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0136] It should also be noted that when the relative humidity in the spotting chamber 10 is less than 35%, automatic humidification can be achieved to prevent sample evaporation to the greatest extent.

[0137] It should also be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art can directly place the spotting target plate 45 on the heated aluminum plate 42, or can place the spotting target plate 45 on the heated aluminum plate 42 through the target plate holder 43, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0138] Continue reading Figure 11 , and then see Figure 12 , Figure 12 It is a structural schematic diagram of the spotting target plate, magnet and target plate support of the present invention.

[0139] Preferably, if Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the micro-spotting system of the present invention further includes a target plate holder 43 and a magnet 44. The target plate holder 43 is set on the heated aluminum plate 42, and the spotting target plate 45 is fixed above the target plate holder 43 through the magnet 44, wherein the spotting target plate 45 is magnetic.

[0140] With this arrangement, the target plate 45 is adsorbed on the target plate holder 43 by the magnet 44, which ensures the flatness of the target plate 45, thereby facilitating a better spotting effect. At the same time, it is convenient to fix and remove the target plate 45, thereby improving the spotting efficiency.

[0141] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may set the number of magnets 44 to only one, or may set the number of magnets 44 to two, or may set the number of magnets 44 to multiple, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific number of magnets 44 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0142] Preferably, if Figure 12 As shown, the number of the magnets 44 of the present invention is multiple, and the multiple magnets 44 are distributed at intervals on the target plate support 43.

[0143] By such an arrangement, the flatness of the target plate 45 on the target plate holder 43 can be increased.

[0144] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art can set the target plate holder 43 to be fixed on the heated aluminum plate 42 by fasteners, or can also set the target plate holder 43 to be adsorbed on the heated aluminum plate 42 by magnetic parts, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0145] Preferably, a plurality of magnetic members (not shown in the figure) are fixedly provided on the heating aluminum plate 42 , and the target plate holder 43 is adsorbed on the upper part of the heating aluminum plate 42 through the plurality of magnetic members.

[0146] It should be noted that, in actual applications, the target plate 45 is not limited to being fixed above the target plate holder 43 via the magnet 44. For example, the target plate 45 can also be fixed above the target plate holder 43 via a fastener, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Of course, preferably, the target plate 45 is fixed above the target plate holder 43 via the magnet 44.

[0147] It should also be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may configure the spotting target plate 45 to be made of a magnetic material so that the spotting target plate 45 has magnetism, or may configure a magnetic component at the bottom of the spotting target plate 45 so that the spotting target plate 45 has magnetism, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting type of the spotting target plate 45 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0148] Preferably, the spotting target plate 45 of the present invention is made of magnetic material, more preferably made of 440C stainless steel that has been magnetized.

[0149] With such an arrangement, the entire target plate 45 can be made magnetic, so as to be easily adsorbed by the magnet 44 and thus keep the target plate 45 flat on the target plate holder 43 .

[0150] Next see Figure 13 , Figure 13 It is a structural schematic diagram of the spotting target plate of the present invention.

[0151] Preferably, if Figure 13 As shown, the target plate 45 of the present invention is provided with a plurality of hydrophilic spots 452 so that when the spotting gun head 636 contacts the target plate 45 , the mixed liquid can be discharged onto the hydrophilic spots 452 , and the outer side of the hydrophilic spots 452 has a hydrophobic surface 451 .

[0152] Through such an arrangement, on the one hand, by providing a plurality of hydrophilic points 452, the mixed liquid in the spotting gun tip 636 can be discharged more smoothly onto the spotting target plate 45, which is more conducive to spotting, greatly improving the spotting success rate, and at the same time, can also make the crystallization consistency better; on the other hand, by providing a hydrophobic surface 451 outside the hydrophilic point 452, the mixed liquid discharged onto the spotting target plate 45 can be prevented from diffusing, thereby avoiding affecting the spotting effect due to the diffusion of the mixed liquid.

