A carrier mechanism and nucleic acid extraction device capable of automatically unloading magnetic rod sleeves

Abstract

This invention discloses a support mechanism and a nucleic acid extraction device capable of automatically unloading magnetic rod sleeves. The support mechanism includes opposing support units that can be connected to at least a portion of opposite sides of the magnetic rod sleeve to receive the magnetic rod sleeve. A magnetic rod sleeve unloading assembly includes two connected sub-rotating plates, each connected to the opposing support unit and to a clasp unit of at least one of the sub-rotating plates. A magnetic rod sleeve unloading drive assembly includes a magnetic rod sleeve unloading clasp and a first drive mechanism. When the magnetic rod sleeve needs to be unloaded, the first drive mechanism drives the clasp along a first direction, causing a change in the relative position between the clasp and the clasp. This allows at least a portion of the clasp to contact at least a portion of the clasp, thereby applying a reaction force along a second direction different from the first direction to the clasp. This changes the state of the opposing support units to complete the unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve, making the entire mechanism simple and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, specifically to a carrier mechanism capable of automatically unloading a magnetic rod sleeve and a nucleic acid extraction device. Background Technology

[0002] Genetic material detection is widely used in various types of in vitro diagnostic technologies. A crucial step is isolating DNA or RNA fragments from bacterial cells or viral bodies. Clinical practice utilizes various methods, including organic solvent extraction, ion exchange resin extraction, column membrane extraction, and magnetic bead extraction. Organic solvent extraction offers flexibility but results in lower product purity. Column membrane extraction provides high purity and low inhibitor concentrations but has limited sample processing capacity. Magnetic bead extraction offers higher automation, high product purity, and the ability to process large sample volumes, making it the more widely adopted method. Its basic steps include lysis, salt bridging, and elution. First, in the lysis reaction, the lysis buffer breaks down the shell, releasing nucleic acids. Proteinase K denatures the protein, making the nucleic acids insoluble in the organic solvent. Second, in the salt bridging reaction, the negatively charged OH groups on the outer surface of the magnetic beads in a high-salt environment... - O2 exposed phosphate groups in nucleotides - And Na + Ion bridging is performed, and finally, the salt ion solvent is removed during the elution process. After adding water, the nucleic acid dissolves in the water, detaches from the magnetic beads, and dissolves in the water to obtain the final desired DNA or RNA fragment.

[0003] In recent years, the development of automated nucleic acid extraction equipment with higher throughput has been increasingly explored by manufacturers and researchers. As early as 1994, designs for high-throughput nucleic acid extraction equipment were developed. US patent application US08308561 and its related application AU1995035557 disclosed a scheme for simultaneously extracting and separating target substances from multiple samples using an arrayed ferromagnetic rod assembly. The initial design controlled the magnetism of the arrayed ferromagnetic rod assembly by removing or applying a moving magnet, thereby capturing or releasing magnetic beads. However, this design suffered from the problem of contamination of the rod assembly after sample extraction. The US patent US9023212B2, which claims German priority, designs a replaceable and detachable magnetic rod sleeve unit for use with magnetic rod assemblies, thus solving the contamination problem in automated extraction. However, these solutions only explore the principles. How to achieve automated high-throughput nucleic acid extraction is an important problem that needs to be solved. The European patent EP1684909B1 provides a fully automated rotary high-throughput nucleic acid extraction device and proposes a scheme to set the magnetism of at least some of the magnetic rods to be opposite to that of other magnetic rods to ensure higher purity and more product even in high-throughput extraction.

