Temperature control module

Abstract

The present invention discloses a temperature control module, including a carrier, a variable temperature channel for reagent tubes to pass through the carrier, a plurality of workstations arranged along the variable temperature channel, at least two workstations correspondingly provided with heat conducting members for contacting and heat exchanging with the reagent tubes, and each workstation correspondingly provided with an adaptive clamping assembly on at least one side of the variable temperature channel; the adaptive clamping assembly is used to adaptively adjust the width of the variable temperature channel at the corresponding section of the corresponding workstation when the reagent tube enters the corresponding workstation, so as to adaptively clamp the reagent tube; the carrier and the reagent tube can move or rotate relative to each other, so that the reagent tube switches workstations in the variable temperature channel by relative movement or rotation. In the present invention, the reagent tube can switch workstations by moving relative to the variable temperature channel in the variable temperature channel, and the temperature control efficiency is high. Moreover, the adaptive characteristics of the adaptive clamping assembly are utilized to enable the reagent tube to enter and exit each area without impact, which is conducive to avoiding the occurrence of stuck, jammed, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of in vitro detection, and in particular to a temperature control module. Background Art

[0002] Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a method for amplifying specific DNA fragments. During the PCR reaction, the reagent tube needs to be heated to one temperature, then cooled to another temperature, and needs to be cycled between the two temperatures for more than 40 times, with a high number of cycles.

[0003] Currently, common temperature control methods utilize air baths, water baths, and solid thermal conductivity. Air baths essentially heat the air, transferring heat to the reagent tubes in the air environment. However, due to the low thermal conductivity of air, both heating and cooling are very slow, affecting detection efficiency. Water baths, on the other hand, utilize a transmission mechanism to circulate the reagent tubes through water tanks of varying temperatures. While water baths offer excellent thermal conductivity, they are bulky due to their multiple tanks. Furthermore, water vaporizes at high temperatures, requiring subsequent refills and inconvenient maintenance.

[0004] In fact, using solid heat conduction to transfer temperature to the reagent tube is a relatively fast temperature control method. However, when the reagent tube is sent from one temperature zone to another, it is difficult for the existing temperature control module to ensure that the reagent tube is in full contact with the corresponding solid heat conductor without impacting and damaging the reagent tube. Jamming and blocking often occur. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a temperature control module so that the reagent tubes can enter and exit each area without impact and without getting stuck or stuck.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and problems related to the above problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A temperature control module includes a carrier, the carrier being provided with a temperature-variable channel for a reagent tube to pass through, a plurality of workstations arranged along the temperature-variable channel, at least two of the workstations correspondingly provided with heat-conducting members for contacting and exchanging heat with the reagent tube, and each workstation correspondingly provided with an adaptive clamping assembly on at least one side of the temperature-variable channel; the adaptive clamping assembly is used to adaptively adjust the width of the temperature-variable channel at a corresponding section of the corresponding workstation when the reagent tube enters the corresponding workstation, so as to adaptively clamp the reagent tube;

[0008] The carrier and the reagent tube can move or rotate relative to each other, so that the reagent tube can switch positions in the temperature-changing channel through relative movement or rotation.

[0009] Optionally, the adaptive pressing component includes:

[0010] A mounting seat, arranged on the bearing member;

[0011] a floating compression fitting, for compressing the reagent tube within the temperature-variable channel, the floating compression fitting being movably disposed on the mounting seat, the floating compression fitting adaptively compressing or loosening the reagent tube by moving relative to the mounting seat, the floating compression fitting being provided with a compression surface for contacting the reagent tube; and

[0012] an elastic member, disposed between the mounting seat and the floating pressing member;

[0013] When the reagent tube is squeezed into the section of the temperature-changing channel corresponding to the floating compression fitting, the floating compression fitting moves adaptively under the action of the elastic member.

[0014] Optionally, a guide groove is provided on the mounting seat, the length direction of the guide groove is along the pressing direction, and a guide portion is provided on the floating pressing member, and the guide portion is movably provided in the guide groove;

[0015] Optionally, a guide groove is provided on the floating pressing member, and the length direction of the guide groove is along the pressing direction. A guide portion is provided on the mounting seat, and the guide portion is movably provided in the guide groove.

[0016] Optionally, the guide portion is a pin shaft, the floating pressing member can rotate around the axis of the pin shaft, and the elastic members are distributed on both sides of the pin shaft;

[0017] When the reagent tube is squeezed into the section of the temperature-changing channel corresponding to the floating compression fitting, the floating compression fitting adaptively rotates around the pin shaft under the action of the elastic member.

[0018] Optionally, the reagent tube has a flat portion squeezed into the temperature-variable channel, the surface of the flat portion is a first inclined surface, and the pressing surface is a second inclined surface for contacting with the first inclined surface.

[0019] Optionally, the floating pressing member is provided with a chamfered surface for guiding the pressed object to be squeezed into the corresponding section of the temperature-changing channel, and transition arcs are provided on both sides of the chamfered surface, and the transition arc on one side is located between the chamfered surface and the pressing surface.

[0020] Optionally, the floating compression fitting includes:

[0021] The first heat-conducting member is used as the heat-conducting member, and the pressing surface is formed on the first heat-conducting member; and

[0022] A first heat insulating member separates the first heat conducting member and the mounting seat.

[0023] Optionally, the first heat insulating member includes a heat insulating plate and a protrusion provided on the heat insulating plate, wherein the protrusion is provided with a pin hole;

[0024] The mounting base includes a base plate and a first support ear and a second support ear provided on the base plate, wherein the first support ear and the second support ear are both provided with a waist-shaped hole serving as the guide groove.

[0025] A spacing space is formed between the heat insulation plate and the substrate, the first ear, the second ear and the protrusion are all located in the spacing space, the first ear and the second ear are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the protrusion, the pin shaft is arranged through the pin hole, and the two ends of the pin shaft correspond to each other and pass through the waist-shaped holes on the first ear and the second ear.