[0153] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may first lay a hydrophobic layer on the spotting target plate 45, and then lay a dot-shaped hydrophilic film on the hydrophobic layer to form hydrophilic points 452 and hydrophobic surfaces 451, or may first form a hydrophilic layer on the spotting target plate 45, and then lay a hydrophobic film on the spotting target plate 45, wherein a plurality of avoidance holes are provided on the hydrophobic film, and the hydrophobic film, the hydrophilic layer and the spotting target plate 45 after hydrophilic treatment form hydrophilic points 452 at the avoidance holes, and the hydrophobic film forms a hydrophobic surface 451, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific formation methods of the hydrophilic points 452 and the hydrophobic surfaces 451 do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0154] Preferably, a hydrophilic layer is first formed on the target plate 45, and then a hydrophobic film with multiple avoidance holes is laid on the target plate 45. The hydrophobic film and the target plate 45 after hydrophilic treatment form hydrophilic spots 452 at the avoidance holes.

[0155] This arrangement facilitates the formation of the hydrophobic surface 451 and the hydrophilic spots 452 on the spotting target plate 45 , thereby reducing the difficulty and cost of manufacturing the spotting target plate 45 .

[0156] Preferably, the thickness of the hydrophobic film is 150-800 nm, and more preferably, the thickness of the hydrophobic film is 300 nm.

[0157] Preferably, the thickness of the hydrophilic layer is set to 300 to 500 nm, and more preferably, the thickness of the hydrophilic layer is 400 nm.

[0158] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may use a hydrophilic material to perform hydrophilic treatment on the surface of the spotting target plate 45 to form a hydrophilic layer, or may lay a hydrophilic film on the surface of the spotting target plate 45 to form a hydrophilic layer, etc. Such adjustments and changes to the specific formation method of the hydrophilic layer do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0159] Preferably, the surface of the spotting target plate 45 is treated with a hydrophilic material to form a hydrophilic layer.

[0160] Preferably, if Figure 13 As shown, the target plate 45 of the present invention is further provided with a plurality of blocking rings 453 , which are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the hydrophilic spots 452 and are located outside the hydrophilic spots 452 , forming a hydrophobic ring 454 between the blocking ring 453 and the hydrophilic spots 452 .

[0161] By such a setting, that is, by setting a blocking ring 453 outside the hydrophilic point 452, it is possible to further prevent the mixed liquid discharged onto the hydrophilic point 452 from diffusing, and avoid the contamination of other spotting areas by the diffused mixed liquid, thereby achieving double protection against the diffusion of the mixed liquid, thereby further improving the spotting success rate.

[0162] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art can directly set the blocking ring 453 on the hydrophobic surface 451 to form a hydrophobic ring 454 between the blocking ring 453 and the hydrophilic point 452, or directly lay an annular hydrophobic film between the blocking ring 453 and the hydrophilic point 452 to form the hydrophobic ring 454, and so on. Such flexible adjustment and change does not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0163] Preferably, the blocking ring 453 is disposed on the hydrophobic surface 451 , so that a hydrophobic ring 454 is formed between the blocking ring 453 and the hydrophilic point 452 .

[0164] This arrangement simplifies the production of the spotting target plate 45 .

[0165] Preferably, the width of the hydrophobic ring 454 is 150 nm to 2 μm, and more preferably, the width of the hydrophobic ring 454 is 1 μm.

[0166] It should be noted that the width of the hydrophobic ring 454 refers to the difference between the radius of the blocking ring 453 and the radius of the hydrophilic point 452 .

[0167] Preferably, the surface contact angle of the hydrophobic ring 454 is 120° to 180°, and more preferably, the surface contact angle of the hydrophobic ring 454 is 145°.

[0168] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may configure the blocking ring 453 to be an annular protrusion, and use the annular protrusion to block the diffused mixed liquid and prevent the mixed liquid from diffusing toward other spot areas, or may configure the blocking ring 453 to be an annular groove, and prevent the diffused mixed liquid from diffusing toward other spot areas by allowing the diffused mixed liquid to flow into the annular groove, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific structural form of the blocking ring 453 do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0169] Preferably, the blocking ring 453 of the present invention is an annular groove.