[0004] In the above solutions, the magnetic rod sleeve is a crucial component, responsible for functions such as stirring the liquid and adsorbing magnetic beads. To meet the requirements of efficient production and minimal human intervention to prevent risks such as infection among participants, the magnetic rod sleeve often needs to be automatically unloaded to a specific position after use. Chinese utility model patent CN214654827U utilizes a drive motor in conjunction with a driven, inclined push rod to automatically unload the magnetic rod sleeve mounting part. Invention patent application CN112457952A discloses a solution using a motor-driven L-shaped pull plate to hook the drive plate and unload the stirring sleeve. Chinese invention patent CN105733941B proposes a solution using a third motor to drive a detacher along a third linear guide rail, pushing the upper end face of the isolation sleeve as it moves downwards, thus removing the isolation sleeve from the gear shaft. These different design solutions directly change the state of the magnetic rod sleeve mounting base using the driving force output by the motor. Through force analysis of the interaction, it can be determined that the driving force output by the motor needs to serve as the driving force required to change the state of the mounting base. This solution has high requirements for the magnitude of the driving force. To reduce the output torque requirement of each motor, some systems employ multiple motors, such as the scheme disclosed in utility model patent application CN214060467U that uses two motors to drive two mounting units for unloading. However, this complicates the overall system design and reduces reliability. Another approach, as proposed in utility model applications CN213680631U, Chinese authorized invention patents CN103849549B, and CN113846007B, involves changing the driving force required to change the state of the balance mounting base, converting it into rotational driving force, or utilizing transmission characteristics such as levers. This allows the motor body and the stirring sleeve mounting frame to be connected to the same base. While these designs may reduce the output torque requirement of the drive motor to some extent, they neglect another crucial function of the stirring sleeve: the stirring of the liquid. Most of these systems use up-and-down oscillation for mixing. Sharing a base between the motor body and the stirring sleeve mounting frame would subject the motor to frequent oscillations, placing extremely high demands on the motor's reliability. Ordinary motors would be at risk of rapid damage.

[0005] To address the two main issues in existing structural designs—firstly, the need for motors with higher output torque to provide sufficient driving force, leading to excessively large or numerous drive motors and complex system design; and secondly, the high risk of motor damage due to frequent oscillations, resulting in serious system reliability problems—there is an urgent need to develop a support mechanism and nucleic acid extraction device capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve. This mechanism should require only a small drive mechanism to achieve unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve with a force greater than, or even several times, its output driving force. Furthermore, the oscillations of the stirring sleeve should not affect the drive mechanism, ensuring reliable system operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a support mechanism and nucleic acid extraction device that can automatically unload the magnetic rod sleeve, thereby solving the problem that excessive driving force or vibration in existing structural designs affects reliability.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] A bearing mechanism for automatically unloading magnetic rod sleeves includes opposing bearing units that can be connected to at least a portion of opposite sides of the magnetic rod sleeve to receive the magnetic rod sleeve; a magnetic rod sleeve unloading assembly includes two connected sub-rotating plates, each connected to the opposing bearing unit, and a latch connected to at least one of the sub-rotating plates, the two sub-rotating plates being able to rotate in opposite directions under force; a magnetic rod sleeve unloading drive assembly includes a magnetic rod sleeve unloading hinge and a first drive mechanism; when the magnetic rod sleeve needs to be unloaded, the first drive mechanism drives the magnetic rod sleeve unloading hinge along a first direction, causing a change in the relative position between the magnetic rod sleeve unloading hinge and the latch, so that at least a portion of the latch can contact at least a portion of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading hinge under force, thereby applying a reaction force along a second direction different from the first direction to the latch, which can change the state of the opposing bearing unit to complete the unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, the component of the reaction force in the second direction in the first direction is less than the driving force of the first driving mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the two sub-rotating plates are connected by a first connecting rod, which is hinged to the opposite ends of the two sub-rotating plates respectively. When any sub-rotating plate rotates, it will drive the opposite sub-rotating plate to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the supporting unit is a magnetic rod sleeve supporting plate, and the two sub-rotating plates are connected to the magnetic rod sleeve supporting plate through two rotating shafts.

[0012] Furthermore, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the first driving mechanism is a drive motor.

[0014] Furthermore, the first driving mechanism is an electromagnetic driving mechanism, and the clasp is a permanent magnetic clasp made of magnetic material.

[0015] Furthermore, the magnetic rod sleeve unloading assembly also includes an elastic element connected to the sub-rotating plate, which can drive the sub-rotating plate to return to the bearing state of the bearing unit by the tension force generated by its elastic deformation.

[0016] Furthermore, when the magnetic rod sleeve needs to be unloaded, the two sub-rotating plates change position, causing the tension force generated by the elastic element to be greater than the driving force output by the first driving mechanism to change the position of the clamp shaft.

[0017] Furthermore, the magnetic rod sleeve comprises 96 magnetic rod sleeve sub-units used in conjunction with the magnetic rod.

[0018] Furthermore, the supporting unit also includes a positioning unit that can engage the magnetic rod sleeve.