[0026] Optionally, the floating compression fitting further comprises:

[0027] a heating element, configured to heat the first heat-conducting member, wherein the heating element is in contact with the first heat-conducting member;

[0028] a first temperature collecting element, the first temperature collecting element being used to collect the temperature of the first heat conducting member;

[0029] The first temperature collecting element is directly arranged on the first heat conducting member; or the temperature element is arranged between the first heat insulating member and the first heat conducting member and is in direct contact with the first heat conducting member.

[0030] Optionally, a mixing station, a temperature changing station, a first constant temperature station, a second constant temperature station and a third constant temperature station are arranged along the temperature changing channel;

[0031] Among them, the mixing station is used to mix the reagents in the reagent tube, the variable temperature station has a heat-conducting part with variable temperature, and the variable temperature station is used to cool the reagent tube to a temperature close to the target low temperature. The first constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target low temperature. The second constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at a high temperature transition temperature, and the high temperature transition temperature is higher than the target high temperature; the third constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target high temperature.

[0032] Optionally, a mixing station, a fourth constant temperature station, a first constant temperature station, a second constant temperature station and a third constant temperature station are arranged along the temperature variable channel;

[0033] Among them, the mixing station is used to mix the reagents in the reagent tube, the fourth constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained below the low-temperature transition temperature, and the low-temperature transition temperature is lower than the target temperature; the fourth constant temperature station is used to cool the reagent tube to a temperature close to the target low temperature, the first constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target low temperature, the second constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the high-temperature transition temperature, and the high-temperature transition temperature is higher than the target high temperature; the third constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target high temperature.

[0034] Optionally, a temperature changing station, a first constant temperature station, a second constant temperature station and a third constant temperature station are arranged along the temperature changing channel;

[0035] Among them, the variable temperature station has a heat-conducting part with variable temperature, and the variable temperature station is used to cool the reagent tube to a temperature close to the target low temperature. The first constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target low temperature. The second constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at a high temperature transition temperature, and the high temperature transition temperature is higher than the target high temperature; the third constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target high temperature.

[0036] Optionally, a fourth constant temperature station, a first constant temperature station, a second constant temperature station and a third constant temperature station are arranged along the temperature variable channel;

[0037] Among them, the fourth constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at a temperature lower than the low-temperature transition temperature, and the low-temperature transition temperature is lower than the target temperature; the fourth constant temperature station is used to cool the reagent tube to a temperature close to the target low temperature, the first constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target low temperature, the second constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at a high-temperature transition temperature, and the high-temperature transition temperature is higher than the target high temperature; the third constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target high temperature.

[0038] Optionally, the adaptive compacting assembly is provided on one side of the mixing station, and a mixing assembly is provided on the other side of the mixing station. The mixing assembly includes a vibration head and an ultrasonic vibration source for providing vibration power to the vibration head. A mixing and compacting space is formed between the adaptive compacting assembly and the top of the vibration head for the reagent tube to squeeze in or pass through. The mixing and compacting space belongs to a partial section of the variable temperature channel.

[0039] Optionally, a temperature variable component is provided on one side of the temperature variable station, and an adaptive pressing component is provided on the other side of the temperature variable station. The temperature variable component includes a temperature variable heat conductive part used as the heat conductive part and a temperature variable element used to heat or cool the temperature variable heat conductive part. The temperature variable heat conductive part is provided with a heat conductive pressing surface for directly contacting the reagent tube. A temperature variable pressing space is formed between the adaptive pressing component and the heat conductive pressing surface for the reagent tube to squeeze into or pass through. The temperature variable pressing space belongs to a partial section of the temperature variable channel.

[0040] Optionally, the temperature changing element is a semiconductor refrigeration plate, and the temperature changing assembly further includes a heat sink, a second thermal insulation member, a second temperature collection element for collecting the temperature of the heat sink, and a third temperature collection element for collecting the temperature of the second heat conductor; the second thermal insulation member is arranged on the heat sink and separates the heat sink and the second thermal insulation member; a hollow installation area is provided on the second thermal insulation member, and the semiconductor refrigeration plate is arranged in the hollow installation area; of the cold end and the hot end of the semiconductor refrigeration plate, one end is in contact with the heat sink, and the other end is in contact with the second heat conductor, and a fan is provided on the heat sink.

[0041] Optionally, the adaptive pressing assembly is provided on one side of the mixing station, and the mixing assembly is provided on the other side of the mixing station; the adaptive pressing assembly is provided on both sides of each constant temperature station, and in the adaptive pressing assembly corresponding to a single constant temperature station, the heat conductive member and the heating element for heating the heat conductive member are provided on at least one side of the adaptive pressing assembly;

[0042] Among them, the mixing component, the temperature variable component and one group of adaptive clamping components in each constant temperature workstation are all arranged on the heat dissipation seat and are on the same side of the temperature variable channel, and each workstation on the other side of the temperature variable channel is correspondingly provided with a group of the adaptive clamping components.

[0043] Optionally, the adaptive clamping components are provided on both sides of each constant temperature station, and a constant temperature clamping space for the reagent tube to squeeze in or pass through is formed between the adaptive clamping components on both sides of each constant temperature station, and in the adaptive clamping components corresponding to a single constant temperature station, the adaptive clamping components on at least one side are provided with the heat conductor and the heating element for heating the heat conductor, and the constant temperature clamping space belongs to a partial section of the variable temperature channel.

[0044] Optionally, the temperature control module further includes a frame and a driving mechanism for driving the carrier to move relative to the frame. During temperature control, the reagent tube is stationary relative to the frame, and the driving mechanism includes:

[0045] A lead screw is provided on the frame, and the arrangement direction of each unit is consistent with the axial direction of the lead screw;

[0046] A lead screw nut, the lead screw nut being arranged on the bearing member, and the lead screw and the lead screw nut being cooperatively connected;

[0047] A power element, the power element being arranged on the frame and being used to provide power for the rotation of the lead screw;

[0048] The power element is connected to a driving wheel, the lead screw is provided with a driven wheel, and the driving wheel and the driven wheel are driven by a synchronous belt.