[0170] Through such a setting, compared with setting the blocking ring 453 as an annular protrusion, setting the blocking ring 453 as an annular groove can, on the one hand, improve the surface flatness of the spotting target plate 45, thereby facilitating the stacking and placement of the spotting target plate 45; on the other hand, it can reduce the difficulty of manufacturing the spotting target plate 45, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the spotting target plate 45.

[0171] Preferably, the width of the blocking ring 453 is 0.1 to 0.3 mm, and more preferably, the width of the blocking ring 453 is 0.2 mm.

[0172] This arrangement can, on the one hand, prevent the blocking ring 453 from being too narrow to prevent it from having a blocking effect; on the other hand, it can prevent the blocking ring 453 from being too wide to affect the space utilization of the target plate 45 .

[0173] Preferably, the depth of the blocking ring 453 is 0.1 to 0.2 mm, and more preferably, the depth of the blocking ring 453 is 0.15 mm.

[0174] This arrangement can prevent the blocking ring 453 from being unable to block the diffused mixed liquid due to being too shallow, and can also prevent the blocking ring 453 from being too deep to be easy to clean.

[0175] Preferably, the spotting gun tip 636 of the present invention has a buffer structure (not shown in the figure) so that multiple spotting gun tips 636 can contact the spotting target plate 45 at the same time and discharge the mixed liquid in the spotting gun tip 636 onto the spotting target plate 45.

[0176] Through such a setting, when some of the multiple spotting gun tips 636 contact the spotting target plate 45 while the rest of the spotting gun tips 636 do not contact the spotting target plate 45, the second pipetting member 634 can continue to move toward the spotting target plate 45, and under the action of the buffer structure, all of the spotting gun tips 636 can contact the spotting target plate 45 at the same time, thereby avoiding spotting failure caused by some of the multiple spotting gun tips 636 being unable to contact the spotting target plate 45.

[0177] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may configure the buffer structure to be a retractable hose structure, through which the spotting gun head 636 that first contacts the spotting target plate 45 can be retracted, thereby ensuring that all the spotting gun heads 636 can contact the spotting target plate 45 at the same time; or, the buffer structure may be configured to be an elastic structure, through which the rebound force of the elastic structure can cause the spotting gun head 636 that first contacts the spotting target plate 45 to be retracted, thereby ensuring that all the spotting gun heads 636 can contact the spotting target plate 45 at the same time, and so on. Such adjustments and changes to the specific setting type of the buffer structure do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0178] Preferably, the buffer structure is configured as an elastic structure.

[0179] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may configure the loading portion between the spotting gun tip 636 and the extrusion sealing assembly to be an elastic structure, or the liquid outlet of the spotting gun tip 636 to be an elastic structure, or the entire spotting gun tip 636 to be made of an elastic material, etc. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0180] Preferably, the loading point between the spotting gun tip 636 and the extrusion sealing assembly is configured as an elastic structure.

[0181] This arrangement enables flexible loading of the spotting gun tip 636 , allowing the spotting gun tip 636 to elastically expand and contract by 0.5 μm in the vertical direction, thereby enabling each spotting gun tip 636 to simultaneously contact the spotting target plate 45 , thereby improving the success rate of spotting.

[0182] Preferably, a hydrophobic layer is provided inside the spotting gun tip 636 of the present invention, so that the mixed solution in the spotting gun tip 636 can be smoothly discharged onto the spotting target plate 45 .

[0183] With this arrangement, the mixed liquid in the spotting gun tip 636 can be discharged more smoothly from the spotting gun tip 636, reducing the residual amount of the mixed liquid in the spotting gun tip 636 and the dead volume, thereby improving the spotting accuracy.

[0184] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may treat the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636 with a hydrophobic material to form a hydrophobic layer on the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636, or may lay a hydrophobic film on the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636 to form a hydrophobic layer on the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636, and so on. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0185] Preferably, the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636 is treated with a hydrophobic material to form a hydrophobic layer on the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636 .

[0186] Through such a setting, compared with the form of forming a hydrophobic layer on the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636 by laying a hydrophobic film on the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636, the form of forming a hydrophobic layer on the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636 by treating the inner wall of the spotting gun tip 636 with a hydrophobic material is more operational, thereby reducing the cost of the spotting gun tip 636.