[0019] The present invention also discloses a nucleic acid extraction device comprising at least one first aspect of a carrier mechanism capable of automatically unloading a magnetic rod sleeve.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] 1. The bearing mechanism of the present invention includes opposing magnetic rod sleeve bearing units and two sub-rotating plates connected to the opposing units, wherein at least one sub-rotating plate is connected to a clasp. When the stirring sleeve needs to be unloaded, the clasp of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading drive assembly is driven by a first drive mechanism along a first direction, causing a change in the relative position between the clasp and the clasp. Thus, at least a portion of the clasp can contact at least a portion of the clasp, thereby applying a reaction force along a second direction different from the first direction to the clasp. This changes the state of the opposing bearing units to complete the unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve, thus ensuring that the drive mechanism only needs to bear the second direction in the first direction of output driving force. The component of the reaction force can be optimized by adjusting the angle between the two directions so that the component of the reaction force in the first direction is smaller than or even much smaller than the driving force of the first drive mechanism. This can greatly reduce the output torque of the first drive mechanism. Of course, the reaction force here is much larger than the driving force of the first mechanism. This avoids the problems of excessively large drive mechanism size and complex design caused by directly using the driving force of the drive mechanism to change the state of the bearing unit, which is a problem in existing technology. Even better, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, so that the component of the reaction force in the second direction in the first direction can be almost ignored, which further reduces the driving force of the first drive mechanism.

[0022] 2. By connecting the two sub-rotating plates with the first connecting rod, the two sub-rotating plates can move synchronously, ensuring a simple and reliable design. Furthermore, the magnetic rod sleeve carrying unit is a magnetic rod sleeve carrying plate, and it is connected to the rotating plate by a rotating shaft, ensuring that the magnetic rod sleeve carrying unit can reliably carry the magnetic rod sleeve. Moreover, the positioning unit set therein can accurately fix the magnetic rod sleeve, ensuring a more efficient and accurate extraction process.

[0023] 3. Since the first drive mechanism designed in this scheme only bears the component of the reaction force, it can be designed as a drive motor. This motor can have a small output torque, or even be designed as an electromagnetic drive mechanism. The position of the clasp can be changed through electromagnetic and magnetic configuration. Of course, the clasp can be designed as a permanent magnetic clasp made of magnetic material.

[0024] 4. The magnetic rod sleeve unloading assembly of this solution also includes an elastic element connected to the sub-rotating plate. The elastic element can generate a tension force through its elastic deformation to drive the sub-rotating plate to return to the bearing state of the magnetic rod sleeve bearing unit. This can maintain the bearing state under normal conditions. Furthermore, by setting the tension force generated by the elastic element to be greater than the driving force output by the first drive mechanism to change the position of the clamp shaft when the magnetic rod sleeve needs to be unloaded due to the position change of the two sub-rotating plates, the spring tension force is ensured to be sufficient. This ensures that the stirring sleeve can be reliably supported during processes such as vibration and stirring without failure or falling off. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the bearing mechanism provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the magnetic rod sleeve unloading assembly and the magnetic rod sleeve bearing unit provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the mounting plate connection and bearing mechanism provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a module including a support mechanism provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figures 7-10 This is a schematic diagram of a magnetic rod sleeve installation provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another perspective of the structure of the bearing mechanism provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic rod sleeve provided by the present invention being constrained by the positioning unit within the bearing mechanism;

[0032] Figures 14-16 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve after extraction using the bearing mechanism of this invention;