[0049] In the present invention, the reagent tube can realize the work station switching by moving relative to the temperature variable channel in the temperature variable channel, the path is short, and the temperature control efficiency is improved; when entering and exiting any work station, the adaptive clamping component can press the reagent tube in the corresponding section to make the reagent tube contact with the heat conductor, thereby realizing heat exchange between the solid heat conductor and the reagent tube, which is also beneficial to improving the temperature control efficiency; and the adaptive characteristics of the adaptive clamping component are utilized to enable the reagent tube to enter and exit each area without impact, which is beneficial to avoid the occurrence of jamming, jamming, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of the temperature control module of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 Display as Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the distribution of each station on the carrier;

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary exploded structure of the adaptive compression assembly of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 Display as Figure 2 Exploded view of the medium temperature variable component;

[0054] Figure 5 Shown is a schematic diagram of the structure of a reagent tube.

[0055] Part Number Description:

[0056] Reagent tube A, flat portion A1;

[0057] Adaptive pressing assembly 100, mounting base 110, base plate 110a, first lug 110b, guide groove 110c, floating pressing member 120, pressing surface 120a, chamfered surface 120c, elastic member 130, pin 140, spacing space 101;

[0058] Heating element 221, heat conducting member 222, groove 222a, first heat insulating member 224, heat insulating plate 224a, protrusion 224b;

[0059] Temperature-changing assembly 300, temperature-changing heat-conducting member 310, heat-conducting pressing surface 311, temperature-changing element 320, heat sink 330, second heat-insulating member 340, hollow mounting area 341, fan 350, second temperature collecting element 360, third temperature collecting element 370;

[0060] Vibration source 410, vibration head 420;

[0061] Carrying member 500, temperature-changing channel 501;

[0062] Lead screw 610, lead screw nut 620, power element 630, driving wheel 640, driven wheel 650;

[0063] Rack 700. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The following describes the implementation of the present invention through specific embodiments. People skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification.

[0065] See also Figures 1 to 4 The temperature control module of the present invention includes a carrier 500, which is provided with a variable temperature channel 501 for the reagent tube A to pass through. A plurality of workstations are arranged along the variable temperature channel 501, and at least two of the workstations are correspondingly provided with heat conducting members (for example, the first heat conducting member 222 or the variable temperature heat conducting member 310) for contacting and exchanging heat with the reagent tube A. Each workstation is provided with an adaptive clamping assembly 100 on at least one side of the variable temperature channel 501; the adaptive clamping assembly 100 is used to adaptively adjust the width of the corresponding section of the variable temperature channel 501 at the corresponding workstation when the reagent tube A enters the corresponding workstation, so as to adaptively clamp the reagent tube A; the carrier 500 and the reagent tube A can move or rotate relative to each other, so that the reagent tube A switches the workstation in the variable temperature channel 501 by relative movement or rotation.

[0066] Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In the embodiment, the temperature-variable channel 501 is a straight channel, and the reagent tube A moves relative to the temperature-variable channel 501 to switch the working position. In actual implementation, the temperature-variable channel 501 can also be an arc channel, and the reagent tube A rotates relative to the temperature-variable channel 501 to switch the working position.

[0067] In the present invention, the reagent tube A can be moved or rotated relative to the variable temperature channel 501 in the variable temperature channel 501 to achieve work station switching, and the path is short, which is conducive to improving the temperature control efficiency; when entering and exiting any work station, the adaptive clamping component 100 can press the reagent tube A on the corresponding section and contact it with the heat conductor, that is, the reagent tube and the solid heat conductor are in contact for heat exchange, which is also conducive to improving the temperature control efficiency; and the adaptive characteristics of the adaptive clamping component 100 are utilized to enable the reagent tube A to enter and exit each work station without impact, which is conducive to avoiding the occurrence of jamming, jamming, etc.

[0068] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 Along the variable temperature channel 501, there are arranged a mixing station Q1, a variable temperature station Q2, a first constant temperature station Q3, a second constant temperature station Q4, and a third constant temperature station Q5; wherein, the mixing station Q1 is used to mix the reagent in the reagent tube A, the variable temperature station Q2 has a temperature-variable heat conductor (such as the variable temperature heat conductor 310), and the variable temperature station Q2 is used to cool the reagent tube A to a temperature close to the target low temperature. The first constant temperature station Q3 has a heat conductor (such as the first heat conductor 222) whose temperature is constant and maintained at the target low temperature. The second constant temperature station Q4 has a heat conductor whose temperature is constant and maintained at a high-temperature transition temperature, and the high-temperature transition temperature is higher than the target high temperature. The third constant temperature station Q5 has a heat conductor whose temperature is constant and maintained at the target high temperature. The temperature of the variable temperature station Q2 is lower than the target low temperature within a preset time range. This preset time period can be the entire temperature control stage or a part of the entire temperature control stage.

[0069] At this time, the combination of the variable temperature station Q2 and the first constant temperature station Q3 can improve the cooling efficiency, and the combination of the second constant temperature station Q4 and the third constant temperature station Q5 can also improve the heating efficiency.

[0070] In addition, it should be noted that, when cooling, if the temperature difference between the corresponding workstation and the reagent tube A is too large, although the temperature can be cooled quickly, condensation may occur, affecting the test results. The variable temperature workstation Q2 allows the temperature of the workstation to be adjusted to a suitable constant temperature, or it can be gradually reduced according to a preset rule, which can avoid condensation.

[0071] The PCR reaction includes two stages: lysis and amplification. New reagents need to be added after lysis and before amplification.

[0072] During the cracking stage, reagent tube A first enters the second constant temperature station Q4. The large temperature difference between the heat conductor 222 and reagent tube A in the second constant temperature station Q4 is used to quickly heat up reagent tube A and the reagent inside it to a temperature close to the target high temperature, and then enters the third constant temperature station Q5 to reach the target high temperature.

