Dual-belt-driven portable bio-enzyme reader

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of enzyme label instrument, specifically, it is a kind of portable biological enzyme label instrument and its using method, including enzyme label instrument body and the detection cavity being arranged in the inside of enzyme label instrument body, first conveying belt and second conveying belt for carrying and conveying enzyme label plate are arranged in the detection cavity, the output end of first conveying belt is connected with the input end of second conveying belt, it further includes the feed hole and discharge hole being opened in enzyme label instrument body, the feed hole is located above first conveying belt, discharge hole is located in the side of second conveying belt output end, detection module is arranged above second conveying belt, first conveying belt is driven by first drive mechanism, second conveying belt is driven by second drive mechanism, the portable biological enzyme label instrument, it is realized to store the enzyme label plate of previous one at the same time to the enzyme label plate to be detected next time, taking and placing process are synchronized, improve work efficiency, it is favorable for the progress of large quantities of detection work.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 2021108272589, filed on July 21, 2021, entitled "A Portable Bio-ELISA Reader and Its Usage Method". Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader technology, and more specifically, to a portable biological ELISA reader and its usage method. Background Technology

[0004] An ELISA reader, also known as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader, is a specialized instrument for ELISA assays, also called a microplate detector. They can be broadly categorized into semi-automatic and fully automatic types, but their working principles are essentially the same, with a colorimeter at their core for colorimetric analysis. Currently used ELISA readers typically use a single inlet and outlet for placing and removing ELISA plates. After each plate test, it must be removed before the next plate is placed in for testing. This back-and-forth process is time-consuming, inefficient, and unsuitable for large-scale testing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a portable bio-enzyme reader and its usage method, in order to solve the problem mentioned in the background art that after the enzyme-labeled plate test is completed, the enzyme-labeled plate needs to be taken out first, and then the next enzyme-labeled plate to be tested needs to be put in for testing. The back-and-forth taking and putting in process wastes too much time, resulting in low work efficiency and is not conducive to large-scale testing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A portable ELISA reader includes an ELISA reader body and a detection chamber inside the ELISA reader body. The detection chamber is provided with a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt for carrying and transporting ELISA plates. The output end of the first conveyor belt is connected to the input end of the second conveyor belt. The reader body also includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being located above the first conveyor belt and the outlet being located on one side of the output end of the second conveyor belt. A detection module is located above the second conveyor belt. The first conveyor belt is driven by a first drive mechanism, and the second conveyor belt is driven by a second drive mechanism. The reader also includes a delay module for delaying the operation of the first drive mechanism. When the first drive mechanism stops operating, the ELISA plates on the first conveyor belt are transferred to the second conveyor belt, and the detection module is activated. When the detection module stops operating, the second drive mechanism activates, driving the second conveyor belt to transport the tested ELISA plates to the outlet.

[0008] It also includes a triggering mechanism for triggering the operation of the delay module. The triggering mechanism includes a push plate fixedly connected to the first conveyor belt, a rotating plate rotatably set on the microplate reader body, and a pressure sensor connected to the microplate reader body. When the push plate moves to the position of the rotating plate, it drives the rotating plate to rotate to the position of the pressure sensor.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0010] 1. This portable bio-ELISA reader allows for the simultaneous transfer of ELISA plates from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt for testing. Once the ELISA plates on the second conveyor belt have finished testing, the second drive mechanism transports the plates to the discharge port for storage. The first drive mechanism can then transfer the next ELISA plate from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt for testing. This simultaneous loading and unloading process improves work efficiency and facilitates large-scale testing.

[0011] 2. When the portable bio-enzyme reader transfers the enzyme-labeled plate from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt, the first drive mechanism will stop working, which can reduce the wear and tear on the first drive mechanism.

[0012] Preferably, the triggering mechanism further includes a fixed base fixedly connected to the microplate reader body, a rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the fixed base, and a torsion spring located at the end of the rotating shaft to keep the rotating plate perpendicular to the fixed base. A groove is formed on the side of the fixed base near the rotating plate, and the pressure sensor is slidably connected to the groove. A spring is placed in the groove, one end of the spring is fixedly connected to the pressure sensor, and the other end is fixedly connected to the groove.