[0033] In the diagram: 100 - Deep hole plate consumable; 1011 - First sub-rotating plate; 1012 - Second sub-rotating plate; 102 - First connecting rod; 103 - Clamp; 1041 - First bearing unit; 1042 - Second bearing unit; 105 - Rotating shaft; 1051 - First unloading part installation unit; 1052 - Second unloading part installation unit; 1053 - Connecting plate; 1054 - Unloading part; 1055 - Connecting pin; 1061, 1062 - Elastic elements ; 107-Positioning protrusion; 108-Longitudinal positioning slot; 109-Card groove; 20-Magnetic rod sleeve mounting plate; 200-Base plate; 30-Magnetic rod sleeve; 301-Positioning hole; 302-Longitudinal fitting ridge; 303-Magnetic rod sleeve sub-unit; 304-Guide strip; 305-Clip; 306-Magnetic rod sleeve handle; 401-Magnetic rod sleeve unloading clip shaft; 402-First drive mechanism; 50-Magnetic rod assembly; 501-Magnetic rod sub-unit; 60-Magnetic rod mounting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0035] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0037] As revealed in the background section regarding the publicly disclosed structural analysis, automated unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve is essential. This ensures that users do not come into contact with the used magnetic rod sleeve, thus avoiding the risk of infection. Currently, the structural design for unloading the magnetic rod sleeve utilizes the driving force output by a motor to drive the support unit to change its position, such as rotating it at a certain angle to achieve unloading. The problem with this structure is that it requires the drive motor to output sufficient driving force. Of course, some designs use two motors to drive the support unit separately in order to reduce the driving force, which makes the system design more complex. Another solution is to place the drive motor and the support unit on the same mounting plate and use levers or screw gears to output driving force. This design may reduce the driving force to some extent, but the drive motor will have to withstand frequent vibrations during the extraction and stirring process, which poses a significant risk to the reliability of the drive motor.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a portion of the structure of the support mechanism of the present invention, including opposing support units, shown here as follows. Figure 1 The first bearing unit 1041 and the second bearing unit 1042 in the middle are arranged opposite each other and can have a preset distance, which can be adapted to the length or width of the magnetic rod sleeve.

[0040] It also includes a magnetic rod sleeve unloading assembly, comprising two connected first sub-rotor plates 1011 and second sub-rotor plates 1012, the sub-rotor plates having the same structure. Figure 2 The center of the sub-rotating plate can be designed as the connecting part of the retaining shaft 105, with two symmetrical connecting positions on both sides of the center, an upper connecting position and a lower connecting position. The two sub-rotating plates can include a first connecting rod 102 (which can be made of flexible or rigid materials, etc.). Figure 1 The diagram illustrates connecting one end of the first connecting rod 102 to the lower connection position of the first sub-rotating plate 1011 and the upper connection position of the second sub-rotating plate 1012.

[0041] and Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the structure of the clasp 103 connected to the upper connection position of the first sub-rotating plate 1011 (the clasp 103 and the first sub-rotating plate 1011 can be connected in a fixed manner). To achieve synchronous driving of the two sub-rotating plates for the two carrier units, the retaining shaft 105 is connected to the center position of each of the two different sub-rotating plates. The two carrier units 1041 and 1042 are then directly or indirectly connected via the retaining shaft 105. This connection method can employ… Figure 2 Indirect connection structure or Figure 3The direct connection structure does not affect the specific application. With this structural design, when the clasp 103 is driven to change its state, which is shown here as a clockwise rotation, the first sub-rotating plate 1011 connected to it is also driven to rotate clockwise. Consequently, the clasp 105 connected to the center of the first sub-rotating plate 1011 is driven to rotate clockwise, and the first bearing unit 1041 connected to the clasp 105 will also rotate clockwise, which is shown here as the first bearing unit rotating downwards. At the same time, the first connecting rod 102 connected to the lower end of the first sub-rotating plate 1011 is also driven to rotate clockwise, which is similar to the design of a seesaw.

[0042] Since the clasp 103 and the first connecting rod 102 are symmetrically connected to the connection positions on both sides of the central connection position of the clasp 105, the clockwise rotation angle of the upper end driven by the clasp 103 will be synchronously and indiscriminately transmitted to the clockwise rotation angle of one end of the first connecting rod 102 around the center. The upper end of the second sub-rotating piece 1012, which is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod 102, is driven to rotate counterclockwise by the same angle. At this time, the clasp 105 connected to the center of the second sub-rotating piece 1012 is driven to rotate counterclockwise. The second bearing unit 1042, which is connected to the clasp 105 similarly to the previous one, is driven to rotate counterclockwise. In this way, the state of the opposing bearing unit can be changed to complete the unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve. In this example, the opposing bearing unit produces opposite synchronous rotational motion, thereby unloading the magnetic rod sleeve it supports.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] Based on the above embodiment 1, in order to ensure efficient and thorough uninstallation, such as Figure 2 The structure also includes an auxiliary unloading structure, which includes a first unloading part mounting unit 1051 and a second unloading part mounting unit 1052 connected to the card shaft 105. The two unloading part mounting units are connected by a connecting plate 1053. The connecting plate 1053 can also be integrated with the bearing unit. The unloading part mounting unit is connected to an unloading part 1054. When the opposing bearing units rotate synchronously in different directions, the unloading part 1054 can also rotate and apply a downward resisting force to the magnetic rod sleeve part on the bearing unit, thereby ensuring the efficient and reliable unloading effect of the magnetic rod sleeve. Multiple unloading parts 1054 can be provided.