[0073] During the amplification stage, it is necessary to repeatedly cool down to the target low temperature and heat up to the target high temperature. When cooling down, reagent tube A first enters the variable temperature station Q2. The large temperature difference between the variable temperature station Q2 and the reagent tube A is used to quickly cool the reagent tube A and its internal reagent to a temperature close to the target low temperature, and then enter the first constant temperature station Q3 to reach the target low temperature. When heating up, reagent tube A also first enters the second constant temperature station Q4 and then enters the third constant temperature station Q5.

[0074] After lysis and before amplification, reagent tube A first enters the variable temperature station Q2 to cool to a temperature suitable for maintaining reagent activity. It then enters the mixing station Q1, where reagent is added and quickly mixed. Finally, it returns to the variable temperature station Q2 to maintain the appropriate temperature for the UNG reaction. This mixing zone Q1 facilitates rapid mixing of the newly added reagent with the existing reagent in the tube, ensuring a more complete UNG reaction.

[0075] In actual implementation, these stations can be arranged in any order along the variable temperature channel 501. Preferably, the mixing station Q1, the variable temperature station Q2, the first constant temperature station Q3, the second constant temperature station Q4 and the third constant temperature station Q5 are arranged in sequence. On the one hand, at this time, the mixing station Q1 and the variable temperature station Q2 are adjacent. During the UNG reaction stage, the reagent tube A only needs a very short relative path to be able to travel back and forth between the mixing station Q1 and the variable temperature station Q2, which is beneficial to improving the detection efficiency. On the other hand, from the variable temperature station Q2 to the first constant temperature station Q3, a cooling is completed, and from the second constant temperature station Q4 to the third station, a heating is completed. As long as the reagent tube A moves directly along the variable temperature channel 501 in one direction, it can pass through these four stations and complete the temperature change of a single cycle during the amplification process. The short temperature change path is also beneficial to improving the detection efficiency.

[0076] In other embodiments, along the temperature-variable channel 501, there are arranged a mixing station Q1, a fourth constant temperature station, a first constant temperature station Q3, a second constant temperature station Q4 and a third constant temperature station Q5. Figure 2 The variable temperature station Q2 is replaced by a fourth constant temperature station having a heat conducting member 222 with a constant temperature maintained below the low temperature transition temperature. During temperature control, the station switching of the reagent tube A in the variable temperature channel 501 is the same as that when the variable temperature station Q2 is set above.

[0077] In some other embodiments, a variable temperature station Q2, a first constant temperature station Q3, a second constant temperature station Q4, and a third constant temperature station Q5 are arranged along the variable temperature channel 501. In still other embodiments, a fourth constant temperature station, a first constant temperature station Q3, a second constant temperature station Q4, and a third constant temperature station Q5 are arranged along the variable temperature channel 501.

[0078] In some embodiments, in conjunction with Figure 2 、 Figure 3 The adaptive clamping assembly 100 includes a mounting seat 110 arranged on the carrier 500, a floating compression fitting 120 for pressing the reagent tube A in the temperature-changing channel 501, and an elastic member 130 arranged between the mounting seat 110 and the floating compression fitting 120. The floating compression fitting 120 is movably arranged on the mounting seat 110. The floating compression fitting 120 adaptively compresses or releases the reagent tube A by moving relative to the mounting seat 110. A compression surface 120a for contacting the reagent tube A is provided on the floating compression fitting 120.

[0079] When the reagent tube A is squeezed into the section (a certain workstation) in the variable temperature channel 501 corresponding to the floating compression fitting 120, the floating compression fitting 120 adaptively moves in the direction away from the opposite side of the variable temperature channel 501 according to the degree of squeezing of the reagent tube A, so that the width of the corresponding section adaptively changes. The elastic member 130 will adaptively provide elastic force so that the floating compression fitting 120 is balanced under the action of the elastic force and the extrusion force of the reagent tube A. The floating compression fitting 120 can always reliably compress the reagent in the section with variable width, so that one side of the reagent tube A is close to the compression surface 120a, and the other side of the reagent tube A is close to the other side of the variable temperature channel 501.

[0080] The reagent tube A in the above and following embodiments is Figure 5 Take the reagent tube A shown as an example, which has a flat portion A1 that fits into the compression space.

[0081] By adopting this adaptive clamping assembly, when the reagent tube A enters or leaves a certain workstation, the adaptive clamping assembly can always press the reagent tube A into the temperature-variable channel 501. Its adaptive ability prevents the reagent tube A from getting stuck or stuck during the entire process, and the entire process has almost no impact on the reagent tube A, which is conducive to the reagent tube A passing through the corresponding workstation smoothly, and the reagent tube A can fully contact the clamping surface 120a, which is conducive to more reliably pressing the reagent tube A to the corresponding workstation. In the actual implementation process, when the workstation through which the reagent tube A passes is provided with a heat conductor, the adaptive clamping assembly 100 is more conducive to the contact between the reagent tube A and the heat conductor, so that the temperature can be quickly transferred to the reagent tube A, and rapid temperature control of the reagent is achieved.

[0082] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 A guide groove 110c is provided on the mounting seat 110, and the length direction of the guide groove 110c is along the clamping direction. A guide portion is provided on the floating clamping member 120, and the guide portion is movably provided in the guide groove 110c, so that the entire floating clamping member 120 can move relative to the mounting seat 110. The clamping direction here is the direction away from or close to the opposite side of the clamping surface 120a. Figure 3In the embodiment, the guide portion is the portion corresponding to both ends of the pin 140. In other embodiments (not shown), the floating pressing member 120 is provided with a guide groove 110c, the length direction of the guide groove 110c is along the pressing direction, and the mounting seat 110 is provided with a guide portion, which is movably disposed in the guide groove 110c.