[0013] Preferably, the rotating plate is provided with a baffle on the side away from the pressure sensor, and the baffle is fixedly connected to the fixed base. When the rotating plate is perpendicular to the fixed base, the rotating plate presses against the baffle.

[0014] Preferably, an infrared sensor for detecting the enzyme-labeled plate is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the detection chamber between the output end of the second conveyor belt and the discharge hole. A gravity sensor is fixedly installed on the first conveyor belt. When the infrared sensor detects the enzyme-labeled plate and the gravity sensor detects gravity, the first drive mechanism operates; when the infrared sensor detects the enzyme-labeled plate and the gravity sensor does not detect gravity, the second drive mechanism stops operating.

[0015] Preferably, the first driving mechanism includes a first motor mounted on the microplate reader body and two first rotating rollers that drive the first conveyor belt, wherein one of the first rotating rollers is driven to rotate by the first motor.

[0016] Preferably, the second driving mechanism includes a second motor mounted on the microplate reader body and two second rotating rollers that drive the second conveyor belt, wherein one of the second rotating rollers is driven to rotate by the second motor.

[0017] Preferably, a handle is fixedly connected to the body of the ELISA reader.

[0018] Preferably, a first cover plate is hinged to the feed hole.

[0019] Preferably, the detection module, delay module, pressure sensor, infrared sensor, gravity sensor, first motor and second motor are all connected to the controller.

[0020] A method for using an ELISA reader, employing a portable biological ELISA reader as described above, specifically includes the following steps:

[0021] S1. First, place the ELISA plate onto the first conveyor belt, start the first motor to drive the first conveyor belt, and move the pusher plate to the rotating plate position, thereby driving the rotating plate to the pressure sensor position. The pressure sensor receives pressure and transmits the signal to the controller to control the delay module to work. At the same time, it controls the first motor to stop working after a delay. When the first motor stops working after a delay, the first conveyor belt stops driving, and at this time, the ELISA plate is just transported onto the second conveyor belt.

[0022] S2. When the first motor stops working after a delay, the controller also controls the detection module to detect the enzyme-labeled plate conveyed to the second conveyor belt. During the detection process, the next enzyme-labeled plate to be tested can be placed on the first conveyor belt. After the detection is completed, the detection module transmits a signal to the controller to control the second motor to work, driving the second conveyor belt to transport the enzyme-labeled plate on it to the discharge hole for discharge.

[0023] S3. When the ELISA plate is transported above the infrared sensor, the infrared sensor detects the ELISA plate and transmits a signal to the controller. If the gravity sensor on the first conveyor belt detects gravity at this time, the controller controls the first motor to work again, transporting the new ELISA plate to be tested on the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt. At the same time, the tested ELISA plate is transported out. If the gravity sensor on the first conveyor belt does not detect gravity at this time, the controller controls the second motor to stop working, and the tested ELISA plate can be directly taken out.

[0024] After the enzyme-labeled plate on the second conveyor belt has finished testing, the second drive mechanism can transport the enzyme-labeled plate to the discharge port for storage. The first drive mechanism can transport the next enzyme-labeled plate to be tested from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt for testing. This allows the next enzyme-labeled plate to be tested to be fed while the previous one is being stored. The loading and unloading processes are carried out simultaneously, which improves work efficiency and is conducive to large-scale testing. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the microplate reader body in this invention when the first cover plate is removed.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the microplate reader body in this invention.

[0028] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed base and the rotating plate in this invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing base in this invention.

[0031] The meanings of the labels in the diagram are as follows: 1. Microplate reader body; 10. Feed port; 11. First cover plate; 12. Second cover plate; 20. First conveyor belt; 21. First rotating roller; 22. First motor; 30. Second conveyor belt; 31. Second rotating roller; 32. Second motor; 4. Infrared sensor; 5. Handle; 60. Push plate; 61. Fixing base; 610. Groove; 62. Rotating plate; 63. Baffle; 64. Rotating shaft; 65. Torsion spring; 66. Pressure sensor; 67. Spring. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a number" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] Please see Figures 1-6 The present invention provides a technical solution:

[0036] A portable bio-enzyme reader includes an enzyme reader body 1 and a detection chamber disposed inside the enzyme reader body 1. The detection chamber is provided with a first conveyor belt 20 and a second conveyor belt 30 for carrying and transporting enzyme-labeled plates. The output end of the first conveyor belt 20 is connected to the input end of the second conveyor belt 30. The first conveyor belt 20 and the second conveyor belt 30 are located at the same height. The first conveyor belt 20 is used to transport the enzyme-labeled plates onto the second conveyor belt 30.