[0045] Another unloading assistance scheme is to use a longer magnetic rod sub-unit. When the magnetic rod sleeve unloading mechanism drives the bearing unit to the open state, the magnetic rod sub-unit is driven to extend into the magnetic rod sleeve. In this way, the resistance of the longer magnetic rod unit to the magnetic rod sleeve can further ensure the reliable unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve.

[0046] To ensure that the magnetic rod sleeve can be accurately fixed within the support unit, the opposing support unit is also provided with a positioning protrusion 107. When the magnetic rod sleeve is received by the support unit, the positioning protrusion 107 cooperates with the positioning hole on the magnetic rod sleeve to ensure that it is reliably received and to ensure the accuracy of the assembly position. The support unit here can be set as a magnetic rod sleeve support plate structure, or it can be designed as a frame structure composed of hollow plates or even rods, without limiting the specific type.

[0047] Of course, the structure of two sub-transfer plates is not limited to this. Figure 2 The connection scheme between the two is not limited to the middle structure. Figure 2 The structure shown in the invention requires that the optimal design structure be such that the movement state of the clasp can be synchronously transmitted to the opposing support unit through two connected clasp shafts, so as to achieve synchronous state change of the two opposing support units. Ideally, the state change speed of the two support units should also be the same, with the only difference being the direction of the state change. This allows for smooth unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve. Of course, the state change speed of the opposing support units can also be designed to be different, or other transmission structures such as gears can be used. This is not a limitation here.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] Based on the above embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, it illustrates the structure of the bearing mechanism partially mounted on the magnetic rod sleeve mounting plate, and... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structures are identical, with some load-bearing mechanisms connected to the magnetic rod sleeve mounting plate 20 by at least one fixed connection part. This allows all movement of the magnetic rod sleeve to be directly transmitted through the magnetic rod sleeve mounting plate 20, preventing interference with other components during transfer or oscillating mixing movements. Figure 5 It can be seen that the first connecting rod can be fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the two sub-rotating plates through the connecting pin 1055. The rotating shaft here adopts... Figure 2 The segmented type of shaft design allows the load-bearing unit to be indirectly connected to the shaft; of course, it can also be used... Figure 3 It is a continuous long axis form.

[0050] Example 4

[0051] Based on the above embodiments 1 to 3, as Figure 6 As shown, it illustrates a modular structure diagram including the support mechanism of the present invention, wherein... Figure 4 or Figure 5Part of the supporting mechanism is connected to the guide rail of the stationary substrate 200 via guide rails. Of course, for the reliability of the overall movement, multiple guide rails can be set. Then, the magnetic rod sleeve mounting plate 20 can be connected to the lead screw or pulley via the drive motor. When it is necessary to vibrate and mix, the drive motor can be controlled to output vibrating motion, thereby driving the stirring sleeve supported on the supporting unit to vibrate up and down in the deep hole plate consumable 100 to achieve the mixing operation. The supporting module also includes a magnetic rod sleeve unloading drive assembly, which includes a first drive mechanism 402, which can be connected to a specific position of the substrate 200.

[0052] Since the first driving mechanism 402 is not connected to the magnetic rod sleeve mounting plate 20, the oscillation and mixing during nucleic acid extraction will not affect the first driving mechanism. The substrate 200 has a working hole, and a magnetic rod sleeve unloading clip 401 is installed in the working hole. When the magnetic rod sleeve 30 needs to be unloaded, the first driving mechanism drives the magnetic rod sleeve unloading clip 401 along a first direction, causing a change in the relative position between the magnetic rod sleeve unloading clip and the clip ear. The first direction shown here is perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 200. The first driving mechanism can make the magnetic rod... As the unloading pin 401 extends further out of the substrate 200, the relative position between the magnetic rod unloading pin 401 and the ear 103 changes. At least in the vertical direction, the magnetic rod unloading pin 401 can be at least partially covered and overlapped by the vertical projection of the ear 103. At this time, the magnetic rod mounting plate 20 drives the bearing unit and the like to move downward. Since the relative position between the magnetic rod unloading pin 401 and the ear 103 changes, at least a portion of the ear 103 can come into contact with at least a portion of the magnetic rod unloading pin 401 after descending a predetermined distance.