[0083] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The guide portion is a local portion of the pin 140 , the floating compression fitting 120 can rotate around the axis of the pin 140 , and the elastic members 130 are distributed on both sides of the pin 140 . Figure 3 In the embodiment, the elastic member 130 is a compression spring, and there are two elastic members 130 , with one elastic member 130 being provided on each side of the pin shaft 140 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0084] When the reagent tube A is squeezed into the section (any workstation) in the variable temperature channel 501 corresponding to the floating pressure fastener 120, the floating pressure fastener 120 still moves adaptively under the action of the elastic member 130, and the floating pressure fastener 120 can adaptively rotate around the pin shaft 140 under the action of the elastic member 130. If the floating compression fitting 120 cannot adaptively rotate around the pin shaft 140, when the reagent tube A cannot enter a certain work station at a predetermined angle, that is, when the surface of the flat portion A1 and the pressing surface 120a have a smaller angle, the pressing surface 120a will only be in line contact with the flat portion A1 of the reagent tube A, and cannot be in full contact with the surface of the flat portion A1 of the reagent tube A. When the pressing surface 120a is needed for heat transfer, it will lead to low heat conduction efficiency, affecting the temperature control effect and the detection efficiency. However, this structure of the floating compression fitting 120 adaptively rotating around the pin shaft 140 enables the pressing surface 120a to always be reliably in close contact with the surface of the flat portion A1 of the reagent tube A, reliably achieve surface contact, and more stably and reliably compress the reagent tube A. If the pressing surface 120a is set on the first heat conductor 222, it is more conducive to the transfer of heat from other heat-driven components to the reagent tube A, which is more conducive to achieving heating or cooling and improving detection efficiency.

[0085] In some embodiments, in conjunction with Figure 2 、 Figure 5 The reagent tube A has a flat portion A1 that is squeezed into the temperature-variable channel 501. When the surface of the flat portion is a first inclined surface, the pressing surface 120a is a second inclined surface used to contact the first inclined surface. When the flat portion A1 is squeezed into the section of the temperature-variable channel 501 corresponding to the section where the pressing surface 120a is provided, the pressing surface 120a and the flat portion of the reagent tube A can be fully contacted and the pressing is reliable. If the pressing surface 120a is provided on the heat conductor 222, it is more conducive to the transfer of heat from other heat-driven components to the reagent tube A, which is more conducive to achieving heating or cooling and improving detection efficiency.

[0086] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The floating pressure fitting 120 is provided with a chamfered surface 120c for guiding the compressed object into the corresponding section of the temperature-variable channel 501. Transition arcs are provided on both sides of the chamfered surface 120c, with one transition arc located between the chamfered surface 120c and the pressure surface 120a. The provision of the chamfered surface 120c, along with transition arcs on both sides of the chamfered surface 120c, allows the reagent tube A to be squeezed into each station of the temperature-variable channel 501 more smoothly and reliably.

[0087] In some embodiments, see 3, the floating compression fitting 120 includes a first heat conducting member 222 and a first heat insulating member 224, wherein the first heat conducting member 222 is used as the aforementioned heat conducting member, the compression surface 120a is formed on the first heat conducting member 222, and the first heat insulating member 224 separates the first heat conducting member 222 and the mounting seat 110.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first thermal insulation member 224 includes a thermal insulation plate 224a and a protrusion 224b disposed on the thermal insulation plate 224a, with a pin hole defined in the protrusion 224b. The mounting base 110 includes a base plate 110a and a first lug 110b and a second lug disposed on the base plate 110a. The first lug 110b and the second lug are each provided with a waist-shaped hole serving as a guide groove 110c. A space 101 is formed between the thermal insulation plate 224a and the base plate 110a. The first lug 110b, the second lug, and the protrusion 224b are all located within the space 101. The first lug 110b and the second lug are symmetrically located on either side of the protrusion 224b. A pin 140 is disposed within the pin hole, with both ends of the pin 140 correspondingly extending through the waist-shaped holes in the first lug 110b and the second lug. In this case, the pin 140 is also located within the space 101, making the structure of the entire adaptive compression assembly compact.

[0089] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The floating pressure fitting 120 further includes a heating element 221 for heating the heat conducting member 222 and a first temperature collecting element for collecting the temperature of the first heat conducting member 222. The heating element 221 is in contact with the heat conducting member 222.

[0090] When the reagent tube A is squeezed into the contact with the corresponding floating pressure fastener 120, heat exchange occurs between the first heat conductor 222 and the reagent tube A, and the resistance of the thermistor changes according to the temperature of the first heat conductor 222, so that the detection voltage or detection current of the corresponding detection circuit changes, and is fed back to the controller or processor, etc. The controller or processor controls whether to make the heating element 221 heat the first heat conductor 222 according to whether the collected temperature value remains at the first target temperature, so that the temperature of the first heat conductor 222 is always maintained at the corresponding constant temperature.

[0091] Figure 3 In the embodiment, the first temperature collection element is located between the first thermal insulation member 224 and the first heat conducting member 222, and is installed in the groove 222a of the first heat conducting member 222. In actual implementation, the first temperature collection element can also be installed directly inside the first heat conducting member 222 without contacting the first thermal insulation member 224.

[0092] Figure 3 In the embodiment, the heating element 221 is disposed between the first heat insulating member 224 and the first heat conducting member 222 and is in full contact with the first heat conducting member 222. Figure 3 The lead wires in the portion labeled 221 refer to the leads connected to the heating element, but are actually intended to refer to the heating element 221 itself, which is located between the first thermal insulation member 224 and the first heat conductor 222. In actual implementation, the heating element 221 can also be directly installed inside the first heat conductor 222 without contacting the first thermal insulation member 224. In actual implementation, the heating element 221 can be a heating rod, a heating tube, etc., and the first temperature collection element can be a thermistor. For ease of understanding, it should be explained that in the figure, the number of the heating element 221 refers to the wire connected to the heating element 221, but in the description of this specification, the heating element 221 is intended to refer to the heating element 221 itself.