[0037] In this embodiment, an inlet 10 and an outlet 10 are also provided on the microplate reader body 1. The inlet 10 is located above the first conveyor belt 20, and the outlet 10 is located on one side of the output end of the second conveyor belt 30. A first cover plate 11 is hinged to the inlet 10, and a second cover plate 12 is hinged to the outlet 12. When not in use, the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12 are closed to prevent dust from entering the detection chamber. A detection module is provided above the second conveyor belt 30. The detection module in this invention is conventional technology in this field and will not be described in detail here. The first conveyor belt 20 is driven by a first driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism includes a first motor 22 mounted on the microplate reader body 1 and two first rotating rollers 21 that drive the first conveyor belt 20, one of which is driven by the first motor 22. The second conveyor belt 30 is driven by a second driving mechanism. The second driving mechanism includes a second motor 32 mounted on the microplate reader body 1 and two second rotating rollers 31 that drive the second conveyor belt 30, one of which is driven by the second motor 32.

[0038] Specifically, the microplate reader body 1 also has a accommodating cavity, in which the first motor 22 and the second motor 32 are located, and both the first motor 22 and the second motor 32 are fixedly connected to the microplate reader body 1. The accommodating cavity can also accommodate other electrical components and circuits required for the operation of the microplate reader body 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, a delay module is also included for delaying the operation of the first driving mechanism. When the first driving mechanism stops working, the enzyme-labeled plate on the first conveyor belt 20 is just transported to the second conveyor belt 30, and the detection module starts working. When the detection module stops working, the second driving mechanism drives the second conveyor belt 30 to transport the tested enzyme-labeled plate to the discharge port. The delay module can ensure that the first driving mechanism stops working after the enzyme-labeled plate on the first conveyor belt 20 is transported to the second conveyor belt 30, that is, the first motor 22 stops working, which can reduce the working loss of the first motor 22, save energy, and extend the service life of the first motor 22.

[0040] In this embodiment, a triggering mechanism for triggering the operation of the delay module is also included. The triggering mechanism includes a push plate 60 fixedly connected to the first conveyor belt 20, a rotating plate 62 rotatably mounted on the microplate reader body 1, and a pressure sensor 66 connected to the microplate reader body 1. When the push plate 60 moves to the position of the rotating plate 62, it drives the rotating plate 62 to rotate to the position of the pressure sensor 66. The triggering mechanism also includes a fixed base 61 fixedly connected to the microplate reader body 1, a rotating shaft 64 rotatably mounted on the fixed base 61, and a torsion spring 65 located at the end of the rotating shaft 64 to keep the rotating plate 62 perpendicular to the fixed base 61. It also includes a mounting base. The rotating shaft 64 is rotatably mounted on the mounting base. One end of the torsion spring 65 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 64, and the other end is fixedly connected to the mounting base. A groove 610 is formed on the side of the fixed base 61 near the rotating plate 62. The pressure sensor 66 is slidably connected to the groove 610. A spring 67 is placed in the groove 610. One end of the spring 67 is fixedly connected to the pressure sensor 66, and the other end is fixedly connected to the groove 610. There are two push plates 60. During the process of the first motor 22 going from working to stopping, the positions of the two push plates 60 are exactly interchanged. When the push plate 60 pushes the rotating plate 62 to the position of the pressure sensor 66, it will squeeze the pressure sensor 66 and twist the torsion spring 65. When the push plate 60 moves away from the rotating plate 62, the torsion of the torsion spring 65 will cause the rotating plate 62 to rotate back to its original position, and no pressure will be applied to the pressure sensor 66.