[0053] As shown in the partially enlarged schematic diagram, the clasp 103 can apply a contact pressure F perpendicular to the contact surface to the magnetic rod sleeve unloading clasp 401. 34 Meanwhile, the CAR-T 103 will be affected by the contact pressure F. 34 Driven by the reaction force, in Figure 6 In the structure, the reaction force has a second direction perpendicular to the first drive mechanism 402 driving the magnetic rod sleeve to unload the clasp shaft. Under the action of the reaction force in the second direction, the clasp 103 is driven to rotate clockwise.

[0054] Based on the previous description, the unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve can be achieved by changing the state of the opposing bearing unit. In this design, even if a particularly large driving force (i.e., a particularly large reaction force) is required to make the clasp 103 rotate, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, etc., multiples of the first driving force, from the force analysis of this structure, the reaction force is basically perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, its component force in the first direction is very small or even negligible. The balancing force for the reaction force is basically transmitted to the substrate 200. Therefore, as long as the strength of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading shaft 401 and the connection strength between the substrate and the magnetic rod sleeve unloading shaft are sufficient, the reaction force can be very large. The first driving mechanism 402 only needs to drive the movement of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading shaft 401 and provide a small locking force.

[0055] Therefore, by adopting the solution of the present invention, the first drive mechanism 402 can be designed as a motor with a small output torque to change the position of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading card shaft 401.

[0056] Alternatively, the first drive mechanism 402 can be designed as an electromagnetic drive mechanism, such as an electromagnet, and the magnetic rod sleeve unloading card shaft 401 can be designed as a permanent magnetic card shaft made of magnetic material. In this way, the position change of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading card shaft can be controlled by the change of the magnetic pole of the electromagnet.

[0057] Alternatively, the magnetic rod sleeve unloading clip 401 can be designed as a clip made of ferromagnetic material, and a recovery structure can be set on the clip so that the electromagnet is in a retracted state when it is not magnetic.

[0058] In other embodiments, the first direction can be designed to be non-perpendicular to the second direction, that is, there is a certain angle between the two. In this case, it is only necessary to ensure the reliability of the design by satisfying that the component of the reaction force in the second direction in the first direction is less than the driving force of the first driving mechanism. The larger component force is balanced by the supporting force provided by the substrate 200. Overall, the driving force output by the first driving mechanism can be less than the reaction force in the second direction, but it can still reliably provide the result of the large driving force required for the state change of the bearing unit. Compared with the existing design, the driving force required for the state change of the bearing unit is cleverly decomposed, and most of the component force is balanced by the supporting force of the substrate.

[0059] Example 5

[0060] Based on the above embodiments 1 to 4, as Figures 7-10 As shown, it illustrates a method for manually installing the magnetic rod sleeve, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in normal conditions, the opposing receiving unit is in a receiving state, forming a slot with the mounting bracket of the magnetic rod sleeve to receive the magnetic rod sleeve. The magnetic rod sleeve can be inserted into the slot from the side. The opposing bearing unit can be connected to at least part of the opposite side of the magnetic rod sleeve to achieve a reliable connection to the magnetic rod sleeve.

[0061] In this example, the magnetic rod sleeve contains 96 magnetic rod sleeve sub-units that work with the magnetic rod. Of course, it can also be set to a structure of 48 magnetic rod sleeve units as needed. Its overall design is a matrix arrangement.

[0062] A positioning unit is also provided on the opposite side of the connecting support unit, which includes a positioning hole 301 that can fix the position and a longitudinal fitting ridge 302 to ensure that the magnetic rod sleeve does not shift or slip during the extraction process.

[0063] Of course, an automatic loading magnetic rod sleeve can also be used for installation. The magnetic rod sleeve unloading clip can be set to have a certain extension in the vertical direction, so that the clip can be continuously supported. When the bearing unit is located at the lower part of the magnetic rod sleeve, the extension can be cut off or an irregular structure can be designed so that the bearing unit is suddenly or slowly pulled to at least the part connected to the opposite side of the magnetic rod sleeve, thus completing the automatic installation. After that, the drive mechanism can retract the clip. The details will not be described in detail.