[0093] It should be noted that, in actual implementation, the choice of whether the floating compression assembly 120 includes the heating element 221 is determined based on the functionality of each process. For the mixing station Q1, the corresponding adaptive compression assembly 100 may or may not include the heating element 221; the variable temperature station Q2 does not, however. For each constant temperature station, at least one adaptive compression assembly 100 must be equipped with the heating element 221.

[0094] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 The adaptive compacting assembly 100 is provided on one side of the mixing station Q1, and a mixing assembly is provided on the other side of the mixing station Q1. The mixing assembly includes a vibration head 420 and an ultrasonic vibration source 410 for providing vibration power to the vibration head 420. A mixing and compacting space for the reagent tube A to be squeezed into or passed through is formed between the adaptive compacting assembly 100 and the top of the vibration head 420. The mixing and compacting space belongs to a partial section of the variable temperature channel 501 and can also become a mixing station.

[0095] When the reagent tube A enters the mixing station Q1, the reagent tube is squeezed into the space between the top of the vibration head 420 and the pressing surface 120a, that is, squeezed into the mixing and pressing space. The vibration source 410 drives the vibration head 420 to vibrate, and the vibration head 420 drives the reagent tube and the reagent in the reagent tube to vibrate, thereby achieving mixing of the reagent in the reagent tube. During the vibration process, the position of the reagent tube will float due to the vibration. The adaptive pressing component 100 can always reliably press the reagent tube A between the vibration head 420 and the pressing surface 120a until the reagent tube A leaves the mixing and pressing space.

[0096] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 、 Figure 4 A temperature variable component 300 is provided on one side of the temperature variable station Q2, and an adaptive clamping component 100 is provided on the other side of the temperature variable station Q2. The temperature variable component 300 includes a temperature variable heat conductor 310 used as a heat conductor and a temperature variable element 320 used to heat or cool the temperature variable heat conductor 310. The temperature variable heat conductor 310 is provided with a heat conductive clamping surface 311 for directly contacting the reagent tube A. A temperature variable clamping space for the reagent tube A to squeeze in or pass through is formed between the adaptive clamping component 100 and the heat conductive clamping surface 311. The temperature variable clamping space belongs to a partial section of the temperature variable channel 501.

[0097] When the reagent tube A enters the temperature-variable station Q2, it squeezes into the temperature-variable compression space and contacts the heat-conducting compression surface 311 and the compression surface 120a, respectively. The adaptive compression assembly 100 is able to reliably compress the reagent tube A between the heat-conducting compression surface 311 and the compression surface 120a until the reagent tube A leaves the temperature-variable compression space. In the description of the above embodiment, the temperature-variable element 320 is used to cool the reagent tube. In actual implementation, the temperature-variable element 320 can be used to heat or cool the reagent tube A, achieving rapid temperature rise or fall.

[0098] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The temperature-changing element 320 is a semiconductor refrigeration plate, and the temperature-changing component 300 also includes a heat sink 330, a second thermal insulation member 340, a second temperature collection element 360 for collecting the temperature of the heat sink 330, and a third temperature collection element 370 for collecting the temperature of the second heat conductor 222; the second thermal insulation member 340 is arranged on the heat sink 330 and separates the heat sink 330 and the second thermal insulation member 340; a hollow installation area 341 is provided on the second thermal insulation member 340, and the semiconductor refrigeration plate is arranged in the hollow installation area 341; among the cold end and the hot end of the semiconductor refrigeration plate, one end is in contact with the heat sink 330, and the other end is in contact with the second heat conductor 222.

[0099] When rapid cooling of the reagent tube A is required, the hot end contacts the heat sink 330, and the cold end contacts the second heat conductor 222. Conventional cooling methods have low cooling efficiency and easily condense into water temperature. This method, which utilizes semiconductor refrigeration chips, can achieve rapid cooling of the reagent tube A and can prevent condensation by repeatedly presetting the cold end target temperature.

[0100] After reagent tube A is squeezed into the temperature-variable compression space, the low temperature at the cold end is transferred to reagent tube A via the second thermally conductive element 222, achieving a cooling effect. During the actual cooling process, the temperature of the second thermally conductive element 222 can be preset to a first low temperature. The second and third temperature sensing elements 360 and 370 can then monitor the temperatures of the heat sink 330 and the second thermally conductive element 222 in real time. When the temperature of the second thermally conductive element 222 reaches the preset first temperature, the temperature of the second thermally conductive element 222 is reset to a target low temperature, which is lower than the first temperature. The temperature of the second thermally conductive element 222 then drops to the first low temperature, and the temperature of the reagent tube A also drops to the second low temperature. Of course, the second thermally conductive element 222 can remain unchanged throughout this process. In actual implementation, the second and third temperature sensing elements 360 and 370 can also be thermistors.

[0101] When the reagent tube A needs to be heated, the hot end contacts the second heat-conducting member 222 and the cold end contacts the heat sink 330 , so that the reagent tube A can be heated up quickly.

[0102] In some embodiments, a fan 350 is provided on the heat sink 330 to accelerate the heat dissipation of the heat sink 330 .

[0103] For ease of understanding, it is necessary to explain that Figure 4 In the figure, the second temperature collection element 360 and the third temperature collection element 370 refer to the wires connected to the corresponding temperature collection elements. However, in the description of this specification, the second temperature collection element 360 refers to the second temperature collection element itself, and the third temperature collection element 370 refers to the third temperature collection element itself.

[0104] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 An adaptive pressing assembly 100 is provided on one side of the mixing station Q1, and a mixing assembly is provided on the other side of the mixing station Q1; adaptive pressing assemblies 100 are provided on both sides of each constant temperature station, and in the adaptive pressing assembly 100 corresponding to a single constant temperature station, a heat conducting member and a heating element 221 for heating the heat conducting member are provided on at least one side of the adaptive pressing assembly 100. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the heat conducting member on the adaptive pressing assembly 100 is the first heat conducting member 222;

[0105] Among them, the mixing component, the temperature variable component 300 and one group of adaptive clamping components 100 in each constant temperature workstation are all arranged on the heat dissipation seat 330 and are on the same side of the temperature variable channel 501; each workstation on the other side of the temperature variable channel 501 is correspondingly provided with a group of adaptive clamping components 100.