[0041] In this embodiment, a baffle 63 is provided on the side of the rotating plate 62 away from the pressure sensor 66. The baffle 63 is fixedly connected to the fixed base 61. When the rotating plate 62 is perpendicular to the fixed base 61, the rotating plate 62 presses against the baffle 63. When the rotating plate 62 rotates back to its original position under the torque of the torsion spring 65, the baffle 63 can limit the position of the rotating plate 62, preventing the rotating plate 62 from twisting back and forth for a long time under the torque of the torsion spring 65, thus protecting the torsion spring 65 and reducing its wear.

[0042] Furthermore, an infrared sensor 4 for detecting ELISA plates is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the detection chamber between the output end of the second conveyor belt 30 and the discharge hole. An infrared receiver is provided above the infrared sensor 4. When the ELISA plate moves between the infrared sensor 4 and the infrared receiver, the infrared receiver does not receive an infrared signal, and the ELISA plate is detected at this time. A gravity sensor is fixedly installed on the first conveyor belt 20. The gravity sensor is used to detect whether there is an ELISA plate on the first conveyor belt 20. When the infrared sensor 4 detects the ELISA plate and the gravity sensor detects gravity, it means that there is an ELISA plate to be detected on the first conveyor belt 20. The first drive mechanism works, that is, the first motor 22 works, driving the first rotating roller 21 to rotate, so that the first conveyor belt 20 can be driven to transport the ELISA plate to be detected to the second conveyor belt 30. When the infrared sensor 4 detects the ELISA plate and the gravity sensor does not detect gravity, it means that there is no ELISA plate on the first conveyor belt 20. At this time, no further detection is needed. The second drive mechanism stops working, that is, the first motor 22 stops working, to avoid the first motor 22 from continuing to work and causing wear and tear.

[0043] In this embodiment, a handle 5 is fixedly connected to the microplate reader body 1; by holding the handle 5, the microplate reader body 1 can be lifted directly for carrying without the need for two hands, making it more convenient to carry.

[0044] In this embodiment, the detection module, delay module, pressure sensor 66, infrared sensor 4, gravity sensor, first motor 22 and second motor 32 are all connected to the controller.

[0045] A method for using an ELISA reader, employing a portable biological ELISA reader as described above, specifically includes the following steps:

[0046] S1. First, place the ELISA plate onto the first conveyor belt 20, start the first motor 22 to drive the first conveyor belt 20, and drive the pusher plate 60 to the position of the rotating plate 62, thereby driving the rotating plate 62 to the position of the pressure sensor 66. The pressure sensor 66 receives pressure and transmits a signal to the controller to control the delay module to work. At the same time, it controls the first motor 22 to stop working after a delay. When the first motor 22 stops working after a delay, the first conveyor belt 20 stops driving. At this time, the ELISA plate is just transported onto the second conveyor belt 30. Timely control of the first motor 22 to stop working makes it easier to place the ELISA plates to be tested later, and also saves energy and reduces the wear and tear on the first motor 22.

[0047] S2. When the first motor 22 stops working after a delay, the controller also controls the detection module to detect the enzyme-labeled plate conveyed to the second conveyor belt 30. During the detection process, the next enzyme-labeled plate to be tested can be placed on the first conveyor belt 20. After the detection is completed, the detection module transmits a signal to the controller to control the second motor 32 to work, driving the second conveyor belt 30 to transport the enzyme-labeled plate on it to the discharge hole for discharge. After the detection of the previous enzyme-labeled plate is completed, the next enzyme-labeled plate can be quickly transported to the second conveyor belt 30 for detection, which improves work efficiency.

[0048] S3. When the ELISA plate is transported above the infrared sensor 4, the infrared sensor 4 detects the ELISA plate and transmits a signal to the controller. If the gravity sensor on the first conveyor belt 20 detects gravity at this time, the controller controls the first motor 22 to work again, transporting the new ELISA plate to be tested on the first conveyor belt 20 to the second conveyor belt 30. At the same time, the tested ELISA plate is transported out. If the gravity sensor on the first conveyor belt 20 does not detect gravity at this time, the controller controls the second motor 32 to stop working, and the tested ELISA plate can be directly taken out.