[0064] Figure 9 and Figure 10 and Figure 7 and Figure 8 The installation principle is similar, except that a magnetic rod sleeve handle 306 is added to ensure that the operator can better grip the magnetic rod sleeve. The top surface of the magnetic rod sleeve is provided with a guide strip 304 that can slide and be positioned with the groove on the magnetic rod sleeve bracket. The consumable body is also provided with a clip 305 that cooperates with the groove 109 opened on the magnetic rod sleeve bracket. When manually slid and installed in place, the clip and the groove can cooperate to form a positioning and fastening structure. The rest of the structure will not be described in detail.

[0065] Example 6

[0066] Based on the above embodiments 1 to 5, as Figure 11 As shown, it illustrates a scheme for restoring the bearing state of the load-bearing unit by relying on an elastic element. The elastic element 1062 is connected to the first sub-rotating plate 1011 or the second sub-rotating plate 1012. It can drive the first sub-rotating plate 1011 or the second sub-rotating plate 1012 to restore the bearing state of the load-bearing unit by relying on the tension force generated by its elastic deformation. The elastic element 1062 is provided on each sub-rotating plate to ensure that the first load-bearing unit 1041 or the second load-bearing unit 1042 is reliably and smoothly restored. The other end of the elastic element 1062 can be connected to the mounting plate 20 of the magnetic rod sleeve.

[0067] When the first sub-rotating plate 1011 or the second sub-rotating plate 1012 is driven to rotate by the latch 103, the elastic element 1062 is stretched to generate a greater tension force to resist the rotational movement, thereby making the first bearing unit 1041 or the second bearing unit 1042 rotate more smoothly. After unloading, it only needs to move upward, and the tension force generated by the spring can drive the first bearing unit 1041 or the second bearing unit 1042 to return to the bearing state.

[0068] More preferably, the elastic element can have a predetermined tension force when in the receiving state, that is, a specific tensile deformation length in the initial state, so that the first bearing unit 1041 or the second bearing unit 1042 can reliably connect to the edge of the magnetic rod sleeve, so as not to shake and to achieve a more thorough mixing effect during the extraction process.

[0069] The elastic element 1062 here can be a spring element with double hooks, or other forms of springs, tension springs, leaf springs, etc. Compared with the solutions in the prior art, the design of the present invention can make the position of the two sub-rotating pieces change when the magnetic rod sleeve needs to be unloaded, so that the tension force generated by the elastic element is greater than the driving force output by the first driving mechanism to change the position of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading pin 401. That is, the spring tension force, as a component of the resistance to the rotation of the clasp 103, has a very small component force along the first direction. Even if a spring with a larger elastic coefficient is used, the state of the first bearing unit 1041 or the second bearing unit 1042 can be changed by the reaction force generated by the magnetic rod sleeve unloading pin driven by the small driving mechanism.

[0070] Example 7

[0071] Based on the above embodiments 1 to 6, as Figure 12 and 13 As shown, this illustrates a scheme for precise positioning of the magnetic rod sleeve after installation. When the magnetic rod sleeve is loaded manually or automatically, the positioning hole 301 on the magnetic rod sleeve is engaged by the positioning protrusion 107 on the first bearing unit 1041 or the second bearing unit 1042, achieving precise position determination. The protrusion 107 can be spherical, cylindrical, frustum-shaped, etc. When correctly assembled, the protrusion 107 can be embedded in the positioning hole 301 to achieve a mating connection, thus achieving the purpose of positioning and fixing to a certain extent. In addition, the side of the magnetic rod sleeve can also be provided with a longitudinal fitting ridge 302, which can be engaged with the longitudinal positioning slot 108 on the magnetic rod sleeve mounting bracket. In this way, on the one hand, it can provide the user with a subjective judgment basis of sound or force change during manual installation, and on the other hand, it can also provide a fitting effect to prevent the magnetic rod sleeve from being shaken and slipping or falling off during the vibration and mixing process.