[0106] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , each constant temperature station has the same structure, and the adaptive pressing assembly 100 is provided on both sides of each constant temperature station, for example, Figure 2 In the embodiment, adaptive clamping assemblies are provided on both sides of the first constant temperature station Q3, the second constant temperature station Q4 and the third constant temperature station Q5, and a constant temperature clamping space for the reagent tube A to squeeze in or pass through is formed between the adaptive clamping assemblies 100 on both sides of each constant temperature station, and in the adaptive clamping assemblies 100 corresponding to a single constant temperature station, the adaptive clamping assemblies 100 on at least one side are provided with the heat conductor and the heating element 221 for heating the heat conductor, and the constant temperature clamping space belongs to a partial section of the variable temperature channel 501, that is, in actual implementation, the first heat conductor 222 and the heating element 221 can be provided on the adaptive clamping assemblies 100 on both sides of the constant temperature station, or the first heat conductor 222 and the heating element 221 can be provided only on the adaptive clamping assemblies 100 on one side.

[0107] When the reagent tube A enters one of the constant temperature workstations, the reagent tube A can be smoothly squeezed into between the two pressing surfaces 120a of the two sets of adaptive pressing assemblies 100, that is, the corresponding constant temperature pressing space. No matter where the reagent tube A is in the constant temperature pressing space, the floating pressing parts 120 on both sides can achieve reliable positioning of the reagent tube A through adaptive floating. The reagent tube A and the pressing surface 120a can always be in full contact, so that the reagent tube A can exchange heat with the heat conductor 222. When the adaptive pressing assemblies 100 on both sides are provided with heat conductors 222 and heating elements 221, the pressing surfaces 120a on both sides heat the reagent tube A, and the heat exchange is faster, which is conducive to making the temperature of the reagent tube A and the reagent inside it quickly reach the corresponding temperature.

[0108] In some embodiments, see Figure 1The temperature control module includes a frame and a drive mechanism for driving the carrier 500 relative to the frame. During temperature control, the reagent tube A remains stationary relative to the frame. The drive mechanism includes a lead screw 610, a lead screw nut 610, and a power element 630. The lead screw 610 is mounted on the frame, with the arrangement of the units aligned with the axial direction of the lead screw 610. The lead screw nut 610 is mounted on the carrier 500 and matingly connected to the lead screw 610. The power element 630 is mounted on the frame and is used to provide the rotational power for the lead screw 610. In other words, the temperature-variable channel 501 moves while the reagent tube A remains stationary.

[0109] This method of using the screw 610 and the screw 610 nut to drive the carrier 500 to move allows the moving stroke position of the carrier 500 to be more accurately controlled, which is beneficial to ensuring that the reagent tube A can reliably enter another station from one station, and is beneficial to ensuring the reliability of each process.

[0110] Anyone skilled in the art may 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 persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concepts disclosed herein are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A temperature control module, characterized in that: The invention comprises a carrier, the carrier being provided with a temperature-variable channel for a reagent tube to pass through, a plurality of workstations being arranged along the temperature-variable channel, at least two of which are correspondingly provided with heat-conducting members for contacting and exchanging heat with the reagent tube, and each workstation being provided with an adaptive pressing assembly on at least one side of the temperature-variable channel; the adaptive pressing assembly is used to adaptively adjust the width of the temperature-variable channel at a corresponding section of the corresponding workstation when the reagent tube enters the corresponding workstation, so as to adaptively press the reagent tube; The carrier and the reagent tube can be relatively moved or rotated, so that the reagent tube switches between workstations in the temperature-variable channel by relative movement or rotation; a polymerase chain reaction is performed in the reagent tube, and according to the progress of the polymerase chain reaction, the reagent tube is continuously moved or rotated in the plurality of workstations until the polymerase chain reaction is completed; The adaptive pressing assembly includes: a mounting seat, which is arranged on the supporting member; a floating pressing member for pressing the reagent tube in the temperature-variable channel, the floating pressing member being movably arranged on the mounting seat, the floating pressing member adaptively pressing or loosening the reagent tube by moving relative to the mounting seat, the floating pressing member being provided with a pressing surface for contacting the reagent tube; and an elastic member, which is arranged between the mounting seat and the floating pressing member; when the reagent tube is squeezed into the section of the temperature-variable channel corresponding to the floating pressing member, the floating pressing member adaptively moves under the action of the elastic member; The floating compression fitting comprises: a first heat conducting member serving as the heat conducting member, the compression surface being formed on the first heat conducting member; and a first heat insulating member separating the first heat conducting member and the mounting seat; The mounting seat is provided with a guide groove, and the floating pressing fitting is provided with a guide portion; or the floating pressing fitting is provided with a guide groove, and the mounting seat is provided with a guide portion; the guide portion is a pin; The first thermal insulation component includes a thermal insulation board and a protrusion arranged on the thermal insulation board, and a pin hole is provided on the protrusion; the mounting seat includes a base plate and a first support ear and a second support ear arranged on the base plate, and the first support ear and the second support ear are both provided with a waist-shaped hole serving as the guide groove; a spacing space is formed between the thermal insulation board and the base plate, and the first support ear, the second support ear and the protrusion are all located in the spacing space, and the first support ear and the second support ear are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the protrusion, and the pin shaft is arranged to pass through the pin hole, and the two ends of the pin shaft pass through the waist-shaped holes on the first support ear and the second support ear in a one-to-one corresponding manner.

2. The temperature control module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting seat is provided with a guide groove, the length direction of the guide groove is along the pressing direction, and the floating pressing member is provided with a guide portion, and the guide portion is movably arranged in the guide groove; or The floating pressing member is provided with a guide groove, the length direction of the guide groove is along the pressing direction, and the mounting seat is provided with a guide portion, and the guide portion is movably provided in the guide groove.