[0049] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable bio-enzyme reader driven by dual conveyor belts, comprising an enzyme reader body (1) and a detection chamber disposed inside the enzyme reader body (1), characterized in that: The detection chamber is provided with a first conveyor belt (20) and a second conveyor belt (30) for carrying and transporting the ELISA plate. The output end of the first conveyor belt (20) is connected to the input end of the second conveyor belt (30). It also includes a feed hole (10) and an outlet hole opened on the ELISA instrument body (1). The feed hole (10) is located above the first conveyor belt (20), and the outlet hole is located on one side of the output end of the second conveyor belt (30). A detection module is provided above the second conveyor belt (30). The first conveyor belt (20) is driven by a first driving mechanism, and the second conveyor belt (30) is driven by a second driving mechanism. It also includes a delay module for delaying the operation of the first driving mechanism. When the first driving mechanism stops working, the ELISA plate on the first conveyor belt (20) is just transported to the second conveyor belt (30), and the detection module works. When the detection module stops working, the second driving mechanism works to drive the second conveyor belt (30) to transport the tested ELISA plate to the outlet hole. It also includes a triggering mechanism for triggering the operation of the delay module. The triggering mechanism includes a push plate (60) fixedly connected to the first conveyor belt (20), a rotating plate (62) rotatably set on the microplate reader body (1), and a pressure sensor (66) connected to the microplate reader body (1). When the push plate (60) moves to the position of the rotating plate (62), it drives the rotating plate (62) to rotate to the position of the pressure sensor (66). The triggering mechanism also includes a fixed base (61) fixedly connected to the microplate reader body (1), a rotating shaft (64) rotatably mounted on the fixed base (61), and a torsion spring (65) provided at the end of the rotating shaft (64) for keeping the rotating plate (62) perpendicular to the fixed base (61). A groove (610) is provided on the fixed base (61) near the rotating plate (62). The pressure sensor (66) is slidably connected to the groove (610). A spring (67) is placed in the groove (610). One end of the spring (67) is fixedly connected to the pressure sensor (66), and the other end is fixedly connected to the groove (610). The first driving mechanism includes a first motor (22) mounted on the microplate reader body (1) and two first rotating rollers (21) that drive the first conveyor belt (20) to rotate, wherein one of the first rotating rollers (21) is driven to rotate by the first motor (22).

2. The portable bio-enzyme reader driven by dual conveyor belts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating plate (62) is provided with a baffle (63) on the side away from the pressure sensor (66). The baffle (63) is fixedly connected to the fixed seat (61). When the rotating plate (62) is perpendicular to the fixed seat (61), the rotating plate (62) presses against the baffle (63).

3. A portable bio-enzyme reader driven by dual conveyor belts according to claim 1, characterized in that: An infrared sensor (4) for detecting the enzyme-labeled plate is fixedly connected between the output end of the second conveyor belt (30) and the discharge hole at the bottom wall of the detection chamber. A gravity sensor is fixedly installed on the first conveyor belt (20). When the infrared sensor (4) detects the enzyme-labeled plate and the gravity sensor detects gravity, the first drive mechanism works; when the infrared sensor (4) detects the enzyme-labeled plate and the gravity sensor does not detect gravity, the first drive mechanism stops working.

4. A portable bio-enzyme reader driven by dual conveyor belts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second drive mechanism includes a second motor (32) mounted on the microplate reader body (1) and two second rotating rollers (31) that drive the second conveyor belt (30) to rotate, wherein one of the second rotating rollers (31) is driven to rotate by the second motor (32).

5. A portable bio-enzyme reader driven by dual conveyor belts according to claim 1, characterized in that: A handle (5) is fixedly connected to the main body (1) of the microplate reader.

6. A portable bio-enzyme reader driven by dual conveyor belts according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first cover plate (11) is hinged to the feed hole (10).

7. A portable bio-enzyme reader driven by dual conveyor belts according to claim 4, characterized in that: The detection module, delay module, pressure sensor (66), infrared sensor (4), gravity sensor, first motor (22) and second motor (32) are all connected to the controller.

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