[0187] It should be noted that, in actual applications, those skilled in the art may also provide a hydrophobic layer inside the pipette tip 626 so that the sample or reagent in the pipette tip 626 can be discharged smoothly, thereby reducing the residual amount of the sample or reagent in the pipette tip 626 and improving the pipetting accuracy. The setting method of the hydrophobic layer in the pipette tip 626 is the same as the setting method of the hydrophobic layer in the spotting tip 636, and will not be repeated here.

[0188] Thus far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A micro-spotting system, characterized in that: The sample spotting device comprises a frame, a material platform, a driving mechanism mounted on the frame, and a sample spotting device. The material platform is provided with a sample tank, a reagent tank, and a sample spotting target plate. The driving mechanism is connected to the sample spotting device to drive the sample spotting device to move horizontally above the material platform. The sample spotting device is configured to aspirate and discharge the sample in the sample tank and the reagent in the reagent tank so that the sample and the reagent form a mixed liquid. The sample spotting device is further configured to aspirate the mixed liquid and discharge the mixed liquid onto the sample spotting target plate. The spotting device includes a pipetting assembly and a spotting assembly, wherein the pipetting assembly includes a first driving member, a first vertical guide rail, a first pipetting member, and a pipette tip disposed at the end of the first pipetting member; the spotting assembly includes a second driving member, a second vertical guide rail, a second pipetting member, and a spotting tip disposed at the end of the second pipetting member; an extrusion sealing assembly is disposed at the end of the first pipetting member and / or the second pipetting member. The extrusion sealing assembly includes an extrusion sleeve arranged at the bottom of the first pipetting member and / or the second pipetting member, a sealing ring arranged on the outside of the extrusion sleeve, and an extrusion tube installed inside the extrusion sleeve, wherein the extrusion tube is arranged to be able to move up and down along the length direction of the extrusion sleeve, and an annular groove adapted to the sealing ring is provided inside the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip. When the extrusion sleeve enters the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip and the sealing ring is flush with the annular groove, when the extrusion tube moves toward the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip, the sealing ring can be squeezed into the annular groove to seal the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip to the outside of the extrusion sleeve; when the extrusion tube moves away from the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip, the sealing ring can be disengaged from the annular groove to cause the pipette tip and / or the spotting gun tip to fall off from the outside of the extrusion sleeve.

2. The micro-spotting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipetting component can aspirate and discharge the sample and the reagent so that the sample and the reagent form a mixed liquid, and the spotting component can aspirate the mixed liquid and discharge the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate.

3. The micro-spotting system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first driving member is capable of driving the first pipetting member to reciprocate along the first vertical guide rail so that the sample or reagent can be aspirated and discharged through the pipette tip. The spotting component includes a second driving member, a second vertical guide rail, a second pipetting member, and a spotting tip arranged at the end of the second pipetting member. The second driving member is capable of driving the second pipetting member to reciprocate along the second vertical guide rail so that the spotting tip can aspirate the mixed liquid and discharge the mixed liquid onto the spotting target plate. The capacity of the first pipetting member is greater than that of the second pipetting member.

4. The micro-spotting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple extrusion sealing components, and the multiple extrusion sealing components are respectively distributed at intervals along the horizontal direction at the bottom of the first pipetting component and / or the second pipetting component.

5. The micro-spotting system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The target plate is provided with a plurality of hydrophilic spots so that the mixed solution can be discharged onto the hydrophilic spots when the spotting gun head contacts the target plate. The outer sides of the hydrophilic spots have hydrophobic surfaces.

6. The micro-spotting system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The target plate is further provided with a plurality of blocking rings, which are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the hydrophilic spots and are located outside the hydrophilic spots, and a hydrophobic ring is formed between the blocking ring and the hydrophilic spots.

7. The micro-spotting system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The interior of the spotting gun head is provided with a hydrophobic coating so that the mixed liquid in the spotting gun head can be smoothly discharged onto the spotting target plate.

8. The micro-spotting system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The spotting gun head has a buffer structure so that a plurality of the spotting gun heads can contact the spotting target plate at the same time and discharge the mixed liquid in the spotting gun heads onto the spotting target plate at the same time.

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