3. The temperature control module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide portion is a pin shaft, the floating pressing member can rotate around the axis of the pin shaft, and the elastic members are distributed on both sides of the pin shaft; When the reagent tube is squeezed into the section of the temperature-changing channel corresponding to the floating compression fitting, the floating compression fitting adaptively rotates around the pin shaft under the action of the elastic member.

4. The temperature control module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reagent tube has a flat portion squeezed into the temperature-changing channel, the surface of the flat portion is a first inclined surface, and the pressing surface is a second inclined surface for contacting with the first inclined surface.

5. The temperature control module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating pressing member is provided with a chamfered surface for guiding the pressed object to be squeezed into the corresponding section of the temperature-changing channel. Transition arcs are provided on both sides of the chamfered surface, and the transition arc on one side is located between the chamfered surface and the pressing surface.

6. The temperature control module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The floating pressing fitting also includes: a heating element, configured to heat the first heat-conducting member, wherein the heating element is in contact with the first heat-conducting member; a first temperature collecting element, the first temperature collecting element being used to collect the temperature of the first heat conducting member; The first temperature collecting element is directly provided on the first heat conducting member; or the first temperature collecting element is provided between the first heat insulating member and the first heat conducting member and is in direct contact with the first heat conducting member.

7. The temperature control module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the temperature-changing channel, a mixing station, a temperature-changing station, a first constant temperature station, a second constant temperature station and a third constant temperature station are arranged; or Along the temperature-changing channel, a mixing station, a fourth constant temperature station, a first constant temperature station, a second constant temperature station and a third constant temperature station are arranged; or Along the temperature-changing channel, there are arranged a temperature-changing station, a first constant temperature station, a second constant temperature station and a third constant temperature station; or Along the temperature-changing channel, the fourth constant temperature station, the first constant temperature station, the second constant temperature station and the third constant temperature station are arranged; Among them, the mixing station is used to mix the reagents in the reagent tube, the variable temperature station has a heat-conducting part with variable temperature, the variable temperature station and the fourth constant temperature station are both used to cool the reagent tube to a temperature close to the target low temperature, the first constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target low temperature, the second constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at a high temperature transition temperature, and the high temperature transition temperature is higher than the target high temperature; the third constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained at the target high temperature; the fourth constant temperature station has a heat-conducting part with a constant temperature and maintained below the low temperature transition temperature, and the low temperature transition temperature is lower than the target temperature.

8. The temperature control module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The adaptive compacting assembly is provided on one side of the mixing station, and a mixing assembly is provided on the other side of the mixing station. The mixing assembly includes a vibration head and an ultrasonic vibration source for providing vibration power to the vibration head. A mixing and compacting space is formed between the adaptive compacting assembly and the top of the vibration head for the reagent tube to squeeze in or pass through. The mixing and compacting space belongs to a partial section of the variable temperature channel.

9. The temperature control module according to claim 8, characterized in that: A temperature-changing component is provided on one side of the temperature-changing station, and an adaptive pressing component is provided on the other side of the temperature-changing station. The temperature-changing component includes a temperature-changing heat-conducting part used as the heat-conducting part and a temperature-changing element used to heat or cool the temperature-changing heat-conducting part. The temperature-changing heat-conducting part is provided with a heat-conducting pressing surface for directly contacting the reagent tube. A temperature-changing pressing space is formed between the adaptive pressing component and the heat-conducting pressing surface for the reagent tube to squeeze into or pass through. The temperature-changing pressing space belongs to a partial section of the temperature-changing channel.

10. The temperature control module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The temperature-changing element is a semiconductor refrigeration plate, and the temperature-changing assembly also includes a heat sink, a second thermal insulation member, a second temperature collection element for collecting the temperature of the heat sink, and a third temperature collection element for collecting the temperature of the second heat conductor; the second thermal insulation member is arranged on the heat sink and separates the heat sink and the second thermal insulation member; a hollow installation area is provided on the second thermal insulation member, and the semiconductor refrigeration plate is arranged in the hollow installation area; among the cold end and the hot end of the semiconductor refrigeration plate, one end is in contact with the heat sink, and the other end is in contact with the second heat conductor, and a fan is provided on the heat sink.

11. The temperature control module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The adaptive pressing assembly is provided on one side of the mixing station, and the mixing assembly is provided on the other side of the mixing station; the adaptive pressing assembly is provided on both sides of each constant temperature station, and among the adaptive pressing assemblies corresponding to a single constant temperature station, the heat conducting member and the heating element for heating the heat conducting member are provided on at least one side of the adaptive pressing assembly; Among them, the mixing component, the temperature variable component and one group of adaptive clamping components in each constant temperature workstation are all arranged on the heat dissipation seat and are on the same side of the temperature variable channel, and each workstation on the other side of the temperature variable channel is correspondingly provided with a group of the adaptive clamping components.

12. The temperature control module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The adaptive clamping components are provided on both sides of each constant temperature station, and a constant temperature clamping space for the reagent tube to squeeze in or pass through is formed between the adaptive clamping components on both sides of each constant temperature station, and in the adaptive clamping components corresponding to a single constant temperature station, the adaptive clamping components on at least one side are provided with the heat conductor and the heating element for heating the heat conductor, and the constant temperature clamping space belongs to a partial section of the variable temperature channel.

13. The temperature control module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The apparatus further comprises a frame and a driving mechanism for driving the carrier to move relative to the frame. During temperature control, the reagent tube is stationary relative to the frame. The driving mechanism comprises: A lead screw is provided on the frame, and the arrangement direction of each unit is consistent with the axial direction of the lead screw; A lead screw nut, the lead screw nut being arranged on the bearing member, and the lead screw and the lead screw nut being cooperatively connected; A power element, the power element being arranged on the frame and being used to provide power for the rotation of the lead screw; The power element is connected to a driving wheel, the lead screw is provided with a driven wheel, and the driving wheel and the driven wheel are driven by a synchronous belt.

Images