[0072] Example 8

[0073] Based on the above embodiments 1 to 7, as Figures 14-16 As shown, it illustrates the process of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve after extraction using the carrier mechanism of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 14 The illustration shows a portion of a nucleic acid extraction device, which includes at least one prior support mechanism capable of automatically unloading a magnetic rod sleeve. During the nucleic acid extraction step, the magnetic rod sleeve is supported by an opposing support unit. The device also includes a magnetic rod assembly 50, which is connected to a magnetic rod mounting base 60. To ensure motion precision and positional accuracy, the magnetic rod mounting base and the magnetic rod sleeve mounting base share a common guide rail. The magnetic rod assembly 50 includes the same number of magnetic rod sub-units 501 as the magnetic rod sleeve sub-units, which cooperate with the magnetic rod sleeve to complete operations such as lysis, washing, and elution. The specific process is not described in detail here.

[0075] When the magnetic rod sleeve needs to be unloaded after extraction, the first drive mechanism 402 outputs driving force to drive the magnetic rod sleeve unloading clip 401 along the first direction, so that the magnetic rod sleeve unloading clip 401 extends beyond the surface of the substrate 200. Figure 15 As shown, when the magnetic rod sleeve mounting plate lowers the magnetic rod sleeve, at least a portion of the clasp 103 can contact at least a portion of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading shaft 401, thereby applying a reaction force in a second direction different from the first direction to the clasp. This force can change the state of the opposing bearing unit to complete the unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve. At this time, the magnetic rod sleeve 30 can be unloaded into any deep hole plate consumable other than the eluted deep hole plate consumable 100.

[0076] Of course, the present invention also discloses a control method, which includes the carrier mechanism of the present invention that can automatically unload the magnetic rod sleeve or the nucleic acid extraction device of the present invention. The control unit can output the control command of the first drive mechanism and then control the output of the first drive mechanism, thereby realizing the drive of the relative position change of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading card shaft and realizing the automatic unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve.

[0077] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0078] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A support mechanism capable of automatically unloading a magnetic rod sleeve, characterized in that, The system includes opposing support units that can be connected to at least a portion of opposite sides of a magnetic rod sleeve to receive the magnetic rod sleeve; a magnetic rod sleeve unloading assembly including two connected sub-rotating plates, each connected to the opposing support unit, and a catch connected to at least one of the sub-rotating plates, the two sub-rotating plates being able to rotate in opposite directions under force; and a magnetic rod sleeve unloading drive assembly including a magnetic rod sleeve unloading chuck shaft and a first drive mechanism; when the magnetic rod sleeve needs to be unloaded, the first drive mechanism drives the magnetic rod sleeve unloading chuck shaft along a first direction, causing a change in the relative position between the magnetic rod sleeve unloading chuck shaft and the catch, so that at least a portion of the catch can contact at least a portion of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading chuck shaft under force, thereby applying a reaction force in a second direction different from the first direction to the catch, which can change the state of the opposing support units to complete the unloading of the magnetic rod sleeve.

2. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The component of the reaction force in the second direction in the first direction is less than the driving force of the first driving mechanism.

3. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two sub-rotating plates are connected by a first connecting rod, which is hinged to the opposite ends of the two sub-rotating plates respectively. When any sub-rotating plate rotates, it will drive the opposite sub-rotating plate to rotate in the opposite direction.

4. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting unit is a magnetic rod sleeve supporting plate, and the two sub-rotating plates are connected to the magnetic rod sleeve supporting plate through two rotating shafts.

5. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

6. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first driving mechanism is a drive motor.

7. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first driving mechanism is an electromagnetic driving mechanism, and the magnetic rod sleeve unloading shaft is a permanent magnetic shaft made of magnetic material.

8. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic rod sleeve unloading assembly also includes an elastic element connected to the sub-rotating plate, which can drive the sub-rotating plate to return to the bearing state of the bearing unit by the tension force generated by its elastic deformation.

9. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When the magnetic rod sleeve needs to be unloaded, the two sub-rotating plates change position, causing the tension force generated by the elastic element to be greater than the driving force output by the first drive mechanism to change the position of the magnetic rod sleeve unloading pin.

10. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic rod sleeve contains 96 magnetic rod sleeve sub-units that are used in conjunction with magnetic rods.

11. The bearing mechanism capable of automatically unloading the magnetic rod sleeve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting unit also includes a positioning unit that can engage the magnetic rod sleeve.

12. A nucleic acid extraction device, characterized in that, It includes at least one support mechanism as described in claim 1 that can automatically unload the magnetic rod sleeve.

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